J-domain proteins promote client relay from Hsp70 during tail-anchored membrane protein targeting

J-domain proteins (JDPs) play essential roles in Hsp70 function by assisting Hsp70 in client trapping and regulating the Hsp70 ATPase cycle. Here, we report that JDPs can further enhance the targeting competence of Hsp70-bound client proteins during tail-anchored protein (TA) biogenesis. In the guided-entry-of-tail-anchored protein pathway in yeast, nascent TAs are captured by cytosolic Hsp70 and sequentially relayed to downstream chaperones, Sgt2 and Get3, for delivery to the ER. We found that two JDPs, Ydj1 and Sis1, function in parallel to support TA targeting to the ER in vivo. Biochemical analyses showed that, while Ydj1 and Sis1 differ in their ability to assist Hsp70 in TA trapping, both JDPs enhance the transfer of Hsp70-bound TAs to Sgt2. The ability of the JDPs to regulate the ATPase cycle of Hsp70 is essential for enhancing the transfer competence of Hsp70-bound TAs in vitro and for supporting TA insertion in vivo. These results demonstrate a role of JDPs in regulating the conformation of Hsp70-bound clients during membrane protein biogenesis.