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Centrioles are evolutionarily conserved cylindrical cell organelles with characteristic radial symmetry. Despite their considerable size (400 nm × 200 nm, in humans), genetic studies suggest that relatively few protein components are involved in their assembly. We recently characterized the molecular architecture of the centrosomal P4.1-associated protein (CPAP), which is crucial for controlling the centriolar cylinder length. Here, we review the remarkable architecture of the C-terminal domain of CPAP, termed the G-box, which comprises a single, entirely solvent exposed, antiparallel β-sheet. Molecular dynamics simulations support the stability of the G-box domain even in the face of truncations or amino acid substitutions. The similarity of the G-box domain to amyloids (or amyloid precursors) is strengthened by its oligomeric arrangement to form continuous fibrils. G-box fibrils were observed in crystals as well as in solution and are also supported by simulations. We conclude that the G-box domain may well represent the best analogue currently available for studies of exposed β-sheets, unencumbered by additional structural elements or severe aggregations problems.

Original publication

DOI

10.1042/BST20150082

Type

Journal article

Journal

Biochem Soc Trans

Publication Date

10/2015

Volume

43

Pages

838 - 843

Keywords

CPAP, b-sheet, centriole, fibril, structure, Amyloid, Animals, Centrioles, Drosophila Proteins, Humans, Microtubule-Associated Proteins, Models, Molecular, Mutation, Protein Aggregation, Pathological, Protein Conformation, Protein Folding, Protein Stability, Protein Structure, Secondary, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Structural Homology, Protein, Zebrafish Proteins