The role of protonation in protein fibrillation

M.D. Jeppesen, D.E. Otzen, P. Westh

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Many proteins fibrillate at low pH despite a high population of charged side chains. Therefore exchange of protons between the fibrillating peptide and its surroundings may play an important role in fibrillation. Here, we use isothermal titration calorimetry to measure exchange of protons between buffer and the peptide hormone glucagon during fibrillation. Glucagon absorbs or releases protons to an extent which allows it to attain a net charge of zero in the fibrillar state, both at acidic and basic pH. Similar results are obtained for lysozyme. This suggests that side chain pK values change dramatically in the fibrillar state.
Original languageEnglish
JournalFEBS Letters
Volume584
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)780-784
Number of pages5
ISSN0014-5793
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of protonation in protein fibrillation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this