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Subhashini R, Jebastin T, Khasamwala AM, Al-Anazi KM, Farah MA, Jeyam M. Experimental and computational insights of Albizia amara phytoconstituents targeting anthranilate phosphoribosyltransferase from Malassezia globosa. Acta Trop 2024; 259:107365. [PMID: 39218379 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The fungus Malassezia globosa is often responsible for superficial mycoses posing significant treatment challenges because of the unfavourable side effects of available antifungal drugs. To reduce potential hazards to the host and overcome these hurdles, new therapeutic medicines must be developed that selectively target enzymes unique to the pathogen. This study focuses on the enzyme anthranilate phosphoribosyltransferase (AnPRT), which is vital to M. globosa's tryptophan production pathway. To learn more about the function of the AnPRT enzyme, we modeled, validated, and simulated its structure. Moreover, many bioactive components were found in different extracts from the plant Albizia amara after phytochemical screening. Interestingly, at doses ranging from 500 to 2000 µg/ml, the chloroform extract showed significant antifungal activity, with inhibition zones measured between 11.0 ± 0.0 and 25.6 ± 0.6 mm. According to molecular docking analyses, the compounds from the active extract, particularly 2-tert-Butyl-4-isopropyl-5-methylphenol, interacted with the AnPRT enzyme's critical residues, ARG 205 and PHE 214, with an effective binding energy of -4.9 kcal/mol. The extract's revealed component satisfies the requirements for drug-likeness and shows promise as a strong antifungal agent against infections caused by M. globosa. These findings imply that using plant-derived chemicals to target the AnPRT enzyme is a viable path for the creation of innovative antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakrishnan Subhashini
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Thomas Jebastin
- Computer Aided Drug Designing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bishop Heber College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Abbas M Khasamwala
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khalid Mashay Al-Anazi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh-11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Abul Farah
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh-11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muthusamy Jeyam
- Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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2
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Hever E, Santhanam V, Alberi S, Dhara A, Bols M, Nasheuer HP, Murphy PV. Synthesis of C-glycoside analogues of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and 1-β-D-galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropane. Conformational analysis and evaluation as inhibitors of the lac repressor in E. coli and as galactosidase inhibitors. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:7460-7477. [PMID: 39189157 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob01286k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Isopropyl 1-thio-β-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG, 1) is used widely as an inducer of protein expression in E. coli and 1-β-D-galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropane (2), a C-glycoside analogue of 1, has also been identified as an inducer. Here, synthesis and study of mimetics of 1 and 2, 1-β-D-galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropan-1-ols and two cyclic acetals derivatives, that constrain the presentation of the iPr group in various geometries is described. Conformational analysis of C-glycosides in protic solvent is performed using (i) Desmond metadynamics simulations (OPLS4) and (ii) use of 3JHH values obtained by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. 1-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropane (2) is an effective protein expression inducer when compared to the new mimetics, which were less effective or did not induce expression. 1-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropane (2) led to significantly reduced proteolysis during protein expression, compared to IPTG suggesting that recombinant protein purification will be easier to achieve with 2, yielding proteins with higher quality and activity. IPTG reduced bacterial growth to a greater degree than 2 compared to the control. IPTG's isopropyl group was observed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to be flexible in the binding pocket, deviating from its crystal structure binding mode, without impacting other interactions. The MD simulations predicted that 1-β-D-galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropane (2) was more likely than IPTG to bind the repressor with a conformation favoured in protic solvent, while maintaining interactions observed for IPTG. MD simulations predicted that isobutanol derivatives may disrupt interactions associated with IPTG's binding mode. The compounds were also evaluated as inhibitors of galactosidases, with 2 being the more potent inhibitor of the E. coli β-galactosidase. The constrained cyclic acetals showed similar inhibition constants to IPTG indicating E. coli β-galactosidase can recognize galactopyranoses with varying presentation of the iPr group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Hever
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33.
| | - Venkatesan Santhanam
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33.
| | - Sherivan Alberi
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33.
| | - Ashis Dhara
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33.
| | - Mikael Bols
- Department of Chemistry, Københavns Universitet, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
| | - Heinz-Peter Nasheuer
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33.
| | - Paul V Murphy
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33.
- SSPC - the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91TK33
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3
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Li Y, Liu S, Wang Z, Wang X, Xu J, Yao K, Zhang R, Lu C, Wu Z, Hu L. Discovery of a urea-based hit compound as a novel inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β type 1 receptor: in silico and in vitro studies. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024. [PMID: 39268710 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp02480j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β type 1 receptor (TGFβR1), a crucial serine-threonine kinase, is central to the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway, governing cellular processes like growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response. This pathway is closely linked to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which plays an important role in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, only limited inhibitors targeting TGFβR1 have entered clinical trials, yet they encounter challenges, notably high toxicity, in clinical applications. Herein, an efficient virtual screening pipeline was developed. Eighty compounds were screened from a pool of over 17 million molecules based on docking scores and binding free energy. Four compounds were manually selected with the assistance of enhanced sampling method BPMD (binding pose metadynamics). The binding stability of these four compounds complexed with TGFβR1 was subsequently studied through long-timescale conventional molecular dynamics simulations. The three most promising compounds were subjected to in vitro bioactivity assays. Cpd272 demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity against TGFβR1, with an IC50 value of 1.57 ± 0.33 μM. Moreover, it exhibited cytotoxic effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402. By shedding light on the binding mode of the receptor-ligand complexes, Cpd272 was identified as a hit compound featuring a novel urea-based scaffold capable of effectively inhibiting TGFβR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Zhuoya Wang
- Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Jiamin Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Keke Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Chenxuan Lu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Liming Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
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4
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Xu C, Wu S, Liu P, Huang Y, Chen Y, Ding G, Jia S. Computational identification and analysis of CNP0269688 as a natural product inhibitor disrupting the interaction between the HIV matrix domain and tRNA. Front Chem 2024; 12:1450339. [PMID: 39286001 PMCID: PMC11403411 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1450339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Our research is dedicated to combating HIV by targeting its Matrix (MA) domain, which is crucial for viral assembly and replication. This strategy specifically aims to interrupt early-stage infection and deter drug resistance by focusing on this essential domain. Due to the MA domain's conservation across different HIV strains, our approach promises broad-spectrum efficacy, which is particularly crucial in regions marked by significant genetic diversity and resistance issues. In our study, we introduce CNP0269688, a natural product that exhibits high affinity for the HIV-1 Matrix. Through detailed molecular dynamics simulations, we have assessed the compound's structural stability and interaction dynamics, particularly its potential to hinder Protein-tRNA interactions. This analysis lays the groundwork for future experimental investigations. Our efforts are steps toward enhancing HIV treatment, reducing viral transmission, and curbing drug resistance, with the ultimate aim of controlling and eradicating the pandemic, thereby contributing significantly to public health and scientific advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songtao Wu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengju Liu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Huang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Cognitive Healthcare, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengnan Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Cognitive Healthcare, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Taranto S, Castelli R, Marseglia G, Scalvini L, Vacondio F, Gianoncelli A, Ribaudo G, Faletti J, Gazzaroli G, Rocca E, Ronca R, Rusnati M, Sacco A, Roccaro AM, Presta M, Mor M, Giacomini A, Rivara S. Discovery of novel FGF trap small molecules endowed with anti-myeloma activity. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107291. [PMID: 38969274 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) act as proangiogenic and mitogenic cytokines in several cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). Indeed, corrupted FGF autocrine and paracrine secretion induces an aberrant activation of the FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling sustaining cancer cell spreading and resistance to pharmacological treatments. Thus, FGF traps may represent a promising anti-cancer strategy to hamper the ligand-dependent activation of the FGF/FGFR system. We previously identified NSC12 as the first orally available small molecule FGF trap able to inhibit the growth and progression of several FGF-dependent tumor models. NSC12 is a pregnenolone derivative carrying a 1,1-bis-trifluoromethyl-1,3-propanediol chain in position 17 of the steroid nucleus. Investigation of structure-activity relationships (SARs) provided more potent and specific NSC12 steroid derivatives and highlighted that the C17-side chain is pivotal for the FGF trap activity. Here, a scaffold hopping approach allowed to obtain two FGF trap compounds (22 and 57) devoid of the steroid nucleus and able to efficiently bind FGF2 and to inhibit FGFR activation in MM cells. Accordingly, these compounds exert a potent anti-tumor activity on MM cell lines both in vitro and in vivo and on MM patient-derived primary cells, strongly affecting the survival of both proteasome-inhibitor sensitive and resistant MM cells. These results propose a new therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory MM patients and set the bases for the development of novel FGF traps prone to chemical diversification to be used in the clinic for the treatment of those tumors in which the FGF/FGFR system plays a pivotal role, including MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Taranto
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Clinical Trial Center, Translational Research and Phase I Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Scalvini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jessica Faletti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gazzaroli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rocca
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Rusnati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Sacco
- Clinical Trial Center, Translational Research and Phase I Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Aldo Maria Roccaro
- Clinical Trial Center, Translational Research and Phase I Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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6
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Keiff F, Bernal FA, Joch M, Jacques Dit Lapierre TJW, Li Y, Liebing P, Dahse HM, Vilotijevic I, Kloss F. Modulation of the Meisenheimer complex metabolism of nitro-benzothiazinones by targeted C-6 substitution. Commun Chem 2024; 7:153. [PMID: 38971912 PMCID: PMC11227536 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a major public health concern, demanding new antibiotics with innovative therapeutic principles due to the emergence of resistant strains. Benzothiazinones (BTZs) have been developed to address this problem. However, an unprecedented in vivo biotransformation of BTZs to hydride-Meisenheimer complexes has recently been discovered. Herein, we present a study of the influence of electron-withdrawing groups on the propensity of HMC formation in whole cells for a series of C-6-substituted BTZs obtained through reductive fluorocarbonylation as a late-stage functionalization key step. Gibbs free energy of reaction and Mulliken charges and Fukui indices on C-5 at quantum mechanics level were found as good indicators of in vitro HMC formation propensity. These results provide a first blueprint for the evaluation of HMC formation in drug development and set the stage for rational pharmacokinetic optimization of BTZs and similar drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Keiff
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Freddy A Bernal
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Melanie Joch
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Thibault J W Jacques Dit Lapierre
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Yan Li
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Phil Liebing
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstr. 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Dahse
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Ivan Vilotijevic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Florian Kloss
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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7
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Yau MQ, Wan AJ, Tiong ASH, Yiap YS, Loo JSE. Leveraging binding pose metadynamics to optimise target fishing predictions for three diverse ligands and their true targets. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 104:e14591. [PMID: 39010276 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Computational target fishing plays an important role in target identification, particularly in drug discovery campaigns utilizing phenotypic screening. Numerous approaches exist to predict potential targets for a given ligand, but true targets may be inconsistently ranked. More advanced simulation methods may provide benefit in such cases by reranking these initial predictions. We evaluated the ability of binding pose metadynamics to improve the predicted rankings for three diverse ligands and their six true targets. Initial predictions using pharmacophore mapping showed no true targets ranked in the top 50 and two targets each ranked within the 50-100, 100-150, and 250-300 ranges respectively. Following binding pose metadynamics, ranking of true targets improved for four out of the six targets and included the highest ranked predictions overall, while rankings deteriorated for two targets. The revised rankings predicted two true targets ranked within the top 50, and one target each within the 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, and 200-250 ranges respectively. The findings of this study demonstrate that binding pose metadynamics may be of benefit in refining initial predictions from structure-based target fishing algorithms, thereby improving the efficiency of the target identification process in drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Qian Yau
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Angeline J Wan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aaron S H Tiong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sheng Yiap
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jason S E Loo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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8
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Mahardhika AB, Załuski M, Schoeder CT, Boshta NM, Schabikowski J, Perri F, Łażewska D, Neumann A, Kremers S, Oneto A, Ressemann A, Latacz G, Namasivayam V, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Müller CE. Potent, Selective Agonists for the Cannabinoid-like Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR18: A Promising Drug Target for Cancer and Immunity. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9896-9926. [PMID: 38885438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The human orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR18, activated by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), constitutes a promising drug target in immunology and cancer. However, studies on GPR18 are hampered by the lack of suitable tool compounds. In the present study, potent and selective GPR18 agonists were developed showing low nanomolar potency at human and mouse GPR18, determined in β-arrestin recruitment assays. Structure-activity relationships were analyzed, and selectivity versus cannabinoid (CB) and CB-like receptors was assessed. Compound 51 (PSB-KK1415, EC50 19.1 nM) was the most potent GPR18 agonist showing at least 25-fold selectivity versus CB receptors. The most selective GPR18 agonist 50 (PSB-KK1445, EC50 45.4 nM) displayed >200-fold selectivity versus both CB receptor subtypes, GPR55, and GPR183. The new GPR18 agonists showed minimal species differences, while THC acted as a weak partial agonist at the mouse receptor. The newly discovered compounds represent the most potent and selective GPR18 agonists reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andhika B Mahardhika
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 2873, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michal Załuski
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Pl 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Clara T Schoeder
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nader M Boshta
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jakub Schabikowski
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Pl 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Filomena Perri
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dorota Łażewska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Pl 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Alexander Neumann
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Kremers
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Angelo Oneto
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anastasiia Ressemann
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gniewomir Latacz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Pl 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Vigneshwaran Namasivayam
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Pl 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 2873, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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9
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Lan N, Su Y, Zeng Q, Zhou P, Hu Y, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Liu K. JD-02, a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, induces ROS/SRC axis-dependent cytoprotective autophagy in colorectal cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1038-1050. [PMID: 38411361 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a tumor marker that accelerates cancer growth by disrupting protein homeostasis. However, concerns such as low clinical efficacy and drug resistance continue to be obstacles to the successful marketing of Hsp90 inhibitors. The cytoprotective function of autophagy has been identified as one of the mechanisms by which tumor cells gain resistance to chemotherapy. JD-02 was identified as a new Hsp90 inhibitor that suppressed colorectal cancer (CRC) growth by lowering client protein levels in vivo and in vitro. We found that JD-02 increased cellular autophagy, which inhibited apoptosis. JD-02 enhanced cytoprotective autophagy and regulated apoptotic suppression by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibiting SRC protein levels, as demonstrated by quantitative proteomics, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting, and flow cytometry. This effect was reversed by autophagy inhibition. Therefore, due to the synergistic effects of Hsp90 and autophagy inhibitors in efficiently activating apoptotic pathways, they could potentially serve as promising therapeutic options for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Lan
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Su
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiongzhen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengjun Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuze Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaisheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Zhang S, Gu L, Lin Y, Zeng H, Ding N, Wei J, Gu X, Liu C, Sun W, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Hu Z. Chaetoxylariones A-G: undescribed chromone-derived polyketides from co-culture of Chaetomium virescens and Xylaria grammica enabled via the molecular networking strategy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107329. [PMID: 38608410 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
By co-culturing two endophytic fungi (Chaetomium virescens and Xylaria grammica) collected from the medicinal and edible plant Smilax glabra Roxb. and analyzing them with MolNetEnhancer module on GNPS platform, seven undescribed chromone-derived polyketides (chaetoxylariones A-G), including three pairs of enantiomer ones (2a/2b, 4a/4b and 6a/6b) and four optical pure ones (1, 3, 5 and 7), as well as five known structural analogues (8-12), were obtained. The structures of these new compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 13C NMR calculation and DP4+ probability analyses, as well as the comparison of the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Structurally, compound 1 featured an unprecedented chromone-derived sulfonamide tailored by two isoleucine-derived δ-hydroxy-3-methylpentenoic acids via the acylamide and NO bonds, respectively; compound 2 represented the first example of enantiomeric chromone derivative bearing a unique spiro-[3.3]alkane ring system; compound 3 featured a decane alkyl side chain that formed an undescribed five-membered lactone ring between C-7' and C-10'; compound 4 contained an unexpected highly oxidized five-membered carbocyclic system featuring rare adjacent keto groups; compound 7 featured a rare methylsulfonyl moiety. In addition, compound 10 showed a significant inhibition towards SW620/AD300 cells with an IC50 value of PTX significantly decreased from 4.09 μM to 120 nM, and a further study uncovered that compound 10 could obviously reverse the MDR of SW620/AD300 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitian Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianghu Gu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongtong Lin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanxiao Zeng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanjin Ding
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangchun Wei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Gu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiguang Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhengxi Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Zhu H, Chen X, Zhang L, Liu X, Chen J, Zhang HT, Dong M. Discovery of novel positive allosteric modulators targeting GluN1/2A NMDARs as anti-stroke therapeutic agents. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1307-1319. [PMID: 38665828 PMCID: PMC11042165 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00455d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity due to excessive activation of NMDARs is one of the main mechanisms of neuronal death during ischemic stroke. Previous studies have suggested that activation of either synaptic or extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDARs results in neuronal damage, whereas activation of GluN2A-containing NMDARs promotes neuronal survival against ischemic insults. This study applied a systematic in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approach to the discovery of novel and potential GluN1/2A NMDAR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Ten compounds were obtained and identified as potential GluN1/2A PAMs by structure-based virtual screening and calcium imaging. The neuroprotective activity of the candidate compounds was demonstrated in vitro. Subsequently, compound 15 (aegeline) was tested further in the model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in vivo, which significantly decreased cerebral infarction. The mechanism by which aegeline exerts its effect on allosteric modulation was revealed using molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, we found that the neuroprotective effect of aegeline was significantly correlated with the enhanced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Our study discovered the neuroprotective effect of aegeline as a novel PAM targeting GluN1/2A NMDAR, which provides a potential opportunity for the development of therapeutic agents for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Women's and Children's Hospital Qingdao 266034 Shandong Province China
| | - Xuequan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Qingdao Shandong 266021 People's Republic of China
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12
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Smith Z, Strobel M, Vani BP, Tiwary P. Graph Attention Site Prediction (GrASP): Identifying Druggable Binding Sites Using Graph Neural Networks with Attention. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2637-2644. [PMID: 38453912 PMCID: PMC11182664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Identifying and discovering druggable protein binding sites is an important early step in computer-aided drug discovery, but it remains a difficult task where most campaigns rely on a priori knowledge of binding sites from experiments. Here, we present a binding site prediction method called Graph Attention Site Prediction (GrASP) and re-evaluate assumptions in nearly every step in the site prediction workflow from data set preparation to model evaluation. GrASP is able to achieve state-of-the-art performance at recovering binding sites in PDB structures while maintaining a high degree of precision which will minimize wasted computation in downstream tasks such as docking and free energy perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Smith
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Michael Strobel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Bodhi P. Vani
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Pratyush Tiwary
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
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13
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Vani BP, Aranganathan A, Tiwary P. Exploring Kinase Asp-Phe-Gly (DFG) Loop Conformational Stability with AlphaFold2-RAVE. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2789-2797. [PMID: 37981824 PMCID: PMC11001530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Kinases compose one of the largest fractions of the human proteome, and their misfunction is implicated in many diseases, in particular, cancers. The ubiquitousness and structural similarities of kinases make specific and effective drug design difficult. In particular, conformational variability due to the evolutionarily conserved Asp-Phe-Gly (DFG) motif adopting in and out conformations and the relative stabilities thereof are key in structure-based drug design for ATP competitive drugs. These relative conformational stabilities are extremely sensitive to small changes in sequence and provide an important problem for sampling method development. Since the invention of AlphaFold2, the world of structure-based drug design has noticeably changed. In spite of it being limited to crystal-like structure prediction, several methods have also leveraged its underlying architecture to improve dynamics and enhanced sampling of conformational ensembles, including AlphaFold2-RAVE. Here, we extend AlphaFold2-RAVE and apply it to a set of kinases: the wild type DDR1 sequence and three mutants with single point mutations that are known to behave drastically differently. We show that AlphaFold2-RAVE is able to efficiently recover the changes in relative stability using transferable learned order parameters and potentials, thereby supplementing AlphaFold2 as a tool for exploration of Boltzmann-weighted protein conformations (Meller, A.; Bhakat, S.; Solieva, S.; Bowman, G. R. Accelerating Cryptic Pocket Discovery Using AlphaFold. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2023, 19, 4355-4363).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodhi P. Vani
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Akashnathan Aranganathan
- Biophysics Program and Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Pratyush Tiwary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
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14
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Baselious F, Hilscher S, Robaa D, Barinka C, Schutkowski M, Sippl W. Comparative Structure-Based Virtual Screening Utilizing Optimized AlphaFold Model Identifies Selective HDAC11 Inhibitor. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1358. [PMID: 38279359 PMCID: PMC10816272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
HDAC11 is a class IV histone deacylase with no crystal structure reported so far. The catalytic domain of HDAC11 shares low sequence identity with other HDAC isoforms, which makes conventional homology modeling less reliable. AlphaFold is a machine learning approach that can predict the 3D structure of proteins with high accuracy even in absence of similar structures. However, the fact that AlphaFold models are predicted in the absence of small molecules and ions/cofactors complicates their utilization for drug design. Previously, we optimized an HDAC11 AlphaFold model by adding the catalytic zinc ion and minimization in the presence of reported HDAC11 inhibitors. In the current study, we implement a comparative structure-based virtual screening approach utilizing the previously optimized HDAC11 AlphaFold model to identify novel and selective HDAC11 inhibitors. The stepwise virtual screening approach was successful in identifying a hit that was subsequently tested using an in vitro enzymatic assay. The hit compound showed an IC50 value of 3.5 µM for HDAC11 and could selectively inhibit HDAC11 over other HDAC subtypes at 10 µM concentration. In addition, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations to further confirm the binding hypothesis obtained by the docking study. These results reinforce the previously presented AlphaFold optimization approach and confirm the applicability of AlphaFold models in the search for novel inhibitors for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fady Baselious
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (F.B.); (S.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Sebastian Hilscher
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (F.B.); (S.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Dina Robaa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (F.B.); (S.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Cyril Barinka
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic;
| | - Mike Schutkowski
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Department of Enzymology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (F.B.); (S.H.); (D.R.)
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15
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Coskun D, Lihan M, Rodrigues JPGLM, Vass M, Robinson D, Friesner RA, Miller EB. Using AlphaFold and Experimental Structures for the Prediction of the Structure and Binding Affinities of GPCR Complexes via Induced Fit Docking and Free Energy Perturbation. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:477-489. [PMID: 38100422 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Free energy perturbation (FEP) remains an indispensable method for computationally assaying prospective compounds in advance of synthesis. However, before FEP can be deployed prospectively, it must demonstrate retrospective recapitulation of known experimental data where the subtle details of the atomic ligand-receptor model are consequential. An open question is whether AlphaFold models can serve as useful initial models for FEP in the regime where there exists a congeneric series of known chemical matter but where no experimental structures are available either of the target or of close homologues. As AlphaFold structures are provided without a bound ligand, we employ induced fit docking to refine the AlphaFold models in the presence of one or more congeneric ligands. In this work, we first validate the performance of our latest induced fit docking technology, IFD-MD, on a retrospective set of public experimental GPCR structures with 95% of cross-docks producing a pose with a ligand RMSD ≤ 2.5 Å in the top two predictions. We then apply IFD-MD and FEP on AlphaFold models of the somatostatin receptor family of GPCRs. We use AlphaFold models produced prior to the availability of any experimental structure from this family. We arrive at FEP-validated models for SSTR2, SSTR4, and SSTR5, with RMSE around 1 kcal/mol, and explore the challenges of model validation under scenarios of limited ligand data, ample ligand data, and categorical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Coskun
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Muyun Lihan
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | | | - Márton Vass
- Schrödinger Technologies Limited, Davidson House, First Floor, Reading RG1 3 EU, U.K
| | - Daniel Robinson
- Schrödinger Technologies Limited, Davidson House, First Floor, Reading RG1 3 EU, U.K
| | - Richard A Friesner
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, MC 3110, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Edward B Miller
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, New York 10036, United States
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16
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Pandya V, Rao P, Prajapati J, Rawal RM, Goswami D. Pinpointing top inhibitors for GSK3β from pool of indirubin derivatives using rigorous computational workflow and their validation using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Sci Rep 2024; 14:49. [PMID: 38168595 PMCID: PMC10761884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) is a pivotal protein kinase implicated in a spectrum of debilitating diseases, encompassing cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. While the therapeutic potential of GSK3β inhibition is widely recognized, there remains an unmet need for a rigorous, systematic analysis probing the theoretical inhibition dynamics of a comprehensive library of indirubin derivatives against GSK3β using advanced computational methodologies. Addressing this gap, this study embarked on an ambitious endeavor, leveraging indirubin-a renowned scaffold-as a template to curate a vast library of 1000 indirubin derivatives from PubChem. These were enriched with varied substitutions and modifications, identified via a structure similarity search with a Tanimoto similarity threshold of 85%. Harnessing a robust virtual screening workflow, we meticulously identified the top 10 contenders based on XP docking scores. Delving deeper, we gauged the binding free energy differentials (ΔGBind) of these hits, spotlighting the top three compounds that showcased unparalleled binding prowess. A comparative pharmacophore feature mapping with the reference inhibitor OH8, co-crystallized with GSK3β (PDB ID: 6Y9R), was undertaken. The binding dynamics of these elite compounds were further corroborated with 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, underlining their stable and potent interactions with GSK3β. Remarkably, our findings unveil that these indirubin derivatives not only match but, in certain scenarios, surpass the binding affinity and specificity of OH8. By bridging this research chasm, our study amplifies the therapeutic promise of indirubin derivatives, positioning them as frontrunners in the quest for groundbreaking GSK3β inhibitors, potentially revolutionizing treatments for a myriad of ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamangi Pandya
- L. J. School of Applied Sciences, L. J. University, Sarkhej, Ahmedabad, 380051, India.
| | - Priyashi Rao
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Jignesh Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Rakesh M Rawal
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
- Department of Life Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Dweipayan Goswami
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
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17
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Panwar U, Murali A, Khan MA, Selvaraj C, Singh SK. Virtual Screening Process: A Guide in Modern Drug Designing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2714:21-31. [PMID: 37676591 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3441-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to its capacity to drastically cut the cost and time necessary for experimental screening of compounds, virtual screening (VS) has grown to be a crucial component of drug discovery and development. VS is a computational method used in drug design to identify potential drugs from enormous libraries of chemicals. This approach makes use of molecular modeling and docking simulations to assess the small molecule's ability to bind to the desired protein. Virtual screening has a bright future, as high computational power and modern techniques are likely to further enhance the accuracy and speed of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umesh Panwar
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Molecular Modelling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Science Block, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aarthy Murali
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Molecular Modelling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Science Block, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohammad Aqueel Khan
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Molecular Modelling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Science Block, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chandrabose Selvaraj
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Molecular Modelling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Science Block, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Data Sciences, Centre of Biomedical Research, SGPGIMS Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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18
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González JEH, Salas-Sarduy E, Alvarez LH, Valiente PA, Arni RK, Pascutti PG. Three Decades of Targeting Falcipains to Develop Antiplasmodial Agents: What have we Learned and What can be Done Next? Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2234-2263. [PMID: 37711130 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230913165219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a devastating infectious disease that affects large swathes of human populations across the planet's tropical regions. It is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being responsible for the most lethal form of the disease. During the intraerythrocytic stage in the human hosts, malaria parasites multiply and degrade hemoglobin (Hb) using a battery of proteases, which include two cysteine proteases, falcipains 2 and 3 (FP-2 and FP-3). Due to their role as major hemoglobinases, FP-2 and FP-3 have been targeted in studies aiming to discover new antimalarials and numerous inhibitors with activity against these enzymes, and parasites in culture have been identified. Nonetheless, cross-inhibition of human cysteine cathepsins remains a serious hurdle to overcome for these compounds to be used clinically. In this article, we have reviewed key functional and structural properties of FP-2/3 and described different compound series reported as inhibitors of these proteases during decades of active research in the field. Special attention is also paid to the wide range of computer-aided drug design (CADD) techniques successfully applied to discover new active compounds. Finally, we provide guidelines that, in our understanding, will help advance the rational discovery of new FP-2/3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Enrique Hernández González
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation, IBILCE/UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UZA II, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Emir Salas-Sarduy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo Ugalde, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnología (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Pedro Alberto Valiente
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Pedro Geraldo Pascutti
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Dinâmica Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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19
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Mittal L, Tonk RK, Awasthi A, Asthana S. Harnessing the druggability at orthosteric and allosteric sites of PD-1 for small molecule discovery by an integrated in silico pipeline. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 107:107965. [PMID: 37826990 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 interaction is a promising target for small molecule inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy, but targeting this interface has been challenging. While efforts have been made to identify compounds that target the orthosteric sites, no reports have explored the potential of small molecules to target the allosteric region of PD-1. Therefore, our study aims to establish a pipeline to identify small molecules that can effectively bind to either the orthosteric or allosteric pockets of PD-1. We categorized the PD-1 interface into two hot-spot zones (P-and N-zones) based on extensive analysis of its structural, dynamical, and energetic properties. These zones correspond to the orthosteric and allosteric PPI sites, respectively, targeted by monoclonal antibodies. We used a guided virtual screening workflow to identify hits from ∼7 million compounds library, which were then clustered based on structural similarity and assessed by interaction fingerprinting. The selective and diverse chemical representatives were subjected to MD simulations and binding energetics calculations to filter out false positives and identify actual binders. Binding poses metadynamics calculations confirmed the stability of the final hits in the pocket. This study emphasizes the need for an integrated pipeline that uses molecular dynamics simulations and binding energetics to identify potential binders for the dynamic PD-1/PD-L1 interface, due to the lack of small molecule co-crystals. Only a few potential binders were discovered from a large pool of molecules targeting both the allosteric and orthosteric zones. Our results suggest that the allosteric site has more potential than the orthosteric site for inhibitor design. The identified "computational hits" hold potential as starting points for in vitro evaluations followed by hit-to-lead optimization. Overall, this study represents an effort to establish a computational pipeline for exploring and enriching both the allosteric and orthosteric sites of PPI interfaces, "a tough but indispensable nut to crack".
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovika Mittal
- Computational Biophysics and CADD group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India; Delhi Pharmaceutical Science Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, India
| | - Rajiv K Tonk
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Science Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Computational Biophysics and CADD group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shailendra Asthana
- Computational Biophysics and CADD group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India.
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20
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Saar A, Ghahremanpour MM, Tirado-Rives J, Jorgensen WL. Assessing Metadynamics and Docking for Absolute Binding Free Energy Calculations Using Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Main Protease Inhibitors. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7210-7218. [PMID: 37934762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Absolute binding free energy (ABFE) calculations can be an important part of the drug discovery process by identifying molecules that have the potential to be strong binders for a biomolecular target. Recent work has used free energy perturbation (FEP) theory for these calculations, focusing on a set of 16 inhibitors of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease (Mpro). Herein, the same data set is evaluated by metadynamics (MetaD), four different docking programs, and molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation. MetaD yields a Kendall τ distance of 0.28 and Pearson r2 of 0.49, which reflect somewhat less accuracy than that from the ABFE FEP results. Notably, it is demonstrated that an ensemble docking protocol by which each ligand is docked into the 13 crystal structures in this data set provides improved performance, particularly when docking is carried out with Glide XP (Kendall τ distance = 0.20, Pearson r2 = 0.71), Glide SP (Kendall τ distance = 0.19, Pearson r2 = 0.66), or AutoDock 4 (Kendall τ distance = 0.21, Pearson r2 = 0.55). The best results are obtained with "superconsensus" docking by averaging the 52 results for each compound using the 4 docking protocols and all 13 crystal structures (Kendall τ distance = 0.18, Pearson r2 = 0.73).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Saar
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | | | - Julian Tirado-Rives
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - William L Jorgensen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
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21
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Barrera-Téllez FJ, Prieto-Martínez FD, Hernández-Campos A, Martínez-Mayorga K, Castillo-Bocanegra R. In Silico Exploration of the Trypanothione Reductase (TryR) of L. mexicana. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16046. [PMID: 38003236 PMCID: PMC10671491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease which affects nearly 1.5 million people every year, with Mexico being an important endemic region. One of the major defense mechanisms of these parasites is based in the polyamine metabolic pathway, as it provides the necessary compounds for its survival. Among the enzymes in this route, trypanothione reductase (TryR), an oxidoreductase enzyme, is crucial for the Leishmania genus' survival against oxidative stress. Thus, it poses as an attractive drug target, yet due to the size and features of its catalytic pocket, modeling techniques such as molecular docking focusing on that region is not convenient. Herein, we present a computational study using several structure-based approaches to assess the druggability of TryR from L. mexicana, the predominant Leishmania species in Mexico, beyond its catalytic site. Using this consensus methodology, three relevant pockets were found, of which the one we call σ-site promises to be the most favorable one. These findings may help the design of new drugs of trypanothione-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Barrera-Téllez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando D. Prieto-Martínez
- Instituto de Química, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Mérida-Tetiz, Km. 4.5, Ucú 97357, Mexico
| | - Alicia Hernández-Campos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Karina Martínez-Mayorga
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sierra Papacal, Mérida 97302, Mexico
| | - Rafael Castillo-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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22
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Keiff F, Jacques Dit Lapierre TJW, Bernal FA, Kloss F. Design and synthesis of benzofuran- and naphthalene-fused thiazinones as antimycobacterial agents. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300356. [PMID: 37667452 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Benzothiazinones (BTZs) have widely inspired medicinal chemistry and translational research due to their remarkable antitubercular potency and clinical potential. While most structure-activity relationship campaigns have largely focused on lateral chain modifications and substituents on the BTZ core, scaffold hopping strategies have been rarely investigated previously. In this work, we report the first example of ring expansion of the BTZ core toward benzofuran- and naphthalene-fused thiazinones. In vitro testing showed micromolar activity for both compounds, and molecular docking simulations provided insights into their reduced inhibitory capacity toward the enzymatic target (DprE1). Calculated electrochemical potentials revealed a lower susceptibility to reduction as opposed to BTZ drug candidates, in line with the mechanistic requirement for covalent binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Keiff
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Freddy A Bernal
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Kloss
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
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23
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Li Y, Liu S, Xu X, Xu J, Yang L, Hu L. Integrated molecular modeling and dynamics approaches revealed the mechanism of selective inhibition of HDAC6/8. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37870047 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2272751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The high structural homology of histone deacetylases 6 and 8 (HDAC6/8) poses a challenge in achieving isoform selectivity and has resulted in adverse side effects due to pan-inhibition in clinical applications. Additionally, the rational design of dual-target inhibitors, centered on HDAC6/8, demands a profound understanding of their selectivity mechanisms. Addressing the urgent need for enhanced specificity in the development of inhibitors targeting specific isoforms, we elucidate the mechanism underpinning the selective inhibition of HDAC6/8 inhibitors through in-silico strategies. The hydrogen bonding interaction with Asp101 and Tyr306 is a key factor that enables compound 12b to selectively inhibit HDAC8. Its favorable spatial orientation places the Cap group of 12b between Tyr306 and Tyr100, resulting in an overall L-shaped conformation. These two factors significantly contribute to the selective inhibitory activity of 12b against HDAC8. The zinc binding group (ZBG) of compound NN-390 forms a hydrogen bond with His610, a key residue of HDAC6, facilitating stable chelation with zinc ions. In addition, the Cap group of NN-390 interacts with Phe620 and Phe680 via van der Waals forces, leading to an overall Y-shaped conformation. The aforementioned factors are the main reasons for the selective inhibition of HDAC6 by NN-390. Furthermore, whether the Cap group is in the para or meta-position will influence the selective inhibition of either HDAC6 or HDAC8. We believe these clues can offer valuable insights for the rational design of selective inhibitors targeting HDAC6/8 and pave the way for rational design of dual-target HDAC6/8-based inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiamin Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Leifu Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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24
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Das AP, Nandekar P, Mathur P, Agarwal SM. A systematic pipeline of protein structure selection for computer-aided drug discovery: A case study on T790M/L858R mutant EGFR structures. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4740. [PMID: 37515373 PMCID: PMC10443354 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Virtual screening (VS) is a routine method to evaluate chemical libraries for lead identification. Therefore, the selection of appropriate protein structures for VS is an essential prerequisite to identify true actives during docking. But the presence of several crystal structures of the same protein makes it difficult to select one or few structures rationally for screening. Therefore, a computational prioritization protocol has been developed for shortlisting crystal structures that identify true active molecules with better efficiency. As identification of small-molecule inhibitors is an important clinical requirement for the T790M/L858R (TMLR) EGFR mutant, it has been selected as a case study. The approach involves cross-docking of 21 co-crystal ligands with all the structures of the same protein to select structures that dock non-native ligands with lower RMSD. The cross docking performance was then correlated with ligand similarity and binding-site conformational similarity. Eventually, structures were shortlisted by integrating cross-docking performance, and ligand and binding-site similarity. Thereafter, binding pose metadynamics was employed to identify structures having stable co-crystal ligands in their respective binding pockets. Finally, different enrichment metrics like BEDROC, RIE, AUAC, and EF1% were evaluated leading to the identification of five TMLR structures (5HCX, 5CAN, 5CAP, 5CAS, and 5CAO). These structures docked a number of non-native ligands with low RMSD, contain structurally dissimilar ligands, have conformationally dissimilar binding sites, harbor stable co-crystal ligands, and also identify true actives early. The present approach can be implemented for shortlisting protein targets of any other important therapeutic kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneesh Pratim Das
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR—National Institute of Cancer Prevention and ResearchNoidaUttar PradeshIndia
- Amity Institute of BiotechnologyAmity University Uttar PradeshNoidaUttar PradeshIndia
| | | | - Puniti Mathur
- Amity Institute of BiotechnologyAmity University Uttar PradeshNoidaUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Subhash M. Agarwal
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR—National Institute of Cancer Prevention and ResearchNoidaUttar PradeshIndia
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25
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Smith Z, Strobel M, Vani BP, Tiwary P. Graph Attention Site Prediction (GrASP): Identifying Druggable Binding Sites Using Graph Neural Networks with Attention. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.25.550565. [PMID: 37546775 PMCID: PMC10402091 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.25.550565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and discovering druggable protein binding sites is an important early step in computer-aided drug discovery but remains a difficult task where most campaigns rely on a priori knowledge of binding sites from experiments. Here we present a novel binding site prediction method called Graph Attention Site Prediction (GrASP) and re-evaluate assumptions in nearly every step in the site prediction workflow from dataset preparation to model evaluation. GrASP is able to achieve state-of-the-art performance at recovering binding sites in PDB structures while maintaining a high degree of precision which will minimize wasted computation in downstream tasks such as docking and free energy perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Smith
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Michael Strobel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Bodhi P. Vani
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
| | - Pratyush Tiwary
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA
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26
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Lammi C, Fassi EMA, Manenti M, Brambilla M, Conti M, Li J, Roda G, Camera M, Silvani A, Grazioso G. Computational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Diimidazole Analogues Endowed with Dual PCSK9/HMG-CoAR-Inhibiting Activity. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37261954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is responsible for the degradation of the hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which regulates circulating cholesterol levels. Consequently, the PCSK9 inhibition is a valuable therapeutic approach for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases. In our studies, we discovered Rim13, a polyimidazole derivative reducing the protein-protein interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR with an IC50 of 1.6 μM. The computational design led to the optimization of the shape of the PCSK9/ligand complementarity, enabling the discovery of potent diimidazole derivatives. In fact, carrying out biological assays to fully characterize the cholesterol-lowering activity of the new analogues and using both biochemical and cellular techniques, compound Dim16 displayed improved PCSK9 inhibitory activity (IC50 0.9 nM). Interestingly, similar to other lupin-derived peptides and their synthetic analogues, some compounds in this series showed dual hypocholesterolemic activity since some of them complementarily inhibited the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lammi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico M A Fassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Manenti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Brambilla
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Conti
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Jianqiang Li
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Roda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Camera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Silvani
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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27
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Sahu A, Gaur M, Mahanandia NC, Subudhi E, Swain RP, Subudhi BB. Identification of core therapeutic targets for Monkeypox virus and repurposing potential of drugs against them: An in silico approach. Comput Biol Med 2023; 161:106971. [PMID: 37211001 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (mpox virus) outbreak has rapidly spread to 82 non-endemic countries. Although it primarily causes skin lesions, secondary complications and high mortality (1-10%) in vulnerable populations have made it an emerging threat. Since there is no specific vaccine/antiviral, it is desirable to repurpose existing drugs against mpox virus. With little knowledge about the lifecycle of mpox virus, identifying potential inhibitors is a challenge. Nevertheless, the available genomes of mpox virus in public databases represent a goldmine of untapped possibilities to identify druggable targets for the structure-based identification of inhibitors. Leveraging this resource, we combined genomics and subtractive proteomics to identify highly druggable core proteins of mpox virus. This was followed by virtual screening to identify inhibitors with affinities for multiple targets. 125 publicly available genomes of mpox virus were mined to identify 69 highly conserved proteins. These proteins were then curated manually. These curated proteins were funnelled through a subtractive proteomics pipeline to identify 4 highly druggable, non-host homologous targets namely; A20R, I7L, Top1B and VETFS. High-throughput virtual screening of 5893 highly curated approved/investigational drugs led to the identification of common as well as unique potential inhibitors with high binding affinities. The common inhibitors, i.e., batefenterol, burixafor and eluxadoline were further validated by molecular dynamics simulation to identify their best potential binding modes. The affinity of these inhibitors suggests their repurposing potential. This work can encourage further experimental validation for possible therapeutic management of mpox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Sahu
- Drug Development and Analysis Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, 751030, India
| | - Mahendra Gaur
- Drug Development and Analysis Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, 751030, India; Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, India
| | - Nimai Charan Mahanandia
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Enketeswara Subudhi
- Centre for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, 751030, India
| | - Ranjit Prasad Swain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, 751030, India
| | - Bharat Bhusan Subudhi
- Drug Development and Analysis Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, 751030, India.
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28
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Ahalawat N, Sahil M, Mondal J. Resolving Protein Conformational Plasticity and Substrate Binding via Machine Learning. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:2644-2657. [PMID: 37068044 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
A long-standing target in elucidating the biomolecular recognition process is the identification of binding-competent conformations of the receptor protein. However, protein conformational plasticity and the stochastic nature of the recognition processes often preclude the assignment of a specific protein conformation to an individual ligand-bound pose. Here, we demonstrate that a computational framework coined as RF-TICA-MD, which integrates an ensemble decision-tree-based Random Forest (RF) machine learning (ML) technique with an unsupervised dimension reduction approach time-structured independent component analysis (TICA), provides an efficient and unambiguous solution toward resolving protein conformational plasticity and the substrate binding process. In particular, we consider multimicrosecond-long molecular dynamics (MD) simulation trajectories of a ligand recognition process in solvent-inaccessible cavities of archetypal proteins T4 lysozyme and cytochrome P450cam. We show that in a scenario in which clear correspondence between protein conformation and binding-competent macrostates could not be obtained via an unsupervised dimension reduction approach, an a priori decision-tree-based supervised classification of the simulated recognition trajectories via RF would help characterize key amino acid residue pairs of the protein that are deemed sensitive for ligand binding. A subsequent unsupervised dimensional reduction of the selected residue pairs via TICA would then delineate a conformational landscape of protein which is able to demarcate ligand-bound poses from unbound ones. The proposed RF-TICA-MD approach is shown to be data agnostic and found to be robust when using other ML-based classification methods such as XGBoost. As a promising spinoff of the protocol, the framework is found to be capable of identifying distal protein locations which would be allosterically important for ligand binding and would characterize their roles in recognition pathways. A Python implementation of a proposed ML workflow is available in GitHub https://github.com/navjeet0211/rf-tica-md.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navjeet Ahalawat
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125 004, Haryana, India
| | - Mohammad Sahil
- Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Jagannath Mondal
- Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad 500046, India
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29
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Ojha AA, Srivastava A, Votapka LW, Amaro RE. Selectivity and Ranking of Tight-Binding JAK-STAT Inhibitors Using Markovian Milestoning with Voronoi Tessellations. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:2469-2482. [PMID: 37023323 PMCID: PMC10131228 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Janus kinases (JAK), a group of proteins in the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (NRTKs) family, play a crucial role in growth, survival, and angiogenesis. They are activated by cytokines through the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of a transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. JAK-STAT signaling pathways have significant roles in the regulation of cell division, apoptosis, and immunity. Identification of the V617F mutation in the Janus homology 2 (JH2) domain of JAK2 leading to myeloproliferative disorders has stimulated great interest in the drug discovery community to develop JAK2-specific inhibitors. However, such inhibitors should be selective toward JAK2 over other JAKs and display an extended residence time. Recently, novel JAK2/STAT5 axis inhibitors (N-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amino derivatives) have displayed extended residence times (hours or longer) on target and adequate selectivity excluding JAK3. To facilitate a deeper understanding of the kinase-inhibitor interactions and advance the development of such inhibitors, we utilize a multiscale Markovian milestoning with Voronoi tessellations (MMVT) approach within the Simulation-Enabled Estimation of Kinetic Rates v.2 (SEEKR2) program to rank order these inhibitors based on their kinetic properties and further explain the selectivity of JAK2 inhibitors over JAK3. Our approach investigates the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of JAK-inhibitor complexes in a user-friendly, fast, efficient, and accurate manner compared to other brute force and hybrid-enhanced sampling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Anand Ojha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ambuj Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Lane William Votapka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Rommie E Amaro
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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30
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Patel CN, Mall R, Bensmail H. AI-driven drug repurposing and binding pose meta dynamics identifies novel targets for Monkeypox virus. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:799-807. [PMID: 36966703 PMCID: PMC10014505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) was confirmed in May 2022 and designated a global health emergency by WHO in July 2022. MPX virions are big, enclosed, brick-shaped, and contain a linear, double-stranded DNA genome as well as enzymes. MPXV particles bind to the host cell membrane via a variety of viral-host protein interactions. As a result, the wrapped structure is a potential therapeutic target. DeepRepurpose, an artificial intelligence-based compound-viral proteins interaction framework, was used via a transfer learning setting to prioritize a set of FDA approved and investigational drugs which can potentially inhibit MPXV viral proteins. To filter and narrow down the lead compounds from curated collections of pharmaceutical compounds, we used a rigorous computational framework that included homology modeling, molecular docking, dynamic simulations, binding free energy calculations, and binding pose metadynamics. We identified Elvitegravir as a potential inhibitor of MPXV virus using our comprehensive pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag N. Patel
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Science, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad-380009, India,Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Frederick, MD-21702, USA
| | - Raghvendra Mall
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee-38105, USA,Biotechnology Research Center, Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi-9639, United Arab Emirates,Corresponding author at: Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee-38105, USA
| | - Halima Bensmail
- Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha-34110, Qatar,Corresponding author
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31
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Yu Y, Xu S, He R, Liang G. Application of Molecular Simulation Methods in Food Science: Status and Prospects. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:2684-2703. [PMID: 36719790 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Molecular simulation methods, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, and quantum chemical (QC) calculation, have become popular as characterization and/or virtual screening tools because they can visually display interaction details that in vitro experiments can not capture and quickly screen bioactive compounds from large databases with millions of molecules. Currently, interdisciplinary research has expanded molecular simulation technology from computer aided drug design (CADD) to food science. More food scientists are supporting their hypotheses/results with this technology. To understand better the use of molecular simulation methods, it is necessary to systematically summarize the latest applications and usage trends of molecular simulation methods in the research field of food science. However, this type of review article is rare. To bridge this gap, we have comprehensively summarized the principle, combination usage, and application of molecular simulation methods in food science. We also analyzed the limitations and future trends and offered valuable strategies with the latest technologies to help food scientists use molecular simulation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuandong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing400030, China
| | - Shiqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing400030, China
| | - Ran He
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing400030, China
| | - Guizhao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing400030, China
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Kamal IM, Chakrabarti S. MetaDOCK: A Combinatorial Molecular Docking Approach. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:5850-5860. [PMID: 36816658 PMCID: PMC9933224 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Molecular docking plays a major role in academic and industrial drug screening and discovery processes. Despite the availability of numerous docking software packages, there is a lot of scope for improvement for the docking algorithms in terms of becoming more reliable to replicate the experimental binding results. Here, we propose a combinatorial or consensus docking approach where complementary powers of the existing methods are captured. We created a meta-docking protocol by combining the results of AutoDock4.2, LeDock, and rDOCK programs as these are freely available, easy to use, and suitable for large-scale analysis and produced better performance on benchmarking studies. Rigorous benchmarking analyses were undertaken to evaluate the scoring, posing, and screening capability of our approach. Further, the performance measures were compared against one standard state-of-the-art commercial docking software, GOLD, and one freely available software, PLANTS. Performances of MetaDOCK for scoring, posing, and screening the protein-ligand complexes were found to be quite superior compared to the reference programs. Exhaustive molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann and surface area-based free energy estimation also suggest better energetic stability of the docking solutions produced by our meta-approach. We believe that the MetaDOCK approach is a useful packaging of the freely available software and provides a better alternative to the scientific community who are unable to afford costly commercial packages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izaz Monir Kamal
- Division
of Structural Biology & Bioinformatics, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Salt Lake, Sector V, Kolkata 700032, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Saikat Chakrabarti
- Division
of Structural Biology & Bioinformatics, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Salt Lake, Sector V, Kolkata 700032, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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Jin H, Wu C, Su R, Sun T, Li X, Guo C. Identifying Dopamine D3 Receptor Ligands through Virtual Screening and Exploring the Binding Modes of Hit Compounds. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28020527. [PMID: 36677583 PMCID: PMC9862751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is an important central nervous system target for treating various neurological diseases. D3R antagonists modulate the improvement of psychostimulant addiction and relapse, while D3R agonists can enhance the response to dopaminergic stimulation and have potential applications in treating Parkinson’s disease, which highlights the importance of identifying novel D3R ligands. Therefore, we performed auto dock Vina-based virtual screening and D3R-binding-affinity assays to identify human D3R ligands with diverse structures. All molecules in the ChemDiv library (>1,500,000) were narrowed down to a final set of 37 molecules for the binding assays. Twenty-seven compounds exhibited over 50% inhibition of D3R at a concentration of 10 μM, and 23 compounds exhibited over 70% D3R inhibition at a concentration of 10 μM. Thirteen compounds exhibited over 80% inhibition of D3R at a concentration of 10 μM and the IC50 values were measured. The IC50 values of the five compounds with the highest D3R-inhibition rates ranged from 0.97 μM to 1.49 μM. These hit compounds exhibited good structural diversity, which prompted us to investigate their D3R-binding modes. After trial and error, we combined unbiased molecular dynamics simulation (MD) and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) binding free-energy calculations with the reported protein−ligand-binding pose prediction method using induced-fit docking (IFD) and binding pose metadynamics (BPMD) simulations into a self-consistent and computationally efficient method for predicting and verifying the binding poses of the hit ligands to D3R. Using this IFD-BPMD-MD-MM/GBSA method, we obtained more accurate and reliable D3R−ligand-binding poses than were obtained using the reported IFD-BPMD method. This IFD-BPMD-MD-MM/GBSA method provides a novel paradigm and reference for predicting and validating other protein−ligand binding poses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chengjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Rui Su
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tiemin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (X.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Xingzhou Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (X.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Chun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (X.L.); (C.G.)
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34
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Chang Y, Hawkins BA, Du JJ, Groundwater PW, Hibbs DE, Lai F. A Guide to In Silico Drug Design. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010049. [PMID: 36678678 PMCID: PMC9867171 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The drug discovery process is a rocky path that is full of challenges, with the result that very few candidates progress from hit compound to a commercially available product, often due to factors, such as poor binding affinity, off-target effects, or physicochemical properties, such as solubility or stability. This process is further complicated by high research and development costs and time requirements. It is thus important to optimise every step of the process in order to maximise the chances of success. As a result of the recent advancements in computer power and technology, computer-aided drug design (CADD) has become an integral part of modern drug discovery to guide and accelerate the process. In this review, we present an overview of the important CADD methods and applications, such as in silico structure prediction, refinement, modelling and target validation, that are commonly used in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Chang
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bryson A. Hawkins
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathan J. Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Paul W. Groundwater
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David E. Hibbs
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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35
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Salas-Estrada L, Fiorillo B, Filizola M. Metadynamics simulations leveraged by statistical analyses and artificial intelligence-based tools to inform the discovery of G protein-coupled receptor ligands. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1099715. [PMID: 36619585 PMCID: PMC9816996 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1099715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of membrane proteins with pluridimensional signaling profiles. They undergo ligand-specific conformational changes, which in turn lead to the differential activation of intracellular signaling proteins and the consequent triggering of a variety of biological responses. This conformational plasticity directly impacts our understanding of GPCR signaling and therapeutic implications, as do ligand-specific kinetic differences in GPCR-induced transducer activation/coupling or GPCR-transducer complex stability. High-resolution experimental structures of ligand-bound GPCRs in the presence or absence of interacting transducers provide important, yet limited, insights into the highly dynamic process of ligand-induced activation or inhibition of these receptors. We and others have complemented these studies with computational strategies aimed at characterizing increasingly accurate metastable conformations of GPCRs using a combination of metadynamics simulations, state-of-the-art algorithms for statistical analyses of simulation data, and artificial intelligence-based tools. This minireview provides an overview of these approaches as well as lessons learned from them towards the identification of conformational states that may be difficult or even impossible to characterize experimentally and yet important to discover new GPCR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Filizola
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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36
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Lukauskis D, Samways ML, Aureli S, Cossins BP, Taylor RD, Gervasio FL. Open Binding Pose Metadynamics: An Effective Approach for the Ranking of Protein-Ligand Binding Poses. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:6209-6216. [PMID: 36401553 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Predicting the correct pose of a ligand binding to a protein and its associated binding affinity is of great importance in computer-aided drug discovery. A number of approaches have been developed to these ends, ranging from the widely used fast molecular docking to the computationally expensive enhanced sampling molecular simulations. In this context, methods such as coarse-grained metadynamics and binding pose metadynamics (BPMD) use simulations with metadynamics biasing to probe the binding affinity without trying to fully converge the binding free energy landscape in order to decrease the computational cost. In BPMD, the metadynamics bias perturbs the ligand away from the initial pose. The resistance of the ligand to this bias is used to calculate a stability score. The method has been shown to be useful in reranking predicted binding poses from docking. Here, we present OpenBPMD, an open-source Python reimplementation and reinterpretation of BPMD. OpenBPMD is powered by the OpenMM simulation engine and uses a revised scoring function. The algorithm was validated by testing it on a wide range of targets and showing that it matches or exceeds the performance of the original BPMD. We also investigated the role of accurate water positioning on the performance of the algorithm and showed how the combination with a grand-canonical Monte Carlo algorithm improves the accuracy of the predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominykas Lukauskis
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, LondonWC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simone Aureli
- Biomolecular and Pharmaceutical Modelling Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH1211Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, CH1211Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin P Cossins
- UCB, 216 Bath Road, SloughSL1 3WE, United Kingdom.,Exscientia Ltd., The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, OxfordOX4 4GE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francesco Luigi Gervasio
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, LondonWC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.,Biomolecular and Pharmaceutical Modelling Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH1211Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, CH1211Geneva, Switzerland.,UCB, 216 Bath Road, SloughSL1 3WE, United Kingdom
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37
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Gumede NJ. Pathfinder-Driven Chemical Space Exploration and Multiparameter Optimization in Tandem with Glide/IFD and QSAR-Based Active Learning Approach to Prioritize Design Ideas for FEP+ Calculations of SARS-CoV-2 PL pro Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 27:8569. [PMID: 36500659 PMCID: PMC9741453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that started in 2020 and has wreaked havoc on humanity still ravages up until now. As a result, the negative impact of travel restrictions and lockdowns has underscored the importance of our preparedness for future pandemics. The main thrust of this work was based on addressing this need by traversing chemical space to design inhibitors that target the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro). Pathfinder-based retrosynthesis analysis was used to generate analogs of GRL-0617 using commercially available building blocks by replacing the naphthalene moiety. A total of 10 models were built using active learning QSAR, which achieved good statistical results such as an R2 > 0.70, Q2 > 0.64, STD Dev < 0.30, and RMSE < 0.31, on average for all models. A total of 35 ideas were further prioritized for FEP+ calculations. The FEP+ results revealed that compound 45 was the most active compound in this series with a ΔG of −7.28 ± 0.96 kcal/mol. Compound 5 exhibited a ΔG of −6.78 ± 1.30 kcal/mol. The inactive compounds in this series were compound 91 and compound 23 with a ΔG of −5.74 ± 1.06 and −3.11 ± 1.45 kcal/mol. The combined strategy employed here is envisaged to be of great utility in multiparameter lead optimization efforts, to traverse chemical space, maintaining and/or improving the potency as well as the property space of synthetically aware design ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njabulo Joyfull Gumede
- Department of Chemistry, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs 4026, South Africa
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38
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Yang Z, Wang W, Qi Y, Yang Y, Chen CH, Liu JZ, Chu GX, Bao GH. Exploring new catechin derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitors from tea by molecular networking, surface plasma resonance, enzyme inhibition, induced fit docking, and metadynamics simulations. Comput Biol Med 2022; 151:106288. [PMID: 36401970 PMCID: PMC9652097 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (Mpro) is the critical cysteine protease in coronavirus viral replication. Tea polyphenols are effective Mpro inhibitors. Therefore, we aim to isolate and synthesize more novel tea polyphenols from Zhenghedabai (ZHDB) white tea methanol-water (MW) extracts that might inhibit COVID-19. Through molecular networking, 33 compounds were identified and divided into 5 clusters. Further, natural products molecular network (MN) analysis showed that MN1 has new phenylpropanoid-substituted ester-catechin (PSEC), and MN5 has the important basic compound type hydroxycinnamoylcatechins (HCCs). Thus, a new PSEC (1, PSEC636) was isolated, which can be further detected in 14 green tea samples. A series of HCCs were synthesized (2-6), including three new acetylated HCCs (3-5). Then we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to analyze the equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) for the interaction of 12 catechins and Mpro. The KD values of PSEC636 (1), EGC-C (2), and EC-CDA (3) were 2.25, 2.81, and 2.44 μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 1, 2, and 3 showed the potential Mpro inhibition with IC50 5.95 ± 0.17, 9.09 ± 0.22, and 23.10 ± 0.69 μM, respectively. Further, we used induced fit docking (IFD), binding pose metadynamics (BPMD), and molecular dynamics (MD) to explore the stable binding pose of Mpro-1, showing that 1 could tightly bond with the amino acid residues THR26, HIS41, CYS44, TYR54, GLU166, and ASP187. The computer modeling studies reveal that the ester, acetyl, and pyrogallol groups could improve inhibitory activity. Our research suggests that these catechins are effective Mpro inhibitors, and might be developed as therapeutics against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yang
- Natural Products Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Traditional Medicine Resources, West Anhui University, Lu'an, Anhui, 237012, China
| | - Yan Qi
- Natural Products Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Natural Products Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Chen-Hui Chen
- Natural Products Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jia-Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, 999078, Macau
| | - Gang-Xiu Chu
- School of Information and Computer, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China,Corresponding author
| | - Guan-Hu Bao
- Natural Products Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China,Corresponding author
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Sen S, Spasic A, Sinha A, Wang J, Bush M, Li J, Nešić D, Zhou Y, Angiulli G, Morgan P, Salas-Estrada L, Takagi J, Walz T, Coller BS, Filizola M. Structure-Based Discovery of a Novel Class of Small-Molecule Pure Antagonists of Integrin αVβ3. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5607-5621. [PMID: 36279366 PMCID: PMC9767310 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of integrin αVβ3 have therapeutic promise for a variety of diseases. Most αVβ3-targeting small molecules patterned after the RGD motif are partial agonists because they induce a high-affinity, ligand-binding conformation and prime the receptor to bind the ligand without an activating stimulus, in part via a charge-charge interaction between their aspartic acid carboxyl group and the metal ion in the metal-ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS). Building upon our previous studies on the related integrin αIIbβ3, we searched for pure αVβ3 antagonists that lack this typical aspartic acid carboxyl group and instead engage through direct binding to one of the coordinating residues of the MIDAS metal ion, specifically β3 E220. By in silico screening of two large chemical libraries for compounds interacting with β3 E220, we indeed discovered a novel molecule that does not contain an acidic carboxyl group and does not induce the high-affinity, ligand-binding state of the receptor. Functional and structural characterization of a chemically optimized version of this compound led to the discovery of a novel small-molecule pure αVβ3 antagonist that (i) does not prime the receptor to bind the ligand and does not induce hybrid domain swing-out or receptor extension as judged by antibody binding and negative-stain electron microscopy, (ii) binds at the RGD-binding site as predicted by metadynamics rescoring of induced-fit docking poses and confirmed by a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the compound-bound integrin, and (iii) coordinates the MIDAS metal ion via a quinoline moiety instead of an acidic carboxyl group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyo Sen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1677, New York, New York10029, United States
| | - Aleksandar Spasic
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1677, New York, New York10029, United States
| | - Anjana Sinha
- Allen and Frances Adler Laboratory of Blood and Vascular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 309, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Jialing Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Electron Microscopy, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 219, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Martin Bush
- Laboratory of Molecular Electron Microscopy, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 219, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Jihong Li
- Allen and Frances Adler Laboratory of Blood and Vascular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 309, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Dragana Nešić
- Allen and Frances Adler Laboratory of Blood and Vascular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 309, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Yuchen Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1677, New York, New York10029, United States
| | - Gabriella Angiulli
- Laboratory of Molecular Electron Microscopy, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 219, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Paul Morgan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1677, New York, New York10029, United States
| | - Leslie Salas-Estrada
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1677, New York, New York10029, United States
| | - Junichi Takagi
- Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Thomas Walz
- Laboratory of Molecular Electron Microscopy, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 219, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Barry S Coller
- Allen and Frances Adler Laboratory of Blood and Vascular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, P.O. Box 309, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Marta Filizola
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1677, New York, New York10029, United States
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40
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Bon M, Bilsland A, Bower J, McAulay K. Fragment-based drug discovery-the importance of high-quality molecule libraries. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3761-3777. [PMID: 35749608 PMCID: PMC9627785 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is now established as a complementary approach to high-throughput screening (HTS). Contrary to HTS, where large libraries of drug-like molecules are screened, FBDD screens involve smaller and less complex molecules which, despite a low affinity to protein targets, display more 'atom-efficient' binding interactions than larger molecules. Fragment hits can, therefore, serve as a more efficient start point for subsequent optimisation, particularly for hard-to-drug targets. Since the number of possible molecules increases exponentially with molecular size, small fragment libraries allow for a proportionately greater coverage of their respective 'chemical space' compared with larger HTS libraries comprising larger molecules. However, good library design is essential to ensure optimal chemical and pharmacophore diversity, molecular complexity, and physicochemical characteristics. In this review, we describe our views on fragment library design, and on what constitutes a good fragment from a medicinal and computational chemistry perspective. We highlight emerging chemical and computational technologies in FBDD and discuss strategies for optimising fragment hits. The impact of novel FBDD approaches is already being felt, with the recent approval of the covalent KRASG12C inhibitor sotorasib highlighting the utility of FBDD against targets that were long considered undruggable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bon
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Justin Bower
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Kirsten McAulay
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
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41
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Manish M, Mishra S, Anand A, Subbarao N. Computational molecular interaction between SARS-CoV-2 main protease and theaflavin digallate using free energy perturbation and molecular dynamics. Comput Biol Med 2022; 150:106125. [PMID: 36240593 PMCID: PMC9507791 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to identify the molecule which can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease and can be easily procured. Natural products may provide such molecules and can supplement the current custom chemical synthesis-based drug discovery for this objective. A combination of docking approaches, scoring functions, classical molecular dynamic simulation, binding pose metadynamics, and free energy perturbation calculations have been employed in this study. Theaflavin digallate has been observed in top-scoring compounds after the three independent virtual screening simulations of 598435 compounds (unique 27256 chemical entities). The main protease-theaflavin digallate complex interacts with critical active site residues of the main protease in molecular dynamics simulation independent of the explored computational framework, simulation time, initial structure, and force field used. Theaflavin digallate forms approximately three hydrogen bonds with Glutamate166 of main protease, primarily through hydroxyl groups in the benzene ring of benzo(7)annulen-6-one, along with other critical residues. Glu166 is the most critical amino acid for main protease dimerization, which is necessary for catalytic activity. The estimated binding free energy, calculated by Amber and Schrodinger MMGBSA module, reflects a high binding free energy between theaflavin digallate and main protease. Binding pose metadynamics simulation shows the highly persistent H-bond and a stable pose for the theaflavin digallate-main protease complex. Using method control, experimental controls, and test set, alchemical transformation studies confirm high relative binding free energy of theaflavin digallate with the main protease. Computational molecular interaction suggests that theaflavin digallate can inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Manish
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Smriti Mishra
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Ayush Anand
- BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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42
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Liu W, Liu Z, Liu H, Westerhoff LM, Zheng Z. Free Energy Calculations Using the Movable Type Method with Molecular Dynamics Driven Protein–Ligand Sampling. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5645-5665. [PMID: 36282990 PMCID: PMC9709919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fast and accurate biomolecular free energy estimation has been a significant interest for decades, and with recent advances in computer hardware, interest in new method development in this field has even grown. Thorough configurational state sampling using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations has long been applied to the estimation of the free energy change corresponding to the receptor-ligand complexing process. However, performing large-scale simulation is still a computational burden for the high-throughput hit screening. Among molecular modeling tools, docking and scoring methods are widely used during the early stages of the drug discovery process in that they can rapidly generate discrete receptor-ligand binding modes and their individual binding affinities. Unfortunately, the lack of thorough conformational sampling in docking and scoring protocols leads to difficulty discovering global minimum binding modes on a complicated energy landscape. The Movable Type (MT) method is a novel absolute binding free energy approach which has demonstrated itself to be robust across a wide range of targets and ligands. Traditionally, the MT method is used with protein-ligand binding modes generated with rigid-receptor or flexible-receptor (induced fit) docking protocols; however, these protocols are by their nature less likely to be effective with more highly flexible targets or with those situations in which binding involves multiple step pathways. In these situations, more thorough samplings are required to better explain the free energy of binding. Therefore, to explore the prediction capability and computational efficiency of the MT method when using more thorough protein-ligand conformational sampling protocols, in the present work, we introduced a series of binding mode modeling protocols ranging from conventional docking routines to single-trajectory conventional molecular dynamics (cMD) and parallel Monte Carlo molecular dynamics (MCMD). Through validation against several structurally and mechanistically diverse protein-ligand test sets, we explore the performance of the MT method as a virtual screening tool to work with the docking protocols and as an MD simulation-based binding free energy tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlang Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan430070, PR China
| | - Zhenhao Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan430070, PR China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan430070, PR China
| | | | - Zheng Zheng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan430070, PR China
- QuantumBio Inc., State College, Pennsylvania16801, United States
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Wang L, Wu C, Peng W, Zhou Z, Zeng J, Li X, Yang Y, Yu S, Zou Y, Huang M, Liu C, Chen Y, Li Y, Ti P, Liu W, Gao Y, Zheng W, Zhong H, Gao S, Lu Z, Ren PG, Ng HL, He J, Chen S, Xu M, Li Y, Chu J. A high-performance genetically encoded fluorescent indicator for in vivo cAMP imaging. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5363. [PMID: 36097007 PMCID: PMC9468011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32994-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
cAMP is a key second messenger that regulates diverse cellular functions including neural plasticity. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular cAMP in intact organisms are largely unknown due to low sensitivity and/or brightness of current genetically encoded fluorescent cAMP indicators. Here, we report the development of the new circularly permuted GFP (cpGFP)-based cAMP indicator G-Flamp1, which exhibits a large fluorescence increase (a maximum ΔF/F0 of 1100% in HEK293T cells), decent brightness, appropriate affinity (a Kd of 2.17 μM) and fast response kinetics (an association and dissociation half-time of 0.20 and 0.087 s, respectively). Furthermore, the crystal structure of the cAMP-bound G-Flamp1 reveals one linker connecting the cAMP-binding domain to cpGFP adopts a distorted β-strand conformation that may serve as a fluorescence modulation switch. We demonstrate that G-Flamp1 enables sensitive monitoring of endogenous cAMP signals in brain regions that are implicated in learning and motor control in living organisms such as fruit flies and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chunling Wu
- PKU-IDG-McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wanling Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ziliang Zhou
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
- Department of Oral Emergency and General Dentistry, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianzhi Zeng
- PKU-IDG-McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xuelin Li
- PKU-IDG-McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yini Yang
- PKU-IDG-McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shuguang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ye Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, 66506, KS, USA
| | - Mian Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, 66506, KS, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yefei Chen
- Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Panpan Ti
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wenfeng Liu
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yufeng Gao
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Haining Zhong
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, 97239, OR, USA
| | - Shangbang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Pei-Gen Ren
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ho Leung Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, 66506, KS, USA
| | - Jie He
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shoudeng Chen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Min Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yulong Li
- PKU-IDG-McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jun Chu
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, and Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Siemons N, Pearce D, Cendra C, Yu H, Tuladhar SM, Hallani RK, Sheelamanthula R, LeCroy GS, Siemons L, White AJP, McCulloch I, Salleo A, Frost JM, Giovannitti A, Nelson J. Impact of Side-Chain Hydrophilicity on Packing, Swelling, and Ion Interactions in Oxy-Bithiophene Semiconductors. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2204258. [PMID: 35946142 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exchanging hydrophobic alkyl-based side chains to hydrophilic glycol-based side chains is a widely adopted method for improving mixed-transport device performance, despite the impact on solid-state packing and polymer-electrolyte interactions being poorly understood. Presented here is a molecular dynamics (MD) force field for modeling alkoxylated and glycolated polythiophenes. The force field is validated against known packing motifs for their monomer crystals. MD simulations, coupled with X-ray diffraction (XRD), show that alkoxylated polythiophenes will pack with a "tilted stack" and straight interdigitating side chains, whilst their glycolated counterpart will pack with a "deflected stack" and an s-bend side-chain configuration. MD simulations reveal water penetration pathways into the alkoxylated and glycolated crystals-through the π-stack and through the lamellar stack respectively. Finally, the two distinct ways triethylene glycol polymers can bind to cations are revealed, showing the formation of a metastable single bound state, or an energetically deep double bound state, both with a strong side-chain length dependence. The minimum energy pathways for the formation of the chelates are identified, showing the physical process through which cations can bind to one or two side chains of a glycolated polythiophene, with consequences for ion transport in bithiophene semiconductors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Siemons
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Drew Pearce
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Camila Cendra
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sachetan M Tuladhar
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rawad K Hallani
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Solar Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajendar Sheelamanthula
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Solar Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Garrett S LeCroy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lucas Siemons
- Structural biology of cells and viruses laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Andrew J P White
- Chemical Crystallography Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Iain McCulloch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Alberto Salleo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jarvist M Frost
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alexander Giovannitti
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jenny Nelson
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Zhang X, Sun MY, Zhang X, Guo CR, Lei YT, Wang WH, Fan YZ, Cao P, Li CZ, Wang R, Li XH, Yu Y, Yang XN. Dynamic recognition of naloxone, morphine and endomorphin1 in the same pocket of µ-opioid receptors. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:925404. [PMID: 36052166 PMCID: PMC9424762 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.925404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine, the most widely used analgesic, relieves severe pain by activating the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), whereas naloxone, with only slight structural changes compared to morphine, exhibits inhibitory effect, and is used to treat opioid abuse. The mechanism by which the MOR distinguishes between the two is unclear. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a 1-μs time scale and metadynamics-enhanced conformational sampling are used here to determine the different interactions of these two ligands with MOR: morphine adjusted its pose by continuously flipping deeper into the pocket, whereas naloxone failed to penetrate deeper because its allyl group conflicts with several residues of MOR. The endogenous peptide ligand endomorphin-1 (EM-1) underwent almost no significant conformational changes during the MD simulations. To validate these processes, we employed GIRK4S143T, a MOR-activated Gβγ-protein effector, in combination with mutagenesis and electrophysiological recordings. We verified the role of some key residues in the dynamic recognition of naloxone and morphine and identified the key residue I322, which leads to differential recognition of morphine and naloxone while assisting EM-1 in activating MOR. Reducing the side chain size of I322 (MORI322A) transformed naloxone from an inhibitor directly into an agonist of MOR, and I322A also significantly attenuated the potency of MOR on EM-1, confirming that binding deep in the pocket is critical for the agonistic effect of MOR. This finding reveals a dynamic mechanism for the response of MOR to different ligands and provides a basis for the discovery of new ligands for MOR at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Yang Sun
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Run Guo
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Tao Lei
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Zhe Fan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang-Zhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xing-Hua Li
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Na Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy and State Key laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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46
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Xu T, Zhu K, Beautrait A, Vendome J, Borrelli KW, Abel R, Friesner RA, Miller EB. Induced-Fit Docking Enables Accurate Free Energy Perturbation Calculations in Homology Models. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:5710-5724. [PMID: 35972903 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Homology models have been used for virtual screening and to understand the binding mode of a known active compound; however, rarely have the models been shown to be of sufficient accuracy, comparable to crystal structures, to support free-energy perturbation (FEP) calculations. We demonstrate here that the use of an advanced induced-fit docking methodology reliably enables predictive FEP calculations on congeneric series across homology models ≥30% sequence identity. Furthermore, we show that retrospective FEP calculations on a congeneric series of drug-like ligands are sufficient to discriminate between predicted binding modes. Results are presented for a total of 29 homology models for 14 protein targets, showing FEP results comparable to those obtained using experimentally determined crystal structures for 86% of homology models with template structure sequence identities ranging from 30 to 50%. Implications for the use and validation of homology models in drug discovery projects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchuan Xu
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Kai Zhu
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | | | - Jeremie Vendome
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Kenneth W Borrelli
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Robert Abel
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Richard A Friesner
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, MC 3110, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Edward B Miller
- Schrödinger, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, United States
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47
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Sodum N, Rao V, Cheruku SP, Kumar G, Sankhe R, Kishore A, Kumar N, Rao CM. Amelioration of high-fat diet (HFD) + CCl4 induced NASH/NAFLD in CF-1 mice by activation of SIRT-1 using cinnamoyl sulfonamide hydroxamate derivatives: in-silico molecular modelling and in-vivo prediction. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:147. [PMID: 35720958 PMCID: PMC9200928 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major hepatic metabolic disorders that occurs because of the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes in the form of free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) which become non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NOTCH-1 receptors act as novel targets for the development of NAFLD/NASH, where overexpression of NOTCH-1 receptor alters the lipid metabolism in hepatocytes leading to NAFLD. SIRT-1 deacetylates the NOTCH-1 receptor and inhibits NAFLD. Hence, computer-aided drug design (CADD) was used to check the SIRT-1 activation ability of cinnamic sulfonyl hydroxamate derivatives (NMJ 1–8), resveratrol, and vorinostat. SIRT-1 (PDB ID: 5BTR) was docked with eight hydroxamate derivatives and vorinostat using Schrödinger software. Based on binding energy obtained (– 26.31 to – 47.34 kcal/mol), vorinostat, NMJ-2, NMJ-3, NMJ-5 were selected for induced-fit docking (IFD) and results were within – 750.70 to – 753.22 kcal/mol. Qikprop tool was used to analyse the pre pharmacokinetic parameters (ADME analysis) of all hydroxamate compounds. As observed in the molecular dynamic (MD) study, NMJ-2, NMJ-3 were showing acceptable results for activation of SIRT-1. Based on these predictions, in-vivo studies were conducted in CF1 mice, where NMJ-3 showed significant (p < 0.05) changes in lipid profile and anti-oxidant parameters (Catalase, SOD, GSH, nitrite, and LPO) and plasma insulin levels. NMJ-3 treatment also reduced inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis in liver samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Sodum
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Vanishree Rao
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Sri Pragnya Cheruku
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Gautam Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Runali Sankhe
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Anoop Kishore
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Export Promotions Industrial Park (EPIP), Industrial Area Hajipur, Vaishali District, Hajipur, 844102 Bihar India
| | - C Mallikarjuna Rao
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
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48
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Wu X, Xu LY, Li EM, Dong G. Application of molecular dynamics simulation in biomedicine. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 99:789-800. [PMID: 35293126 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been widely used in the field of biomedicine to study the conformational transition of proteins caused by mutation or ligand binding/unbinding. It provides some perspectives those are difficult to find in traditional biochemical or pathological experiments, for example, detailed effects of mutations on protein structure and protein-protein/ligand interaction at the atomic level. In this review, a broad overview on conformation changes and drug discovery by MD simulation is given. We first discuss the preparation of protein structure for MD simulation, which is a key step that determines the accuracy of the simulation. Then, we summarize the applications of commonly used force fields and MD simulations in scientific research. Finally, enhanced sampling methods and common applications of these methods are introduced. In brief, MD simulation is a powerful tool and it can be used to guide experimental study. The combination of MD simulation and experimental techniques is an a priori means to solve the biomedical problems and give a deep understanding on the relationship between protein structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in High Cancer Incidence Coastal Area of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in High Cancer Incidence Coastal Area of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Geng Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Medical Informatics Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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49
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Moshawih S, Goh HP, Kifli N, Idris AC, Yassin H, Kotra V, Goh KW, Liew KB, Ming LC. Synergy between machine learning and natural products cheminformatics: Application to the lead discovery of anthraquinone derivatives. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 100:185-217. [PMID: 35490393 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cheminformatics utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques have opened up a new horizon in drug discovery. This is owing to vast chemical space expansion with rocketing numbers of expected hits and lead compounds that match druggable macromolecular targets, in particular from natural compounds. Due to the natural products' (NP) structural complexity, uniqueness, and diversity, they could occupy a bigger space in pharmaceuticals, allowing the industry to pursue more selective leads in the nanomolar range of binding affinity. ML is an essential part of each step of the drug design pipeline, such as target prediction, compound library preparation, and lead optimization. Notably, molecular mechanic and dynamic simulations, induced docking, and free energy perturbations are essential in predicting best binding poses, binding free energy values, and molecular mechanics force fields. Those applications have leveraged from artificial intelligence (AI), which decreases the computational costs required for such costly simulations. This review aimed to describe chemical space and compound libraries related to NPs. High-throughput screening utilized for fractionating NPs and high-throughput virtual screening and their strategies, and significance, are reviewed. Particular emphasis was given to AI approaches, ML tools, algorithms, and techniques, especially in drug discovery of macrocyclic compounds and approaches in computer-aided and ML-based drug discovery. Anthraquinone derivatives were discussed as a source of new lead compounds that can be developed using ML tools for diverse medicinal uses such as cancer, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the power of principal component analysis in understanding relevant protein conformations, and molecular modeling of protein-ligand interaction were also presented. Apart from being a concise reference for cheminformatics, this review is a useful text to understand the application of ML-based algorithms to molecular dynamics simulation and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Moshawih
- PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Hui Poh Goh
- PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Nurolaini Kifli
- PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Azam Che Idris
- Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Hayati Yassin
- Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Vijay Kotra
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Quest International University, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Kai Bin Liew
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
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Singh K, Coopoosamy RM, Gumede NJ, Sabiu S. Computational Insights and In Vitro Validation of Antibacterial Potential of Shikimate Pathway-Derived Phenolic Acids as NorA Efflux Pump Inhibitors. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27082601. [PMID: 35458799 PMCID: PMC9031328 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the efflux pump systems is the most important mechanism of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, as it contributes to reduced concentration and the subsequent inactivity of administered antibiotics. NorA is one of the most studied antibacterial targets used as a model for efflux-mediated resistance. The present study evaluated shikimate pathway-derived phenolic acids against NorA (PDB ID: 1PW4) as a druggable target in antibacterial therapy using in silico modelling and in vitro methods. Of the 22 compounds evaluated, sinapic acid (−9.0 kcal/mol) and p-coumaric acid (−6.3 kcal/mol) had the best and most prominent affinity for NorA relative to ciprofloxacin, a reference standard (−4.9 kcal/mol). A further probe into the structural stability and flexibility of the resulting NorA-phenolic acids complexes through molecular dynamic simulations over a 100 ns period revealed p-coumaric acid as the best inhibitor of NorA relative to the reference standard. In addition, both phenolic acids formed H-bonds with TYR 76, a crucial residue implicated in NorA efflux pump inhibition. Furthermore, the phenolic acids demonstrated favourable drug likeliness and conformed to Lipinski’s rule of five for ADME properties. For the in vitro evaluation, the phenolic acids had MIC values in the range 31.2 to 62.5 μg/mL against S. aureus, and E. coli, and there was an overall reduction in MIC following their combination with ciprofloxacin. Taken together, the findings from both the in silico and in vitro evaluations in this study have demonstrated high affinity of p-coumaric acid towards NorA and could be suggestive of its exploration as a novel NorA efflux pump inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Roger M. Coopoosamy
- Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Durban 4026, South Africa;
| | - Njabulo J. Gumede
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Durban 4026, South Africa;
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
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