Beyond modeling: all-atom olfactory receptor model simulations

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a type of GTP-binding protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). These receptors are responsible for mediating the sense of smell through their interaction with odor ligands. OR-odorant interactions marks the first step in the process that leads to olfaction. Computational studie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in genetics 2012, Vol.3, p.61-61
Main Authors: Lai, Peter C, Crasto, Chiquito J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Genetics
GPCR
ligand binding
Lipid bilayer
molecular dynamics
olfactory receptor
protein modeling
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Summary:Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a type of GTP-binding protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). These receptors are responsible for mediating the sense of smell through their interaction with odor ligands. OR-odorant interactions marks the first step in the process that leads to olfaction. Computational studies on model OR structures can generate focused and novel hypotheses for further bench investigation by providing a view of these interactions at the molecular level beyond inferences that are drawn merely from static docking. Here we have shown the specific advantages of simulating the dynamic environment associated with OR-odorant interactions. We present a rigorous protocol which ranges from the creation of a computationally derived model of an olfactory receptor to simulating the interactions between an OR and an odorant molecule. Given the ubiquitous occurrence of GPCRs in the membranes of cells, we anticipate that our OR-developed methodology will serve as a model for the computational structural biology of all GPCRs.
ISSN:1664-8021
1664-8021
DOI:10.3389/fgene.2012.00061