Equilibrium mechanisms of length regulation in linear protein aggregates

摘要: Statistical thermodynamic theories have been developed in order to explore the consequences of two prominent models length regulation linear protein aggregates: length-determining factor model and cumulated strain model. In former, possibility that final subunit is bound with extra stability has incorporated. Calculations dependence sharpness onset extensive polymerization, breadth, shape, most probable value distribution as functions concentrations template polymerizing subunit, association constant, free energy, maximum last Numerical calculations are made particular reference parameters bacteriophage T4 tail-core polymerization. Both predict suitably narrow distributions plausible values parameters. The may exhibit highly cooperative behaviour, either fully polymerized or very short aggregates being observed product K[C] constant monomer varied. This cooperativity accentuated binding becomes more stable. Species intermediate will be observable only if shortened. model, lowered at energy per shorter observed; but increasing not yield appreciably longer polymers. As [C] lowered, remain narrow.