The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of calmodulin, using standard protein crystallographic techniques. This calcium-binding protein, which has been sequenced and has a molecular weight of 16,700, has been crystallized in this laboratory. Three-dimensional x-ray diffractometer data have been collected for the native crystals and four derivatives. Using these data, a three-dimensional electron-density map has been calculated and contoured on acetate sheets. During the next few years, the polypeptide chain will be traced, and then the structure will be refined. The crystal diffracts to high resolution (1.8 Angstrom), so very accurate structural data should be obtainable. Since calmodulin possesses a high degree of sequence homology to troponin-C, parvalbumin, and vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein, its structure will provide information about this general class of calcium-binding proteins. In addition, the structure should provide clues to its function as a regulator of numerous enzymes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM029427-06
Application #
3277011
Study Section
Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry B Study Section (BBCB)
Project Start
1981-07-01
Project End
1988-05-31
Budget Start
1986-12-01
Budget End
1988-05-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Type
School of Medicine & Dentistry
DUNS #
004514360
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Babu, Y S; Bugg, C E; Cook, W J (1988) Structure of calmodulin refined at 2.2 A resolution. J Mol Biol 204:191-204
Babu, Y S; Cox, J A; Cook, W J (1987) Crystallization and preliminary x-ray investigation of sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein from Nereis diversicolor. J Biol Chem 262:11884-5
Babu, Y S; Bugg, C E; Cook, W J (1987) X-ray diffraction studies of calmodulin. Methods Enzymol 139:632-42
Babu, Y S; Sack, J S; Greenhough, T J et al. (1985) Three-dimensional structure of calmodulin. Nature 315:37-40