Molecular dynamics simulations of the adenosine A2a receptor in POPC and POPE lipid bilayers: effects of membrane on protein behavior

J Chem Inf Model. 2014 Feb 24;54(2):573-81. doi: 10.1021/ci400463z. Epub 2014 Feb 7.

Abstract

Analysis of 300 ns (ns) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of an adenosine A2a receptor (A2a AR) model, conducted in triplicate, in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) bilayers reveals significantly different protein dynamical behavior. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that the dissimilarities stem from interhelical rather than intrahelical motions. The difference in the hydrophobic thicknesses of these simulated lipid bilayers is potentially a significant reason for the observed difference in results. The distinct lipid headgroups might also lead to different molecular interactions and hence different protein loop motions. Overall, the A2a AR shows higher mobility and flexibility in POPC as compared to POPE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Phosphatidylcholines / chemistry
  • Phosphatidylcholines / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / chemistry
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / metabolism*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A / chemistry
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A / metabolism*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • Receptor, Adenosine A2A
  • 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylethanolamine
  • 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine