Secondary structure dependence on simulation techniques and force field parameters: from disordered to ordered proteins

Computer simulations are used for identifying the secondary structure properties of ordered and disordered proteins. However, our recent studies showed that the chosen computer simulation protocol, simulation technique, and force field parameter set for a disordered protein impact its predicted secondary structure properties. Here, we compare the outcome from computer simulations utilizing molecular dynamics simulations without parallel tempering techniques using various force field parameter sets and temperature-replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations both for a model ordered and two model disordered proteins. Specifically, the model ordered protein is the third IgG-binding domain of Protein G (GB3) and the two model disordered proteins are amyloid-& beta;(1-40) and & alpha;-synuclein in water. Our findings clearly indicate that temperature-replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations and molecular dynamics simulations without special sampling techniques yield similar results for the ordered GB3 protein whereas such agreement between simulation techniques using various force field parameter sets could not be obtained for disordered proteins. These findings clearly indicate that a consensus has to be reached via further development in computer simulation technique and force field parameter sets for disordered proteins.

Automated summary

Computer simulations are used to study the secondary structure properties of proteins, but the choice of simulation protocol, technique, and force field parameters can impact the predicted results for disordered proteins. Research shows that different simulation techniques yield similar results for ordered proteins, but consensus is still needed to develop simulation techniques and force field parameter sets for disordered proteins.