X-ray Crystal Structure of COX-2 Enzyme as a Tool to Predict Active Sites of Bitter Taste Receptors
Rafik Karaman *
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine and Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viadell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
Gennaro Mecca
Exo Research Organization, Potenza, Italy.
Salma Jumaa
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This commentary discusses a novel approach to be used in the design of active sites of bitter taste receptors, especially TAS2R14, by using the X-ray crystal structure of the enzyme COX-2 and chemical structures of commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that bind effectively to COX enzymes and activate the bitter taste receptor TAS2R14. The suggested approach consists of docking calculations of the NSAIDs (ligands) to the active site of COX-2 and utilizing the data obtained in better understanding the nature of the interactions between bitter tastants and the chemical groups within the active site of TAS2R14 receptor.
Keywords: COX enzymes, bitter taste receptors, bitter taste, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, drug design, TAS2R14 receptor