Mutations in Hsp40 co-chaperone change the unique canonical inter-domain interactions stimulating LGMDD1 myopathy

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy D1 (LGMDD1) is a rare, dominantly inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the HSP40 co-chaperone DNAJB6, primarily in the GF or J-domains. Currently, no treatments are available, and a challenge in understanding the disease is identifying a specific client protein for DNAJB6 in skeletal muscle. Our previous research indicated that LGMDD1 GF domain mutants in Sis1 exhibit substrate-specific effects, influenced by HSP70 activity. Herein, we found that novel mutations in the J-domain similarly affected chaperone function. The J-domain mutants exhibited variable substrate processing, reduced binding affinity to client-substrate, and decreased stimulation of Ssa1 ATP hydrolysis, with these effects being substrate-conformer-specific. Our simulation studies noted differences in inter-domain interactions linked to the mutants, which influence the Hsp40-Hsp70 ATPase cycle. These mechanistic insights enhance our understanding of LGMDD1 myopathy and help to identify potential treatment strategies in the future.