论文题目：NAL1 forms a molecular cage to regulate FZP phase separation
论文作者：Ling-Yun Huang, Ting-Ting Wang, Peng-Tao Shi, Ze-Yu Song, Wei-Fei Chen, Na-Nv Liu, Xia Ai, Hai-Hong Li, Xi-Miao Hou, Li-Bing Wang, Kun-Ming Chen, Stephane Rety, and Xu-Guang Xi
论文摘要：
NARROW LEAF 1 ( NAL1 ), originally identified for its role in shaping leaf morphology, plant architecture, and various agronomic traits in rice, has remained enigmatic in terms of the molecular mechanisms governing its multifaceted functions. In this study, we present a comprehensive structural analysis of NAL1 proteins, shedding light on how NAL1 regulates the phase separation of its physiological substrate, FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP), a transcription factor. We determined that NAL1 assembles as a hexamer and forms a molecular cage with a wide central channel and three narrower lateral channels, which could discriminate its different substrates into the catalytic sites. Most notably, our investigation unveils that FZP readily forms molecular condensates via phase separation both in vitro and in vivo. NAL1 fine-tunes FZP condensation, maintaining optimal concentrations to enhance transcriptional activity. While phase separation roles include sequestration and suppression of transcriptional or enzymatic activity, our study highlights its context-dependent contribution to transcriptional regulation. NAL1 assumes a pivotal role in regulating the states of these molecular condensates through its proteolytic activity, subsequently enhancing transcriptional cascades. Our findings offer insights into comprehending the molecular mechanisms underpinning NAL1’s diverse functions, with far-reaching implications for the field of plant biology. Additionally, these insights provide valuable guidance for the development of rational.
水稻窄叶相关蛋白NARROW LEAF 1（NAL1）与水稻叶片形态、植株结构和各种农艺性状的形成有关，但其多方面功能的分子机制仍然是一个谜。本研究中我们全面解析了NAL1蛋白的结构，揭示了NAL1如何调节其生理底物FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP)（一种转录因子）的相分离。我们确定NAL1以六聚体的形式组装，形成一个具有较宽中心通道和三个较窄侧通道的“分子笼”，可以区分不同的底物至催化中心。最值得注意的是，我们揭示了FZP在体外和体内都容易通过相分离形成分子凝聚体。NAL1微调FZP凝聚体，维持最佳蛋白浓度，增强转录活性。虽然相分离的作用包括隔离和抑制转录或酶活性，但我们强调了其对转录调节的环境依赖性贡献。NAL1通过其蛋白水解活性在调节这些分子凝聚体的状态中起关键作用，并增强转录级联反应。此发现为理解NAL1多种功能的分子机制提供了新的见解，对植物生物学领域具有深远的意义。此外，这些见解为制定旨在提高作物生产力的合理育种策略提供了有价值的指导。
原文链接：https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419961122