[Structure of the Smoothened receptor]

Abstract

The Smoothened (Smo) receptor is a major component involved in signal transduction of the Hedgehog (Hh) morphogens both during embryogenesis and in the adult. Smo antagonists represent a promi-sing alternative for the treatment of cancers linked to abnormal Hh signalling. The crystal structure of the human Smo receptor bound to an antitumour agent demonstrates that this receptor belongs to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. The antagonist binds to a pocket localized at the extracellular side formed by the seven transmembrane domains and the complex arrangement of the unusually long extracellular loops. The structure of the Smo receptor will promote the development of small molecules interacting with a key therapeutic target with interests in regenerative medicine and cancer.