Detailed analysis of the atrial natriuretic factor receptor hormone-binding domain crystal structure

The X-ray crystal structure of the dimerized atrial natriuretic factor (ANF ) receptor hormone-binding domain has provided a first structural view of t his anti-hypertensive receptor. The structure reveals a surprising evolutio nary link to the periplasmic-binding protein fold family. Furthermore, the presence of a chloride ion in the membrane distal domain and the presence o f a second putative effector pocket suggests that the extracellular domain of this receptor is allosterically regulated. The scope of this article is to extensively review the data published on this receptor and to correlate it with the hormone-binding domain structure. In addition, a more detailed description is provided of the important features of this structure includi ng the different binding sites for the ANF hormone, chloride ion, putative effector pocket, glycosylation sites, and dimer interface.