Solid-State 13C NMR Reveals Effects of Temperature and Hydrationon Elastin

• Published in: Biophysical journal Vol. 82; no. 2; pp. 1086 - 1095
• Main Authors: Perry, Ashlee, Stypa, Michael P., Tenn, Brandon K., Kumashiro, Kristin K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.02.2002
• ISSN: 0006-3495; 1542-0086
• DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3495(02)75468-4

Elastin is the principal protein component of the elastic fiber in vertebrate tissue. The waters of hydration in the elastic fiber are believed to play a critical role in the structure and function of this largely hydrophobic, amorphous protein. 13C CPMAS NMR spectra are acquired for elastin samples with different hydration levels. The spectral intensities in the aliphatic region undergo significant changes as 70% of the water in hydrated elastin is removed. In addition, dramatic differences in the CPMAS spectra of hydrated, lyophilized, and partially dehydrated elastin samples over a relatively small temperature range (−20°C to 37°C) are observed. Results from other experiments, including 13C T 1 and 1H T 1 ρ measurements, direct polarization with magic-angle spinning, and static CP of the hydrated and lyophilized elastin preparations, also support the model that there is significant mobility in fully hydrated elastin. Our results support models in which water plays an integral role in the structure and proper function of elastin in vertebrate tissue.