Hydrogen bond dynamics in membrane protein function

Abstract

Changes in inter-helical hydrogen bonding are associated with the conformational dynamics of membrane proteins. The function of the protein depends on the surrounding lipid membrane. Here we review through specific examples how dynamical hydrogen bonds can ensure an elegant and efficient mechanism of long-distance intra-protein and protein–lipid coupling, contributing to the stability of discrete protein conformational substates and to rapid propagation of structural perturbations. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Folding in Membranes.