Extension of the fragment method to calculate amino acid zwitterion and side chain partition coefficients

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Abstract
The fragment method of calculation partition coefficients (P) has been extended to include the common amino acids (AAs). The results indicate that polar and charged side chains influence the hydrophobicity of atoms in the side chain in a predictable manner. Feild effects, as evidenced through polar proximity factors and bond factors, need to be considered for accurate estimation of transfer phenomena. The calculated log P and ΔG°′ values of the 20 AAs agree well with the observed values. Pro calculates to be more hydrophilic than the observed log P. Hydrophobicity scales for peptide side chain residues are compared and evaluated in terms of suitability. Calculated π values for nonpolar side chain residures agree well with the observed values; calculated values for uncharged polar side chain residues deviate by about 0.6 log units except for Gln and Cys; and polar side chain residues with charged side chains calculate as too hydorphilic. Reasons for the differences are explored. We also suggest that tightly bound water to polar moieties in amino acids and peptides may be transferred into the octanol phase during partitioning experiments. A quantitative methodology is persented which characterizes the thermodynamic partitioning of groups and individual atoms in amino acids and proteins.

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