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Mitochondrial function is dependent on molecular chaperones, primarily due to their necessity in the formation of respiratory complexes and clearance of misfolded proteins. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a subset of molecular chaperones that function in all subcellular compartments, both constitutively and in response to stress. The Hsp90 chaperone TNF-receptor-associated protein-1 (TRAP1) is primarily localized to the mitochondria and controls both cellular metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial apoptosis. TRAP1 upregulation facilitates the growth and progression of many cancers by promoting glycolytic metabolism and antagonizing the mitochondrial permeability transition that precedes multiple cell death pathways. TRAP1 attenuation induces apoptosis in cellular models of cancer, identifying TRAP1 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Similar to cytosolic Hsp90 proteins, TRAP1 is also subject to post-translational modifications (PTM) that regulate its function and mediate its impact on downstream effectors, or 'clients'. However, few effectors have been identified to date. Here, we will discuss the consequence of TRAP1 deregulation in cancer and the impact of post-translational modification on the known functions of TRAP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular homeostasis relies on both the chaperoning of proteins and the intracellular degradation system that delivers cytoplasmic constituents to the lysosome, a process known as autophagy. The crosstalk between these processes and their underlying regulatory mechanisms is poorly understood. Here, we show that the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) forms a complex with the autophagy-initiating kinase Atg1 (yeast)/Ulk1 (mammalian), which suppresses its kinase activity. Conversely, environmental cues lead to Atg1/Ulk1-mediated phosphorylation of a conserved serine in the amino domain of Hsp90, inhibiting its ATPase activity and altering the chaperone dynamics. These events impact a conformotypic peptide adjacent to the activation and catalytic loop of Atg1/Ulk1. Finally, Atg1/Ulk1-mediated phosphorylation of Hsp90 leads to dissociation of the Hsp90:Atg1/Ulk1 complex and activation of Atg1/Ulk1, which is essential for initiation of autophagy. Our work indicates a reciprocal regulatory mechanism between the chaperone Hsp90 and the autophagy kinase Atg1/Ulk1 and consequent maintenance of cellular proteostasis. [Display omitted] • Autophagy-initiating kinase Atg1/Ulk1 phosphorylates a conserved serine in Hsp90 • Atg1/Ulk1-mediated phosphorylation of Hsp90 is essential for autophagy induction • Hsp90 phosphorylation by Atg1/Ulk1 regulates client protein activity • Phosphorylation of Hsp90 is essential for Atg1 conformational change and activity Backe et al. show a reciprocal regulatory mechanism between the chaperone Hsp90 and the autophagy kinase client Atg1/Ulk1. This consequently leads to maintenance of cellular proteostasis and activation of autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock protein-90 (Hsp90) chaperone machinery is involved in the stability and activity of its client proteins. The chaperone function of Hsp90 is regulated by co-chaperones and post-translational modifications. Although structural evidence exists for Hsp90 interaction with clients, our understanding of the impact of Hsp90 chaperone function toward client activity in cells remains elusive. Here, we dissect the impact of recently identified higher eukaryotic co-chaperones, FNIP1/2 (FNIPs) and Tsc1, toward Hsp90 client activity. Our data show that Tsc1 and FNIP2 form mutually exclusive complexes with FNIP1, and that unlike Tsc1, FNIP1/2 interact with the catalytic residue of Hsp90. Functionally, these co-chaperone complexes increase the affinity of the steroid hormone receptors glucocorticoid receptor and estrogen receptor to their ligands in vivo. We provide a model for the responsiveness of the steroid hormone receptor activation upon ligand binding as a consequence of their association with specific Hsp90:co-chaperone subpopulations. [Display omitted] • FNIP1 forms mutually exclusive functional complexes with FNIP2 and Tsc1 co-chaperones • Hsp90 co-chaperone complexes differentially regulate client protein activity • FNIP1/2 and Tsc1 enhance steroid hormone receptor ligand binding and activity • Hsp90 induces structural changes in the glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding pocket Backe et al. demonstrate that responsiveness of the steroid hormone receptors upon ligand-binding-mediated activation depends on their association with specific Hsp90:co-chaperone (FNIP1, FNIP2, and Tsc1) subpopulations. This study reveals that formation of different Hsp90:co-chaperone:client complexes provide differentially primed pools of client proteins ready to act in different cellular environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]