Computational modeling reveals the mechanism of fluorescent state recovery in the reversibly photoswitchable protein Dreiklang
The unique properties of the photoswitchable protein Dreiklang are attributed to a reversible hydration/dehydration reaction at the imidazolinone ring of the chromophore. Recovery of the fluorescent state, which is associated with a chemical reaction of chromophore dehydration, is an important part of the photocycle of this protein. Here we characterize the fluorescent (ON) and non-fluorescent (OFF) states of Dreiklang and simulate the thermal recovery reaction OFF -> ON using computational approaches. By using molecular modeling methods including the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) technique, we characterize the structures and spectra of the ON- and OFF-states. The results are consistent with relevant experimental data. The computed reaction profile explains the observed recovery reaction and clarifies the mechanism of chemical transformations in the chromophore-containing pocket in Dreiklang. Related ResearchUnderstanding photoactive proteins in gas phase and in realistic environments |
Funding is provided by:
 National Science Foundation |  U.S. Department of Energy |  U.S. Army Research Laboratory |  USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences |
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SSC-409, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0482
Phone: 213-740-4929 (Prof. Krylov), 213-740-0893 (Lab)
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