Presenter: Sterling Sudweeks
Authors: Micah Mizukawa, John Coombs, Joshua Reichman, Jacob Jackson, Karissa Liu, Carson Ullrich, Carter Ullrich, Harrison Sacks, Tristan Strickland, Brigham Harrison
Faculty Advisor: Sterling Sudweeks
Institution: Brigham Young University
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are non-specific cation channels that play an essential role in the nervous system. There are two classes of subunits (alpha and beta) with several different variations. We used the freely available computer software AutoDock Vina to virtually screen potential drug compounds to see if they would bind allosterically to α3β2 nAChRs. The goal in this research is to find positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). PAMs can potentiate nAChR function by binding to sites on the receptor that are distinct from the acetylcholine binding site. PAMs can change activity of the receptors in a way that makes them much more responsive to the native neurotransmitter (acetylcholine). We hypothesize that a positive allosteric modulator of α3β2 nAChRs could be used to treat conditions where hippocampal nAChRs may play a role, such as Alzheimer's disease.