Cryo-EM reveals alternative modes of dimerization driving activation of IKK
The inhibitor of {kappa}B kinase (IKK) complex integrates diverse cellular inflammatory responses, and induces transcription factor NF-{kappa}B. The molecular mechanism by which IKK becomes catalytically active in response to signaling remains unclear despite structural knowledge of the individual IKK1/, IKK2/{beta}, and NEMO/IKK{gamma} protein components within its hetero-oligomeric assembly. Cryo-EM of the IKK2/{beta} homodimer bound to an associating NEMO/IKK{gamma} protein fragment, reveals multiple conformers. Mutual exclusivity of dimeric conformers, canonical versus alternate, is reflected in and dependent upon order-to-disorder transition of the canonical 6-helical bundle dimerization interface. Correlation of this unusual structural plasticity of IKK2/{beta} with its biochemical and cellular activities suggests mechanistic possibilities for how association with its partner scaffold protein NEMO/IKK{gamma} and polyubiquitin chains might dictate catalytic activation of IKK through distinct IKK2/{beta} conformers. SignificanceThe inhibitor of {kappa}B kinase (IKK) complex is central to inflammatory signaling via the NF-{kappa}B family transcription factors. Its activation mechanism has remained unclear. Cryo-EM analysis reveals that the constituent kinase IKK2/{beta} adopts structurally distinct, mutually exclusive dimeric conformations controlled by an ordered-to-disordered transition at its canonical dimerization interface. Stabilization of select IKK2/{beta} conformers by the scaffold protein NEMO in association with poly-ubiquitin chains is regulated through modular architecture and structural plasticity of distinctive kinase-associated domains, present only in kinases of this family. This unique regulatory mechanism governing catalytic activation of IKK2/{beta} provides a conceptual framework for targeting dysregulated NF-{kappa}B signaling in human diseases.