Multiscale simulations of protein and membrane systems
Kevin Sawade1, Christine Peter1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78 457, Konstanz, Germany.
Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|December 25, 2021
Summary
Classical multiscale simulations enable the study of complex biological soft matter. Advances in modeling, machine learning, and scale-bridging methods allow investigation of large biological systems and processes.
Area of Science:
- Computational physics and chemistry
- Biophysics
- Materials science
Background:
- Biological soft matter systems are complex and require advanced simulation techniques.
- Classical multiscale simulations bridge different scales, enabling the study of biologically relevant systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in multiscale simulations for biological soft matter.
- To highlight factors driving advancements in simulating complex biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Multiscale simulations integrating various resolution models.
- Hierarchical subsystem integration.
- Improved computational models and algorithms.
Main Results:
- Access to biologically relevant system sizes and timescales.
- Investigation of complex systems like multidomain proteins, phase separation, biomembranes, and viral complexes.
- Integration of machine learning for data analysis and model improvement.
Conclusions:
- Multiscale simulations are crucial for understanding biological soft matter.
- Progress is driven by improved models, machine learning, and scale-bridging techniques.
- These methods are essential for tackling increasingly complex biological challenges.
Related Concept Videos
Multi-pass Transmembrane Proteins and β-barrels
5.8K
In multi-pass transmembrane proteins, the polypeptide chain crosses the membrane more than once. The transmembrane polypeptide chain either forms an α-helix or β-strand structure. α-Helix containing multi-pass transmembrane proteins are ubiquitous, whereas β-strand containing ones are mainly found in gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
α-Helix containing multi-pass transmembrane proteins
Multi-pass transmembrane proteins such as...
α-Helix containing multi-pass transmembrane proteins
Multi-pass transmembrane proteins such as...
5.8K
Protein Diffusion in the Membrane
4.9K
Proteins show rotational as well as lateral diffusion across the membrane. The lateral diffusion of proteins was confirmed through the cell fusion experiment where mouse and human cells were fused, resulting in hybrid cells. When the human and mouse cells fused, the specific membrane proteins on human and mouse cells were marked with the red and green-fluorescent markers, respectively. Initially, the red and green fluorescence was located on the respective hemisphere of the cell. As time...
4.9K
Fluid Mosaic Model
13.7K
Scientists identified the plasma membrane in the 1890s and its principal chemical components (lipids and proteins) by 1915. The model for plasma membrane structure, proposed in 1935 by Hugh Davson and James Danielli, was the first model to be widely accepted in the scientific community. The model was based on the plasma membrane's "railroad track" appearance in early electron micrographs. Davson and Danielli theorized that the plasma membrane's structure resembled a sandwich...
13.7K


