Characterization of a Basidiomycota hydrophobin reveals the structural basis for a high-similarity Class I subdivision

Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 10:7:45863. doi: 10.1038/srep45863.

Abstract

Class I hydrophobins are functional amyloids secreted by fungi. They self-assemble into organized films at interfaces producing structures that include cellular adhesion points and hydrophobic coatings. Here, we present the first structure and solution properties of a unique Class I protein sequence of Basidiomycota origin: the Schizophyllum commune hydrophobin SC16 (hyd1). While the core β-barrel structure and disulphide bridging characteristic of the hydrophobin family are conserved, its surface properties and secondary structure elements are reminiscent of both Class I and II hydrophobins. Sequence analyses of hydrophobins from 215 fungal species suggest this structure is largely applicable to a high-identity Basidiomycota Class I subdivision (IB). To validate this prediction, structural analysis of a comparatively distinct Class IB sequence from a different fungal order, namely the Phanerochaete carnosa PcaHyd1, indicates secondary structure properties similar to that of SC16. Together, these results form an experimental basis for a high-identity Class I subdivision and contribute to our understanding of functional amyloid formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence / genetics
  • Amyloid / chemistry*
  • Amyloid / genetics
  • Amyloid / ultrastructure
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry*
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Schizophyllum / chemistry*
  • Schizophyllum / genetics
  • Surface Properties
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Water

Grants and funding