Beta-propellers: associated functions and their role in human diseases

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The beta-propeller fold is a protein architecture comprising four-stranded antiparallel, twisted beta-sheets arranged radially around a central tunnel.
• This fold, analogous to the alpha/beta-barrel (TIM-barrel) fold, is found in proteins with diverse functions and is a subject of significant research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the 3D structure, amino acid sequence regularities, and biological functions of proteins containing beta-propeller domains.
• To emphasize beta-propellers implicated in human diseases.
• To discuss recent advancements in protein engineering, drug design, and structure-function relationship studies related to this architecture.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of structural and functional studies on beta-propeller proteins.
• Analysis of sequence regularities within beta-propeller domains.
• Synthesis of information on disease associations and therapeutic research.

Main Results:

• Beta-propeller domains are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease, arthritis, familial hypercholesterolemia, retinitis pigmentosa, osteogenesis imperfecta, hypertension, and infections.
• The structural and functional diversity of beta-propellers contributes to their wide-ranging biological roles.
• Ongoing research focuses on leveraging the beta-propeller architecture for therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

• The beta-propeller fold is a versatile structural motif with significant implications for human health and disease.
• Understanding the structure-function relationships of beta-propeller proteins is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Continued research in protein engineering and drug design holds promise for targeting beta-propeller-associated pathologies.