Quantifying the fraction of glycine and alanine in beta-sheet and helical conformations in spider dragline silk using solid-state NMR

Chem Commun (Camb). 2008 Nov 21:(43):5568-70. doi: 10.1039/b812928b. Epub 2008 Sep 29.

Abstract

Solid-state two-dimensional refocused INADEQUATE MAS NMR experiments resolve distinct helical and beta-sheet conformational environments for both alanine and glycine in Nephila clavipes dragline silk fibers; the fraction of alanine and glycine in beta-sheet structures is determined to be 82% +/- 4% and 28% +/- 5%, respectively.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alanine / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Glycine / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / standards
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Reference Standards
  • Silk / chemistry*
  • Spiders*

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Silk
  • Alanine
  • Glycine