Presence of functional domains in NADPH-dependent cytosolic 3,5,3'-Triiodo-L-thyronine (T3)-binding protein (p38CTBP)

S Suzuki1, J-I Mori, M Kobayashi

  • 1Department of Aging Medicine and Geriatrics, Institute on Aging and Adaptation, Shinshu University Graduate School, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan. soutaro@hsp.md.shinshu-u.ac.jp

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|November 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies key regions of the NADPH-dependent cytosolic 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3))-binding protein (p38CTBP) essential for T(3) binding, dimerization, and cellular localization. Findings reveal multiple domains are crucial for these functions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The cytosolic 3,5,3 '-triiodothyronine (T(3))-binding protein (p38CTBP) plays a role in cellular processes.
  • Understanding the functional domains of p38CTBP is crucial for elucidating its mechanism of action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the functional domains of p38CTBP responsible for NADPH-binding, T(3)-binding, protein dimerization, and cytosolic retention.
  • To analyze the structure-function relationship of p38CTBP using deletion mutants.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial expression and induction of wild-type and deletion mutant p38CTBP.
  • NADPH-dependent T(3)-binding assays and CL-6B column chromatography.
  • Pull-down assays to identify dimerization interfaces.
  • Fluorescence microscopy using GFP-tagged proteins to determine subcellular localization.

Main Results:

  • Wild-type p38CTBP exhibited high-affinity T(3)-binding and NADPH-binding activity, which was lost in all deletion mutants.
  • Two helical regions (amino acids 128-146 and 216-270) were identified as essential for p38CTBP homodimerization.
  • Deletion of the C-terminal region resulted in p38CTBP translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, indicating its role in cytosolic retention.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple distinct regions within p38CTBP are required for its T(3) and NADPH binding capabilities.
  • Specific helical structures within p38CTBP are critical for mediating homodimer formation.
  • The C-terminal domain of p38CTBP is essential for maintaining its localization within the cytoplasm.