Nogo-A interacts with the Nogo-66 receptor through multiple sites to create an isoform-selective subnanomolar agonist

J Neurosci. 2005 Jun 1;25(22):5298-304. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5235-04.2005.

Abstract

Nogo is a myelin-derived protein that limits axonal regeneration after CNS injury. A short hydrophilic Nogo-66 loop between two hydrophobic domains of Nogo binds to a Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) to inhibit axonal outgrowth. Inhibition of axon outgrowth and cell spreading by a second Nogo domain, termed Amino-Nogo-A, is thought to be mediated by a distinct receptor complex. Here, we define a novel Nogo-A-specific domain in Amino-Nogo that binds to NgR with nanomolar affinity. This second domain of 24 amino acids does not alter cell spreading or axonal outgrowth. Fusion of the two NgR-binding Nogo-A domains creates a ligand with substantially enhanced affinity for NgR and converts a NgR antagonist peptide to an agonist. Thus, NgR activation by Nogo-A involves multiple sites of interaction between Nogo-A and NgR.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / genetics
  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line
  • Chick Embryo
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Myelin Proteins / agonists
  • Myelin Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Myelin Proteins / chemistry
  • Myelin Proteins / genetics
  • Myelin Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nogo Proteins
  • Nogo Receptor 1
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Protein Isoforms / agonists
  • Protein Isoforms / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / agonists
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Myelin Proteins
  • Nogo Proteins
  • Nogo Receptor 1
  • Peptides
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RTN4 protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Rtn4 protein, mouse
  • Rtn4r protein, mouse
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase