Elastic bond network model for protein unfolding mechanics

Recent advances in single molecule mechanics have made it possible to investigate the mechanical anisotropy of protein stability in great detail. A quantitative prediction of protein unfolding forces at experimental time scales has so far been difficult. Here, we present an elastically bonded network model to describe the mechanical unfolding forces of green fluorescent protein in eight different pulling directions. The combination of an elastic network and irreversible bond fracture kinetics offers a new concept to understand the determinants of mechanical protein stability.