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Protein Transfer Free Energy Obeys Entropy-Enthalpy Compensation
Eric A Mills1, Steven S Plotkin1
1Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z4, Canada.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|October 2, 2015
Summary
We found significant entropy-enthalpy compensation for protein transfer into cosolutes. Accounting for heat capacity changes and using a new Monte Carlo method confirms this compensation is statistically significant.
Area of Science:
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Protein Thermodynamics
- Solution Chemistry
Background:
- Protein stability is influenced by transfer between aqueous solutions and cosolutes.
- Understanding these transfer processes is crucial for protein folding and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate entropy-enthalpy compensation during protein transfer into various cosolutes.
- To assess the impact of heat capacity on thermodynamic parameter extraction.
- To develop robust methods for evaluating statistical significance of compensation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of experimental thermodynamic data for two-state folding proteins.
- Development of a Monte Carlo method for uncertainty estimation.
- Bootstrapping techniques to assess statistical significance.
- Evaluation of data at the transition midpoint to minimize extrapolation errors.
Main Results:
- Significant entropy-enthalpy compensation was observed for protein transfer into osmolytes, denaturants, and crowders.
- Accounting for concentration- and temperature-dependence of heat capacity improved thermodynamic parameter accuracy.
- The Monte Carlo method and bootstrapping confirmed statistically significant compensation.
- Data analysis at the transition midpoint revealed the strongest evidence for compensation.
Conclusions:
- Entropy-enthalpy compensation is a significant factor in protein transfer thermodynamics.
- Accurate thermodynamic parameter extraction requires careful consideration of heat capacity.
- The developed methods provide a reliable framework for analyzing experimental data and validating simulation models.
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