scholarly journals Changes in the Local Conformational States Caused by Simple Na+ and K+ Ions in Polyelectrolyte Simulations: Comparison of Seven Force Fields with and without NBFIX and ECC Corrections

Polymers ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 252
Author(s):  
Natalia Lukasheva ◽  
Dmitry Tolmachev ◽  
Hector Martinez-Seara ◽  
Mikko Karttunen
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Force Fields ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Water Solution ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Local Structures ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Molecular Sizes

Electrostatic interactions have a determining role in the conformational and dynamic behavior of polyelectrolyte molecules. In this study, anionic polyelectrolyte molecules, poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) and poly(aspartic acid) (PASA), in a water solution with the most commonly used K+ or Na+ counterions, were investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We performed a comparison of seven popular force fields, namely AMBER99SB-ILDN, AMBER14SB, AMBER-FB15, CHARMM22*, CHARMM27, CHARMM36m and OPLS-AA/L, both with their native parameters and using two common corrections for overbinding of ions, the non-bonded fix (NBFIX), and electronic continuum corrections (ECC). These corrections were originally introduced to correct for the often-reported problem concerning the overbinding of ions to the charged groups of polyelectrolytes. In this work, a comparison of the simulation results with existing experimental data revealed several differences between the investigated force fields. The data from these simulations and comparisons with previous experimental data were then used to determine the limitations and strengths of these force fields in the context of the structural and dynamic properties of anionic polyamino acids. Physical properties, such as molecular sizes, local structure, and dynamics, were studied using two types of common counterions, namely potassium and sodium. The results show that, in some cases, both the macroion size and dynamics depend strongly on the models (parameters) for the counterions due to strong overbinding of the ions and charged side chain groups. The local structures and dynamics are more sensitive to dihedral angle parameterization, resulting in a preference for defined monomer conformations and the type of correction used. We also provide recommendations based on the results.

scholarly journals Changes in the Local Conformational States Caused by Simple Na+ and K+ Ions in Polyelectrolyte Simulations: Comparison of Seven Force Fields With and Without NBFIX and ECC Corrections

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Lukasheva ◽  
Dmitry Tolmachev ◽  
Hector Martinez-Seara ◽  
Mikko Karttunen
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Local Structure ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Force Fields ◽  
Water Solution ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Local Structures ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Molecular Sizes

Electrostatic interactions have a determining role in conformational and dynamic behavior of polyelectrolyte molecules [1]. In this study, anionic polyelectrolyte molecules, poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) and poly(aspartic acid) (PASA), in water solution with the most commonly used K+ or Na+ counterions were investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Seven common force fields, AMBER99SB-ILDN, AMBER14SB, AMBER-FB15, CHARMM22*, CHARMM27, CHARMM36m and OPLS-AA/L, both with their native parameters and with the non-bonded fix (NBFIX) and electronic continuum corrections (ECC) to were studied. These corrections have bene introduced to correct for the problem of overbinding of ions to the charged groups of polyelectrolytes. Physical properties, such as molecular sizes, local structure and dynamics, were studied using two types of common counterions, potassium and sodium. The results show that in some cases, the macroion size and dynamics depend strongly on the models (parameters) for the counterions due to strong overbinding of ions and charged side chain groups. The local structures and dynamics are more sensitive on dihedral angle parameterization resulting in a preference for defined monomer conformations amd the type of correction used.

scholarly journals The Role of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Structure and Dynamics of CO2 and CH4 Confined in Silica Nanopores

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohaib Mohammed ◽  
Ajay Krishna Sunkara ◽  
Casey Elizabeth Walike ◽  
Greeshma Gadikota
Keyword(s):  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Pore Diameter ◽  
Van Der Waals ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Surface Hydrophobicity ◽  
Van Der Waals Interactions ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Transport Behavior ◽  
Subsurface Environments ◽  
Geological Formation

Advancing a portfolio of technologies that range from the storage of excess renewable natural gas for distributed use to the capture and storage of CO2 in geological formation are essential for meeting our energy needs while responding to challenges associated with climate change. Delineating the surface interactions and the organization of these gases in nanoporous environments is one of the less explored approaches to ground advances in novel materials for gas storage or predict the fate of stored gases in subsurface environments. To this end, the molecular scale interactions underlying the organization and transport behavior of CO2 and CH4 molecules in silica nanopores need to be investigated. To probe the influence of hydrophobic surfaces, a series of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the structure and dynamics of CO2 and CH4 confined in OH-terminated and CH3-terminated silica pores with diameters of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 nm at 298 K and 10 MPa. Higher adsorption extents of CO2 compared to CH4 are noted on OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores. The adsorbed extents increase with the pore diameter. Further, the interfacial CO2 and CH4 molecules reside closer to the surface of OH-terminated pores compared to CH3-terminated pores. The lower adsorption extents of CH4 on OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores result in higher diffusion coefficients compared to CO2 molecules. The diffusivities of both gases in OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores increase systematically with the pore diameter. The higher adsorption extents of CO2 on OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores are driven by higher van der Waals and electrostatic interactions with the pore surfaces, while CH4 adsorption is mainly due to van der Waals interactions with the pore walls. These findings provide the interfacial chemical basis underlying the organization and transport behavior of pressurized CO2 and CH4 gases in confinement.

scholarly journals Molecular dynamics simulations of charged and neutral lipid bilayers: treatment of electrostatic interactions.

2003 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 789-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Róg ◽  
Krzysztof Murzyn ◽  
Marta Pasenkiewicz-Gierula
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Computational Method ◽  
Simulation Protocol ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations complement experimental methods in studies of the structure and dynamics of lipid bilayers. The choice of algorithms employed in this computational method represents a trade-off between the accuracy and real calculation time. The largest portion of the simulation time is devoted to calculation of long-range electrostatic interactions. To speed-up evaluation of these interactions, various approximations have been used. The most common ones are the truncation of long-range interactions with the use of cut-offs, and the particle-mesh Ewald (PME) method. In this study, several multi-nanosecond cut-off and PME simulations were performed to establish the influence of the simulation protocol on the bilayer properties. Two bilayers were used. One consisted of neutral phosphatidylcholine molecules. The other was a mixed lipid bilayer consisting of neutral phosphatidylethanolamine and negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol molecules. The study shows that the cut-off simulation of a bilayer containing charge molecules generates artefacts; in particular the mobility and order of the charged molecules are vastly different from those determined experimentally. In the PME simulation, the bilayer properties are in general agreement with experimental data. The cut-off simulation of bilayers containing only uncharged molecules does not generate artefacts, nevertheless, the PME simulation gives generally better agreement with experimental data.

scholarly journals Effects of Force Fields on the Conformational and Dynamic Properties of Amyloid β(1-40) Dimer Explored by Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics Simulations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Watts ◽  
Andrew Gregory ◽  
Cole Frisbie ◽  
Sándor Lovas
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Force Field ◽  
Force Fields ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Conformational Space ◽  
Random Coil ◽  
Replica Exchange ◽  
Β Sheet

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease is histologically marked by fibrils of Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide within the extracellular matrix. Fibrils themselves are benign compared to the cytotoxicity of the oligomers and pre-fibrillary aggregates. The conformational space and structural ensembles of Aβ peptides and their oligomers in solution are inherently disordered and proven to be challenging to study. Optimum force field selection for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the biophysical relevance of results are still unknown. We compared the conformational space of the Aβ(1–40) dimers by 300 ns replica exchange MD simulations at physiological temperature (310 K) using: the AMBER-ff99sb-ILDN, AMBER-ff99sb*-ILDN, AMBER-ff99sb-NMR, and CHARMM22* force fields. Statistical comparisons of simulation results to experimental data and previously published simulations utilizing the CHARMM22* and CHARMM36 force fields were performed. All force fields yield sampled ensembles of conformations with collision cross sectional areas for the dimer that are statistically significantly larger than experimental results. All force fields, with the exception of AMBER-ff99sb-ILDN (8.8±6.4%) and CHARMM36 (2.7±4.2%), tend to overestimate the α-helical content compared to experimental CD (5.3±5.2%). Using the AMBER-ff99sb-NMR force field resulted in the greatest degree of variance (41.3±12.9%). Except for the AMBER-ff99sb-NMR force field, the others tended to under estimate the expected amount of β-sheet and over estimate the amount of turn/bend/random coil conformations. All force fields, with the exception AMBER-ff99sb-NMR, reproduce a theoretically expected β-sheet-turn-β-sheet conformational motif, however, only the CHARMM22* and CHARMM36 force fields yield results compatible with collapse of the central and C-terminal hydrophobic cores from residues 17-21 and 30-36. Although analyses of essential subspace sampling showed only minor variations between force fields, secondary structures of lowest energy conformers are different.

Nucleosome dynamics

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Stockdale ◽  
Michael Bruno ◽  
Helder Ferreira ◽  
Elisa Garcia-Wilson ◽  
Nicola Wiechens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Chromatin Structure ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Nucleosome Dynamics ◽  
Sharp Focus ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Chromatin Structure And Dynamics

In the 30 years since the discovery of the nucleosome, our picture of it has come into sharp focus. The recent high-resolution structures have provided a wealth of insight into the function of the nucleosome, but they are inherently static. Our current knowledge of how nucleosomes can be reconfigured dynamically is at a much earlier stage. Here, recent advances in the understanding of chromatin structure and dynamics are highlighted. The ways in which different modes of nucleosome reconfiguration are likely to influence each other are discussed, and some of the factors likely to regulate the dynamic properties of nucleosomes are considered.

Hydration Free Energies of Organic Molecules in the FreeSolv Database Calculated with Polarized Atom In Molecules Atomic Charges and the GAFF Force Field.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximiliano Riquelme ◽  
Alejandro Lara ◽  
David L. Mobley ◽  
Toon Vestraelen ◽  
Adelio R Matamala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Force Field ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Organic Molecules ◽  
Force Fields ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Atomic Charges ◽  
Free Energies ◽  
Molecular Systems ◽  
Solvent Model

<div>Computer simulations of bio-molecular systems often use force fields, which are combinations of simple empirical atom-based functions to describe the molecular interactions. Even though polarizable force fields give a more detailed description of intermolecular interactions, nonpolarizable force fields, developed several decades ago, are often still preferred because of their reduced computation cost. Electrostatic interactions play a major role in bio-molecular systems and are therein described by atomic point charges.</div><div>In this work, we address the performance of different atomic charges to reproduce experimental hydration free energies in the FreeSolv database in combination with the GAFF force field. Atomic charges were calculated by two atoms-in-molecules approaches, Hirshfeld-I and Minimal Basis Iterative Stockholder (MBIS). To account for polarization effects, the charges were derived from the solute's electron density computed with an implicit solvent model and the energy required to polarize the solute was added to the free energy cycle. The calculated hydration free energies were analyzed with an error model, revealing systematic errors associated with specific functional groups or chemical elements. The best agreement with the experimental data is observed for the MBIS atomic charge method, including the solvent polarization, with a root mean square error of 2.0 kcal mol<sup>-1</sup> for the 613 organic molecules studied. The largest deviation was observed for phosphor-containing molecules and the molecules with amide, ester and amine functional groups.</div>

scholarly journals Current Understanding of the Structure, Stability and Dynamic Properties of Amyloid Fibrils

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4349
Author(s):  
Eri Chatani ◽  
Keisuke Yuzu ◽  
Yumiko Ohhashi ◽  
Yuji Goto
Keyword(s):  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Polypeptide Chain ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Protein Molecule ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Structure Stability ◽  
Side Chains ◽  
Precise Control ◽  
Functional Amyloids ◽  
Structural Architecture

Amyloid fibrils are supramolecular protein assemblies represented by a cross-β structure and fibrous morphology, whose structural architecture has been previously investigated. While amyloid fibrils are basically a main-chain-dominated structure consisting of a backbone of hydrogen bonds, side-chain interactions also play an important role in determining their detailed structures and physicochemical properties. In amyloid fibrils comprising short peptide segments, a steric zipper where a pair of β-sheets with side chains interdigitate tightly is found as a fundamental motif. In amyloid fibrils comprising longer polypeptides, each polypeptide chain folds into a planar structure composed of several β-strands linked by turns or loops, and the steric zippers are formed locally to stabilize the structure. Multiple segments capable of forming steric zippers are contained within a single protein molecule in many cases, and polymorphism appears as a result of the diverse regions and counterparts of the steric zippers. Furthermore, the β-solenoid structure, where the polypeptide chain folds in a solenoid shape with side chains packed inside, is recognized as another important amyloid motif. While side-chain interactions are primarily achieved by non-polar residues in disease-related amyloid fibrils, the participation of hydrophilic and charged residues is prominent in functional amyloids, which often leads to spatiotemporally controlled fibrillation, high reversibility, and the formation of labile amyloids with kinked backbone topology. Achieving precise control of the side-chain interactions within amyloid structures will open up a new horizon for designing useful amyloid-based nanomaterials.

scholarly journals High-resolution mining of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease conformational space: supercomputer-driven unsupervised adaptive sampling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Théo Jaffrelot Inizan ◽  
Frédéric Célerse ◽  
Olivier Adjoua ◽  
Dina El Ahdab ◽  
Luc-Henri Jolly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Adaptive Sampling ◽  
Force Fields ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Conformational Space ◽  
Many Body ◽  
Polarizable Force Fields ◽  
Main Protease

We provide an unsupervised adaptive sampling strategy capable of producing μs-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of large biosystems using many-body polarizable force fields (PFFs).

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