Prion Protein Structure and the Species Barrier

The loop 166-172 and the helix 3 have been recognized as conformational markers that are located near the protein surface and are therefore defined with only limited precision in the NMR structure (Calzolai et al., 2000). 

Variation of the electrostatic charge distribution on an otherwise invariant molecular surface might influence intermolecular recognition of PrP. Although the uneven charge distribution between the two flat surfaces is preserved among different PrP structures (Fig. 11), 

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