| Primary Identifier | IPR016056 | Type | Homologous_superfamily |
| Short Name | Pheromone_Er23_protoz |
| description | Protozoan pheromones are cell-type specific protein signals. This entry represents the mating ciliate pheromone (or gamone) Er-23 from the protozoan Euplotes raikovi. Er-23 is a diffusible extracellular communication signal that distinguishes different intra-specific classes of cells commonly referred to as 'mating types'. Er-23 prepares these cells for conjugation by changing its cell surface properties. The mitogenic activity induced by the Er pheromone autocrine signalling can be inhibited by cAMP []. The NMR structure of Er-23 reveals an all-alpha topology that is rich in disulphide bonds []. In some cases, different pheromones can compete with each other in binding to their cell-surface receptors. |
