Top > Research results > Succeeded in structural analysis of proteins that feel blue, 10 years to elucidate all three primary colors Nagoya Institute of Technology, etc.

2017/7/17

Succeeded in structural analysis of proteins that feel blue, 10 years to elucidate all three primary colors Nagoya Institute of Technology, etc.

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　In collaboration with Associate Professor Hiroo Imai of the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University, Professor Hideki Kamtori of Nagoya Institute of Technology and others succeeded in capturing the structural information of proteins that primates recognize blue for the first time in the world.

　All colors are created by a combination pattern of blue, green and red "three primary colors of light".This is achieved by the action of three types of photosensor proteins (color vision proteins) that sense blue, green, and red in the eye.Photosensor proteins use the exact same molecule, 3-cis retinal (vitamin A derivative), to absorb light of different colors.

　The research group succeeded in structural analysis of the primate red / green sensor protein for the first time in the world in 2010 by mass expression of protein using mammalian cancer cells and high-precision low-temperature infrared spectroscopy. The molecular mechanism that distinguishes green has been elucidated.However, the expression level of the blue sensor protein was low, and structural analysis was not possible.

　This time, the research team reexamined species selection among primates and protein solubilization / purification conditions, and as a result, a sufficient amount of purified sample was obtained for measuring the infrared spectrum, and 10 from the start of the research. Over the years, structural analysis of the blue sensor protein has been realized.

　As a result, it was clarified that the photosensor protein that senses blue forms aggregates (clusters) of multiple water molecules in the vicinity of retinal molecules placed in a highly hydrophobic environment inside the protein. ..

　In the future, it is expected that the mechanism related to color discrimination of color vision sensor proteins will be elucidated by uniformly analyzing the structural information of all three primary colors obtained so far.In addition, structural analysis of photoreactive intermediates can be used to approach the photoactivation mechanism of color-discriminating sensor proteins.

Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Spectral Tuning Mechanism of Primate Blue-sensitive Visual Pigment Elucidated by FTIR Spectroscopy

Kyoto University

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With the motto of self-study, we will continue to maintain a free academic style that is not bound by common sense, and develop human resources who have both creativity and practical ability.We provide an inclusive learning space that allows for diverse and hierarchical choices so that students themselves can choose a solid future through valuable trial and error. […]

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Nagoya Institute of Technology

"Manufacturing / Human Development / Future Creation" Aiming to be a practical engineering elite with rich humanity

It is a national university of technology that is rich in independence and shines with individuality while making the best use of history, culture and tradition.We are focusing on research that makes use of the strengths of "University of Engineering" that covers a wide range of fields, and training of practical engineering human resources who will be responsible for creating a prosperous future.Advanced engineering curriculum to hone expertise in the engineering field (Department of Life and Applied Chemistry, Things […]

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