The effects of external electric fields on proteins

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Proteins possess versatile functions driven by their charged residues and electrostatics.
• Protein activity is typically modulated by ligands or post-translational modifications.
• External electric fields (EFs) present an alternative physical method for protein modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of external EF effects on proteins.
• To integrate findings from computational simulations and experimental studies on EF-protein interactions.
• To highlight potential applications of EF-mediated protein control.

Main Methods:

• Literature review integrating computational simulations and experimental studies.
• Analysis of EF interactions with charged and dipolar groups on protein structures.
• Examination of EF-induced changes in protein conformation and dynamics.

Main Results:

• EFs exert forces on charged and dipolar protein regions, altering the energetic landscape and dynamics.
• Tailored EFs can influence protein rigid body motion, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
• EFs lead to changes in protein interactions and functions, including enzymatic activity and ion channeling.

Conclusions:

• External EFs provide a mass-free, switchable, and precise method for controlling protein conformation and function.
• EFs are being utilized in food processing, bionanotechnology (e.g., membrane proteins), and structural biology.
• Further research into EF mechanisms can unlock significant biomedical, food-processing, and biotechnological applications.