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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Insights From Molecular Dynamics On Substrate Binding And Effects Of Active Site Mutations In Delta1-Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Dehydrogenase, Bogdan F. Ion, Mohamed M. Aboelnga, James W. Gauld Aug 2016

Insights From Molecular Dynamics On Substrate Binding And Effects Of Active Site Mutations In Delta1-Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Dehydrogenase, Bogdan F. Ion, Mohamed M. Aboelnga, James W. Gauld

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

The NAD+-dependent enzyme, 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH), has an important role in proline and hydroxyproline catabolism for humans. Specifically, this aldehyde dehydrogenase is responsible for the oxidation of both L-glutamate- -semialdehyde (GSA) and 4-erythro-hydroxy-L-glutamate- -semialdehyde (4-OH-GSA) to their respective L-glutamate product forms. We have performed a detailed molecular dynamics (MD) study of both the reactant and product complex structures of P5CDH to gain insights into ligand binding (i.e., GSA, 4-OH-GSA, NAD+, GLU) in the active site. Moreover, our investigations were further extended to examine the structural impact of S352L, S352A, and E314A mutations on the deficiency in the P5CDH enzymatic activity. …


Rescuing Acetylcholinesterase From Nerve Agent Inhibition: Protein Dynamics Driven Drug Discovery, Aiyana M. Emigh, Brian Bennion Jan 2013

Rescuing Acetylcholinesterase From Nerve Agent Inhibition: Protein Dynamics Driven Drug Discovery, Aiyana M. Emigh, Brian Bennion

STAR Program Research Presentations

Severe morbidity and mortality consequences result from irreversible inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase by organophosphates (OPs). Oxime-based reactivators are currently the only available treatments but lack efficacy in the central nervous system (CNS) where the most damage occurs. Computational docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal complex structural barriers that may reduce oxime efficacy. These results may guide future drug designs of more effective countermeasures.