NCIt definition : Ankyrin Repeats are tandem modules of about 33 amino acids. The conserved domain structure
has been described as side-by-side anti-parallel alpha helices connected by intervening
beta hairpin motifs or as beta, alpha, alpha, beta secondary structures or as an L-shaped
beta-hairpin and two alpha-helices. The repeats associate to form a higher order structure.
Despite sequence variation, the domain core maintains a stable surface of contact
residues to mediate protein-protein interactions. Target protein binding involves
contacts by the beta hairpin tips and the helical bundle surface facing the Ankyrin
groove. ANK repeats have been identified in over 1700 functionally diverse proteins,
primarily from eukaryotes; no common theme among the protein targets has been identified.
The Ankyrin cytoskeletal protein is composed almost entirely of these repeats.;