GP120

Protein Data Bank ID: 1GC1
Protein Name: Core Domain of GP120
Organism: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Title of Drawing: “The Emperor”


Core domain of the GP120 envelope glycoprotein of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Such a glycoprotein is a kind of “forged entrance ticket” for the virus. With this ticket it can outwit the bouncers of immune cells (receptors) and enter them.
The evil looking emperor with an eagle appearance should remind us of preventing ourselves from HIV. Otherwise AIDS, like a crude monarch, will come to power over our world and will torture the folks.

1Y7N: Margarita's Flight

This picture is produced from the same protein domain as "The Parrot". Just turn the parrot anticlockwise through 90° and you will discover it yourself!

1HC9: Cats and Seal

α-Bungarotoxin is a snake venom from the elapid Bungarus multicinctus. It irreversibly binds the acetylcholine receptor which is the main receptor at the neuromuscular junction. Thereby it permits the binding of the acetylcholine molecule which is responsible for signal transfer into muscles. Thus, alpha-bungarotoxin causes muscle paralysis which than results in respiratory failure and consequently in the death of the victim.

From Protein to Art

Finally I created a gif animation showing how a protein becomes a piece of art using the example of "The parrot".
Have a pleasant viewing experience!

3IR0: The Fly

Human insulin dimer. Insulin is a hormone involved in the regulation of our metabolism. In its active form, as a monomer, it can reduce the level of glucose in blood by transporting the sugar into the cell. While inactive insulin is stored as a hexamer complexed with a zinc ion.

1Y7N: The Parrot

Second PDZ domain of the neuronal adaptor X11α. This protein interacts with a bunch of other proteins including the Alzheimer's disease related APP.

A part of APP is drawn as a "Dragon with the Flower" or in the picture "Teach me How to Fly".

1MWP: Dragon with a Flower

The dragon is based on the N-terminal heparin-binding domain of amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP plays a crucial role in the Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

2OCJ: Pair Skating

This image shows the structure of core domain of protein p53. p53 is a tumor suppressor protein meaning that it has a function in preventing cells from cancer. Because of its role in preventing the genome from mutations, this protein is also referred to as “the guardian of the genome”.

3L1E: Eskimo

AlphaA crystallin is a structure protein which can be found in the eye lens. Alpha crystallin can also act as a chaperon (meaning that it can assist proteins to acquire a certain 3D structure) and prevent the precipitation of denatured proteins. This property is suggested to contribute to the maintenance of lens transparency and to the prevention from cataracts.[1]
There seems to be a good reason why an Eskimo is shown in this drawing. Interestingly, cataracts and glaucoma are prevalent in Alaska Native people.[2]

From Protein to Art

Here is an example of how I produce art out of protein molecules.

In this image you see the 2-nd PDZ-domain of the Mint1 protein "Cartoons"-representation, (2) in a "Cartoons"-representation with a reduced ribbon width, and (3) the designed variant of the protein.