CYP1A2 (Cytochrome P450 1A2)

thingiverse

Imaged is my first printout of a PDB 2HI4 molecule cross-section (Cytochrome P450 1A2, or CYP1A2 for short, complex with alpha-napthoflavone ligand). A cross-section rendition was chosen to facilitate identification of the active site, heme cofactor, ligand, and highlighted amino acids. What is CYP1A2 and why is it important? CYP1A2 is a member of the cytochrome P450 enzyme family. It plays a crucial role in metabolizing many different drugs, such as the blood thinner Clopidogrel (trade name: Plavix) and everyone's favorite, caffeine! Non-synonymous mutations occur as a result of small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Missense SNPs within the gene encoding for CYP1A2 can modulate the protein's function. Missense SNPs in CYP1A2 are found in different frequencies across populations and can be used as bio-markers for physicians. DNA sequencing technology allows physicians to know a patient's genetic makeup at many different genes. By knowing a patient's bio-markers for gene encoding for the CYP1A2 protein, physicians can determine drug prescription dosages that are just right for that individual based on what their genetic bio-markers say. This is the basis of pharmacogenomics. What's special about this model? I designed this PDB file (2HI4: http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/explore.do?structureId=2hi4) using VMD and BIOVIA Discovery Studio. BIOVIA Discovery Studio was used to produce a cross section of CYP1A2 and identify various residues inside and outside of the active site. VMD was used to render the CYP1A2 cross-section in "New Cartoon" format and the highlighted amino acids, heme cofactor, and alpha-napthoflavone molecules in "CPK" format. VMD was then used to export the modified molecule as an .STL file. The exported .STL file was imported into Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/). Within Tinkercad, reinforcing braces and supports were added manually. The angled supports found within the molecule are meant to be left in to provide structural integrity to the model, whereas the vertical supports found underneath the model are mean to facilitate the printing process. Post-printing recommendations: Be patient when removing support scaffold as it can take a few hours to properly remove all of it. Be delicate with the model, as some regions are fragile and can break off easily. The use of precision tools, a little bit of dexterity, and patience is recommended for removing scaffolding within the active site and deep interior of the molecule.