Dataset Information

Exploring the Role of the Third Active Site Metal Ion in DNA Polymerase η with QM/MM Free Energy Simulations.

ABSTRACT: The enzyme human DNA polymerase η (Pol η) is critical for bypassing lesions during DNA replication. In addition to the two Mg2+ ions aligning the active site, experiments suggest that a third Mg2+ ion could play an essential catalytic role. Herein the role of this third metal ion is investigated with quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) free energy simulations of the phosphoryl transfer reaction and a proposed self-activating proton transfer from the incoming nucleotide to the pyrophosphate leaving group. The simulations with only two metal ions in the active site support a sequential mechanism, with phosphoryl transfer followed by relatively fast proton transfer. The simulations with three metal ions in the active site suggest that the third metal ion may play a catalytic role through electrostatic interactions with the leaving group. These electrostatic interactions stabilize the product, making the phosphoryl transfer reaction more thermodynamically favorable with a lower free energy barrier relative to the activated state corresponding to the deprotonated 3'OH nucleophile, and also inhibit the subsequent proton transfer. The possibility that Mg2+-bound hydroxide acts as the base deprotonating the 3'OH nucleophile is also explored.

SUBMITTER: Stevens DR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6399739 | biostudies-other | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Exploring the Role of the Third Active Site Metal Ion in DNA Polymerase η with QM/MM Free Energy Simulations.

Stevens David R DR Hammes-Schiffer Sharon S

Journal of the American Chemical Society 20180709 28

The enzyme human DNA polymerase η (Pol η) is critical for bypassing lesions during DNA replication. In addition to the two Mg<sup>2+</sup> ions aligning the active site, experiments suggest that a third Mg<sup>2+</sup> ion could play an essential catalytic role. Herein the role of this third metal ion is investigated with quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) free energy simulations of the phosphoryl transfer reaction and a proposed self-activating proton transfer from the incoming nuc ...[more]

PMID: 29932331

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Project description:THE RELIABILITY OF FREE ENERGY SIMULATIONS (FES) IS LIMITED BY TWO FACTORS: (a) the need for correct sampling and (b) the accuracy of the computational method employed. Classical methods (e.g., force fields) are typically used for FES and present a myriad of challenges, with parametrization being a principle one. On the other hand, parameter-free quantum mechanical (QM) methods tend to be too computationally expensive for adequate sampling. One widely used approach is a combination of methods, where the free energy difference between the two end states is computed by, e.g., molecular mechanics (MM), and the end states are corrected by more accurate methods, such as QM or hybrid QM/MM techniques. Here we report two new approaches that significantly improve the aforementioned scheme; with a focus on how to compute corrections between, e.g., the MM and the more accurate QM calculations. First, a molecular dynamics trajectory that properly samples relevant conformational degrees of freedom is generated. Next, potential energies of each trajectory frame are generated with a QM or QM/MM Hamiltonian. Free energy differences are then calculated based on the QM or QM/MM energies using either a non-Boltzmann Bennett approach (QM-NBB) or non-Boltzmann free energy perturbation (NB-FEP). Both approaches are applied to calculate relative and absolute solvation free energies in explicit and implicit solvent environments. Solvation free energy differences (relative and absolute) between ethane and methanol in explicit solvent are used as the initial test case for QM-NBB. Next, implicit solvent methods are employed in conjunction with both QM-NBB and NB-FEP to compute absolute solvation free energies for 21 compounds. These compounds range from small molecules such as ethane and methanol to fairly large, flexible solutes, such as triacetyl glycerol. Several technical aspects were investigated. Ultimately some best practices are suggested for improving methods that seek to connect MM to QM (or QM/MM) levels of theory in FES.

Dataset Information

Exploring the Role of the Third Active Site Metal Ion in DNA Polymerase η with QM/MM Free Energy Simulations.

Publications

Exploring the Role of the Third Active Site Metal Ion in DNA Polymerase η with QM/MM Free Energy Simulations.

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