Three-Dimensional Reconstructions

Three-dimensional reconstructions provide accurate geometric and spatial representations of macromolecular complexes found at synpases.

Three-dimensional_image

Figure 1. This recombinant form of the neuronal (alpha) isoform of CaMKII is a twelve-subunit complex. The catalytic domains reside in foot-like processes that extend away from a central geare-shaped core formed by the C-terminal domains of each subunit.

 

CaMKII resists crystallization and is too large for analysis by NMR. Therefore, cryo-electron microscopy followed by 3-D reconstructions is the only means of producing data on the 3-D structure of CaMKII holoenzymes. We have successfully accomplished this goal, and a low resolution structure (23A) is shown in Figure 1. This recombinant form of the neuronal (alpha) isoform of CaMKII is a twelve-subunit complex. The catalytic domains reside in foot-like processes that extend away from a central gear-shaped core formed by the C-terminal domains of each subunit.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

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