Blinov N., Dorosh L., Wishart D., Kovalenko A.
University of Alberta/National Institute for Nanotechnology, CA
Keywords: amyloid fibrils, biomolecular simulations, computer-assisted drug design, solvation effects
As an alternative to the conventional solvation models, we propose to use the three-dimensional molecular theory of solvation (3D-RISM-KH approach) as an essential part of a multiscale approach for nanomedical applications. Based on the rigorous statistical-mechanical foundation, this method provides a natural link between different levels of coarse-graining details in the multiscale description of the solvation structure and thermodynamics, from highly localized structural solvent and bound ligand molecules to effective desolvation potentials and self-assembling nanoarchitectures. We apply the 3D-RISM-KH approach to study all stages of formation of fibrillous aggregates and amyloid fibrils. The fibrils are a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The formation of amyloid fibrils is a particular example of self-assembly of macromolecules, and as such is governed by general principles of self-assembly. We also show that the 3D-RISM-KH approach is capable of predicting binding sites for the inhibitors of the pathological conversion and aggregation of prion proteins. Using this novel approach for fragment based drug design, we identified the binding modes for this system and demonstrated that the location of the most probable modes are in full agreement with the experimental data.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2010: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 436 - 439
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Cancer Nanotechnology
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3415-2