Figure 3

MI vs. f. We applied the protocol proposed by Hamacher [13] to a monomer of the HIV-1 protease [PDB:1KZK]. First, we identified coevolving positions of the protein sequences using MI. We then switched off the 400 contacts with the highest MI values consecutively and computed the Frobenius norm to determine the impact of mechanical changes. Plotting the Frobenius norm against MI helps to identify key residues. Interactions between those are subject to a high selective pressure (indicated by high MI) and have the largest influence on the protein dynamics and stability (large Frobenius norm f).