We perform a theoretical study of the temperature dependent electronic specific heat at constant volume C V ( T ) for a fibrous α 3 -helical polypeptide, which has the amino acid sequence (Leu-Glu-Thr-Leu-Ala-Lys-Ala)3, considering only its primary structure. We focus also on two different variants of the α 3 -helical polypeptide, namely those with (5Q α 3 variant, mutation Ala5Gln) and without (7Q α 3 variant, mutation Ala7Gln) fibrous assemblies. The energy spectra are calculated using a two-dimensional Schrödinger equation within a tight-binding approximation in which the isolated amino acid vertical ionization energy and the hopping terms are found using density functional theory computations.
Graphical abstract
Graphical abstract Highlights
► Energy spectra of the α 3-helical polypeptide and its 5Q α 3 and 7Q α 3 variant structures. ► Electronic specific heat (ESH) at constant volume of the polypeptides in focus. ► Possibility of using the ESH profiles as a tool for early diagnosis of amyloidosis-like diseases. ► Interesting for physical chemistry and biological researchers.
| Authors: |
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G.A. Mendes, E.L. Albuquerque, U.L. Fulco, L.M. Bezerril, E.W.S. Caetano, V.N. Freire |
| Journal: |
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Chemical Physics Letters
|
| Year: |
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2012 |
| DOI: |
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10.1016/j.cplett.2012.06.015 |
| Publication date: |
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18-06-2012 |