Insights into the structure of the PmrD protein with molecular dynamics simulations

Int J Biol Macromol. 2009 Jun 1;44(5):393-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2009.02.006. Epub 2009 Mar 9.

Abstract

Resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptide polymyxin B from Gram-negative bacteria is accomplished by two-component systems (TCSs), protein complexes PmrA/PmrB and PhoP/PhoQ. PmrD is the first protein identified to mediate the connectivity between two TCSs. The 3D structure of PmrD has been recently solved by NMR and its unique fold was revealed. Here, a molecular dynamics study is presented started from the NMR structure. Numerous hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were identified to contribute to PmrD's 3D stability. Moreover, the mobility of the five loops that connect the protein's six beta-strands has been explored. Solvent-accessible surface area calculation revealed that a Leucine-rich hydrophobic cluster of the protein stabilized the protein's structure.

MeSH terms

  • Escherichia coli
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Protein Stability
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Static Electricity
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • PmrD protein, E coli