Replica exchange simulations of the thermodynamics of Abeta fibril growth.

ABSTRACT: Replica exchange molecular dynamics and an all-atom implicit solvent model are used to probe the thermodynamics of deposition of Alzheimer's Abeta monomers on preformed amyloid fibrils. Consistent with the experiments, two deposition stages have been identified. The docking stage occurs over a wide temperature range, starting with the formation of the first peptide-fibril interactions at 500 K. Docking is completed when a peptide fully adsorbs on the fibril edge at the temperature of 380 K. The docking transition appears to be continuous, and occurs without free energy barriers or intermediates. During docking, incoming Abeta monomer adopts a disordered structure on the fibril edge. The locking stage occurs at the temperature of approximately 360 K and is characterized by the rugged free e

SUBMITTER: Takeda T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2716483 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature