Description

These models were used in the "TB in VR" experience created for the NIH TB Portals program (https://tbportals.niaid.nih.gov). This entry shows the binding of the anti-TB drug rifampin to its target protein, RNA polymerase, and how a drug-resistant mutation prevents the drug binding. The full model consists of the C-chain of RNA polymerase, two DNA chains, and the drug molecule rifampin depicted as spheres. The close in view of the pocking shows the protein surface around the drug, and the wild-type amino acid Histidine at position 451, the site of the mutation. The third model shows how with the drug-resistant mutation, Arginine at position 451 protrudes through the wild-type surface preventing binding of the drug.