cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is one of the most ubiquitous kinases in cells that relies on four functionally non-redundant cAMP sensing Regulatory (R). Largely influenced by the signaling state of the cell, the catalytic subunits of PKA exist in either the unbound active state or as part of phosphorylation-silent R- subunit nucleated macromolecular assemblies. The guiding theme of this thesis was to gain insights into RI[alpha]- mediated PKA signaling complexes utilizing X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), as well as complementary biochemical techniques. Specifically, this study targeted the elucidation of the RI[alpha] homodimer complex structure, a small membrane A- kinase anchoring protein (smAKAP) -bound RI[alpha] dimerization domain (D/D) structure, the RI[alpha] holoenzyme (RI[alpha]:C)₂ complex, and the RI-mediated interaction with P-Rex1. At the start of this project, only monomeric R structures where known, which fell short in explaining cAMP binding for the full-length protein as compared to the truncated R subunits. With X-ray crystallography, the full-length RI[alpha] homodimer structure was solved and revealed a novel, isoform- specific interface between the protomers. Next, the crystal structure of smAKAP's A-kinase binding domain (smAKAP-AKB) in complex with the dimerization/docking domain of PKA-RI[alpha] (PKA-RI[alpha]D/D) was solved, which revealed a unique interaction surface with a large number of contact residues to drive smAKAP's high specificity. Furthermore, we present insights that have been gained for the assembly and function of the RI[alpha] holoenzyme with the description of an intriguing model and a low-resolution structure. Additionally, a focus on disease mutations of the RI[alpha] gene uncovers explanations for the downstream molecular effects that result in the severe clinical outcomes of Carney Complex disease and acrodysostosis-1. Finally, the RI-subunits' C- termini potential as a scaffolding module was tested. Based on our experiments we propose a binding model for the PDZ domains of P-Rex1 to the RI[alpha]/[Beta]CNB-B domain. In summary, this thesis emphasizes RI[alpha] as an essential regulator and partner for PKA cell signaling assemblies

The regulatory (R) subunit is the cAMP receptor of protein kinase A. Following cAMP binding, the inactive PKA holoenzyme complex separates into two active catalytic (C) subunits and a cAMP-bound R dimer. Thus far, only monomeric R structures have been solved, which fell short in explaining differences of cAMP binding for the full-length protein as compared to the truncated R subunits. Here we solved a full-length R-dimer structure that reflects the biologically relevant conformation, and this structure agrees well with small angle X-ray scattering. An isoform-specific interface is revealed between the protomers. This interface acts as an intermolecular sensor for cAMP and explains the cooperative character of cAMP binding to the RIα dimer. Mutagenesis of residues on this interface not only leads to structural and biochemical changes, but is also linked to Carney complex disease.

It is difficult to imagine where the signaling community would be today without the Protein Data Bank. This visionary resource, established in the 1970s, has been an essential partner for sharing information between academics and industry for over 3 decades. We describe here the history of our journey with the protein kinases using cAMP-dependent protein kinase as a prototype. We summarize what we have learned since the first structure, published in 1991, why our journey is still ongoing, and why it has been essential to share our structural information. For regulation of kinase activity, we focus on the cAMP-binding protein kinase regulatory subunits. By exploring full-length macromolecular complexes, we discovered not only allostery but also an essential motif originally attributed to crystal packing. Massive genomic data on disease mutations allows us to now revisit crystal packing as a treasure chest of possible protein:protein interfaces where the biological significance and disease relevance can be validated. It provides a new window into exploring dynamic intrinsically disordered regions that previously were deleted, ignored, or attributed to crystal packing. Merging of crystallography with cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, NMR, and millisecond molecular dynamics simulations is opening a new world for the signaling community where those structure coordinates, deposited in the Protein Data Bank, are just a starting point!

Most disease-related mutations that impair cAMP protein kinase A (PKA) signaling are present within the regulatory (R) PKA RI alpha-subunit (RIα). Although mutations in the PRKAR1A gene are linked to Carney complex (CNC) disease and, more recently, to acrodysostosis-1 (ACRDYS1), the two diseases show contrasting phenotypes. While CNC mutations cause increased PKA activity, ACRDYS1 mutations result in decreased PKA activity and cAMP resistant holoenzymes. Mapping the ACRDYS1 disease mutations reveals their localization to the second of two tandem cAMP-binding (CNB) domains (CNB-B), and here, we characterize a recurrent deletion mutant where the last 14 residues are missing. The crystal structure of a monomeric form of this mutant (RIα92-365) bound to the catalytic (C)-subunit reveals the dysfunctional regions of the RIα subunit. Beyond the missing residues, the entire capping motif is disordered (residues 357-379) and explains the disrupted cAMP binding. Moreover, the effects of the mutation extend far beyond the CNB-B domain and include the active site and N-lobe of the C-subunit, which is in a partially open conformation with the C-tail disordered. A key residue that contributes to this crosstalk, D267, is altered in our structure, and we confirmed its functional importance by mutagenesis. In particular, the D267 interaction with Arg241, a residue shown earlier to be important for allosteric regulation, is disrupted, thereby strengthening the interaction of D267 with the C-subunit residue Arg194 at the R:C interface. We see here how the switch between active (cAMP-bound) and inactive (holoenzyme) conformations is perturbed and how the dynamically controlled crosstalk between the helical domains of the two CNB domains is necessary for the functional regulation of PKA activity.

The covalent reversible modification of proteins is a validated strategy for the development of probes and candidate therapeutics. However, the covalent reversible targeting of noncatalytic lysines is particularly challenging. Herein, we characterize the 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde (HNA) fragment as a targeted covalent reversible ligand of a noncatalytic lysine (Lys⁷²⁰) of the Krev interaction trapped 1 (KRIT1) protein. We show that the interaction of HNA with KRIT1 is highly specific, results in prolonged residence time of >8 h, and inhibits the Heart of glass 1 (HEG1)-KRIT1 protein-protein interaction (PPI). Screening of HNA derivatives identified analogs exhibiting similar binding modes as the parent fragment but faster target engagement and stronger inhibition activity. These results demonstrate that HNA is an efficient site-directing fragment with promise in developing HEG1-KRIT1 PPI inhibitors. Further, the aldimine chemistry, when coupled with templating effects that promote proximity, can produce a long-lasting reversible covalent modification of noncatalytic lysines.

The Hedgehog (Hh) cascade is central to development, tissue homeostasis and cancer. A pivotal step in Hh signal transduction is the activation of glioma-associated (GLI) transcription factors by the atypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) SMOOTHENED (SMO). How SMO activates GLI remains unclear. Here we show that SMO uses a decoy substrate sequence to physically block the active site of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunit (PKA-C) and extinguish its enzymatic activity. As a result, GLI is released from phosphorylation-induced inhibition. Using a combination of in vitro, cellular and organismal models, we demonstrate that interfering with SMO-PKA pseudosubstrate interactions prevents Hh signal transduction. The mechanism uncovered echoes one used by the Wnt cascade, revealing an unexpected similarity in how these two essential developmental and cancer pathways signal intracellularly. More broadly, our findings define a mode of GPCR-PKA communication that may be harnessed by a range of membrane receptors and kinases.