New Light Shed on "Chameleon Proteins"

21/05/2014

Findings of Jülich researchers reveal the power play in myelin basic protein and revolutionize prevailing assumptions about the biomolecular functioning of this key element of the central nervous.

Structural model of myelin basic protein Structural model of myelin basic protein

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) are the quick-change artists of protein molecules. In aqueous solution, they have no clearly defined structure and can bend with a high degree of flexibility. Jülich neutron researchers have circumvented the shortcomings of conventional methods by using a novel approach to obtain new insights into these chameleon-like proteins. Their findings revolutionize prevailing assumptions about the biomolecular functioning of this key element of the central nervous system and have been published in the journal JACS.

Original publication
Internal Nanosecond Dynamics in the Intrinsically Disordered Myelin Basic Protein;
A. M. Stadler et al.;
J. Am. Chem. Soc., Publication Date (Web): April 23, 2014;
DOI: 10.1021/ja502343b