Scleroprotein
Scleroproteins or fibrous proteins is one of the three main classification of protein structure . Scleroprotein are made up by elongated or fibrous polypeptide chains which form filamentous and sheet like structure. These kind of protein can be distinguished from globular protein by its low solubility in water. The roles of such proteins include protection and structural role by forming connective tissue, tendons, bone matrices, and muscle fiber.
Scleroprotein consist of many superfamilies including keratin, collagen, elastin, and fibroin. Collagen is the most abundant protein which exists in vertebrae animal as tendon, cartilage and bone.
Biomolecular structure
A scleroprotein forms long protein filaments, which are shaped like rods or wires. Scleroproteins are structural proteins or storage proteins that are typically inert and water-insoluble. A scleroprotein occurs as an aggregate due to hydrophobic side chains that protrude from the molecule.
A scleroprotein's peptide sequence often has limited residues with repeats; these can form unusual secondary structures, such as a collagen helix. The structures often feature cross-links between chains.
Scleroproteins tend not to denature as easily as globular proteins.
Miroshnikov et al. are among the researchers who have attempted to synthesize fibrous proteins.
