The crystal structure of yeast protein disulfide isomerase suggests cooperativity between its active sites

Cell. 2006 Jan 13;124(1):61-73. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2005.10.044.

Abstract

Protein disulfide isomerase plays a key role in catalyzing the folding of secretory proteins. It features two catalytically inactive thioredoxin domains inserted between two catalytically active thioredoxin domains and an acidic C-terminal tail. The crystal structure of yeast PDI reveals that the four thioredoxin domains are arranged in the shape of a twisted "U" with the active sites facing each other across the long sides of the "U." The inside surface of the "U" is enriched in hydrophobic residues, thereby facilitating interactions with misfolded proteins. The domain arrangement, active site location, and surface features strikingly resemble the Escherichia coli DsbC and DsbG protein disulfide isomerases. Biochemical studies demonstrate that all domains of PDI, including the C-terminal tail, are required for full catalytic activity. The structure defines a framework for rationalizing the differences between the two active sites and their respective roles in catalyzing the formation and rearrangement of disulfide bonds.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites / physiology
  • Catalysis
  • Cattle
  • Crystallization
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Disulfide-Isomerases / chemistry*
  • Protein Disulfide-Isomerases / metabolism*
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Structure, Secondary*
  • Rats
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / enzymology*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Surface Properties
  • Thioredoxins / chemistry
  • Thioredoxins / metabolism

Substances

  • Thioredoxins
  • Protein Disulfide-Isomerases

Associated data

  • PDB/2B5E