Figure 7.

Three-dimensional structure of the agonist- (dexamethasone; left) and antagonist- (mifepristone; right) bound forms of the glucocorticoid receptor (a nuclear receptor). Structures [PDB IDs 1P93 and 1NHZ (Kauppi et al., 2003)] are shown from two different perspectives (the bottom one being a 90° rotated view as indicated by the arrows). Receptors are shown covered with a semi-transparent gray surface and the secondary protein structure indicated; the ligands are highlighted as darker solid CPK structures. The ligands are faded as they buried inside the receptors and are obscured by the covering surfaces; however, the antagonist (right) is less buried than the agonist (left) so that part of its surface is not covered and accessible from outside as indicated by its more vivid colors where directly visible.