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Related Experiment Videos

Metal ion binding and conformational transitions in concanavalin A: a structure-function study.

C F Brewer1, R D Brown, S H Koenig

  • 1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.

Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics
|December 1, 1983
PubMed
Summary
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Concanavalin A (Con A) exhibits two forms: unlocked (weak binding) and locked (strong binding), with metal ions like Mn2+ and Ca2+ stabilizing the locked, active state. This conformational change is key to its saccharide binding activity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Protein Conformation

Background:

  • Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin's affinity for saccharides and requirement for metal ions (Mn2+, Ca2+) are well-established.
  • The detailed relationship between metal ion binding and saccharide binding activity in Con A has been a recent focus.
  • Con A exists in two conformational states: 'locked' (high affinity) and 'unlocked' (low affinity).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between metal ion binding and conformational transitions in Con A.
  • To understand how these transitions determine the lectin's saccharide binding activity.

Main Methods:

  • Kinetic analysis of the transition from unlocked to locked Con A conformations.
  • Investigation of metal ion (Mn2+, Ca2+) binding effects on Con A conformation and activity.

Related Experiment Videos

  • X-ray crystallography to elucidate structural changes during conformational transitions.

    • Main Results:

    • The unlocked form, predominant in demetallized apo-Con A, weakly binds metal ions and saccharides.
    • The locked form binds metal ions, exhibiting full saccharide binding activity.
    • The transition involves cis-trans isomerization of an Ala-Asp peptide bond, with slow interconversions (minutes to days) due to high activation energy.

    Conclusions:

    • Metal ion binding stabilizes the locked conformation of Con A, enhancing saccharide affinity.
    • The slow conformational transition kinetics allow for the formation of various metastable Con A complexes.
    • Characterization of binary, ternary, and quaternary complexes provides insights into metal ion and saccharide binding dynamics.