Research Rotation Project

Mechanical unfolding of proteins using linear response theory

Banu Ozkan
Home Department - Physics
Areas of Study - Protein Folding and Dynamics
Office - PSF 350
Phone - 4809652890
E-mail - Banu.Ozkan@asu.edu
Designation - Experimental

This project investigates the mechanical unfolding of titin protein using linear response theory. Proteins have a defined mechanical function. Their resistance to unfolding in response to an applied mechanical force –their mechanical stability- is of critical physiological importance. It also gives principles behind protein folding which is considered as grand challenge in science community. Titin is a roughly 30,000 amino acid long filament, which plays a number of important roles in muscle contraction and elasticity. In this project, we will simulate the mechanical unfolding pathway of I-27 titin molecule using linear response theory where we iteratively compute the atomic fluctuation on the native structures upon external perturbation using linear response theory. Then the theoretical results will be compared with experimental results. The rotation student will be used the already written code to obtain the linear response of a protein upon applying an external force.