A B S T R A C TBackground: PLCg enzymes are key nodes in cellular signal transduction and their mutated and rare variants have been recently implicated in development of a range of diseases with unmet need including cancer, complex immune disorders, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. However, molecular nature of activation and the impact and dysregulation mechanisms by mutations, remain unclear; both are critically dependent on comprehensive characterization of the intact PLCg enzymes. Methods: For structural studies we applied cryo-EM, cross-linking mass spectrometry and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. In parallel, we compiled mutations linked to main pathologies, established their distribution and assessed their impact in cells and in vitro. Findings: We define structure of a complex containing an intact, autoinhibited PLCg1 and the intracellular part of FGFR1 and show that the interaction is centred on the nSH2 domain of PLCg1. We define the architecture of PLCg1 where an autoinhibitory interface involves the cSH2, spPH, TIM-barrel and C2 domains; this relative orientation occludes PLCg1 access to its substrate. Based on this framework and functional characterization, the mechanism leading to an increase in PLCg1 activity for the largest group of mutations is consistent with the major, direct impact on the autoinhibitory interface. Interpretation: We reveal features of PLCg enzymes that are important for determining their activation status. Targeting such features, as an alternative to targeting the PLC active site that has so far not been achieved for any PLC, could provide new routes for clinical interventions related to various pathologies driven by PLCg deregulation. Fund: CR UK, MRC and AstaZeneca.
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