Formation, TEM study and 3D reconstruction of the human erythrocyte peroxiredoxin-2 dodecahedral higher-order assembly

Micron. 2007;38(1):29-39. doi: 10.1016/j.micron.2006.04.010. Epub 2006 Jun 23.

Abstract

The production of a higher-order assembly of peroxiredoxin-2 (Prx-2) from human erythrocytes has been achieved during specimen preparation on holey carbon support films, in the presence of ammonium molybdate and polyethylene glycol. TEM study suggested that this assembly is a regular dodecahedron, containing 12 Prx-2 decamers (Mr 2.62 MDa, external diameter approximately 20 nm). This interpretation has been supported by production of a approximately 1.6 nm 3D reconstruction from the negative stain TEM data, with automated docking of the available X-ray data of the Prx-2 decamer. Comparison with other known protein dodecahedral and viral icosahedral structures indicates that this arrangement of protein molecules is one of the fundamental macromolecular higher-order assemblies found in biology. Widespread biotechnological interest in macromolecular "cage" structures is relevant to the production of the Prx-2 dodecahedron.

MeSH terms

  • Erythrocytes / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Models, Molecular
  • Peroxidases / chemistry*
  • Peroxiredoxins
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary*

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Peroxidases
  • Peroxiredoxins