Molecular dynamics of mouse acetylcholinesterase complexed with huperzine A

Sylvia Tara, Volkhard Helms, T. P. Straatsma, J. Andrew McCammon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two molecular dynamics simulations were performed for a modeled complex of mouse acetylcholinesterase liganded with huperzine A (HupA). Analysis of these simulations shows that HupA shifts in the active site toward Tyr 337 and Phe 338, and that several residues in the active site area reach out to make hydrogen bonds with the inhibitor. Rapid fluctuations of the gorge width are observed, ranging from widths that allow substrate access to the active site, to pinched structures that do not allow access of molecules as small as water. Additional openings or channels to the active site are found. One opening is formed in the side wall of the active site gorge by residues Val 73, Asp 74, Thr 83, Glu 84, and Asn 87. Another opening is formed at the base of the gorge by residues Trp 86, Val 132, Glu 202, Gly 448, and Ile 451. Both of these openings have been observed separately in the Torpedo californica form of the enzyme. These channels could allow transport of waters and ions to and from the bulk solution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)347-359
Number of pages13
JournalBiopolymers
Volume50
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 5 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acetylcholinesterase
  • Active site gorge
  • Backdoor
  • Gating
  • Huperzine A
  • Molecular dynamics simulations
  • Side channel

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Molecular dynamics of mouse acetylcholinesterase complexed with huperzine A'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this