Thermodynamical and structural properties of proteins and their role in food allergy

Proteins are important building blocks of all living organisms. They are composed of a defined sequence of different amino acids, and fold into a specific three-dimensional, ordered structure. The three-dimensional structure largely determines the function of the protein, but protein function always requires motion. Small movements within the protein structure govern the functional properties, and this thesis aims to better understand these discrete protein movements. The motions within the protein structure are governed by thermodynamics, which therefore is useful to predict protein interactions. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful tool to study proteins at atomic resolution. Therefore, NMR is the primary method used within this thesis, along with other biophysical techniques such as Fluorescence spectroscopy, Circular Dichroism spectroscopy and in silico modeling. In paper I, NMR in combination with molecular engineering is used to show that the folding of the catalytical subdomains of the enzyme Adenylate kinase does not affect the core of the protein, and thus takes a first step to linking folding, thermodynamic stability and catalysis. In paper II, the structure of the primary allergen from Brazil nut, Ber e 1, is presented along with biophysical measurements that help explain the allergenic potential of the protein. Paper III describes the need for a specific Brazil nut lipid fraction needed to induce an allergenic response. NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy is used to show that there is a direct interaction between Ber e 1 and one or several components in the lipid fraction