Structural insights into the activation mechanisms of human HtrA serine proteases

• Published in: Archives of biochemistry and biophysics Vol. 621; pp. 6 - 23
• Main Authors: Zurawa-Janicka, Dorota, Wenta, Tomasz, Jarzab, Miroslaw, Skorko-Glonek, Joanna, Glaza, Przemyslaw, Gieldon, Artur, Ciarkowski, Jerzy, Lipinska, Barbara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2017
• Subjects: Allosteric regulation; Apoptosis - physiology; Binding Sites; Enzyme Activation; HtrA proteins; Humans; Mitochondria - physiology; PDZ domain; PDZ Domains - physiology; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Serine Endopeptidases - chemistry; Serine Endopeptidases - metabolism; Serine Endopeptidases - ultrastructure; Serine proteases; Signal Transduction - physiology; Structure-Activity Relationship; Serine proteases; PDZ domain; Allosteric regulation; HtrA proteins
• ISSN: 0003-9861; 1096-0384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2017.04.004

Human HtrA1-4 proteins belong to the HtrA family of evolutionarily conserved serine proteases and function as important modulators of many physiological processes, including maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, cell signaling and apoptosis. Disturbances in their action are linked to severe diseases, including oncogenesis and neurodegeneration. The HtrA1-4 proteins share structural and functional features of other members of the HtrA protein family, however there are several significant differences in structural architecture and mechanisms of action which makes each of them unique. Our goal is to present recent studies regarding human HtrAs. We focus on their physiological functions, structure and regulation, and describe current models of activation mechanisms. Knowledge of molecular basis of the human HtrAs' action is a subject of great interest; it is crucial for understanding their relevance in cellular physiology and pathogenesis as well as for using them as targets in future therapies of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.