Elastomeric Proteins: Structures, Biomechanical Properties, and Biological Roles

by Edited by Peter R. Shewry , Arthur S. Tatham , Allen J. Bailey

• ISBN13: 9780521128483
• ISBN10: 052112848X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-02-04
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book was originally published in 2002. Elastic proteins occur in a wide range of biological systems where they have evolved to fulfil precise biological roles. The best known include proteins in vertebrate muscles and connective tissues, such as titin, elastin and fibrillin, and spider silks. However, other examples include byssus and abductin from bivalve molluscs, resilin from arthropods and gluten from wheat. Interest in elastomeric proteins has been high for several reasons. Firstly, their biological and medical significance, particularly in human disease. Secondly, the unusual properties of proteins such as spider silks provide opportunities to develop materials. Thirdly, the development of scanning probe microscopy makes it possible to study structures and biomechanical properties of these proteins at the single molecule level. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the various aspects of elastomeric proteins.

Table of Contents

The biology of elastic tissues

Elastic proteins: biological roles and mechanical properties

Elastin: a representative ideal protein elastomer

Elastin as a self-organising biomaterial

Fibrillin: from microfibril assembly to biomechanical function

Biology of spider silks

Sequences, structures and properties of spider silks

Structure and function of resilin

A marine bioelastomer: mussel byssus

Gluten, the elastomeric protein of wheat seeds

Spectrin elasticity in red bllod cells

Viscoelastic properties of collagen

Role of titin in vertebrate striated muscle

Biological liquid crystal elastomers

Restraining cross-links in elastomeric proteins

Comparative structures and properties of elastic proteins

Mechanical applications of elastic proteins

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