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Atomistic simulations of biologically realistic transmembrane potential gradients.

Journal Article · · Proposed for publication in Journal of Chemical Physics.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1826056· OSTI ID:961664
 [1];  [2];
  1. Yale University
  2. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

We present all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of biologically realistic transmembrane potential gradients across a DMPC bilayer. These simulations are the first to model this gradient in all-atom detail, with the field generated solely by explicit ion dynamics. Unlike traditional bilayer simulations that have one bilayer per unit cell, we simulate a 170 mV potential gradient by using a unit cell consisting of three salt-water baths separated by two bilayers, with full three-dimensional periodicity. The study shows that current computational resources are powerful enough to generate a truly electrified interface, as we show the predicted effect of the field on the overall charge distribution. Additionally, starting from Poisson's equation, we show a new derivation of the double integral equation for calculating the potential profile in systems with this type of periodicity.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
961664
Report Number(s):
SAND2004-4123J
Journal Information:
Proposed for publication in Journal of Chemical Physics., Journal Name: Proposed for publication in Journal of Chemical Physics. Journal Issue: 22 Vol. 121; ISSN JCPSA6; ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English