Simulated Breathing: Application of Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Pulmonary Lung Surfactant

In this review, we delve into the topic of the pulmonary surfactant (PS) system, which is present in the respiratory system. The total composition of the PS has been presented and explored, from the types of cells involved in its synthesis and secretion, down to the specific building blocks used, su...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maksymilian Dziura, Basel Mansour, Mitchell DiPasquale, P. Charukeshi Chandrasekera, James W. Gauld, Drew Marquardt
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
Series:Symmetry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/13/7/1259
Description
Summary:In this review, we delve into the topic of the pulmonary surfactant (PS) system, which is present in the respiratory system. The total composition of the PS has been presented and explored, from the types of cells involved in its synthesis and secretion, down to the specific building blocks used, such as the various lipid and protein components. The lipid and protein composition varies across species and between individuals, but ultimately produces a PS monolayer with the same role. As such, the composition has been investigated for the ways in which it imposes function and confers peculiar biophysical characteristics to the system as a whole. Moreover, a couple of theories/models that are associated with the functions of PS have been addressed. Finally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of pulmonary surfactant have been emphasized to not only showcase various group’s findings, but also to demonstrate the validity and importance that MD simulations can have in future research exploring the PS monolayer system.
ISSN:2073-8994