Structure and dynamics of the mitochondrial DNA-compaction factor Abf2 from S. cerevisiae

Mitochondria are essential organelles that produce most of the energy via the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in all eukaryotic cells. Several essential subunits of the OXPHOS system are encoded by the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) despite its small size. Defects in mtDNA maintenance and expression can lead to severe OXPHOS deficiencies and are amongst the most common causes of mitochondrial disease. The mtDNA is packaged as nucleoprotein structures, referred to as nucleoids. The conserved mitochondrial proteins, ARS-binding factor 2 (Abf2) in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in mammals, are nucleoid associated proteins (NAPs) acting as condensing factors needed for packaging and maintenance of the mtDNA. Interestingly, gene knockout of Abf2 leads, in yeast, to the loss of mtDNA and respiratory growth, providing evidence for its crucial role. On a structural level, the condensing factors usually contain two DNA binding domains called high-mobility group boxes (HMG boxes). The co-operating mechanical activities of these domains are crucial in establishing the nucleoid architecture by bending the DNA strands. Here we used advanced solution NMR spectroscopy methods to characterize the dynamical properties of Abf2 together with its interaction with DNA. We find that the two HMG-domains react notably different to external cues like temperature and salt, indicating distinct functional properties. Biophysical characterizations show the pronounced difference of these domains upon DNA-binding, suggesting a refined picture of the Abf2 functional cycle.