New horizons for lipoprotein receptors: communication by ?-propellers.

ABSTRACT: The lipoprotein receptor (LR) family constitutes a large group of structurally closely related receptors with broad ligand-binding specificity. Traditionally, ligand binding to LRs has been anticipated to involve merely the complement type repeat (CR)-domains omnipresent in the family. Recently, this dogma has transformed with the observation that ?-propellers of some LRs actively engage in complex formation too. Based on an in-depth decomposition of current structures and sequences, we suggest that exploitation of the ?-propellers as binding targets depends on receptor subgroups. In particular, we highlight the shutter mechanism of ?-propellers as a general recognition motif for NxI-containing ligands, and we present indications that the generalized ?-propeller-induced ligand release mechanism is not applicable for the larger LRs. For the giant LR members, we present evidence that their ?-propellers may also actively engage in ligand binding. We therefore advocate for an increased focus on solving the structure-function relationship of this group of important biological receptors.

SUBMITTER: Andersen OM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3770089 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature