[Role of the N-terminal sequence (1-26) in the dimerization of protein L7 in solution]

Native protein L7 from E. coli ribosomes, oxidized protein and a fragment of protein L7 containing the sequence 27--120 obtained by cleavage of the native protein by cyanogen bromide were investigated by sedimentation analysis. It was found that protein L7 exists in solution in a dimer form while the protein oxidized by hydrogen peroxide and the fragment 27--120 do not form a dimer. On the basis of these investigations a conclusion is made that the ability for dimerization is stimulated by N-terminal regions of the protein L7 molecule.