Theoretical study of the reversible photoconversion mechanism in Dronpa

We propose a new scheme of the photoactivation and the photobleaching for Dronpa with molecular dynamics method and density functional theory. These processes can be explained by considering cis-trans isomerization in neutral state of chromophore. The proton transfer from anionic to neutral chromophore makes cis-trans isomerization possible via hula-twist rotation process, since the space for cis-trans isomerization is opened at around the region near chromophore by moving out of the imidazole ring on H193 from the position below the phenol ring on chromophore. Then the cis-trans isomerization can occur through the hula-twist process. The contributions from the protein environment around CRO, especially S142 and H193, are indispensable for photoconversion of Dronpa.