X-ray diffraction studies of amyloid structure.
Elucidation of the underlying core structure of amyloid fibrils is essential for understanding the mechanism by which amyloid fibrils are formed and deposited. Conventional methods of X-ray crystallography and NMR cannot be used, since the fibers are insoluble and heterogeneous. X-ray fiber diffraction is one method that has been successfully used to examine the structure of these insoluble fibers. The procedure involves the formation of suitable, ordered amyloid fibrils and characterization (by electron microscopy), partial alignment of fibers, X-ray data collection, data analysis, and finally, model building.
Structural Medicine Unit, Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
O Sumner
OS
Makin
Louise C
LC
Serpell
D000682:Amyloid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
D000682:Amyloid