Fractal protein structure revisited: Topological, kinetic and thermodynamic relationships

Abstract

The present work explored the definitions and calculations of fractal dimensions in protein structures and the corresponding relationships with the protein class, secondary structure contents, fold type as well as kinetic and thermodynamic parameters like the folding and unfolding rate, the folding–unfolding free energy and others. The results showed a positive correlation of some fractal exponents with the kinetic and thermodynamic variables even considering the effect of the protein length. On the other hand the influences of secondary structures types, especially the turn conformation are significant as well as the fractal exponent profiles according to class and fold types.