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Leukocyte integrin αLβ2 transmembrane association dynamics revealed by coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations

Integrins are transmembrane (TM) proteins that mediate bidirectional mechanical signaling between the extracellular matrix and the cellular cytoskeletal network. Each integrin molecule consists of non‐covalently associated α‐ and β‐subunits, with each subunit consisting of a large ectodomain, a single‐pass TM helix, and a short cytoplasmic tail. Previously we found evidence for a polar interaction (hydrogen bond) in the outer membrane clasp (OMC) of the leukocyte integrin αLβ2 TMs that is absent in the platelet integrin αIIβ3 OMC. Here, we compare the self‐assembly dynamics of αLβ2 and αIIβ3 TM helices in a model membrane using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations. We found that although αIIβ3 TM helices associate more easily, packing is suboptimal. In contrast, αLβ2 TM helices achieve close‐to‐optimal packing. This suggests that αLβ2 TM packing is more specific, possibly due to the interhelix hydrogen bond. Theoretical association free energy profiles show a deeper minimum at a smaller helix‐helix separation for αLβ2 compared with αIIβ3. The αIIβ3 profile is also more rugged with energetic barriers whereas that of αLβ2 is almost without barriers. Disruption of the interhelix hydrogen bond in αLβ2 via the β2T686G mutation results in poorer association and a similar profile as αIIβ3. The OMC polar interaction in αLβ2 thus plays a significant role in the packing of the TM helices. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.