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From Proteopedia
This page, as it appeared on March 17, 2023, was featured in this article in the journal Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education.
SHOC2-PP1C-MRAS Introductionis a ternary complex formed by the individual proteins: SHOC2, PP1C, and MRAS. Formation of this complex begins with a signal binding to a receptor tyrosine kinase receptor(RTK). This causes membrane bound MRAS to exchange GDP for GTP. From here the complex comes together and is able to dephosphorylate the RAF complex leading to further downstream signaling effects. Overall StructureSHOC2is a scaffold protein that is composed of 20 leucine-rich repeat domains that form a solenoid structure. The leucine rich region forms a concave hydrophobic core which is necessary for binding with PP1C and MRAS. PP1Cis a catalytic protein. After forming a ternary complex, the on the protein interacts with Raf to act as a phosphatase and dephosphorylate Ser 259. MRASis a membrane bound structure that aids the complex in localizing near other structures such as the RAS-RAF-MAPK complex in order to initiate downstream signaling. In its inactive state, MRAS is bound to GDP. When signaled by growth factors, the GDP is exchanged for GTP. The now undergoes a conformational change of the switch I and switch II regions. This conformational change activates the protein allowing it to bind more easily with the SHOC2-PP1C complex. In comparison to other RAS proteins, MRAS has a greater affinity for the SHOC2-PP1C complex.
Key Ligand InteractionsSHOC2 and PP1Con its leucine rich region(LRR). Specifically, on two broad surfaces between LRR2 and LRR5 and between LRR7 and LRR11. Mutations made to the LRR were shown to completely inhibit the binding of PP1C. Five main are made: E56-R182, E167-R203, E54-K180, R187-H178, R188-E155. The binding regions can also be shown as acidic and basic patches on and . The corresponding patches interact to form a . These interactions do not result in significant conformational changes. SHOC2 and MRASMRAS is initially bound to GDP causing it to be in its inactive state. This form cannot bind to the SHOC2-PP1C complex due to steric clashing. Once GDP is exchanged for GTP to activate the protein, conformational changes occur within the switch I and switch II regions to allow MRAS to interact with SHOC2. These interactions include hydrogen bonds and pi stacking. The primary hydrogen bonds are R288-Q71 and R177-E47. Pi staking occurs at R104-R83. PP1C and MRASThe interactions between PP1C and MRAS are mediated by four main hydrogen bonds: R188-D48, M190-Q35, D197-H53, Q198-K36. It is unclear whether PP1C must bind to SHOC2 before MRAS binds or if PP1C and MRAS can bind to SHOC2 at the same time. Signaling Pathway 
Disease RelevanceRASopathiesRASopathy is a broad term used to describe developmental syndromes that stem from germline mutations of proteins along the RAS/MAPK pathway such as SHOC2, PP1C, and MRAS. These mutations can be either gain or loss of function. Rasopathies can also lead to cancer. CancerBecause the RAS/MAPK pathway activated by SMP regulates cell proliferation and survival, overactivity can cause tumor formation and cancer. For example, the complex has been found to play a role in the perpetuation of melanoma, leukemia, and lung cancer. Future StudiesFurther study of the SMP complex includes clarification of the steps of the pathway. Firstly, the order of binding to form the SMP complex is unclear. Furthermore, the interaction between SMP and the Raf complex is largely unknown. Study into this step is especially important to understand how SMP activates downstream signaling. The current knowledge of SMP can be used to study possible treatments for rasopathies and cancer. For example, the development of inhibitors that target SMP binding could prevent the effects caused by mutations that overactivate SMP. Another possible point of inhibition is the growth factor that signals SHOC2-PP1C and Raf to the cell membrane.
References
Student ContributorsMadeline Gilbert Inaya Patel Rushda Hussein | ||||||||||||
