Structural and functional analysis of the sarcoglycan-sarcospan subcomplex

Exp Cell Res. 2007 Feb 15;313(4):639-51. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.11.021. Epub 2006 Dec 14.

Abstract

Sarcospan is a component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex that forms a tight subcomplex with the sarcoglycans. The sarcoglycan-sarcospan subcomplex functions to stabilize alpha-dystroglycan at the plasma membrane and perturbations of this subcomplex are associated with autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. In order to characterize protein interactions within this subcomplex, we first demonstrate that sarcospan forms homo-oligomers within the membrane. Experiments with a panel of site-directed mutants reveal that proper structure of the large extracellular loop is an important determinant of oligo formation. Furthermore, the intracellular N- and C-termini contribute to stability of sarcospan-mediated webs. Point mutation of each cysteine residue reveals that Cys 162 and Cys 164 within the large extracellular loop form disulfide bridges, which are critical for proper sarcospan structure. The extracellular domain of sarcospan also forms the main binding site for the sarcoglycans. We propose a model whereby sarcospan forms homo-oligomers that cluster the components of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex within the membrane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • CHO Cells
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex / chemistry*
  • Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex / physiology*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Biological
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry
  • Neoplasm Proteins / chemistry*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Sarcoglycans / chemistry*
  • Sarcoglycans / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Dystrophin-Associated Protein Complex
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • SSPN protein, human
  • Sarcoglycans