The Axial Channel of the 20 S Proteasome Opens Upon Binding of the PA200 Activator Original Research Article

Proteasomes consist of a proteolytic core called the 20 S particle and ancillary factors that regulate its activity in various ways. PA200 has been identified as a large (200 kDa) nuclear protein that stimulates proteasomal hydrolysis of peptides. To characterize its interaction with the 20 S core, we have visualized PA200-20 S complexes by electron microscopy. Monomers of PA200 bind to one or both ends of the 20 S core. Reconstructed in three dimensions to 23 Å resolution from cryo-electron micrographs of the singly bound complex, PA200 has an asymmetric dome-like structure with major and minor lobes. Taking into account previous bioinformatic analysis, it is likely to represent an irregular folding of an α-helical solenoid composed of HEAT-like repeats. PA200 makes contact with all α-subunits except α7, and this interaction induces an opening of the axial channel through the α-ring. Thus, the activation mechanism of PA200 is expressed via its allosteric effects on the 20 S core particle, perhaps facilitating release of digestion products or the entrance of substrates.