Development of a yeast internal-subunit eGFP labeling strategy and its application in subunit identification in eukaryotic group II chaperonin TRiC/CCT

Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 5;8(1):2374. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18962-y.

Abstract

Unambiguous subunit assignment in a multicomponent complex is critical for thorough understanding of the machinery and its functionality. The eukaryotic group II chaperonin TRiC/CCT folds approximately 10% of cytosolic proteins and is important for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. TRiC consists of two rings and each ring has eight homologous but distinct subunits. Unambiguous subunit identification of a macromolecular machine such as TRiC through intermediate or low-resolution cryo-EM map remains challenging. Here we present a yeast internal-subunit eGFP labeling strategy termed YISEL, which can quickly introduce an eGFP tag in the internal position of a target subunit by homologous recombination, and the tag labeled protein can be expressed in endogenous level. Through this method, the labeling efficiency and tag-occupancy is ensured, and the inserted tag is usually less mobile compared to that fused to the terminus. It can also be used to bio-engineer other tag in the internal position of a protein in yeast. By applying our YISEL strategy and combined with cryo-EM 3D reconstruction, we unambiguously identified all the subunits in the cryo-EM map of TRiC, demonstrating the potential for broad application of this strategy in accurate and efficient subunit identification in other challenging complexes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Group II Chaperonins / analysis*
  • Group II Chaperonins / genetics
  • Homologous Recombination
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • Protein Subunits / analysis*
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / enzymology*
  • Staining and Labeling / methods*

Substances

  • Protein Subunits
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Group II Chaperonins