title: Structure and properties of ovalbumin.
abstract: Ovalbumin is a protein of unknown function found in large quantities in avian egg-white. Surprisingly, ovalbumin belongs to the serpin family although it lacks any protease inhibitory activity. We review here what is known about the amino acid sequence, post-translational modifications and tertiary structure of ovalbumin. The properties of ovalbumin are discussed in relation to their possible functional significance. These include reasons for failure of ovalbumin to undergo a typical serpin conformational change involving the reactive centre loop, which explains why ovalbumin is not a protease inhibitor, and also the natural conversion of ovalbumin to the more stable "S" form.
authors: University of Cambridge, Department of Haematology, Cambridge, UK.
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Huntington
authors: P E
authors: PE
authors: Stein
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D015843:Serpins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D015843:Serpins; D010047:Ovalbumin