Mechanotransduction by PCDH15 Relies on a Novel cis-Dimeric Architecture.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

Neuron, Volume 99, Issue 3, p.480-492.e5 (2018)

Abstract:

<p>The tip link, a filament formed by protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) and cadherin 23, conveys mechanical force from sound waves and head movement to&nbsp;open hair-cell mechanotransduction channels. Tip-link cadherins are thought to have acquired structural features critical for their role in mechanotransduction. Here, we biophysically and structurally characterize the unusual cis-homodimeric architecture of PCDH15. We show that PCDH15 molecules form double-helical assemblies through cis-dimerization interfaces in the extracellular cadherin EC2-EC3 domain region and in a unique membrane-proximal domain. Electron microscopy studies visualize the cis-dimeric PCDH15 assembly and reveal the PCDH15 extracellular domain as a parallel double helix with cis cross-bridges at the two locations we defined. The&nbsp;helical configuration suggests the potential for&nbsp;elasticity through helix winding and unwinding. Functional studies in hair cells show that mutations that perturb PCDH15 dimerization contacts affect mechanotransduction. Together, these data reveal the cis-dimeric architecture of PCDH15 and show that dimerization is critical for sensing mechanical stimuli.</p>

PDB: 
6CV7
Detector: 
PILATUS
Beamline: 
24-ID-C