Conformational entropy in drug-receptor interactions, using M-cholinolytics, μ-opioid, and D2-dopamine receptor ligands as examples
The computation model for evaluation of conformational entropy changes upon binding ligands to receptors is described. Then, changes of conformational entropy component and of binding free energy are compared. Interest to conformational entropy arises from developing new drugs as it might be changed purposefully. It is shown that conformational entropy may be used for prediction of affinity to a certain receptor. Examples of directed affinity change under the modification of substances conformational flexibility are given. The specific role of the conformational entropy in the receptors protection from the irreversible inactivation is identified.
biophysics↗