Tightening of knots in proteins

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 Feb 8;100(5):058106. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.058106. Epub 2008 Feb 8.

Abstract

We perform theoretical studies of stretching of 20 proteins with knots within a coarse-grained model. The knot's ends are found to jump to well defined sequential locations that are associated with sharp turns, whereas in homopolymers they diffuse around and eventually slide off. The waiting times of the jumps are increasingly stochastic as the temperature is raised. Knots typically do not return to their native locations when a protein is released after stretching.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Diffusion
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation*
  • Solvents
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Solvents