On the origin of the Boson peak in globular proteins

TL;DR

This paper investigates the Boson Peak in globular proteins using elastic network models and Euclidean Random Matrix theory, revealing its link to mechanical instability similar to glasses, with biological implications discussed.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework connecting the Boson Peak in proteins to mechanical instability, supported by experimental and numerical analysis.

Findings

Boson Peak linked to mechanical instability in proteins

Elastic network models effectively predict Boson Peak features

Similarity between protein and glass dynamics

Abstract

We study the Boson Peak phenomenology experimentally observed in globular proteins by means of elastic network models. These models are suitable for an analytic treatment in the framework of Euclidean Random Matrix theory, whose predictions can be numerically tested on real proteins structures. We find that the emergence of the Boson Peak is strictly related to an intrinsic mechanical instability of the protein, in close similarity to what is thought to happen in glasses. The biological implications of this conclusion are also discussed by focusing on a representative case study.