Sterile Alpha Motif Domain Containing Protein 1 (SaMD1)

SaMD1, Contains 1 SAM (sterile alpha motif) domain. Expressed in atherosclerotic lesions, not in normal intima. May play a role in atherogenesis by immobilizing LDL in the atherial wall.

The sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain is a protein module found in many diverse signaling proteins. SAM domains in some systems have been shown to self-associate. Previous crystal structures of an EphA4-SAM domain dimer and a possible EphB2-SAM oligomer both revealed large interfaces comprising an exchange of N-terminal peptide arms. Within the arm, a conserved hydrophobic residue is anchored into a hydrophobic cleft on a neighboring molecule. A new crystal form of the human EphB2-SAM domain that has the same overall SAM domain fold yet has no substantial intermolecular contacts.