Hydrogen-exchange stability analysis of Bergerac-Src homology 3 variants allows the characterization of a folding intermediate in equilibrium

摘要

Amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange rates have been determined for two mutants of α-spectrin Src homology 3 domain (WT), containing an elongated stable (SHH) and unstable (SHA) distal loop. SHA, similarly to WT, follows a two-state transition, whereas SHH apparently folds via a three-state mechanism. Native-state amide hydrogen exchange is effective in ascribing energetic readjustments observed in kinetic experiments to species stabilized within the denatured base and distinguishing those from high-energy barrier crossings. Comparison of ΔG_(ex) and m_(ex) parameters for amide protons of these mutants demonstrates the existence of an intermediate and allows the identification of protons protected in this state. The consolidation of a form containing a prefolded long β-hairpin induces the switch to a three-state mechanism in an otherwise two-state folder. It can be inferred that the unbalanced high stability of individual elements of secondary structure in a polypeptide could ultimately complicate its folding mechanism.