On the possible origin of protein homochirality, structure, and biochemical function

Abstract

Living systems have chiral molecules, e.g., native proteins that almost entirely contain L-amino acids. How protein homochirality emerged from a background of equal numbers of L and D amino acids is among many questions about life’s origin. The origin of homochirality and its implications are explored in computer simulations examining the stability and structural and functional properties of an artificial library of compact proteins containing 1:1 (termed demi-chiral), 3:1, and 1:3 ratios of D:L and purely L or D amino acids generated without functional selection. Demi-chiral proteins have shorter secondary structures and fewer internal hydrogen bonds and are less stable than homochiral proteins. Selection for hydrogen bonding yields a preponderance of L or D amino acids. Demi-chiral proteins have native global folds, including similarity to early ribosomal proteins, similar small molecule ligand binding pocket geometries, and many constellations of L-chiral amino acids with a 1.0-Å RMSD to native enzyme active sites. For a representative subset containing 550 active site geometries matching 457 (2) 4-digit (3-digit) enzyme classification (E.C.) numbers, native active site amino acids were generated at random for 472 of 550 cases. This increases to 548 of 550 cases when similar residues are allowed. The most frequently generated sequences correspond to ancient enzymatic functions, e.g., glycolysis, replication, and nucleotide biosynthesis. Surprisingly, even without selection, demi-chiral proteins possess the requisite marginal biochemical function and structure of modern proteins, but were thermodynamically less stable. If demi-chiral proteins were present, they could engage in early metabolism, which created the feedback loop for transcription and cell formation.