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Ferlins are complex, multi-domain proteins, involved in membrane trafficking, membrane repair, and exocytosis. The large size of ferlin proteins and the lack of consensus regarding domain boundaries have slowed progress in understanding molecular-level details of ferlin protein structure and function. However, in silico protein folding techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of the complex ferlin family domain structure. We used RoseTTAFold to assemble full-length models for the six human ferlin proteins (dysferlin, myoferlin, otoferlin, Fer1L4, Fer1L5, and Fer1L6). Our full-length ferlin models were used to obtain objective domain boundaries, and these boundaries were supported by AlphaFold2 predictions. Despite the differences in amino acid sequence between the ferlin proteins, the domain ranges and distinct subdomains in the ferlin domains are remarkably consistent. Further, the RoseTTAFold/AlphaFold2 in silico boundary predictions allowed us to describe and characterize a previously unknown C2 domain, ubiquitous in all human ferlins, which we refer to as C2-FerA. At present, the ferlin domain-domain interactions implied by the full-length in silico models are predicted to have a low accuracy; however, the use of RoseTTAFold and AlphaFold2 as a domain finder has proven to be a powerful research tool for understanding ferlin structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptotagmin I (Syt I) is a vesicle-localized protein implicated in sensing the calcium influx that triggers fast synchronous release of neurotransmitter. How Syt I utilizes its two C2 domains to integrate signals and mediate neurotransmission has continued to be a controversial area of research, though prevalent hypotheses favor independent function. Using differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy in a thermodynamic denaturation approach, we tested an alternative hypothesis in which both domains interact to cooperatively disseminate binding information. The free energy of stability was determined for C2A, C2B, and C2AB constructs by globally fitting both methods to a two-state model of unfolding. By comparing the additive free energies of C2A and C2B with C2AB, we identified a negative coupling interaction between the C2 domains of Syt I. This interaction not only provides a mechanistic means for propagating signals, but also a possible means for coordinating the molecular events of neurotransmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptotagmin acts as the Ca2+ sensor for neuronal exocytosis. The cytosolic domain of human synaptotagmin 1 is composed of tandem C2 domains: C2A and C2B. These C2 domains modulate the interaction of synaptotagmin with the phospholipid bilayer of the presynaptic terminus and effector proteins such as the SNARE complex. Human synaptotagmin C2A-C2B has been expressed as a glutathione- S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of this protein are reported here. The crystals diffract to 2.7 Å and belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 82.37, b = 86.31, c = 140.2 Å. From self-rotation function analysis, there are two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The structure determination of the protein using this data is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the relevance of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE), reclassied as Q- and R-SNAREs, for membrane fusion. Research methodology; Results and discussion.

Examines the implications of the kestrel structure of the cytosolic C2A-CSB domains of phospholipid-binding proteins called synaptotagmin III for CA+2- independent SNARE complex interaction. Binding of the C2A domain to the phospholipid membrane; Synaptotagmin's linking of two independent C2 domains.

Describes the three-dimensional structure of the C2 domains of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I. Biological functions of synaptotagmin I; Description of the protein conformation of the C2 domain.