1q5c
|
S-S-lambda-shaped TRANS and CIS interactions of cadherins model based on fitting C-cadherin (1L3W) to 3D map of desmosomes obtained by electron tomography
OverviewOverview
Cell adhesion by adherens junctions and desmosomes relies on interactions, between cadherin molecules. However, the molecular interfaces that define, molecular specificity and that mediate adhesion remain controversial. We, used electron tomography of plastic sections from neonatal mouse skin to, visualize the organization of desmosomes in situ. The resulting, three-dimensional maps reveal individual cadherin molecules forming, discrete groups and interacting through their tips. Fitting of an x-ray, crystal structure for C-cadherin to these maps is consistent with a, flexible intermolecular interface mediated by an exchange of, amino-terminal tryptophans. This flexibility suggests a novel mechanism, for generating both cis and trans interactions and for propagating these, adhesive interactions along the junction.
About this StructureAbout this Structure
1Q5C is a Protein complex structure of sequences from Mus musculus with NAG, NDG and CA as ligands. Full crystallographic information is available from OCA.
ReferenceReference
Untangling desmosomal knots with electron tomography., He W, Cowin P, Stokes DL, Science. 2003 Oct 3;302(5642):109-13. PMID:14526082
Page seeded by OCA on Sun Nov 25 03:36:01 2007