P-glycoprotein mechanical functional analysis using in silico molecular modeling: Pharmacokinetic variability...

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a widely membrane-expressed multi-drug transporter. It is unclear whether the pharmacokinetic diversity of P-gp substrates is highly dependent on ABCB1 polymorphisms encoding P-gp. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mechanistic function of P-gp through in silico molecular modeling and to approach the resolution of controversy over pharmacokinetic differences according to ABCB1 polymorphisms. P-gp conformations of apo, ligand-docked, and outward-facing states can be modeled based on structural information of human P-gp. And polymorphic P-gp structures were constructed through homology modeling. ABCB1 c.2677G > T/A (Ala893Ser/Thr), did not correspond to P-gp's nucleotide-binding-domain (NBD) or drug-binding-pocket (DBP) or involve mechanical conformational changes. Although amino acid substitution by ABCB1 c.2677G > T/A caused a 30 % increased strain in an α-helix hinge between the NBD and DBP in P-gp's internal tunnel, there were no overall structural changes compared to wild-type. ABCB1 c.2677G > T/A may increase torsional energy, impacting conformational change rate, but this does not significantly affect P-gp's general functioning. Fexofenadine docking into P-gp's DBP explained the substrate interaction, but no effect by ABCB1 c.2677G > T/A was confirmed. Our findings provide additional insights useful in resolving the debate about the influence of ABCB1 polymorphisms on the interindividual pharmacokinetic variability of P-gp substrates.