The First Direct Structural Evidence Of SV2A Has Been Revealed Thanks To Protein Tomography(TM), And Published In BBRC

Main Category: Epilepsy
Article Date: 10 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Sidec AB has together with UCB published the first direct structural evidence of the molecular mechanism of the Synaptic Vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in mouse brain tissue. SV2A is the unique brain-binding site of the second generation anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV; Keppra(R) is a trademark of UCB). The result shows the first direct structural proof of the "alternating access model" that has been proposed for the MFS class of transporter proteins. The "alternating access model" postulates that the trans-membrane MFS class proteins can exist in two different conformations; as a valve that can be open to either side of the membrane. Prior to this Protein Tomography(TM) study, great efforts were made to prove this mechanism both by x-ray crystallography and indirectly by site directed mutagenesis.

"Obtaining structures of trans-membrane proteins is notoriously difficult, and the success of such endeavours is difficult to predict. This study demonstrates that Protein Tomography(TM) is well adopted to study structure, function and flexibility of trans-membrane proteins," says Anders Aberg, CSO at Sidec.

The publication is available on-line in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, August 7, 2008. http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ybbrc

About Sidec:

Sidec offers Protein Tomography((TM)) as collaborative contract research projects. The multidisciplinary team of experts at Sidec can provide a strong IP strategy and proven product differentiation to the bio-pharmaceutical industry. Sidec offers their partners a unique visual guidance for target- lead and CD selection to secure a competitive advantage in the drug design strategy. More information can be found on our homepage where we continuously update academic collaborations and industrial partnerships as well as recent publications.

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