Structure of ERK2 bound to PEA-15 reveals a mechanism for rapid release of activated MAPK

Nat Commun. 2013:4:1681. doi: 10.1038/ncomms2687.

Abstract

ERK1/2 kinases are the principal effectors of a central signalling cascade that converts extracellular stimuli into cell proliferation and migration responses and, when deregulated, can promote cell oncogenic transformation. The scaffolding protein PEA-15 is a death effector domain protein that directly interacts with ERK1/2 and affects ERK1/2 subcellular localization and phosphorylation. Here, to understand this ERK1/2 signalling complex, we have solved the crystal structures of PEA-15 bound to three different ERK2 phospho-conformers. The structures reveal that PEA-15 uses a bipartite binding mode, occupying two key docking sites of ERK2. Remarkably, PEA-15 can efficiently bind the ERK2 activation loop in the critical Thr-X-Tyr region in different phosphorylation states. PEA-15 binding triggers an extended allosteric conduit in dually phosphorylated ERK2, disrupting key features of active ERK2. At the same time PEA-15 binding protects ERK2 from dephosphorylation, thus setting the stage for immediate ERK activity upon its release from the PEA-15 inhibitory complex.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / chemistry*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • PEA15 protein, human
  • Phosphoproteins
  • MAPK1 protein, human
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases