Abstract

Effect of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), well-known osmolyte, widely used to imitate crowded intracellular conditions, on the quaternary structure of recombinant human small heat shock protein HspB6 (Hsp20) was analyzed by means of size-exclusion chromatography, chemical crosslinking and analytical ultracentrifugation. Consistent with previous reports, in the absence of TMAO unphosphorylated, pseudophosphorylated (S16D mutant) and phosphorylated HspB6 form only small oligomers (presumably dimers). Addition of TMAO to unphosphorylated HspB6 leads to formation of different large oligomers being in equilibrium with dimers. Pseudophosphorylation (S16D mutation) or phosphorylation partially or completely prevent TMAO-induced oligomerization of HspB6. Pseudophosphorylation affects bis-ANS binding suggesting decreased hydrophobicity of HspB6. According to size-exclusion chromatography, TMAO-induced changes of HspB6 oligomerization result in its altered interaction with HspB1 and this effect can be reversed by HspB6 phosphorylation. It is concluded that under conditions of molecular crowding, characteristic for intracellular environment, HspB6 undergoes reversible changes of its oligomeric state which can affect its physiologically important properties and can be delicately regulated by phosphorylation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.