Research explores role of hydrogen peroxide in c...(arn exactly what happens. This techn...)

This technology gives us a three-dimensional snapshot of how the proteins interact, said Lowther. We wanted to know how Prx changes its structure to be repaired.

The scientists knew that the repair of Prx would involve it binding with Srx. They also knew that the structure of Prx would need to change because the portion of the molecule that is repaired by Srx is initially hidden when it is in the inactive form.

We found that the protein unfolded, flipped around and attached to the back side of Srx, known as an embrace, said Lowther. It basically put its arm around its buddy, which helps hold the repair protein in place.

Jnsson said the binding of Srx causes a chemical reaction that repairs Prx. The change in structure is dramatic and we found that it is critical for the repair to take place, he said.

The scientists said that understanding this protective mechanism that keeps cells healthy may one day help reveal how the process goes awry in disease. They will continue the research by studying how the structural change may affect how Prx interacts with other proteins.

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