How Side-Chain Fluctuations Help Proteins Communicate
Author Information
Author(s): Kateri H. DuBay, Jacques P. Bothma, Phillip L. Geissler, Eugene I. Shakhnovich
Primary Institution: University of California at Berkeley
Hypothesis
Can long-range intra-protein communication occur through correlated side-chain fluctuations alone?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that side-chain fluctuations can propagate changes in protein structure and dynamics over significant distances.
Supporting Evidence
- Correlated side-chain fluctuations can arise independently from various interactions.
- Significant correlations persist across the entire protein structure.
- Single residue perturbations can affect side-chain variability throughout the protein.
Takeaway
Proteins can talk to each other using tiny movements in their side chains, even if they are far apart. This helps them work together better.
Methodology
Monte Carlo sampling of side-chain torsional angles on a fixed backbone to quantify correlations among side-chain motions.
Limitations
The model assumes a fixed backbone, which may not fully capture the dynamics of real proteins.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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