What is enzyme inhibition and how is it used in drug design?

What is enzyme inhibition and how is it used in drug design?

Enzyme inhibition refers to the process where a molecule binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. In drug design, understanding this process is crucial because many drugs work by inhibiting specific enzymes to treat diseases.

Can you explain the different types of enzyme inhibition?

Sure! There are two main types of enzyme inhibition: competitive and non-competitive. Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site of the enzyme, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site, altering the enzyme's function without competing for the active site.

How do researchers determine which enzymes to target for drug design?

Researchers often use a combination of biochemical assays, structural biology, and computational modeling to identify key enzymes involved in disease pathways. Targeting enzymes that play a critical role in disease progression can lead to more effective treatments.

What are some examples of drugs that use enzyme inhibition?

Examples include ACE inhibitors for hypertension, statins for cholesterol management, and protease inhibitors for HIV treatment. These drugs specifically inhibit enzymes to achieve their therapeutic effects.