The push-and-pull hypothesis in protein unfolding, misfolding and aggregation
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Guilherme A P de Oliveira1, Jerson L Silva1
1Programa de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Jiri Jonas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
The combination of biophysical and structural techniques has allowed the visualization of species classified as dry molten-globule states. Further destabilization causes these structures to follow through a wet-globule stage to reach an unfolded chain. We have recently combined small angle X-ray scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance to observe these species, and we introduce a push-and-pull hypothesis to explain the dissimilar actions of urea and high pressure on proteins. The implications of these molten-globule states are further discussed in light of their potential physiological and pathological roles, especially in protein misfolding diseases.