Mutations in the genes that code for EVC1 and EVC2 proteins cause Ellis van Creveld (EvC) syndrome and its milder form, Weyers acrofacial dysostosis (WAD). EVC1 physically binds to EVC2 and together, they are tethered to the base of the primary cilium...
Mutations in the genes that code for EVC1 and EVC2 proteins cause Ellis van Creveld (EvC) syndrome and its milder form, Weyers acrofacial dysostosis (WAD). EVC1 physically binds to EVC2 and together, they are tethered to the base of the primary cilium by the EFCAB7/IQCE protein complex. This multi‐protein assembly positively regulates the Sonic and Indian hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways by promoting downstream processes after activation of the receptor, smoothened (smo), by the hedgehog proteins. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of several structural motifs in EVC1 sequences including P‐loop, leucine zipper, transmembrane and nuclear localization signal. Using a fragment of EVC1 from mice and humans that contains P‐loop and leucine zipper regions, we present experimental evidence to show that EVC1 protein possesses a high intrinsic GTPase activity with a kcat of ~10 min−1. In addition, dimerization of EVC1 via its leucine zipper causes the protein to hydrolyze GTP to a mixture of GDP and GMP at unequal ratios. The protein binds GTP at milli to micro molar concentrations, indicating low substrate affinity. These kinetic parameters are similar to those displayed by large GTPases such as Dynamin. We propose that the GTP‐hydrolyzing activity of EVC1 protein is an important mechanistic step in the regulation of the hedgehog signaling pathways.
Support or Funding Information
Welch Foundation Grant # AN‐0008
This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.