Influence of backbone conformation on protein aggregation

Effect(s) of organic solvents on an all beta-sheet protein are investigated to understand the influence of backbone conformation on protein aggregation. Results obtained in the present study reveal that protein aggregation is accompanied by the formation of non-native beta-sheet conformation. In contrast, induction of non-native helical segments in the protein is found to inhibit aggregation. The differential effects of the secondary structures on protein aggregation are proposed to stem from the disparity in the nature of the hydrogen bonds and packing of the side chains of hydrophobic residues in the beta-sheet and alpha-helix conformation. In our opinion, the results of the present study provide useful hints to develop methods to alleviate the problems of both in vitro and in vivo protein aggregation.