Crystal structure of the human N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 protein provides insight into its role as a tumor suppressor

J Biol Chem. 2011 Apr 8;286(14):12450-60. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.170803. Epub 2011 Jan 18.

Abstract

Considerable attention has recently been paid to the N-Myc downstream-regulated gene (NDRG) family because of its potential as a tumor suppressor in many human cancers. Primary amino acid sequence information suggests that the NDRG family proteins may belong to the α/β-hydrolase (ABH) superfamily; however, their functional role has not yet been determined. Here, we present the crystal structures of the human and mouse NDRG2 proteins determined at 2.0 and 1.7 Å resolution, respectively. Both NDRG2 proteins show remarkable structural similarity to the ABH superfamily, despite limited sequence similarity. Structural analysis suggests that NDRG2 is a nonenzymatic member of the ABH superfamily, because it lacks the catalytic signature residues and has an occluded substrate-binding site. Several conserved structural features suggest NDRG may be involved in molecular interactions. Mutagenesis data based on the structural analysis support a crucial role for helix α6 in the suppression of TCF/β-catenin signaling in the tumorigenesis of human colorectal cancer, via a molecular interaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Crystallography, X-Ray / methods*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • NDRG2 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Associated data

  • PDB/2QMQ
  • PDB/2XMQ
  • PDB/2XMR
  • PDB/2XMS