COX-2, Human Enzyme

Larry Marnett, former Dean of Basic Sciences, was dedicated to his work with COX-2, a human enzyme that is targeted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This image is based on the structure of the NSAID isoxicam when bound to COX-2, a structure that Marnett’s lab determined in 2014. Water molecules mediate a crucial aspect of this interaction at amino acid residues R120 and Y385. Oxicams (including isoxicam) are the only class of NSAIDs for which water-mediated binding to COX-2 is observed. The structure, including the water molecules, is essential for explaining the structure-activity of this series of drugs. 

(Vestigo Cover, Issue 4) Illustration by Kendra H. Oliver.