title: Structural studies of a phosphatidyl serine-amorphous calcium phosphate complex.
abstract: A phosphatidyl serine-amorphous calcium phosphate complex has been synthesized as a model of the matrix vesicle system that is associated with the induction of mineral deposition in bone, cartilage and dentine. The complex has been studied using a novel technique of subtractive extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). This enables spectra of the components of the molecules to be subtracted from the complex so as to identify the sites of interaction. The results suggest there is a movement in the nitrogen atom of the phosphatidyl serine which approaches the calcium atom in the mineral phase. This interpretation would link the membrane structure of the vesicle to the structure of the mineral in a way that could explain some of its roles in biomineralization.
authors.affiliation: School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, University of Reading, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Simkiss
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Wuthier
mesh_terms: D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry; D008954:Models, Biological; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000737:chemistry*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D010718:Phosphatidylserines; C485828:alpha-tricalcium phosphate; C485830:tetracalcium phosphate; C485838:calcium phosphate, monobasic, anhydrous; D017886:Durapatite; C020243:calcium phosphate; C485829:calcium phosphate, dibasic, anhydrous