Structure of the UNC5H2 death domain
Handa, N., Kukimoto-Niino, M., Akasaka, R., Murayama, K., Terada, T., Inoue, M., Yabuki, T., Aoki, M., Seki, E., Matsuda, T., Nunokawa, E., Tanaka, A., Hayashizaki, Y., Kigawa, T., Shirouzu, M., Yokoyama, S.(2006) Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 62: 1502-1509
- PubMed: 17139086
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1107/S0907444906039369
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1WMG - PubMed 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.
Organizational Affiliation:
RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.