In vivo functional analysis of the Ras exchange factor son of sevenless

Science. 1995 Apr 28;268(5210):576-9. doi: 10.1126/science.7725106.

Abstract

The Son of sevenless (Sos) protein functions as a guanine nucleotide transfer factor for Ras and interacts with the receptor tyrosine kinase Sevenless through the protein Drk, a homolog of mammalian Grb2. In vivo structure-function analysis revealed that the amino terminus of Sos was essential for its function in flies. A molecule lacking the amino terminus was a potent dominant negative. In contrast, a Sos fragment lacking the Drk binding sites was functional and its activity was dependent on the presence of the Sevenless receptor. Furthermore, membrane localization of Sos was independent of Drk. A possible role for Drk as an activator of Sos is discussed and a Drk-independent interaction between Sos and Sevenless is proposed that is likely mediated by the pleckstrin homology domain within the amino terminus.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Eye Proteins / metabolism*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Insect Hormones / physiology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate / cytology
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate / metabolism
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Son of Sevenless Proteins
  • ras Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Eye Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Insect Hormones
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Son of Sevenless Proteins
  • drk protein, Drosophila
  • ras Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • sev protein, Drosophila