Addressing the Binding Mechanism of the Meprin and TRAF-C Homology Domain of the Speckle-Type POZ Protein Using Protein Engineering

Protein-protein interactions play crucial roles in a wide range of biological processes, including metabolic pathways, cell cycle progression, signal transduction, and the proteasomal system. For PPIs to fulfill their biological functions, they require the specific recognition of a multitude of interacting partners. In many cases, however, protein-protein interaction domains are capable of binding different partners in the intracellular environment, but they require precise regulation of the binding events in order to exert their function properly and avoid misregulation of important molecular pathways. In this work, we focused on the MATH domain of the E3 Ligase adaptor protein SPOP in order to decipher the molecular features underlying its interaction with two different peptides that mimic its physiological partners: Puc and MacroH2A. By employing stopped-flow kinetic binding experiments, together with extensive site-directed mutagenesis, we addressed the roles of specific residues, some of which, although far from the binding site, govern these transient interactions. Our findings are compatible with a scenario in which the binding of the MATH domain with its substrate is characterized by a fine energetic network that regulates its interactions with different ligands. Results are briefly discussed in the context of previously existing work regarding the MATH domain.