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Biophysical Investigations of the Prion Protein Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

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Prion Protein Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 459))

Summary

The binding of paramagnetic metal ions is thought to be an essential function of the prion protein and lends itself to interrogation by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), which probes the local coordination environment of bound metal ions to provide details of the metal-binding affinity, stoichiometry, and the symmetry and identity of its ligating atoms. It is also capable of identifying reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and peptide-derived radicals, in addition to monitoring protein-membrane dynamics and conformation by using site-directed spin labeling. An overview of the EPR technique as applied to the prion protein is given, key results are summarized, and some future experimental avenues are outlined.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology and Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

    Simon C. Drew & Kevin J. Barnham

  2. School of Physics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

    Simon C. Drew

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  1. Simon C. Drew
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  2. Kevin J. Barnham
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Department of Pathology and Mental Health Institute of Victoria, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia

    Andrew F. Hill

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Drew, S.C., Barnham, K.J. (2008). Biophysical Investigations of the Prion Protein Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. In: Hill, A.F. (eds) Prion Protein Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 459. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-234-2_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-234-2_13

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-897-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-234-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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