Abstract
We identified a molten globule-like intermediate of 2,5-diketo-d-gluconate reductase A (DKGR) at pH 2.5, which has a prominent β-sheet structure. The molten globule state of the protein shows amyloidogenic property >50 μm protein concentration. Interestingly, a 1:1 molar ratio of curcumin prevents amyloid formation as shown by the Thioflavin-T assay and atomic force microscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on amyloid formation by an (α/β)8-barrel protein. The results presented here indicate that the molten globule state has an important role in amyloid formation and potential application of curcumin in protein biotechnology as well as therapeutics against amyloid diseases.
©2009 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York