Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in GPCR Activation Studies: Computational Prediction Methods as Key Drivers of Knowledge.

Journal: Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
PMID:

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key molecules involved in cellular signaling and are attractive targets for pharmacological intervention. This chapter is designed to explore the range of algorithms used to predict GPCRs' activation states, while also examining the pharmaceutical implications of these predictions. Our primary objective is to show how artificial intelligence (AI) is key in GPCR research to reveal the intricate dynamics of activation and inactivation processes, shedding light on the complex regulatory mechanisms of this vital protein family. We describe several computational strategies that leverage diverse structural data from the Protein Data Bank, molecular dynamic simulations, or ligand-based methods to predict the activation states of GPCRs. We demonstrate how the integration of AI into GPCR research not only enhances our understanding of their dynamic properties but also presents immense potential for driving pharmaceutical research and development, offering promising new avenues in the search for newer, better therapeutic agents.

Authors

  • Ana B Caniceiro
    Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
  • Urszula Orzeł
    Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
  • Nícia Rosário-Ferreira
    CQC - Coimbra Chemistry Center, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal. nicia.ferreira@student.uc.pt.
  • Sławomir Filipek
    Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
  • Irina S Moreira
    CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology; Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Polo I, 1ºandar, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal. irina.moreira@cnc.uc.pt.