Probing the supramodular architecture of a multidomain protein: the structure of syntenin in solution

Structure. 2005 Feb;13(2):319-27. doi: 10.1016/j.str.2004.12.014.

Abstract

Full understanding of the mechanism of function of multidomain proteins is dependent on our knowledge of their supramodular architecture in solution. This is a nontrivial task for both X-ray crystallography and NMR, because intrinsic flexibility makes crystallization of these proteins difficult, while their size creates a challenge for NMR. Here, we describe synergistic application of data derived from X-ray crystallography and NMR residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) to address the question of the supramodular structure of a two-domain protein, syntenin. Syntenin is a 32 kDa molecule containing two PDZ domains and is involved in cytoskeleton-membrane organization. We show that the mutual disposition of the PDZ domains clearly differs from that seen in the crystal structure, and we provide evidence that N- and C-terminal fragments of syntenin, hitherto presumed to lack ordered structure, contain folded structural elements in the full-length protein in contact with the PDZ tandem.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Solutions / chemistry

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Solutions