Localizing frustration in native proteins and protein assemblies

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Dec 11;104(50):19819-24. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0709915104. Epub 2007 Dec 5.

Abstract

We propose a method of quantifying the degree of frustration manifested by spatially local interactions in protein biomolecules. This method of localization smoothly generalizes the global criterion for an energy landscape to be funneled to the native state, which is in keeping with the principle of minimal frustration. A survey of the structural database shows that natural proteins are multiply connected by a web of local interactions that are individually minimally frustrated. In contrast, highly frustrated interactions are found clustered on the surface, often near binding sites. These binding sites become less frustrated upon complex formation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Mutation
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Protein Folding*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proteins / physiology
  • Thermodynamics
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Water