Syk/Zap70 family kinases are essential for signaling via multichain immune-recognition receptors such as the tetrameric (αβγ2) FcϵRI. The simplest model assumes that Syk activation occurs through cis binding of its tandem SH2 domains to dual phosphotyrosines within immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs of individual γ chains. In this model, Syk activity is modulated by phosphorylation occurring between adjacent Syk molecules docked on γ homodimers and by Lyn molecules bound to FcϵRIβ However, the mechanistic details of Syk docking on γ homodimers are not fully resolved, particularly the possibility of trans binding orientations and the impact of Y130 autophosphorylation within Syk interdomain A. Analytical modeling shows that multivalent interactions lead to increased WT Syk cis-oriented binding by three orders of magnitude. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show increased inter-SH2 flexibility in a Y130E phosphomimetic form of Syk, associated with reduced overall helicity of interdomain A. Hybrid MD/worm-like chain polymer models show that the Y130E substitution reduces cis binding of Syk. We report computational models and estimates of relative binding for all possible cis and trans 2:2 Syk:FcϵRIγ complexes. Calcium imaging experiments confirm model predictions that cis binding of WT Syk is strongly preferred for efficient signaling, while trans conformations trigger weak but measurable responses.

Molecular aspects of multivalent engagement between Syk and FcϵRIγ