Differential dynamics of the serotonin(1A) receptor in membrane bilayers of varying cholesterol content revealed by all atom molecular dynamics simulation

TitleDifferential dynamics of the serotonin(1A) receptor in membrane bilayers of varying cholesterol content revealed by all atom molecular dynamics simulation
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsPatra, SM, Chakraborty, S, Shahane, G, Prasanna, X, Sengupta, D, Maiti, PK, Chattopadhyay, A
JournalMolecular Membrane Biology
Volume32
Issue4
Pagination127-137
Date PublishedMAY
ISSN0968-7688
KeywordsGPCR, Membrane cholesterol, molecular dynamics simulation, serotonin(1A) receptor
Abstract

The serotonin(1A) receptor belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and is a potential drug target in neuropsychiatric disorders. The receptor has been shown to require membrane cholesterol for its organization, dynamics and function. Although recent work suggests a close interaction of cholesterol with the receptor, the structural integrity of the serotonin(1A) receptor in the presence of cholesterol has not been explored. In this work, we have carried out all atom molecular dynamics simulations, totaling to 3s, to analyze the effect of cholesterol on the structure and dynamics of the serotonin(1A) receptor. Our results show that the presence of physiologically relevant concentration of membrane cholesterol alters conformational dynamics of the serotonin(1A) receptor and, on an average lowers conformational fluctuations. Our results show that, in general, transmembrane helix VII is most affected by the absence of membrane cholesterol. These results are in overall agreement with experimental data showing enhancement of GPCR stability in the presence of membrane cholesterol. Our results constitute a molecular level understanding of GPCR-cholesterol interaction, and represent an important step in our overall understanding of GPCR function in health and disease.

DOI10.3109/09687688.2015.1096971
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)

Foreign

Impact Factor (IF)1.983
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry