Photoisomerization mechanism of rhodopsin and 9-cis-rhodopsin revealed by x-ray crystallography

Biophys J. 2007 Jun 15;92(12):L106-8. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.107.108225. Epub 2007 Apr 20.

Abstract

The primary photochemical process of the visual function has been investigated using the three crystallographic models, 11-cis-rhodopsin, all-trans-bathorhodopsin, and the artificial isomeric 9-cis-rhodopsin. Detailed examination of the atomic displacements and dihedral angle changes of the retinal chromophore involved in the interconversion among these isomers suggests the mechanism of isomerization efficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallography, X-Ray / methods*
  • Isomerism
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Photochemistry / methods*
  • Protein Conformation / radiation effects
  • Rhodopsin / chemistry*
  • Rhodopsin / radiation effects
  • Rhodopsin / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Rhodopsin