Insights into function of PSI domains from structure of the Met receptor PSI domain

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Aug 13;321(1):234-40. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.06.132.

Abstract

PSI domains are cysteine-rich modules found in extracellular fragments of hundreds of signaling proteins, including plexins, semaphorins, integrins, and attractins. Here, we report the solution structure of the PSI domain from the human Met receptor, a receptor tyrosine kinase critical for proliferation, motility, and differentiation. The structure represents a cysteine knot with short regions of secondary structure including a three-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and two alpha-helices. All eight cysteines are involved in disulfide bonds with the pattern consistent with that for the PSI domain from Sema4D. Comparison with the Sema4D structure identifies a structurally conserved core comprising the N-terminal half of the PSI domain. Interestingly, this part links adjacent SEMA and immunoglobulin domains in the Sema4D structure, suggesting that the PSI domain serves as a wedge between propeller and immunoglobulin domains and is responsible for the correct positioning of the ligand-binding site of the receptor.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Conserved Sequence
  • Cysteine
  • Escherichia coli
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / chemistry*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Semaphorins / chemistry
  • Semaphorins / metabolism
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Semaphorins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
  • Cysteine