Continuum modeling of macromolecular electrostatics and conformational change: mathematical analysis and simulations


Yongcheng Zhou
Department of Mathematics
UCSD

Abstract

The conformational charge in large spatial and temporal scale is essential for the proper functions of macromolecules such as ion channel gating, membrane transpass and molecular motors; Such large deformation usually involve the electrostatic force as the major driving force. This talk will be focused on the continuum modeling and computation of the electrostatic force and its coupling with the large macromolecular deformation modeled as nonlinear elastic displacement. We will investigate the regularity and the solvability of these electro-elasticity equations, analyze a stable regularization method for solving the singular electrostatic potential from the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, discuss the numerical issues related to harmonic extension of the elastic displacement in the solvent region, and apply this model to two important biological processes: the BAR domain-induced membrane curvature and protein-DNA interaction. I will also highlight the mathematical problem involved in coupling short-range van der Waals interaction, stochastic hydrodynamics forces and the ultimate multi-scale modeling.