Tetrahydroisoquinolines acting as dopaminergic ligands. A molecular modeling study using MD simulations and QM calculations

J Mol Model. 2012 Feb;18(2):419-31. doi: 10.1007/s00894-011-1061-0. Epub 2011 Apr 27.

Abstract

A molecular modeling study on 16 1-benzyl tetrahydroisoquinolines (BTHIQs) acting as dopaminergic ligands was carried out. By combining molecular dynamics simulations with ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a simple and generally applicable procedure to evaluate the binding energies of BTHIQs interacting with the human dopamine D2 receptor (D2 DR) is reported here, providing a clear picture of the binding interactions of BTHIQs from both structural and energetic viewpoints. Molecular aspects of the binding interactions between BTHIQs and the D2 DR are discussed in detail. A significant correlation between binding energies obtained from DFT calculations and experimental pKi values was obtained, predicting the potential dopaminergic effect of non-synthesized BTHIQs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / chemistry*
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / metabolism

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines