Identification of a novel ATPase activity in 14-3-3 proteins - Evidence from enzyme kinetics, structure guided modeling and mutagenesis studies

14-3-3 Proteins bind phosphorylated sequences in proteins and regulate multiple cellular functions. For the first time, we show that pure recombinant human 14-3-3 ζ, γ, ε and τ isofoms hydrolyze ATP with similar Km and kcat values. In sharp contrast the sigma isoform has no detectable activity. Docking studies identify two putative binding pockets in 14-3-3 zeta. Mutation of D124A in the amphipathic pocket enhances binding affinity and catalysis. Mutation of a critical Arg (R55A) at the dimer interface in zeta reduces binding and decreases catalysis. These experimental results coincide with a binding pose at the dimer interface. This newly identified function could be a moon lighting function in some of these isoforms.