Insights into Fluctuations of Structure of Proteins: Significance of Intermediary States in Regulating Biological Functions

Proteins are indispensable to cellular communication and metabolism. The structure on which cells and tissues are developed is deciphered from proteins. To perform functions, proteins fold into a three-dimensional structural design, which is specific and fundamentally determined by their characteristic sequence of amino acids. Few of them have structural versatility, allowing them to adapt their shape to the task at hand. The intermediate states appear momentarily, while protein folds from denatured (D) double left right arrow native (N), which plays significant roles in cellular functions. Prolific effort needs to be taken in characterizing these intermediate species if detected during the folding process. Protein folds into its native structure through definite pathways, which involve a limited number of transitory intermediates. Intermediates may be essential in protein folding pathways and assembly in some cases, as well as misfolding and aggregation folding pathways. These intermediate states help to understand the machinery of proper folding in proteins. In this review article, we highlight the various intermediate states observed and characterized so far under in vitro conditions. Moreover, the role and significance of intermediates in regulating the biological function of cells are discussed clearly.

Automated summary

Proteins are essential for cellular communication and metabolism, and their structure plays a crucial role in the development of cells and tissues. The folding of proteins into a specific three-dimensional structure is determined by their characteristic sequence of amino acids. Intermediate states that occur during the folding process are significant for cellular functions. It is important to characterize these intermediate species in order to understand the folding pathways and machinery of proteins. In this review article, the various intermediate states observed and characterized in vitro conditions are discussed, along with their role in regulating the biological function of cells.