The alpha-helical coiled coil is one of the principal subunit oligomerization motifs in proteins. Its most characteristic feature is a heptad repeat pattern of primarily apolar residues that constitute the oligomer interface.

Despite its simplicity, it is a highly versatile folding motif: coiled-coil-containing proteins exhibit a broad range of different functions related to the specific 'design' of their coiled-coil domains.

The architecture of a particular coiled-coil domain determines its oligomerization state, rigidity and ability to function as a molecular recognition system. Much progress has been made towards understanding the factors that determine

Features

 coiled-coil formation
 coiled-coil stability
 protein folding
 protein oligomerization

References

 Burkhard P, Stetefeld J, Strelkov SV. Coiled coils: a highly versatile protein folding motif. Trends Cell Biol. 2001 Feb;11(2):82-8. PMID: #11166216#