ALK-7 (ACVR1C)

ALK-7, also known as ALK7 and ACVR1C, belongs to the ALK family. It is a type I receptor for the TGFB family of signaling molecules. TGF-β is the prototype of a protein superfamily which, in humans, contains at least 35 members, including activins, inhibins, bone morphogenetic proteins, growth/differentiation factors, and Müllerian inhibiting substance. ALK-7 is a serine-threonine kinase that can cause the activation of one of the SMAD signal transducers, SMAD2. ALK-7 has a ligand known as Nodal. Nodal stimulates the secretion of TIMP-1 and inhibits matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. The overexpression of Nodal or constitutively active ALK-7 decreases cell migration and invasion, whereas knock-down of Nodal and ALK-7 has the opposite effects.

ALK-7 (ACVR1C) Alternative Names

ACVRLK7, ALK7, ACTR-IC, ALK-7, activin receptor type IC, activin receptor type-1C, activin receptor-like kinase 7 [Homo sapiens]

RP23-100B18.1, ACVRLK7, ALK7, Alk-7, C230097P10, ACTR-IC, activin receptor type IC, activin receptor type-1C, activin receptor-like kinase 7 [Mus musculus]

Summaries for ALK-7 (ACVR1C)

Entrez Gene summary for ALK-7 (ACVR1C):

ACVR1C is a type I receptor for the TGFB (see MIM 190180) family of signaling molecules. Upon ligand binding, type I receptors phosphorylate cytoplasmic SMAD transcription factors, which then translocate to the nucleus and interact directly with DNA or in complex with other transcription factors (Bondestam et al., 2001 [PubMed 12063393]).[supplied by OMIM, Mar 2008]

OMIM - description for ALK-7 (ACVR1C):

ACVR1C is a type I receptor for the TGFB family of signaling molecules. Upon ligand binding, type I receptors phosphorylate cytoplasmic SMAD transcription factors, which then translocate to the nucleus and interact directly with DNA or in complex with other transcription factors (Bondestam et al., 2001).

Wikipedia summary for ALK-7 (ACVR1C):

The activin A receptor also known as ACVR1C or ALK-7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ACVR1C gene. ACVR1C is a type I receptor for the TGFB family of signaling molecules. Upon ligand binding, type I receptors phosphorylate cytoplasmic SMAD family transcription factors, which then translocate to the nucleus and interact directly with DNA or in complex with other transcription factors.
ACVR1C transduces signals of Nodal. Nodal binds to ACVR2B and then forms a comlex with ACR1C. These go on to recruit the R-SMADs SMAD2 or SMAD3.

Human ALK-7 (ACVR1C) Protein General Information

 

• Protein names: Activin receptor-like kinase 7
  Short name=ALK-7
• Sequence length: 493 AA.
• Domain: Signal
  Transmembrane
  Transmembrane helix
• Sequence similarities: Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. TKL Ser/Thr protein kinase family. TGFB receptor subfamily.
  Contains 1 GS domain.
  Contains 1 protein kinase domain.
• Cofactor: Magnesium or manganese.
• Subunit structure: Binds the type 2 receptor protein ACVR2A.
• Subcellular location: Membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein.
• Tissue specificity: Present in pancreas, heart, colon, small intestine, ovary and the hippocampus, medulla oblongata and putamen of the brain. Isoform 1, isoform 2, isoform 3 and isoform 4 are all expressed in the placenta throughout pregnancy.
• Catalytic activity: ATP + [receptor-protein] = ADP + [receptor-protein] phosphate.

General information above from UniProt

Function for ALK-7 (ACVR1C) Protein

UniProtKB:

ALK-7 is serine/threonine protein kinase which forms a receptor complex on ligand binding. ALK-7 is the receptor complex consisting of 2 type II and 2 type I transmembrane serine/threonine kinases. Type II receptors phosphorylate and activate type I receptors which autophosphorylate, then bind and activate SMAD transcriptional regulators, SMAD2 and SMAD3. ALK-7 is a receptor for activin AB, activin B and NODAL. ALK-7 plays a role in cell differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis.

Genatlas:

• ALK-7 acts as a serine/threonine protein kinase
• ALK-7 is a receptor for activin AB, activin B and NODAL
• ALK-7 plays a role in cell differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis

Homology for human ALK-7 (ACVR1C)

• homolog to rattus Acvr1c (92.7 pc)
• homolog to murine Acvr1c (95.9 pc)
• paralog to nodal