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Water as a complex system: its role in ligand diffusion, general anesthesia, and sleep
1Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Life Sciences, Suite 111, 1000 West Cary Street, P.O. Box 842030, Richmond, VA 23284-2030, USA. lbkier@vcu.edu
Chemistry & Biodiversity
|October 24, 2007
Summary
Robert Rosen
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- The work of Robert Rosen provides inspiration.
- Water (H2O) dynamics near protein surfaces influence molecular interactions.
- General anesthetics may interfere with these dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of water passages near protein surfaces.
- To explore anesthetic interference with ligand diffusion.
- To propose a mechanism for sleep/wake states and identify exogenous sleep factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Robert Rosen's work.
- Analysis of water (H2O) dynamics and ligand diffusion.
- Comparison of anesthetic states with sleep.
Main Results:
- Water passages near proteins affect ligand diffusion to effectors.
- General anesthetics may target these water passages.
- A mechanism linking anesthesia and sleep is proposed.
Conclusions:
- The proposed mechanism may explain sleep/wake states.
- Nitrogen (N2) is suggested as an exogenous sleep factor.
- Further research into water dynamics and sleep is warranted.
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