Structural highlights
Function
[SAP_MOUSE] Prosaposin: Behaves as a myelinotrophic and neurotrophic factor, these effects are mediated by its G-protein-coupled receptors, GPR37 and GPR37L1, undergoing ligand-mediated internalization followed by ERK phosphorylation signaling.[1] Saposin-A and saposin-C stimulate the hydrolysis of glucosylceramide by beta-glucosylceramidase (EC 3.2.1.45) and galactosylceramide by beta-galactosylceramidase (EC 3.2.1.46). Saposin-C apparently acts by combining with the enzyme and acidic lipid to form an activated complex, rather than by solubilizing the substrate.[UniProtKB:P07602] Saposin-B stimulates the hydrolysis of galacto-cerebroside sulfate by arylsulfatase A (EC 3.1.6.8), GM1 gangliosides by beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) and globotriaosylceramide by alpha-galactosidase A (EC 3.2.1.22). Saposin-B forms a solubilizing complex with the substrates of the sphingolipid hydrolases.[UniProtKB:P07602] Saposin-D is a specific sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase activator (EC 3.1.4.12).[UniProtKB:P07602] Saposins are specific low-molecular mass non-enzymic proteins, they participate in the lysosomal degradation of sphingolipids, which takes place by the sequential action of specific hydrolases.[UniProtKB:P07602]
Publication Abstract from PubMed
Saposins are accessory proteins that aid in the degradation of sphingolipids by hydrolytic enzymes. Their structure usually comprises four alpha-helices arranged in various conformations including an open, V-shaped form that is generally associated with the ability to interact with membranes and/or enzymes to accentuate activity. Saposin D is required by the lysosomal hydrolase, acid ceramidase, which breaks down ceramide into sphingosine and free fatty acid, to display optimal activity. The structure of saposin D was previously determined in an inactive conformation, revealing a monomeric, closed and compact form. Here, we present the crystal structure of the open, V-shaped form of saposin D. The overall shape is similar to the open conformation found in other saposins with slight differences in the angles between the alpha-helices. The structure forms a dimer that serves to stabilize the hydrophobic surface exposed in the open form, which results in an internal, hydrophobic cavity that could be used to carry extracted membrane lipids.
Crystal structure of saposin D in an open conformation.,Gebai A, Gorelik A, Nagar B J Struct Biol. 2018 Jul 17. pii: S1047-8477(18)30169-2. doi:, 10.1016/j.jsb.2018.07.011. PMID:30026085[2]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
See Also
References
- ↑ Meyer RC, Giddens MM, Schaefer SA, Hall RA. GPR37 and GPR37L1 are receptors for the neuroprotective and glioprotective factors prosaptide and prosaposin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Jun 4;110(23):9529-34. doi:, 10.1073/pnas.1219004110. Epub 2013 May 20. PMID:23690594 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1219004110
- ↑ Gebai A, Gorelik A, Nagar B. Crystal structure of saposin D in an open conformation. J Struct Biol. 2018 Jul 17. pii: S1047-8477(18)30169-2. doi:, 10.1016/j.jsb.2018.07.011. PMID:30026085 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2018.07.011
