Raman structural markers of tryptophan and histidine side chains in proteins

The Raman spectrum of a protein contains a wealth of information on the structure and interaction of the protein. To extract the structural information from the Raman spectrum, it is necessary to identify and interpret the marker bands that reflect the structure and interaction in the protein. Recently, new Raman structural markers have been proposed for the tryptophan and histidine side chains by examining the spectra-structure correlations of model compounds. Raman structural markers are now available for the conformation, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and cation-pi interaction of the indole ring of Trp. For His, protonation, tautomerism, and metal coordination of the imidazole ring can be studied by using Raman markers. The high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of proteins provide the basis for testing and modifying the Raman structural markers of Trp and His. The structures derived from Raman spectra are generally consistent with the X-ray crystal structures, giving support for the applicability of most Raman structural makers. Possible modifications and limitations to some marker bands are also discussed. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.