PMID: 25810031

Authors:

Schiefner A, Freier R, Eichinger A, Skerra A

Title:

Crystal structure of the human odorant binding protein, OBP.

Journal:

Proteins. 2015 Mar 21. doi: 10.1002/prot.24797.

Abstract:

Human odorant-binding protein, OBPIIa , is expressed by nasal epithelia to facilitate transport of hydrophobic odorant molecules across the aqueous mucus. Here, we report its crystallographic analysis at 2.6 A resolution. OBPIIa is a monomeric protein that exhibits the classical lipocalin fold with a conserved eight-stranded beta-barrel harboring a remarkably large hydrophobic pocket. Basic residues within the four loops that shape the entrance to this ligand-binding site evoke a positive electrostatic potential. Human OBPIIa shows distinct features compared with other mammalian OBPs, including a potentially reactive Cys side chain within its pocket similar to human tear lipocalin. Proteins 2015. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.