Structure of the proteolytic fragment F34 of calmodulin in the absence and presence of mastoparan as revealed by solution X-ray scattering

Quality control of protein standards for molecular mass determinations by small-angle X-ray scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a powerful technique with which to evaluate the size and shape of biological macromolecules in solution. Forward scattering intensity normalized relative to the particle concentration,I(0)/c, is useful as a good measure of molecular mass. A general method for deducing the molecular mass from SAXS data is to determine the ratio ofI(0)/cof a target protein to that of a standard protein with known molecular mass. The accuracy of this interprotein calibration is affected considerably by the monodispersity of the prepared standard, as well as by the precision in estimating its concentration. In the present study, chromatographic fractionation followed by hydrodynamic characterization is proposed as an effective procedure by which to prepare a series of monodispersed protein standards. The estimation of molecular mass within an average deviation of 8% is demonstrated using monodispersed bovine serum albumin as a standard. The present results demonstrate the importance of protein standard quality control in order to take full advantage of interprotein calibration.

Target recognition by calmodulin: the role of acid region contiguous to the calmodulin-binding domain of calcineurin A

Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to investigate the role of acid region contiguous to the calmodulin-binding domain (391-414) of calcineurin in the target recognition by calmodulin. Three synthetic peptides with the residues 385-414, 380-414 and 374-414 of calcineurin A were used for this aim. The X-ray data are consistent with the fact that calmodulin binds all three peptides with or without Ca2+. Without Ca2+, the whole peptide including acid residues interacts with dumbbell shaped calmodulin, while the acid region is extruded from globular shaped calmodulin with Ca2+. Consequently, a conformation of sequence 374-414 in calcineurin might be changed by Ca2+-signal via calmodulin, suggesting the consequence of this region with acid residues in the full activation mechanism of calcineurin by Ca2+-bound calmodulin.

Increase in the molecular weight and radius of gyration of apocalmodulin induced by binding of target peptide: evidence for complex formation

Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to investigate a complex state of apocalmodulin induced by the binding of a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV calmodulin target site. Upon binding of the peptide, the molecular weight for apocalmodulin increased by 8.4%, which provides direct evidence for the formation of a calmodulin/target peptide complex. Comparison of the radius of gyration and Kratky plots of the apocalmodulin/peptide complex with those of apocalmodulin indicates that the overall conformation remains unchanged but the flexibility of the central linker decreases. An analysis of residue pairs between calmodulin and the target peptides suggests that the complex formation is induced by electrostatic interactions and subsequent van der Waals interactions.