In silico analyses of dystrophin Dp40 cellular distribution, nuclear export signals and structure modeling

Abstract

Dystrophin Dp40 is the shortest protein encoded by the DMD (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) gene. This protein is unique since it lacks the C-terminal end of dystrophins. In this data article, we describe the subcellular localization, nuclear export signals and the three-dimensional structure modeling of putative Dp40 proteins using bioinformatics tools. The Dp40 wild type protein was predicted as a cytoplasmic protein while the Dp40n4 was predicted to be nuclear. Changes L93P and L170P are involved in the nuclear localization of Dp40n4 protein. A close analysis of Dp40 protein scored that amino acids 93LEQEHNNLV101 and 168LLLHDSIQI176 could function as NES sequences and the scores are lost in Dp40n4. In addition, the changes L93/170P modify the tertiary structure of putative Dp40 mutants. The analysis showed that changes of residues 93 and 170 from leucine to proline allow the nuclear localization of Dp40 proteins. The data described here are related to the research article entitled “EF-hand domains are involved in the differential cellular distribution of dystrophin Dp40” (J. Aragón et al. Neurosci. Lett. 600 (2015) 115–120) [1].

EF-hand domains are involved in the differential cellular distribution of dystrophin Dp40

“…Notably, values were lost when sequences carrying mutations L93P and L170P were analyzed (see Fig. 1C and D in Ref [9]); thus, the nuclear accumulation of Dp40 mutants may be due to the loss of the nuclear export processes. Additionally, nuclear Dp40 proteins might form a complex with proteins with a classic NLS, and this interaction may be responsible for its nuclear localization.…”

“…Additionally, the tertiary structure differences of Dp40 and Dp40 mutants (see Fig. 2 in Ref [9]) could favor the nuclear localization of these proteins.…”

“…1A and B in Ref [9]), leucines 93 and 170 are underlined. Notably, values were lost when sequences carrying mutations L93P and L170P were analyzed (see Fig.…”

“…The PSORT II software revealed that prolines 93 and 170 are involved in the nuclear localization of Dp40 (see Table 1 in Ref [9]). Mutant proteins Dp40-L93P, Dp40-L170P or Dp40-L93/170P, obtained by site-directed mutagenesis, were re-localized into the nucleus (Fig.…”

“…Interestingly, L93P and L170P are located within the EF1 (exon 65) and EF2 (exon 67) hands, respectively. Table 1 in Ref [9] summarizes the localization prediction scores of putative Dp40 proteins.…”