The structure of nanotubes formed by diphenylalanine, the core recognition motif of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid polypeptide.
Alzheimer's beta-amyloid diphenylalanine motif has previously been shown to self-assemble into discrete and extraordinary stiff nanotubes; these nanotubes were initially thought to be distinct from the single crystal structure of diphenylalanine, but it is now shown that the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of the nanotubes is identical to the simulated pattern for the single crystal structure, affording a new foundation for understanding and rationalizing the properties of this remarkable organic material.
Görbitz
Carl Henrik
CH
Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033 Blindern, N-0315, Oslo, Norway. c.h.gorbitz@kjemi.uio.no
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D004151:Dipeptides; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry*; D033362:Powder Diffraction
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D004151:Dipeptides; C026650:phenylalanylphenylalanine; D010649:Phenylalanine