SMALL-ANGLE SCATTERING STUDIES OF PROTEIN-FOLDING

Small angle scattering experiments can be used to monitor transitions between the folded and denatured states of proteins, or between two di fferent non-native states. These experiments can probe the type of tra nsition, whether two-state or continuous, provide accurate values for the radius of gyration of the states involved, and can signal conforma tional changes or unusual molecular shapes. The technique is particula rly powerful when global changes in size or shape are involved, or whe n the variety of conformations present precludes the use of crystallog raphy or NMR.