We introduce a method called restrain-free energy perturbation-release 2.0 (R-FEP-R 2.0) to estimate conformational free energy changes of protein loops via an alchemical path. R-FEP-R 2.0 is a generalization of the method called restrain-free energy perturbation-release (R-FEP-R) that can only estimate conformational free energy changes of protein side chains but not loops. The reorganization of protein loops is a central feature of many biological processes. Unlike other advanced sampling algorithms such as umbrella sampling and metadynamics, R-FEP-R and R-FEP-R 2.0 do not require predetermined collective coordinates and transition pathways that connect the two endpoint conformational states. The R-FEP-R 2.0 method was applied to estimate the conformational free energy change of a β-turn flip in the protein ubiquitin. The result obtained by R-FEP-R 2.0 agrees with the benchmarks very well. We also comment on problems commonly encountered when applying umbrella sampling to calculate protein conformational free energy changes.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8170697 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00778 | DOI Listing |
J Am Chem Soc
January 2025
Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
Understanding and effectively controlling molecular conformational changes are essential for developing responsive and dynamic molecular systems. Here, we report that an oriented external electric field (OEEF) is an effective catalyst for the cis-trans isomerization of stiff-stilbene, a key component of overcrowded alkene-based rotary motors. This reversible isomerization occurs under ambient conditions, is free from side reactions, and has been verified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
Cenobamate is a new and highly effective antiseizure compound used for the treatment of adults with focal onset seizures and particularly for epilepsy resistant to other antiepileptic drugs. It acts on multiple targets, as it is a positive allosteric activator of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA) receptors and an inhibitor of neuronal sodium channels, particularly of the late or persistent Na current. We recently evidenced the inhibitory effects of cenobamate on the peak and late current component of the human cardiac isoform hNav1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMaterials (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
The dielectric properties of polymers play a pivotal role in the development of advanced materials for energy storage, electronics, and insulation. This review comprehensively explores the critical relationship between polymer chain conformation, nanostructure, and dielectric properties, focusing on parameters such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and dielectric breakdown strength. It highlights how factors like chain rigidity, free volume, molecular alignment, and interfacial effects significantly influence dielectric performance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2025
Institute of Organic Synthesis and Coal Chemistry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1 Alikhanov St., Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan.
The synthetic availability and wide range of biological activity of hydrazides and hydrazones make them attractive subjects for investigation. In this study, we focused on synthesis of 2-methyl-5-nitro-6-phenylnicotinohydrazide-based hydrazones derived from the corresponding substituted aldehydes. The structure of the obtained compounds was studied using NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
December 2024
School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A, Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
The src-homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a human cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase that plays a crucial role in cellular signal transduction. Aberrant activation and mutations of SHP2 are associated with tumor growth and immune suppression, thus making it a potential target for cancer therapy. Initially, researchers sought to develop inhibitors targeting SHP2's catalytic site (protein tyrosine phosphatase domain, PTP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!