Protein Ligand Binding Thermodynamics

Ligand binding by macromolecules represents a core event of broad relevance to a range of systems, including catalytic systems alongside noncatalytic systems such as nucleic acid binding by transcription factors or extracellular ligand binding by proteins involved in signaling pathways. The scope of this primer is constrained to introduce only foundational models without significant discussion of more advanced topics such as allosteric or linkage effects. Linkage occurs when the binding of a ligand is influenced by the binding of another molecule of the same ligand (homotropic linkage), the binding of a different ligand (heterotropic linkage), physical variables such as temperature or pressure (physical linkage), or changes in macromolecular assembly state (polysteric linkage). Taking this into account, the foundational themes presented in this primer can be used to describe any macromolecule–ligand interaction either by direct use of the models and techniques described here or by applying them to develop more advanced models to explain additional complexities such as those allosteric or linkage effects just mentioned. The target audience of this primer is the senior undergraduate or junior graduate student who lacks a foundation in ligand-binding thermodynamics. As such, we have focused primarily on foundational thermodynamic treatments and presented only general discussions of relevant experimental designs. Readers of this primer will learn how to build a working understanding of common factors that promote energetic favorability for ligand binding; develop a functional toolbox to understand ligand binding from the perspective of collecting, plotting, and interpreting ligand-binding data; enhance proficiency in deriving thermodynamic mechanisms for ligand binding; and become comfortable in interpreting binding data reported in the literature and independently expanding knowledge beyond the scope introduced in this primer.

Innovative and forward-looking, this volume focuses on recent achievements in this rapidly progressing field and looks at future potential for development. The first part provides a basic understanding of the factors governing protein-ligand interactions, followed by a comparison of key experimental methods (calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, NMR) used in generating interaction data. The second half of the book is devoted to insilico methods of modeling and predicting molecular recognition and binding, ranging from first principles-based to approximate ones. Here, as elsewhere in the book, emphasis is placed on novel approaches and recent improvements to established methods. The final part looks at unresolved challenges, and the strategies to address them. With the content relevant for all drug classes and therapeutic fields, this is an inspiring and often-consulted guide to the complexity of protein-ligand interaction modeling and analysis for both novices and experts.

This book discusses a broad range of basic and advanced topics in the field of protein structure, function, folding, flexibility, and dynamics. Starting with a basic introduction to protein purification, estimation, storage, and its effect on the protein structure, function, and dynamics, it also discusses various experimental and computational structure determination approaches; the importance of molecular interactions and water in protein stability, folding and dynamics; kinetic and thermodynamic parameters associated with protein-ligand binding; single molecule techniques and their applications in studying protein folding and aggregation; protein quality control; the role of amino acid sequence in protein aggregation; muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, antimuscarinic drugs, and their clinical significances. Further, the book explains the current understanding on the therapeutic importance of the enzyme dopamine beta hydroxylase; structural dynamics and motions in molecular motors; role of cathepsins in controlling degradation of extracellular matrix during disease states; and the important structure-function relationship of iron-binding proteins, ferritins. Overall, the book is an important guide and a comprehensive resource for understanding protein structure, function, dynamics, and interaction.

This series presents critical reviews of the present position and future trends in modern chemical research. It contains short and concise reports on chemistry, each written by the world renowned experts – it is still valid and useful after 5 or 10 years. More information as well as the electronic version of the whole content available at: springerlink.com. The book will appeal to scientists and practitioners in the mentioned fields and in industry.

Gabriel Waksman Institute of Structural Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and University College London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom Address for correspondence: Professor Gabriel Waksman Institute of Structural Molecular Biology Birkbeck and University College London Malet Street London WC1E 7H United Kingdom Email: g. waksman@bbk. ac. uk and g. waksman@ucl. ac. uk Phone: (+44) (0) 207 631 6833 Fax: (+44) (0) 207 631 6833 URL: http://people. cryst. bbk. ac. uk/?ubcg54a Gabriel Waksman is Professor of Structural Molecular Biology at the Institute of Structural Molecular Biology at UCL/Birkbeck, of which he is also the director. Before joining the faculty of UCL and Birkbeck, he was the Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis (USA). The rapidly evolving ?eld of protein science has now come to realize the ubiquity and importance of protein–protein interactions. It had been known for some time that proteins may interact with each other to form functional complexes, but it was thought to be the property of only a handful of key proteins. However, with the advent of hi- throughput proteomics to monitor protein–protein interactions at an organism level, we can now safely state that protein–protein interactions are the norm and not the exception.

This volume provides methods on microcalorimetry approaches to investigate complex biological molecular systems. Chapters guide readers through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), and advanced data processing. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Microcalorimetry of Biological Molecules: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This volume commemorates the 50th anniversary of the appearance in Volume 4 in 1948 of Dr. Jeffries Wyman's famous paper in which he "laid down" the foundations of linkage thermodynamics. Experts in this area contribute articles on the state-of-the-art of this important field and on new developments of the original theory. Among the topics covered in this volume are electrostatic contributions to molecular free energies in solution; site-specific analysis of mutational effects in proteins; allosteric transitions of the acetylcholine receptor; and deciphering the molecular code of hemoglobin allostery.

The lock-and-key principle formulated by Emil Fischer as early as the end of the 19th century has still not lost any of its significance for the life sciences. The basic aspects of ligand-protein interaction may be summarized under the term 'molecular recognition' and concern the specificity as well as stability of ligand binding. Molecular recognition is thus a central topic in the development of active substances, since stability and specificity determine whether a substance can be used as a drug. Nowadays, computer-aided prediction and intelligent molecular design make a large contribution to the constant search for, e. g., improved enzyme inhibitors, and new concepts such as that of pharmacophores are being developed. An up-to-date presentation of an eternally young topic, this book is an indispensable information source for chemists, biochemists and pharmacologists dealing with the binding of ligands to proteins.