Hydrogen bond structure in the glucocorticoid agonist-receptor complex

The interaction between various steroids and the glucocorticoid receptor is largely determined by van der Waals interactions. This hydrogen bond appears to have considerable functional significance: its formation may render a conformation of the complex preferable, starting from which it may easily undergo activation. To find out how the hydrogen bond is directed the authors used in this study two steroid that have 11 beta -chloro- rather than 11 beta -hydroxy-substituents and thus be acceptors, but not donors, in hydrogen bonds.