title: Minimum model for the alpha-helix-beta-hairpin transition in proteins.
abstract: We present a minimal model for proteins, which is able to capture the structural conversion between the alpha-helix and beta-hairpin. In most regimes of the parameter space, the model produces a stable structure at a low temperature; in a few limited regimes of the parameter space, the model displays an beta-hairpin transition as the physical conditions vary. These variations include a perturbation on hydrogen bonding propensity at the middle of the modeled chain, or the change of the hydrophobicity of a designated pair along the chain. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate the structural conversion by means of state diagrams, heat capacity maps, and free energy maps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1.
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Imamura
authors.forename: Jeff Z Y
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D044367:Phase Transition; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins