Serine rich Four helix bundle domain of CAS (Crk-Associated Substrate) scaffolding proteins; a protein interaction module
CAS proteins function as molecular scaffolds to regulate protein complexes that are involved in many cellular processes including migration, chemotaxis, apoptosis, differentiation, and progenitor cell function. They mediate the signaling of integrins at focal adhesions where they localize, and thus, regulate cell invasion and survival. Over-expression of these proteins is implicated in poor prognosis, increased metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapeutics in many cancers such as breast, lung, melanoma, and glioblastoma. CAS proteins have also been linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and developmental defects. They share a common domain structure containing protein interaction modules that enable their scaffolding function, including an N-terminal SH3 domain, an unstructured substrate domain that contains many YxxP motifs, a serine-rich four-helix bundle, and a FAT-like C-terminal domain. Vertebrates contain four CAS proteins: BCAR1 (or p130Cas), NEDD9 (or HEF1), EFS (or SIN), and CASS4 (or HEPL). CAS proteins associate with the 14-3-3 family; this interaction is regulated by integrin-mediated cell adhesion. The serine rich four helix bundle domain of BCAR1 has been shown to bind 14-3-3 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. This domain is structurally similar to other helical bundles found in cell adhesion components such as alpha-catenin, vinculin, and FAK, and may bind other proteins in addition to the 14-3-3 family.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",