Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
12:05
Production of Disulfide-stabilized Transmembrane Peptide Complexes for Structural Studies
Published on: March 6, 2013
14.6K
Structural Study of the Complex Formed by Ceruloplasmin and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor
A V Sokolov1,2,3,4, L A Dadinova5, M V Petoukhov5,6,7,8
1Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia.
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|September 10, 2018
Summary
Ceruloplasmin inhibits the pro-inflammatory Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF). Researchers modeled the MIF-ceruloplasmin complex using X-ray scattering and crystallography, revealing a 3:1 stoichiometry for anti-inflammatory drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine.
- Inhibitors of MIF's tautomerase activity are potential anti-inflammatory agents.
- Ceruloplasmin (CP), a plasma ferroxidase, non-competitively inhibits MIF tautomerase activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structural basis of ceruloplasmin's inhibition of MIF tautomerase activity.
- To characterize the complex formed between MIF and ceruloplasmin.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to model the MIF-ceruloplasmin complex.
- Crystallographic analysis of modified MIF to support the model.
- Gel filtration to determine complex stoichiometry.
Main Results:
- A structural model of the MIF-ceruloplasmin complex was established.
- Crystallography confirmed the model, particularly for the modified active site.
- Gel filtration revealed a stoichiometry of 3 ceruloplasmin molecules per MIF trimer.
- Interaction regions were identified and conformity with existing biochemical data was discussed.
Conclusions:
- Ceruloplasmin forms a defined complex with MIF, explaining its inhibitory mechanism.
- The structural data provides a basis for designing novel anti-inflammatory compounds targeting MIF.
- The findings contribute to understanding protein-protein interactions in inflammatory pathways.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:09Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes
855
In complexation reactions, metal cations are the electron pair acceptors, and the ligands are the electron pair donors. The stability of the metal complexes depends primarily on the complexing ability of the central metal ion and the nature of the ligands. Generally, the complexing ability of the metal ion depends on the size and charge of the ion. As the metal ion size increases, the stability of the metal complexes decreases, provided that the valency of the metal ion and the ligands remain...
855
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
2.5K
Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
2.5K
02:16Transcription Factors
82.8K
Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
82.8K
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
16.8K
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
16.8K
02:34Structural Isomerism
21.7K
Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
21.7K
02:35Transcription Elongation Factors
14.0K
Transcription elongation is a dynamic process that alters depending upon the sequence heterogeneity of the DNA being transcribed. Hence, it is not surprising that the elongation complex's composition also varies along the way while transcribing a gene.
The transcription elongation is regulated via pausing of RNA polymerase on several occasions during transcription. In bacteria, these halts are necessary because the transcription of DNA into mRNA is coupled to the translation of that mRNA...
The transcription elongation is regulated via pausing of RNA polymerase on several occasions during transcription. In bacteria, these halts are necessary because the transcription of DNA into mRNA is coupled to the translation of that mRNA...
14.0K