Conformational flexibility in immunoglobulin E-Fc 3-4 revealed in multiple crystal forms.
Wurzburg, B.A., Jardetzky, T.S.(2009) J Mol Biol 393: 176-190
- PubMed: 19682998 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2009.08.012
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
3H9Y, 3H9Z, 3HA0 - PubMed Abstract: 
The structure of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-Fc(3-4) has been solved in three new crystal forms, providing 13 snapshots of the Fc conformation and revealing a diverse range of open-closed motions among subunit chains and dimers. A more detailed analysis of the open-to-closed motion of IgE-Fc(3-4) was possible with so many structures, and the new structures allow a more thorough examination of the flexibility of IgE-Fc and its implications for receptor binding. The existence of a hydrophobic pocket at the elbow region of the Fc appears to be conformation dependent and suggests a means of regulating the IgE-Fc conformation (and potentially receptor binding) with small molecules.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.