An automated docking protocol for hERG channel blockers

J Chem Inf Model. 2013 Jan 28;53(1):159-75. doi: 10.1021/ci300326d. Epub 2013 Jan 9.

Abstract

A docking protocol aimed at obtaining a consistent qualitative and quantitative picture of binding for a series of hERG channel blockers is presented. To overcome the limitations experienced by standard procedures when docking blockers at hERG binding site, we designed a strategy that explicitly takes into account the conformations of the channel, their possible intrinsic symmetry, and the role played by the configurational entropy of ligands. The protocol was developed on a series of congeneric sertindole derivatives, allowing us to satisfactorily explain the structure-activity relationships for this set of blockers. In addition, we show that the performance of structure-based models relying on multiple-receptor conformations statistically increases when the protein conformations are chosen in such a way as to capture relevant structural features at the binding site. The protocol was then successfully applied to a series of structurally unrelated blockers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Automation
  • ERG1 Potassium Channel
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / chemistry
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Docking Simulation / methods*
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / chemistry
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • ERG1 Potassium Channel
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels
  • KCNH2 protein, human
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Solvents