title: Comparative modeling of the quaternary structure for the human TRPM8 channel and analysis of its binding features.
abstract: The aim of this study was to generate a reliable model for the homotetrameric structure of the human TRPM8 cation channel, a temperature sensor involved in innocuous cold perceptions. The described model was generated using a fragmental strategy and its interaction capacities were explored by docking a representative set of ligands. The analysis of the quaternary structure suggests that the N-terminus possesses a solenoidal topology which could be involved in tetramerization due to its electrostatic characteristics. Again, the tetramer model unveils a precise fitting between the segments of neighbouring monomers affording attractive suggestions for the multifaceted mechanism of channel gating. Docking results are in convincing agreement with mutational analyses and confirm that S4 and S4-S5 linker play a key role in channel activation. Overall, the proposed model could find fertile applications to further investigate the gating mechanism and to design truly selective ligands able to clarify the pathophysiological roles of the TRPM8 channel.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche "Pietro Pratesi", Facoltà di Farmacia, Università di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pedretti
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marconi
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bettinelli
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vistoli
mesh_terms: D001665:Binding Sites; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D008024:Ligands; D008610:Menthol / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D020836:Protein Structure, Quaternary; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D011744:Pyrimidinones / Q000378:metabolism; D055672:Static Electricity; D050053:TRPM Cation Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D011744:Pyrimidinones; D050053:TRPM Cation Channels; C425966:TRPM8 protein, human; D008610:Menthol; C490483:icilin