DNAJC28

UniProt ID: Q9NX36
Organism: Homo sapiens
Review Status: COMPLETE
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Gene Description

DNAJC28 (C21orf55/C21orf78) is a poorly characterized member of the DnaJ/HSP40 (J-domain) co-chaperone family encoded on chromosome 21. It contains a canonical J domain together with a predicted coiled-coil region, and its N-terminus resembles a mitochondrial-targeting presequence, suggesting it may act as a mitochondrial J-domain co-chaperone. By analogy to other J-domain proteins it is presumed to assist HSP70-type chaperones in protein folding, but no substrate, partner chaperone, or cellular process has been experimentally established. It is expressed in brain, testis, uterus, spleen and liver (tissue-enhanced in testis) and is phosphorylated at Thr-347.

Existing Annotations Review

GO Term Evidence Action Reason
GO:0001659 temperature homeostasis
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: Phylogenetic (IBA) transfer of "temperature homeostasis" from a broad PANTHER family node. There is no experimental evidence that DNAJC28 participates in temperature homeostasis, and this protein is otherwise essentially uncharacterized.
Reason: The biological process is inferred only by phylogenetic grouping with distantly related family members; no direct or organism-specific evidence supports a role for DNAJC28 in temperature homeostasis.
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt
May have a role in protein folding or as a chaperone.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:24407287
Promyelocytic leukemia protein interacts with the apoptosis-...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: A single AgBase-curated interaction (with PYCARD/ASC, Q9ULZ3) reported in a study focused on PML and the ASC inflammasome. The bare protein binding term is uninformative and the interaction does not establish a chaperone function for DNAJC28.
Reason: Records a real but isolated interaction; bare protein binding is uninformative per curation guidelines and there is no specific molecular function that this single high-throughput hit justifies.
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-goa.tsv
UniProtKB:Q9ULZ3

Core Functions

J-domain (HSP40) co-chaperone. The J domain is structurally confirmed competent (intact HPD motif and canonical fold; sub-2 Angstrom RMSD to the Hsp70 interaction surface of DNAJA1), so it is predicted to engage HSP70-type chaperones to assist protein folding, though no substrate, partner, or direct ATPase- stimulation assay has yet been experimentally validated. Its N-terminal sequence suggests a mitochondrial localization.

Supporting Evidence:
  • file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt
    May have a role in protein folding or as a chaperone.
  • file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-hypotheses/jdomain-hpd-motif/openscientist.md
    All structural requirements for Hsp70 ATPase stimulation are met.

References

Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
Promyelocytic leukemia protein interacts with the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein to limit inflammasome activation.
file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt
UniProt entry Q9NX36 (DJC28_HUMAN), DnaJ homolog subfamily C member 28
  • J-domain (HSP40) protein with a predicted coiled-coil; function annotated only as a possible role in protein folding or as a chaperone; expressed in brain, testis, uterus, spleen and liver; phosphorylated at Thr-347.
file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-hypotheses/jdomain-hpd-motif/openscientist.md
OpenScientist hypothesis run: DNAJC28 J-domain HPD-motif check
  • Structurally supports a functional J-domain co-chaperone - DNAJC28 has an intact HPD tripeptide (H79-P80-D81) in a canonically folded J-domain, sub-2 A RMSD to DNAJA1's Hsp70-interaction surface, and the HPD is conserved in 18/20 vertebrate orthologs; it is not a degenerate pseudo-co-chaperone. Caveat - no direct Hsp70 ATPase-stimulation assay has been published.
    "DNAJC28 is a structurally competent Hsp70 co-chaperone, not a degenerate J-domain protein."

Suggested Questions for Experts

Q: Is DNAJC28 a genuine mitochondrial J-domain co-chaperone, and which HSP70-type partner (e.g. mortalin/HSPA9) does it stimulate?

Q: Does DNAJC28 have any client proteins or a defined cellular process, or is it functionally redundant/vestigial?

Suggested Experiments

Experiment: Subcellular fractionation and fluorescence microscopy of tagged DNAJC28 to test the predicted mitochondrial localization and import dependence on the N-terminal presequence.

Experiment: In vitro HSP70 ATPase-stimulation assay with recombinant DNAJC28 (and HPD-motif mutant) to test whether the J domain is a functional co-chaperone.

Experiment: Affinity purification-mass spectrometry of DNAJC28 to identify its chaperone partners and candidate clients beyond the single reported ASC interaction.

Deep Research

OpenScientist

(DNAJC28-hypotheses/jdomain-hpd-motif/openscientist.md)
DNAJC28 J-Domain Functional Analysis: Is DNAJC28 a Bona Fide Hsp70 Co-chaperone or a Degenerate J-Domain Protein? OpenScientist openscientist-autonomous 9 citations 8 artifacts 2026-06-22T05:17:07.544920 citations file

DNAJC28 J-Domain Functional Analysis: Is DNAJC28 a Bona Fide Hsp70 Co-chaperone or a Degenerate J-Domain Protein?

Executive Judgment

Verdict: Supported โ€” DNAJC28 is a structurally competent Hsp70 co-chaperone, not a degenerate J-domain protein.

DNAJC28 contains an intact HPD (His-Pro-Asp) tripeptide motif at positions H79-P80-D81, situated within a well-folded J-domain (residues 51โ€“115) that exhibits canonical helix II / HPD loop / helix III architecture. Structural superposition against the well-characterized co-chaperone DNAJA1 demonstrates that the critical Hsp70 interaction surface โ€” Helix II and the HPD loop โ€” is conserved at sub-2 ร… RMSD. The HPD motif is retained across 18 of 20 vertebrate orthologs spanning over 400 million years of evolution, indicating strong purifying selection on co-chaperone function. Family-specific post-HPD loop variants (S/G at position +1 instead of canonical K/R) are themselves conserved across all DNAJC28 orthologs, consistent with partner-specificity modulation rather than functional degeneration. All structural requirements for Hsp70 ATPase stimulation are met. The most important caveat is that no direct biochemical assay of DNAJC28-stimulated Hsp70 ATPase activity has been published.


Summary

DNAJC28 (UniProt Q9NX36) is a 388-amino acid human protein classified in the DnaJ/Hsp40 (J-domain) family but poorly characterized experimentally. The seed hypothesis asks whether DNAJC28 contains a functional J-domain with the structural features required to stimulate Hsp70 ATPase activity โ€” specifically an intact HPD tripeptide and the helix II / loop geometry that constitutes the Hsp70 interaction surface โ€” or whether it is a degenerate J-domain protein for which co-chaperone activity should not be assumed.

Through sequence analysis of the DNAJC28 protein and its orthologs, AlphaFold structure confidence assessment, and structural superposition against the canonical co-chaperone DNAJA1, this investigation establishes that DNAJC28 possesses all the hallmarks of a functional Hsp70 co-chaperone. The J-domain is confidently folded (mean pLDDT 87.3), the HPD motif is intact and highly conserved, and the Hsp70 interaction surface superimposes onto DNAJA1 at <2 ร… RMSD. The only notable sequence deviation โ€” S/G residues at the post-HPD +1/+2 positions instead of canonical K/R and N โ€” is itself deeply conserved across DNAJC28 orthologs and is more consistent with evolved partner specificity than with loss of function. No experimental evidence of co-chaperone activity exists for DNAJC28, but all computational and structural indicators support functional competence.

This finding is directly relevant to GO curation: DNAJC28 should be annotated with Hsp70-related molecular function terms (e.g., "Hsp70 protein binding" or "ATPase activator activity") based on structural/evolutionary evidence, with the caveat that experimental validation is still needed. The protein should not be treated as a degenerate or pseudogene-like J-domain family member.


Key Findings

Finding 1: DNAJC28 Contains an Intact HPD Motif Within a Confidently Folded J-Domain

Sequence analysis of DNAJC28 (UniProt Q9NX36, 388 amino acids) identifies the HPD tripeptide at positions H79-P80-D81, located within the UniProt-annotated J-domain spanning residues 51โ€“115 (65 amino acids). The AlphaFold predicted structure (AF-Q9NX36-F1) reveals the J-domain as the most confidently predicted region of the protein, with a mean pLDDT score of 87.3 (confident-to-very-high), compared to 72.6 for the remainder of the protein. The HPD residues themselves are predicted with high confidence: H79 = 90.0 pLDDT, P80 = 86.2 pLDDT, and D81 = 88.2 pLDDT.

Cross-species conservation analysis of DNAJC28 orthologs across 20 species โ€” spanning mammals (human, mouse, rat, cow), amphibians (Xenopus), and ray-finned fish (zebrafish, salmon, killifish, barramundi) โ€” shows that the HPD motif is intact in 18 of 20 orthologs examined, representing over 400 million years of vertebrate evolution. This deep conservation under purifying selection is a hallmark of functionally essential residues.

The HPD motif is the single most critical determinant of J-domain function. As demonstrated by Sohn et al. (2001), mutation of the HPD histidine to glutamine in P58(IPK) abolished Hsp70 ATPase stimulation (PMID: 11939789). Chevalier et al. (2000) showed that physical interactions between the J-domain protein MTJ1 and BiP/GRP78 "are stable and can be abolished by a single histidine โ†’ glutamine substitution in the highly conserved HPD motif shared by all DnaJ-like proteins" (PMID: 10777498). The intact HPD in DNAJC28 satisfies this essential requirement.

{{figure:dnajc28_jdomain_analysis.png|caption=DNAJC28 domain architecture showing the J-domain with intact HPD motif, cross-species conservation, and functional scorecard summarizing all structural requirements for Hsp70 co-chaperone activity.}}

Finding 2: Canonical Helix II / HPD Loop / Helix III Architecture Is Present

Beyond the HPD motif itself, Hsp70 ATPase stimulation requires proper spatial presentation of the HPD loop, flanked by helix II (which contacts the Hsp70 nucleotide-binding domain) and helix III. AlphaFold structure analysis using CA(i)โ€“CA(i+3) distance measurements identifies the following secondary structure elements in the DNAJC28 J-domain:

Element Residues Length CA Distance Pattern
Helix I ~45โ€“54 10 residues alpha-helical
Loop Iโ€“II 55โ€“62 8 residues Extended/loop
Helix II 63โ€“76 14 residues All CA distances 5.0โ€“5.8 Angstrom (alpha-helix)
HPD loop 77โ€“87 11 residues CA distances 7โ€“10 Angstrom (loop)
Helix III/IV 88โ€“115+ 28+ residues alpha-helical

Helix II contains residues K73, L74, and K76, providing the amphipathic character needed for the Hsp70 nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) interface. A conserved tyrosine at the HPD-1 position (Y78) is also present. As established by Zuiderweg et al. (2025), "it is well-established that JD interaction involves the conserved histidine-proline-aspartic acid (HPD) motif and residues in helices II and III" and that "JD binding rearranges the NBD nucleotide-binding pocket into a hydrolysis competent state" (PMID: 41855186). DNAJC28 satisfies all these structural requirements.

{{figure:dnajc28_plddt_profile.png|caption=AlphaFold pLDDT confidence profile for DNAJC28 with J-domain secondary structure annotations. The J-domain region (residues 51โ€“115) shows consistently high confidence scores, with the HPD motif residues at 86โ€“90 pLDDT.}}

Finding 3: Post-HPD Loop Variants Are Family-Conserved, Not Degenerative

A notable sequence deviation was identified: at HPD+1 (position 82), DNAJC28 has serine or glycine (never the canonical lysine/arginine found in DNAJA1, DNAJA2, DNAJB1, DNAJC5, DNAJC10, and E. coli DnaJ), and at HPD+2 (position 83), DNAJC28 has invariant glycine (instead of canonical asparagine). This substitution pattern is itself deeply conserved across all DNAJC28 orthologs examined โ€” from fish to mammals โ€” indicating it arose early in vertebrate evolution and has been maintained by purifying selection.

This conservation pattern argues against loss of function: if these residues were degenerative drift, one would expect random substitutions across species rather than a single conserved alternative. The data are more consistent with partner-specificity modulation. Malinverni et al. (2023) demonstrated that "key residues within the J-domains have coevolved with their obligatory Hsp70 partners" (PMID: 37523524), supporting the interpretation that DNAJC28's post-HPD variants reflect selection for interaction with a specific Hsp70 family member rather than ablation of co-chaperone function.

Finding 4: Structural Superposition Confirms Hsp70 Interaction Surface Conservation at Sub-2 Angstrom RMSD

Kabsch superposition of DNAJC28 (AlphaFold AF-Q9NX36-F1) against DNAJA1 (AlphaFold AF-P31689-F1) J-domains, aligned on the HPD motif, yielded the following RMSD values:

Region RMSD (Angstrom) Residues Aligned Interpretation
Overall J-domain 5.32 63 Moderate divergence
Helix II 1.78 14 Highly conserved
HPD loop 1.95 3 Highly conserved
Helix III 5.88 20 Divergent

The functional interaction surface (Helix II + HPD loop) is structurally conserved at sub-2 Angstrom RMSD โ€” well within the range expected for functionally equivalent structural elements. The proline of the HPD motif (P80) superposes at only 0.93 Angstrom, indicating near-identical backbone geometry at the most critical position. The divergence of Helix III is consistent with DNAJC28 having a longer helix III/IV (28+ residues vs ~15 in DNAJA1), which may adopt a different orientation for partner-specific interactions. This finding is notable because Bhatt et al. (2006) showed that in polyomavirus T antigens, Hsc70 unexpectedly contacts "the C-terminal end of helix III" in addition to helix II and the HPD loop (PMID: 16734427), suggesting that helix III divergence could contribute to Hsp70 partner discrimination.

{{figure:dnajc28_structural_analysis.png|caption=Structural superposition analysis showing per-residue distances between DNAJC28 and DNAJA1 J-domains, with pLDDT confidence profile. The Hsp70 interaction surface (Helix II + HPD) is conserved at sub-2 Angstrom RMSD despite overall divergence.}}


Evidence Matrix

Citation Evidence Type Direction Claim Tested Key Finding Context Confidence
This study (computational) Computational โ€” sequence Supports HPD motif intact H79-P80-D81 present; conserved in 18/20 orthologs Human, vertebrate orthologs High; direct sequence observation
This study (computational) Computational โ€” structure Supports Helix II / HPD loop architecture AlphaFold pLDDT 87.3 for J-domain; helix II 14 residues, proper CA distances Human, AlphaFold v2 High; pLDDT >85
This study (computational) Computational โ€” structural comparison Supports Hsp70 interaction surface conserved Helix II RMSD 1.78 Angstrom, HPD RMSD 1.95 Angstrom vs DNAJA1 Human, AlphaFold models High; sub-2 Angstrom RMSD
This study (computational) Computational โ€” conservation Qualifies Post-HPD loop residues S/G at +1 instead of K/R; conserved across all orthologs Vertebrate orthologs Moderate; may affect affinity/specificity
PMID: 41855186 Review โ€” mechanistic Supports HPD + helix II/III required for Hsp70 ATPase stimulation "JD interaction involves the conserved HPD motif and residues in helices II and III" General J-domain mechanism High; comprehensive 2026 review
PMID: 10777498 Direct assay โ€” mutagenesis Supports HPD is essential for Hsp70 binding H-to-Q substitution in HPD abolishes BiP/GRP78 binding MTJ1, mammalian High; direct mutagenesis
PMID: 11939789 Direct assay โ€” functional Supports HPD is essential for ATPase stimulation HPD mutations disrupt Hsp70 ATPase stimulation P58(IPK), mammalian/E. coli High; cross-species complementation
PMID: 37523524 Computational โ€” genomics Qualifies J-domain coevolution with Hsp70 partners "Key residues within the J-domains have coevolved with their obligatory Hsp70 partners" Large-scale genomic analysis Moderate; supports partner-specificity hypothesis
PMID: 16734427 Direct assay โ€” NMR/mutagenesis Qualifies Helix III contributes to Hsp70 specificity Hsc70 contacts helix III C-terminus in PyJ; helix III mutations impair ATPase stimulation Polyomavirus T antigens, mammalian Hsc70 Moderate; different J-domain family
PMID: 16014958 Direct assay โ€” mutagenesis Supports Multiple J-domain residues matter for function 63 large T mutants: HPD critical; helix II/III residues also required for function Polyomavirus, yeast/mammalian Moderate; viral J-domain
PMID: 10369787 Direct assay โ€” SPR Supports HPD mutation abolishes DnaK-DnaJ interaction DnaJ259 (HPD mutant) shows no detectable DnaK interaction E. coli DnaK/DnaJ High; quantitative binding data

GO Curation Implications

Based on the structural and evolutionary evidence gathered, the following GO annotation actions are recommended as leads:

1. Molecular Function (MF):
- Candidate term: GO:0051087 โ€” "chaperone binding" or more specifically GO:0030544 โ€” "Hsp70 protein binding"
- Evidence basis: Intact HPD motif, conserved Hsp70 interaction surface (Helix II + HPD at sub-2 Angstrom RMSD vs DNAJA1), evolutionary conservation across vertebrates
- Evidence code: ISS (Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity) or ISM (Inferred from Sequence Model)
- Qualifier: This is structural/computational prediction; IDA (Inferred from Direct Assay) requires experimental Hsp70 binding data

  • Candidate term (stronger, if experimentally confirmed): GO:0001671 โ€” "ATPase activator activity" (child of GO:0008047 "enzyme activator activity")
  • Evidence basis: All structural requirements for ATPase stimulation are met, but this is a functional prediction requiring experimental confirmation
  • Evidence code: ISS, pending experimental IDA

2. Biological Process (BP):
- Candidate term: GO:0006457 โ€” "protein folding" (broad) or GO:0051085 โ€” "chaperone cofactor-dependent protein refolding"
- Evidence basis: Structural competence for Hsp70 co-chaperone activity; however, the actual substrate and biological context of DNAJC28 are unknown
- This annotation would be appropriate only with IEA/ISS evidence codes and should be flagged as provisional

3. Cellular Component (CC):
- No specific CC annotation is supported by this analysis. DNAJC28 localization has not been experimentally determined in the literature reviewed.

Key Curation Considerations

  • DNAJC28 should NOT be annotated as a "degenerate" or "pseudogene-like" J-domain protein. All structural hallmarks of a functional Hsp70 co-chaperone are present.
  • The post-HPD S/G variant is a family-specific feature, not evidence of degeneration. Avoid penalizing annotations based on this deviation.
  • The term "protein binding" (GO:0005515) is too generic. "Hsp70 protein binding" (GO:0030544) or "chaperone binding" (GO:0051087) would be more informative and is supported by the structural evidence.
  • Until direct biochemical assay data are available, annotations should carry ISS/ISM evidence codes rather than IDA.

Mechanistic Scope

Direct Gene-Product Activity (Hypothesis Under Test)

The immediate molecular function under evaluation is whether DNAJC28 can act as an Hsp70 co-chaperone โ€” specifically, whether its J-domain can physically interact with an Hsp70 family member and stimulate ATP hydrolysis. This requires:

  1. Intact HPD motif โ€” Present (H79-P80-D81)
  2. Properly folded helix II โ€” 14-residue alpha-helix with amphipathic character
  3. Correct helix II / HPD loop / helix III geometry โ€” Confirmed by AlphaFold and structural superposition
  4. Hsp70 interaction surface conservation โ€” Sub-2 Angstrom RMSD vs DNAJA1

What This Analysis Does NOT Address

  • Which Hsp70 partner(s) DNAJC28 interacts with โ€” The post-HPD S/G variants and divergent helix III suggest partner specificity, but the identity of the obligate Hsp70 partner is unknown.
  • Substrate specificity โ€” What protein substrates DNAJC28 delivers to Hsp70 is entirely unknown.
  • Biological process context โ€” Whether DNAJC28 functions in protein folding, quality control, degradation, or a specialized pathway cannot be inferred from J-domain structure alone.
  • Disease relevance โ€” DNAJC28 variants have been linked to diabetes susceptibility (OMIM), but this is a downstream phenotypic association, not a direct functional annotation.
  • C-terminal domain function โ€” The non-J-domain portion of DNAJC28 (residues 116โ€“388, lower pLDDT = 72.6) likely determines substrate specificity and cellular context but was not the focus of this analysis.

Mechanistic Model

    DNAJC28 J-domain
    +-----------------------------------------+
    |                                         |
    Helix I ---  Loop I-II ---  Helix II ---  HPD loop  ---  Helix III/IV
   (res 45-54)   (res 55-62)  (res 63-76)  (H79-P80-D81)   (res 88-115+)
                   |              |
                   |    +---------+
                   v    v
              +-------------+
              |  Hsp70 NBD  |  <-- Interaction surface
              |  (ATPase    |      conserved at <2 A RMSD
              |   domain)   |      vs DNAJA1
              +-------------+
                    |
                    v
            ATP --> ADP + Pi
          (ATPase stimulation)
                    |
                    v
          Substrate trapping
          in Hsp70 SBD

The J-domain of DNAJC28 is predicted to interact with the Hsp70 nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) via helix II and the HPD loop, stimulating ATP hydrolysis and thereby promoting substrate trapping in the substrate-binding domain (SBD). The post-HPD S/G substitutions and elongated helix III may modulate the kinetics or specificity of this interaction.


Evidence Base

Primary Literature Supporting the Hypothesis

Zuiderweg et al. (2025/2026) โ€” Mechanism of Hsp70 activation: How J-domain proteins push for ATP hydrolysis (PMID: 41855186)
This comprehensive review establishes the current mechanistic understanding of J-domain/Hsp70 interaction. It confirms that "JD interaction involves the conserved histidine-proline-aspartic acid (HPD) motif and residues in helices II and III" and that "JD binding rearranges the NBD nucleotide-binding pocket into a hydrolysis competent state, characterized by the formation of a contact between the hydroxyl group of the universally conserved threonine 199 (T199) and the gamma-phosphate of ATP." This provides the benchmark against which DNAJC28's J-domain was evaluated.

Chevalier et al. (2000) โ€” Interaction of murine BiP/GRP78 with the DnaJ homologue MTJ1 (PMID: 10777498)
Demonstrated that "physical interactions between J-MTJ1 and BiP/GRP78 are stable and can be abolished by a single histidine to glutamine substitution in the highly conserved HPD motif shared by all DnaJ-like proteins." This establishes the HPD motif โ€” which DNAJC28 possesses intact โ€” as the essential determinant of J-domain/Hsp70 physical interaction.

Sohn et al. (2001) โ€” Inactivation of the PKR protein kinase and stimulation of mRNA translation by the cellular co-chaperone P58(IPK) does not require J domain function (PMID: 11939789)
Showed that the P58(IPK) J-domain can substitute for DnaJ in E. coli and Ydj1 in S. cerevisiae, and that HPD mutations disrupt Hsp70 ATPase stimulation. This demonstrates both the universality of HPD-dependent co-chaperone function and the functional interchangeability of J-domains across species.

Malinverni et al. (2023) โ€” Data-driven large-scale genomic analysis reveals an intricate phylogenetic and functional landscape in J-domain proteins (PMID: 37523524)
Large-scale genomic analysis showing that "key residues within the J-domains have coevolved with their obligatory Hsp70 partners." This directly supports the interpretation that DNAJC28's post-HPD sequence variants (S/G at +1 instead of K/R) reflect evolved partner specificity rather than loss of function.

Literature Providing Mechanistic Context

Bhatt et al. (2006) โ€” Hsc70 contacts helix III of the J domain from polyomavirus T antigens (PMID: 16734427)
NMR mapping showed that mammalian Hsc70 contacts "the C-terminal end of helix III" of the polyomavirus J-domain, in addition to the expected helix II and HPD contacts. This finding is relevant because DNAJC28's helix III diverges significantly from DNAJA1 (RMSD 5.88 Angstrom), which could affect Hsp70 partner selection.

Suh et al. (2005) โ€” Genetic analysis of the polyomavirus DnaJ domain (PMID: 16014958)
Detailed mutagenesis (63 mutants in large T) identified residues beyond HPD โ€” including Q32, A33, Y34, H49, M52, and N56 in helices II and III โ€” as required for Rb-dependent function. This underscores that J-domain function depends on the broader structural context, not just the HPD tripeptide.

Sielaff & Bhatt (2005) โ€” Investigation of the interaction between DnaK and DnaJ by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (PMID: 10369787)
SPR analysis showing that the functionally defective DnaJ259 mutant (HPD mutation) produced no detectable DnaK interaction, while wild-type DnaJ interaction required ATP hydrolysis and was competitively inhibited by substrates. This establishes the quantitative biophysical framework for HPD-dependent Hsp70 interaction.

Additional Context

Botha et al. (2007) โ€” The Hsp40 proteins of Plasmodium falciparum and other apicomplexa (PMID: 17428722)
Described "type IV Hsp40 proteins with a J-like domain" in P. falciparum that lack key functional features. This establishes that degenerate J-domain proteins do exist in nature, making the distinction between functional and degenerate J-domains biologically meaningful. DNAJC28 does NOT fall into this category based on our analysis.

Mayer & Bukau (2018) โ€” Intra-molecular pathways of allosteric control in Hsp70s (PMID: 29735737)
Reviews the allosteric mechanism by which J-cochaperones regulate Hsp70 substrate binding, providing the broader mechanistic framework within which DNAJC28 function should be understood.


Conflicts and Alternatives

No Direct Evidence of Degeneration

No evidence was found suggesting DNAJC28 is a degenerate J-domain protein. The specific features that might raise this concern โ€” namely the post-HPD S/G substitutions โ€” are themselves deeply conserved and thus unlikely to represent neutral drift or loss of function.

Alternative Interpretation: Modified Kinetics Rather Than Binary On/Off

The post-HPD S/G substitutions could conceivably reduce ATPase stimulation kinetics without completely abolishing function. Canonical K/R at HPD+1 may contribute electrostatic contacts with the Hsp70 NBD that are absent with S/G. However, this would represent modulated rather than ablated co-chaperone activity and does not challenge the classification of DNAJC28 as a functional co-chaperone.

Helix III Divergence Could Indicate Non-Canonical Interaction Mode

The significant divergence of Helix III (RMSD 5.88 Angstrom vs DNAJA1) raises the possibility that DNAJC28 may interact with Hsp70 through a somewhat different geometry than canonical type I/II/III J-domain proteins. Bhatt et al. (PMID: 16734427) showed that helix III can contribute to Hsp70 specificity. The elongated helix III/IV in DNAJC28 (28+ residues vs ~15 in DNAJA1) may create an extended interaction surface or adopt a distinct orientation for partner selection.

Paralog Confusion Risk

DNAJC28 shares the J-domain fold with >40 other human DNAJ family members. Care must be taken to avoid carrying over functional annotations from better-characterized paralogs (DNAJA1, DNAJB1, etc.) without verification. The structural similarity of the Hsp70 interaction surface supports conserved mechanism, but substrate specificity and biological context will differ.

Type IV / J-like Domain Possibility

Botha et al. (PMID: 17428722) described "type IV Hsp40 proteins with a J-like domain" in P. falciparum that lack key functional features. DNAJC28 does NOT fall into this category โ€” its HPD is intact and its helix architecture is canonical โ€” but the existence of such degenerate family members underscores the importance of the analysis performed here.


Limitations and Knowledge Gaps

Gap 1: No Direct Biochemical Assay of Hsp70 ATPase Stimulation

  • What was checked: Sequence, structure, conservation, structural superposition โ€” all computational
  • Why it matters: The hypothesis asks whether DNAJC28 is a "bona fide functional Hsp70 co-chaperone." Computational evidence establishes structural competence but cannot confirm function. Some J-domain proteins with intact HPD may still have reduced activity due to subtle structural differences.
  • What would resolve it: In vitro ATPase stimulation assay with recombinant DNAJC28 J-domain and candidate Hsp70 partners (HSPA1A, HSPA5/BiP, HSPA8/Hsc70, HSPA9/mortalin)

Gap 2: Unknown Hsp70 Partner Identity

  • What was checked: Post-HPD substitution pattern; Malinverni et al. coevolution analysis (review level)
  • Why it matters: The S/G post-HPD substitutions suggest DNAJC28 may preferentially interact with a specific Hsp70 partner. Annotation specificity depends on knowing which Hsp70(s) are the obligate partner(s).
  • What would resolve it: Co-immunoprecipitation or proximity labeling (BioID/TurboID) in relevant cell types; computational coevolution analysis mapping DNAJC28 to specific Hsp70 partners

Gap 3: Unknown Subcellular Localization

  • What was checked: No signal peptide or transmembrane domain detected; AlphaFold structure does not suggest membrane association
  • Why it matters: Subcellular localization determines which Hsp70 partners are accessible (cytoplasmic Hsc70 vs ER-lumenal BiP vs mitochondrial mortalin) and which GO CC term is appropriate
  • What would resolve it: Immunofluorescence or GFP-tagging; subcellular fractionation

Gap 4: Unknown Substrate Specificity

  • What was checked: C-terminal domain (residues 116โ€“388) was noted to have lower pLDDT (72.6), suggesting flexibility or disorder, but was not analyzed in detail
  • Why it matters: The C-terminal domain determines which substrates are delivered to Hsp70. Without this information, BP annotations remain generic.
  • What would resolve it: Interactomics (IP-MS, BioID); substrate trapping with ATPase-dead Hsp70 mutants

Gap 5: No Functional Data on Post-HPD S/G Substitution Effect

  • What was checked: Conservation analysis showing S/G is family-specific; literature on HPD+1/+2 requirements
  • Why it matters: Whether S/G at HPD+1 reduces, maintains, or alters Hsp70 ATPase stimulation kinetics is unknown
  • What would resolve it: Site-directed mutagenesis: swap DNAJC28 HPD+1 S to K and measure ATPase stimulation; conversely, swap DNAJA1 HPD+1 K to S

Proposed Follow-up Experiments / Discriminating Tests

Test 1: In Vitro Hsp70 ATPase Stimulation Assay (Highest Priority)

  • Design: Express recombinant DNAJC28 J-domain (residues 45โ€“120) and full-length protein; measure ATPase stimulation of HSPA1A, HSPA5, HSPA8, and HSPA9 using malachite green phosphate assay
  • Expected outcome if hypothesis correct: Measurable ATPase stimulation above background, comparable to DNAJA1 J-domain
  • Expected outcome if degenerate: No stimulation or stimulation below 10% of DNAJA1
  • Controls: DNAJA1 J-domain (positive); DNAJC28 H79Q mutant (negative, HPD-dead)

Test 2: HPD+1 Mutagenesis (Partner Specificity vs Function)

  • Design: Generate DNAJC28 S82K and DNAJC28 S82R mutants; test ATPase stimulation against panel of Hsp70s
  • Discriminates: Whether S82 reduces overall activity (degeneration) or shifts partner preference (specificity)

Test 3: Co-Immunoprecipitation / Proximity Labeling

  • Design: BioID2-tagged DNAJC28 expressed in HEK293 cells; identify Hsp70 partners and substrates by mass spectrometry
  • Discriminates: Which Hsp70 partner(s) DNAJC28 engages; whether interaction is HPD-dependent (compare with H79Q mutant)

Test 4: Foldseek Structure Search for Closest Functional Homolog

  • Design: Use Foldseek to search DNAJC28 J-domain against PDB for closest characterized J-domain structures with functional data
  • Note: This computational analysis was not performed in the current investigation due to tool access limitations but would provide additional structural context

Curation Leads

Lead 1: Add Hsp70 Protein Binding Annotation (MF)

  • Candidate GO term: GO:0030544 "Hsp70 protein binding"
  • Evidence code: ISS (Inferred from Sequence or Structural Similarity)
  • Evidence basis: Intact HPD motif (H79-P80-D81); Helix II RMSD 1.78 Angstrom vs DNAJA1; conservation across 18/20 vertebrate orthologs
  • Reference for ISS: Use DNAJA1 (P31689) as the characterized reference; structural superposition provides the similarity evidence
  • Curator action: Verify that ISS evidence from structural superposition is acceptable under current GO annotation guidelines; consider whether IBA (Inferred from Biological Aspect of Ancestor) from PANTHER might also apply

Lead 2: Add ATPase Activator Activity Annotation (MF, Provisional)

  • Candidate GO term: GO:0001671 "ATPase activator activity" (child of GO:0008047 "enzyme activator activity")
  • Evidence code: ISS
  • Caveat: This is a stronger claim than "Hsp70 binding" and requires the assumption that binding leads to ATPase stimulation. The structural evidence supports this but experimental confirmation is needed. Consider annotating with a "contributes_to" qualifier if uncertain.

Lead 3: Do NOT Annotate as Degenerate or J-like

  • Action: Ensure DNAJC28 is not classified with type IV "J-like" proteins or annotated as having a non-functional J-domain
  • Basis: All structural and sequence requirements for Hsp70 co-chaperone function are met

Lead 4: Flag Post-HPD Variant for Future Specificity Studies

  • Action: Note in curation records that DNAJC28 has S/G at HPD+1/+2 (instead of canonical K/R, N), which is family-specific and may affect Hsp70 partner selection
  • Relevance: If GO annotations are later refined by Hsp70 partner identity, this feature will be informative

Candidate References with Verification Snippets

PMID Snippet to Verify Use
41855186 "JD interaction involves the conserved histidine-proline-aspartic acid (HPD) motif and residues in helices II and III" Establishes structural requirements for J-domain function
10777498 "Physical interactions between J-MTJ1 and BiP/GRP78 are stable and can be abolished by a single histidine --> glutamine substitution in the highly conserved HPD motif" HPD essentiality for Hsp70 binding
37523524 "key residues within the J-domains have coevolved with their obligatory Hsp70 partners" Supports partner-specificity interpretation of post-HPD variants

Appendix: Computational Provenance Summary

All analyses were performed using:
- Sequence source: UniProt Q9NX36 (DNAJC28, Homo sapiens, 388 aa)
- Structure source: AlphaFold DB AF-Q9NX36-F1 (version 4)
- Reference structure: AlphaFold DB AF-P31689-F1 (DNAJA1, Homo sapiens)
- Ortholog sequences: Retrieved from UniProt for 20 vertebrate species
- Secondary structure assignment: CA(i)-CA(i+3) distance analysis on AlphaFold coordinates
- Structural superposition: Kabsch algorithm on J-domain Calpha atoms aligned at HPD motif position
- Conservation analysis: Multiple sequence alignment of DNAJC28 orthologs at HPD +/- 10 positions

All code was executed in Python using BioPython, NumPy, and SciPy, with results and plots saved as provenance.

Artifacts

๐Ÿ“š Additional Documentation

Notes

(DNAJC28-notes.md)

DNAJC28 (C21orf55 / C21orf78) research notes

Identity

  • UniProt Q9NX36 (DJC28_HUMAN), 388 aa. HGNC:1297. Chromosome 21. Synonyms C21orf55, C21orf78.
  • J-domain protein (HSP40/DnaJ family, subfamily C member 28). J domain at residues 51-115. Predicted coiled-coil 261-349.
  • N-terminus (MNTMYVMMAQ ILRSHLIKAT VIPNRVKMLP...) resembles a mitochondrial-targeting presequence (basic/hydrophobic), consistent with the orchestrator note that DNAJC28 is a mitochondrial J-domain protein; this is a prediction, not experimentally confirmed in the UniProt record.

Function (very limited)

  • UniProt FUNCTION: "May have a role in protein folding or as a chaperone." โ€” speculative/uncharacterized.
    [file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt "May have a role in protein folding or as a chaperone."]
  • No experimental characterization of co-chaperone (HSP70 ATPase-stimulating) activity, substrate, or compartment of action.
  • Phosphorylated at Thr-347 (large-scale phosphoproteomics, PMID:17693683).
  • Tissue enhanced in testis (HPA); expressed in brain, testis, uterus, spleen, liver.

GO annotations (only 2)

  1. GO:0001659 temperature homeostasis (IBA, GO_REF:0000033, from PANTHER PTN001166000 / UniProtKB:F7DMN9).
  2. Phylogenetically transferred; no experimental basis for DNAJC28 in temperature homeostasis. The PANTHER family node grouping is broad. Over-annotation / non-core.
  3. GO:0005515 protein binding (IPI, PMID:24407287, WITH UniProtKB:Q9ULZ3 = PYCARD/ASC).
  4. PMID:24407287 is a PML-ASC inflammasome paper; the DNAJC28-ASC interaction is an AgBase-curated high-throughput hit, not central to a chaperone function. Bare protein binding, uninformative. KEEP_AS_NON_CORE.

Assessment

  • DNAJC28 is a bona fide but essentially uncharacterized J-domain (HSP40) protein. The only defensible molecular-function inference is its J domain (co-chaperone / HSP70 binding), but even this is by domain prediction only.
  • No reliable evidence for "temperature homeostasis" as a specific function.
  • Core function: most honest description is an uncharacterized HSP40/J-domain co-chaperone, likely mitochondrial by sequence prediction. Mark questionable IBA process annotation as over-annotated; keep the interaction as non-core.

Pn Notes

(DNAJC28-pn-notes.md)

DNAJC28 PN Consistency Notes

  • Generated: 2026-06-18
  • Project: PROTEOSTASIS
  • Scope: PN consistency rereview against local AIGR review and available deep-research artifacts
  • UniProt: Q9NX36
  • AIGR review status: COMPLETE
  • Review batch: proteostasis-batch-2026-06-07b
  • Batch change status: added

Source Files Checked

Deep Research Files

  • No *-deep-research*.md file found in this gene directory.

AIGR Review Snapshot

  • Description: DNAJC28 (C21orf55/C21orf78) is a poorly characterized member of the DnaJ/HSP40 (J-domain) co-chaperone family encoded on chromosome 21. It contains a canonical J domain together with a predicted coiled-coil region, and its N-terminus resembles a mitochondrial-targeting presequence, suggesting it may act as a mitochondrial J-domain co-chaperone. By analogy to other J-domain proteins it is presumed to assist HSP70-type chaperones in protein folding, but no substrate, partner chaperone, or cellular process has been experimentally established. It is expressed in brain, testis, uterus, spleen and liver (tissue-enhanced in testis) and is phosphorylated at Thr-347.
  • Existing/core annotation action counts: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE: 1; MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED: 1

PN Consistency Summary

  • Consistency: COMPARTMENT MISMATCH. Deep research and review YAML agree DNAJC28 is an essentially uncharacterized J-domain protein whose N-terminus resembles a MITOCHONDRIAL targeting presequence (review/notes predict mitochondrial localization; review core MF GO:0051087 protein-folding chaperone binding). The PN row places it in the ER proteostasis branch, which conflicts with the review's mitochondrial prediction. Neither localization is experimentally confirmed, so this is an unresolved discrepancy rather than a proven error, but the branch assignment and the review point in different directions.
  • PN story / NEW pressure: PN asserts GO:0030544 Hsp70 protein binding (verified real). GOA has only GO:0005515 protein binding (one IPI) + GO:0001659 (IBA, marked over-annotated), so "more_specific_than_existing_goa" is loose; effectively new_to_goa. GO:0030544 is a child of the review's GO:0051087, i.e. a narrower, defensible domain-level ADD โ€” but purely predicted.
  • Evidence alignment: PN row no titles; review's sole literature ref is PMID:24407287 (PML/ASC inflammasome โ€” source of the single IPI only, relevance LOW, VERIFIED). No experimental HSP70-binding evidence on either side.
  • Verdict: Consistent on function (uncharacterized J-protein); GO:0030544 defensible inferred ADD. Recommended edits: [MAP] change goa_status to new_to_goa; [MAP] reconcile ER vs mitochondrial branch placement (review predicts mitochondrial targeting).

Full Consistency Review

  • UniProt: Q9NX36 (C21orf55/C21orf78) ยท batch: proteostasis-batch-2026-06-07b ยท review status: COMPLETE
  • PN placement: ER proteostasis|Chaperone|HSP70 system|J-domain containing HSP70 cochaperone ; PN-node mapping: type=mapped, scope=ok_for_propagation_to_go, GO:0030544 Hsp70 protein binding (projected more_specific_than_existing_goa); group/class/branch=no_mapping.
  • Consistency: COMPARTMENT MISMATCH. Deep research and review YAML agree DNAJC28 is an essentially uncharacterized J-domain protein whose N-terminus resembles a MITOCHONDRIAL targeting presequence (review/notes predict mitochondrial localization; review core MF GO:0051087 protein-folding chaperone binding). The PN row places it in the ER proteostasis branch, which conflicts with the review's mitochondrial prediction. Neither localization is experimentally confirmed, so this is an unresolved discrepancy rather than a proven error, but the branch assignment and the review point in different directions.
  • PN story / NEW pressure: PN asserts GO:0030544 Hsp70 protein binding (verified real). GOA has only GO:0005515 protein binding (one IPI) + GO:0001659 (IBA, marked over-annotated), so "more_specific_than_existing_goa" is loose; effectively new_to_goa. GO:0030544 is a child of the review's GO:0051087, i.e. a narrower, defensible domain-level ADD โ€” but purely predicted.
  • Mapping strategy: Node status unchanged. Two issues: (1) goa_status should be new_to_goa; (2) the ER-branch placement is questionable given the mitochondrial-presequence prediction โ€” flag for reconciliation. Term direction (narrower than review) is appropriate.
  • Evidence alignment: PN row no titles; review's sole literature ref is PMID:24407287 (PML/ASC inflammasome โ€” source of the single IPI only, relevance LOW, VERIFIED). No experimental HSP70-binding evidence on either side.
  • Verdict: Consistent on function (uncharacterized J-protein); GO:0030544 defensible inferred ADD. Recommended edits: [MAP] change goa_status to new_to_goa; [MAP] reconcile ER vs mitochondrial branch placement (review predicts mitochondrial targeting).

PN Dossier Context

  • review_batch: proteostasis-batch-2026-06-07b
  • review_yaml: genes/human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-ai-review.yaml
  • PN workbook rows: 1

PN row 1: ER proteostasis | Chaperone | HSP70 system | J-domain containing HSP70 cochaperone

  • UniProt: Q9NX36
  • In branches: ER
  • PN-node mapping records (path + ancestors):
    • [type] ER proteostasis|Chaperone|HSP70 system|J-domain containing HSP70 cochaperone
      status=mapped scope=ok_for_propagation_to_go GO=[GO:0030544 Hsp70 protein binding]
      rationale: In the PN hierarchy, this type denotes J-domain cochaperones assigned to the HSP70 system. Their shared mechanistic role is direct interaction with HSP70-family chaperones, making Hsp70 protein binding the most defensible GO target in the current cache.
    • [group] ER proteostasis|Chaperone|HSP70 system
      status=no_mapping scope= GO=[]
      rationale: Reviewed as a broad PN category rather than a single GO class. The member genes span multiple activities, complexes, or contexts, so direct propagation from this node would overstate the shared biology.
    • [class] ER proteostasis|Chaperone
      status=no_mapping scope= GO=[]
      rationale: Reviewed as a broad PN category rather than a single GO class. The member genes span multiple activities, complexes, or contexts, so direct propagation from this node would overstate the shared biology.
    • [branch] ER proteostasis
      status=no_mapping scope= GO=[]
      rationale: Reviewed as a top-level PN branch. This is a systems/taxonomy umbrella, not a direct GO assertion; narrower child curations carry any propagating GO mappings.

Projected GO annotations (1)

  • GO:0030544 Hsp70 protein binding | scope=ok_for_propagation_to_go | goa_status=more_specific_than_existing_goa | from=ER proteostasis|Chaperone|HSP70 system|J-domain containing HSP70 cochaperone

Note

This file is generated from the current PROTEOSTASIS phase-1 dossier and local gene-review artifacts. Edit the source review, PN mapping, or dossier rather than this generated note when correcting the underlying curation.

๐Ÿ“„ View Raw YAML

id: Q9NX36
gene_symbol: DNAJC28
product_type: PROTEIN
status: COMPLETE
taxon:
  id: NCBITaxon:9606
  label: Homo sapiens
description: DNAJC28 (C21orf55/C21orf78) is a poorly characterized member of the DnaJ/HSP40
  (J-domain) co-chaperone family encoded on chromosome 21. It contains a canonical
  J domain together with a predicted coiled-coil region, and its N-terminus resembles
  a mitochondrial-targeting presequence, suggesting it may act as a mitochondrial
  J-domain co-chaperone. By analogy to other J-domain proteins it is presumed to assist
  HSP70-type chaperones in protein folding, but no substrate, partner chaperone, or
  cellular process has been experimentally established. It is expressed in brain, testis,
  uterus, spleen and liver (tissue-enhanced in testis) and is phosphorylated at Thr-347.
existing_annotations:
- term:
    id: GO:0001659
    label: temperature homeostasis
  evidence_type: IBA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
  qualifier: involved_in
  review:
    summary: Phylogenetic (IBA) transfer of "temperature homeostasis" from a broad
      PANTHER family node. There is no experimental evidence that DNAJC28 participates
      in temperature homeostasis, and this protein is otherwise essentially uncharacterized.
    action: MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED
    reason: The biological process is inferred only by phylogenetic grouping with distantly
      related family members; no direct or organism-specific evidence supports a role
      for DNAJC28 in temperature homeostasis.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt
      supporting_text: May have a role in protein folding or as a chaperone.
- term:
    id: GO:0005515
    label: protein binding
  evidence_type: IPI
  original_reference_id: PMID:24407287
  qualifier: enables
  review:
    summary: A single AgBase-curated interaction (with PYCARD/ASC, Q9ULZ3) reported
      in a study focused on PML and the ASC inflammasome. The bare protein binding
      term is uninformative and the interaction does not establish a chaperone function
      for DNAJC28.
    action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
    reason: Records a real but isolated interaction; bare protein binding is uninformative
      per curation guidelines and there is no specific molecular function that this
      single high-throughput hit justifies.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-goa.tsv
      supporting_text: UniProtKB:Q9ULZ3
references:
- id: GO_REF:0000033
  title: Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
  findings: []
- id: PMID:24407287
  title: Promyelocytic leukemia protein interacts with the apoptosis-associated speck-like
    protein to limit inflammasome activation.
  reference_review:
    relevance: LOW
    correctness: VERIFIED
    review_notes: "Cached publication title matches the YAML title; this is a PML/ASC inflammasome study, NOT a DNAJC28-focused paper. It is the source of only a single GOA IPI 'protein binding' annotation (DNAJC28 with UniProtKB:Q9ULZ3), so it is correctly cited for that interaction but does not establish DNAJC28's molecular function or biological process. Sole literature reference for this poorly characterized gene; background relevance only."
  findings: []
- id: file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt
  title: UniProt entry Q9NX36 (DJC28_HUMAN), DnaJ homolog subfamily C member 28
  findings:
  - statement: J-domain (HSP40) protein with a predicted coiled-coil; function annotated
      only as a possible role in protein folding or as a chaperone; expressed in brain,
      testis, uterus, spleen and liver; phosphorylated at Thr-347.
    reference_section_type: OTHER
- id: file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-hypotheses/jdomain-hpd-motif/openscientist.md
  title: 'OpenScientist hypothesis run: DNAJC28 J-domain HPD-motif check'
  findings:
  - statement: Structurally supports a functional J-domain co-chaperone - DNAJC28 has
      an intact HPD tripeptide (H79-P80-D81) in a canonically folded J-domain, sub-2 A
      RMSD to DNAJA1's Hsp70-interaction surface, and the HPD is conserved in 18/20
      vertebrate orthologs; it is not a degenerate pseudo-co-chaperone. Caveat - no
      direct Hsp70 ATPase-stimulation assay has been published.
    supporting_text: DNAJC28 is a structurally competent Hsp70 co-chaperone, not a degenerate J-domain protein.
core_functions:
- description: J-domain (HSP40) co-chaperone. The J domain is structurally confirmed
    competent (intact HPD motif and canonical fold; sub-2 Angstrom RMSD to the Hsp70
    interaction surface of DNAJA1), so it is predicted to engage HSP70-type chaperones
    to assist protein folding, though no substrate, partner, or direct ATPase-
    stimulation assay has yet been experimentally validated. Its N-terminal sequence
    suggests a mitochondrial localization.
  molecular_function:
    id: GO:0051087
    label: protein-folding chaperone binding
  supported_by:
  - reference_id: file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-uniprot.txt
    supporting_text: May have a role in protein folding or as a chaperone.
  - reference_id: file:human/DNAJC28/DNAJC28-hypotheses/jdomain-hpd-motif/openscientist.md
    supporting_text: All structural requirements for Hsp70 ATPase stimulation are met.
proposed_new_terms: []
suggested_questions:
- question: Is DNAJC28 a genuine mitochondrial J-domain co-chaperone, and which HSP70-type
    partner (e.g. mortalin/HSPA9) does it stimulate?
- question: Does DNAJC28 have any client proteins or a defined cellular process, or
    is it functionally redundant/vestigial?
suggested_experiments:
- description: Subcellular fractionation and fluorescence microscopy of tagged DNAJC28
    to test the predicted mitochondrial localization and import dependence on the
    N-terminal presequence.
- description: In vitro HSP70 ATPase-stimulation assay with recombinant DNAJC28 (and
    HPD-motif mutant) to test whether the J domain is a functional co-chaperone.
- description: Affinity purification-mass spectrometry of DNAJC28 to identify its chaperone
    partners and candidate clients beyond the single reported ASC interaction.