Tracking the structural dynamics of proteins in solution using time-resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering.

ABSTRACT: We demonstrate tracking of protein structural changes with time-resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering (TR-WAXS) with nanosecond time resolution. We investigated the tertiary and quaternary conformational changes of human hemoglobin under nearly physiological conditions triggered by laser-induced ligand photolysis. We also report data on optically induced tertiary relaxations of myoglobin and refolding of cytochrome c to illustrate the wide applicability of the technique. By providing insights into the structural dynamics of proteins functioning in their natural environment, TR-WAXS complements and extends results obtained with time-resolved optical spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.

SUBMITTER: Cammarata M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3159148 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature