Allosteric modulation

Allosteric modulation involves the regulation of a protein, like an enzyme or receptor, through binding of a molecule at a specific site different from its active site. This "allosteric site" influences the protein's shape and activity, either enhancing (positive modulation) or reducing (negative modulation) its function. Think of it as a remote control: the allosteric molecule acts as a switch that changes how the protein behaves without directly blocking or mimicking its usual activity. This mechanism allows the body to finely tune biological processes efficiently and selectively.