Introduction to Protein Structure, 2nd Edition gives an up-to-date account of the principles of protein structure, with examples of key proteins in their biological context generously illustrated in full color to illuminate the structural principles described in the text. The first few chapters introduce the general principles of protein structure both for novices and for non-specialists needing a primer. Subsequent chapters use specific examples of proteins to show how they fulfill a wide range of biological functions. The book ends with chapters on the experimental approach to determining and predicting protein structure, as well as engineering new proteins to modify their functions.

New chapter on protein folding and flexibility. Covers the principles of protein folding and folding pathways, including the effect of molecular chaperones such as GroE and folding catalysts such as protein disulfide isomerase, conformational flexibility in protein function - for example how conformational changes in cyclin-dependent protein kinases drive the cell division cycle - and allostery.

New chapter on fibrous proteins. Covers a helical fibers (including collagen and intermediate filaments such as spectrin and keratin); b sheet fibers (including spider's silk and amyloid fibrils); and muscle proteins (actin and myosin).


Extensively updated coverage of eukaryotic DNA-binding proteins, a rapidly advancing field that has shed much light on the initiation and regulation of gene transcription. With emphasis on the principles of DNA binding by different families of DNA-binding proteins, two new chapters illuminate how proteins bind to highly specific DNA sequences and how the conformation of DNA can be dramatically altered by the binding of a protein.


Completely rewritten chapter on receptor proteins to reflect dramatic advances in the understanding of molecular interactions in intracellular signaling pathways, with new sections on SH2 and SH3 domains and the structural basis of the G protein switch.


Recent advances in the structures and functions of membrane proteins, including the ground-breaking structure of a bacterial potassium ion channel, revealing for the first time the structural basis of ion selectivity in membrane channels.


Revised and updated treatment of immune recognition, incorporating new insights into peptide binding by MHC class I and II molecules and the T-cell receptor for antigen.



Other important updates include:

Rapid advances in the use of combinatorial approaches to protein engineering and design.
New classes of structures such as the a/b horse-shoe and b helices.

New section on structure determination by fiber diffraction.

Part I Basic Structural Principles

1. The Building Blocks
2. Motifs of Protein Structure
3. Alpha-Domain Structures
4. Alpha/Beta Structures
5. Antiparallel Beta Structures
6. Folding and Flexibility
7. DNA Structures

Part II Structure, Function and Engineering

8. DNA Recognition in Prokaryotes by Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs
9. DNA Recognition by Eukaryotic Transcription factors
10. Specific Transcription Factors Belong to a Few Families
11. Enzyme Catalysis
12. Membrane Proteins
13. Signal Transduction
14. Fibrous Proteins
15. Recognition of Foreign Molecules by the Immune System
16. The Structure of Spherical Viruses
17. Prediction, Engineering and Design of Protein Structures
18. Determination of Protein Structures