Domain and functional analysis of a novel platelet-endothelial cell surface protein, SCUBE1

J Biol Chem. 2008 May 2;283(18):12478-88. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M705872200. Epub 2008 Feb 26.

Abstract

SCUBE1 (signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1) is a novel, secreted, cell surface glycoprotein expressed during early embryogenesis and found in platelet and endothelial cells. This protein is composed of an N-terminal signal peptide sequence followed by nine tandemly arranged epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, a spacer region, three cysteine-rich repeat motifs, and one CUB domain at the C terminus. However, little is known about its domain and biological function. Here, we generated a comprehensive panel of domain deletion constructs and a new genetic mouse model with targeted disruption of Scube1 (Scube1(Delta cub/Delta cub)) to investigate the domain function and biological significance. A number of cell-based assays were utilized to define the critical role of the spacer region for membrane association and establish that the EGF-like repeats 7-9 are sufficient for the formation of SCUBE1-mediated homophilic adhesions in a calcium-dependent fashion. Biochemical and molecular analyses showed that the C-terminal cysteine-rich motifs and CUB domain could directly bind and antagonize the bone morphogenetic protein activity. Furthermore, genetic ablation of this C-terminal region resulted in brain malformation in the Scube1(Delta cub/Delta cub) embryos. Together, our results support the dual roles of SCUBE1 on brain morphogenesis and cell-cell adhesions through its distinct domain function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Aggregation
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Gene Targeting
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / chemistry*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mesencephalon / pathology
  • Neural Tube Defects / pathology
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Scube1 protein, mouse