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1.
J Phys Chem B ; 127(50): 10896-10902, 2023 Dec 21.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38085576

RESUMO

Internal motions play an essential role in the biological functions of proteins and have been the subject of numerous theoretical and spectroscopic studies. Such complex environments are associated with anomalous diffusion where, in contrast to the classical Brownian motion, the relevant correlation functions have power law decays with time. In this work, we investigate the presence of long memory stochastic processes through the analysis of atomic velocity autocorrelation functions. Analytical expressions of the velocity autocorrelation function spectrum obtained through a Mori-Zwanzig projection approach were shown to be compatible with molecular dynamics simulations of a small helical peptide (8-polyalanine).

2.
J Phys Chem Lett ; 14(44): 10032-10038, 2023 Nov 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37906734

RESUMO

Since the introduction of DNA-based architectures, in the past decade, DNA tetrahedrons have aroused great interest. Applications of such nanostructures require structural control, especially in the perspective of their possible functionalities. In this work, an integrated approach for structural characterization of a tetrahedron structure is proposed with a focus on the fundamental biophysical aspects driving the assembly process. To address such an issue, spin-labeled DNA sequences are chemically synthesized, self-assembled, and then analyzed by Continuous-Wave (CW) and pulsed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Interspin distance measurements based on PELDOR/DEER techniques combined with molecular dynamics (MD) thus revealed unexpected dynamic heterogeneity and flexibility of the assembled structures. The observation of flexibility in these ordered 3D structures demonstrates the sensitivity of this approach and its effectiveness in accessing the main dynamic and structural features with unprecedented resolution.


Assuntos
DNA , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Espectroscopia de Ressonância de Spin Eletrônica/métodos , Marcadores de Spin , DNA/química , Sequência de Bases
3.
J Chem Phys ; 158(24)2023 Jun 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37347133

RESUMO

Multiscale methods are powerful tools to describe large and complex systems. They are based on a hierarchical partitioning of the degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) of the system, allowing one to treat each set of d.o.f. in the most computationally efficient way. In the context of coupled nuclear and electronic dynamics, a multiscale approach would offer the opportunity to overcome the computational limits that, at present, do not allow one to treat a complex system (such as a biological macromolecule in explicit solvent) fully at the quantum mechanical level. Based on the pioneering work of Kapral and Ciccotti [R. Kapral and G. Ciccotti, J. Chem. Phys.110, 8919 (1999)], this work is intended to present a nonadiabatic theory that describes the evolution of electronic populations coupled with the dynamics of the nuclei of a molecule in a dissipative environment (condensed phases). The two elements of novelty that are here introduced are (i) the casting of the theory in the natural, internal coordinates, that are bond lengths, bond angles, and dihedral angles; (ii) the projection of those nuclear d.o.f. that can be considered at the level of a thermal bath, therefore leading to a quantum-stochastic Liouville equation. Using natural coordinates allows the description of structure and dynamics in the way chemists are used to describe molecular geometry and its changes. The projection of bath coordinates provides an important reduction of complexity and allows us to formulate the approach that can be used directly in the statistical thermodynamics description of chemical systems.


Assuntos
Teoria Quântica , Termodinâmica , Solventes/química
4.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 25(21): 14822-14835, 2023 May 31.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37195065

RESUMO

Stochastic modeling approaches can be used to rationalize complex molecular dynamical behaviours in solution, helping to interpret the coupling mechanisms among internal and external degrees of freedom, providing insight into reaction mechanisms and extracting structural and dynamical data from spectroscopic observables. However, the definition of comprehensive models is usually limited by (i) the difficulty in defining - without resorting to phenomenological assumptions - a representative reduced ensemble of molecular coordinates able to capture essential dynamical properties and (ii) the complexity of numerical or approximate treatments of the resulting equations. In this paper, we address the first of these two issues. Building on a previously defined systematic approach to construct rigorous stochastic models of flexible molecules in solutions from basic principles, we define a manageable diffusive framework leading to a Smoluchowski equation determined by one main tensorial parameter, namely the scaled roto-conformational diffusion tensor, which accounts for the influence of both conservative and dissipative forces and describes the molecular mobility via a precise definition of internal-external and internal-internal couplings. We then show the usefulness of the roto-conformational scaled diffusion tensor as an efficient gauge of molecular flexibility through the analysis of a set of molecular systems of increasing complexity ranging from dimethylformamide to a protein domain.

5.
J Phys Chem B ; 126(34): 6408-6418, 2022 09 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35976064

RESUMO

Orientational probability densities, Peq = exp(-u) (u, local potential), of bond-vectors in proteins provide information on structural flexibility. The related conformational entropy, Sk = -∫Peq(ln Peq)dΩ - ln ∫dΩ, provides the entropic contribution to the free energy of the physical/biological process studied. We have developed a new method for deriving Peq and Sk from MD simulations, using the N-H bond as probe. Recently we used it to study the dimerization of the Rho GTPase binding domain of Plexin-B1 (RBD). Here we use it to study RBD binding to the small GTPase Rac1. In both cases 1 µs MD simulations have been employed. The RBD has the ubiquitin fold with four mostly long loops. L3 is associated with GTPase binding, L4 with RBD dimerization, L2 participates in interdomain interactions, and L1 has not been associated with function. We find that RBD-Rac1 binding renders L1, L3, and L4 more rigid and the turns ß2/α1 and α2/ß5 more flexible. By comparison, RBD dimerization renders L4 more rigid, and the α-helices, the ß-strands, and L2 more flexible. The rigidity of L1 in RBDRAC is consistent with L1-L3 contacts seen in previous MD simulations. The analysis of the L3-loop reveals two states of distinct flexibility which we associate with involvement in slow conformational exchange processes differing in their rates. Overall, the N-H bonds make an unfavorable entropic contribution of (5.9 ± 0.9) kJ/mol to the free energy of RBD-Rac1 binding; they were found to make a favorably contribution of (-7.0 ± 0.7) kJ/mol to the free energy of RBD dimerization. In summary, the present study provides a new perspective on the impact of Rac1 binding and dimerization on the flexibility characteristics of the RBD. Further studies are stimulated by the results of this work.


Assuntos
Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso , Receptores de Superfície Celular , Moléculas de Adesão Celular , Entropia , Ligantes , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/química , Probabilidade , Ligação Proteica , Receptores de Superfície Celular/química
6.
J Phys Chem B ; 126(34): 6396-6407, 2022 09 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35980340

RESUMO

Amide-bond equilibrium probability density, Peq = exp(-u) (u, local potential), and associated conformational entropy, Sk = -∫Peq (ln Peq) dΩ â”€ln ∫dΩ, are derived for the Rho GTPase binding domain of Plexin-B1 (RBD) as monomer and dimer from 1 µs MD simulations. The objective is to elucidate the effect of dimerization on the dynamic structure of the RBD. Dispersed (peaked) Peq functions indicate "flexibility" ("rigidity"; the respective concepts are used below in this context). The L1 and L3 loops are throughout highly flexible, the L2 loop and the secondary structure elements are generally rigid, and the L4 loop is flexible in the monomer and rigid in the dimer. Overall, many residues are more flexible in the dimer. These features, and their implications, are discussed. Unexpectedly, we find that monomer unit 1 of the dimer (in short, d1) is unusually flexible, whereas monomer unit 2 (in short, d2) is as rigid as the RBD monomer. This is revealed due to their engagement in slow-to-intermediate conformational exchange detected previously by 15N relaxation experiments. Such motions occur with rates on the order of 103-104 s-1; hence, they cannot be completely sampled over the course of 1 µs simulation. However, the extent to which rigid d2 is affected is small enough to enable physically relevant analysis. The entropy difference between d2 and the monomer yields an entropic contribution of -7 ± 0.7 kJ/mol to the free energy of RBD dimerization. In previous work aimed at similar objectives we used 50-100 ns MD simulations. Those results and the present result differ considerably. In summary, bond-vector Peq functions derived directly from long MD simulations are useful descriptors of protein structural dynamics and provide accurate conformational entropy. Within the scope of slow conformational exchange, they can be useful, even in the presence of incomplete sampling.


Assuntos
Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Moléculas de Adesão Celular , Dimerização , Entropia , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso , Probabilidade
7.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 24(20): 12569-12579, 2022 May 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35579265

RESUMO

The ethanol electro-oxidation catalyzed by Pd in an alkaline environment involves several intermediate reaction steps promoted by the hydroxyl radical, OH. In this work, we report on the dynamical paths of the first step of this oxidation reaction, namely the hydrogen atom abstraction CH3CH2OH + OH → CH3CHOH + H2O, occurring at the Pd(111) surface and address the thermodynamic stability of the adsorbed reactants by means of quantum and molecular mechanics calculations, with special focus on the effect of the solvent. We have found that the impact of the solvent is significant for both ethanol and OH, contributing to a decrease in their adsorption free energies by a few dozen kcal mol-1 with respect to the adsorption energy under vacuum. Furthermore, we observe that hydrogen atom abstraction is enhanced for those simulation paths featuring large surface-reactant distances, namely, when the reactants weakly interact with the catalyst. The picture emerging from our study is therefore that of a catalyst whose coverage in an aqueous environment is largely dominated by OH with respect to ethanol. Nevertheless, only a small amount of them, specifically those weakly bound to the catalyst, is really active in the ethanol electro-oxidation reaction. These results open the idea of a rational design of co-catalysts based on the tuning of surface chemical properties to eventually enhance exchange current density.

8.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 24(12): 7474-7480, 2022 Mar 23.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35274635

RESUMO

We estimate the kinetic constants of a series of archetypal SN2 reactions, i.e., the nucleophilic substitutions of halides in halomethane. A parameter free, multiscale approach recently developed [Campeggio et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 3455] is employed. The protocol relies on quantum mechanical calculations for the description of the energy profile along the intrinsic reaction coordinate, which is then mapped onto a reaction coordinate conveniently built for the reactive process. A Kramers-Klein equation is used to describe the stochastic time evolution of the reaction coordinate and its velocity; friction is parameterized using a hydrodynamic model and Kramers theory is used to derive the rate constant of the reaction. The method is here applied to six SN2 reactions in water at 295.15 K, which differ in the nucleophile and the leaving group. The computed reaction rates are in good agreement with the experimental data and correlate well with the trends observed for the activation energies.

9.
Molecules ; 26(9)2021 Apr 21.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33919330

RESUMO

A framework for the stochastic description of relaxation processes in flexible macromolecules including dissipative effects has been recently introduced, starting from an atomistic view, describing the joint relaxation of internal coordinates and global degrees of freedom, and depending on parameters recoverable from classic force fields (energetics) and medium modelling at the continuum level (friction tensors). The new approach provides a rational context for the interpretation of magnetic resonance relaxation experiments. In its simplest formulation, the semi-flexible Brownian (SFB) model has been until now shown to reproduce correctly correlation functions and spectral densities related to orientational properties obtained by direct molecular dynamics simulations of peptides. Here, for the first time, we applied directly the SFB approach to the practical evaluation of high-quality 13C nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation parameters, T1 and T2, and the heteronuclear NOE of several oligosaccharides, which were previously interpreted on the basis of refined ad hoc modelling. The calculated NMR relaxation parameters were in agreement with the experimental data, showing that this general approach can be applied to diverse classes of molecular systems, with the minimal usage of adjustable parameters.


Assuntos
Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de Carbono-13 , Modelos Moleculares , Oligossacarídeos/química , Algoritmos , Conformação Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Estrutura Molecular
10.
J Phys Chem B ; 124(42): 9323-9334, 2020 10 22.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32981310

RESUMO

A new method for determining conformational entropy in proteins is reported. Proteins prevail as conformational ensembles, p ∝ exp(-u). By selecting a bond vector (e.g., N-H) as a conformation representative, molecular dynamics simulations can provide (relative to a reference structure) p as approximate Boltzmann probability density and u as N-H potential of mean force (POMF). The latter is as accurate as implied by the force field but statistical in character; this limits the insights it can provide and its utilization. Conformational entropy is given exclusively by u. Deriving it from POMFs renders it accurate but statistical in character. Previously, we devised explicit (i.e., analytical but not exact) potentials made of Wigner functions, D0KL, with L ≤ 4, which closely resemble the corresponding POMFs in form; hence, they also approach the latter in accuracy. Such potentials can be beneficially characterized/compared in terms of composition, symmetry, and associated order parameters. In this study, we develop a method for deriving conformational entropy from them, which also features the benefits specified above. The method developed is applied to the dimerization of the Rho GTPase-binding domain of plexin-B1. Insights into local ordering, entropy compensation, and features of allostery are gained. In previous work, we developed the slowly relaxing local structure (SRLS) approach for the analysis of NMR relaxation from restricted bond vector motion in proteins. SRLS comprises explicit (restricting) potentials of the kind developed here. It also comprises diffusion tensors describing the local motion and related features of local geometry. The complete model fits experimental data. In future work, the explicit potentials developed here will be inserted unchanged in SRLS-based data fitting, thereby improving the picture of structural dynamics. Given that SRLS is unique in featuring potentials that can closely approach the corresponding POMFs in accuracy, the present study is an important step toward generally improving protein dynamics by NMR relaxation.


Assuntos
Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Proteínas , Entropia , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Conformação Molecular , Conformação Proteica
11.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 22(6): 3455-3465, 2020 Feb 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31984980

RESUMO

We propose an approach to the evaluation of kinetic rates of elementary chemical reactions within Kramers' theory based on the definition of the reaction coordinate as a linear combination of natural, pseudo Z-matrix, internal coordinates of the system. The element of novelty is the possibility to evaluate the friction along the reaction coordinate, within a hydrodynamic framework developed recently [J. Campeggio et al., J. Comput. Chem. 2019, 40, 679-705]. This, in turn, allows to keep into account barrier recrossing, i.e. the transmission coefficient that is employed in correcting transition state theory evaluations. To test the capabilities and the flaws of the approach we use as case studies two archetypal SN2 reactions. First, we consider to the standard substitution of chloride ion to bromomethane. The rate constant at 295.15 K is evaluated to k/c⊖ = 2.7 × 10-6 s-1 (with c⊖ = 1 M), which compares well to the experimental value of 3.3 × 10-6 s-1 [R. H. Bathgate and E. A. Melwyn-Hughes, J. Chem. Soc 1959, 2642-2648]. Then, the method is applied to the SN2 reaction of methylthiolate to dimethyl disulfide in water. In biology, such an interconversion of thiols and disulfides is an important metabolic topic still not entirely rationalized. The predicted rate constant is k/c⊖ = 7.7 × 103 s-1. No experimental data is available for such a reaction, but it is in accord with the fact that the alkyl thiolates to dialkyl disulfides substitutions in water have been found to be fast reactions [S. M. Bachrach, J. M. Hayes, T. Dao and J. L. Mynar, Theor. Chem. Acc. 2002, 107, 266-271].

12.
J Chem Phys ; 152(3): 035103, 2020 Jan 21.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31968956

RESUMO

The molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulation technique is powerful for the investigation of conformational equilibrium properties of biomolecules. In particular, free energy surfaces of the torsion angles (those degrees of freedom from which the geometry mostly depends) allow one to access conformational states, as well as kinetic information, i.e., if the transitions between conformational states occur by simple jumps between wells or if conformational regions close to these states also are populated. The information obtained from MD simulations may depend substantially on the force field employed, and thus, a validation procedure is essential. NMR relaxation data are expected to be highly sensitive to the details of the torsional free energy surface. As a case-study, we consider the disaccharide α-l-Rhap-(1 → 2)-α-l-Rhap-OMe that features only two important torsion angles, ϕ and ψ, which define the interglycosidic orientation of the sugar residues relative to each other, governed mainly by the exo-anomeric effect and steric interactions, respectively. In water, a ψ- state is preferred, whereas in DMSO, it is a ψ+ state, suggesting inherent flexibility at the torsion angle. MD simulations indicated that bistable potentials describe the conformational region well. To test whether a unimodal distribution suffices or if a bimodal distribution better represents molecular conformational preferences, we performed an alchemical morphing of the torsional free energy surface and computed T1, T2, and NOE13C NMR relaxation data that were compared to experimental data. All three NMR observables are substantially affected by the morphing procedure, and the results strongly support a bimodal Boltzmann equilibrium density with a major and a minor conformational state bisected at ψ ≈ 0°, in accord with MD simulations in an explicit solvent.

13.
J Phys Chem B ; 123(38): 8019-8033, 2019 09 26.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31469564

RESUMO

We have developed a new molecular dynamics (MD) based method for describing analytically local potentials at mobile N-H sites in proteins. Here we apply it to the monomer and dimer of the Rho GTPase binding domain (RBD) of the transmembrane receptor plexin-B1 to gain insight into dimerization, which can compete with Rho GTPase binding. In our method, the local potential is given by linear combinations, u(DL,K), of the real combinations of the Wigner rotation matrix elements, DL,K, with L = 1-4 and appropriate symmetry. The combination that "fits best" the corresponding MD potential of mean force, u(MD), is the potential we are seeking, u(DL,K - BEST). For practical reasons the fitting process involves probability distributions, Peq ∝ exp(-u), instead of potentials, u. The symmetry of the potential, u(DL,K), may be related to the irreducible representations of the D2h point group. The monomer (dimer) potentials have mostly Ag and B2u (B1u and B2u) symmetry. For the monomer, the associated probability distributions are generally dispersed in space, shallow, and centered at the "reference N-H orientation" (defined in section 3.1. below); for the dimer many are more concentrated, deep and centered away from the "reference N-H orientation". The u(DL,K) functions provide a consistent description of the potential energy landscape at protein N-H sites. The L1-loop of the plexin-B1 RBD is not seen in the crystal structure, and many resonances of the L4 loop are missing in the NMR 15N-1H HSQC spectrum of the dimer; we suggest reasons for these features. An allosteric signal transmission pathway was reported previously for the monomer. We find that it has shallow N-H potentials at its ends, which become deeper as one proceeds toward the middle, complementing structurally the previously derived dynamic picture. Prospects of this study include correlating u(DL,K - BEST) with MD force-fields, and using them without further adjustment in NMR relaxation analysis schemes.


Assuntos
Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/química , Receptores de Superfície Celular/química , Sítios de Ligação , Dimerização , Humanos , Hidrogênio/química , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/metabolismo , Nitrogênio/química , Ligação Proteica , Conformação Proteica em Folha beta , Domínios Proteicos , Receptores de Superfície Celular/metabolismo
14.
ChemSusChem ; 12(18): 4229-4239, 2019 Sep 20.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31309717

RESUMO

The metal-support interactions between sulfur-doped carbon supports (SMCs) and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated, aiming at verifying how sulfur functional groups can improve the electrocatalytic performance of Pt NPs towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). SMCs were synthetized, tailoring the density of sulfur functional groups, and Pt NPs were deposited by thermal reduction of Pt(acac)2 . The extent of the metal-support interaction was proved by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, which revealed a strong electronic interaction, proportional to the density of sulfur defects, whereas XRD spectra provided evidence of higher strain in Pt NPs loaded on SMC. DFT simulations confirmed that the metal-support interaction was strongest in the presence of a high density of sulfur defects. The combination of microstrain and electronic effects resulted in a high catalytic activity of supported Pt NPs towards ORR, with linear correlations of the half-wave potential E1/2 or the kinetic current jk with the sulfur content in the support. Furthermore, a mass activity value (550 A g-1 ) well above the United States Department of Energy target of 440 A g-1 at 0.9 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), was determined.

15.
J Chem Phys ; 150(18): 184108, 2019 May 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31091922

RESUMO

In Paper I [Polimeno et al., J. Chem. Phys. 150, 184107 (2019)], we proposed a general approach for interpreting relaxation properties of a macromolecule in solution, derived from an atomistic description. A simple scheme (the semiflexible Brownian, SFB, model) has been defined for the case of limited internal flexibility, but retaining full coupling with external degrees of freedom, inclusion of all of the momenta, and dissipation. Here we discuss the application of the SFB model to the practical evaluation of orientation spectral densities, based on two complementary computational treatments.

16.
J Chem Phys ; 150(18): 184107, 2019 May 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31091939

RESUMO

A framework for the stochastic description of relaxation processes in flexible macromolecules, including dissipative effects, is introduced from an atomistic point of view. Projection-operator techniques are employed to obtain multidimensional Fokker-Planck operators governing the relaxation of internal coordinates and global degrees of freedom and depending upon parameters fully recoverable from classic force fields (energetics) and continuum models (friction tensors). A hierarchy of approaches of different complexity is proposed in this unified context, aimed primarily at the interpretation of magnetic resonance relaxation experiments. In particular, a model based on a harmonic internal Hamiltonian is discussed as a test case.

17.
J Phys Chem B ; 123(13): 2745-2755, 2019 04 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30839218

RESUMO

We report on progress toward improving NMR relaxation analysis in proteins in terms of the slowly relaxing local structure (SRLS) approach by developing a method that combines SRLS with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. 15N-H bonds from the Rho GTPase binding domain of plexin-B1 are used as test case. We focus on the locally restricting/ordering potential of mean force (POMF), u(θ,φ), at the N-H site (θ and φ specify the orientation of the N-H bond in the protein). In SRLS, u(θ,φ) is expanded in the basis set of the real linear combinations of the Wigner rotation matrix elements with M = 0, D L,| K|(θ,φ). Because of limited data sensitivity, only the lowest ( L = 2) terms are preserved; this potential function is denoted by u(SRLS). In MD, the force-field-parametrized POMF is the potential, u(MD), defined in terms of the probability distribution, Peq(MD) ∝ exp(- u(MD)). Peq(MD), and subsequently u(MD), can be derived from the MD trajectory as histograms. One might contemplate utilizing u(MD) instead of u(SRLS); however, histograms cannot be used in SRLS analyses. Here, we approximate u(θ,φ) in terms of linear combinations of the D L,| K| functions with L = 1-4 and appropriate symmetry, denoted by u(DLK), and optimize the latter (via Peq) against u(MD). This yields for every N-H bond an analytical ordering potential, u(DLK-BEST), which exceeds u(SRLS) considerably in accuracy. u(DLK-BEST) can be used fixed in SRLS data fitting, thereby enabling the determination of additional parameters. This yields a substantially improved picture of structural dynamics, which is a significant benefit. The primary achievement of this work is to have employed for the first time MD data to derive a suitable (in terms of composition and symmetry) approximation to the SRLS POMF.


Assuntos
Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Biomolecular , Proteínas/química , Sítios de Ligação , Conformação Proteica
18.
J Comput Chem ; 40(4): 697-705, 2019 02 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30549075

RESUMO

We report on an extended hydrodynamic modeling of the friction tensorial properties of flexible molecules including all types of natural, Z-Matrix like, internal coordinates. We implement the new methodology by extending and updating the software DiTe [Barone et al. J. Comput. Chem. 30, 2 (2009)]. DiTe (DIffusion TEnsor) implements a hydrodynamic modeling of the generalized translational, rotational, and configurational friction and diffusion tensors of flexible molecules in which flexibility is described in terms of dihedral angles. The new tool, DiTe2, has been renewed to include also stretching and bending types of internal mobility. Furthermore, DiTe2 is able to calculate the friction and diffusion tensors along collective (or reaction) coordinates defined as linear combinations of the internal natural ones. A number of tests are reported to show the new features of DiTe2. As leitmotiv for the tests, the calmodulin protein is taken into consideration, described both at all-atom and coarse-grained levels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

19.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 21(7): 3662-3668, 2019 Feb 13.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30417189

RESUMO

We show that under proper assumptions it is possible to estimate with good precision the principal values of the rotational diffusion tensor of proteins from the analysis of short (up to 2-3 ns) molecular dynamics trajectories. We apply this analysis to a few model cases: three polyalanine peptides (2, 5, and 10 aminoacids), the fragment B3 of protein G (GB3), the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), the hen egg-white lysozyme (LYS), the B1 domain of plexin (PB1), and thrombin. The protocol is based on the analysis of the global angular momentum autocorrelation functions, complementing the standard approach based on rotational autocorrelation functions, which requires much longer trajectories. A comparison with values predicted by hydrodynamic modeling and available experimental data is presented.

20.
J Phys Chem B ; 122(8): 2287-2294, 2018 03 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29385337

RESUMO

Among biomolecules, carbohydrates are unique in that not only can linkages be formed through different positions, but the structures may also be branched. The trisaccharide ß-d-Glcp-(1→3)[ß-d-Glcp-(1→2)]-α-d-Manp-OMe represents a model of a branched vicinally disubstituted structure. A 13C site-specific isotopologue, with labeling in each of the two terminal glucosyl residues, enabled the acquisition of high-quality 13C NMR relaxation parameters, T1 and T2, and heteronuclear NOE, with standard deviations of ≤0.5%. For interpretation of the experimental NMR data, a diffusive chain model was used, in which the dynamics of the glycosidic linkages is coupled to the global reorientation motion of the trisaccharide. Brownian dynamics simulations relying on the potential of mean force at the glycosidic linkages were employed to evaluate spectral densities of the spin probes. Calculated NMR relaxation parameters showed a very good agreement with experimental data, deviating <3%. The resulting dynamics are described by correlation times of 196 and 174 ps for the ß-(1→2)- and ß-(1→3)-linked glucosyl residues, respectively, i.e., different and linkage dependent. Notably, the devised computational protocol was performed without any fitting of parameters.


Assuntos
Glicosídeos/química , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Oligossacarídeos/química , Configuração de Carboidratos , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de Carbono-13/normas , Padrões de Referência , Processos Estocásticos
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