The Molecular Recognition Paradigm of Environmental Chemicals with Biomacromolecules

Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2017;18(1):41-47. doi: 10.2174/1389203717666160421152301.

Abstract

The interactions of ligands with biomacromolecules play a fundamental role in almost all bioprocesses occuring in living organisms. The binding of ligands can cause the conformational changes of biomacromolecules, possibly affecting their physiological functions. The interactions of ligands with biomacromolecules are thus becoming a research hotspot. However, till now, there still lacks a systematic compilation of review with the focus on the interactions between environmental chemicals and biomacromolecules. In this review, we focus on the molecular recognition paradigm of environmental chemicals with biomacromolecules and chemical basis for driving the complex formation. The state-of-the-art review on in vitro and in silico studies on interaction of organic chemicals with transport proteins, nuclear receptors and CYP450 enzymes was provided, and the enantioselective interactions of chiral environmental chemicals was also mentioned.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / chemistry
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Environmental Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Organic Chemicals / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Ligands
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System