1
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Chan YW, Tan CH, Heh CH, Tan KY. An immunoinformatic approach to assessing the immunogenic capacity of alpha-neurotoxins in elapid snake venoms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1143437. [PMID: 37153801 PMCID: PMC10155835 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1143437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Most elapid snakes produce venoms that contain alpha-neurotoxins (α-NTXs), which are proteins that cause post-synaptic blockade and paralysis in snakebite envenoming. However, existing elapid antivenoms are known for their low potency in neutralizing the neurotoxic activity of α-NTXs, while the immunological basis has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, a structure-based major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) epitope predictor of horse (Equus caballus), complemented with DM-editing determinant screening algorithm was adopted to assess the immunogenicity of α-NTXs in the venoms of major Asiatic elapids (Naja kaouthia, Ophiophagus hannah, Laticauda colubrina, Hydrophis schistosus, Hydrophis curtus). Results: The scoring metric M2R, representing the relative immunogenic performance of respective α-NTXs, showed all α-NTXs have an overall low M2R of <0.3, and most of the predicted binders feature non-optimal P1 anchor residues. The M2R scores correlate strongly (R2 = 0.82) with the potency scores (p-score) generated based on the relative abundances of α-NTXs and the neutralization potency of commercial antivenoms. Discussion: The immunoinformatic analysis indicates that the inferior antigenicity of α-NTXs is not only due to their small molecular size but also the subpar immunogenicity affected by their amino acid composition. Structural modification with conjugation and synthetic epitope as immunogen may potentially enhance the immunogenicity for improved antivenom potency against α-NTXs of elapid snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wei Chan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Kae Yi Tan,
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2
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Zaidi NJ, Abdullah AA, Heh CH, Lin CH, Othman R, Ahmad Fuaad AAH. Hit-to-Lead Short Peptides against Dengue Type 2 Envelope Protein: Computational and Experimental Investigations. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103233. [PMID: 35630712 PMCID: PMC9146555 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Data from the World Health Organisation show that the global incidence of dengue infection has risen drastically, with an estimated 400 million cases of dengue infection occurring annually. Despite this worrying trend, there is still no therapeutic treatment available. Herein, we investigated short peptide fragments with a varying total number of amino acid residues (peptide fragments) from previously reported dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) peptide-based inhibitors, DN58wt (GDSYIIIGVEPGQLKENWFKKGSSIGQMF), DN58opt (TWWCFYFCRRHHPFWFFYRHN), DS36wt (LITVNPIVTEKDSPVNIEAE), and DS36opt (RHWEQFYFRRRERKFWLFFW), aided by in silico approaches: peptide–protein molecular docking and 100 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation via molecular mechanics using Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) and molecular mechanics generalised Born surface area (MMGBSA) methods. A library of 11,699 peptide fragments was generated, subjected to in silico calculation, and the candidates with the excellent binding affinity and shown to be stable in the DI-DIII binding pocket of DENV2 envelope (E) protein were determined. Selected peptides were synthesised using conventional Fmoc solid-phase peptide chemistry, purified by RP-HPLC, and characterised using LCMS. In vitro studies followed, to test for the peptides’ toxicity and efficacy in inhibiting the DENV2 growth cycle. Our studies identified the electrostatic interaction (from free energy calculation) to be the driving stabilising force for the E protein–peptide interactions. Five key E protein residues were also identified that had the most interactions with the peptides: (polar) LYS36, ASN37, and ARG350, and (nonpolar) LEU351 and VAL354; these residues might play crucial roles in the effective binding interactions. One of the peptide fragments, DN58opt_8-13 (PFWFFYRH), showed the best inhibitory activity, at about 63% DENV2 plague reduction, compared with no treatment. This correlates well with the in silico studies in which the peptide possessed the lowest binding energy (−9.0 kcal/mol) and was maintained steadily within the binding pocket of DENV2 E protein during the MD simulations. This study demonstrates the use of computational studies to expand research on lead optimisation of antiviral peptides, thus explaining the inhibitory potential of the designed peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norburhanuddin Johari Zaidi
- Peptide Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Drug Design & Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.A.A.); (C.H.H.)
| | - Adib Afandi Abdullah
- Drug Design & Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.A.A.); (C.H.H.)
- Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design & Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.A.A.); (C.H.H.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Hung Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan;
| | - Rozana Othman
- Drug Design & Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.A.A.); (C.H.H.)
- Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (R.O.); (A.A.H.A.F.); Tel.: +603-79674909 (R.O.); +603-79677022 (ext. 2535) (A.A.H.A.F.)
| | - Abdullah Al Hadi Ahmad Fuaad
- Peptide Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Drug Design & Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (A.A.A.); (C.H.H.)
- Correspondence: (R.O.); (A.A.H.A.F.); Tel.: +603-79674909 (R.O.); +603-79677022 (ext. 2535) (A.A.H.A.F.)
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3
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Tan WC, Othman S, Lim SK, Nor Rashida N, Han Heh C. A Reverse Structure-Based Design of HPV E7 Inhibitor. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2022; 18:318-325. [DOI: 10.2174/1573409918666220509214449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a small, non-enveloped double-stranded circular DNA virus. The high-risk types of HPV are claimed to be responsible for over 99% of cervical cancers. One of the essential HPV oncoproteins, E7, is responsible for the escape from G1/S cell cycle arrest in HPV infected cells by binding to the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) through its LXCXE binding site.
Objectives:
To design a peptide inhibitor targeting HPV E7 through an in silico approach.
Methods:
In this study, the LXCXE binding domain of pRb is used as a target to design peptide inhibitors using a reverse structure-based approach. The designed amino acid sequence from the B pocket of pRb, named peptide Y, was then further investigated in the in vitro analysis. The cytotoxicity of the peptide was analysed in two cell lines, namely, CaSki, containing an integrated HPV16 genome and HaCaT, an immortalized keratinocyte cell. Cell cycle analysis was also carried out in both cell lines treated with peptide.
Results:
Through in silico approach, a 9-amino acids peptide sequence which formed 4 conventional hydrogen bonds with LXCXE motif was selected for in vitro assay. Based on the cytotoxicity analysis, the peptide showed low toxicity in both cell lines where the cell viability remained over 74% when treated with peptide Y. The peptide also caused an accumulation of cells in G0/G1 (+5.4%) and S phase (+10.2%), and reduction of cells in G2/M phase (-14.9%) in the CaSki cells with no significant effect on normal cells, indicating it is a potential HPV inhibitor.
Conclusion:
A peptide inhibitor, peptide Y, that was designed from the LXCXE binding motif in pRb is able to inhibit HPV E7 by causing a cell accumulation effect in G0/G1 and S phases of cell cycle in the HPV transformed cell lines. These findings could contribute as a lead of HPV E7 peptide inhibitor in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Chein Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See K. Lim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nurshamimi Nor Rashida
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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4
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Tan KH, Chin SP, Heh CH. Automated in silico EGFR Peptide Inhibitor Elongation using Self-evolving
Peptide Algorithm. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2022; 18:150-158. [DOI: 10.2174/1573409918666220516144300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The vast diversity of peptide sequences may hinder the effectiveness of screening for potential peptide therapeutics as if searching for a needle in a haystack. This study aims to develop a new self-evolving peptide algorithm (SEPA), for easy virtual screening of small linear peptides (three to six amino acids) as potential therapeutic agents with the collaborative use of freely available software that can be run on any operating system equipped with a Bash scripting terminal. Mitogen-Inducible Gene 6 (Mig6) protein, a cytoplasmic protein responsible for inhibi-tion and regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, was used to demonstrate the algorithm.
Objective:
The objective is to propose a new method to discover potential novel peptide inhibitors via an automated peptide generation, docking and post-docking analysis algorithm that ranks short peptides by using essential hydrogen bond interaction between peptides and the target receptor.
Method:
A library of dockable dipeptides were first created using PyMOL, Open Babel and Au-toDockTools, and docked into the target receptor using AutoDock Vina, automatically via a Bash script. The docked peptides were then ranked by hydrogen bond interaction-based thorough inter-action analysis, where the top-ranked peptides were then elongated, docked, and ranked again. The process repeats until the user-defined peptide length is achieved.
Results:
In the tested example, SEPA bash script was able to identify the tripeptide YYH ranked within top 20 based on the essential hydrogen bond interaction towards the essential amino acid residue ASP837 in the EGFR-TK receptor.
Conclusions:
SEPA could be an alternative approach for the virtual screening of peptide sequences against drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Han Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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5
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Abdulwahab MK, Tan KH, Dzulkeflee R, Leong KH, Heh CH, Ariffin A. In-silico Studies of the Antiproliferative Activity of New Anilinoquinazoline Derivatives Against NSCLC Cells. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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6
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Shi H, Ishikawa R, Heh CH, Sasaki S, Taniguchi Y. Development of MTH1-Binding Nucleotide Analogs Based on 7,8-Dihalogenated 7-Deaza-dG Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031274. [PMID: 33525366 PMCID: PMC7866122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MTH1 is an enzyme that hydrolyzes 8-oxo-dGTP, which is an oxidatively damaged nucleobase, into 8-oxo-dGMP in nucleotide pools to prevent its mis-incorporation into genomic DNA. Selective and potent MTH1-binding molecules have potential as biological tools and drug candidates. We recently developed 8-halogenated 7-deaza-dGTP as an 8-oxo-dGTP mimic and found that it was not hydrolyzed, but inhibited enzyme activity. To further increase MTH1 binding, we herein designed and synthesized 7,8-dihalogenated 7-deaza-dG derivatives. We successfully synthesized multiple derivatives, including substituted nucleosides and nucleotides, using 7-deaza-dG as a starting material. Evaluations of the inhibition of MTH1 activity revealed the strong inhibitory effects on enzyme activity of the 7,8-dihalogenated 7-deaza-dG derivatives, particularly 7,8-dibromo 7-daza-dGTP. Based on the results obtained on kinetic parameters and from computational docking simulating studies, these nucleotide analogs interacted with the active site of MTH1 and competitively inhibited the substrate 8-oxodGTP. Therefore, novel properties of repair enzymes in cells may be elucidated using new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (H.S.); (R.I.); (S.S.)
| | - Ren Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (H.S.); (R.I.); (S.S.)
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Shigeki Sasaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (H.S.); (R.I.); (S.S.)
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki 859-3298, Japan
| | - Yosuke Taniguchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (H.S.); (R.I.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-92-642-6569
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7
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Anasamy T, Chee CF, Wong YF, Heh CH, Kiew LV, Lee HB, Chung LY. Triorganotin complexes in cancer chemotherapy: Mechanistic insights and future perspectives. Appl Organomet Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/aoc.6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theebaa Anasamy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Chin Fei Chee
- Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Yuen Fei Wong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Lik Voon Kiew
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Hong Boon Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor's University Subang Jaya Selangor Malaysia
| | - Lip Yong Chung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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8
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Lim SK, Othman R, Yusof R, Heh CH. Rational drug discovery: Ellagic acid as a potent dual-target inhibitor against hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (HCV G3) NS3 enzymes. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:28-40. [PMID: 32657543 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) has served as a popular strategy for rational drug discovery. In this study, we aimed to discover novel benzopyran-based inhibitors that targeted the NS3 enzymes (NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase) of HCV G3 using a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches. With the aid of SBVS, six novel compounds were discovered to inhibit HCV G3 NS3/4A protease and two phytochemicals (ellagic acid and myricetin) were identified as dual-target inhibitors that inhibited both NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase in vitro (IC50 = 40.37 ± 5.47 nm and 6.58 ± 0.99 µm, respectively). Inhibitory activities against the replication of HCV G3 replicons were further assessed in a cell-based system with four compounds showed dose-dependent inhibition. Compound P8 was determined to be the most potent compound from the cell-based assay with an EC50 of 19.05 µm. The dual-target inhibitor, ellagic acid, was determined as the second most potent (EC50 = 32.37 µm) and the most selective in its inhibitory activity against the replication of HCV replicons, without severely affecting the viability of the host cells (selectivity index > 6.18).
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Affiliation(s)
- See Khai Lim
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Center for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abdullah AA, Lee YK, Chin SP, Lim SK, Lee VS, Othman R, Othman S, Rahman NA, Yusof R, Heh CH. Discovery of Dengue Virus Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4945-5036. [PMID: 30514185 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181204155336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To date, there is still no approved anti-dengue agent to treat dengue infection in the market. Although the only licensed dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is available, its protective efficacy against serotypes 1 and 2 of dengue virus was reported to be lower than serotypes 3 and 4. Moreover, according to WHO, the risk of being hospitalized and having severe dengue increased in seronegative individuals after they received Dengvaxia vaccination. Nevertheless, various studies had been carried out in search of dengue virus inhibitors. These studies focused on the structural (C, prM, E) and non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5) of dengue virus as well as host factors as drug targets. Hence, this article provides an overall up-to-date review of the discovery of dengue virus inhibitors that are only targeting the structural and non-structural viral proteins as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adib Afandi Abdullah
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yean Kee Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Khai Lim
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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10
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Thavoncharoensub N, Maruyama K, Heh CH, Hoong Leong K, Shi H, Shigematsu Y, Sasaki S, Taniguchi Y. Synthesis of γ-N-modified 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine triphosphate and its characterization. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids 2019; 38:578-589. [PMID: 30929604 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2019.1586919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
8-OxodGTP is generated by the reaction between dGTP and reactive oxygen species and a considered mutagenic nucleotide. It can be incorporated into the duplex DNA during replication processes by the DNA polymerase, and thus the repair enzyme removes oxodGTP from the nucleotide pools in living cells. On the other hand, the γ-modified triphosphates show interesting properties for use as biological tools. Therefore, the γ-N-pyrenylalkyl-oxodGTP derivatives were synthesized and their effect on the enzymatic reactions were evaluated. The γ-N-pyrenylmethyl-oxodGTP was found to be accepted by the DNA polymerase just like oxodGTP, but showed a competitive inhibition property for the human oxodGTPase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninticha Thavoncharoensub
- a Department of Medicinal Sciences , Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University , Higashi-ku , Fukuoka , Japan.,b Department of Pharmacy , Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Kento Maruyama
- a Department of Medicinal Sciences , Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University , Higashi-ku , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Choon Han Heh
- c Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Kok Hoong Leong
- c Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Hui Shi
- a Department of Medicinal Sciences , Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University , Higashi-ku , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Shigematsu
- a Department of Medicinal Sciences , Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University , Higashi-ku , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Shigeki Sasaki
- a Department of Medicinal Sciences , Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University , Higashi-ku , Fukuoka , Japan
| | - Yosuke Taniguchi
- a Department of Medicinal Sciences , Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University , Higashi-ku , Fukuoka , Japan
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11
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Gan CS, Lim SK, Chee CF, Yusof R, Heh CH. Sofosbuvir as treatment against dengue? Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 91:448-455. [PMID: 28834304 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dengvaxia® (CTD-TDV), the only licensed tetravalent dengue vaccine by Sanofi Pasteur, was made available since 2015. However, administration of CTD-TDV, in general, has not received the prequalification recommendation from the World Health Organization. Having a universal antidengue agent for treatment will therefore beneficial. Accordingly, the development of nucleoside inhibitors specific to dengue viral polymerase that perturb dengue infection has been studied by many. Alternatively, we have used a marketed anti-HCV prodrug sofosbuvir to study its in silico and in vitro effects against dengue. As a result, the active metabolite of sofosbuvir (GS-461203) was predicted to bind to the catalytic motif (Gly-Asp-Asp) of dengue viral polymerase with binding affinity of -6.9 kcal/mol. Furthermore, sofosbuvir demonstrated excellent in vitro viral inhibition with an EC90 of 0.4 μm. In addition, this study demonstrated the requirement of specific liver enzymes to activate the prodrug into GS-461203 to exert its antidengue potential. All in all, sofosbuvir should be subjected to in-depth studies to provide information of its efficacy toward dengue and its lead potential as DENV polymerase inhibitor in human subjects. In conclusion, we have expended the potential of the clinically available drug sofosbuvir as treatment for dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chye Sheng Gan
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Khai Lim
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chin Fei Chee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Centre, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Office, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Bujang NB, Chee CF, Heh CH, Rahman NA, Buckle MJC. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and their analogues as adulterants of herbal and food products: analysis of the Malaysian market, 2014-16. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2017; 34:1101-1109. [PMID: 28580889 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2017.1336674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Adulteration of herbal health supplements with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and their analogues is becoming a worldwide problem. The aim of this study was to investigate herbal and food products sold in the Malaysian market for the presence of these adulterants. Sixty-two products that claim to enhance men's sexual health were sampled between April 2014 and April 2016. These products included unregistered products seized by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Health (n = 39), products sent to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency for pre-registration testing (n = 9) and products investigated under the post-registration market surveillance programme (n = 14). The products were tested against an in-house spectral library consisting of 61 PDE-5 inhibitors and analogues using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry ion-trap-time-of-flight (LC-MS IT-TOF) method. Thirty-two (82%) of the unregistered products and two (14%) of the registered products were found to be adulterated with at least one PDE-5 inhibitor or analogue, while none of the pre-registration products contained adulterants. A total of 16 different adulterants were detected and 36% of the adulterated products contained a mixture of two or more adulterants. This study has demonstrated that the adulteration of unregistered herbal products in the Malaysian market is an alarming issue that needs to be urgently addressed by the relevant authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Baizura Bujang
- a Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.,b National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency , Lot 36 Jalan Universiti , Petaling Jaya , Malaysia
| | - Chin Fei Chee
- a Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.,c Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- a Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- c Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Michael J C Buckle
- a Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Gan CS, Lee YK, Heh CH, Rahman NA, Yusof R, Othman S. The synthetic molecules YK51 and YK73 attenuate replication of dengue virus serotype 2. Trop Biomed 2017; 34:270-283. [PMID: 33593007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus infection has been posing alarming economic and social burden on affected nations. It is estimated that 50-100 million dengue infections occur annually with over 2.5 billion people at risk for endemic transmission. In the effort to develop effective antiviral agents, we previously reported potential antiviral activities from selected array of natural products and compounds against dengue virus serotype 2 (DV2). In this study, we report the synthesis of two efficacious novel compounds, YK51 and YK73, and their activities against DV2 replication. Both compounds were chemically synthesised from nicotinic acid using a modified method for the synthesis of dihydropyridine. The products were tested with cell-based assays against DV2 followed by a serine protease assay. As a result, both YK51 and YK73 exhibited intriguing antiviral properties with EC50 of 3.2 and 2.4 µM, respectively. In addition, YK51 and YK73 were found to attenuate the synthesis of intracellular viral RNA and protect the switching of non-classic mechanism of protein translation. These compounds demonstrated inhibitory properties toward the activity of DV2 serine protease in a dose dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that both YK51 and YK73 serve as DV2 serine protease inhibitors that abrogate viral RNA synthesis and translation. Further investigation on these compounds to corroborate its therapeutic properties towards dengue is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Gan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Y K Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - C H Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N A Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - R Yusof
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Othman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Drug Design and Development Research Group, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Lee CC, Harun F, Jalaludin MY, Heh CH, Othman R, Kang IN, Mat Junit S. Variable clinical phenotypes in a family with homozygous c.1159G>A mutation in the thyroid peroxidase gene. Horm Res Paediatr 2015; 81:356-60. [PMID: 24717978 DOI: 10.1159/000359922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defects in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene have been associated with goitrous congenital hypothyroidism (CH). CASE REPORT In this study, we report 3 siblings possessing a homozygous mutation, c.1159G>A, but exhibiting different clinical phenotypes in a Malaysian-Malay family. The index patient was diagnosed with CH during a routine neonatal screening but the other 2 siblings appeared to be asymptomatic until the ages of 19 and 12.5, respectively, when they started to develop goiter. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The mutation was predicted to interrupt the correct splicing of pre-mRNA and also lead to structural alterations in the functional sites of the mutant TPO. The current results suggest the association of goiter development with a homozygous c.1159G>A mutation, but the CH in the index patient could be triggered by other genetic and epigenetic factors distinct from the c.1159G>A mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chin Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Lee CC, Harun F, Jalaludin MY, Heh CH, Othman R, Junit SM. Prevalence of c.2268dup and detection of two novel alterations, c.670_672del and c.1186C>T, in the TPO gene in a cohort of Malaysian-Chinese with thyroid dyshormonogenesis. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e006121. [PMID: 25564141 PMCID: PMC4289740 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The c.2268dup mutation in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene is the most common TPO alteration reported in Taiwanese patients with thyroid dyshormonogenesis. The ancestors of these patients are believed to originate from the southern province of China. Our previous study showed that this mutation leads to reduced abundance of the TPO protein and loss of TPO enzyme activity in a Malaysian-Chinese family with goitrous hypothyroidism. The aim of our study was to provide further data on the incidence of the c.2268dup mutation in a cohort of Malaysian-Chinese and its possible phenotypic effects. SETTING Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Twelve biologically unrelated Malaysian-Chinese patients with congenital hypothyroidism were recruited in this study. All patients showed high thyrotropin and low free thyroxine levels at the time of diagnosis with proven presence of a thyroid gland. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Screening of the c.2268dup mutation in the TPO gene in all patients was carried out using a PCR-direct DNA sequencing method. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURE Further screening for mutations in other exonic regions of the TPO gene was carried out if the patient was a carrier of the c.2268dup mutation. RESULTS The c.2268dup mutation was detected in 4 of the 12 patients. Apart from the c.2268dup and a previously documented mutation (c.2647C>T), two novel TPO alterations, c.670_672del and c.1186C>T, were also detected in our patients. In silico analyses predicted that the novel alterations affect the structure/function of the TPO protein. CONCLUSIONS The c.2268dup mutation was detected in approximately one-third of the Malaysian-Chinese patients with thyroid dyshormonogenesis. The detection of the novel c.670_672del and c.1186C>T alterations expand the mutation spectrum of TPO associated with thyroid dyshormonogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chin Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fatimah Harun
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sarni Mat Junit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Lee CC, Harun F, Jalaludin MY, Heh CH, Othman R, Mat Junit S. A Novel, Homozygous c.1502T>G (p.Val501Gly) Mutation in the Thyroid peroxidase Gene in Malaysian Sisters with Congenital Hypothyroidism and Multinodular Goiter. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:987186. [PMID: 23737781 PMCID: PMC3657457 DOI: 10.1155/2013/987186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with multinodular goiter (MNG) is uncommonly seen in children. However, CH associated with goiter is often caused by defective Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene. In this study, we screened for mutation(s) in the TPO gene in two siblings with CH and MNG and their healthy family members. The two sisters, born to consanguineous parents, were diagnosed with CH during infancy and received treatment since then. They developed MNG during childhood despite adequate L-thyroxine replacement and negative thyroid antibody screening. PCR-amplification of all exons using flanking primers followed by DNA sequencing revealed that the two sisters were homozygous for a novel c.1502T>G mutation. The mutation is predicted to substitute valine for glycine at a highly conserved amino acid residue 501 (p.Val501Gly). Other healthy family members were either heterozygotes or mutation-free. The mutation was not detected in 50 healthy unrelated individuals. In silico analyses using PolyPhen-2 and SIFT predicted that the p.Val501Gly mutation is functionally "damaging." Tertiary modeling showed structural alterations in the active site of the mutant TPO. In conclusion, a novel mutation, p.Val501Gly, in the TPO gene was detected expanding the mutation spectrum of TPO associated with CH and MNG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chin Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fatimah Harun
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sarni Mat Junit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Sarni Mat Junit:
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