Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Microfluidic Mixers for Studying Protein Folding
Published on: April 10, 2012
Friction-Limited Folding of Disulfide-Reduced Monomeric SOD1
Noah R Cohen1, Can Kayatekin2, Jill A Zitzewitz1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
The folding of monomeric superoxide dismutase (mSOD1) is friction-limited, particularly in its disulfide-reduced state. This internal chain friction may contribute to the aggregation of SOD1 linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Protein Folding Dynamics
- Enzymology
Background:
- Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is crucial for converting superoxide radicals.
- mSOD1 exhibits one of the slowest known two-state folding processes.
- The unfolded state's long lifetime allows sampling of nonnative structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate friction-limited folding in mSOD1.
- To determine the role of the C-terminus in mSOD1 folding.
- To explore the influence of disulfide bond status on folding friction.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of mSOD1 folding.
- Utilized viscogens (glycerol, glucose) to probe internal chain friction.
- Novel analysis of folding reactions to assess friction.
Main Results:
- Disulfide-reduced mSOD1, exposing the C-terminus, experiences internal chain friction.
- Disulfide-oxidized mSOD1 does not show significant internal friction.
- Internal friction is sensitive to the disulfide bond's presence and status.
Conclusions:
- Internal chain friction in mSOD1 folding is dependent on disulfide bond status.
- The C-terminal region and disulfide cross-links likely drive friction-limited folding.
- Mechanisms of internal friction in reduced mSOD1 may relate to ALS-linked SOD1 aggregation.
More Related Videos
09:37Combining Non-reducing SDS-PAGE Analysis and Chemical Crosslinking to Detect Multimeric Complexes Stabilized by Disulfide Linkages in Mammalian Cells in Culture
Published on: May 2, 2019
13:52Coupled Assays for Monitoring Protein Refolding in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: July 9, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Protein Folding
Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological Function
Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...
Protein Folding
Molecular Chaperones and Protein Folding
The...
Molecular Chaperones and Protein Folding
Pinching-off of Coated Vesicles
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...