title: Conversion between three conformational states of integrin I domains with a C-terminal pull spring studied with molecular dynamics.
abstract: We test with molecular dynamics the hypothesis that interdomain forces in integrins, simulated with a spring attached to the C-terminal alpha 7-helix of an integrin I domain, can allosterically stabilize alternative I domain conformations. Depending on the force applied and timecourse, in alpha(L) and alpha(M) I domains the beta 6-alpha 7 loop moves successively between three ratchet positions; i.e. from closed to intermediate, and then to open. More distal, linked alterations in MIDAS loops and metal coordination closely resemble those seen when the MIDAS becomes ligated. Simulations show that the intermediate state is populated over a wider range of forces for alpha(L) than alpha(M) I domains. Simulations with mutant I domains suggest that specific ratchet residues regulate conformational equilibria. Simulations with alpha(1) and alpha(2) I domains reveal a lack of the intermediate conformation, owing to Phe to Glu substitution at the second ratchet residue. The findings have important implications for biological regulation of integrin adhesiveness.
authors.affiliation: The CBR Institute for Biomedical Research, Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Moonsoo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Ioan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Andricioaei
authors.forename: Timothy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Springer
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D016023:Integrins / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
chemical_list: D016023:Integrins