Docking Study of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor-1 Receptor with Its Antagonists

CRFR is involved in the pathophysiology of various disorders including depression, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. The discovery of novel and structurally diverse CRF1 receptor inhibitors becomes essential. In this study, we have performed molecular docking of CRF1R with the derivatives of 8-substituted-2-aryl-5-alkylaminoquinolines as CRF1R inhibitors. The antagonist molecules were optimized and docked into the binding site of the receptor. On analysing the docked complexes we have identified that the residues HIS214, THR215, ARG227, ARG1008, LYS1060 and ASP1061 are important in forming hydrogen bond with the inhibitors. Further studies on these residues could reveal important structural features required for the formation of CRF1R-inhibitor complex and thus in the discovery of novel and potent inhibitors.