Concentration-Induced Association in a Protein System Caused by a Highly Directional Patch Attraction.

摘要: Self-association of the protein lactoferrin is studied in solution using small-angle X-ray scattering techniques. Effective static structure factors have been shown to exhibit either a monotonic or nonmonotonic dependence on concentration small wavevector limit, depending salt concentration. The behavior correlates with second virial coefficient concentration, such that maximum appears factor at low when negative and close minimum. results are interpreted terms an integral equation theory explicit dimers, formulated by Wertheim, which provides consistent framework able explain monomer–dimer equilibrium because highly directional patch attraction. Short attraction ranges preclude trimer formation, explains why system behaves as if it were subject concentration-dependent isotropic ...