Protein denaturation. C. Theoretical models for the mechanism of denaturation.

Abstract

This chapter reviews theoretical models that may be constructed and equations that may be derived from them to understand the process of protein denaturation. Given that the native state is stable under physiological conditions, the question arises whether the effects of environmental changes on the equilibrium between native and denatured states can be predicted, so as to account for the loss of stability of the native state and the appearance of different denatured states under specified conditions. This question involves not the absolute values for the free energies and other thermodynamic parameters for denaturation processes, but the changes in these parameters, along with changes in environmental variables. These changes can be predicted semiquantitatively. Furthermore, one can account both for the products formed under different conditions and for the character of the transitions from native to denatured state, at least for the simple proteins that have been studied in detail.