Multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations and applications on mechanosensitive proteins of integrins*

Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) is a powerful technology for investigating evolution dynamics of target proteins, and it is used widely in various fields from materials to biology. This mini-review introduced the principles, main preforming procedures, and advances of MDS, as well as its applications on the studies of conformational and allosteric dynamics of proteins especially on that of the mechanosensitive integrins. Future perspectives were also proposed. This review could provide clues in understanding the potentiality of MD simulations in structure–function relationship investigation of biological proteins.