Fusion surface structure, function, and dynamics of gamete fusogen HAP2

Juan Feng, Xianchi Dong, Jennifer Pinello, Jun Zhang, Chafen Lu, Roxana E. Iacob, John R. Engen, William J. Snell, Timothy A. Springer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

HAP2 is a class II gamete fusogen in many eukaryotic kingdoms. A crystal structure of Chlamydomonas HAP2 shows a trimeric fusion state. Domains D1, D2.1 and D2.2 line the 3-fold axis; D3 and a stem pack against the outer surface. Surprisingly, hydrogen-deuterium exchange shows that surfaces of D1, D2.2 and D3 closest to the 3-fold axis are more dynamic than exposed surfaces. Three fusion helices in the fusion loops of each monomer expose hydrophobic residues at the trimer apex that are splayed from the 3-fold axis, leaving a solvent-filled cavity between the fusion loops in each monomer. At the base of the two fusion loops, Arg185 docks in a carbonyl cage. Comparisons to other structures, dynamics, and the greater effect on Chlamydomonas gamete fusion of mutation of axis-proximal than axis-distal fusion helices suggest that the apical portion of each monomer could tilt toward the 3-fold axis with merger of the fusion helices into a common fusion surface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere39772
JournaleLife
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Neuroscience

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