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Updated: May 15, 2026

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Published on: June 15, 2017
RAGE-mediated cell signaling.
Ari Rouhiainen1, Juha Kuja-Panula, Sarka Tumova
1Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. ari.rouhiainen@helsinki.fi
The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) binds diverse ligands. Structural studies reveal how RAGE recognizes these molecules, impacting cell signaling and function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cellular signaling
- Structural biology
Background:
- The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is an immunoglobulin superfamily transmembrane protein.
- RAGE recognizes a wide array of ligands including advanced glycation end products (AGEs), HMGB1, S100 proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and amyloid β peptides.
- Structural biology approaches are elucidating common binding patterns among RAGE ligands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying RAGE ligand recognition.
- To explore the role of RAGE in cell signaling and transcriptional regulation.
- To investigate the physiological functions of RAGE beyond its known pathogenetic roles.
Main Methods:
- Structural biology techniques to analyze RAGE-ligand interactions.
- Cellular assays to study RAGE-mediated signaling pathways.
- Transcriptomic analysis to assess RAGE ligation effects on gene expression.
Main Results:
- A positively charged patch on the RAGE V1 domain fits anionic surfaces on ligands.
- RAGE association with itself, HSPGs, and Toll-like receptors is crucial for signaling.
- RAGE ligation activates signaling pathways regulating cell migration and gene transcription.
Conclusions:
- Structural insights reveal conserved binding mechanisms for diverse RAGE ligands.
- RAGE signaling influences cell migration and gene expression.
- Emerging evidence suggests physiological roles for RAGE in lung and neuronal function.
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