37th Annual Student Research Conference
Analyzing Structural Changes in the Factor V Leiden Mutation Using Computational Methods to Determine a Specific Treatment for Preventing Blood Clot Disorders
Isabelle M. Zagarri
Dr. Bill R. Miller, Faculty Mentor
Factor V (fV) is a critical blood-clotting protein of the coagulation system. The active form of fV is Factor Va (fVa), which can be deactivated by activated protein C (APC). A single amino acid mutation causes Factor V Leiden, which can increase the likelihood of abnormal blood clots through impairing anticoagulant properties of fV and binding of APC to fVa. There is currently no cure for this mutation – only anticoagulant drugs are prescribed. Thus, we study the binding site of fVa and APC to further study this mutation and potentially develop a specific treatment. Using computational methods such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics, we observe the binding between fVa and prospective drugs that act as a deactivation factor. Structural changes in fVa by these drugs are analyzed to understand APC’s role in deactivation of blood clotting functions and the potential development of a specific treatment for the Factor V Leiden mutation.
Keywords: Factor V Leiden, anticoagulant, computational chemistry, drug discovery, molecular dynamics, molecular docking, coagulation system, Factor Va
Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 107-3
Location: MG 1000
Time: 9:45