Docking-based virtual screening for ligands of G protein-coupled receptors: Not only crystal structures but also in silico models

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate a wide range of physiological functions and hold great pharmaceutical interest. Using the β2-adrenergic receptor as a case study, this article explores the applicability of docking-based virtual screening to the discovery of GPCR ligands and defines methods intended to improve the screening performance. Our controlled computational experiments were performed on a compound dataset containing known agonists and blockers of the receptor as well as a large number of decoys. The screening based on the structure of the receptor crystallized in complex with its inverse agonist carazolol yielded excellent results, with a clearly delineated prioritization of ligands over decoys. Blockers generally were preferred over agonists; however, agonists were also well distinguished from decoys. A method was devised to increase the screening yields by generating an ensemble of alternative conformations of the receptor that accounts for its flexibility. Moreover, a method was devised to improve the retrieval of agonists, based on the optimization of the receptor around a known agonist. Finally, the applicability of docking-based virtual screening also to homology models endowed with different levels of accuracy was proved. This last point is of uttermost importance, since crystal structures are available only for a limited number of GPCRs, and extends our conclusions to the entire superfamily. The outcome of this analysis definitely supports the application of computer-aided techniques to the discovery of novel GPCR ligands, especially in light of the fact that, in the near future, experimental structures are expected to be solved and become available for an ever increasing number of GPCRs.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (89 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Explored the applicability of GPCR crystal structures to docking-based virtual screenings. ▶ Improved the performance of the screening through receptor ensemble docking. ▶ Directed the screening towards the retrieval of agonists by optimizing the structure of the receptor around bound agonists. ▶ Assessed the feasibility of the use of homology models in lieu of the experimental structure, in the absence of the latter.