A quasi‐spontaneous amyloid route in a DNA binding gene regulatory domain: The papillomavirus HPV16 E2 protein

Abstract

The DNA binding domain of papillomavirus E2 proteins is at the center of the regulation of gene transcription and replication of the virus. Its unique fold consists of a β‐barrel domain that combines an eight‐stranded dimeric β‐barrel core interface with two symmetrical DNA binding α‐helices and other two helices, packed against the central barrel. Treatment with low amounts of trifluoroethanol readily leads to a mostly β‐sheet oligomeric species, with a loss of near‐UV circular dichroism signal and increase in its ANS binding capacity, indicating that buried hydrophobic surfaces become accessible to the solvent. This species subsequently undergoes a slow transition into amyloid aggregates as determined by light scattering and Congo red and thioflavin T binding. Electron microscopy shows short amyloid fibers with a curly aspect as the end product. The amyloid route is completely prevented by addition of stoichiometrical amounts of specific DNA, strongly suggesting that unfolding of the DNA binding α‐helix is required for the formation of the intermediate. The slow nature of this expanded β‐oligomeric species and the availability of several different conformational probes make it an excellent model for investigating amyloid mechanisms. The mild perturbation required for entering an amyloid route is indicative of a preexisting equilibrium. Oligomerization processes are required for the assembly of transcription initiation and DNA replication machineries, where proteins from different viruses must come together with host cell proteins. The E2 protein is a virus‐encoded multifunctional master regulator that may exert one of its multiple functions through its ability to oligomerize.