title: Cation-pi interactions in ligand recognition and catalysis.
abstract: The cation-pi interaction is a potent, general noncovalent binding force that is observed in a wide range of biological contexts. Here, we present an overview of well documented cases in which a cation-pi interaction makes an important contribution to small-molecule recognition at a protein binding site. From these and other studies it is clear that, in addition to the hydrophobic effect, hydrogen bonding and ion pairing, the cation-pi interaction must be considered when evaluating drug-receptor interactions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors.forename: Niki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zacharias
authors.forename: Dennis A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Dougherty
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D002412:Cations / Q000737:chemistry*; D015195:Drug Design; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D008024:Ligands; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011485:Protein Binding; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D007473:Ion Channels; D008024:Ligands; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins