Structural characterization of the MIT domain from human Vps4b

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Aug 26;334(2):460-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.06.110.

Abstract

The microtubule interacting and trafficking (MIT) domain is a small protein module of unknown function that is conserved in proteins of diverse function, such as Vps4, sorting nexin 15 (SNX15), and spastin. One non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism was reported, which results in a Ile58-to-Met (I58M) substitution in hVps4b. Here, we have determined the solution structure of the MIT domain isolated from the NH(2)-terminus of human Vps4b, an AAA-ATPase involved in multivesicular body formation. The MIT domain adopts an 'up-and-down' three-helix bundle. Comparison with the sequences of other MIT domains clearly shows that the residues involved in inter-helical contacts are well conserved. The Ile58-to-Met substitution resulted a substantial thermal instability. In addition, we found a shallow crevice between helices A and C that may serve as a protein-binding site. We propose that the MIT domain serves as a putative adaptor domain for the ESCRT-III complex involved in endosomal trafficking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / analysis
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Computer Simulation
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Humans
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Repressor Proteins / analysis
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins

Substances

  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities
  • VPS4B protein, human