Leucine Zipper

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The Leucine Zipper Motif Spins Out: PDB ID 2ZTA In this protein structure two alpha helices wind together like spiral staircase with the non-polar leucines and isoleucines facing inward between the two twisted strands, their interior spaces lined with "knobs-in-holes" precision. Two parallel strands in the sequence have the identical sequence yet they display varying conformations due to their backbone and side chains; especially N16 aligns so that its NH2 from one helix links through a hydrogen bond to the C=O of another helix at the very same location. The accompanying STL file models both alpha helices which in result yields two distinct components ready for 3D printing. However, when fitted together they provide a flawless join-up however will fail to stay bound individually; due to salt bridges outside the main core and variations of backbone conformation. Netfabb basic in collaboration with VMD produced this model directly from its original PDB source ID 2ZTA, check out this amazing interactive display at the RCSB Protein Data Bank here.