The role of protein-ligand contacts in allosteric regulation of the Escherichia coli catabolite activator protein

Abstract

Background: Protein allostery can be communicated purely through altered entropy. Results: Altered cAMP binding strength in CAP results in changes to entropy-driven allostery. Conclusion: The requirement to maintain allostery constrains evolution of the ligand-binding site in CAP. Significance: Entropy-driven processes can constrain amino acid covariation in evolution.