Crystal structure of the human vascular adhesion protein-1: unique structural features with functional implications

Protein Sci. 2005 Aug;14(8):1964-74. doi: 10.1110/ps.051438105.

Abstract

The expression of human vascular adhesion protein-1 (hVAP-1) is induced at sites of inflammation where extravasation of lymphocytes from blood to the peripheral tissue occurs. We have solved the X-ray structure of hVAP-1, a human copper amine oxidase (CAO), which is distinguished from other CAOs in being membrane-bound. The dimer structure reveals some intriguing features that may have fundamental roles in the adhesive and enzymatic functions of hVAP-1, especially regarding the role of hVAP-1 in inflammation, lymphocyte attachment, and signaling. Firstly, Leu469 at the substrate channel may play a key role in controlling the substrate entry; depending on its conformation, it either blocks or gives access to the active site. Secondly, sugar units are clearly observed at two of the six predicted N-glycosylation sites. Moreover, mutagenesis analysis showed that all of the predicted sites were glycosylated in the protein used for crystallization. Thirdly, the existence of a solvent-exposed RGD motif at the entrance to each active site in hVAP-1 suggests that it may have a functional role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / chemistry*
  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Dimerization
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • AOC3 protein, human
  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)