Three-dimensional cryoEM reconstruction of native LDL particles to 16A resolution at physiological body temperature.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, the major carriers of cholesterol in the human circulation, have a key role in cholesterol physiology and in the development of atherosclerosis. The most prominent structural components in LDL are the core-forming cholesteryl esters (CE) and the particle-encircling single copy of a huge, non-exchangeable protein, the apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100). The shape of native LDL particles and the conformation of native apoB-100 on the particles remain incompletely characterized at the physiological human body temperature (37 °C).

Methodology/principal findings

To study native LDL particles, we applied cryo-electron microscopy to calculate 3D reconstructions of LDL particles in their hydrated state. Images of the particles vitrifi

SUBMITTER: Kumar V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3090388 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature