Nucleated Conformational Conversion and the Replication of Conformational Information by a Prion Determinant

By Tricia R. Serio, Anil G. Cashikar, Anthony S. Kowal, George J. Sawicki, Jahan J. Moslehi, Louise Serpell, Morton F. Arnsdorf, Susan L. Lindquist

July 28, 2017

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Title

Nucleated Conformational Conversion and the Replication of Conformational Information by a Prion Determinant

Author

Tricia R. Serio, Anil G. Cashikar, Anthony S. Kowal, George J. Sawicki, Jahan J. Moslehi, Louise Serpell, Morton F. Arnsdorf, Susan L. Lindquist

Year

2000

Journal

Science

Abstract

Prion proteins can serve as genetic elements by adopting distinct physical and functional states that are self-perpetuating and heritable. The critical region of one prion protein, Sup35, is initially unstructured in solution and then forms self-seeded amyloid fibers. We examined in vitro the mechanism by which this state is attained and replicated. Structurally fluid oligomeric complexes appear to be crucial intermediates in de novo amyloid nucleus formation. Rapid assembly ensues when these complexes conformationally convert upon association with nuclei. This model for replicating protein-based genetic information, nucleated conformational conversion, may be applicable to other protein assembly processes.

Full Article

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/289/5483/1317

Instrument

J-715

Keywords

Circular dichroism, Secondary structure, Aggregation, Kinetics, Biochemistry