Overview

Small acidic protein a-lactalbumin, one of the major protein components of milk, is one of the most extensively investigated Ca2+-binding proteins, which does not belong to the EF-hand family of calcium-binding proteins. It serves as a model for studies of the mechanisms of protein stability, folding and unfolding. a-Lactalbumin acts as a regulatory subunit of galactosyltransferase in lactose synthase, which catalyses the synthesis of lactose from UDP-galactose and glucose. It represents a classical example of molten globule state at acidic pH and in its apo-form at elevated temperatures. Three-dimensional structures of several ?-lactalbumins are determined. The protein possesses a single strong Ca2+-binding site, which binds Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, and K+ as well, and several distinct Zn2+-binding sites. The binding of cations to the Ca2+-site increases protein stability against action of heat, various denaturing agents and proteases, while the binding of Zn2+ to the Ca2+-saturated protein decreases its stability and causes its aggregation. ?-Lactalbumin interacts with membranes, proteins, peptides and low molecular weight substrates and products. These interactions are modulated by the binding of metal cations to a-lactalbumin. a-Lactalbumin forms amyloid fibrils at low pH values and some folding variants of a-lactalbumin demonstrate bactericidal activity and some of them cause apoptosis of tumour cells. Thus, ?-lactalbumin is a metal binding protein, the function of which depends on its environment: it takes part in lactose synthesis in the mammary gland and could be important for lowering the incidence of cancer and various infections in breast-fed children.

Full Product Details

Author:   Eugene A Permyakov
Publisher:   Nova Science Publishers Inc
Imprint:   Nova Science Publishers Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 26.00cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 18.00cm
Weight:   0.494kg
ISBN:  

9781594541070

ISBN 10:   1594541078
Pages:   136
Publication Date:   01 December 2004
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not available  
This product is no longer available from the original publisher or manufacturer. There may be a chance that we can source it as a discontinued product.

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; Anatomy of a-Lactalbumin; Isolation and Purification of a-Lactalbumin; Amino Acid Sequence and Gene Structure of a-Lactalbumin; Secondary and Tertiary Structure at Neutral pH; Location and Structure of Cation Binding Sites; Structure and Properties of the Molten Globule State; Psychology of a-Lactalbumin; The Binding of Calcium and Other Divalent and Monovalent Cation to the Strong Binding Site; Thermal Stability of a-Lactalbumin; Unfolding of a-Lactalbumin Causes by Various Denaturants; Unfolding of a-Lactalbumin Causes by Pressure; Effects of N-terminus Mutation on Protein Properties; Acid transition; Fibrillation of a-Lactalbumin; Effects of UV-illumination; Interactions of a-Lactalbumin with Organic Substances, Peptides and Proteins; Interactions with Membrane Systems and Hydrophobic Interfaces; Functions of a-Lactalbumin; a-Lactalbumin as a Component of Lactose Synthase; Bactericidal and Antiviral Activity of a-Lactalbumin; Cytotoxic Activity of a-Lactalbumin; Concluding Remarks; Index.

Reviews

Author Information

Eugene A Permyakov

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions