scholarly journals Molecular dynamics simulations of the Cx26 hemichannel: Evaluation of structural models with Brownian dynamics

2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (5) ◽  
pp. 475-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taekyung Kwon ◽  
Andrew L. Harris ◽  
Angelo Rossi ◽  
Thaddeus A. Bargiello
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Brownian Dynamics ◽  
Ion Selectivity ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Cation Selectivity ◽  
Gap Junction Channel ◽  
Channel Properties

The recently published crystal structure of the Cx26 gap junction channel provides a unique opportunity for elucidation of the structure of the conductive connexin pore and the molecular determinants of its ion permeation properties (conductance, current–voltage [I-V] relations, and charge selectivity). However, the crystal structure was incomplete, most notably lacking the coordinates of the N-terminal methionine residue, which resides within the pore, and also lacking two cytosolic domains. To allow computational studies for comparison with the known channel properties, we completed the structure. Grand canonical Monte Carlo Brownian dynamics (GCMC/BD) simulations of the completed and the published Cx26 hemichannel crystal structure indicate that the pore is too narrow to permit significant ion flux. The GCMC/BD simulations predict marked inward current rectification and almost perfect anion selectivity, both inconsistent with known channel properties. The completed structure was refined by all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (220 ns total) in an explicit solvent and POPC membrane system. These MD simulations produced an equilibrated structure with a larger minimal pore diameter, which decreased the height of the permeation barrier formed by the N terminus. GCMC/BD simulations of the MD-equilibrated structure yielded more appropriate single-channel conductance and less anion/cation selectivity. However, the simulations much more closely matched experimentally determined I-V relations when the charge effects of specific co- and posttranslational modifications of Cx26 previously identified by mass spectrometry were incorporated. We conclude that the average equilibrated structure obtained after MD simulations more closely represents the open Cx26 hemichannel structure than does the crystal structure, and that co- and posttranslational modifications of Cx26 hemichannels are likely to play an important physiological role by defining the conductance and ion selectivity of Cx26 channels. Furthermore, the simulations and data suggest that experimentally observed heterogeneity in Cx26 I-V relations can be accounted for by variation in co- and posttranslational modifications.

scholarly journals Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Homo-DNA: The Role of Crystal Packing in Duplex Conformation

Crystals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Sheehan ◽  
Jarrod A. Smith ◽  
Pradeep S. Pallan ◽  
Terry P. Lybrand ◽  
Martin Egli
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Crystal Packing ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Conformational Flexibility ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Dna Duplex ◽  
Solution Studies

The (4′→6′)-linked DNA homolog 2′,3′-dideoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl nucleic acid (dideoxy-glucose nucleic acid or homo-DNA) exhibits stable self-pairing of the Watson–Crick and reverse-Hoogsteen types, but does not cross-pair with DNA. Molecular modeling and NMR solution studies of homo-DNA duplexes pointed to a conformation that was nearly devoid of a twist and a stacking distance in excess of 4.5 Å. By contrast, the crystal structure of the homo-DNA octamer dd(CGAATTCG) revealed a right-handed duplex with average values for helical twist and rise of ca. 15° and 3.8 Å, respectively. Other key features of the structure were strongly inclined base-pair and backbone axes in the duplex with concomitant base-pair slide and cross-strand stacking, and the formation of a dimer across a crystallographic dyad with inter-duplex base swapping. To investigate the conformational flexibility of the homo-DNA duplex and a potential influence of lattice interactions on its geometry, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the crystallographically observed dimer of duplexes and an isolated duplex in the solution state. The dimer of duplexes showed limited conformational flexibility, and key parameters such as helical rise, twist, and base-pair slide exhibited only minor fluctuations. The single duplex was clearly more flexible by comparison and underwent partial unwinding, albeit without significant lengthening. Thus, base stacking was preserved in the isolated duplex and two adenosines extruded from the stack in the dimer of duplexes were reinserted into the duplex and pair with Ts in a Hoogsteen mode. Our results confirmed that efficient stacking in homo-DNA seen in the crystal structure of a dimer of duplexes was maintained in the separate duplex. Therefore, lattice interactions did not account for the different geometries of the homo-DNA duplex in the crystal and earlier models that resembled inclined ladders with large base-pair separations that precluded efficient stacking.

scholarly journals Adjacent channelrhodopsin-2 residues within transmembranes 2 and 7 regulate cation selectivity and distribution of the two open states

2017 ◽  
Vol 292 (18) ◽  
pp. 7314-7326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Richards ◽  
Robert E. Dempski
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Kinetic Modeling ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Ion Selectivity ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Steered Molecular Dynamics ◽  
State Transitions ◽  
Cation Selectivity ◽  
Ion Translocation ◽  
Open States

Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is a light-activated channel that can conduct cations of multiple valencies down the electrochemical gradient. Under continuous light exposure, ChR2 transitions from a high-conducting open state (O1) to a low-conducting open state (O2) with differing ion selectivity. The molecular basis for the O1 → O2 transition and how ChR2 modulates selectivity between states is currently unresolved. To this end, we used steered molecular dynamics, electrophysiology, and kinetic modeling to identify residues that contribute to gating and selectivity in discrete open states. Analysis of steered molecular dynamics experiments identified three transmembrane residues (Val-86, Lys-93, and Asn-258) that form a putative barrier to ion translocation. Kinetic modeling of photocurrents generated from ChR2 proteins with conservative mutations at these positions demonstrated that these residues contribute to cation selectivity (Val-86 and Asn-258), the transition between the two open states (Val-86), open channel stability, and the hydrogen-bonding network (K93I and K93N). These results suggest that this approach can be used to identify residues that contribute to the open-state transitions and the discrete ion selectivity within these states. With the rise of ChR2 use in optogenetics, it will be critical to identify residues that contribute to O1 or O2 selectivity and gating to minimize undesirable effects.

scholarly journals Biomolecular Solvation Structure Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Wall ◽  
Gaetano Calabró ◽  
Christopher I. Bayly ◽  
David Mobley ◽  
Gregory Warren
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Neutron Diffraction ◽  
Water Structure ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Neutron Density ◽  
Macromolecular Crystallography ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Biomolecular Solvation ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

In order to compare ordered water positions from experiment with those from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, a number of MD models of water structure in crystalline endoglucanase were calculated. The starting MD model was derived from a joint X-ray and neutron diffraction crystal structure, enabling the use of experimentally assigned protonation states. Simulations were performed in the crystalline state, using a periodic 2x2x2 supercell with explicit solvent. Water electron and neutron density maps were computed from MD trajectories using standard macromolecular crystallography methods. In one set of simulations, harmonic restraints were applied to bias the protein structure toward the crystal structure. For these simulations, the recall of crystallographic waters using strong peaks in the MD water electron density was excellent, and there also was substantial visual agreement between the boomerang-like wings of the neutron density and the crystalline water hydrogen positions. An unrestrained simulation also was performed. For this simulation, the recall of crystallographic waters was much lower. The results demonstrate that it is now possible to recover crystallographic water structure using restrained MD simulations, but that it is not yet reasonable to expect unrestrained MD simulations to do the same. Further development and generalization of MD water models for force field development, macromolecular crystallography, and medicinal chemistry applications is now warranted. In particular, the combination of room-temperature crystallography, neutron diffraction, and crystalline MD simulations promises to substantially advance modeling of biomolecular solvation.

scholarly journals Ion Channel Properties of a Cation Channelrhodopsin, Gt_CCR4

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (17) ◽  
pp. 3440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunta Shigemura ◽  
Shoko Hososhima ◽  
Hideki Kandori ◽  
Satoshi P. Tsunoda
Keyword(s):  
Ion Selectivity ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Light Sensitivity ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Selectivity Ratio ◽  
Cation Selectivity ◽  
Ion Channel Properties ◽  
Weak Light ◽  
Channel Properties

We previously reported a cation channelrhodopsin, Gt_CCR4, which is one of the 44 types of microbial rhodopsins from a cryptophyte flagellate, Guillardia theta. Due to the modest homology of amino acid sequences with a chlorophyte channelrhodopsin such as Cr_ChR2 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, it has been proposed that a family of cryptophyte channelrhodopsin, including Gt_CCR4, has a distinct molecular mechanism for channel gating and ion permeation. In this study, we compared the photocurrent properties, cation selectivity and kinetics between well-known Cr_ChR2 and Gt_CCR4 by a conventional path clamp method. Large and stable light-induced cation conduction by Gt_CCR4 at the maximum absorbing wavelength (530 nm) was observed with only small inactivation (15%), whereas the photocurrent of Cr_ChR2 exhibited significant inactivation (50%) and desensitization. The light sensitivity of Gt_CCR4 was higher (EC50 = 0.13 mW/mm2) than that of Cr_ChR2 (EC50 = 0.80 mW/mm2) while the channel open life time (photocycle speed) was in the same range as that of Cr_ChR2 (25~30 ms for Gt_CCR4 and 10~15 ms for Cr_ChR2). This observation implies that Gt_CCR4 enables optical neuronal spiking with weak light in high temporal resolution when applied in neuroscience. Furthermore, we demonstrated high Na+ selectivity of Gt_CCR4 in which the selectivity ratio for Na+ was 37-fold larger than that for Cr_ChR2, which primarily conducts H+. On the other hand, Gt_CCR4 conducted almost no H+ and no Ca2+ under physiological conditions. These results suggest that ion selectivity in Gt_CCR4 is distinct from that in Cr_ChR2. In addition, a unique red-absorbing and stable intermediate in the photocycle was observed, indicating a photochromic property of Gt_CCR4.

Fragment Pose Prediction Using Non-Equilibrium Candidate Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan M. Lim ◽  
Meghan Osato ◽  
Gregory L. Warren ◽  
David L. Mobley
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Protein Crystal ◽  
Pose Prediction ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Non Equilibrium

<div>Part of early stage drug discovery involves determining how molecules may bind to the target protein. Through understanding where and how molecules bind, chemists can begin to build ideas on how to design improvements to increase binding affinities. In this retrospective study, we compare how computational approaches like docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and a non-equilibrium candidate Monte Carlo (NCMC) based method (NCMC+MD) perform in predicting binding modes for a set of 12 fragment-like molecules which bind to soluble epoxide hydrolase. We evaluate each method's effectiveness in identifying the dominant binding mode and finding any additional binding modes (if any). Then, we compare our predicted binding modes to experimentally obtained X-ray crystal structures.</div><div>We dock each of the 12 small molecules into the apo-protein crystal structure and then run simulations up to 1 microsecond each. Small and fragment-like molecules likely have smaller energy barriers separating different binding modes by virtue of relatively fewer and weaker interactions relative to drug-like molecules, and thus likely undergo more rapid binding mode transitions. We expect, thus, to see more rapid transitions betweeen binding modes in our study. </div><div><br></div><div>Following this, we build Markov State Models (MSM) to define our stable ligand binding modes. We investigate if adequate sampling of ligand binding modes and transitions between them can occur at the microsecond timescale using traditional MD or a hybrid NCMC+MD simulation approach. Our findings suggest that even with small fragment-like molecules, we fail to sample all the crystallographic binding modes using microsecond MD simulations, but using NCMC+MD we have better success in sampling the crystal structure while obtaining the correct populations.</div>

scholarly journals Coupling all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of ions in water with Brownian dynamics

2016 ◽  
Vol 472 (2186) ◽  
pp. 20150556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radek Erban
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Differential Equations ◽  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Brownian Dynamics ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Coarse Grained Model ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of ions (K + , Na + , Ca 2+ and Cl − ) in aqueous solutions are investigated. Water is described using the SPC/E model. A stochastic coarse-grained description for ion behaviour is presented and parametrized using MD simulations. It is given as a system of coupled stochastic and ordinary differential equations, describing the ion position, velocity and acceleration. The stochastic coarse-grained model provides an intermediate description between all-atom MD simulations and Brownian dynamics (BD) models. It is used to develop a multiscale method which uses all-atom MD simulations in parts of the computational domain and (less detailed) BD simulations in the remainder of the domain.

Fragment Pose Prediction Using Non-Equilibrium Candidate Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan M. Lim ◽  
Meghan Osato ◽  
Gregory L. Warren ◽  
David L. Mobley
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Protein Crystal ◽  
Pose Prediction ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Non Equilibrium

<div>Part of early stage drug discovery involves determining how molecules may bind to the target protein. Through understanding where and how molecules bind, chemists can begin to build ideas on how to design improvements to increase binding affinities. In this retrospective study, we compare how computational approaches like docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and a non-equilibrium candidate Monte Carlo (NCMC) based method (NCMC+MD) perform in predicting binding modes for a set of 12 fragment-like molecules which bind to soluble epoxide hydrolase. We evaluate each method's effectiveness in identifying the dominant binding mode and finding any additional binding modes (if any). Then, we compare our predicted binding modes to experimentally obtained X-ray crystal structures.</div><div>We dock each of the 12 small molecules into the apo-protein crystal structure and then run simulations up to 1 microsecond each. Small and fragment-like molecules likely have smaller energy barriers separating different binding modes by virtue of relatively fewer and weaker interactions relative to drug-like molecules, and thus likely undergo more rapid binding mode transitions. We expect, thus, to see more rapid transitions betweeen binding modes in our study. </div><div><br></div><div>Following this, we build Markov State Models (MSM) to define our stable ligand binding modes. We investigate if adequate sampling of ligand binding modes and transitions between them can occur at the microsecond timescale using traditional MD or a hybrid NCMC+MD simulation approach. Our findings suggest that even with small fragment-like molecules, we fail to sample all the crystallographic binding modes using microsecond MD simulations, but using NCMC+MD we have better success in sampling the crystal structure while obtaining the correct populations.</div>

scholarly journals From molecular dynamics to Brownian dynamics

2014 ◽  
Vol 470 (2167) ◽  
pp. 20140036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radek Erban
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Protein Binding ◽  
Brownian Dynamics ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Cellular Membrane ◽  
Spatial Dimension ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Light Point

Three coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) models are investigated with the aim of developing and analysing multi-scale methods which use MD simulations in parts of the computational domain and (less detailed) Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations in the remainder of the domain. The first MD model is formulated in one spatial dimension. It is based on elastic collisions of heavy molecules (e.g. proteins) with light point particles (e.g. water molecules). Two three-dimensional MD models are then investigated. The obtained results are applied to a simplified model of protein binding to receptors on the cellular membrane. It is shown that modern BD simulators of intracellular processes can be used in the bulk and accurately coupled with a (more detailed) MD model of protein binding which is used close to the membrane.

scholarly journals Biomolecular Solvation Structure Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Wall ◽  
Gaetano Calabró ◽  
Christopher I. Bayly ◽  
David Mobley ◽  
Gregory Warren
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Neutron Diffraction ◽  
Neutron Scattering ◽  
Water Structure ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Macromolecular Crystallography ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Density Peaks ◽  
Biomolecular Solvation

To compare ordered water positions from experiment with those from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, a number of MD models of water structure in crystalline endoglucanase were calculated. The starting MD model was derived from a joint X-ray and neutron diffraction crystal structure, enabling the use of experimentally assigned protonation states. Simulations were performed in the crystalline state, using a periodic 2x2x2 supercell with explicit solvent. Water X-ray and neutron scattering density maps were computed from MD trajectories using standard macromolecular crystallography methods. In one set of simulations, harmonic restraints were applied to bias the protein structure toward the crystal structure. For these simulations, the recall of crystallographic waters using strong peaks in the MD water electron density was very good, and there also was substantial visual agreement between the boomerang-like wings of the neutron scattering density and the crystalline water hydrogen positions. An unrestrained simulation also was performed. For this simulation, the recall of crystallographic waters was much lower. For both restrained and unrestrained simulations, the strongest water density peaks were associated with crystallographic waters. The results demonstrate that it is now possible to recover crystallographic water structure using restrained MD simulations, but that it is not yet reasonable to expect unrestrained MD simulations to do the same. Further development and generalization of MD water models for force field development, macromolecular crystallography, and medicinal chemistry applications is now warranted. In particular, the combination of room-temperature crystallography, neutron diffraction, and crystalline MD simulations promises to substantially advance modeling of biomolecular solvation.

scholarly journals Internal protein motions in molecular-dynamics simulations of Bragg and diffuse X-ray scattering

IUCrJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Wall
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Diffuse Scattering ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Protein Crystal ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Protein Motions ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Ray Scattering

Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of Bragg and diffuse X-ray scattering provide a means of obtaining experimentally validated models of protein conformational ensembles. This paper shows that compared with a single periodic unit-cell model, the accuracy of simulating diffuse scattering is increased when the crystal is modeled as a periodic supercell consisting of a 2 × 2 × 2 layout of eight unit cells. The MD simulations capture the general dependence of correlations on the separation of atoms. There is substantial agreement between the simulated Bragg reflections and the crystal structure; there are local deviations, however, indicating both the limitation of using a single structure to model disordered regions of the protein and local deviations of the average structure away from the crystal structure. Although it was anticipated that a simulation of longer duration might be required to achieve maximal agreement of the diffuse scattering calculation with the data using the supercell model, only a microsecond is required, the same as for the unit cell. Rigid protein motions only account for a minority fraction of the variation in atom positions from the simulation. The results indicate that protein crystal dynamics may be dominated by internal motions rather than packing interactions, and that MD simulations can be combined with Bragg and diffuse X-ray scattering to model the protein conformational ensemble.

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