Deciphering the role of Zn2+-binding histidines from TIA-1 on the assembly and dynamics of stress granules

Abstract

T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) is a key RNA-binding protein that participates in translation regulation and RNA splicing. TIA-1 undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation as a fundamental mechanism that enables the condensation of RNA and proteins into membraneless organelles called stress granules (SGs). However, this dynamic behavior can lead to aberrant fibril formation, implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, and must be tightly regulated. In this study, we investigated the role in the cell of histidine residues His94 and His96, responsible for Zn²⁺ binding. Using fluorescence microscopy, we found that the specific binding site formed by these residues is critical for SG assembly. Furthermore, it also plays a role maintaining the dynamic behavior of SG-assembled TIA-1. Collectively, our findings confirm the physiological relevance of TIA-1 His94 and His96 in the Zn²⁺-mediated regulatory mechanism for protection against fibril formation in SGs.