Modelling Molecular Motors as Folding-Unfolding Cycles

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hierarchical Hamiltonian model for motor proteins that links protein folding to their function, demonstrating high efficiency and a linear load-velocity response, thus connecting folding mechanisms with motor activity.

Contribution

It presents a novel motor protein model based on protein folding principles, establishing a connection between folding dynamics and motor function.

Findings

Model exhibits high efficiency.

Consistent linear load-velocity response.

Links folding to allosteric protein function.

Abstract

We propose a model for motor proteins based on a hierarchical Hamiltonian that we have previously introduced to describe protein folding. The proposed motor model has high efficiency and is consistent with a linear load-velocity response. The main improvement with respect to previous models is that this description suggests a connection between folding and function of allosteric proteins.