A nucleotide code governs Lis1’s ability to relieve dynein autoinhibition

Dynein-1 is a microtubule motor responsible for the transport of cytoplasmic cargoes. Activation of motility requires it first overcome an autoinhibited state prior to its assembly with dynactin and a cargo adaptor. Studies suggest that Lis1 may relieve dynein’s autoinhibited state. However, evidence for this mechanism is lacking. We first set out to determine the rules governing dynein-Lis1 binding, which reveals that their binding affinity is regulated by the nucleotide-bound states of each of three nucleotide-binding pockets within the dynein motor domain. We also find that distinct nucleotide ‘codes’ coordinate dynein-Lis1 binding stoichiometry by impacting binding affinity at two different sites within the dynein motor domain. Electron microscopy reveals that a 1 Lis1:1 dynein complex directly promotes an open, uninhibited conformational state of dynein, whereas a 2:1 complex resembles the autoinhibited state. Cryo-EM analysis reveals the structural basis for Lis1 opening dynein relies on interactions with the linker domain.