Molecular dynamics simulations of the NGF-TrkA domain 5 complex and comparison with biological data.

ABSTRACT: The nerve growth factor (NGF) is an important pharmacological target for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Its action derives partly from its binding to the tyrosine kinase A receptor (TrkA). Here we study energetics and dynamics of the NGF-TrkA complex by carrying out multinanosecond molecular dynamics simulations, accompanied by electrostatic calculations based on the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Our calculations, which are based on the x-ray structure of the complex, suggest that some of the mutations affecting dramatically the affinity of the complex involve residues that form highly favorable, direct or water-mediated hydrogen bond interactions at the ligand-receptor interface and, in some cases, that also critically participate to the large-scale motions of the complex

SUBMITTER: Settanni G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1302795 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature