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Two new structures reveal the general rules of proline-rich motif recognition by WW domains and show that they are strikingly similar to those used by SH3 domains.
A long awaited crystal structure of an integrin I domain in complex with a peptide derived from collagen has revealed the ligand-bound conformation of this domain and suggests a mechanism for allosteric control of integrin function by ligand binding. Also, a computational protein design approach has allowed the creation of stable, high affinity forms of the I domain for the first time.
Crystal structures of type B botulinum neurotoxin, determined under conditions relevant to the extracellular binding and intracellular substrate cleavage steps of its toxic action, reveal that minimal structural changes occur upon binding a ganglioside or after substrate cleavage. The unique structure of this toxin provides information for developing preventive measures against botulism.
Three recent X-ray structures of the anti-apoptotic protein survivin reveal two different dimeric interfaces. More experiments are needed to determine the biologically relevant dimer interface and to probe survivin function on the basis of its structure.
