We have determined the crystal structure of the two central repeats in the
alpha-actinin rod at 2.5 Angstrom resolution. The repeats are connected by
a helical linker and form a symmetric, antiparallel dimer in which the repe
ats are aligned rather than staggered. Using this structure, which reveals
the structural principle that governs the architecture of alpha-actinin, we
have devised a plausible model of the entire alpha-actinin rod. The electr
ostatic properties explain how the two alpha-actinin subunits assemble in a
n antiparallel fashion, placing the actin-binding sites at both ends of the
rod. This molecular architecture results in a protein that is able to form
cross-links between actin filaments.