Journal Article

FZJ-2016-02238

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Concentrated Solutions of Single-Chain Nanoparticles: A Simple Model for Intrinsically Disordered Proteins under Crowding Conditions

Moreno, A. J. (Corresponding author) ; Lo Verso, F. ; Arbe, A. ; Pomposo, J. A. ; Colmenero, J.

2016
ACS Washington, DC

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/acs.jpclett.6b00144

Abstract: By means of large-scale computer simulations and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), we investigate solutions of single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs), covering the whole concentration range from infinite dilution to melt density. The analysis of the conformational properties of the SCNPs reveals that these synthetic nano-objects share basic ingredients with intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), as topological polydispersity, generally sparse conformations, and locally compact domains. We investigate the role of the architecture of the SCNPs in their collapse behavior under macromolecular crowding. Unlike in the case of linear macromolecules, which experience the usual transition from self-avoiding to Gaussian random-walk conformations, crowding leads to collapsed conformations of SCNPs resembling those of crumpled globules. This behavior is already found at volume fractions (about 30%) that are characteristic of crowding in cellular environments. The simulation results are confirmed by the SANS experiments. Our results for SCNPs—a model system free of specific interactions—propose a general scenario for the effect of steric crowding on IDPs: collapse from sparse conformations at high dilution to crumpled globular conformations in cell environments.

Keyword(s): Health and Life (1st) ; Health and Life (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS (München) ; Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS (München) ; JCNS-FRM-II)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G15 - FRM II / MLZ (POF3-6G15) (POF3-6G15)
2. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (POF3-623) (POF3-623)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)

Appears in the scientific report 2016

---

Database coverage:
; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; No Authors Fulltext ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

---