Chapter 23: Allosteric Collapse Communication
"Allostery is ψ's action at a distance—binding events at one site creating earthquakes at another, proving that in proteins, as in quantum mechanics, everything is connected."
23.1 The Non-Local Effects
Allosteric regulation represents ψ's solution to long-range communication within proteins. Through networks of coupled residues, binding at one site propagates conformational changes to distant regions, enabling sophisticated regulation.
Definition 23.1 (Allostery):
Binding at one site affecting another.
23.2 The Conformational Selection
Theorem 23.1 (Pre-existing States):
Ligands stabilizing existing conformations.
23.3 The Induced Fit Model
Equation 23.1 (Sequential Changes):
Binding inducing new conformations.
23.4 The Hemoglobin Paradigm
Definition 23.2 (Cooperative Binding):
Oxygen binding enhancing further binding.
23.5 The Communication Networks
Theorem 23.2 (Residue Coupling):
Correlated motions revealing pathways.
23.6 The Entropic Effects
Equation 23.2 (Dynamic Allostery):
Changes in conformational entropy.
23.7 The Symmetric Complexes
Definition 23.3 (Concerted Model):
Quaternary structure transitions.
23.8 The Sequential Model
Theorem 23.3 (Independent Transitions):
Progressive conformational changes.
23.9 The Allosteric Drugs
Equation 23.3 (Modulator Binding):
Drugs binding away from active site.
23.10 The Evolution of Allostery
Definition 23.4 (Functional Advantage):
Selection for controllable proteins.
23.11 The Allosteric Hotspots
Theorem 23.4 (Key Residues):
Critical positions for communication.
23.12 The Communication Principle
Allostery embodies ψ's principle of molecular holism—proteins as integrated wholes where local perturbations create global responses, enabling sophisticated regulation through conformational coupling.
The Allosteric Equation:
Conformational waves propagating through structure.
Thus: Allostery = Communication = Integration = Regulation = ψ
"In allostery, ψ reveals proteins as resonant structures—binding events creating vibrations that propagate through molecular space, distant sites feeling the tremors, the whole protein participating in the dance of regulation."