کد مقاله کد نشریه سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی نسخه تمام متن
5371419 1388819 2010 8 صفحه PDF دانلود رایگان
عنوان انگلیسی مقاله ISI
The effect of shear stress on protein conformation: Physical forces operating on biochemical systems: The case of von Willebrand factor
موضوعات مرتبط
مهندسی و علوم پایه شیمی شیمی تئوریک و عملی
پیش نمایش صفحه اول مقاله
The effect of shear stress on protein conformation: Physical forces operating on biochemical systems: The case of von Willebrand factor
چکیده انگلیسی

Macromolecules and cells exposed to blood flow in the circulatory tree experience hydrodynamic forces that affect their structure and function. After introducing the general theory of the effects of shear forces on protein conformation, selected examples are presented in this review for biological macromolecules sensitive to shear stress. In particular, the biochemical effects of shear stress in controlling the von Willebrand Factor (VWF) conformation are extensively described. This protein, together with blood platelets, is the main actor of the early steps of primary haemostasis. Under the effect of shear forces > 30 dyn/cm2, VWF unfolding occurs and the protein exhibits an extended chain conformation oriented in the general direction of the shear stress field. The stretched VWF conformation favors also a process of self aggregation, responsible for the formation of a spider web network, particularly efficient in the trapping process of flowing platelets. Thus, the effect of shear stress on conformational changes in VWF shows a close structure-function relationship in VWF for platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in arterial circulation, where high shear stress is present. The investigation of biophysical effects of shear forces on VWF conformation contributes to unraveling the molecular interaction mechanisms involved in arterial thrombosis.

Graphical AbstractResearch Highlights► High shear forces (> 30 dyn/cm2) cause micro- and macro-conformational changes in VWF. ► VWF multimers change their conformation from globular to extended shape. ► The extended VWF multimers self-aggregate and form fibers. ► The spider web-like structures serve to capture flowing platelets and initiate primary haemostasis.

ناشر
Database: Elsevier - ScienceDirect (ساینس دایرکت)
Journal: Biophysical Chemistry - Volume 153, Issue 1, December 2010, Pages 1-8
نویسندگان
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