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Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

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An amylose antiparallel double helix at atomic resolution.

W Hinrichs, G Büttner, M Steifa

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|October 9, 1987

Summary

The crystal structure reveals a novel antiparallel double helix of maltohexaose that stabilizes polyiodide complexes. This unique helical arrangement may explain glycogen stabilization.

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Area of Science:

Carbohydrate Chemistry
Structural Biology
Crystallography

Background:

Understanding the structural basis of polysaccharide complexation is crucial for applications in biomaterials and drug delivery.
Previous models of starch and amylose helices have not fully explained the stabilization of complex structures.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the crystal structure of a polyiodide complex with maltohexaose.
To compare the determined structure with existing models of carbohydrate helices.
To investigate the structural implications for glycogen stabilization.

Main Methods:

X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the three-dimensional structure of the polyiodide complex.
Detailed analysis of hydrogen bonding patterns and helical parameters was performed.

Main Results:

The crystal structure of (p-nitrophenyl-alpha-maltohexaose(2)) . Ba(I(3))(2) . 22H(2)O was solved.
Maltohexaose units formed an antiparallel, left-handed double helix with specific hydrogen bonding (O-2 ... O-3 and O-6 ... O-6).
A central cavity within the helix enclosed two triiodide units.

Conclusions:

The observed antiparallel double helix structure differs significantly from proposed parallel helices in starch and V-amylose.
This unique helical conformation and the enclosed polyiodide chains likely contribute to the stabilization of the complex.
The findings may provide insights into the stabilization mechanisms of biological polysaccharides like glycogen.