Testing protein-folding simulations by experiment: B domain of protein A.

ABSTRACT: We have assessed the published predictions of the pathway of folding of the B domain of protein A, the pathway most studied by computer simulation. We analyzed the transition state for folding of the three-helix bundle protein, by using experimental Phi values on some 70 suitable mutants. Surprisingly, the third helix, which has the most stable alpha-helical structure as a peptide fragment, is poorly formed in the transition state, especially at its C terminus. The protein folds around a nearly fully formed central helix, which is stabilized by extensive hydrophobic side chain interactions. The turn connecting the poorly structured first helix to the central helix is unstructured, but the turn connecting the central helix to the third is in the process of being formed as the N-terminal reg

SUBMITTER: Sato S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC406447 | biostudies-literature | 2004 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature