Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 24, 2026

Production of Disulfide-stabilized Transmembrane Peptide Complexes for Structural Studies
12:05

Production of Disulfide-stabilized Transmembrane Peptide Complexes for Structural Studies

Published on: March 6, 2013

Crystal structure of the zeta isoform of the 14-3-3 protein

D Liu1, J Bienkowska, C Petosa

  • 1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Nature
|July 13, 1995
PubMed

Insights

The 14-3-3 protein family regulates intracellular signaling. Researchers determined the crystal structure of a major 14-3-3 protein, revealing a conserved binding groove for diverse cellular interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • 14-3-3 proteins are key regulators of intracellular signaling pathways.
  • They interact with oncogene and proto-oncogene products, influencing cellular processes.
  • Previous studies indicated their role in activating kinases and inducing cell maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the crystal structure of the major mammalian 14-3-3 protein isoform.
  • To elucidate the structural basis for 14-3-3 protein interactions with other cellular molecules.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was used to determine the protein structure.
  • The resolution achieved was 2.9 Angstroms.

Main Results:

  • The crystal structure revealed a dimeric protein composed of nine antiparallel helices per subunit.
  • A central amphipathic groove capable of binding an additional helix was identified.
  • Conserved residues in the dimer interface and ligand-binding surface were observed across species.

Conclusions:

  • The identified groove suggests a general mechanism for 14-3-3 protein interaction with diverse cellular partners.
  • Structural and functional conservation of 14-3-3 proteins across vertebrates, yeast, and plants is indicated.

More Related Videos

Optimized Protocol for the Extraction of Proteins from the Human Mitral Valve09:13

Optimized Protocol for the Extraction of Proteins from the Human Mitral Valve

Published on: June 14, 2017

PCR Mutagenesis, Cloning, Expression, Fast Protein Purification Protocols and Crystallization of the Wild Type and Mutant Forms of Tryptophan Synthase09:31

PCR Mutagenesis, Cloning, Expression, Fast Protein Purification Protocols and Crystallization of the Wild Type and Mutant Forms of Tryptophan Synthase

Published on: September 26, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Protein Organization01:28

Protein Organization

Proteins are one of the fundamental building blocks of life that carry out many diverse functions in the cell. Proteins are assembled from amino acids. The sequence of amino acids is known as the primary structure of a protein. Local interactions of individual amino acids cause the linear chain to fold into the secondary structures. Interactions of distant amino acids lead to further folding of the protein—the tertiary structure. The assembly of multiple folded chains (subunits) is known as...
Protein Folding01:49

Protein Folding

Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Upon synthesis, a protein folds into a three-dimensional conformation which is critical to its biological function. Interactions between its constituent amino acids guide protein folding, and hence the protein structure is primarily dependent on its amino acid sequence.Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological FunctionProteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...
Protein and Protein Structure02:39

Protein and Protein Structure

Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
Protein Organization01:28

Protein Organization

Proteins are one of the fundamental building blocks of life that carry out many diverse functions in the cell. Proteins are assembled from amino acids. The sequence of amino acids is known as the primary structure of a protein. Local interactions of individual amino acids cause the linear chain to fold into the secondary structures. Interactions of distant amino acids lead to further folding of the protein—the tertiary structure. The assembly of multiple folded chains (subunits) is known as...
Protein Organization01:24

Protein Organization

Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues. They are versatile and responsible for different cellular functions, including DNA replication, molecular transport, catalysis, and structural support. Proteins have a hierarchical structure comprising at least three levels of organization: primary, secondary, and tertiary structure. Some large proteins have a quaternary structure where individual protein subunits are linked together.
The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence.
Protein Folding01:25

Protein Folding

Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Upon synthesis, a protein folds into a three-dimensional conformation, critical to its biological function. Interactions between its constituent amino acids guide protein folding, and hence the protein structure is primarily dependent on its amino acid sequence.
Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological Function
Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...