CHARMM-GUI Membrane Builder: Past, Current, and Future Developments and Applications

J Chem Theory Comput. 2023 Apr 25;19(8):2161-2185. doi: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01246. Epub 2023 Apr 4.

Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulations of membranes and membrane proteins serve as computational microscopes, revealing coordinated events at the membrane interface. As G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, transporters, and membrane-bound enzymes are important drug targets, understanding their drug binding and action mechanisms in a realistic membrane becomes critical. Advances in materials science and physical chemistry further demand an atomistic understanding of lipid domains and interactions between materials and membranes. Despite a wide range of membrane simulation studies, generating a complex membrane assembly remains challenging. Here, we review the capability of CHARMM-GUI Membrane Builder in the context of emerging research demands, as well as the application examples from the CHARMM-GUI user community, including membrane biophysics, membrane protein drug-binding and dynamics, protein-lipid interactions, and nano-bio interface. We also provide our perspective on future Membrane Builder development.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Lipids