Self-assembly of left- and right-handed molecular screws.

ABSTRACT: Stereoselectivity is a hallmark of biomolecular processes from catalysis to self-assembly, which predominantly occur between homochiral species. However, both homochiral and heterochiral complexes of synthetic polypeptides have been observed where stereoselectivity hinges on details of intermolecular interactions. This raises the question whether general rules governing stereoselectivity exist. A geometric ridges-in-grooves model of interacting helices indicates that heterochiral associations should generally be favored in this class of structures. We tested this principle using a simplified molecular screw, a collagen peptide triple-helix composed of either l- or d-proline with a cyclic aliphatic side chain. Calculated stabilities of like- and opposite-handed triple-helical pairings indic

SUBMITTER: Xu F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3897242 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature