Caenorhabditis elegans SMA-10/LRIG Is a Conserved Transmembrane Protein that Enhances Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000963
• Publication Date: 2010-05-20T19:04:14Z
• Authors: Tina L. Gumienny; Lesley MacNeil; Cole M. Zimmerman; Huang Wang; Lena Chin; Jeffrey L. Wrana; Richard W. Padgett
• Keywords: BMPR2; Conserved sequence

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways control an array of developmental and homeostatic events, must themselves be exquisitely controlled. Here, we identify Caenorhabditis elegans SMA-10 as a positive extracellular regulator BMP–like receptor signaling. acts genetically in (Sma/Mab) pathway between the ligand DBL-1 its receptors SMA-6 DAF-4. We cloned sma-10 show that it has fifteen leucine-rich repeats three immunoglobulin-like domains, hallmarks LRIG subfamily transmembrane proteins. is required hypodermis, where core Sma/Mab signaling components function. demonstrate functional conservation LRIGs by rescuing sma-10(lf) animals with Drosophila ortholog lambik, showing physically binds DAF-4 enhances vitro. This interaction evolutionarily conserved, evidenced LRIG1 binding to vertebrate receptors. propose new role for family members: regulation BMP both Type I II