Glycoprotein conformation in plant cell walls : Circular dichroism reveals a polyproline II structure

The major structural glycoprotein of the cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardii has a protein core, at least 50% of which is in the unusual polyproline II conformation. This has been demonstrated by examining the circular dichroism of the cell wall, its constituent glycoproteins, and thermolysin released wall glycopeptides. One of these glycopeptides, T2, has a high hydroxyproline and sugar content, and possesses upward of 85% polyproline II structure. The main extracellular matrix glycoprotein therefore has a rigid, rod-like structure and the significance of this and its relation to higher plant cell wall glycoproteins is discussed. The unusual conformation appears to confer great stability on the glycoprotein as it is unchanged either by certain denaturing agents or during the transition from protomer to assembled cell wall.