Human CIA2A-FAM96A and CIA2B-FAM96B Integrate Iron Homeostasis and Maturation of Different Subsets of Cytosolic-Nuclear Iron-Sulfur Proteins

• CIA1, CIA2A, and CIA2B function in cytosolic-nuclear iron-sulfur protein maturation
• The CIA1-CIA2B-MMS19 targeting complex assists maturation of dedicated apoproteins
• CIA2A is specific for iron-sulfur cluster assembly of IRP1 and stabilization of IRP2
• CIA2A and CIA2B integrate iron-sulfur protein assembly and cellular iron regulation

SummaryNumerous cytosolic and nuclear proteins involved in metabolism, DNA maintenance, protein translation, or iron homeostasis depend on iron-sulfur (Fe/S) cofactors, yet their assembly is poorly defined. Here, we identify and characterize human CIA2A (FAM96A), CIA2B (FAM96B), and CIA1 (CIAO1) as components of the cytosolic Fe/S protein assembly (CIA) machinery. CIA1 associates with either CIA2A or CIA2B and the CIA-targeting factor MMS19. The CIA2B-CIA1-MMS19 complex binds to and facilitates assembly of most cytosolic-nuclear Fe/S proteins. In contrast, CIA2A specifically matures iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1), which is critical for cellular iron homeostasis. Surprisingly, a second layer of iron regulation involves the stabilization of IRP2 by CIA2A binding or upon depletion of CIA2B or MMS19, even though IRP2 lacks an Fe/S cluster. In summary, CIA2B-CIA1-MMS19 and CIA2A-CIA1 assist different branches of Fe/S protein assembly and intimately link this process to cellular iron regulation via IRP1 Fe/S cluster maturation and IRP2 stabilization.

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