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Domain binding and function: The EF-hand motif contains approximately 40 residues and is involved in binding intracellular calcium. EF-hand domains are often found in single or multiple pairs, giving rise to various structural/functional variations in proteins containing EF-hand motifs. Proteins containing EF-hands can be grouped into two functional categoriesãregulatory or structural. Binding of calcium to regulatory EF-hand domainÀcontaining proteins induces a conformational change, which is transmitted to their target proteins, often catalyzing enzymatic reactions. In contrast, binding of calcium to structural EF-hand domaincontaining proteins does not induce a significant conformational change. Structural EF-hand domains seem to play a role in buffering intracellular calcium levels.
Structure Reference: Taylor, D.A. et al. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266(32), 21375À80.
Examples of Domain Proteins:
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| EF-hand domains in calmodulin from Drosophila melanogaster; calcium atoms in red. | |
