Crystal structure of the extracellular segment of integrin alpha Vbeta3.
Xiong, J.P., Stehle, T., Diefenbach, B., Zhang, R., Dunker, R., Scott, D.L., Joachimiak, A., Goodman, S.L., Arnaout, M.A.(2001) Science 294: 339-345
- PubMed: 11546839 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1064535
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1JV2 - PubMed Abstract: 
Integrins are alphabeta heterodimeric receptors that mediate divalent cation-dependent cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion through tightly regulated interactions with ligands. We have solved the crystal structure of the extracellular portion of integrin alphaVbeta3 at 3.1 A resolution. Its 12 domains assemble into an ovoid "head" and two "tails." In the crystal, alphaVbeta3 is severely bent at a defined region in its tails, reflecting an unusual flexibility that may be linked to integrin regulation. The main inter-subunit interface lies within the head, between a seven-bladed beta-propeller from alphaV and an A domain from beta3, and bears a striking resemblance to the Galpha/Gbeta interface in G proteins. A metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) in the betaA domain is positioned to participate in a ligand-binding interface formed of loops from the propeller and betaA domains. MIDAS lies adjacent to a calcium-binding site with a potential regulatory function.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Renal Unit, Leukocyte Biology & Inflammation Program, Structural Biology Program, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.