Molecular dynamics simulations of membrane channels and transporters

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2009 Apr;19(2):128-37. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2009.02.011. Epub 2009 Apr 1.

Abstract

Membrane transport constitutes one of the most fundamental processes in all living cells with proteins as major players. Proteins as channels provide highly selective diffusive pathways gated by environmental factors, and as transporters furnish directed, energetically uphill transport consuming energy. X-ray crystallography of channels and transporters furnishes a rapidly growing number of atomic resolution structures, permitting molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to reveal the physical mechanisms underlying channel and transporter function. Ever increasing computational power today permits simulations stretching up to 1 micros, that is, to physiologically relevant time scales. Membrane protein simulations presently focus on ion channels, on aquaporins, on protein-conducting channels, as well as on various transporters. In this review we summarize recent developments in this rapidly evolving field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aquaporins / chemistry
  • Aquaporins / metabolism
  • Biological Transport
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Ion Channels / chemistry*
  • Ion Channels / metabolism
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism

Substances

  • Aquaporins
  • Ion Channels
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Protein Subunits