Structure of the semaphorin-3A receptor binding module.
Antipenko, A., Himanen, J.-P., van Leyen, K., Nardi-Dei, V., Lesniak, J., Barton, W.A., Rajashankar, K.R., Lu, M., Hoemme, C., Puschel, A.W., Nikolov, D.B.(2003) Neuron 39: 589-598
- PubMed: 12925274 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0896-6273(03)00502-6
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1Q47 - PubMed Abstract: 
The semaphorins are a large group of extracellular proteins involved in a variety of processes during development, including neuronal migration and axon guidance. Their distinctive feature is a conserved 500 amino acid semaphorin domain, a ligand-receptor interaction module also present in plexins and scatter-factor receptors. We report the crystal structure of a secreted 65 kDa form of Semaphorin-3A (Sema3A), containing the full semaphorin domain. Unexpectedly, the semaphorin fold is a variation of the beta propeller topology. Analysis of the Sema3A structure and structure-based mutagenesis data identify the neuropilin binding site and suggest a potential plexin interaction site. Based on the structure, we present a model for the initiation of semaphorin signaling and discuss potential similarities with the signaling mechanisms of other beta propeller cell surface receptors, such as integrins and the LDL receptor.
- Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Organizational Affiliation: 
















