Modelling of thyroid peroxidase reveals insights into its enzyme function and autoantigenicity

Sarah N. Le, Benjamin T. Porebski, Julia McCoey, James Fodor, Blake Riley, Marlena Godlewska, Monika Góra, Barbara Czarnocka, J. Paul Banga, David E. Hoke, Itamar Kass, Ashley M. Buckle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) catalyses the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones and is a major autoantigen in Hashimoto's disease-themost common organ-specific autoimmune disease. Epitope mapping studies have shown that the autoimmune response to TPO is directedmainly at two surface regions on the molecule: immunodominant regions A and B (IDR-A, and IDR-B). TPO has been a major target for structural studies for over 20 years; however, to date, the structure of TPO remains to be determined.We have used a molecular modelling approach to investigate plausible modes of TPO structure and dimer organisation. Sequence features of the C-Terminus are consistent with a coiled-coil dimerization motif thatmost likely anchors the TPO dimer in the apicalmembrane of thyroid follicular cells. Two contrasting models of TPO were produced, differing in the orientation and exposure of their active sites relative to the membrane. Both models are equally plausible based upon the known enzymatic function of TPO. The "trans" model places IDR-B on the membrane-facing side of themyeloperoxidase (MPO)-like domain, potentially hindering access of autoantibodies, necessitating considerable conformational change, and perhaps even dissociation of the dimer into monomers. IDR-A spans MPO-And CCP-like domains and is relatively fragmented compared to IDR-B, therefore most likely requiring domain rearrangements in order to coalesce into one compact epitope. Less epitope fragmentation and higher solvent accessibility of the "cis" model favours it slightly over the "trans" model. Here, IDR-B clusters towards the surface of the MPO-like domain facing the thyroid follicular lumen preventing steric hindrance of autoantibodies. However, conformational rearrangements may still be necessary to allow full engagement with autoantibodies, with IDR-B on both models being close to the dimer interface. Taken together, themodelling highlights the need to consider the oligomeric state of TPO, its conformational properties, and its proximity to the membrane, when interpreting epitope-mapping data.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0142615
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume10
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2015
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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