Single-molecule FRET reveals structural heterogeneity of SDS-bound alpha-synuclein

Chembiochem. 2009 Feb 13;10(3):436-9. doi: 10.1002/cbic.200800644.

Abstract

SDS-concentration-dependent alpha-synuclein structure: Upon interaction with SDS, alpha Syn folds into a structure with two antiparallel alpha-helices. We show from single-molecule FRET that alpha Synn adopts this conformation in an all-or-none fashion below the SDS critical micelle concentration. Population of the folded species is directly coupled to an increase in alpha-helix content; this suggests that the entire N terminus is involved in the transaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Conformation*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / chemistry*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / metabolism
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
  • Surface-Active Agents / metabolism
  • alpha-Synuclein / chemistry*
  • alpha-Synuclein / metabolism

Substances

  • Surface-Active Agents
  • alpha-Synuclein
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate