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The concept of a random coil: Residual structure in peptides and denatured proteins

TitleThe concept of a random coil: Residual structure in peptides and denatured proteins
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1996
AuthorsSmith LJ, Fiebig KM, Schwalbe H, Dobson CM
JournalFolding and Design
Volume1
Issue5
PaginationR95 - R106
Date Published1996/10//
Accession Number23
Abstract

Non-native states of proteins are of increasing interest because of their relevance to issues such as protein folding, translocation and stability. A framework for interpreting the wealth of experimental data for non-native states emerging from rapid advances in experimental techniques involves comparison with a [`]random coil' state, which possesses no structure except that inherent in the local interactions. We review here the concept of a random coil, from its global to its local properties. In particular, we focus on the description of a random coil in terms of statistical distributions in [phi], [psi] space. We show that such a model, in combination with experimental data, provides insight into the structural properties of polypeptide chains and has significance for understanding protein folding and for molecular design.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7W5X-4GK1D5S-1/2/6407468326465ebe4d16590107dfe78b