Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals a rigid alpha-helical assembly for the tetrameric Streptomyces lividans K+ channel.

le Coutre, J; Kaback, H R; Patel, C K; Heginbotham, L; Miller, C · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1998

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The structure of the tetrameric K+ channel from Streptomyces lividans in a lipid bilayer environment was studied by polarized attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The channel displays approximately 43% alpha-helical and 25% beta-sheet content. In addition, H/D exchange experiments show that only 43% of the backbone amide protons are exchangeable with solvent. On average, the alpha-helices are tilted 33 degrees normal to the membrane surface. The results are discussed in relationship to the lactose permease of Escherichia coli, a membrane transport protein.

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