Abstract
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Since
the proposal of Anfinsen’s thermodynamic hypothesis
in 1963, our understanding of protein folding and dynamics has gained
significant appreciation of its nuance and complexity. Intrinsically
disordered proteins, chameleonic sequences, morpheeins, and metamorphic
proteins have broadened the protein folding paradigm. Here, we discuss
noncanonical protein folding patterns, with an emphasis on metamorphic
proteins, and we review known metamorphic proteins that occur naturally
and that have been engineered in the laboratory. Finally, we discuss
research areas surrounding metamorphic proteins that are primed for
future exploration, including evolution, drug discovery, and the quest
for previously unrecognized metamorphs. As we enter an age where we
are capable of complex bioinformatic searches and de novo protein design, we are primed to search for previously unrecognized
metamorphic proteins and to design our own metamorphs to act as targeted,
switchable drugs; biosensors; and more.
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