Enzyme-linked Receptor

An enzyme-linked receptor also known as a catalytic receptor is a transmembrane receptor, where the binding of an extracellular ligand causes enzymatic activity on the intracellular side. Hence a catalytic receptor is an integral membrane protein possessing both enzymatic catalytic and receptor functions.

They have two important domains, an extra-cellular ligand binding domain and an intracellular domain, which has a Catalytic function; and a transmembrane helix. The signaling molecule binds to the receptor outside of the cell and causes a conformational change on the Catalytic function located on the receptor inside of the cell.

Examples of the enzymatic activity include:

• Receptor tyrosine kinase, as in fibroblast growth factor receptor. Most enzyme-linked receptors are of this type.
• Serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, as in bone morphogenetic protein
• Guanylate cyclase, as in atrial natriuretic factor receptor