Focused interactions important for protein dynamics

Date:: December 20, 2016
Source:: Forschungszentrum Juelich
Summary:: Many biological processes in cells function solely due to the phenomenon of diffusion. This ensures that particles are able to move randomly and aimlessly on the basis of their thermal energy alone. In this way, protein molecules get into close enough proximity to each other to, for example, carry out metabolic processes only achievable when acting together. A team of international researchers has now shown that weak attraction forces between proteins can enormously influence diffusion, if the protein molecules are as densely concentrated as under natural conditions in living cells.
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Many biological processes in cells function solely due to the phenomenon of diffusion. This ensures that particles are able to move randomly and aimlessly on the basis of their thermal energy alone.

In this way, protein molecules get into close enough proximity to each other to, for example, carry out metabolic processes only achievable when acting together.

A team of international researchers has now shown that weak attraction forces between proteins can enormously influence diffusion, if the protein molecules are as densely concentrated as under natural conditions in living cells.

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Materials provided by Forschungszentrum Juelich. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

S. Bucciarelli, J. S. Myung, B. Farago, S. Das, G. A. Vliegenthart, O. Holderer, R. G. Winkler, P. Schurtenberger, G. Gompper, A. Stradner. Dramatic influence of patchy attractions on short-time protein diffusion under crowded conditions. Science Advances, 2016; 2 (12): e1601432 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601432

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Forschungszentrum Juelich. "Focused interactions important for protein dynamics." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 December 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161220103923.htm>.

Forschungszentrum Juelich. (2016, December 20). Focused interactions important for protein dynamics. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 28, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161220103923.htm

Forschungszentrum Juelich. "Focused interactions important for protein dynamics." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161220103923.htm (accessed November 28, 2023).

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