Fast Side-Chain Dynamics: Measurement, Analysis, and Their Role in Protein Function

Abstract

Proteins are dynamic molecules that use coordinated atomic fluctuations to achieve proper function. These motions have fundamental implications for not only understanding how proteins function, but current methods of structure based drug design. In this review, we focus on providing an overview of the NMR experiments used to detect side-chain motions and how they are applied to characterize to conformational entropy, allostery, and proper protein function.