The structural and functional determinants of the Axin and Dishevelled DIX domains.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The dishevelled and axin genes encode multi-domain proteins that play key roles in WNT signalling. Dishevelled prevents beta-catenin degradation by interfering with the interaction of beta-catenin with the degradation-mediating Axin-APC-GSK3beta complex. This interference leads to an accumulation of cytoplasmic beta-catenin, which enters the nucleus and interacts with transcription factors that induce expression of Wnt-target genes. Axin, as a component of the degradation-mediating complex, is a potent negative regulator of Wnt signalling, whereas Dishevelled is a potent activator. Both Dishevelled and Axin possess a DIX (Dishevelled/Axin) domain, which mediates protein-protein interactions, specifically homodimerization.

Results

An evolutionary trace analysis of

SUBMITTER: Ehebauer MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2780430 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature