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Exploring the Folding Mechanism of Dimeric Superoxide Dismutase

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Author(s):
Mouro, Paulo R. ; Sanches, Murilo N. ; Leite, Vitor B. P. ; Chahine, Jorge
Total Authors: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Physical Chemistry B; v. N/A, p. 12-pg., 2023-01-30.
Abstract

The Cu/Zn Human Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) is a dimeric metalloenzyme whose genetic mutations are directly related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), so understanding its folding mechanism is of fundamental importance. Currently, the SOD1 dimer formation is studied via molecular dynamics simulations using a simplified structure-based model and an all-atom model. Results from the simplified model reveal a mechanism dependent on distances between monomers, which are limited by constraints to mimic concentration dependence. The stability of intermediates (during the int state) is significantly affected by this distance, as well as by the presence of two folded monomers prior to dimer formation. The kinetics of interface formation are also highly dependent on the separation distance. The folding temperature of the dimer is about 4.2% higher than that of the monomer, a value not too different from experimental data. All-atom simulations on the apo dimer give binding free energy between monomers similar to experimental values. An intermediate state is evident for the apo form at a separation distance between monomers slightly larger than the native distance which has little formed interface between monomers. We have shown that this intermediate is stabilized by non-native intra-and intercontacts. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 21/15028-4 - Elucidating the functional plasticity of intrinsically disordered proteins by the study of energy landscape
Grantee:Murilo Nogueira Sanches
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 19/22540-3 - Studies of energy landscapes of biological macromolecules
Grantee:Vitor Barbanti Pereira Leite
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants