Intermediate Folding States (image)
Caption
Scientists seek to better understand protein folding to cure misfolding diseases, but this incredibly complex process requires sophisticated algorithms to identify the folding mechanisms. Computational biophysicists have proposed a new way to identify the most crucial factors for protein folding. They demonstrated the short simulation time of their approach on a small but intriguing protein, "GB1 beta-hairpin," in The Journal of Chemical Physics. The four novel intermediate folding states (MS1-4) identified by the team are shown here, along with the possible connecting pathways. The thickness of the interconnecting arrows reflect the likelihood that pathway occurs.
Credit
Navjeet Ahalawat and Jagannath Mondal
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