Printing 3-D Molecular Models of the Angiotensin II, Type 1 Receptor and its Anti-Hypertensive Ligand (Olmesartan)

Through the use of protein visualization software, such as Jmol, it is possible to design and ultimately print 3-D structural protein models. Literary review and protein database files help shed light on the important structural components of proteins. As an example, the Angiotensin II, AT1 type receptor, known by its protein database file, 4ZUD, was selected to demonstrate this process. Blood pressure regulation through the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is mediated through the activation and inhibition of Angiotensin II (AngII) from its precursor Angiotensin I (AngI). Activation of AngII leads to vasoconstriction, resulting in an increase in blood pressure, while AngII inhibition prevents vasoconstriction, causing a decrease in blood pressure. In humans, AngII binds to two subtypes of angiotensin G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): AngII Type 1 Receptor (AT1R) and AngII Type 2 Receptor (AT2R). Almost all physiological and pathophysiological effects of AngII are mediated by AT1R, while the function of AT2R remains largely unknown. AT1R Receptor Blockers (ARBs), or sartans, are non-peptide antagonists that act on behalf of the RAS cascade to inhibit vasoconstriction, thereby lowering blood pressure. BenicarTM is the most common brand of olmesartan, and in this study, its interaction with the Angiotensin II AT1 Receptor was modeled to depict the effects of angiotensin receptor blockers. Developing 3-D molecular models in this way is a relatively inexpensive process to visually represent important biological relationships that can be useful for students, professors, and physicians trying to understand complex molecular pathways