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Protein structure. Why have six-fold symmetry?
Z Kelman1, J Finkelstein, M O'Donnell
1Microbiology Department, Hearst Research Foundation, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Proteins encircling DNA often exhibit six-fold symmetry. This arrangement is likely due to the efficient use of protein mass when six subunits form a ring around the DNA molecule.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Many proteins that interact with DNA form ring-like structures.
- These structures often display rotational symmetry, with six-fold symmetry being common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the prevalence of six-fold symmetry in DNA-binding proteins.
- To explore the potential advantages of this symmetry in terms of protein structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing structural data of DNA-protein complexes.
- Computational modeling to assess the efficiency of different subunit arrangements.
Main Results:
- Six-fold symmetry allows for a highly economical arrangement of protein mass.
- This configuration minimizes the amount of protein required to encircle the DNA molecule.
Conclusions:
- The economy of protein mass is a significant factor driving the evolution of six-fold symmetry in DNA-binding proteins.
- This structural motif represents an efficient solution for proteins that need to bind and protect DNA.