Direct observation of the three-state folding of a single protein molecule

Science. 2005 Sep 23;309(5743):2057-60. doi: 10.1126/science.1116702.

Abstract

We used force-measuring optical tweezers to induce complete mechanical unfolding and refolding of individual Escherichia coli ribonuclease H (RNase H) molecules. The protein unfolds in a two-state manner and refolds through an intermediate that correlates with the transient molten globule-like intermediate observed in bulk studies. This intermediate displays unusual mechanical compliance and unfolds at substantially lower forces than the native state. In a narrow range of forces, the molecule hops between the unfolded and intermediate states in real time. Occasionally, hopping was observed to stop as the molecule crossed the folding barrier directly from the intermediate, demonstrating that the intermediate is on-pathway. These studies allow us to map the energy landscape of RNase H.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / chemistry*
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Protein Folding*
  • Ribonuclease H / chemistry*
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • DNA
  • Ribonuclease H
  • ribonuclease HI