Function of human Rh based on structure of RhCG at 2.1 A

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 May 25;107(21):9638-43. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1003587107. Epub 2010 May 10.

Abstract

In humans, NH(3) transport across cell membranes is facilitated by the Rh (rhesus) family of proteins. Human Rh C glycoprotein (RhCG) forms a trimeric complex that plays an essential role in ammonia excretion and renal pH regulation. The X-ray crystallographic structure of human RhCG, determined at 2.1 A resolution, reveals the mechanism of ammonia transport. Each monomer contains 12 transmembrane helices, one more than in the bacterial homologs. Reconstituted into proteoliposomes, RhCG conducts NH(3) to raise internal pH. Models of the erythrocyte Rh complex based on our RhCG structure suggest that the erythrocytic Rh complex is composed of stochastically assembled heterotrimers of RhAG, RhD, and RhCE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / metabolism
  • Biological Transport
  • Cation Transport Proteins / chemistry*
  • Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Erythrocytes / chemistry
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / chemistry*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cation Transport Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • RHCG protein, human
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Ammonia