The Covalent and Three-Dimensional Structure of Concanavalin A

Abstract

The tentative amino-acid sequence and three-dimensional structure of the lectin concanavalin A have been determined. The amino-acid sequence, which was determined chemically, contains 238 residues. The sequences of three short stretches were assigned on the basis of x-ray crystallographic data. Interpretation of an electron density map at 2-A resolution indicates that the predominant structural element is extended polypeptide chain arranged in two anti-parallel pleated sheets or beta-structures. Residues not included in the beta-structures are arranged in regions of random coil. One of the pleated sheets contributes extensively to the interactions among the monomers to form both dimers and tetramers. The positions at which Mn(2+), Ca(2+), and saccharide are bound to the protein, and the point of cleavage for the formation of the naturally occurring fragments A(1) and A(2), have been tentatively assigned. Both metal-binding sites are at least 20-A removed from the position at which saccharides are bound. The saccharide-binding site is a deep pocket of approximately 6A x 7.5A x 18A, the inner portion of which is occupied by hydrophobic residues.