Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
+ axon guidance, + structural biology, + neurobiology, + signalling pathways, + semaphorins, + plexins, + MICAL
We have determined the crystal structures for all members of Drosophila class 1 and 2 semaphorins. We found that semaphorin heterodimerization provides a novel mechanism for cross-talk between different plexins and co-receptors to allow fine-tuning of cell signalling. [pubmed] [doi]
We have determined the crystal structures of monomeric semaphorin 1b in two complexes with plexin A. We revealed a novel interaction mode by which monomeric semaphorins interact with their plexin receptors in cis to impose inhibition of signalling. [pubmed] [doi]
We have discovered a new mechanosensor, plexin D1, that is expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. Our structural in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that plexin D1 can detect physical force and convert it into biochemical signals. [pubmed] [doi]
