title: Spectroscopic and volumetric investigation of cytochrome c unfolding at alkaline pH: characterization of the base-induced unfolded state at 25 degrees C.
abstract: We have measured at 25 degrees C the relative specific sound velocity increment, [u], and the partial specific volume, v degrees, of cytochrome c as a function of pH. Our data reveal that the base-induced native to unfolded transition of the protein is accompanied by a volume decrease of 0.014 cm3 g-1 and a compressibility decrease of 3.8 x 10(-6) cm3 g-1 bar-1. These results allow us to conclude that, relative to a fully unfolded conformation, the base-denatured state of cytochrome c has only 70 to 80% of its surface area exposed to the solvent. Recently, we reported a similar result for the acid-denatured state of cytochrome c. Thus, insofar as solvent exposure is concerned, both the base- and the acid-induced unfolded states of cytochrome c retain some order, with 20 to 30% of their surface areas remaining solvent-inaccessible. We discuss the implications of this result in terms of defining potential intermediate states in protein folding pathways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway 08855, USA.
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Chalikian
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Gindikin
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Breslauer
mesh_terms: D000468:Alkalies; D000818:Animals; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D003574:Cytochrome c Group / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010316:Particle Size; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011489:Protein Denaturation; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D014465:Ultrasonics
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies; D003574:Cytochrome c Group