Characterization of the Kremen-binding site on Dkk1 and elucidation of the role of Kremen in Dkk-mediated Wnt antagonism

J Biol Chem. 2008 Aug 22;283(34):23371-5. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M802376200. Epub 2008 May 23.

Abstract

Wnt signaling is involved in a wide range of developmental, physiological, and pathophysiological processes and is negatively regulated by Dickkopf1 (Dkk1). Dkk1 has been shown to bind to two transmembrane proteins, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins (LRP) 5/6 and Kremen. Here, we show that Dkk1 residues Arg(197), Ser(198), and Lys(232) are specifically involved in its binding to Kremen rather than to LRP6. These residues are localized at a surface that is at the opposite side of the LRP6-binding surface based on a three-dimensional structure of Dkk1 deduced from that of Dkk2. We were surprised to find that the Dkk1 mutants carrying a mutation at Arg(197), Ser(198), or Lys(232), the key Kremen-binding residues, could antagonize Wnt signaling as well as the wild-type Dkk1. These mutations only affected their ability to antagonize Wnt signaling when both LRP6 and Kremen were coexpressed. These results suggest that Kremen may not be essential for Dkk1-mediated Wnt antagonism and that Kremen may only play a role when cells express a high level of LRP5/6.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / chemistry*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins / chemistry
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • DKK1 protein, human
  • Dkk1 protein, mouse
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • KREMEN1 protein, human
  • Kremen protein, mouse
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
  • LRP5 protein, human
  • LRP6 protein, human
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6
  • Lrp5 protein, mouse
  • Lrp6 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Wnt Proteins