Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Vasodilation of Isolated Vessels and the Isolation of the Extracellular Matrix of Tight-skin Mice
Published on: March 24, 2017
Elusive Structural, Functional, and Immunological Features of Act d 5, the Green Kiwifruit Kiwellin
Lesa R Offermann1, Ivana Giangrieco2, Makenzie L Perdue1
1†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States.
Abstract:
Kiwellin (Act d 5) is an allergenic protein contained in kiwifruit pulp in high amounts. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional structure of the natural molecule from green kiwifruit and its possible function. Kiwellin was crystallized, and its structure, including post-translational modifications, was elucidated. The molecular weight and structural features, in solution, were analyzed by gel filtration and circular dichroism, respectively. Although structurally similar to expansin, kiwellin lacks expansin activity and carbohydrate binding. A specific algorithm was applied to investigate any possible IgE reactivity correlation between kiwellin and a panel of 102 allergens, including expansins and other carbohydrate-binding allergens. The available data suggest a strong dependence of the kiwellin structure on the environmental/experimental conditions. This dependence therefore poses challenges in detecting the correlations between structural, functional, and immunological features of this protein.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Actin
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...
Actin Filament Depolymerization
In F-actin, the ADF/cofilin proteins...
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments
The high-order actin...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
Actin Polymerization
The nucleation phase involves forming a stable nucleus consisting of three actin monomers to form a new actin filament. Actin-binding proteins such as formins and Arp2/3 complex help filament growth post-nucleation. The Formins form straight...

