4k1o | pdb_00004k1o
Crystal structure of the alphaN-catenin actin-binding domain
Structural highlights
Function[CTNA2_MOUSE] May function as a linker between cadherin adhesion receptors and the cytoskeleton to regulate cell-cell adhesion and differentiation in the nervous system. Regulates morphological plasticity of synapses and cerebellar and hippocampal lamination during development. Functions in the control of startle modulation.[1] [2] [3] Publication Abstract from PubMedalpha-catenin is an actin- and vinculin-binding protein that regulates cell-cell adhesion by interacting with cadherin adhesion receptors through beta-catenin, but the mechanisms by which it anchors the cadherin-catenin complex to the actin cytoskeleton at adherens junctions remain unclear. Here we determined crystal structures of alphaE-catenin in the autoinhibited state and the actin-binding domain of alphaN-catenin. Together with the small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of full-length alphaN-catenin, we deduced an elongated multidomain assembly of monomeric alpha-catenin that structurally and functionally couples the vinculin- and actin-binding mechanisms. Cellular and biochemical studies of alphaE- and alphaN-catenins show that alphaE-catenin recruits vinculin to adherens junctions more effectively than alphaN-catenin, partly owing to its higher affinity for actin filaments. We propose a molecular switch mechanism involving multi-state conformational changes of alpha-catenin. This would be driven by actomyosin-generated tension to dynamically regulate the vinculin-assisted linkage between adherens junctions and the actin cytoskeleton. An Autoinhibited Structure of alpha-catenin and Its Implications for Vinculin Recruitment to Adherens Junctions.,Ishiyama N, Tanaka N, Abe K, Yang YJ, Abbas YM, Umitsu M, Nagar B, Bueler SA, Rubinstein JL, Takeichi M, Ikura M J Biol Chem. 2013 Apr 15. PMID:23589308[4] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. See AlsoReferences
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