In silico exploration of phenytoin binding site in two catalytic states of human P-glycoprotein models.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-dependant efflux pump transports a wide range of substrates across cellular membranes. Earlier studies have identified drug efflux due to the over-expression of P-gp as one of the causes for the resistance of phenytoin, an anti-epileptic drug (AED). While no clear evidence exists on the specific characteristics of phenytoin association with the human P-gp, this study employed structure-based computational approaches to identify its binding site and the underlying interactions. The identified site was validated with that of rhodamine, a widely accepted reference and an experimental probe. Further, an in silico proof-of-concept for phenytoin interactions and its decreased binding affinity with the closed-state of human P-gp model was provided in comparison with other AEDs. This is the first report to provide insights into the phenytoin binding site and possibly better explain its efflux by P-gp.