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EF-hand calcium-binding proteins
1Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation du Rayonnement Electromagnétique (LURE), CNRS, CEA, MRT, Centre Universitaire Paris-Sud, BP 34, 91898 Cedex, Orsay, France. anita@lure.u-psud.fr
Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|December 15, 2000
Summary
The EF-hand motif, a common calcium-binding site in proteins, shows surprising functional diversity. New structural data reveals how metal ion binding influences its affinity and diverse roles in newly identified protein families.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The EF-hand motif is the predominant calcium-binding motif in proteins.
- Understanding metal ion interactions with EF-hand sites is crucial for deciphering protein function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural basis of metal ion binding to EF-hand motifs.
- To explore the functional diversity associated with the EF-hand motif in newly identified protein families.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution structural determination of proteins containing EF-hand motifs.
- Analysis of protein-metal ion complexes.
Main Results:
- Structural insights into the modulation of metal ion binding affinities at EF-hand sites.
- Identification of novel protein families utilizing the EF-hand motif.
- Elucidation of diverse functions associated with EF-hand containing domains.
Conclusions:
- The EF-hand motif, despite its simplicity, exhibits remarkable functional versatility.
- Structural studies provide key insights into the adaptability and diverse roles of EF-hand motifs in biological systems.