All-atom simulations of proteins

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Department

Department of Physics

Abstract

The successful deciphering of the human genome has highlighted an old challenge in protein science: For most of the resolved protein sequences, we do not know the corresponding structures and functions. Neither do we understand in detail the mechanism by which a protein folds into its biologically active form. Computer experiments offer one way to evaluate the sequence-structure relationship and the folding process but are extremely difficult for detailed protein models. Only over the last few years have algorithms been developed that allow an efficient sampling of relevant protein configurations. Important examples of these new techniques will be introduced in the context of all-atom simulations of small proteins. For these molecules, the folding mechanism and the relation between secondary structure formation and folding are explored. Limitations of current energy functions are discussed.

Publication Title

Lecture Notes in Physics

ISBN

978-3-540-74029-2

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