The structure of the N-terminal domain of the fragile X mental retardation protein: A platform for protein-protein interaction

Andres Ramos, David Hollingworth, Salvatore Adinolfi, Marie Castets, Geoff Kelly, Thomas A. Frenkiel, Barbara Bardoni, Annalisa Pastore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

90 Scopus citations

Abstract

FMRP, whose lack of expression causes the X-linked fragile X syndrome, is a modular RNA binding protein thought to be involved in posttranslational regulation. We have solved the structure in solution of the N-terminal domain of FMRP (NDF), a functionally important region involved in multiple interactions. The structure consists of a composite fold comprising two repeats of a Tudor motif followed by a short α helix. The interactions between the three structural elements are essential for the stability of the NDF fold. Although structurally similar, the two repeats have different dynamic and functional properties. The second, more flexible repeat is responsible for interacting both with methylated lysine and with 82-FIP, one of the FMRP nuclear partners. NDF contains a 3D nucleolar localization signal, since destabilization of its fold leads to altered nucleolar localization of FMRP. We suggest that the NDF composite fold determines an allosteric mechanism that regulates the FMRP functions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-31
Number of pages11
JournalStructure
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes

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