A domain-swapped RNase A dimer with implications for amyloid formation
Liu, Y.S., Gotte, G., Libonati, M., Eisenberg, D.S.(2001) Nat Struct Biol 8: 211-214
- PubMed: 11224563 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/84941
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1F0V - PubMed Abstract: 
Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A) forms two types of dimers (a major and a minor component) upon concentration in mild acid. These two dimers exhibit different biophysical and biochemical properties. Earlier we reported that the minor dimer forms by swapping its N-terminal alpha-helix with that of an identical molecule. Here we find that the major dimer forms by swapping its C-terminal beta-strand, thus revealing the first example of three-dimensional (3D) domain swapping taking place in different parts of the same protein. This feature permits RNase A to form tightly bonded higher oligomers. The hinge loop of the major dimer, connecting the swapped beta-strand to the protein core, resembles a short segment of the polar zipper proposed by Perutz and suggests a model for aggregate formation by 3D domain swapping with a polar zipper.
Organizational Affiliation: 
UCLA-DOE Laboratory of Structural Biology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, USA.