The Amino-Terminus of Nitric Oxide Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase α1 Does Not Affect Dimerization but Influences Subcellular Localization
2011

The Role of the Amino-Terminus in Nitric Oxide Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase Dimerization

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kraehling Jan R., Busker Mareike, Haase Tobias, Haase Nadine, Koglin Markus, Linnenbaum Monika, Behrends Soenke

Primary Institution: Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Brunswick - Institute of Technology, Brunswick, Germany

Hypothesis

Does the amino-terminus of the α1-subunit affect dimerization and subcellular localization of nitric oxide sensitive guanylyl cyclase?

Conclusion

The amino-terminus of the α1-subunit is not necessary for dimerization but does influence its subcellular localization.

Supporting Evidence

  • The C-α1 splice variant retains its ability to heterodimerize with the β1-subunit.
  • Fluorescence lifetime imaging showed significant differences in localization between the C-α1 and canonical α1 subunits.
  • The study demonstrated that the C-α1 splice variant is directed to a more oxidized subcellular compartment.

Takeaway

This study found that a part of a protein called the amino-terminus isn't needed for the protein to stick together with another part, but it does change where the protein goes inside the cell.

Methodology

The study used co-purification and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to analyze dimerization and localization in HEK-293 cells.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on overexpressed proteins in cell lines, which may not fully represent physiological conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025772

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