If a chemical can be found that makes such a fit on the protein found on a tumor cell or a pathogenic bacterium, then that chemical is potentially useful in drug development. Virtual reality techniques allow the experimenter to create computer- generated models of the receptor sites within a human protein while another model represents the atoms of a potential drug. A researcher then manipulates the two models, moving the drug around the protein until it binds with it. Such a molecular docking system exists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where much of the research on virtual reality in medicine is being done. Molecular docking systems also have potential in future protein design, including possible use in mapping the genetic code.
Virtual reality provides the opportunity to create controllable, repeatable environments.
As virtual reality technology is refined, its use in medicine is bound to increase dramatically. Cheryl Pace works at the Archie R. Dykes Library of the University of Kansas Medical Center. All rights reserved except those which may be granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976.