RingBetween1Helix3

RingBetween1Helix3 is a specific structural motif found in certain proteins. This motif involves a particular arrangement of amino acid residues that form a ring-like structure, located between what is designated as the first helix and the third helix of a protein's secondary structure. The precise spatial orientation of these residues creates a constrained loop or turn, influencing the overall three-dimensional fold of the protein.

The formation of the RingBetween1Helix3 motif is often stabilized by non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and sometimes disulfide bonds between cysteine residues. The amino acid sequence and composition within this region are critical for its proper formation and stability. Variations in this sequence can lead to altered structural properties and potentially affect the protein's function.

Researchers identify and analyze RingBetween1Helix3 motifs through techniques like X-ray crystallography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which provide detailed information about protein structures. Understanding the prevalence and role of this motif can offer insights into protein folding mechanisms, protein-protein interactions, and the design of novel proteins with specific functions. Its presence is often noted in studies of protein families where conserved structural elements are investigated.