The possible pathways of self-organization of immunoglobulin domains

It was proposed that the most probably germ of the beta-structure in globular proteins would be an antiparallel beta-hairpin initiated by the flexibility and/or bend formation of the polypeptide chain between the connected strands. The possible pathways of self-organization of immunoglobulin domains from antiparallel beta-hairpins are computed using well-known kinetic limitations. The most favourable structures corresponding to the greatest number of dehydrated bulky hydrophobic groups are selected. One of the two most favorable structures obtained in such a way coincides with the native tertiary structure of the domains.