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.