Loops, linkages, rings, catenanes, cages, and crowders: entropy-based strategies for stabilizing proteins.

A protein molecule exists in either a compact folded state or a variable and open unfolded state. Since the unfolded state is favored by chain entropy, restricting its entropy is an attractive mechanism for shifting the equilibrium toward the folded state. A number of entropy-based strategies have been engineered or used by natural proteins to increase the folding stability: (a) shortening of loop lengths, (b) covalent linkage of dimeric proteins, (c) backbone cyclization, (d) catenation, (e) spatial confinement, and (f) macromolecular crowding. Theoretical analyses demonstrate the importance of accounting for consequences on the folded as well as the unfolded state and provide guidance for further exploitation of these stabilization strategies.