2hh4

Publication Abstract from PubMed

How insulin binds to the insulin receptor has long been a subject of speculation. Although the structure of the free hormone has been extensively characterized, a variety of evidence suggests that a conformational change occurs upon receptor binding. Here, we employ chiral mutagenesis, comparison of corresponding d and l amino acid substitutions, to investigate a possible switch in the B-chain. To investigate the interrelation of structure, function, and stability, isomeric analogs have been synthesized in which an invariant glycine in a beta-turn (Gly(B8)) is replaced by d- or l-Ser. The d substitution enhances stability (DeltaDeltaG(u) 0.9 kcal/mol) but impairs receptor binding by 100-fold; by contrast, the l substitution markedly impairs stability (DeltaDeltaG(u) -3.0 kcal/mol) with only 2-fold reduction in receptor binding. Although the isomeric structures each retain a native-like overall fold, the l-Ser(B8) analog exhibits fewer helix-related and long range nuclear Overhauser effects than does the d-Ser(B8) analog or native monomer. Evidence for enhanced conformational fluctuations in the unstable analog is provided by its attenuated CD spectrum. The inverse relationship between stereospecific stabilization and receptor binding strongly suggests that the B7-B10 beta-turn changes conformation on receptor binding.

Toward the active conformation of insulin: stereospecific modulation of a structural switch in the B chain.,Hua QX, Nakagawa S, Hu SQ, Jia W, Wang S, Weiss MA J Biol Chem. 2006 Aug 25;281(34):24900-9. Epub 2006 Jun 8. PMID:16762918^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.