Guest Editorial: Platelets and Cancer

Computerized screening of G-protein coupled receptors to identify and characterize olfactory receptors

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a group of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that initiate chemical odorant signals. Although ORs are predominantly located in nasal epithelia to detect smell, these receptors are also present in peripherally in non-nasal organs/tissues. Since the quality of life and cognitive and sensorial features of sense of smell are worsened in multiple chemical sensitivity due to the interaction of ORs with offending compounds, it is important to not only differentiate these receptors from other GPCRs but also characterize these organelles to understand the underlying mechanisms of smelling disorders. The aim of this study was develop computerized programs to differentiate ORs from GPCRs. The computer program was developed on the basis of widely accepted basic algorithms. It is noteworthy that an accuracy of 95.5% was attained, a level not achieved using other established techniques for screening of ORs from GPCRs. The high accuracy rate indicates that this method of differential identification appears reliable. Our findings indicate that this novel method may be considered as a tool for identification and characterization of receptors which might aid in therapeutic approaches to human chemical-mediated sensitization.

Computational prediction methods to simulate structure and binding sites of coumarin with olfactory receptor 5P3

Olfactory receptor 5P3 is coded by OR5P3 gene in human OR5P3 and recognized as the receptor for coumarin present in 30% of fragrances and might adversely affect human health. OR5P3 are also associated with coumarin-related breast cancer development and acquired tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. Previously various investigators noted that coumarin acts as a ligand for OR5P3 and binding of this molecule to OR5P3 leads to downstream changes in the olfactory bulb and central nervous system. However, the interaction between OR5P3 and its ligands at molecular level is not well understood. The aim of this study was to develop a computerized approach to simulate the binding process of coumarin to OR5P3 and determine the binding sites at a molecular level. It is conceivable that understanding this binding mechanism to a specific OR may aid in identification of receptors responsible olfaction and non-olfaction disorders such as breast cancer. The approach employed in this study may thus be utilized in future studies to simulate bind of specific chemicals to ORs and potentially have therapeutic applications.