Protein quality control systems protect cells against the accumulation of toxic misfolded proteins by promoting their selective degradation. Malfunctions of quality control systems are linked to aging and neurodegenerative disease. Folding of polypeptides is facilitated by the association of 70 kDa Heat shock protein (Hsp70) molecular chaperones. If folding cannot be achieved, Hsp70 interacts with ubiquitylation enzymes that promote the proteasomal degradation of the misfolded protein. However, the factors that direct Hsp70 substrates toward the degradation machinery have remained unknown. Here, we identify Fes1, an Hsp70 nucleotide exchange factor of hitherto unclear physiological function, as a cytosolic triaging factor that promotes proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins. Fes1 selectively interacts with misfolded proteins bound by Hsp70 and triggers their release from the chaperone. In the absence of Fes1, misfolded proteins fail to undergo polyubiquitylation, aggregate, and induce a strong heat shock response. Our findings reveal that Hsp70 direct proteins toward either folding or degradation by using distinct nucleotide exchange factors.Hsp110 | proteasome | triage | ubiquitin ligase | Ubr1

Protein quality control depends on the tight regulation of interactions between molecular chaperones and polypeptide substrates. Substrate release from the chaperone Hsp70 is triggered by nucleotide-exchange factors (NEFs) that control folding and degradation fates via poorly understood mechanisms. We found that the armadillo-type NEFs budding yeast Fes1 and its human homolog HspBP1 employ flexible N-terminal release domains (RDs) with substrate-mimicking properties to ensure the efficient release of persistent substrates from Hsp70. The RD contacts the substrate-binding domain of the chaperone, competes with peptide substrate for binding and is essential for proper function in yeast and mammalian cells. Thus, the armadillo domain engages Hsp70 to trigger nucleotide exchange, whereas the RD safeguards the release of substrates. Our findings provide fundamental mechanistic insight into the functional specialization of Hsp70 NEFs and have implications for the understanding of proteostasis-related disorders, including Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome.

Yeast Hsp70 nucleotide exchange factor Fes1 is expressed by rare alternative splicing as two isoforms. Fes1L is targeted to the nucleus, and Fes1S localizes to the cytosol and is required for the efficient proteasomal degradation of cytosolic misfolded proteins, as well as of species that are imported into the nucleus for degradation.

SummaryFMRP is an RNA-binding protein that is known to localize in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Here, we have identified an interaction of FMRP with a specific set of C/D box snoRNAs in the nucleus. C/D box snoRNAs guide 2’O methylations of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) on defined sites, and this modification regulates rRNA folding and assembly of ribosomes. 2’O methylation of rRNA is partial on several sites in human embryonic stem cells, which results in ribosomes with differential methylation patterns. FMRP-snoRNA interaction affects rRNA methylation on several of these sites, and in the absence of FMRP, differential methylation pattern of rRNA is significantly altered. We found that FMRP recognizes ribosomes carrying specific methylation patterns on rRNA and the recognition of methylation pattern by FMRP may potentially determine the translation status of its target mRNAs. Thus, FMRP integrates its function in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm.

Scaling-up the production of Moringa oleifera coagulant protein to industrial level reveals it multiple advantages over the usage of chemical disinfectants and serves as a natural remedy for water treatment processes.