Structure and function of crocodilian hemoglobins and allosteric regulation by chloride, ATP, and CO₂.

ABSTRACT: Hemoglobins (Hbs) of crocodilians are reportedly characterized by unique mechanisms of allosteric regulatory control, but there are conflicting reports regarding the importance of different effectors, such as chloride ions, organic phosphates, and CO₂. Progress in understanding the unusual properties of crocodilian Hbs has also been hindered by a dearth of structural information. Here, we present the first comparative analysis of blood properties and Hb structure and function in a phylogenetically diverse set of crocodilian species. We examine mechanisms of allosteric regulation in the Hbs of 13 crocodilian species belonging to the families Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae. We also report new amino acid sequences for the α- and β-globins of these taxa, which, in combination with s

SUBMITTER: Fago A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7099459 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature