Formation of the folding nucleus of an SH3 domain investigated by loosely coupled molecular dynamics simulations

Biophys J. 2004 Mar;86(3):1691-701. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(04)74238-1.

Abstract

The experimentally well-established folding mechanism of the src-SH3 domain, and in particular the phi-value analysis of its transition state, represents a sort of testing table for computational investigations of protein folding. Here, parallel molecular dynamics simulations of the src-SH3 domain have been performed starting from denatured conformations. By rescuing and restarting only trajectories approaching the folding transition state, an ensemble of conformations was obtained with a completely structured central beta-sheet and a native-like packing of residues Ile-110, Ala-121, and Ile-132. An analysis of the trajectories shows that there are several pathways leading to the formation of the central beta-sheet whereas its two hairpins form in a different but consistent way.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Motion
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Folding
  • src Homology Domains*
  • src-Family Kinases / chemistry*

Substances

  • src-Family Kinases