Structures of mu-opioid receptor (mOR) in complex with morphine derivatives have been determined; but the structural basis of mOR activation by fentanyl-like synthetic opioids remains unclear. Here, authors use state-of-the-art simulation techniques and discover a secondary binding mode which is only accessible when the conserved His297 adopts a neutral HID tautomer state.
- Quynh N. Vo
- Paween Mahinthichaichan
- Christopher R. Ellis
