The hydrogen exchange behavior of exchangeable protons in proteins can provide important information for understanding the principles of protein structure and function. The positions and exchange rates of the slowly-exchanging amide protons in sperm whale myoglobin have been mapped using 15N-1H NMR spectroscopy. The slowest-exchanging amide protons are those that are hydrogen bonded in the longest helices, including members of the B, E, and H helices. Significant protection factors were observed also in the A, C, and G helices, and for a few residues in the D and F helices. Knowledge of the identity of slowly-exchanging amide protons forms the basis for the extensive quench-flow kinetic folding experiments that have been performed for myoglobin, and gives insights into the tertiary interactions and dynamics in the protein.
