title: The crystal structure of human α2-macroglobulin reveals a unique molecular cage.
abstract: I'm your Venus: the crystal structure of the human methylamine-induced form of α(2)-macroglobulin (α(2)M) shows its large central cavity can accommodate two medium-sized proteinases. Twelve major entrances provide access for small substrates to the cavity and the still-active trapped "prey". The structure unveils the molecular basis of the unique "venus flytrap" mechanism of α(2)M.
authors.affiliation: Proteolysis Lab, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Spain.
authors.forename: Aniebrys
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marrero
authors.forename: Stephane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Duquerroy
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trapani
authors.forename: Theodoros
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Goulas
authors.forename: Tibisay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Guevara
authors.forename: Gregers R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Navaza
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sottrup-Jensen
authors.forename: F Xavier
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Gomis-Rüth
mesh_terms: D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D006801:Humans; D008744:Methylamines / Q000737:chemistry; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry; D055503:Protein Multimerization; D020836:Protein Structure, Quaternary; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008744:Methylamines; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins; C027451:methylamine