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FK506 binding protein associated with the calcium release channel (ryanodine receptor)

T Jayaraman1, A M Brillantes, A P Timerman

  • 1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029.

Insights

A 12-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) tightly associates with the calcium release channel (CRC)/ryanodine receptor (RyRec) in skeletal muscle. This interaction suggests FKBP12 is a component of the RyRec complex, crucial for muscle function.

Area of Science:

  • Muscle physiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The calcium release channel (CRC)/ryanodine receptor (RyRec) is essential for skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.
  • RyRec forms the foot structure connecting the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to the T-tubules.
  • Previous studies indicated RyRec is composed of four identical large protomers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize proteins associated with purified RyRec from rabbit skeletal muscle SR.
  • To investigate the functional significance of any identified associated proteins in muscle physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Protein purification of RyRec from rabbit skeletal muscle SR.
  • N-terminal amino acid sequencing and cDNA cloning.
  • Co-purification, co-immunoprecipitation, and subcellular localization studies.

Main Results:

  • A 12-kDa protein, identified as FK506-binding protein (FKBP12), was found tightly associated with purified RyRec.
  • FKBP12 and RyRec co-purified through multiple chromatography steps.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation and subcellular localization confirmed the association of FKBP12 with RyRec in the SR terminal cisternae.
  • The molar ratio suggests one FKBP12 molecule per RyRec complex (1:4 ratio).

Conclusions:

  • FKBP12 is a tightly associated component of the skeletal muscle calcium release channel (RyRec).
  • This interaction is significant for the structure and function of the RyRec complex.
  • The findings provide new insights into the molecular composition of the excitation-contraction coupling machinery.

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