[Correlative analysis in the study of enzyme-ligand interactions]

A comprehensive study on enzyme ligand interactions by QSAR techniques is discussed. Thirteen correlation equations are presented which relate activity of 1086 ligands of isolated chloroplasts, chymotrypsin, dihydrofolate reductase, xanthine oxidase and guanine deaminase to their chemical structures. Two kinds of space within and on the surface of an enzyme are defined by means of pi and MR constants. Emphasis is put on the use of indicator variables as a means of rationalizing special enzyme-ligand interactions. The use of such studies for drug development is discussed.