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Title: Crystal Structure of PKG I:cGMP Complex Reveals a cGMP-Mediated Dimeric Interface that Facilitates cGMP-Induced Activation

Journal Article · · Structure

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is a key regulator of smooth muscle and vascular tone and represents an important drug target for treating hypertensive diseases and erectile dysfunction. Despite its importance, its activation mechanism is not fully understood. To understand the activation mechanism, we determined a 2.5 Å crystal structure of the PKG I regulatory (R) domain bound with cGMP, which represents the activated state. Here, although we used a monomeric domain for crystallization, the structure reveals that two R domains form a symmetric dimer where the cGMP bound at high-affinity pockets provide critical dimeric contacts. Small-angle X-ray scattering and mutagenesis support this dimer model, suggesting that the dimer interface modulates kinase activation. Finally, structural comparison with the homologous cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase reveals that PKG is drastically different from protein kinase A in its active conformation, suggesting a novel activation mechanism for PKG.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); National Institutes of Health (NIH); King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST); European Union (EU)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231; R01 GM090161; R21 HL111953; 241481
OSTI ID:
1355066
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1379328
Journal Information:
Structure, Journal Name: Structure Vol. 24 Journal Issue: 5; ISSN 0969-2126
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 30 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

Cited By (6)

Structures of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase in malaria parasites reveal a unique structural relay mechanism for activation journal June 2019
Nucleoside analogue activators of cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase A of Trypanosoma journal March 2019
An N-terminally truncated form of cyclic GMP–dependent protein kinase Iα (PKG Iα) is monomeric and autoinhibited and provides a model for activation journal March 2018
Oxidation of cysteine 117 stimulates constitutive activation of the type Iα cGMP-dependent protein kinase journal September 2018
Correction to: Crystal structure of PKG Iβ holoenzyme reveals a trans‑inhibiting dimer assembly journal January 2020
Structures of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase in malaria parasites reveal a unique structural relay mechanism for activation. text January 2020