Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Characterization of Glycoproteins with the Immunoglobulin Fold by X-Ray Crystallography and Biophysical Techniques
Published on: July 5, 2018
Crystal structure of human transgelin
Ming Li1, Shentao Li, Zhiyong Lou
1"Tsinghua-Nankai-IBP Joint Research Group for Structural Biology", Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Transgelin (TAGLN), a smooth muscle protein, has a calponin homology (CH) domain. Its structure was determined, revealing conserved residues crucial for maintaining tertiary structures, potentially impacting cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transgelin (TAGLN), also known as smooth muscle protein 22 (SM22), is a conserved protein in vertebrate smooth muscle.
- Downregulation of TAGLN by oncogenic Ras may indicate early tumor progression and serve as a diagnostic marker for breast and colon cancers.
- Transgelin possesses a single calponin homology (CH) domain, but its actin-binding capability is unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the crystal structure of full-length human transgelin.
- To analyze the structural features of the calponin homology (CH) domain.
- To identify conserved residues within CH domains that maintain tertiary structures.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography to determine the 2.3 Å resolution crystal structure of full-length human transgelin.
- Bioinformatic analysis of secondary structures of CH domains from various proteins.
- Identification of conserved residues across different CH domains.
Main Results:
- The crystal structure of full-length human transgelin was determined, confirming its primary feature as a CH domain.
- Analysis revealed conserved residues within CH domains that are critical for maintaining similar tertiary structures.
- The study provides structural insights into transgelin, a protein implicated in cancer development.
Conclusions:
- The structural determination of transgelin provides a foundation for understanding its function.
- Conserved residues in CH domains highlight potential structural and functional similarities across different proteins.
- Further research can explore the actin-binding capacity and functional implications of transgelin's structure in cancer biology.
More Related Videos
07:08Efficient Mammalian Cell Expression and Single-step Purification of Extracellular Glycoproteins for Crystallization
Published on: December 23, 2015
09:19Strategic Screening and Characterization of the Visual GPCR-mini-G Protein Signaling Complex for Successful Crystallization
Published on: March 16, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
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...
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the translocon complex.
Gene Families
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Integrins
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...