Positive allosteric modulator

Positive Allosteric Modulator

A Positive Allosteric Modulator (PAM) is a type of pharmacological agent that enhances the activity of a protein or receptor at a cellular level. Pronounced as "Poz-i-tiv Al-lo-ster-ic Mod-yu-lay-tor", the term originates from the Greek words 'allo' meaning 'other', and 'stereos' meaning 'solid or three-dimensional', referring to the change in three-dimensional shape that the protein or receptor undergoes when a PAM binds to it.

Function

A Positive Allosteric Modulator works by binding to a site on the protein or receptor that is distinct from the orthosteric site. This binding increases the activity of the protein or receptor, either by increasing the binding affinity of the orthosteric site for its ligand, or by increasing the efficacy of the ligand-receptor interaction.

Applications

Positive Allosteric Modulators have a wide range of applications in medicine, particularly in the treatment of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. They are also used in the treatment of pain, anxiety disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Related Terms

• Allosteric Site
• Orthosteric Site
• Ligand
• Receptor
• Negative Allosteric Modulator

See Also

• Pharmacology
• Medicine
• Neurological Disorders
• Pain Management
• Anxiety Disorders
• Cancer

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