Combining nuclear magnetic resonance with molecular dynamics simulations to address sumatriptan interaction with model membranes

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids
Irene WoodMónica Pickholz

Abstract

The goal of this work is to obtain a complete map on the interactions between sumatriptan, an amphiphilic ionizable anti-migraine drug, with lipid bilayers. To this end, we combined two physico-chemical techniques - nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics simulations - to obtain a detailed picture at different pH values. Both approaches were used considering the strength and constraints of each one. NMR experiments were performed at pH 7.4 where at least 95% of the drug molecules are in their protonated state. From NMR, sumatriptan shows partition on the interfacial region of model membranes (near the head groups and intercalating between adjacent lipids), inducing changes in chemical environment and affecting lipid dynamics of liposomes, in a dose dependent manner. Due to the experimental instability of lipid bilayers at high pH, we took advantage of the molecular dynamics power to emulate different pH values, to simulate sumatriptan in bilayers including at fully uncharged state. Simulations show that the neutral species have preferential orientation within the bilayer interface while the distribution of protonated drugs is independent on the initial conditions. In summary, several properties depicted the interfacia...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.