Formation of an unusual glutamine tautomer in a blue light using flavin photocycle characterizes the light-adapted state
Abstract
Upon absorption of light, photoreceptor proteins with bound chromophores undergo conformational changes that enable them to transmit signals over long distances. Such proteins are essential for a wide range of light-regulated biological processes and play an important role in protein engineering efforts aimed at controlling cellular processes with light. Our computer simulations elucidate the complete photocycle of a prototypical photoreceptor protein upon photoexcitation with blue light. These simulations indicate the formation of an unusual glutamine tautomer and the rearrangement of hydrogen-bonding interactions that produce the crucial state capable of long-range signaling. The spectroscopic signatures of this state are consistent with previous experimental measurements. The insights provided by these simulations are important for learning how to engineer photoreceptors with specified characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 09, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2016719117
Entities
People
- Joshua J. Goings
- Pengfei Li
- Qiwen Zhu
- Sharon Hammes-Schiffer
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Yale University