On the modularity of the intrinsic flexibility of the µ opioid receptor: a computational study.

ABSTRACT: The µ opioid receptor (µOR), the principal target to control pain, belongs to the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family, one of the most highlighted protein families due to their importance as therapeutic targets. The conformational flexibility of GPCRs is one of their essential characteristics as they take part in ligand recognition and subsequent activation or inactivation mechanisms. It is assessed that the intrinsic mechanical properties of the µOR, more specifically its particular flexibility behavior, would facilitate the accomplishment of specific biological functions, at least in their first steps, even in the absence of a ligand or any chemical species usually present in its biological environment. The study of the mechanical properties of the µOR would thus bring some indica

SUBMITTER: Fossepre M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4280117 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature