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Accurate computational simulations of protein–glycan dynamics are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of critical biological mechanisms, including host–pathogen interactions, immune system defenses, and intercellular communication. The accuracy of these simulations, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and alchemical free energy calculations, critically relies on the appropriate parameters, including the water model, because of the extensive hydrogen bonding with glycan hydroxyl groups. However, a systematic evaluation of water models’ accuracy in simulating protein–glycan interaction at the molecular level is still lacking. In this study, we used full atomistic MD simulations and alchemical absolute binding free energy (ABFE) calculations to investigate the performance of five distinct water models in six protein–glycan complex systems. We evaluated water models’ impact on structural dynamics and binding affinity through over 5.8 μs of simulation time per system. Our results reveal that most protein–glycan complexes are stable in the overall structural dynamics regardless of the water model used, while some show obvious fluctuations with specific water models. More importantly, we discover that the stability of the binding motif’s conformation is dependent on the water model chosen when its residues form weak hydrogen bonds with the glycan. The water model also influences the conformational stability of the glycan in its bound state according to density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Using alchemical ABFE calculations, we find that the OPC water model exhibits exceptional consistency with experimental binding affinity data, whereas commonly used models such as TIP3P are less accurate. The findings demonstrate how different water models affect protein–glycan interactions and the accuracy of binding affinity calculations, which is crucial in developing therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions.
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Synergistic Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Approach to Elucidate PNIPAM–Water Interaction Mechanisms
This study employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate interactions between water molecules and Poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). DFT reveals preferential water binding sites, with enhanced binding energy observed in the linker zone. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and electron localization function (ELF) analyses highlight the roles of hydrogen bonding and steric hindrance. MD simulations unveil temperature-dependent hydration dynamics, with structural transitions marked by changes in the radius of gyration (Rg) and the radial distribution function (RDF), aligning with DFT findings. Our work goes beyond prior studies by combining a DFT, QTAIM and MD simulations approach across different PNIPAM monomer-to-30mer structures. It introduces a systematic quantification of pseudo-saturation thresholds and explores water clustering dynamics with structural specificity, which have not been previously reported in the literature. These novel insights establish a more complete molecular-level picture of PNIPAM hydration behavior and temperature responsiveness, emphasizing the importance of amide hydrogen and carbonyl oxygen sites in hydrogen bonding, which weakens above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), resulting in increased hydrophobicity and paving the way for understanding water sorption mechanisms, offering guidance for future applications such as dehumidification and atmospheric water harvesting.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2318720
- PAR ID:
- 10639225
- Publisher / Repository:
- MDPI
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Materials
- ISSN:
- 1996-1944
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112498
