Molecular Docking and Rare Codons Evaluation in the Luciola Lateralis luciferase, an in Silico Study

Abstract

Luciferase enzymes are involved in the bioluminescence reaction (light emission by living organisms). The bioluminescence process is a widespread phenomenon in the Nature. These enzymes are identified in some domains of life, but the luciferases from lampyrid genus are considered of for biological applications. The molecular cloning of a new type of firefly luciferase from Luciola lateralis was reported, previously. Here, we study its substrate binding site and rare codon with molecular docking and bioinformatics studies. By molecular modelling, some rare codons were identified that may have a critical role in structure and function of this luciferase. AutoDock Vina was used in the molecular docking that recognizes some residues that yield closely related with luciferin and AMP binding site. These types of studies help in the discovery of the light production reaction. Evaluation of these hidden information's can improve the knowledge of luciferases folding and protein expression challenges and help in design of new drugs.