Protein Science, Vol 9, Issue 1 201-206, Copyright © 2000 by The Protein Society

JOURNAL ARTICLE

The pi-helix translates structure into function

TM Weaver
University of Wisconsin La Crosse, Department of Chemistry, 54601, USA. weaver@mail.uwlax.edu

A search for the occurrence of the rare pi-helix was performed with Iditis from the Oxford Molecular Group upon the Protein Data Bank. In 8 of the 10 confirmed crystal structures that harbor the pi-helix, its unique conformation has been linked directly to the formation or stabilization of a specific binding site within the protein. In the discussion to follow, the role for each of these eight pi-helices will be addressed in regard to protein function. It is clear upon closer examination that the conformation of the pi-helix has evolved to provide unique structural features within a variety of proteins.
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