Identification of Myelin Basic Protein Proximity Interactome Using TurboID Labeling Proteomics

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is one of the key structural elements of the myelin sheath and has autoantigenic properties in multiple sclerosis (MS). Its intracellular interaction network is still partially deconvoluted due to the unfolded structure, abnormally basic charge, and specific cellular localization. Here we used the fusion protein of MBP with TurboID, an engineered biotin ligase that uses ATP to convert biotin to reactive biotin-AMP that covalently attaches to nearby proteins, to determine MBP interactome. Despite evident benefits, the proximity labeling proteomics technique generates high background noise, especially in the case of proteins tending to semi-specific interactions. In order to recognize unique MBP partners, we additionally mapped protein interaction networks for deaminated MBP variant and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21), mimicking MBP in terms of natively unfolded state, size and basic amino acid clusters. We found that in the plasma membrane region, MBP is colocalized with adhesion proteins occludin and myelin protein zero-like protein 1, solute carrier family transporters ZIP6 and SNAT1, Eph receptors ligand Ephrin-B1, and structural components of the vesicle transport machinery-synaptosomal-associated protein 23 (SNAP23), vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3), protein transport protein hSec23B and cytoplasmic dynein 1 heavy chain 1. We also detected that MBP potentially interacts with proteins involved in Fe²⁺ and lipid metabolism, namely, ganglioside GM2 activator protein, long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4), NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase 1 (CYB5R1) and metalloreductase STEAP3. Assuming the emerging role of ferroptosis and vesicle cargo docking in the development of autoimmune neurodegeneration, MBP may recruit and regulate the activity of these processes, thus, having a more inclusive role in the integrity of the myelin sheath.