Quantum-classical simulation methods for hydrogen transfer in enzymes: a case study of dihydrofolate reductase.
Journal
  Current opinion in structural biology.
Citation
  Curr Opin Struct Biol. 14(2):192-201
Publication date
  2004 Apr
Authors
  Hammes-Schiffer S
Grant agencies
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Grants
  NIGMS GM56207
Abstract
  A variety of theoretical approaches have been used to investigate hydrogen transfer in enzymatic reactions. The free energy barriers for hydrogen transfer in enzymes have been calculated using classical molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical and empirical valence bond potentials. Nuclear quantum effects have been included with several different approaches. Applications of these approaches to hydride transfer in dihydrofolate reductase are consistent with experimental measurements and provide significant insight into the protein conformational changes that facilitate the hydride transfer reaction.