title: Major Myelin proteolipid: the 4-alpha-helix topology.
abstract: Several conflicting models have been proposed for the membrane arrangement of the major myelin proteolipid (PLP). We have compared features of the sequence of PLP with those of other eukaryotic integral membrane proteins, with the view of identifying the most likely transmembrane topology. A new, simple model is suggested, which features four hydrophobic alpha-helices spanning the whole thickness of the lipid bilayer. Its orientation may be such that both the N- and C-termini face the cytosol. None of the biochemical, biophysical or immunological experiments hitherto reported provides incontrovertible evidence against the model. The effect or absence thereof of various PLP mutations is discussed in the frame of the proposed 4-helix topology.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique and Collège de France, C.N.R.S. URA1187, Paris.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Popot
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pham Dinh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dautigny
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry; D002549:Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / Q000235:genetics; D004220:Disulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D004285:Dogs; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D009185:Myelin Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D018991:Myelin Proteolipid Protein; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000737:chemistry*; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000737:chemistry*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D004220:Disulfides; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018991:Myelin Proteolipid Protein; D010450:Endopeptidases