Cited by 950Protein Structure and DynamicsEnzyme Structure and FunctionBiochemical and Structural Characterization

Structural Symmetry and Protein Function

Goodsell, David S., Olson, Arthur J.·2000·Annual Review of Biophysics and Biomolecular Structure

Abstract

▪ Abstract The majority of soluble and membrane-bound proteins in modern cells are symmetrical oligomeric complexes with two or more subunits. The evolutionary selection of symmetrical oligomeric complexes is driven by functional, genetic, and physicochemical needs. Large proteins are selected for specific morphological functions, such as formation of rings, containers, and filaments, and for cooperative functions, such as allosteric regulation and multivalent binding. Large proteins are also more stable against denaturation and have a reduced surface area exposed to solvent when compared with many individual, smaller proteins. Large proteins are constructed as oligomers for reasons of error control in synthesis, coding efficiency, and regulation of assembly. Symmetrical oligomers are favored because of stability and finite control of assembly. Several functions limit symmetry, such as interaction with DNA or membranes, and directional motion. Symmetry is broken or modified in many forms: quasisymmetry, in which identical subunits adopt similar but different conformations; pleomorphism, in which identical subunits form different complexes; pseudosymmetry, in which different molecules form approximately symmetrical complexes; and symmetry mismatch, in which oligomers of different symmetries interact along their respective symmetry axes. Asymmetry is also observed at several levels. Nearly all complexes show local asymmetry at the level of side chain conformation. Several complexes have reciprocating mechanisms in which the complex is asymmetric, but, over time, all subunits cycle through the same set of conformations. Global asymmetry is only rarely observed. Evolution of oligomeric complexes may favor the formation of dimers over complexes with higher cyclic symmetry, through a mechanism of prepositioned pairs of interacting residues. However, examples have been found for all of the crystallographic point groups, demonstrating that functional need can drive the evolution of any symmetry.

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Crossref · 10.1146/annurev.biophys.29.1.105

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Authors
Goodsell, D. S., & Olson, A. J.
Affiliations
Scripps Research Institute (US)
Venue
Annual Review of Biophysics and Biomolecular Structure
Published
2000-06
Volume
29
Issue
1
Pages
105-153
ISSN
  • 1056-8700 (ISSN-L)
  • 1545-4266
OpenAlex
W2152764495
Cited by
950
References
100
Citations by year
2026: 36 · 2025: 36 · 2024: 45 · 2023: 38 · 2022: 60 · 2021: 50 · 2020: 61 · 2019: 50 · 2018: 48 · 2017: 58 · 2016: 46 · 2015: 51 · 2014: 52 · 2013: 58 · 2012: 38
FWCI
0.61
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Annual Review of Biophysics and Biomolecular Structure (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Protein Structure and Dynamics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Enzyme Structure and Function
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Biochemical and Structural Characterization
Keywords
protein oligomerization, protein symmetry, protein function, quasi-symmetry, pleomorphism, pseudosymmetry, symmetry mismatch, side-chain conformation, protein evolution, crystallographic point groups, allosteric regulation, multivalent binding, protein stability, protein assembly
MeSH terms
Allosteric Site, Animals, DNA, Models, Biological, Models, Molecular, Protein Binding, Protein Conformation, Proteins, Structure-Activity Relationship, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Dimerization

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