CORCEMA evaluation of the potential role of intermolecular transferred NOESY in the characterization of ligand-receptor complexes

We report a theoretical characterization of the intermolecular transferred NOESY (inter-TrNOESY) between ligands and receptor macromolecules that bind reversibly, using a COmplete Relaxation and Conformational Exchange MAtrix (CORCEMA) theory developed in our laboratory. We examine the dependence of inter-TrNOESY on the dissociation constant, off-rate, ligand-to-receptor ratio, and distance variations between protons of interacting species within the complex. These factors are analyzed from simulations on two model systems: (i) neuraminidase complexed to a transition-state analogue; and (ii) thermolysin complexed to a leucine-based inhibitor. The latter case utilizes a three-state model of interaction to simulate the effect of hinge-bending motions on the inter-TrNOESY. Our calculations suggest a potential role for inter-TrNOESY (when observable) and CORCEMA analysis in properly docking the ligand within the active si ce, and in refining the conformation of the ligand-receptor (active-site) complex. These findings have implications on the structure-based design of ligands (e.g., inhibitors) reversibly binding to receptors (e.g., enzymes).