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Updated: May 6, 2026

Production of Disulfide-stabilized Transmembrane Peptide Complexes for Structural Studies
Published on: March 6, 2013
[Structure of the Smoothened receptor]
Martial Ruat1, Lucile Hoch, Hélène Faure
1CNRS, Institut de neurobiologie Alfred Fessard, laboratoire de neurobiologie et du développement, UPR 3294, équipe transduction du signal et neuropharmacologie développementale, bâtiment 33, 1, avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
The Smoothened (Smo) receptor structure reveals its G-protein coupled receptor family role. Understanding this structure aids developing novel cancer and regenerative medicine therapeutics targeting Hedgehog signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The Smoothened (Smo) receptor is crucial for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in development and adulthood.
- Abnormal Hh signaling is implicated in various cancers, making Smo antagonists a promising therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the crystal structure of the human Smo receptor.
- To understand the binding interactions of an antitumour agent with the Smo receptor.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structure of the human Smo receptor.
- Analysis of the bound antitumour agent's interaction with the receptor.
Main Results:
- The human Smo receptor was identified as a member of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily.
- The antitumour agent binds to an extracellular pocket formed by transmembrane domains and long extracellular loops.
Conclusions:
- The determined structure provides insights into Smo receptor function and drug binding.
- This structural information will facilitate the development of small molecules targeting Smo for cancer and regenerative medicine.
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