Structure of the UNC5H2 death domain

Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr. 2006 Dec;62(Pt 12):1502-9. doi: 10.1107/S0907444906039369. Epub 2006 Nov 23.

Abstract

UNC5Hs (UNC5H1-4) are netrin 1 receptors that are involved in axonal guidance and neuronal migration. They are dependence receptors that mediate apoptosis in the absence of netrin 1. UNC5H2-induced apoptosis depends on the interaction of the death domain at the C-terminus with the DAP-kinase death domain and caspase cleavage near the transmembrane region. Here, the crystal structure of the mouse UNC5H2 death domain has been determined at 2.1 A resolution. The domain adopts a six-helix bundle fold, which is similar to those of the other members of the death-domain superfamily. The UNC5H2 death domain is a dimer in the crystal and in solution. This homodimerized structure may represent the structure of the death domain when netrin 1 binds to the UNC5H2 receptor. Homodimerization of UNC5H2 may block the access of caspase to the cleavage site. In the death-domain dimer, residues in alpha3 and the 3(10)-helix preceding alpha3 and the residues in alpha4 make significant contacts, mainly by hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Dimerization
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nerve Growth Factors / chemistry
  • Netrin Receptors
  • Netrin-1
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry*
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Netrin Receptors
  • Ntn1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Unc5A protein, mouse
  • Unc5h2 protein, mouse
  • Netrin-1

Associated data

  • PDB/1WMG