Amino acid sequence restriction in relation to proteolysis

Biosci Rep. 1983 Mar;3(3):225-32. doi: 10.1007/BF01122454.

Abstract

Distributions of amino acid residues in proteins show that proline is overrepresented in sequence positions following two basic residues ([Lys Arg]-[Lys Arg]), i.e. at sites similar to those susceptible to proteolytic cleavages of hormonal pro-forms. Conformational correlations further show that [Lys Arg]-[Lys Arg]-Pro sequences are often (8/11) not adjacent to elements of secondary structure, whereas the opposite applies to [Lys Arg]-[Lys Arg]-nonPro sequences (82/103 adjacent to elements of secondary structure). These distribution patterns from proteins in general also seem applicable in individual protein groups as demonstrated for some dehydrogenases. It appears possible that [Lys Arg]-[Lys Arg]-nonPro constitutes a restricted sequence in proteins, and that proline, in addition to elements of secondary structure, contributes a means of avoiding unacceptable proteolytic processings of proteins in general.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Arginine / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Proline / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Arginine
  • Proline
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • Lysine