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Title: Protocadherin cis-dimer architecture and recognition unit diversity

Journal Article · · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) mediate numerous neural patterning functions, including neuronal self-recognition and non–self-discrimination to direct self-avoidance among vertebrate neurons. Individual neurons stochastically express a subset of Pcdh isoforms, which assemble to form a stochastic repertoire ofcis-dimers. We describe herein the structure of a PcdhγB7cis-homodimer, which includes the membrane-proximal extracellular cadherin domains EC5 and EC6. The structure is asymmetric with one molecule contributing interface surface from both EC5 and EC6, and the other only from EC6. Structural and sequence analyses suggest that all Pcdh isoforms will dimerize through this interface. Site-directed mutants at this interface interfere with both Pcdhcis-dimerization and cell surface transport. The structure explains the known restrictions ofcis-interactions of some Pcdh isoforms, including α-Pcdhs, which cannot form homodimers. The asymmetry of the interface approximately doubles the size of the recognition repertoire, and restrictions oncis-interactions among Pcdh isoforms define the limits of the Pcdh recognition unit repertoire.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Institutes of Health (NIH); National Science Foundation (NSF)
Grant/Contract Number:
P41GM103403; MCB-1412472; R01GM107571; R01MH114817; S10OD012351; S10OD021764
OSTI ID:
1430316
Journal Information:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Vol. 114, Issue 46; ISSN 0027-8424
Publisher:
National Academy of SciencesCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 40 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (4)

Expression of protocadherin‐γC4 protein in the rat brain journal November 2019
Identification of an adhesive interface for the non-clustered δ1 protocadherin-1 involved in respiratory diseases journal September 2019
DSCAM promotes self-avoidance in the developing mouse retina by masking the functions of cadherin superfamily members journal October 2018
Alpha protocadherins and Pyk2 kinase regulate cortical neuron migration and cytoskeletal dynamics via Rac1 GTPase and WAVE complex in mice journal June 2018