Structure of the alpha-actinin rod: molecular basis for cross-linking of actin filaments.
Djinovic-Carugo, K., Young, P., Gautel, M., Saraste, M.(1999) Cell 98: 537-546
- PubMed: 10481917
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0092-8674(00)81981-9
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1QUU - PubMed Abstract:
We have determined the crystal structure of the two central repeats in the alpha-actinin rod at 2.5 A resolution. The repeats are connected by a helical linker and form a symmetric, antiparallel dimer in which the repeats are aligned rather than staggered. Using this structure, which reveals the structural principle that governs the architecture of alpha-actinin, we have devised a plausible model of the entire alpha-actinin rod. The electrostatic properties explain how the two alpha-actinin subunits assemble in an antiparallel fashion, placing the actin-binding sites at both ends of the rod. This molecular architecture results in a protein that is able to form cross-links between actin filaments.
Organizational Affiliation:
Structural Biology Programme, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.