Biopolym. Cell. 2014; 30(3):184-189.
Minireviews
The mechanisms of activation of the single chain cytokine receptors: preformed and ligand-induced dimerization
1, 2Gryshkova V. S., 3Albu R. I., 1, 2Constatinescu S. N.
  1. Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels branch
    Avenue Hippocrate 74, Bte B1.74.03, Brussels, BRU, Belgium, 1200
  2. Universite catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute
    Avenue E. Mounier 53, Brussels B1200, Belgium
  3. Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc
    Avenue Hippocrate 10, Brussels B1200, Belgium

Abstract

Despite intensive studies, the mechanisms of cytokine receptor activation are still not completely understood. Historically two models have been proposed: early studies suggested a mechanism involving ligand-induced di- merization of the receptors which results in the activation of downstream signaling pathways, whereas, in the absence of ligands, the receptors are thought to be in a monomeric inactive state; later studies uncovered evidence for the existence of many receptors as inactive preformed dimers, which upon ligand binding undergo conformational changes and/or relative rotation of the receptor molecules. Here we focus on the dimerization status of the single chain cytokine receptors, which are involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis.
Keywords: cytokine receptors, dimerization, hematopoiesis

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