Lyophilised protein dynamics: more than just methyls?

Abstract

Neutron spectroscopy has been used to probe picosecond to nanosecond dynamics in lyophilised apoferritin, insulin, superoxide dismutase and green fluorescent protein. These proteins have markedly different secondary structures yet similar CH₃ compositions. Results suggest that while only CH₃ activation is apparent in apoferritin, an enhanced dynamic environment presents itself in Ins, SOD and GfP. Our results hint at a structure dependent dynamic landscape.