@article {2019|2122, title = {Modelling lipid systems in fluid with Lattice Boltzmann Molecular Dynamics simulations and hydrodynamics}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, year = {2019}, pages = {16450}, abstract = {

In this work we present the coupling between Dry Martini, an efficient implicit solvent coarse-grained model for lipids, and the Lattice Boltzmann Molecular Dynamics (LBMD) simulation technique in order to include naturally hydrodynamic interactions in implicit solvent simulations of lipid systems. After validating the implementation of the model, we explored several systems where the action of a perturbing fluid plays an important role. Namely, we investigated the role of an external shear flow on the dynamics of a vesicle, the dynamics of substrate release under shear, and inquired the dynamics of proteins and substrates confined inside the core of a vesicle. Our methodology enables future exploration of a large variety of biological entities and processes involving lipid systems at the mesoscopic scale where hydrodynamics plays an essential role, e.g. by modulating the migration of proteins in the proximity of membranes, the dynamics of vesicle-based drug delivery systems, or, more generally, the behaviour of proteins in cellular compartments.

}, isbn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-52760-y}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52760-y}, author = {F. Brandner, Astrid and Timr, Stepan and Melchionna, Simone and Philippe Derreumaux and Marc Baaden and Sterpone, Fabio} } @article {2019|2120, title = {Multiscale Aggregation of the Amyloid Aβ16{\textendash}22 Peptide: From Disordered Coagulation and Lateral Branching to Amorphous Prefibrils}, journal = {The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, volume = {10}, year = {2019}, pages = {1594-1599}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b00423}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b00423}, author = {Chiricotto, Mara and Melchionna, Simone and Philippe Derreumaux and Sterpone, Fabio} } @article {2018|2035, title = {Molecular Mechanism of Protein Unfolding under Shear: A Lattice Boltzmann Molecular Dynamics Study.}, journal = {J Phys Chem B}, volume = {122}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Feb 08}, pages = {1573-1579}, abstract = {

Proteins are marginally stable soft-matter entities that can be disrupted using a variety of perturbative stresses, including thermal, chemical, or mechanical ones. Fluid under extreme flow conditions is a possible route to probe the weakness of biomolecules and collect information on the molecular cohesive interactions that secure their stability. Moreover, in many cases, physiological flow triggers the functional response of specialized proteins as occurring in blood coagulation or cell adhesion. We deploy the Lattice Boltzmann molecular dynamics technique based on the coarse-grained model for protein OPEP to study the mechanism of protein unfolding under Couette flow. Our simulations provide a clear view of how structural elements of the proteins are affected by shear, and for the simple study case, the β-hairpin, we exploited the analogy to pulling experiments to quantify the mechanical forces acting on the protein under shear.

}, issn = {1520-5207}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b10796}, author = {Sterpone, Fabio and Philippe Derreumaux and Melchionna, Simone} } @article {2017|2029, title = {Multi-scale simulations of biological systems using the OPEP coarse-grained model.}, journal = {Biochem Biophys Res Commun}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Sep 14}, abstract = {

Biomolecules are complex machines that are optimized by evolution to properly fulfill or contribute to a variety of biochemical tasks in the cellular environment. Computer simulations based on quantum mechanics and atomistic force fields have been proven to be a powerful microscope for obtaining valuable insights into many biological, physical, and chemical processes. Many interesting phenomena involve, however, a time scale and a number of degrees of freedom, notably if crowding is considered, that cannot be explored at an atomistic resolution. To bridge the gap between reality and simulation, many different advanced computational techniques and coarse-grained (CG) models have been developed. Here, we report some applications of the CG OPEP protein model to amyloid fibril formation, the response of catch-bond proteins to two types of fluid flow, and interactive simulations to fold peptides with well-defined 3D structures or with intrinsic disorder.

}, issn = {1090-2104}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.08.165}, author = {Sterpone, Fabio and Doutreligne, S{\'e}bastien and Tran, Thanh Thuy and Melchionna, Simone and Marc Baaden and Phuong Hoang Nguyen and Philippe Derreumaux} } @article {2016|1735, title = {Multiscale simulation of molecular processes in cellular environments}, journal = {Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A-mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences}, volume = {374}, number = {2080}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We describe the recent advances in studying biological systems via multiscale simulations. Our scheme is based on a coarse-grained representation of the macromolecules and a mesoscopic description of the solvent. The dual technique handles particles, the aqueous solvent and their mutual exchange of forces resulting in a stable and accurate methodology allowing biosystems of unprecedented size to be simulated. This article is part of the themed issue {\textquoteleft}Multiscale modelling at the physics-chemistry-biology interface{\textquoteright}.}, issn = {1364-503X}, doi = {10.1098/rsta.2016.0225}, author = {Chiricotto, Mara and Fabio Sterpone and Philippe Derreumaux and Melchionna, Simone} }