Protein hydraulics of AsLOV2

Shiny Maity – @shiny_maity

Hydration water directly interacts with the protein interior or exterior and adopts different structures. The question we ask is whether the light-activated unfolding of AsLOV2 is driven by a thermodynamic action of water! @songihanlab @SpinLovett @braddprice#GlobalnmrOC2024 pic.twitter.com/BbL3l7I9Qo

— Shiny Maity (@shiny_maity) July 17, 2024

Water dynamics near AsLOV2’s surface decrease upon light activation, suggesting expulsion of wrap water and leaving a tightly bound hydration shell. Under high pressure, AsLOV2 shifts from folded to unfolded states, mimicking light’s effect. 17O NMR reveals distinct water populations. We aim to identify light’s impact on these water populations.