Towards simple kinetic models of functional dynamics for a kinase subfamily

Nat Chem. 2018 Sep;10(9):903-909. doi: 10.1038/s41557-018-0077-9. Epub 2018 Jul 9.

Abstract

Kinases are ubiquitous enzymes involved in the regulation of critical cellular pathways. However, in silico modelling of the conformational ensembles of these enzymes is difficult due to inherent limitations and the cost of computational approaches. Recent algorithmic advances combined with homology modelling and parallel simulations have enabled researchers to address this computational sampling bottleneck. Here, we present the results of molecular dynamics studies for seven Src family kinase (SFK) members: Fyn, Lyn, Lck, Hck, Fgr, Yes and Blk. We present a sequence invariant extension to Markov state models, which allows us to quantitatively compare the structural ensembles of the seven kinases. Our findings indicate that in the absence of their regulatory partners, SFK members have similar in silico dynamics with active state populations ranging from 4 to 40% and activation timescales in the hundreds of microseconds. Furthermore, we observe several potentially druggable intermediate states, including a pocket next to the adenosine triphosphate binding site that could potentially be targeted via a small-molecule inhibitor.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Binding Sites
  • Kinetics
  • Markov Chains
  • Models, Biological*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry
  • Small Molecule Libraries / metabolism
  • src-Family Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • src-Family Kinases