Conformational landscape of multidomain SMAD proteins

Tiago Gomes, Pau Martin-Malpartida, Lidia Ruiz, Eric Aragón, Tiago N. Cordeiro, Maria J. Macias

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

SMAD transcription factors, the main effectors of the TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) network, have a mixed architecture of globular domains and flexible linkers. Such a complicated architecture precluded the description of their full-length (FL) structure for many years. In this study, we unravel the structures of SMAD4 and SMAD2 proteins through an integrative approach combining Small-angle X-ray scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, X-ray, and computational modeling. We show that both proteins populate ensembles of conformations, with the globular domains tethered by disordered and flexible linkers, which defines a new dimension of regulation. The flexibility of the linkers facilitates DNA and protein binding and modulates the protein structure. Yet, SMAD4FL is monomeric, whereas SMAD2FL is in different monomer–dimer-trimer states, driven by interactions of the MH2 domains. Dimers are present regardless of the SMAD2FL activation state and concentration. Finally, we propose that SMAD2FL dimers are key building blocks for the quaternary structures of SMAD complexes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5210-5224
Number of pages15
JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
Volume19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Intrinsically disordered regions
  • Multi-domain proteins
  • SMAD
  • TGFβ signaling
  • Transcription factor

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