Work

Prion-like low-complexity sequences: Key regulators of protein solubility and phase behavior

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Many proteins, such as RNA-binding proteins, have complex folding landscapes. How cells maintain the solubility and folding state of such proteins, particularly under stress conditions, is largely unknown. Here, we argue that prion-like low-complexity regions (LCRs) are key regulators of protein solubility and folding. We discuss emerging evidence that prion-like LCRs are not, as commonly thought, autonomous aggregation modules that adopt amyloid-like conformations, but protein-specific sequences with chaperone-like functions. On the basis of recent findings, we propose that prion-like LCRs have evolved to regulate protein phase behavior and to protect proteins against proteotoxic damage.

Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.tm118.001190

Authors: Titus M. Franzmann, Simon Alberti

Institution: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics

Language: English

Topic: Protein Structure and Dynamics

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430

Funders: EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung