Mechanical, structural, and dynamical modifications of cholesterol exposed porcine aortic elastin.

ABSTRACT: Elastin is a protein of the extracellular matrix that contributes significantly to the elasticity of connective tissues. In this study, we examine dynamical and structural modifications of aortic elastin exposed to cholesterol by NMR spectroscopic and relaxation methodologies. Macroscopic measurements are also presented and reveal that cholesterol treatment may cause a decrease in the stiffness of tissue. ²H NMR relaxation techniques revealed differences between the relative populations of water that correlate with the swelling of the tissue following cholesterol exposure. ¹³C magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy and relaxation methods indicate that cholesterol treated aortic elastin is more mobile than control samples. Molecular dynamics simulations on a short elast

SUBMITTER: Bilici K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5067235 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature