Deformation pattern in vibrating microtubule: Structural mechanics study based on an atomistic approach

0484845 - ÚFE 2018 RIV GB eng J - Článek v odborném periodiku
Havelka, Daniel - Deriu, M.A. - Cifra, Michal - Kučera, Ondřej
Deformation pattern in vibrating microtubule: Structural mechanics study based on an atomistic approach.
Scientific Reports. Roč. 7, č. 1 (2017), č. článku 4227. ISSN 2045-2322. E-ISSN 2045-2322
Grant CEP: GA ČR(CZ) GA15-17102S
Institucionální podpora: RVO:67985882
Klíčová slova: Continuum model * Protein microtubules * Molecular-dymamics
Obor OECD: Biophysics
Impakt faktor: 4.122, rok: 2017

The mechanical properties of microtubules are of great importance for understanding their biological function and for applications in artificial devices. Although microtubule mechanics has been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally, the relation to its molecular structure is understood only partially. Here, we report on the structural analysis of microtubule vibration modes calculated by an atomistic approach. Molecular dynamics was applied to refine the atomic structure of a microtubule and a C-alpha elastic network model was analyzed for its normal modes. We mapped fluctuations and local deformations up to the level of individual aminoacid residues. The deformation is mode-shape dependent and principally different in alpha-tubulins and beta-tubulins. Parts of the tubulin dimer sequence responding specifically to longitudinal and radial stress are identified. We show that substantial strain within a microtubule is located both in the regions of contact between adjacent dimers and in the body of tubulins. Our results provide supportive evidence for the generally accepted assumption that the mechanics of microtubules, including its anisotropy, is determined by the bonds between tubulins
Trvalý link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0279996