Asp106

Asp106 refers to a specific amino acid residue within a protein sequence. The "Asp" denotes aspartic acid, one of the twenty common amino acids. The "106" indicates its position within the linear chain of amino acids that make up the protein. Aspartic acid is an acidic amino acid, characterized by its negatively charged side chain at physiological pH. This negative charge can play crucial roles in protein structure and function.

The significance of Asp106 is context-dependent, meaning it is important within the specific protein where it resides. In many proteins, acidic residues like Asp106 are involved in catalytic activity, forming part of the active site where chemical reactions occur. They can also be critical for binding to other molecules, such as metal ions or positively charged regions of other proteins or DNA. Furthermore, Asp106 can contribute to the overall three-dimensional folding of a protein by participating in electrostatic interactions or hydrogen bonds.

Mutations or modifications at the Asp106 position can have profound effects on a protein's stability, activity, or interaction partners. For example, if Asp106 is essential for an enzyme's function, changing it to a different amino acid could render the enzyme inactive. Understanding the role of specific residues like Asp106 is a fundamental aspect of protein biochemistry and molecular biology, aiding in the study of disease mechanisms and the development of targeted therapeutics.