Insights into ligand selectivity in nitric oxide synthase isoforms: A molecular dynamics study

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) isoforms complexed with substrate (l-arginine) and the iNOS specific inhibitor GW 273629, 2 for a time period of 1.2 ns. The simulations were compared both within and across the isoforms. iNOS specificity of inhibitor 2 is attributed to water mediated interactions and cooperative hydrogen bond networks. Juxtaposition of the carboxylic and ammonium groups in the substrate and inhibitor serve as a modulating key in binding to the isoforms. Based on these investigations, molecules 3 and 4 were rationally designed to attain specificity among the isoforms. The capability of the designed ligands was theoretically tested through MD simulations to envisage binding patterns with both isoforms. A detailed analysis of the molecular recognition pattern shows molecule 4 to be more selective to iNOS when compared to eNOS.