Structural evolution of human recombinant alpha B-crystallin under UV irradiation

Biomacromolecules. 2008 Feb;9(2):431-4. doi: 10.1021/bm7004802. Epub 2008 Jan 23.

Abstract

External stresses cause certain proteins to lose their regular structure and aggregate. In order to clarify this abnormal aggregation process, a structural evolution of human recombinant alphaB-crystallin under UV irradiation was observed with in situ small-angle neutron scattering. The abnormal aggregation process was identified to fall in three time zones: incubation, aggregation, and saturation. During the incubation time, the size of aggregates was almost unchanged but a deformation in the local structure was developing. After the incubation time, abnormal aggregation proceed. When the volume of the aggregates reached around twice the size as that of the initial aggregates, the aggregation rate slowed down, which marked the onset of saturation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry*
  • Recombinant Proteins / radiation effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • alpha-Crystallin B Chain / chemistry*
  • alpha-Crystallin B Chain / radiation effects*

Substances

  • CRYAB protein, human
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • alpha-Crystallin B Chain