Intramolecular interactions between folded and disordered regions shape ubiquilin structure and function

Multidomain proteins consist of folded domains connected by intrinsically disordered regions. The flexibility afforded by the disordered regions coupled to the structure and surface chemistry of folded regions allows for unique structural and functional features in these proteins. Yet how intramolecular interactions between disordered regions and folded domains affect multidomain protein structure and function remain poorly understood. Here we use a range of biophysical and computational approaches to measure the intramolecular interactions between the folded domains and disordered regions of ubiquilins (UBQLNs) - essential components of protein quality control that shuttle poly-ubiquitinated client proteins to proteasomal degradation or autophagy. Starting with the yeast UBQLN homolog Dsk2, we find that interactions between two folded domains located at the opposite ends of UBQLN bring about a closed conformation. The prevalence of this closed conformation, however, is modulated by intramolecular interactions involving the disordered regions and folded STI1 domain at the center of the protein. Simulations and analysis of UBQLN homologs across multiple eukaryotic lineages reveals that these disordered:folded domain interactions exist in some UBQLN homologs but are absent in others, indicating possible fundamental differences in function among proteins with the same multidomain architecture.