Allosteric Communication Occurs via Networks of Tertiary and Quaternary Motions in Proteins
2009

Understanding Allosteric Communication in Proteins

Sample size: 18 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Daily Michael D., Gray Jeffrey J., Jacobson Matthew P.

Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Hypothesis

Allosteric communication in proteins relies upon networks of quaternary and tertiary motions.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that allosteric communication often depends on the integration of both small-scale and large-scale motions in proteins.

Supporting Evidence

  • The global communication network accounts for substrate-effector pathways in 15 of 18 proteins surveyed.
  • Allosteric communication often depends on linkage between small- and large-scale motions.
  • GCNs may guide experiments on allosteric proteins and the design of allostery into non-allosteric proteins.

Takeaway

Proteins can change shape in different ways to send signals, and this study shows how those changes work together to help proteins do their jobs.

Methodology

The study used an automated algorithm to identify rigid bodies and construct global communication networks from protein structures.

Limitations

Some proteins could not be analyzed due to missing structural data.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000293

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication