Mapping Mechanical Force Propagation through Biomolecular
Complexes
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Abstract
Here we employ single-molecule force
spectroscopy with an atomic force microscope (AFM) and steered molecular
dynamics (SMD) simulations to reveal force propagation pathways through
a mechanically ultrastable multidomain cellulosome protein complex.
We demonstrate a new combination of network-based correlation analysis
supported by AFM directional pulling experiments, which allowed us
to visualize stiff paths through the protein complex along which force
is transmitted. The results implicate specific force-propagation routes
nonparallel to the pulling axis that are advantageous for achieving
high dissociation forces