Z-α1-antitrypsin polymers impose molecular filtration in the endoplasmic reticulum after undergoing phase transition to a solid state.
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Misfolding of secretory proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) features in many human diseases. In α1-antitrypsin deficiency, the pathogenic Z variant aberrantly assembles into polymers in the hepatocyte ER, leading to cirrhosis. We show that α1-antitrypsin polymers undergo a liquid:solid phase transition, forming a protein matrix that retards mobility of ER proteins by size-dependent molecular filtration. The Z-α1-antitrypsin phase transition is promoted during ER stress by an ATF6-mediated unfolded protein response. Furthermore, the ER chaperone calreticulin promotes Z-α1-antitrypsin solidification and increases protein matrix stiffness. Single-particle tracking reveals that solidification initiates in cells with normal ER morphology, previously assumed to represent a healthy pool. We show that Z-α1-antitrypsin-induced hypersensitivity to ER stress can be explained by immobilization of ER chaperones within the polymer matrix. This previously unidentified mechanism of ER dysfunction provides a template for understanding a diverse group of related proteinopathies and identifies ER chaperones as potential therapeutic targets.
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2375-2548
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Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/H018301/1)
Wellcome Trust (093026/Z/10/Z)
Wellcome Trust (089703/Z/09/Z)
Wellcome Trust (100140/Z/12/Z)
Medical Research Council (MR/K015850/1)
Medical Research Council (MR/K02292X/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/L015889/1)
Medical Research Council (MR/R009120/1)
MRC (MR/V028669/1)
Medical Research Council (MR/S005552/1)
Wellcome Trust (203249/Z/16/Z)
Wellcome Trust (218651/Z/19/Z)
Medical Research Council (G1002610)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/S009000/1)