Conformational plasticity enables functional switching in diatom light-harvesting complexes.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecules exhibit a fundamental correlation between structure and function, which can be modulated by environmental factors. Deciphering this relationship remains a central and long-standing challenge for many protein families. In this study, we investigate such a correlation in the light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) of diatoms; unicellular, photosynthetic organisms that thrive in marine ecosystems. Using μs-long molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning, we reveal that all experimentally resolved LHC configurations correspond to a few distinct interconverting states linked to an intrinsic conformational transition that might affect the balance between light-harvesting and photoprotective modes; a property that can be tuned or engineered. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, we

SUBMITTER: Sousani TI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12680713 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature