Journal Article

FZJ-2024-02871

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Measuring pico-Newton Forces with Lipid Anchors as Force Sensors in Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Kav, B.FZJ* ; Weikl, T. R. (Corresponding author) ; Schneck, E. (Corresponding author)

2023
Americal Chemical Society Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c00063  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2024-02871

Abstract: Binding forces between biomolecules are ubiquitous in nature but sometimes as weak as a few pico-Newtons (pN). In many cases, the binding partners are attached to biomembranes with the help of a lipid anchor. One important example are glycolipids that promote membrane adhesion through weak carbohydrate–carbohydrate binding between adjacent membranes. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to quantify the forces generated by bonds involving membrane-anchored molecules. We introduce a method in which the protrusion of the lipid anchors from the membrane acts as the force sensor. Our results with two different glycolipids reveal binding forces of up to 20 pN and corroborate the recent notion that carbohydrate–carbohydrate interactions are generic rather than specific.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Strukturbiochemie (IBI-7)

Research Program(s):

1. 5241 - Molecular Information Processing in Cellular Systems (POF4-524) (POF4-524)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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