PMID: 10481917 , Related PDB id: 1QUU

Authors:

Djinovic-Carugo K, Young P, Gautel M, Saraste M

Title:

Structure of the alpha-actinin rod: molecular basis for cross-linking of actin filaments.

Journal:

Cell. 1999 Aug 20;98(4):537-46.

Abstract:

We have determined the crystal structure of the two central repeats in the alpha-actinin rod at 2.5 A resolution. The repeats are connected by a helical linker and form a symmetric, antiparallel dimer in which the repeats are aligned rather than staggered. Using this structure, which reveals the structural principle that governs the architecture of alpha-actinin, we have devised a plausible model of the entire alpha-actinin rod. The electrostatic properties explain how the two alpha-actinin subunits assemble in an antiparallel fashion, placing the actin-binding sites at both ends of the rod. This molecular architecture results in a protein that is able to form cross-links between actin filaments.