Alpha-keratin Alpha-keratin Alpha-keratin, or α-keratin, is a type of keratin found in mammals. This protein is the primary component in hairs, horns, nails and the epidermis layer of the skin. α-keratin is a fibrous structural protein, meaning it is made up of amino acids that form a repeating secondary structure. The secondary structure of α-keratin is very similar to that of a traditional protein α-helix and forms a coiled coil. Due to its tightly wound structure, it can function as one of the strongest biological materials and has various uses in mammals, from predatory claws to hair for warmth. α-keratin is
Virulence-related outer membrane protein family invasion and helps defend against the complement system. Although OmpX has the same beta-sheet topology as the structurally related outer membrane protein A (OmpA) , their barrels differ with respect to the shear numbers and internal hydrogen-bonding networks. OspA from Borrelia burgdorferi is an unusual outer surface protein, it has two globular domains which are connected with a single-layer β-sheet. This protein is highly soluble, contains a large number of Lys and Glu residues. These high entropy residues may disfavor crystal packing. Virulence-related outer membrane protein family Virulence-related outer membrane proteins are expressed in Gram-negative bacteria and are essential to