Three-dimensional structure of annexins

Abstract

Annexins constitute a family of structurally related calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins whose molecular structure has been investigated in detail in the crystalline and membrane-bound form. Their polypeptide chain is folded into four or eight alpha-helical domains of similar structure with a central hydrophilic pore. Bound to phospholipid membranes, the four-domain arrangement of the annexin molecule is conserved. A peripheral binding mode has been well documented by electron microscopy and a variety of other techniques.