edoc

Optimal flexibility for conformational transitions in macromolecules

Neher, Richard A. and Möbius, Wolfram and Frey, Erwin and Gerland, Ulrich. (2007) Optimal flexibility for conformational transitions in macromolecules. Physical Review Letters, 99 (17). p. 178101.

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Abstract

Conformational transitions in macromolecular complexes often involve the reorientation of leverlike structures. Using a simple theoretical model, we show that the rate of such transitions is drastically enhanced if the lever is bendable, e.g., at a localized hinge. Surprisingly, the transition is fastest with an intermediate flexibility of the hinge. In this intermediate regime, the transition rate is also least sensitive to the amount of "cargo" attached to the lever arm, which could be exploited by molecular motors. To explain this effect, we generalize the Kramers-Langer theory for multidimensional barrier crossing to configuration-dependent mobility matrices.
Faculties and Departments:05 Faculty of Science > Departement Biozentrum > Computational & Systems Biology > Computational Modeling of Biological Processes (Neher)
UniBasel Contributors:Neher, Richard
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:0031-9007
e-ISSN:1079-7114
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Language:English
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edoc DOI:
Last Modified:18 Sep 2019 07:20
Deposited On:28 Nov 2017 08:13

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