Influence of glycosidic linkage neighbors on disaccharide conformation in vacuum

Correct description of the free energy of conformation change of disaccharides is important in understanding a variety of biochemical processes and, ultimately, in the manufacture of better food and paper products. In this study, we determine the relative free energy of a series of 12 disaccharides in vacuum using replica exchange molecular dynamics (repMD) simulations. The chosen sugars and the novel application of this method allow the exploration of the role of glycosidic linkage neighbors in conformer stabilization. In line with expectations, we find that hydrogen bonding (and therefore energetically preferred conformations) are determined both by the nature of the glycosidic linkage (i.e., 1 --> 2, 1 --> 3, or 1 --> 4), the C1 epimer of the of the nonreducing monosaccharide, and by the configuration of carbon atoms once removed from the glycosidic linkage. Contrary to suggestions by prior authors for repMD more generally, we also demonstrate that repMD provides enhanced sampling, relative to conventional MD simulations of equivalent length, for disaccharides in vacuum at 300 K. (Zuckerman, D. M.; Lyman, E. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2006, 2, 1200-1202.)