Guanidinium‐Induced Denaturation by Breaking of Salt Bridges

• DOI: 10.1002/ange.201508601
• Publication Date: 2015-10-23T11:49:18Z
• Authors: Heleen Meuzelaar; Matthijs R. Panman; Sander Woutersen
• Keywords: Denaturation (fissile materials); Salt bridge; Side chain; Amino acid substitution; Carboxylate

Abstract Despite its wide use as a denaturant, the mechanism by which guanidinium (Gdm + ) induces protein unfolding remains largely unclear. Herein, we show evidence that Gdm can induce denaturation disrupting salt bridges stabilize folded conformation. We study ‐induced of series peptides containing Arg/Glu and Lys/Glu either or destabilize The stabilizing are found to be denatured much more efficiently than destabilizing bridges. Complementary 2D‐infrared measurements suggest in binds side‐chain carboxylate groups involved