Nebulin in Z-discs and Costameres

Deciphering the molecular interactions of proteins forming Z-lines is pivotal for understanding the regulation of myofibril assembly, sarcomeric organization, and mechanical properties of striated muscle. The purpose of this study is to searched for potential novel ligands of the Z-line portion of nebulin. In this study interacting proteins with intra-Z-line region of nebulin were screened using a yeast two-hybrid approach. The interaction was conformed by GST pull-down assay. We identified 269 residues within villin/gelsolin homology domain of supervillin that intreacts with the serine rich region of nebulin. The specific interactions of nebulin and supervillin were confirmed in vitro by GST pull-down experiments. Our data suggest that supervillin attaches directly to the Z-line through its interaction with the serine rich domain of nebulin in skeletal muscles. This interaction may link myofibrillar Z-discs to the membrane-associated complexes, costameres.