Are Two Riboses Better Than One? The Case of the Recognition and Activation of Adenosine Receptors

Traditionally, molecular recognition between the orthosteric site of adenosine receptors and their endogenous ligand occurs with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Inspired by previous mechanistic insights derived from supervised molecular dynamics (SuMD) simulations, which suggested an alternative 2 : 1 binding stoichiometry, we synthesized BRA1, a bis-ribosyl adenosine derivative, tested its ability to bind to and activate members of the adenosine receptor family, and rationalized its activity through molecular modeling.

Automated summary

Traditionally, molecular recognition between adenosine receptors and their ligands has been thought to occur with a 1:1 stoichiometry. However, recent simulations suggest an alternative 2:1 binding stoichiometry. In this study, a bis-ribosyl adenosine derivative, BRA1, was synthesized and tested for its binding and activation abilities on adenosine receptors, with molecular modeling used to rationalize its activity.