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Atomic model of the actin filament

Abstract

The F-actin filament has been constructed from the atomic structure of the actin monomer to fit the observed X-ray fibre diagram from oriented gels of F-actin. A unique orientation of the monomer with respect to the actin helix has been found. The main interactions are along the two-start helix with a contribution from a loop extending across the filament axis provided by the molecule in the adjacent strand. There are also contacts along the left-handed genetic helix.

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Holmes, K., Popp, D., Gebhard, W. et al. Atomic model of the actin filament . Nature 347, 44–49 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/347044a0

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