CAAX proteins play essential roles in multiple signalling pathways, controlling processes such as proliferation, differentiation and carcinogenesis . The ~120 mammalian CAAX proteins function at cellular membranes and include the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, nuclear lamins, the γ-subunit of heterotrimeric GTPases, and several protein kinases and phosphatases . Proper localization of CAAX proteins to cell membranes is orchestrated by a series of post-translational modifications of their C-terminal CAAX motifs (where C is cysteine, A is an aliphatic amino acid and X is any amino acid). These reactions involve cysteine prenylation, -AAX tripeptide cleavage, and methylation of the carboxyl prenylated Cys residue. The major CAAX protease activity is mediated by the Ras and a-factor converting enzyme 1 (Rce1), an integral membrane protease of the endoplasmic reticulum ,. Information on the architecture and proteolytic mechanism of Rce1 has been lacking. Here, we report the crystal structure of a Methanococcus maripaludis homolog of Rce1, whose endopeptidase specificity for farnesylated peptides mimics that of eukaryotic Rce1. Its structure, comprising eight transmembrane α-helices, and catalytic site, are distinct from other intramembrane proteases (IMPs). Catalytic residues are located ~10 Å into the membrane and are exposed to the cytoplasm and membrane through a conical cavity that accommodates the prenylated CAAX substrate. The farnesyl lipid is proposed to bind to a site at the opening of two transmembrane α-helices, which then positions the scissile bond adjacent to a glutamate-activated nucleophilic water molecule. This study suggests that Rce1 is the founding member of a novel IMP family, the glutamate IMPs.
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