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Design-driven optimization of mitochondrial protein phosphatases for in vitro studies

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Author(s):
Gabas, Mariana L. ; Otvos, Luca P. ; Almeida, Naira B. O. ; Farias, Sofia O. ; Val, Giovanna S. ; Machado, Luciana E. S. F.
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; v. 799, p. 9-pg., 2026-02-05.
Abstract

Molecular cloning and heterologous protein expression are essential for investigating protein function and interactions with ligands such as small molecules, drugs, and other proteins. Studies on the redox regulation, intermolecular interactions, structural determination, and structural dynamics of mitochondrial protein phosphatases require high-yield expression of soluble, catalytically active enzymes. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to optimize the cloning, expression, and soluble purification of mitochondrial protein phosphatases in their monomeric and active forms. We designed 22 expression constructs encoding the mitochondrial protein phosphatases PTPMT1, PP2Cm, PPTc7, and PGAM5, incorporating variations with or without the mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) and solubility-enhancing fusion tags. Our results demonstrate that, for matrix localized phosphatases, MTS removal combined with a soluble fusion tag is essential for obtaining soluble, structurally stable, properly folded, and catalytically active proteins. In contrast, intermembrane space phosphatase PGAM5 was well structured and active across constructs, thoug MTS presence reduced expression yields and increased protein instability. Overall, this work underscores the critical role of rational construct design for the successful production of mitochondrial protein phosphatases suitable for in vitro biochemical and structural studies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 21/13213-9 - Redox regulation of mitochondrial protein phosphatases manganese-dependent and investigation of their network interactions
Grantee:Naira Bellissimo Oliveira de Almeida
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 22/02313-5 - Analysis of the ligands and the interaction network of the mitochondrial protein phosphatase PGAM5
Grantee:Sofia de Oliveira Farias
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 21/10474-6 - Identification of mitochondrial DUSPs ligands through bioinformatics tools
Grantee:Luca Paulino Otvos
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 20/10168-0 - Structural and functional characterization of mitochondrial protein phosphatases by redox metabolism and their role in cell biology
Grantee:Luciana Elena de Souza Fraga Machado
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
FAPESP's process: 22/04064-2 - Mitochondrial protein phosphatases cloning, expression and purification
Grantee:Mariana Louise Gabas
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
FAPESP's process: 23/02968-4 - Redox and structural regulation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Mitochondrial 1 (PTPMT1)
Grantee:Luca Paulino Otvos
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
FAPESP's process: 19/02605-3 - Structural and functional characterization of mitochondrial protein phosphatases by redox metabolism and their role in cell biology
Grantee:Luciana Elena de Souza Fraga Machado
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants