Structure of the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein oligomerization domain

X Zhao, S Ghaffari, H Lodish, VN Malashkevich… - Nature structural …, 2002 - nature.com
X Zhao, S Ghaffari, H Lodish, VN Malashkevich, PS Kim
Nature structural biology, 2002nature.com
Abstract The Bcr-Abl oncoprotein is responsible for a wide range of human leukemias,
including most cases of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Oligomerization of Bcr-Abl is essential for oncogenicity. We determined the crystal structure
of the N-terminal oligomerization domain of Bcr-Abl (residues 1–72 or Bcr1–72) and found a
novel mode of oligomer formation. Two N-shaped monomers dimerize by swapping N-
terminal helices and by forming an antiparallel coiled coil between C-terminal helices. Two …
Abstract
The Bcr-Abl oncoprotein is responsible for a wide range of human leukemias, including most cases of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia. Oligomerization of Bcr-Abl is essential for oncogenicity. We determined the crystal structure of the N-terminal oligomerization domain of Bcr-Abl (residues 1–72 or Bcr1–72) and found a novel mode of oligomer formation. Two N-shaped monomers dimerize by swapping N-terminal helices and by forming an antiparallel coiled coil between C-terminal helices. Two dimers then stack onto each other to form a tetramer. The Bcr1–72 structure provides a basis for the design of inhibitors of Bcr-Abl transforming activity by disrupting Bcr-Abl oligomerization.
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