Translational hydration water dynamics drives the protein glass transition.

ABSTRACT: Experimental and computer simulation studies have revealed the presence of a glass-like transition in the internal dynamics of hydrated proteins at approximately 200 K involving an increase of the amplitude of anharmonic dynamics. This increase in flexibility has been correlated with the onset of protein activity. Here, we determine the driving force behind the protein transition by performing molecular dynamics simulations of myoglobin surrounded by a shell of water. A dual heat bath method is used with which, in any given simulation, the protein and solvent are held at different temperatures, and sets of simulations are performed varying the temperature of the components. The results show that the protein transition is driven by a dynamical transition in the hydration water that induces

SUBMITTER: Tournier AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1303358 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature