Function And Destruction Of Protein Folding Catalysts

The precise shape of a protein is a crucial factor in its function. How do proteins become folded into the right conformation? Molecular chaperones and protein folding catalysts bind to developing polypeptides in the cytoplasm and ensure correct folding and transport. This Guidebook catalogues the latest information on nearly 200 of these molecules, including the important class of heat shock proteins; each entry is written by leading researchers in the field.

One of the most intriguing discoveries in molecular biology in the last decade is the existence of an evolutionary conserved and essential system, consisting of molecular chaperones and folding catalysts, which promotes the folding of the proteins in the cell. This text summarizes our current knowledge of the cellular roles, the regulation and the mechanism of action of this system. It has a broad scope, covering cell biological, genetic and biochemical aspects of protein folding in cells from bacteria to man. Particularly appropriate to researchers working in basic and applied aspects of molecular medicine, this volume should also prove useful as an up-to-date reference book and as a textbook for specialized university courses.

A great deal of talent has been called upon over the past decade to try and understand the structure and the function of different types of foldases; as a result, a remarkable insight into how these enzymes work has been gained. Recently the main focus of research has begun to shift to unveiling the precise role of these folding catalysts in many different processes in which they are involved inside the cell. It is becoming increasingly clear that the cellular functions of foldases go far beyond accelerating the folding of proteins. This is undoubtedly an area where one can expect significant research efforts in the next few years. The present book summarises the current state of knowledge as to the structural and functional properties of four major types of foldases listed above. In structuring the material the author has sought to maintain a balance between historical development and current understanding, while also trying to look to the future and anticipate where the field is likely to move.

Protein folding and aggregation is the process by which newly synthesized proteins fold into the specific three-dimensional structures defining their biologically active states. It has always been a major focus of research in biochemistry and has often been seen as the unsolved second part of the genetic code. In the last 10 years we have witnessed a quantum leap in the research in this exciting area. Computational methods have improved to the extent of making possible to simulate the complete folding process of small proteins and the early stages of protein aggregation. Experimental methods h.