Comparison of the Intrinsic Dynamics of Proteins Involved in Metabolic Pathways Using Coarse-Grained Normal Mode Analysis

Abstract

Protein dynamics play an important role in molecular recognition and catalysis. Each protein structure has unique dynamics encoded by its primary sequence. The collective intrinsic dynamics of a protein, which is defined by its overall architecture, is important in promoting a pre-organized active site conformation that is conducive to molecular recognition and effective catalysis. In an attempt to classify proteins based on their intrinsic dynamics, we are investigating the intrinsic dynamics of enzymes involved in primary metabolic pathways.