Calcineurin Undergoes a Conformational Switch Evoked via Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerization.

Guasch, Alicia; Aranguren-Ibáñez, Álvaro; Pérez-Luque, Rosa; Aparicio, David; Martínez-Høyer, Sergio; Mulero, M Carmen; Serrano-Candelas, Eva; Pérez-Riba, Mercè et al. · PLoS One · 2015

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A limited repertoire of PPP family of serine/threonine phosphatases with a highly conserved catalytic domain acts on thousands of protein targets to orchestrate myriad central biological roles. A major structural reorganization of human calcineurin, a ubiquitous Ser/Thr PPP regulated by calcium and calmodulin and targeted by immunosuppressant drugs cyclosporin A and FK506, is unveiled here. The new conformation involves trans- to cis-isomerization of proline in the SAPNY sequence, highly conserved across PPPs, and remodels the main regulatory site where NFATc transcription factors bind. Transitions between cis- and trans-conformations may involve peptidyl prolyl isomerases such as cyclophilin A and FKBP12, which are known to physically interact with and modulate calcineurin even in the absence of immunosuppressant drugs. Alternative conformations in PPPs provide a new perspective on interactions with substrates and other protein partners and may foster development of more specific inhibitors as drug candidates.

Medical subject headings