21.05.2014

New Light Shed on “Chameleon Proteins”

Neutrons reveal power play in myelin basic protein

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) are the quick-change artists of protein molecules. In aqueous solution, they have no clearly defined structure and can bend with a high degree of flexibility. Jülich neutron researchers have circumvented the shortcomings of conventional methods by using a novel approach to obtain new insights into these chameleon-like proteins. Their findings revolutionize prevailing assumptions about the biomolecular functioning of this key element of the central nervous system and have been published in the journal JACS.
More only in German.

Original Publication:
Internal Nanosecond Dynamics in the Intrinsically Disordered Myelin Basic Protein;
A. M. Stadler et al.;
J. Am. Chem. Soc., Publication Date (Web): April 23, 2014;
DOI: 10.1021/ja502343b

More Information:
Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS)
Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Contact:
Dr. Andreas M. Stadler, Forschungszentrum Jülich,
Jülich Centre for Neutron Science,
Phone: +0049 2461 61-4502,
Email: a.stadler@fz-juelich.de

Press Contact:
Angela Wenzik, Wissenschaftsjournalistin,
Forschungszentrum Jülich,
Phone: +0049 2461 61-6048,
Email: a.wenzik@fz-juelich.de