Rod Domain Research Articles

Targeted Proteolysis of Plectin Isoform 1a Accounts for Hemidesmosome Dysfunction in Mice Mimicking the Dominant Skin Blistering Disease EBS-Ogna

Autosomal recessive mutations in the cytolinker protein plectin account for the multisystem disorders epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) associated with muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD), pyloric atresia (EBS-PA), and congenital myasthenia (EBS-CMS). In contrast, a dominant missense mutation leads to the disease EBS-Ogna, manifesting exclusively as skin fragility. We have exploited this trait to study the molecular basis of hemidesmosome failure in EBS-Ogna and to reveal the contribution of plectin to hemidesmosome homeostasis. We generated EBS-Ogna knock-in mice mimicking the human phenotype and show that blistering reflects insufficient protein levels of the hemidesmosome-associated plectin isoform 1a. We found that plectin 1a, in contrast to plectin 1c, the major isoform expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, is proteolytically degraded, supporting the notion that degradation of hemidesmosome-anchored plectin is spatially controlled. Using recombinant proteins, we show that the mutation renders plectin's 190-nm-long coiled-coil rod domain more vulnerable to cleavage by calpains and other proteases activated in the epidermis but not in skeletal muscle. Accordingly, treatment of cultured EBS-Ogna keratinocytes as well as of EBS-Ogna mouse skin with calpain inhibitors resulted in increased plectin 1a protein expression levels. Moreover, we report that plectin's rod domain forms dimeric structures that can further associate laterally into remarkably stable (paracrystalline) polymers. We propose focal self-association of plectin molecules as a novel mechanism contributing to hemidesmosome homeostasis and stabilization.

The C terminus of talin links integrins to cell cycle progression

Integrins are cell adhesion receptors that sense the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. One of their functions is to regulate cell fate decisions, although the question of how integrins initiate intracellular signaling is not fully resolved. In this paper, we examine the role of talin, an adapter protein at cell-matrix attachment sites, in outside-in signaling. We used lentiviral small hairpin ribonucleic acid to deplete talin in mammary epithelial cells. These cells still attached to the ECM in an integrin-dependent manner and spread. They had a normal actin cytoskeleton, but vinculin, paxillin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and integrin-linked kinase were not recruited to adhesion sites. Talin-deficient cells showed proliferation defects, and reexpressing a tail portion of the talin rod, but not its head domain, restored integrin-mediated FAK phosphorylation, suppressed p21 expression, and rescued cell cycle. Thus, talin recruits and activates focal adhesion proteins required for proliferation via the C terminus of its rod domain. Our study reveals a new function for talin, which is to link integrin adhesions with cell cycle progression.

Structural Basis for Myopathic Defects Engendered by Alterations in the Myosin Rod

While mutations in the myosin subfragment 1 motor domain can directly disrupt the generation and transmission of force along myofibrils and lead to myopathy, the mechanism whereby mutations in the myosin rod influences mechanical function is less clear. Here, we used a combination of various imaging techniques and molecular dynamics simulations to test the hypothesis that perturbations in the myosin rod can disturb normal sarcomeric uniformity and, like motor domain lesions, would influence force production and propagation. We show that disrupting the rod can alter its nanomechanical properties and, in vivo, can drive asymmetric myofilament and sarcomere formation. Our imaging results indicate that myosin rod mutations likely disturb production and/or propagation of contractile force. This provides a unifying theory where common pathological cascades accompany both myosin motor and specific rod domain mutations. Finally, we suggest that sarcomeric inhomogeneity, caused by asymmetric thick filaments, could be a useful index of myopathic dysfunction.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the Entamoeba histolytica α-actinin-2 rod domain.

α-Actinins form antiparallel homodimers that are able to cross-link actin filaments. The protein contains three domains: an N-terminal actin-binding domain followed by a central rod domain and a calmodulin-like EF-hand domain at the C-terminus. Here, crystallization of the rod domain of Entamoeba histolytica α-actinin-2 is reported; it crystallized in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 47.8, b = 79.1, c = 141.8 Å. A Matthews coefficient V(M) of 2.6 Å(3) Da(-1) suggests that there are two molecules and 52.5% solvent content in the asymmetric unit. A complete native data set extending to a d-spacing of 2.8 Å was collected on beamline I911-2 at MAX-lab, Sweden.

Keratin disorders: from gene to therapy

The term 'keratin' is generally accepted to refer to the epithelial keratins of soft and hard epithelial tissues such as: skin, cornea, hair and nail. Since their initial characterization, the total number of mammalian keratins has increased to 54, including 28 type I and 26 type II keratins. Inherited defects that weaken the keratin load-bearing cytoskeleton produce phenotypes characterized by fragility of specific subsets of epithelial tissues. The vast majority of mutations are either missense or small in-frame in-del mutations and disease severity often relates to the position of the mutation in relation to the rod domain. The most complex epithelial structure in humans, the hair follicle, contains trichocyte ('hard') keratin filaments and approximately half of the 54 functional human keratin genes are trichocyte keratins. So far, only four of these have been linked to human genetic disorders: monilethrix, hair-nail ectodermal dysplasia, pseudofolliculitis barbae and woolly hair, while the majority of the hair keratins remain unlinked to human phenotypes. Keratin disorders are a classical group of dominant-negative genetic disorders, representing a large healthcare burden, especially within dermatology. Recent advances in RNA interference therapeutics, particularly in the form of small-interfering RNAs, represent a potential therapy route for keratin disorders through selectively silencing the mutant allele. To date, mutant-specific siRNAs for epidermolysis bullosa simplex, pachyonychia congenita and Messmann epithelial corneal dystrophy-causing missense mutations have been developed and proven to have unprecedented specificity and potency. This could herald the dawn of a new era in translational medical research applied to genetics.

A novel mutation within the 2B rod domain of keratin 9 in a Chinese pedigree with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma combined with knuckle pads and camptodactyly

Knuckle pads and camptodactyly are overlapping symptoms associated with many genetic and environmental factors. To the best of our knowledge, all reported cases of epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) with knuckle pads have been without accompanying camptodactyly. We here report a novel KRT9 mutation-EPPK family with combined knuckle pads and camptodactyly. All the EPPK-affected individuals in this southern Chinese pedigree suffered severe diffuse palmar and plantar hyperkeratosis including hyperhidrosis and cuticle splitting: 3 females presented EPPK only, 8 adult males had notably severe knuckle pads and camptodactyly as well as EPPK, and one 6-year-old boy manifested EPPK with knuckle pads. Haplotype analysis excluded the known candidate loci for camptodactyly and/or knuckle pad-like phenotypes on chromosomes 13q12, 3q11.2-q13.12, 1q24-q25, 4p16.3 and 16q11.1-q22, while only the markers D17S1787 and D17S579 flanking KRT9 showed co-segregation with EPPK. Then a novel c.T1373C (p.L458P) mutation within the sixth exon of KRT9 was validated, and this mutation presented a more severe pathogenicity than the previously reported p.L458F. We speculated that KRT9 plays a complicated role in the genesis of EPPK with knuckle pads and camptodactyly, which needs to be further investigated.

Two novel recessive mutations in KRT14 identified in a cohort of 21 Spanish families with epidermolysis bullosa simplex

Basal epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a group of blistering genodermatoses mostly caused by mutations in the keratin genes, KRT5 and KRT14. Recessive mutations represent about 5% of all EBS mutations, being common and specific in populations with high consanguinity, where affected patients show severe phenotypes. To accomplish the first mutational analysis in patients of Spanish origin with EBS and to delineate a comprehensive genotype-phenotype correlation. Twenty-one EBS families were analysed. Immunofluorescence mapping at the dermoepidermal junction level was performed on skin biopsies from patients. Mutation screening of the entire coding sequences of KRT5 and KRT14 in genomic DNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. KRT5 or KRT14 causative mutations were identified in 18 of the 21 EBS families. A total of 14 different mutations were disclosed, of which 12 were dominant missense mutations and two truncating recessive mutations. Five of the 14 mutations were novel including three dominant in KRT5 (p.V186E, p.T321P and p.A428T) and two recessive in KRT14 (p.K116X and p.K250RfsX8). The two patients with EBS carrying homozygous recessive mutations were affected by severe phenotypes and belonged to consanguineous families. All five families with the EBS Dowling-Meara subtype carried recurrent mutations affecting the highly conserved ends of the α-helical rod domain of K5 and K14. The seven mutations associated with the localized EBS subtype were widely distributed along the KRT5 and KRT14 genes. Two families with mottled pigmentation carried the P25L mutation in KRT5, commonly associated with this subtype. This study further confirms the genotype-phenotype correlation established for EBS in other ethnic groups, and is the first in a Mediterranean country (excluding Israel). This study adds two novel recessive mutations to the worldwide record to date, which includes a total of 14 mutations. As in previous reports, the recessive mutations resulted in a lack of keratin K14, giving rise to a generalized and severe presentation.

Computational Study of the Human Dystrophin Repeats: Interaction Properties and Molecular Dynamics

Dystrophin is a large protein involved in the rare genetic disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It functions as a mechanical linker between the cytoskeleton and the sarcolemma, and is able to resist shear stresses during muscle activity. In all, 75% of the dystrophin molecule consists of a large central rod domain made up of 24 repeat units that share high structural homology with spectrin-like repeats. However, in the absence of any high-resolution structure of these repeats, the molecular basis of dystrophin central domain's functions has not yet been deciphered. In this context, we have performed a computational study of the whole dystrophin central rod domain based on the rational homology modeling of successive and overlapping tandem repeats and the analysis of their surface properties. Each tandem repeat has very specific surface properties that make it unique. However, the repeats share enough electrostatic-surface similarities to be grouped into four separate clusters. Molecular dynamics simulations of four representative tandem repeats reveal specific flexibility or bending properties depending on the repeat sequence. We thus suggest that the dystrophin central rod domain is constituted of seven biologically relevant sub-domains. Our results provide evidence for the role of the dystrophin central rod domain as a scaffold platform with a wide range of surface features and biophysical properties allowing it to interact with its various known partners such as proteins and membrane lipids. This new integrative view is strongly supported by the previous experimental works that investigated the isolated domains and the observed heterogeneity of the severity of dystrophin related pathologies, especially Becker muscular dystrophy.

Non-invasive proteomic analysis of human skin keratins: Screening of methionine oxidation in keratins by mass spectrometry

Keratins are the main constituent of human skin and have been identified as major oxidative target proteins. However, there has been a lack of studies aimed at identifying the oxidation sites of keratins because of the difficulties associated with their insolubility and handling. Here, we introduce a mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic methodology to screen oxidative modifications in human skin keratins. Human skin proteins were obtained non-invasively by tape stripping and solubilized in SDS buffer, followed by purification and digestion using the modified filter-aided sample preparation method. The tryptic peptides were then analyzed by MALDI-TOF/MS, LC-ESI/MS, and MS/MS. PMF analyses have identified keratins K1 and K10 as the major proteins of human skin. Met(259), Met(262), Met(296), and Met(469), located in the α-helical rod domain of K1, were the most susceptible sites to oxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate a potential use of the identified methionine residues as biomarkers of oxidative skin damage. The present methodology is the first MS-based approach to detecting oxidative modifications in keratins obtained directly from human skin and can be easily applied to the monitoring of other keratin modifications in various skin conditions.

Intermolecular versus intramolecular interactions of the vinculin binding site 33 of talin

The cytoskeletal proteins talin and vinculin are localized at cell-matrix junctions and are key regulators of cell signaling, adhesion, and migration. Talin couples integrins via its FERM domain to F-actin and is an important regulator of integrin activation and clustering. The 220 kDa talin rod domain comprises several four- and five-helix bundles that harbor amphipathic α-helical vinculin binding sites (VBSs). In its inactive state, the hydrophobic VBS residues involved in binding to vinculin are buried within these helix bundles, and the mechanical force emanating from bound integrin receptors is thought necessary for their release and binding to vinculin. The crystal structure of a four-helix bundle of talin that harbors one of these VBSs, coined VBS33, was recently determined. Here we report the crystal structure of VBS33 in complex with vinculin at 2 Å resolution. Notably, comparison of the apo and vinculin bound structures shows that intermolecular interactions of the VBS33 α-helix with vinculin are more extensive than the intramolecular interactions of the VBS33 within the talin four-helix bundle.

LMNA mutation in progeroid syndrome in association with strokes

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a very rare but well-characterized genetic disorder that causes premature ageing. Clinical features affect growth, skeleton, body fat, skin, hair and the cardiovascular system. It is caused by mutations in LMNA gene, the most frequent being p.Gly608Gly (c.1824C > T) in exon 11. Here we present a four-year-old HGPS patient who presented several severe strokes and carried a heterozygous LMNA missense mutation in exon 2: p.Glu138Lys. This mutation is located far from the C-terminal region implicated in the posttranslational processing of prelamin A, but it lies within the rod domain of lamin A/C that represents a highly conserved domain specific to nuclear lamins. We hypothesize that this region could be involved in early and severe strokes in HGPS, such as those presented by our patient.

Two Domains of Vimentin Are Expressed on the Surface of Lymph Node, Bone and Brain Metastatic Prostate Cancer Lines along with the Putative Stem Cell Marker Proteins CD44 and CD133

Vimentin was originally identified as an intermediate filament protein present only as an intracellular component in many cell types. However, this protein has now been detected on the surface of a number of different cancer cell types in a punctate distribution pattern. Increased vimentin expression has been indicated as an important step in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) required for the metastasis of prostate cancer. Here, using two vimentin-specific monoclonal antibodies (SC5 and V9 directed against the coil one rod domain and the C-terminus of the vimentin protein, respectively), we examined whether either of these domains would be displayed on the surface of three commonly studied prostate cancer cell lines isolated from different sites of metastases. Confocal analysis of LNCaP, PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines (derived from lymph node, bone or brain prostate metastases, respectively) demonstrated that both domains of vimentin are present on the surface of these metastatic cancer cell types. In addition, flow cytometric analysis revealed that vimentin expression was readily detected along with CD44 expression but only a small subpopulation of prostate cancer cells expressed vimentin and the putative stem cell marker CD133 along with CD44. Finally, Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) nanoparticles that target vimentin could bind and internalize into tested prostate cancer cell lines. These results demonstrate that at least two domains of vimentin are present on the surface of metastatic prostate cancer cells and suggest that vimentin could provide a useful target for nanoparticle- or antibody- cancer therapeutic agents directed against highly invasive cancer and/or stem cells.

Alexander disease causing mutations in the C-terminal domain of GFAP are deleterious both to assembly and network formation with the potential to both activate caspase 3 and decrease cell viability

Alexander disease is a primary genetic disorder of astrocyte caused by dominant mutations in the astrocyte-specific intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). While most of the disease-causing mutations described to date have been found in the conserved α-helical rod domain, some mutations are found in the C-terminal non-α-helical tail domain. Here, we compare five different mutations (N386I, S393I, S398F, S398Y and D417M14X) located in the C-terminal domain of GFAP on filament assembly properties in vitro and in transiently transfected cultured cells. All the mutations disrupted in vitro filament assembly. The mutations also affected the solubility and promoted filament aggregation of GFAP in transiently transfected MCF7, SW13 and U343MG cells. This correlated with the activation of the p38 stress-activated protein kinase and an increased association with the small heat shock protein (sHSP) chaperone, αB-crystallin. Of the mutants studied, D417M14X GFAP caused the most significant effects both upon filament assembly in vitro and in transiently transfected cells. This mutant also caused extensive filament aggregation coinciding with the sequestration of αB-crystallin and HSP27 as well as inhibition of the proteosome and activation of p38 kinase. Associated with these changes were an activation of caspase 3 and a significant decrease in astrocyte viability. We conclude that some mutations in the C-terminus of GFAP correlate with caspase 3 cleavage and the loss of cell viability, suggesting that these could be contributory factors in the development of Alexander disease.

Mutations in the N-terminal Actin-Binding Domain of Filamin C Cause a Distal Myopathy

Linkage analysis of the dominant distal myopathy we previously identified in a large Australian family demonstrated one significant linkage region located on chromosome 7 and encompassing 18.6 Mbp and 151 genes. The strongest candidate gene was FLNC because filamin C, the encoded protein, is muscle-specific and associated with myofibrillar myopathy. Sequencing of FLNC cDNA identified a c.752T>C (p.Met251Thr) mutation in the N-terminal actin-binding domain (ABD); this mutation segregated with the disease and was absent in 200 controls. We identified an Italian family with the same phenotype and found a c.577G>A (p.Ala193Thr) filamin C ABD mutation that segregated with the disease. Filamin C ABD mutations have not been described, although filamin A and filamin B ABD mutations cause multiple musculoskeletal disorders. The distal myopathy phenotype and muscle pathology in the two families differ from myofibrillar myopathies caused by filamin C rod and dimerization domain mutations because of the distinct involvement of hand muscles and lack of pathological protein aggregation. Thus, like the position of FLNA and B mutations, the position of the FLNC mutation determines disease phenotype. The two filamin C ABD mutations increase actin-binding affinity in a manner similar to filamin A and filamin B ABD mutations. Cell-culture expression of the c.752T>C (p.Met251)Thr mutant filamin C ABD demonstrated reduced nuclear localization as did mutant filamin A and filamin B ABDs. Expression of both filamin C ABD mutants as full-length proteins induced increased aggregation of filamin. We conclude filamin C ABD mutations cause a recognizable distal myopathy, most likely through increased actin affinity, similar to the pathological mechanism of filamin A and filamin B ABD mutations.

Delivery of AAV2/9-Microdystrophin Genes Incorporating Helix 1 of the Coiled-Coil Motif in the C-Terminal Domain of Dystrophin Improves Muscle Pathology and Restores the Level of α1-Syntrophin and α-Dystrobrevin in Skeletal Muscles of mdx Mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe X-linked inherited muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been extensively used to deliver genes efficiently for dystrophin expression in skeletal muscles. To overcome limited packaging capacity of AAV vectors (<5 kb), truncated recombinant microdystrophin genes with deletions of most of rod and carboxyl-terminal (CT) domains of dystrophin have been developed. We have previously shown the efficiency of mRNA sequence-optimized microdystrophin (ΔR4-23/ΔCT, called MD1) with deletion of spectrin-like repeat domain 4 to 23 and CT domain in ameliorating the pathology of dystrophic mdx mice. However, the CT domain of dystrophin is thought to recruit part of the dystrophin-associated protein complex, which acts as a mediator of signaling between extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton in muscle fibers. In this study, we extended the ΔR4-23/ΔCT microdystrophin by incorporating helix 1 of the coiled-coil motif in the CT domain of dystrophin (MD2), which contains the α1-syntrophin and α-dystrobrevin binding sites. Intramuscular injection of AAV2/9 expressing CT domain-extended microdystrophin showed efficient dystrophin expression in tibialis anterior muscles of mdx mice. The presence of the CT domain of dystrophin in MD2 increased the recruitment of α1-syntrophin and α-dystrobrevin at the sarcolemma and significantly improved the muscle resistance to lengthening contraction-induced muscle damage in the mdx mice compared with MD1. These results suggest that the incorporation of helix 1 of the coiled-coil motif in the CT domain of dystrophin to the microdystrophins will substantially improve their efficiency in restoring muscle function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Characterization of Neurospora crassa α-Actinin

α-Actinin, an actin-binding protein of the spectrin superfamily, is present in most eukaryotes except plants. It is composed of three domains: N-terminal CH-domains, C-terminal calcium-binding domain (with EF-hand motifs), and a central rod domain. We have cloned and expressed Neurospora crassa α-actinin as GST and GFP fusion proteins for biochemical characterization and in vivo localization, respectively. The intracellular localization pattern of α-actinin suggests that this protein is intimately associated with actin filaments and plays an important role in the processes of germination, hyphal elongation, septum formation, and conidiation. These functions were confirmed by the experiments on the effect of α-actinin gene deletion in N. crassa.

Internal deletion compromises the stability of dystrophin

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a deadly and common childhood disease caused by mutations that disrupt dystrophin protein expression. Several miniaturized dystrophin/utrophin constructs are utilized for gene therapy, and while these constructs have shown promise in mouse models, the functional integrity of these proteins is not well described. Here, we compare the biophysical properties of full-length dystrophin and utrophin with therapeutically relevant miniaturized constructs using an insect cell expression system. Full-length utrophin, like dystrophin, displayed a highly cooperative melting transition well above 37°C. Utrophin constructs involving N-terminal, C-terminal or internal deletions were remarkably stable, showing cooperative melting transitions identical to full-length utrophin. In contrast, large dystrophin deletions from either the N- or C-terminus exhibited variable stability, as evidenced by melting transitions that differed by 20°C. Most importantly, deletions in the large central rod domain of dystrophin resulted in a loss of cooperative unfolding with increased propensity for aggregation. Our results suggest that the functionality of dystrophin therapeutics based on mini- or micro-constructs may be compromised by the presence of non-native protein junctions that result in protein misfolding, instability and aggregation.

A Large Mutational Study in Pachyonychia Congenita

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized predominantly by nail dystrophy and painful palmoplantar keratoderma. Additional clinical features include oral leukokeratosis, follicular keratosis, and cysts (steatocysts and pilosebaceous cysts). PC is due to heterozygous mutations in one of four keratin genes, namely, KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT16, or KRT17. Here, we report genetic analysis of 90 new families with PC in which we identified mutations in KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT16, or KRT17, thereby confirming their clinical diagnosis. A total of 21 previously unreported and 22 known mutations were found. Approximately half of the kindreds had mutations in KRT6A (52%), 28% had mutations in KRT16, 17% in KRT17, and 3% of families had mutations in KRT6B. Most of the mutations were heterozygous missense or small in-frame insertion/deletion mutations occurring within one of the helix boundary motif regions of the keratin polypeptide. More unusual mutations included heterozygous splice site mutations, nonsense mutations, and a 1-bp insertion mutation, leading to a frameshift and premature termination codon. This study, together with previously reported mutations, identifies mutation hotspot codons that may be useful in the development of personalized medicine for PC.

The domain organization of the bacterial intermediate filament‐like protein crescentin is important for assembly and function

Crescentin is a bacterial filament-forming protein that exhibits domain organization features found in metazoan intermediate filament (IF) proteins. Structure-function studies of eukaryotic IFs have been hindered by a lack of simple genetic systems and easily quantifiable phenotypes. Here we exploit the characteristic localization of the crescentin structure along the inner curvature of Caulobacter crescentus cells and the loss of cell curvature associated with impaired crescentin function to analyze the importance of the domain organization of crescentin. By combining biochemistry and ultrastructural analysis in vitro with cellular localization and functional studies, we show that crescentin requires its distinctive domain organization, and furthermore that different structural elements have distinct structural and functional contributions. The head domain can be functionally subdivided into two subdomains; the first (amino-terminal) is required for function but not assembly, while the second is necessary for structure assembly. The rod domain is similarly required for structure assembly, and the linker L1 appears important to prevent runaway assembly into nonfunctional aggregates. The data also suggest that the stutter and the tail domain have critical functional roles in stabilizing crescentin structures against disassembly by monovalent cations in the cytoplasm. This study suggests that the IF-like behavior of crescentin is a consequence of its domain organization, implying that the IF protein layout is an adaptable cytoskeletal motif, much like the actin and tubulin folds, that is broadly exploited for various functions throughout life from bacteria to humans. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Simultaneous Formation of Right- and Left-handed Anti-parallel Coiled-coil Interfaces by a Coil2 Fragment of Human Lamin A

The elementary building block of all intermediate filaments (IFs) is a dimer featuring a central α-helical rod domain flanked by the N- and C-terminal end domains. In nuclear IF proteins (lamins), the rod domain consists of two coiled-coil segments, coil1 and coil2, that are connected by a short non-helical linker. Coil1 and the C-terminal part of coil2 contain the two highly conserved IF consensus motifs involved in the longitudinal assembly of dimers. The previously solved crystal structure of a lamin A fragment (residues 305–387) corresponding to the second half of coil2 has yielded a parallel left-handed coiled coil. Here, we present the crystal structure and solution properties of another human lamin A fragment (residues 328–398), which is largely overlapping with fragment 305–387 but harbors a short segment of the tail domain. Unexpectedly, no parallel coiled coil forms within the crystal. Instead, the α-helices are arranged such that two anti-parallel coiled-coil interfaces are formed. The most significant interface has a right-handed geometry, which is accounted for by a characteristic 15-residue repeat pattern that overlays with the canonical heptad repeat pattern. The second interface is a left-handed anti-parallel coiled coil based on the predicted heptad repeat pattern. In solution, the fragment reveals only a weak dimerization propensity. We speculate that the C-terminus of coil2 might unzip, thereby allowing for a right-handed coiled-coil interface to form between two laterally aligned dimers. Such an interface might co-exist with a heterotetrameric left-handed coiled-coil assembly, which is expected to be responsible for the longitudinal ACN contact.