Identification of new repeating motifs in titin.

Repeating motifs of 26-28 amino acids have been identified in the PEVK region of the giant elastic protein titin. These motifs, termed PPAK for the four amino acids that often constitute the beginning of the motif, occur 60 times in human soleus titin. PPAK motifs occur in groups of 2-12 that are separated by regions rich in glutamic acid (approximately 45%) and termed polyE segments. The fluctuation of the net charge between the PPAK and polyE regions suggests ionic interactions between these segments and their involvement in the elastic function of titin. Proteins 2001;43:145-149. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.