Structural and functional characterization of soluble endoglin receptor

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Jun 12;383(4):386-91. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.02.162. Epub 2009 Mar 5.

Abstract

Endoglin, an accessory membrane receptor of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)1, modulates the cellular response to TGF-beta via its interaction with type I and II TGF-beta receptors. It has been considered a promising target for the development of therapeutics and cancer markers. We have established stable CHO cell lines that efficiently secrete soluble endoglin (s-endoglin) fused with human growth hormone. Two oligomeric forms were observed in a homogeneous preparation of s-endoglin, as a dimer and a tetramer. The dimeric s-endoglin enhanced TGF-beta responsiveness in U937 cells, thus proving its potential for therapeutic applications. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments revealed elongated conformations of both dimeric and tetrameric s-endoglins in solution, suggesting that s-endoglin might undergo conformational adaptations upon TGF-beta binding. The current results provide important references and material for high-resolution structural studies and for medical applications of s-endoglin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / chemistry*
  • Antigens, CD / genetics
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism*
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Endoglin
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Humans
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / metabolism*
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • ENG protein, human
  • Endoglin
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha
  • Luciferases