Computer simulation studies of model biological membranes

Acc Chem Res. 2002 Jun;35(6):482-9. doi: 10.1021/ar010167c.

Abstract

This Account is focused on computer simulation studies of model biological membrane systems with potential applications in biomedical research. In the past decade, classical molecular dynamics has provided novel insights into the properties of model biomembrane systems, including the nature of the DNA-lipid interactions, the effect of pore-forming transmembrane peptides on the lipid environment, and the partitioning of volatile anesthetic molecules. Such simulations, employing full atomic detail, are typically restricted to systems of dimensions less than approximately 10 nm. Simplified models of the coarse-grain type have been intended to bridge the gap between full atomistic detail and the mesoscopic (micron) regime. The use of such models is illustrated with the example of anesthetics in a phospholipid bilayer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics / chemistry
  • Anesthetics / metabolism
  • Biopolymers / chemistry
  • Biopolymers / metabolism
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Motion

Substances

  • Anesthetics
  • Biopolymers
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membranes, Artificial