Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and Their “Mysterious” (Meta)Physics

Recognition of the natural abundance and functional importance of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and hybrid proteins containing ordered and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) is changing protein science. IDPs and IDPRs; i.e., functional proteins and protein regions without unique structures, are commonly found in all organisms, where they have crucial roles in various biological processes. Disorder-based functionality complements functions of ordered proteins and domains. However, by virtue of their existence, IDPs/IDPRs, which are characterized by the remarkable conformational flexibility and structural plasticity, break multiple rules elaborated over the years to explain structure,…