Download MendeleyCryo-EM captures early intermediate steps in dynein activation by LIS1.
Nguyen, K.H.V., Karasmanis, E.P., Kendrick, A.A., Reck-Peterson, S.L., Leschziner, A.E.(2025) Nat Commun 16: 7054-7054
- PubMed: 40750582
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62185-z
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
9DZY, 9E0K, 9E0T, 9E0U, 9E0W, 9E0X, 9E0Y, 9E22, 9E23, 9E28 - PubMed Abstract:
Cytoplasmic dynein-1 (dynein) is an essential molecular motor in eukaryotic cells. Dynein primarily exists in an autoinhibited Phi state and requires conformational changes to assemble with its cofactors and form active transport complexes. LIS1, a key dynein regulator, enhances dynein activation and assembly. Using cryo-EM and a human dynein-LIS1 sample incubated with ATP, we map the conformational landscape of dynein activation by LIS1 and identify an early intermediate state that we propose precedes the previously identified dynein-LIS1 Chi state. Mutations that disrupt this species, which we termed "Pre-Chi", lead to motility defects in vitro, emphasizing its functional importance. Together, our findings provide insights into how LIS1 relieves dynein autoinhibition during the activation pathway.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Organizational Affiliation:
