Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Optimized Negative Staining: a High-throughput Protocol for Examining Small and Asymmetric Protein Structure by Electron Microscopy
Published on: August 15, 2014
Apolipoprotein E structure: insights into function
Danny M Hatters1, Clare A Peters-Libeu, Karl H Weisgraber
1Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
Abstract:
Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a member of the family of soluble apolipoproteins. Through its interaction with members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, apoE has a key role in lipid transport both in the plasma and in the central nervous system. Its three common structural isoforms differentially affect the risk of developing atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Because the function of apoE is dictated by its structure, understanding the structural properties of apoE and its isoforms is required both to determine its role in disease and for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
Conserved Binding Sites
Binding sites are often located in large pockets, and if their location on a protein’s surface is unknown, it can be predicted using various approaches. The energetic method computationally analyses the...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Protein Organization
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence.
