Mechanisms Of Protein Folding

Protein folding is the process by which newly synthesised polypeptide chains become their final three-dimensional protein forms. This guide makes this complex subject accessible to scientists from various backgrounds.

The role of metal ions in protein folding and structure is a critical topic to a range of scientists in numerous fields, particularly those working in structural biology and bioinorganic chemistry, those studying protein folding and disease, and those involved in the molecular and cellular aspects of metals in biological systems. Protein Folding and Metal Ions: Mechanisms, Biology and Disease presents the contributions of a cadre of international experts who offer a comprehensive exploration of this timely subject at the forefront of current research. Divided into four sections, this volume: Provides case study examples of protein folding and stability studies in particular systems or proteins that comprise different metal ions of co-factors Reviews the proteins that shuttle metal ions in the cell to a particular target metalloprotein Illustrates how metal binding can be connected to pathological protein conformations in unrelated diseases, from cancer to protein deposition disorders such as Parkinson’s disease Addresses protein redesign of metal-containing proteins by computational methods, folding simulation studies, and work on model peptides — dissecting the relative energetic contribution of metals sites to protein folding and stability Together, the 13 chapters in this text cogently describe the state of the science today, illuminate current challenges, propose future possibilities, and encourage further study in this area that offers much promise especially with regard to novel approaches to the treatment of some of the most challenging and tragic diseases.

The three-dimensional structure of proteins -- Chemical catalysis -- The basic equations of enzyme kinetics -- Measurement and magnitude of individual rate constants -- The pH dependence of enzyme catalysis -- Practical methods for kinetics and equilibria -- Detection of intermediates in enzymatic reactions -- Stereochemistry of enzymatic reactions -- Active-site-directed and enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitors : "affinity labels" and "suicide inhibitors" -- Conformational change, allosteric regulation, motors, and work -- Forces between molecules, and binding energies -- Enzyme-substrate complementarity and the use of binding energy in catalysis -- Specificity and editing mechanisms -- Recombinant DNA technology -- Protein engineering -- Case studies of enzyme structure and mechanism -- Protein stability -- Kinetics of protein folding -- Folding pathways and energy landscapes.

Research indicates that most neurodegenerative diseases, systemic amyloidoses and many others, arise from the misfolding and aggregation of an underlying protein. This is the first book to discuss significant achievements in protein structure-function relationships in biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular medicine. The authors summarize recent progress in the understanding of the relationships between protein misfolding, aggregation and development of protein deposition disorders.

Research focused on protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation is leading to major advances across biochemistry and medicine. The elucidation of a folding code is proving to be of extreme importance in the postgenomic era, where a number of orphan genes have been identified for which no clear function has yet been established. This research is starting to shed light on the molecular and biochemical basis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases of dramatic impact. Protein Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies addresses key issues concerning protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Building on recent developments, including the recognition of protein misfolding as both a marker and a causal agent, the text presents the work of those who are actively pursuing more effective treatments, as well as preventative measures, and a possible cure. These include the use of molecular chaperones to control misfolding and novel pharmaceuticals, as well as the potential role of various inhibitors and NSAIDS. A Comprehensive Multifaceted Examination of the Complex Causal Agents Implicated in Protein Misfolding Divided into five sections, this groundbreaking text provides up-to-date accounts for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalitis. It also explores the highly likelihood that multiple factors, including oxidative stress, play a role in these complex diseases.

How to synthesize native and modified proteins in the test tube With contributions from a panel of experts representing a range of disciplines, Total Chemical Synthesis of Proteins presents a carefully curated collection of synthetic approaches and strategies for the total synthesis of native and modified proteins. Comprehensive in scope, this important reference explores the three main chemoselective ligation methods for assembling unprotected peptide segments, including native chemical ligation (NCL). It includes information on synthetic strategies for the complex polypeptides that constitute glycoproteins, sulfoproteins, and membrane proteins, as well as their characterization. In addition, important areas of application for total protein synthesis are detailed, such as protein crystallography, protein engineering, and biomedical research. The authors also discuss the synthetic challenges that remain to be addressed. This unmatched resource: Contains valuable insights from the pioneers in the field of chemical protein synthesis Presents proven synthetic approaches for a range of protein families Explores key applications of precisely controlled protein synthesis, including novel diagnostics and therapeutics Written for organic chemists, biochemists, biotechnologists, and molecular biologists, Total Chemical Synthesis of Proteins provides key knowledge for everyone venturing into the burgeoning field of protein design and synthetic biology.