Title The use of time-averaged $^{3}J_{HH}$ restrained molecular dynamics (tar-MD) simulations for the conformational analysis of five-membered ring systems: Methodology and applications Author Hendrickx, Pieter M.S. Corzana, Francisco Depraetere, Stefaan Tourwé, Dirk A. Augustyns, Koen Martins, José C. Faculty/Department Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. Pharmacy Publication type article Publication 2010 New York, N.Y. :Wiley , 2010 Subject Chemistry Pharmacology. Therapy Source (journal) Journal of computational chemistry. - New York, N.Y., 1980, currens Volume/pages 31(2010) :3 , p. 561-572 ISSN 0192-8651 1096-987X ISI 000273664000010 Carrier E Target language English (eng) Full text (Publishers DOI) Affiliation University of Antwerp Abstract Because of its presence in many molecules of biological relevance, the conformational analysis of five-membered rings using 3JHH scalar coupling data from NMR is a topic of considerable interest. Typically, conformational analysis involves the use of a well-established mathematical procedure, originally developed by de Leeuw et al., that fits two rigid conformations to the available experimental data. This so-called pseudorotation analysis approach is not without problems, however, as chemically unrealistic conformations are sometimes generated from the data. Here, we present our investigations in the use of time-averaged restrained molecular dynamics simulations as a generic tool to determine the conformations that agree with experimental 3JHH scalar coupling data. For this purpose, a set of six ribose-based molecules has been used as model compounds. The influence of several modeling parameters is assessed and optimized values are proposed. The results obtained with the tar-MD approach are compared to those obtained from the two conformer fitting procedure. Interpretation of the latter is facilitated by the introduction of a fitting error analysis that allows mapping the solution space of the fitting procedure. The relative merits of both methods and the advantages that result from the use of a force field and a time-averaged restraint potential for the experimental data are discussed. When combined, both techniques allow an enhanced understanding of the molecules' conformational behavior and prevent possible overinterpretation. In view of the very reasonable computational burden of a tar-MD simulation for the systems investigated here, the approach should be generally applicable. E-info http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000273664000010&DestLinkType=RelatedRecords&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=ef845e08c439e550330acc77c7d2d848 http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000273664000010&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=ef845e08c439e550330acc77c7d2d848 http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000273664000010&DestLinkType=CitingArticles&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=ef845e08c439e550330acc77c7d2d848 Handle