Intramolecular α-helix-β-structure-random coil transition in polypeptides

Statistical mechanics of protein structural transitions: Insights from the island model

The so-called island model of protein structural transition holds that hydrophobic interactions are the key to both the folding and function of proteins. Herein, the genesis and statistical mechanical basis of the island model of transitions are reviewed, by presenting the results of simulations of such transitions. Elucidating the physicochemical mechanism of protein structural formation is the foundation for understanding the hierarchical structure of life at the microscopic level. Based on the results obtained to date using the island model, remaining problems and future work in the field of protein structures are discussed, referencing Professor Saitô’s views on the hierarchic structure of science.

Intramolecular α-helix-β-structure-random coil transition in polypeptides

The present paper is devoted to the study of the conformational transition of polypeptides which are capable of forming alpha-helix, beta-structure and random coil conformations with the finite homogeneous chain model. The experimental results on the surfactant-induced conformational change of poly(L-lysine) can be well described by the present model assuming cooperative binding of the surfactant ions to the polypeptide side groups.