The high affinity of the noncovalent interaction between biotin and streptavidin forms the basis for many diagnostic assays that require the formation of an irreversible and specific linkage between biological macromolecules. Comparison of the refined crystal structures of apo and a streptavidin:biotin complex shows that the high affinity results from several factors ...
The high affinity of the noncovalent interaction between biotin and streptavidin forms the basis for many diagnostic assays that require the formation of an irreversible and specific linkage between biological macromolecules. Comparison of the refined crystal structures of apo and a streptavidin:biotin complex shows that the high affinity results from several factors. These factors include the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions between biotin and the protein, together with the ordering of surface polypeptide loops that bury the biotin in the protein interior. Structural alterations at the biotin binding site produce quaternary changes in the streptavidin tetramer. These changes apparently propagate through cooperative deformations in the twisted beta sheets that link tetramer subunits.
Related Citations:
Crystallographic and Thermodynamic Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Ligands Bound to Streptavidin Weber, P.C., Wendoloski, J.J., Pantoliano, M.W., Salemme, F.R. (1992) J Am Chem Soc 114: 3197
Organizational Affiliation:
Central Research & Development Department, E. I. du Pont de Neumours and Company, Inc., Wilmington, DE 19880-0228.
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