Hydrocodone binds to the mu-opioid receptor, a transmembrane protein consisting of seven alpha-helical domains that is coupled to G proteins. Hydrocodone binds within the transmembrane domain of the mu-opioid receptor, inducing a conformational change that activates downstream signaling pathways. This activation inhibits adenylate cyclase, reducing cyclic AMP levels and ultimately inhibiting neurotransmitter release and reducing pain perception.

1. Drug: Hydrocodone.
- Enrich my answers with explicit and more details and informations.
3. Identify the target (the protein or biochemical molecule) that the drug binds to and
describe the specific interaction between the drug and the target.
a) First describe the structure and basic function of the target (protein or another
biomolecule )
R/ The mu-opioid receptor is a transmembrane protein that consists of seven alpha-helical
domains. It is coupled to G proteins, which mediate downstream signaling pathways in response
to receptor activation.
b) Secondly, describe structurally where the drug binds to its cellular target (where on
the protein) and the effect is has on the target (i.e., if it is an enzyme or
channel/transporter whether or not it is an allosteric, competitive inhibitor, agonist, or
antagonist if it is a receptor).
R/ Hydrocodone binds to a specific pocket within the transmembrane domain of the mu-opioid
receptor, which induces a conformational change that activates downstream signaling pathways.
This activation leads to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, a key enzyme involved in the
production of cyclic AMP (cAMP). The reduction in cAMP levels ultimately leads to the
inhibition of neurotransmitter release and the reduction of pain perception.