Cancer Terms

Coiled-Coil Domain

Cancer Terms -> Anatomic Structure System or Substance -> Microanatomy -> Macromolecular Structure -> Protein Structure -> Protein Domain -> Coiled-Coil Domain

Coiled-Coil Domain Definition

A domain that stabilizes alpha helices in proteins through a very efficient burial of hydrophobic side chains so that polar water molecules do not access them. As a result, the helices are quite stable. In fact, many structural proteins (keratins, tropomyosin, laminin) that have to bear considerable stress have a coiled-coil domain. Two basic essential features are common: (1) the overall secondary structure is alpha helical, (2) the hydrophobic residues are arranged on one side of the helices. The typical positioning of the hydrophobic residues in the coiled-coil domain can be often recognized from primary structure of the protein. The helices can be parallel or antiparallel. The former is common when the helices belong to different polypeptides and the latter prevails in coiled coils made up from a single polypeptide chain. The number of helices in the coil varies usually between 2 and 4.

Coiled-Coil Domain Synonyms

Coiled-Coil Domain, 4-3 Hydrophobic Repeat, Coiled Coil, Coiled Coil Domain, Coiled-Coil, Left-Handed Twist

Terms in Coiled-Coil Domain category



Copyright © Cancer Terms 2014 All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Low Carb Foods

No reproduction or republication permitted.