Targeting PKC-β II by Peptides and Peptidomimetics Derived from RACK 1: An In Silico Approach

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of a Macrocyclic Peptide-Peptoid Hybrid in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV2 Microglial Cells

Inflammation processes of the central nervous system (CNS) play a vital role in the pathogenesis of several neurological and psychiatric disorders like depression. These processes are characterized by the activation of glia cells, such as microglia. Clinical studies showed a decrease in symptoms associated with the mentioned diseases after the treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, the investigation of novel anti-inflammatory drugs could hold substantial potential in the treatment of disorders with a neuroinflammatory background. In this in vitro study, we report the anti-inflammatory effects of a novel hexacyclic peptide-peptoid hybrid in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. The macrocyclic compound X15856 significantly suppressed Interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), c-c motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2), and CXCL10 expression and release in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of the compound are partially explained by the modulation of the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), p42/44 MAPK (ERK 1/2), protein kinase C (PKC), and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB, respectively. Due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, this compound emerges as an encouraging option for additional research and potential utilization in disorders influenced by inflammation, such as depression.

Protein kinase C βII in diabetic complications: survey of structural, biological and computational studies

INTRODUCTION

PKC-βII is a conventional isoform of PKC. It is overexpressed in hyperglycemic conditions and is known to trigger various diabetic complications, mainly cardiovascular complications and to a certain extent nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy etc. Selective inhibition of this enzyme will be one of the favorable approaches to treat diabetes-mellitus-related complications. Due to high sequence similarities among PKC isoforms, selective inhibition of PKC-βII is difficult and yet to be achieved successfully.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the studies carried out in various aspects of PKC-βII. The biological aspects, crystal structure data, structure–activity relationship study (SAR) and in silico studies related to PKC-βII such as homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) studies and pharmacophore modeling etc. are summarized.

EXPERT OPINION

PKC-βII is a potential target for treating diabetes-related complications. Selective inhibitors of this enzyme are under clinical trials but to date, success has not been achieved. Thus, extensive research is essential in this direction; the contribution of in silico tools in designing and optimizing selective inhibitors of PKC-βII is valuable.