Conformational study of human serum albumin in pre-denaturation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism and UV spectroscopy

J Biochem Mol Biol. 2006 Sep 30;39(5):530-6. doi: 10.5483/bmbrep.2006.39.5.530.

Abstract

Thermal conformational changes of human serum albumin (HSA) in phosphate buffer, 10 mM at pH = 7 are investigated using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), circular dichroism (CD) and UV spectroscopic methods. The results indicate that temperature increment from 25 degrees C to 55 degrees C induces reversible conformational changes in the structure of HSA. Conformational change of HSA are shown to be a three-step process. Interestingly, melting temperature of the last domain is equal to the maximum value of fever in pathological conditions, i.e. 42 degrees C. These conformational alterations are accompanied by a mild alteration of secondary structures. Study of HSA-SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) interaction at 45 degrees C and 35 degrees C reveals that SDS affects the HSA structure at least in three steps: the first two steps result in more stabilization and compactness of HSA structure, while the last one induces the unfolding of HSA. Since HSA has a more affinity for SDS at 45 degrees C compared to 35 degrees C, It is suggested that the net negative charge of HSA is decreased in fever, which results in the decrease of HSA-associated cations and plasma osmolarity, and consequently, heat removal via the increase in urine volume.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation*
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Serum Albumin / chemistry*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Serum Albumin
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate