Energy transfer in nonlinear network models of proteins

TL;DR

This study explores how nonlinearity and disorder influence energy transfer in protein network models, revealing that nonlinear effects enable long-range, coherent energy transfer via localized discrete breathers, which could be crucial for protein function.

Contribution

It demonstrates that nonlinearity facilitates long-range energy transfer in protein models through discrete breathers, a novel mechanism for energy localization and transfer.

Findings

Nonlinearity promotes long-range energy transfer.

Discrete breathers act as energy-accumulating centers.

Energy transfer is directed to functional sites.

Abstract

We investigate how nonlinearity and topological disorder affect the energy relaxation of local kicks in coarse-grained network models of proteins. We find that nonlinearity promotes long-range, coherent transfer of substantial energy to specific, functional sites, while depressing transfer to generic locations. Remarkably, transfer can be mediated by the self-localization of discrete breathers at distant locations from the kick, acting as efficient energy-accumulating centers.