Human apolipoprotein E, a blood plasma protein, mediates the transport and uptake of cholesterol and lipid by way of its high affinity interaction with different cellular receptors, including the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. The three-dimensional structure of the LDL receptor-binding domain of apoE has been determined at 2 ...
Human apolipoprotein E, a blood plasma protein, mediates the transport and uptake of cholesterol and lipid by way of its high affinity interaction with different cellular receptors, including the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. The three-dimensional structure of the LDL receptor-binding domain of apoE has been determined at 2.5 angstrom resolution by x-ray crystallography. The protein forms an unusually elongated (65 angstroms) four-helix bundle, with the helices apparently stabilized by a tightly packed hydrophobic core that includes leucine zipper-type interactions and by numerous salt bridges on the mostly charged surface. Basic amino acids important for LDL receptor binding are clustered into a surface patch on one long helix. This structure provides the basis for understanding the behavior of naturally occurring mutants that can lead to atherosclerosis.
Related Citations:
Crystallization and Preliminary X-Ray Diffraction Studies on the Amino-Terminal (Receptor-Binding) Domain of Human Apolipoprotein E3 from Serum Very Low Density Lipoproteins Aggerbeck, L.P., Wetterau, J.R., Weisgraber, K.H., Mahley, R.W., Agard, D.A. (1988) J Mol Biol 202: 179
Organizational Affiliation:
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0448.
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