Role of the conformational versatility of the neurotrophin N-terminal regions in their recognition by Trk receptors.

ABSTRACT: Neurotrophins (NTs) represent a family of proteins that play an important role in the survival, development, and function of neurons. Extensive efforts are currently being made to develop small molecules endowed with agonist or antagonist NT activity. The structurally versatile N-termini of these proteins are considered regions of interest for the design of new molecules. By combining experimental and computational approaches, we analyzed the intrinsic conformational preferences of the N-termini of two of the most important NTs: NGF (NGF-Nter) and NT4 (NT4-Nter). Circular dichroism spectra clearly indicate that both peptides show a preference for random coil states. Because this finding does not preclude the possibility that structured forms may occur in solution as minor conformational st

SUBMITTER: Stanzione F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3042551 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature