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Soroushmanesh M, Dinari M, Farrokhpour H. Comprehensive Computational Investigation of the Porphyrin-Based COF as a Nanocarrier for Delivering Anti-Cancer Drugs: A Combined MD Simulation and DFT Calculation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:19073-19085. [PMID: 39189806 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
As nanomaterials have gained prominence in drug delivery technology, exploring their feasibility through computational methods is beneficial before practical tests. In this study, we aim to evaluate the capability of the porphyrin-based covalent organic framework COF-366 as a nanocarrier for two anticancer drugs, irinotecan (IRI) and doxorubicin (DOX). The optimal binding conformation of the drug molecules on the COF surface was predicted by using molecular docking. Subsequently, molecular dynamic simulation (MD) was performed to assess the adsorption mechanism of drug molecules on the COF in the aqueous environment. The free energy of adsorption for DOX and IRI was estimated to be -20.07 and -23.89 kcal/mol, respectively. The adsorption of both drugs on the COF surface is mainly influenced by the π-π interaction. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculation, natural bond orbital (NBO), and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses were employed to investigate the structural stability of Drug@COF complexes and gain a detailed understanding of the interaction between them at the molecular level. Based on DFT results, it was found that in addition to π-π interaction, the bis-piperidine-phenylene interaction affects the adsorption of IRI on the COF surface. Moreover, the diffusion behavior of the drug molecule inside the COF pore was simulated using a ten-layer COF. Based on the mean square displacement analysis, the diffusion coefficients of DOX and IRI within the COF pore were calculated to be 108 and 97 um2/s, respectively. This computational study sheds light on how different types of interactions between the drug molecule and COF affect the adsorption and diffusion process. Our findings validated that the porphyrin-based COF-366 can serve as a nanobased platform for delivering DOX and IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Soroushmanesh
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Dinari
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Hossein Farrokhpour
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran
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2
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Byrd JN, Lotrich VF, Sanders BA. Massively Parallel Computational Chemistry with the Super Instruction Architecture and ACES4. J Phys Chem A 2024; 128:7498-7509. [PMID: 39177160 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.4c04146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The task of developing high-performing parallel software must be made easier and more cost-effective in order to fully exploit existing and emerging large-scale computer systems for the advancement of science. The Super Instruction Architecture (SIA) is a parallel programming platform geared toward applications that need to manage large amounts of data stored in potentially sparse multidimensional arrays during calculations. The SIA platform was originally designed for the quantum chemistry software package ACESIII. More recently, the SIA was reimplemented to overcome the limitations in the original ACESIII program. It has now been successfully employed in the new ACES4 quantum chemistry software package. This paper describes the SIA and ACES4 and illustrates their capabilities with some difficult quantum chemistry open-shell coupled-cluster benchmark calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason N Byrd
- ENSCO, Inc., Melbourne, Florida 32940, United States
| | | | - Beverly A Sanders
- Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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3
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Albayati SH, Nezhad NG, Taki AG, Rahman RNZRA. Efficient and easible biocatalysts: Strategies for enzyme improvement. A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133978. [PMID: 39038570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133978] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the environmental friendliness and vast advantages that enzymes offer in the biotechnology and industry fields, biocatalysts are a prolific investigation field. However, the low catalytic activity, stability, and specific selectivity of the enzyme limit the range of the reaction enzymes involved in. A comprehensive understanding of the protein structure and dynamics in terms of molecular details enables us to tackle these limitations effectively and enhance the catalytic activity by enzyme engineering or modifying the supports and solvents. Along with different strategies including computational, enzyme engineering based on DNA recombination, enzyme immobilization, additives, chemical modification, and physicochemical modification approaches can be promising for the wide spread of industrial enzyme usage. This is attributed to the successful application of biocatalysts in industrial and synthetic processes requires a system that exhibits stability, activity, and reusability in a continuous flow process, thereby reducing the production cost. The main goal of this review is to display relevant approaches for improving enzyme characteristics to overcome their industrial application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Hashim Albayati
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nima Ghahremani Nezhad
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anmar Ghanim Taki
- Department of Radiology Techniques, Health and Medical Techniques College, Alnoor University, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
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4
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Georgiou N, Mavromoustakos T, Tzeli D. Docking, MD Simulations, and DFT Calculations: Assessing W254's Function and Sartan Binding in Furin. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8226-8238. [PMID: 39194703 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080486] [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: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Furins are serine endoproteases that are involved in many biological processes, where they play important roles in normal metabolism, in the activation of various pathogens, while they are a target for therapeutic intervention. Dichlorophenyl-pyridine "BOS" compounds are well known drugs that are used as inhibitors of human furin by an induced-fit mechanism, in which tryptophan W254 in the furin catalytic cleft acts as a molecular transition energy gate. The binding of "BOS" drug into the active center of furin has been computationally studied using the density functional theory (DFT) and ONIOM multiscaling methodologies. The binding enthalpies of the W254 with the furin-BOS is -32.8 kcal/mol ("open") and -18.8 kcal/mol ("closed"), while the calculated torsion barrier was found at 30 kcal/mol. It is significantly smaller than the value of previous MD calculations due to the relaxation of the environment, i.e., nearby groups of the W254, leading to the reduction of the energy demands. The significant lower barrier explains the experimental finding that the dihedral barrier of W254 is overcome. Furthermore, sartans were studied to evaluate their potential as furin inhibitors. Sartans are AT1 antagonists, and they effectively inhibit the hypertensive effects induced by the peptide hormone Angiotensin II. Here, they have been docked into the cavity to evaluate their effect on the BOS ligand via docking and molecular dynamics simulations. A consistent binding of sartans within the cavity during the simulation was found, suggesting that they could act as furin inhibitors. Finally, sartans interact with the same amino acids as W254, leading to a competitive binding that may influence the pharmacological efficacy and potential drug interactions of sartans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikitas Georgiou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 11571 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 11571 Athens, Greece
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 11571 Athens, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece
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5
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Capone M, Romanelli M, Castaldo D, Parolin G, Bello A, Gil G, Vanzan M. A Vision for the Future of Multiscale Modeling. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2024; 4:202-225. [PMID: 38800726 PMCID: PMC11117712 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.3c00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The rise of modern computer science enabled physical chemistry to make enormous progresses in understanding and harnessing natural and artificial phenomena. Nevertheless, despite the advances achieved over past decades, computational resources are still insufficient to thoroughly simulate extended systems from first principles. Indeed, countless biological, catalytic and photophysical processes require ab initio treatments to be properly described, but the breadth of length and time scales involved makes it practically unfeasible. A way to address these issues is to couple theories and algorithms working at different scales by dividing the system into domains treated at different levels of approximation, ranging from quantum mechanics to classical molecular dynamics, even including continuum electrodynamics. This approach is known as multiscale modeling and its use over the past 60 years has led to remarkable results. Considering the rapid advances in theory, algorithm design, and computing power, we believe multiscale modeling will massively grow into a dominant research methodology in the forthcoming years. Hereby we describe the main approaches developed within its realm, highlighting their achievements and current drawbacks, eventually proposing a plausible direction for future developments considering also the emergence of new computational techniques such as machine learning and quantum computing. We then discuss how advanced multiscale modeling methods could be exploited to address critical scientific challenges, focusing on the simulation of complex light-harvesting processes, such as natural photosynthesis. While doing so, we suggest a cutting-edge computational paradigm consisting in performing simultaneous multiscale calculations on a system allowing the various domains, treated with appropriate accuracy, to move and extend while they properly interact with each other. Although this vision is very ambitious, we believe the quick development of computer science will lead to both massive improvements and widespread use of these techniques, resulting in enormous progresses in physical chemistry and, eventually, in our society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Capone
- Department
of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University
of L’Aquila, L’Aquila 67010, Italy
| | - Marco Romanelli
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Davide Castaldo
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Giovanni Parolin
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bello
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Gabriel Gil
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- Instituto
de Cibernética, Matemática y Física (ICIMAF), La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Mirko Vanzan
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- Department
of Physics, University of Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
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6
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Ding K, Gong Q, Wang G, Cui C, Liu F. What Happens to a Pyrrole Hemithioindigo Photoswitch Trapped in a Fluorescent Protein? J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1161-1169. [PMID: 38279080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c05894] [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: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial molecular photoswitches that can be reversibly controlled into different configurations by external light stimulation have broad application prospects in various fields, such as materials and chemical biology. Among them, the pyrrole hemithioindigo (PHT) photoswitch has a geometric structure similar to that of the fluorescent protein chromophore. What happens when the chromophore is replaced by PHT, and does it achieve similar functions to the original one? To answer these questions, we carried out ONIOM(QM/MM) and classical molecular dynamics studies on the photoisomerization mechanism and spectroscopic properties of PHT in the fluorescent protein. The results showed that in the protein environment, the fate of excited PHT is governed by the competition between fluorescence emission and hula-twist isomerization. Due to the strong steric hindrance effects caused by the interlacing residues in the protein that restrict the PHT conformation transformation, the cis-to-trans isomerization process of PHT needs to overcome a barrier of at least 4.9 kcal/mol; thus, fluorescence emission is more dominant in competition. It is also found that the intermolecular interaction between LYS67 and the carbonyl oxygen of PHT has a significant effect on the fluorescence emission. These results revealed the photochemical reaction mechanism of a light-driven molecular switch in the fluorescent protein and provided further theoretical support for the field of chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Gong
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Chengxing Cui
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Fengyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
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7
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Papayannis DK, Papavasileiou KD, Melissas VS. A quantum mechanical approach to the oxidation mechanism of graphene oxide (GO). Heliyon 2024; 10:e24072. [PMID: 38298709 PMCID: PMC10827694 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24072] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of the reaction mechanism concerning the oxidation above the face and at the edge of a large, oxidized graphene (GO) cluster, namely C80H22O, by molecular oxygen in the first excited state (1Δg) was achieved with quantum mechanical calculations using the ONIOM two-layer method. Oxidation on the face of the aforementioned cluster leads to the formation of an ozone molecule, whereas oxygen molecule attack at the edge of the oxidized graphene surface either launches an ozonide -a five-membered ring species- formation during its outward approach or an 1,3-dioxetane -a four-membered ring species- production along its inward invasion. A detailed examination of the proposed pathways suggests that the ozonide formation should overcome almost one and a half times an adiabatic energy barrier with respect to the ozone production and is strongly exergonic by up to -50.1 kcal mol-1, supporting the experimental findings that both compounds are critically involved in the explosive deoxygenation of GO. On the other hand, the 1,3-dioxetane alternative pathway is considered even more exergonic, although it requires an overwhelming adiabatic energy barrier of 29.8 kcal mol-1 to accomplish its target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios K. Papayannis
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina, GR–451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos D. Papavasileiou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., CY-1070, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Data Driven Innovation, Entelos Institute, CY-6059, Larnaca, Cyprus
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE., GR-185 45, Piraeus, Greece
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8
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Kongkaew N, Hengphasatporn K, Injongkol Y, Mee-Udorn P, Shi L, Mahalapbutr P, Maitarad P, Harada R, Shigeta Y, Rungrotmongkol T, Vangnai AS. Design of electron-donating group substituted 2-PAM analogs as antidotes for organophosphate insecticide poisoning. RSC Adv 2023; 13:32266-32275. [PMID: 37928857 PMCID: PMC10620644 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra03087c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of organophosphate (OPs) pesticides is widespread in agriculture and horticulture, but these chemicals can be lethal to humans, causing fatalities and deaths each year. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by OPs leads to the overstimulation of cholinergic receptors, ultimately resulting in respiratory arrest, seizures, and death. Although 2-pralidoxime (2-PAM) is the FDA-approved drug for treating OP poisoning, there is difficulty in blood-brain barrier permeation. To address this issue, we designed and evaluated a series of 2-PAM analogs by substituting electron-donating groups on the para and/or ortho positions of the pyridinium core using in silico techniques. Our PCM-ONIOM2 (MP2/6-31G*:PM7//B3LYP/6-31G*:UFF) binding energy results demonstrated that 13 compounds exhibited higher binding energy than 2-PAM. The analog with phenyl and methyl groups substituted on the para and ortho positions, respectively, showed the most favorable binding characteristics, with aromatic residues in the active site (Y124, W286, F297, W338, and Y341) and the catalytic residue S203 covalently bonding with paraoxon. The results of DS-MD simulation revealed a highly favorable apical conformation of the potent analog, which has the potential to enhance reactivation of AChE. Importantly, newly designed compound demonstrated appropriate drug-likeness properties and blood-brain barrier penetration. These results provide a rational guide for developing new antidotes to treat organophosphate insecticide toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinee Kongkaew
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Kowit Hengphasatporn
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
| | - Yuwanda Injongkol
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Pitchayathida Mee-Udorn
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 113 Thailand Science Park Pathumthani 12120 Thailand
| | - Liyi Shi
- Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| | - Phornphimon Maitarad
- Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Ryuhei Harada
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
| | - Yasuteru Shigeta
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok 10330 Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Alisa S Vangnai
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok 10330 Thailand
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9
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Gong Q, Li Y, Nie X, Liu F. Theoretical Insights into Aggregation-Induced Emission with the Ionic π Fluorophore: The Importance of Choosing the Dimer QM Model in the ONIOM Study. J Phys Chem A 2023; 127:7148-7155. [PMID: 37595363 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c02952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
In understanding the mechanism of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), the multilevel ONIOM framework has been demonstrated as one of the efficient tools that can capture the essential mechanistic information by choosing a single fluorophore as the quantum mechanics (QM) model and putting all surrounding molecules in the low-level region. Recently, the ionic styryl-pyridine salt (namely, SPH) has been reported as a new class of AIEgen with a high fluorescence yield. In the SPH crystal, a pair of ionic SPH molecules are closely stacked with each other in an antiparallel, head-to-tail pattern, thus the choice of QM models (an individual or dimeric structure) becomes critical in the ONIOM study. Herein we report the AIE mechanism of the ionic SPH at the QM ((TD)-CAM-B3LYP) and ONIOM(QM:MM) levels. As usual, the fluorescence quenching of SPH in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution is attributed to a nonradiative relaxation via the central C═C bond rotation, with a rather low barrier of 2.7 kcal/mol. In crystals, either with a monomer or dimer model, the fluorescence quenching channel is found to be restricted due to the obvious C═C rotation barriers. Compared with the monomer model, the dimer model, by treating the orbital interaction of the two SPH molecules at the QM level, provides significantly increased barriers and a red-shifted emission wavelength that better matches the experimental value. In addition, the calculated exciton coupling in the fluorescence emission state can be discovered only by a dimer model. The findings here emphasize not only the importance of choosing a proper model in the ONIOM study of AIE but also expanding our understanding of novel AIE systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Gong
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Yazhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoke Nie
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
| | - Fengyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, P. R. China
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10
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Clemente CM, Capece L, Martí MA. Best Practices on QM/MM Simulations of Biological Systems. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:2609-2627. [PMID: 37100031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
During the second half of the 20th century, following structural biology hallmark works on DNA and proteins, biochemists shifted their questions from "what does this molecule look like?" to "how does this process work?". Prompted by the theoretical and practical developments in computational chemistry, this led to the emergence of biomolecular simulations and, along with the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, to the development of hybrid QM/MM methods. QM/MM methods are necessary whenever the problem we want to address involves chemical reactivity and/or a change in the system's electronic structure, with archetypal examples being the studies of an enzyme's reaction mechanism and a metalloprotein's active site. In the last decades QM/MM methods have seen an increasing adoption driven by their incorporation in widely used biomolecular simulation software. However, properly setting up a QM/MM simulation is not an easy task, and several issues need to be properly addressed to obtain meaningful results. In the present work, we describe both the theoretical concepts and practical issues that need to be considered when performing QM/MM simulations. We start with a brief historical perspective on the development of these methods and describe when and why QM/MM methods are mandatory. Then we show how to properly select and analyze the performance of the QM level of theory, the QM system size, and the position and type of the boundaries. We show the relevance of performing prior QM model system (or QM cluster) calculations in a vacuum and how to use the corresponding results to adequately calibrate those derived from QM/MM. We also discuss how to prepare the starting structure and how to select an adequate simulation strategy, including those based on geometry optimizations as well as free energy methods. In particular, we focus on the determination of free energy profiles using multiple steered molecular dynamics (MSMD) combined with Jarzynski's equation. Finally, we describe the results for two illustrative and complementary examples: the reaction performed by chorismate mutase and the study of ligand binding to hemoglobins. Overall, we provide many practical recommendations (or shortcuts) together with important conceptualizations that we hope will encourage more and more researchers to incorporate QM/MM studies into their research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila M Clemente
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEyN-UBA) e Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN) CONICET, Pabellón 2 de Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Luciana Capece
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEyN-UBA) e Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE) CONICET, Pabellòn 2 de Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Marcelo A Martí
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEyN-UBA) e Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN) CONICET, Pabellón 2 de Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
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11
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Morado J, Mortenson PN, Nissink JWM, Essex JW, Skylaris CK. Does a Machine-Learned Potential Perform Better Than an Optimally Tuned Traditional Force Field? A Case Study on Fluorohydrins. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:2810-2827. [PMID: 37071825 PMCID: PMC10170518 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
We present a comparative study that evaluates the performance of a machine learning potential (ANI-2x), a conventional force field (GAFF), and an optimally tuned GAFF-like force field in the modeling of a set of 10 γ-fluorohydrins that exhibit a complex interplay between intra- and intermolecular interactions in determining conformer stability. To benchmark the performance of each molecular model, we evaluated their energetic, geometric, and sampling accuracies relative to quantum-mechanical data. This benchmark involved conformational analysis both in the gas phase and chloroform solution. We also assessed the performance of the aforementioned molecular models in estimating nuclear spin-spin coupling constants by comparing their predictions to experimental data available in chloroform. The results and discussion presented in this study demonstrate that ANI-2x tends to predict stronger-than-expected hydrogen bonding and overstabilize global minima and shows problems related to inadequate description of dispersion interactions. Furthermore, while ANI-2x is a viable model for modeling in the gas phase, conventional force fields still play an important role, especially for condensed-phase simulations. Overall, this study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model, providing guidelines for the use and future development of force fields and machine learning potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Morado
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Mortenson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - J Willem M Nissink
- Computational Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan W Essex
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chris-Kriton Skylaris
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
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12
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D'Annibale V, Chen CG, Bonomo M, Dini D, D'Abramo M. P1 Push‐Pull Dye as a Case Study in QM/MM Theoretical Characterization for Dye‐sensitized Solar Cell Organic Chromophores**. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202204904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria D'Annibale
- Department of Chemistry Sapienza University of Rome 00185 Rome Italy
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering Sapienza University of Rome 00185 Rome Italy
| | | | - Matteo Bonomo
- Department of Chemistry Sapienza University of Rome 00185 Rome Italy
- Department of Chemistry and NIS Interdepartmental Center University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Danilo Dini
- Department of Chemistry Sapienza University of Rome 00185 Rome Italy
| | - Marco D'Abramo
- Department of Chemistry Sapienza University of Rome 00185 Rome Italy
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13
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Movahedi E, Razmazma H, Rezvani A, Ebrahimi A. Binding profile of a mixed-ligand silver(I) complex with DNA and Topoisomerase I. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 103:107831. [PMID: 36822076 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107831] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
A new mixed-ligand Ag(I) complex, [Ag(daf)(phen)]NO3 (daf = 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one and dian = N-(4,5-diazafluoren-9-ylidene)aniline), was synthesized. The elemental analysis, FTIR, 1HNMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT (Density Functional Theory) geometry optimization method were applied in order to predict the Ag(I) complex structure which concluded to a distorted tetrahedral N4 coordination around the Ag(I) center. A detailed in silico analysis of the bioaffinity of the complex to DNA and human DNA-Topoisomerase I was conducted using molecular docking simulations and ONIOM (Our own N-layered Integrated molecular Orbital and molecular Mechanics) techniques. In this overall scenario, the results suggest the dominance of π-π stacking interactions of the heteroaromatic ligands in the intercalating pocket of DNA and the active site of the enzyme and the rational correlation between being a good intercalator and a potent Topoisomerase I inhibitor. In vitro DNA-binding experiments by spectrophotometric, spectrofluorometric, Voltammetric, and viscometric techniques at physiological pH also confirmed the computational results. The complex inhibited MCF-7 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner while being nontoxic on HUVEC normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Movahedi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hafez Razmazma
- Laboratory of Computational Quantum Chemistry and Drug Design, Department of Chemistry, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Ali Ebrahimi
- Laboratory of Computational Quantum Chemistry and Drug Design, Department of Chemistry, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
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14
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Wang HL, Yang L, Zhai D, Sun L, Deng W. Global optimization of gold nanocrystals based on an iterative QM/MM method. Chem Phys Lett 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2022.140264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Li TE, Hammes-Schiffer S. QM/MM Modeling of Vibrational Polariton Induced Energy Transfer and Chemical Dynamics. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:377-384. [PMID: 36574620 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Vibrational strong coupling (VSC) provides a novel means to modify chemical reactions and energy transfer pathways. To efficiently model chemical dynamics under VSC in the collective regime, herein a hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) cavity molecular dynamics (CavMD) scheme is developed and applied to an experimentally studied chemical system. This approach can achieve linear scaling with respect to the number of molecules for a dilute solution under VSC by assuming that each QM solute molecule is surrounded by an independent MM solvent bath. Application of this approach to a dilute solution of Fe(CO)5 in n-dodecane under VSC demonstrates polariton dephasing to the dark modes and polariton-enhanced molecular nonlinear absorption. These simulations predict that strongly exciting the lower polariton may provide an energy transfer pathway that selectively excites the equatorial CO vibrations rather than the axial CO vibrations. Moreover, these simulations also directly probe the cavity effect on the dynamics of the Fe(CO)5 Berry pseudorotation reaction for comparison to recent two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy experiments. This theoretical approach is applicable to a wide range of other polaritonic systems and provides a tool for exploring the use of VSC for selective infrared photochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao E Li
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
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16
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Sharma H, Raju B, Narendra G, Motiwale M, Sharma B, Verma H, Silakari O. QM/MM Studies on Enzyme Catalysis and Insight into Designing of New Inhibitors by ONIOM Approach: Recent Update. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Himani Sharma
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
| | - Baddipadige Raju
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
| | - Gera Narendra
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
| | - Mohit Motiwale
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
| | - Bhavna Sharma
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
| | - Himanshu Verma
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
| | - Om Silakari
- Molecular Modeling Lab (MML) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Punjabi University Patiala Punjab 147002 India
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17
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Direct or Indirect ESPT Mechanism in CFP psamFP488? A Theoretical-Computational Investigation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415640. [PMID: 36555282 PMCID: PMC9779432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415640] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent Proteins are widely studied for their multiple applications in technological and biotechnological fields. Despite this, they continue to represent a challenge in terms of a complete understanding of all the non-equilibrium photo-induced processes that rule their properties. In this context, a theoretical-computational approach can support experimental results in unveiling and understanding the processes taking place after electronic excitation. A non-standard cyan fluorescent protein, psamFP488, is characterized by an absorption maximum that is blue-shifted in comparison to other cyan fluorescent proteins. This protein is characterized by an extended Stokes shift and an ultrafast (170 fs) excited state proton transfer. In this work, a theoretical-computational study, including excited state ab initio dynamics, is performed to help understanding the reaction mechanism and propose new hypotheses on the role of the residues surrounding the chromophore. Our results suggest that the proton transfer could be indirect toward the acceptor (Glu167) and involves other residues surrounding the chromophore, despite the ultrafast kinetics.
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18
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Pantazopoulou P, Kalogeropoulou S, Theohari S, Papamichalis E, Tzeli D. Evaluation of Crocin as green corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in NaCl solution. CHEM ENG COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2022.2147834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Pantazopoulou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Kalogeropoulou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatina Theohari
- Graphic Design and Visual Communication Department, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Papamichalis
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
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19
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Farberow CA, Wegener EC, Kumar A, Miller JH, Dupuis DP, Kim S, Ruddy DA. Connecting cation site location to alkane dehydrogenation activity in Ni/BEA catalysts. J Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2022.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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20
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Suriya U, Mahalapbutr P, Rungrotmongkol T. Integration of In Silico Strategies for Drug Repositioning towards P38α Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) at the Allosteric Site. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071461. [PMID: 35890356 PMCID: PMC9321129 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
P38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK), one of the p38 MAPK isoforms participating in a signaling cascade, has been identified for its pivotal role in the regulation of physiological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. Herein, by shedding light on docking- and 100-ns dynamic-based screening from 3210 FDA-approved drugs, we found that lomitapide (a lipid-lowering agent) and nilotinib (a Bcr-Abl fusion protein inhibitor) could alternatively inhibit phosphorylation of p38α MAPK at the allosteric site. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations including end-point and QM-based ONIOM methods revealed that the binding affinity of the two screened drugs exhibited a comparable level as the known p38α MAPK inhibitor (BIRB796), suggesting the high potential of being a novel p38α MAPK inhibitor. In addition, noncovalent contacts and the number of hydrogen bonds were found to be corresponding with the great binding recognition. Key influential amino acids were mostly hydrophobic residues, while the two charged residues including E71 and D168 were considered crucial ones due to their ability to form very strong H-bonds with the focused drugs. Altogether, our contributions obtained here could be theoretical guidance for further conducting experimental-based preclinical studies necessary for developing therapeutic agents targeting p38α MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utid Suriya
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khan Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Center of Excellence in Structural and Computational Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Ph.D. Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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21
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Giudetti G, Polyakov I, Grigorenko BL, Faraji S, Nemukhin AV, Krylov AI. How Reproducible Are QM/MM Simulations? Lessons from Computational Studies of the Covalent Inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease by Carmofur. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:5056-5067. [PMID: 35797455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This work explores the level of transparency in reporting the details of computational protocols that is required for practical reproducibility of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations. Using the reaction of an essential SARS-CoV-2 enzyme (the main protease) with a covalent inhibitor (carmofur) as a test case of chemical reactions in biomolecules, we carried out QM/MM calculations to determine the structures and energies of the reactants, the product, and the transition state/intermediate using analogous QM/MM models implemented in two software packages, NWChem and Q-Chem. Our main benchmarking goal was to reproduce the key energetics computed with the two packages. Our results indicate that quantitative agreement (within the numerical thresholds used in calculations) is difficult to achieve. We show that rather minor details of QM/MM simulations must be reported in order to ensure the reproducibility of the results and offer suggestions toward developing practical guidelines for reporting the results of biosimulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Giudetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0482, United States
| | - Igor Polyakov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Bella L Grigorenko
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Shirin Faraji
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG The Netherlands
| | - Alexander V Nemukhin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Anna I Krylov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0482, United States
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22
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Mamalis D, Panagiotopoulou A, Couladouros EA, Tzeli D, Vidali VP. A DFT Study towards the Amide cis‐trans Isomerization Process of the Myc‐Max Inhibitor Mycro 3 and Its Photophysical Properties; Synthesis and NMR Studies of the trans‐Conformation. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202201639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Mamalis
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 71 Greece
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” Ag. Paraskevi 153 41 Athens Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave. Athens 116 35 Greece
| | - Angeliki Panagiotopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi 153 41 Athens Greece
| | - Elias A. Couladouros
- Agricultural University of Athens Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Iera Odos 75 Athens 118 55 Greece
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 71 Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave. Athens 116 35 Greece
| | - Veroniki P. Vidali
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” Ag. Paraskevi 153 41 Athens Greece
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23
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Liang W, Pei Z, Mao Y, Shao Y. Evaluation of molecular photophysical and photochemical properties using linear response time-dependent density functional theory with classical embedding: Successes and challenges. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:210901. [PMID: 35676148 PMCID: PMC9162785 DOI: 10.1063/5.0088271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) based approaches have been developed in recent years to model the excited-state properties and transition processes of the molecules in the gas-phase and in a condensed medium, such as in a solution and protein microenvironment or near semiconductor and metal surfaces. In the latter case, usually, classical embedding models have been adopted to account for the molecular environmental effects, leading to the multi-scale approaches of TDDFT/polarizable continuum model (PCM) and TDDFT/molecular mechanics (MM), where a molecular system of interest is designated as the quantum mechanical region and treated with TDDFT, while the environment is usually described using either a PCM or (non-polarizable or polarizable) MM force fields. In this Perspective, we briefly review these TDDFT-related multi-scale models with a specific emphasis on the implementation of analytical energy derivatives, such as the energy gradient and Hessian, the nonadiabatic coupling, the spin-orbit coupling, and the transition dipole moment as well as their nuclear derivatives for various radiative and radiativeless transition processes among electronic states. Three variations of the TDDFT method, the Tamm-Dancoff approximation to TDDFT, spin-flip DFT, and spin-adiabatic TDDFT, are discussed. Moreover, using a model system (pyridine-Ag20 complex), we emphasize that caution is needed to properly account for system-environment interactions within the TDDFT/MM models. Specifically, one should appropriately damp the electrostatic embedding potential from MM atoms and carefully tune the van der Waals interaction potential between the system and the environment. We also highlight the lack of proper treatment of charge transfer between the quantum mechanics and MM regions as well as the need for accelerated TDDFT modelings and interpretability, which calls for new method developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- WanZhen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuezhi Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Yihan Shao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA
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24
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Baiano C, Lupi J, Barone V, Tasinato N. Gliding on Ice in Search of Accurate and Cost-Effective Computational Methods for Astrochemistry on Grains: The Puzzling Case of the HCN Isomerization. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:3111-3121. [PMID: 35446575 PMCID: PMC9097295 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c01252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The isomerization of hydrogen cyanide to hydrogen isocyanide on icy grain surfaces is investigated by an accurate composite method (jun-Cheap) rooted in the coupled cluster ansatz and by density functional approaches. After benchmarking density functional predictions of both geometries and reaction energies against jun-Cheap results for the relatively small model system HCN···(H2O)2, the best performing DFT methods are selected. A large cluster containing 20 water molecules is then employed within a QM/QM' approach to include a realistic environment mimicking the surface of icy grains. Our results indicate that four water molecules are directly involved in a proton relay mechanism, which strongly reduces the activation energy with respect to the direct hydrogen transfer occurring in the isolated molecule. Further extension of the size of the cluster up to 192 water molecules in the framework of a three-layer QM/QM'/MM model has a negligible effect on the energy barrier ruling the isomerization. Computation of reaction rates by the transition state theory indicates that on icy surfaces, the isomerization of HNC to HCN could occur quite easily even at low temperatures thanks to the reduced activation energy that can be effectively overcome by tunneling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Baiano
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza Dei Cavalieri 7, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lupi
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza Dei Cavalieri 7, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barone
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza Dei Cavalieri 7, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Tasinato
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza Dei Cavalieri 7, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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25
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Tzeliou CE, Mermigki MA, Tzeli D. Review on the QM/MM Methodologies and Their Application to Metalloproteins. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092660. [PMID: 35566011 PMCID: PMC9105939 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The multiscaling quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach was introduced in 1976, while the extensive acceptance of this methodology started in the 1990s. The combination of QM/MM approach with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, otherwise known as the QM/MM/MD approach, is a powerful and promising tool for the investigation of chemical reactions’ mechanism of complex molecular systems, drug delivery, properties of molecular devices, organic electronics, etc. In the present review, the main methodologies in the multiscaling approaches, i.e., density functional theory (DFT), semiempirical methodologies (SE), MD simulations, MM, and their new advances are discussed in short. Then, a review on calculations and reactions on metalloproteins is presented, where particular attention is given to nitrogenase that catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen molecules N₂ into NH₃ through the process known as nitrogen fixation and the FeMo-cofactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Eleftheria Tzeliou
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (C.E.T.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Markella Aliki Mermigki
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (C.E.T.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece; (C.E.T.); (M.A.M.)
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 116 35 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-727-4307
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26
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Roy B, Maisuls I, Zhang J, Niemeyer FC, Rizzo F, Wölper C, Daniliuc CG, Tang BZ, Strassert CA, Voskuhl J. Mapping the Regioisomeric Space and Visible Color Range of Purely Organic Dual Emitters with Ultralong Phosphorescence Components: From Violet to Red Towards Pure White Light. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202111805. [PMID: 34693600 PMCID: PMC9299909 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We mapped the entire visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and achieved white light emission (CIE: 0.31, 0.34) by combining the intrinsic ns-fluorescence with ultralong ms-phosphorescence from purely organic dual emitters. We realized small molecular materials showing high photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦL ) in the solid state at room temperature, achieved by active exploration of the regioisomeric substitution space. Chromophore stacking-supported stabilization of triplet excitons with assistance from enhanced intersystem crossing channels in the crystalline state played the primary role for the ultra-long phosphorescence. This strategy covers the entire visible spectrum, based on organic phosphorescent emitters with versatile regioisomeric substitution patterns, and provides a single molecular source of white light with long lifetime (up to 163.5 ms) for the phosphorescent component, and high overall photoluminescence quantum yields (up to ΦL =20 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibhisan Roy
- Faculty of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 745117EssenGermany
| | - Iván Maisuls
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische ChemieCeNTech, CiMIC, SoNWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterHeisenbergstraße 1148149MünsterGermany
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)Clear water BayKowloonHong Kong
| | - Felix C. Niemeyer
- Faculty of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 745117EssenGermany
| | - Fabio Rizzo
- Organisch Chemisches InstitutWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (F.R. and C.G.D.) and SoN (F.R.)Corrensstraße 3648149MünsterGermany
- Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies “G. Natta” (SCITEC)National Research Council (CNR)Via G. Fantoli 16/1520138MilanItaly
| | - Christoph Wölper
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 5–745117EssenGermany
| | - Constantin G. Daniliuc
- Organisch Chemisches InstitutWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (F.R. and C.G.D.) and SoN (F.R.)Corrensstraße 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)Clear water BayKowloonHong Kong
| | - Cristian A. Strassert
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische ChemieCeNTech, CiMIC, SoNWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterHeisenbergstraße 1148149MünsterGermany
| | - Jens Voskuhl
- Faculty of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 745117EssenGermany
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Roy B, Maisuls I, Zhang J, Niemeyer FC, Rizzo F, Wölper C, Daniliuc CG, Tang BZ, Strassert CA, Voskuhl J. Mapping the Regioisomeric Space and Visible Color Range of Purely Organic Dual Emitters with Ultralong Phosphorescence Components: From Violet to Red Towards Pure White Light. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bibhisan Roy
- Faculty of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE) University of Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstrasse 7 45117 Essen Germany
| | - Iván Maisuls
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie CeNTech, CiMIC, SoN Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Heisenbergstraße 11 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Clear water Bay Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - Felix C. Niemeyer
- Faculty of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE) University of Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstrasse 7 45117 Essen Germany
| | - Fabio Rizzo
- Organisch Chemisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (F.R. and C.G.D.) and SoN (F.R.) Corrensstraße 36 48149 Münster Germany
- Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies “G. Natta” (SCITEC) National Research Council (CNR) Via G. Fantoli 16/15 20138 Milan Italy
| | - Christoph Wölper
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE) University of Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstrasse 5–7 45117 Essen Germany
| | - Constantin G. Daniliuc
- Organisch Chemisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (F.R. and C.G.D.) and SoN (F.R.) Corrensstraße 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Clear water Bay Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - Cristian A. Strassert
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie CeNTech, CiMIC, SoN Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Heisenbergstraße 11 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Jens Voskuhl
- Faculty of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) and Center for NanoIntegration (CENIDE) University of Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstrasse 7 45117 Essen Germany
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28
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Glanowski M, Kachhap S, Borowski T, Szaleniec M. Model Setup and Procedures for Prediction of Enzyme Reaction Kinetics with QM-Only and QM:MM Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2385:175-236. [PMID: 34888722 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1767-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme-catalyzed reactions are traditionally studied with experimental kinetic assays. The modern theoretical modeling techniques provide a complementary way to investigate these catalytic reactions. Experimental assay frequently does not allow an unequivocal answer to the factors controlling the reaction mechanism. On the other hand, the theoretical experiments provide a precise understanding of the molecular-level steps involved in catalytic reactions. However, modeling requires at least structural data on the enzyme and reactant, and the complexity of the enzyme systems can still be a challenge.In this chapter, we are going to describe how to apply theoretical modeling methods, such as MD simulation, QM-only cluster models of enzyme active site, or QM:MM multiscale modeling to study enzyme kinetics and even to predict kinetic isotope effect (KIE). We present a full protocol that starts from the PDB structure of the enzyme, through MD simulation of enzyme: substrate complex and statistical analysis of MD trajectory, selection of a model of the active site, and study of reaction pathways. We show how theoretical predictions basing on QM-only cluster models, QM:MM model, or multiple QM:MM models derived from QM:MM:MD simulations can be correlated with experimental kinetic results. Finally, we show how one can calculate intrinsic KIE associated with an individual molecular step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Glanowski
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Sangita Kachhap
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Borowski
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Szaleniec
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
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29
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Barone V, Fusè M, Pinto SMV, Tasinato N. A Computational Journey across Nitroxide Radicals: From Structure to Spectroscopic Properties and Beyond. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237404. [PMID: 34885980 PMCID: PMC8659111 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitroxide radicals are characterized by a long-lived open-shell electronic ground state and are strongly sensitive to the chemical environment, thus representing ideal spin probes and spin labels for paramagnetic biomolecules and materials. However, the interpretation of spectroscopic parameters in structural and dynamic terms requires the aid of accurate quantum chemical computations. In this paper we validate a computational model rooted into double-hybrid functionals and second order vibrational perturbation theory. Then, we provide reference quantum chemical results for the structures, vibrational frequencies and other spectroscopic features of a large panel of nitroxides of current biological and/or technological interest.
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Morado J, Mortenson PN, Nissink JWM, Verdonk ML, Ward RA, Essex JW, Skylaris CK. Generation of Quantum Configurational Ensembles Using Approximate Potentials. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:7021-7042. [PMID: 34644088 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Conformational analysis is of paramount importance in drug design: it is crucial to determine pharmacological properties, understand molecular recognition processes, and characterize the conformations of ligands when unbound. Molecular Mechanics (MM) simulation methods, such as Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD), are usually employed to generate ensembles of structures due to their ability to extensively sample the conformational space of molecules. The accuracy of these MM-based schemes strongly depends on the functional form of the force field (FF) and its parametrization, components that often hinder their performance. High-level methods, such as ab initio MD, provide reliable structural information but are still too computationally expensive to allow for extensive sampling. Therefore, to overcome these limitations, we present a multilevel MC method that is capable of generating quantum configurational ensembles while keeping the computational cost at a minimum. We show that FF reparametrization is an efficient route to generate FFs that reproduce QM results more closely, which, in turn, can be used as low-cost models to achieve the gold standard QM accuracy. We demonstrate that the MC acceptance rate is strongly correlated with various phase space overlap measurements and that it constitutes a robust metric to evaluate the similarity between the MM and QM levels of theory. As a more advanced application, we present a self-parametrizing version of the algorithm, which combines sampling and FF parametrization in one scheme, and apply the methodology to generate the QM/MM distribution of a ligand in aqueous solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Morado
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Mortenson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - J Willem M Nissink
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel L Verdonk
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Ward
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan W Essex
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chris-Kriton Skylaris
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
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31
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QM and QM/MM study on inhibition mechanism of polyphenolic compounds as non-classical inhibitors of α-human carbonic anhydrase (II). Theor Chem Acc 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00214-021-02839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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32
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Sabe VT, Ntombela T, Jhamba LA, Maguire GEM, Govender T, Naicker T, Kruger HG. Current trends in computer aided drug design and a highlight of drugs discovered via computational techniques: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113705. [PMID: 34303871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Computer-aided drug design (CADD) is one of the pivotal approaches to contemporary pre-clinical drug discovery, and various computational techniques and software programs are typically used in combination, in a bid to achieve the desired outcome. Several approved drugs have been developed with the aid of CADD. On SciFinder®, we evaluated more than 600 publications through systematic searching and refining, using the terms, virtual screening; software methods; computational studies and publication year, in order to obtain data concerning particular aspects of CADD. The primary focus of this review was on the databases screened, virtual screening and/or molecular docking software program used. Furthermore, we evaluated the studies that subsequently performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and we reviewed the software programs applied, the application of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental assays. To represent the latest trends, the most recent data obtained was between 2015 and 2020, consequently the most frequently employed techniques and software programs were recorded. Among these, the ZINC database was the most widely preferred with an average use of 31.2%. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) was the most prominently used type of virtual screening and it accounted for an average of 57.6%, with AutoDock being the preferred virtual screening/molecular docking program with 41.8% usage. Following the screening process, 38.5% of the studies performed MD simulations to complement the virtual screening and GROMACS with 39.3% usage, was the popular MD software program. Among the computational techniques, DFT was the least applied whereby it only accounts for 0.02% average use. An average of 36.5% of the studies included reports on experimental evaluations following virtual screening. Ultimately, since the inception and application of CADD in pre-clinical drug discovery, more than 70 approved drugs have been discovered, and this number is steadily increasing over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor T Sabe
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Thandokuhle Ntombela
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Lindiwe A Jhamba
- HIV Pathogenesis Program, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Glenn E M Maguire
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Thavendran Govender
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Chemistry, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, 3886, South Africa
| | - Tricia Naicker
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G Kruger
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
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33
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Nguyen DT, Pham QT. A theoretical and experimental study on etherification of primary alcohols with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose chain (n = 1–3) in acidic condition. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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34
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Paligaspe P, Weerasinghe S, Dissanayake D, Senthilnithy R. Identify the effect of As(III) on the structural stability of monomeric PKM2 and its carcinogenicity: A molecular dynamics and QM/MM based approach. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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35
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Brunken C, Reiher M. Automated Construction of Quantum–Classical Hybrid Models. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:3797-3813. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Brunken
- Laboratorium für Physikalische Chemie, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Reiher
- Laboratorium für Physikalische Chemie, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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36
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Zanetti-Polzi L, Smith MD, Chipot C, Gumbart JC, Lynch DL, Pavlova A, Smith JC, Daidone I. Tuning Proton Transfer Thermodynamics in SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Implications for Catalysis and Inhibitor Design. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:4195-4202. [PMID: 33900080 PMCID: PMC8097931 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic reaction in SARS-CoV-2 main protease is activated by a proton transfer (PT) from Cys145 to His41. The same PT is likely also required for the covalent binding of some inhibitors. Here we use a multiscale computational approach to investigate the PT thermodynamics in the apo enzyme and in complex with two potent inhibitors, N3 and the α-ketoamide 13b. We show that with the inhibitors the free energy cost to reach the charge-separated state of the active-site dyad is lower, with N3 inducing the most significant reduction. We also show that a few key sites (including specific water molecules) significantly enhance or reduce the thermodynamic feasibility of the PT reaction, with selective desolvation of the active site playing a crucial role. The approach presented is a cost-effective procedure to identify the enzyme regions that control the activation of the catalytic reaction and is thus also useful to guide the design of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zanetti-Polzi
- Center
S3, CNR Institute of Nanoscience, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Micholas Dean Smith
- Department
of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg., 1311 Cumberland
Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Chris Chipot
- UMR 7019, Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire
International Associé CNRS, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- University
of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - James C. Gumbart
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Diane L. Lynch
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Anna Pavlova
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Jeremy C. Smith
- Department
of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 309 Ken and Blaire Mossman Bldg., 1311 Cumberland
Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- UT/ORNL
Center for Molecular Biophysics, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Isabella Daidone
- Department
of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University
of L’Aquila, Via
Vetoio, I-67010 L’Aquila, Italy
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37
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Dhali R, Phan Huu DKA, Terenziani F, Sissa C, Painelli A. Thermally activated delayed fluorescence: A critical assessment of environmental effects on the singlet-triplet energy gap. J Chem Phys 2021; 154:134112. [PMID: 33832272 DOI: 10.1063/5.0042058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective design of dyes optimized for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) requires the precise control of two tiny energies: the singlet-triplet gap, which has to be maintained within thermal energy, and the strength of spin-orbit coupling. A subtle interplay among low-energy excited states having dominant charge-transfer and local character then governs TADF efficiency, making models for environmental effects both crucial and challenging. The main message of this paper is a warning to the community of chemists, physicists, and material scientists working in the field: the adiabatic approximation implicitly imposed to the treatment of fast environmental degrees of freedom in quantum-classical and continuum solvation models leads to uncontrolled results. Several approximation schemes were proposed to mitigate the issue, but we underline that the adiabatic approximation to fast solvation is inadequate and cannot be improved; rather, it must be abandoned in favor of an antiadiabatic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Dhali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - D K Andrea Phan Huu
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Terenziani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cristina Sissa
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Painelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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38
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D'Annibale V, Nardi AN, Amadei A, D'Abramo M. Theoretical Characterization of the Reduction Potentials of Nucleic Acids in Solution. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:1301-1307. [PMID: 33621084 PMCID: PMC8028051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, we present the theoretical-computational modeling of the oxidation properties of four DNA nucleosides and nucleotides and a set of dinucleotides in solutions. Our estimates of the vertical ionization energies and reduction potentials, close to the corresponding experimental data, show that an accurate calculation of the molecular electronic properties in solutions requires a proper treatment of the effect of the environment. In particular, we found that the effect of the environment is to stabilize the oxidized state of the nucleobases resulting in a remarkable reduction-up to 6.6 eV-of the energy with respect to the gas phase. Our estimates of the aqueous and gas-phase vertical ionization energies, in good agreement with photoelectron spectroscopy experiments, also show that the effect on the reduction potential of the phosphate group and of the additional nucleotide in dinucleotides is rather limited.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Amadei
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Marco D'Abramo
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
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Zanetti-Polzi L, Aschi M, Daidone I. Cooperative protein-solvent tuning of proton transfer energetics: carbonic anhydrase as a case study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 22:19975-19981. [PMID: 32857091 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp03652h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigate the coupling between the proton transfer (PT) energetics and the protein-solvent dynamics using the intra-molecular PT in wild type (wt) human carbonic anhydrase II and its ten-fold faster mutant Y7F/N67Q as a test case. We calculate the energy variation upon PT, and from that we also calculate the PT reaction free energy, making use of a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular dynamics approach. In agreement with the experimental data, we obtain that the reaction free energy is basically the same in the two systems. Yet, we show that the instantaneous PT energy is on average lower in the mutant possibly contributing to the faster PT rate. Analysis of the contribution to the PT energetics of the solvent and of each protein residue, also not in the vicinity of the active site, provides evidence for electrostatic tuning of the PT energy arising from the combined effect of the solvent and the protein environment. These findings open up a way to the more general task of the rational design of mutants with either enhanced or reduced PT rate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimiliano Aschi
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, I-67010 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Isabella Daidone
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, I-67010 L'Aquila, Italy.
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40
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Quesadas-Rojas M, Mena-Rejon GJ, Castro-Segura CS, Cáceres-Castillo DR, Quijano-Quiñones RF. Theoretical insight into the on-water catalytic effect in the biogenesis of triterpene dimers: from one-step to two-step hetero Diels–Alder reactions. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj04221a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An alternative pathway to the hetero Diels–Alder reaction for the biogenic origin of triterpene dimers is presented here. In this new pathway, the explicit water molecules take a fundamental role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Quesadas-Rojas
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
- Escuela Nacional de Educación Superior, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Gonzalo J. Mena-Rejon
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | | | - David R. Cáceres-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Ramiro F. Quijano-Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Química Teórica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
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41
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Chandy SK, Thapa B, Raghavachari K. Accurate and cost-effective NMR chemical shift predictions for proteins using a molecules-in-molecules fragmentation-based method. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:27781-27799. [PMID: 33244526 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05064d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have developed an efficient protocol using our two-layer Molecules-in-Molecules (MIM2) fragmentation-based quantum chemical method for the prediction of NMR chemical shifts of large biomolecules. To investigate the performance of our fragmentation approach and demonstrate its applicability, MIM-NMR calculations are first calibrated on a test set of six proteins. The MIM2-NMR method yields a mean absolute deviation (MAD) from unfragmented full molecule calculations of 0.01 ppm for 1H and 0.06 ppm for 13C chemical shifts. Thus, the errors from fragmentation are only about 3% of our target accuracy of ∼0.3 ppm for 1H and 2-3 ppm for 13C chemical shifts. To compare with experimental chemical shifts, a standard protocol is first derived using two smaller proteins 2LHY (176 atoms) and 2LI1 (146 atoms) for obtaining an appropriate protein structure for NMR chemical shift calculations. The effect of the solvent environment on the calculated NMR chemical shifts is incorporated through implicit, explicit, or explicit-implicit solvation models. The expensive first solvation shell calculations are replaced by a micro-solvation model in which only the immediate interaction between the protein and the explicit solvation environment is considered. A single explicit water molecule for each amine and amide proton is found to be sufficient to yield accurate results for 1H chemical shifts. The 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts calculated using our protocol give excellent agreement with experiments for two larger proteins, 2MC5 (the helical part with 265 atoms) and 3UMK (33 residue slice with 547 atoms). Overall, our target accuracy of ∼0.3 ppm for 1H and ∼2-3 ppm for 13C has been achieved for the larger proteins. The proposed MIM-NMR method is accurate and computationally cost-effective and should be applicable to study a wide range of large proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthy K Chandy
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
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42
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Stripp ST, Mebs S, Haumann M. Temperature Dependence of Structural Dynamics at the Catalytic Cofactor of [FeFe]-hydrogenase. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:16474-16488. [PMID: 33147959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
[FeFe]-hydrogenases are nature's blueprint for efficient hydrogen turnover. Understanding their enzymatic mechanism may improve technological H2 fuel generation. The active-site cofactor (H-cluster) consists of a [4Fe-4S] cluster ([4Fe]H), cysteine-linked to a diiron site ([2Fe]H) carrying an azadithiolate (adt) group, terminal cyanide and carbon monoxide ligands, and a bridging carbon monoxide (μCO) in the oxidized protein (Hox). Recently, the debate on the structure of reduced H-cluster states was intensified by the assignment of new species under cryogenic conditions. We investigated temperature effects (4-280 K) in infrared (IR) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data of [FeFe]-hydrogenases using fit analyses and quantum-chemical calculations. IR data from our laboratory and literature sources were evaluated. At ambient temperatures, reduced H-cluster states with a bridging hydride (μH-, in Hred and Hsred) or with an additional proton at [4Fe]H (Hred') or at the distal iron of [2Fe]H (Hhyd) prevail. At cryogenic temperatures, these species are largely replaced by states that hold a μCO, lack [4Fe]H protonation, and bind an additional proton at the adt nitrogen (HredH+ and HsredH+). XAS revealed the atomic coordinate dispersion (i.e., the Debye-Waller parameter, 2σ2) of the iron-ligand bonds and Fe-Fe distances in the oxidized and reduced H-cluster. 2σ2 showed a temperature dependence typical for the so-called protein-glass transition, with small changes below ∼200 K and a pronounced increase above this "breakpoint". This behavior is attributed to the freezing-out of larger-scale anharmonic motions of amino acid side chains and water species. We propose that protonation at [4Fe]H as well as ligand rearrangement and μH- binding at [2Fe]H are impaired because of restricted molecular mobility at cryogenic temperatures so that protonation can be biased toward adt. We conclude that a H-cluster with a μCO, selective [4Fe]H or [2Fe]H protonation, and catalytic proton transfer via adt facilitates efficient H2 conversion in [FeFe]-hydrogenase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven T Stripp
- Physics Department, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Stefan Mebs
- Physics Department, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Michael Haumann
- Physics Department, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, Berlin 14195, Germany
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43
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A Theoretical and Experimental Study on Esterification of Citric Acid with the Primary Alcohols and the Hydroxyl Groups of Cellulose Chain (n = 1-2) in Parched Condition. J CHEM-NY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/8825456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Esterification of citric acid (CA) with the primary alcohols and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose chain (n = 1-2) in parched condition were investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) method and a two-layer ONIOM approach. Geometry and energy of reactants, products, and transition state (TS) structures were optimized at B3LYP/6-311g (d, p) level and ONIOM (B3LYP/6-311g (d, p):PM3MM) level. The computational results show that the esterification occurs in the two main steps: the first step is the dehydration reaction of CA to form anhydrides of 5-membered ring and 6-membered ring and the second step is the ring opening reaction with the hydroxyl –OH groups to form the ester products. The energy barrier of dehydration reaction step is much higher than that of ring opening reaction step. Effect of substituent R in primary alcohol R-CH2OH (R: CH=CH2, CH2NHCH3, CH2OCH3, CH2Cl) and cellulose chain (1G, 2G) on the reactivity, which has negative inductive effect –I, is significant. The combination of calculation data and experiment data were applied to make findings more rigorous. The activation energy of CA was determined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis to be
= 47.8 kcal/mol; the experimental data favoured the dehydration reaction step of CA.
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44
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Coppola F, Perrella F, Petrone A, Donati G, Rega N. A Not Obvious Correlation Between the Structure of Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore Pocket and Hydrogen Bond Dynamics: A Choreography From ab initio Molecular Dynamics. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:569990. [PMID: 33195416 PMCID: PMC7653547 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.569990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is a widely studied chemical system both for its large amount of applications and the complexity of the excited state proton transfer responsible of the change in the protonation state of the chromophore. A detailed investigation on the structure of the chromophore environment and the influence of chromophore form (either neutral or anionic) on it is of crucial importance to understand how these factors could potentially influence the protein function. In this study, we perform a detailed computational investigation based on the analysis of ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations, to disentangle the main structural quantities determining the fine balance in the chromophore environment. We found that specific hydrogen bonds interactions directly involving the chromophore (or not), are correlated to quantities, such as the volume of the cavity in which the chromophore is embedded and that it is importantly affected by the chromophore protonation state. The cross-correlation analysis performed on some of these hydrogen bonds and the cavity volume, demonstrates a direct correlation among them and we also identified the ones specifically involved in this correlation. We also found that specific interactions among residues far in the space are correlated, demonstrating the complexity of the chromophore environment and that many structural quantities have to be taken into account to properly describe and understand the main factors tuning the active site of the protein. From an overall evaluation of the results obtained in this work, it is shown that the residues which a priori are perceived to be spectators play instead an important role in both influencing the chromophore environment (cavity volume) and its dynamics (cross-correlations among spatially distant residues).
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Coppola
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fulvio Perrella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Petrone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Greta Donati
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Rega
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Naples, Italy
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45
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Santolaya J, Busto N, Martínez-Alonso M, Espino G, Grunenberg J, Barone G, García B. Experimental and theoretical characterization of the strong effects on DNA stability caused by half-sandwich Ru(II) and Ir(III) bearing thiabendazole complexes. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:1067-1083. [PMID: 32951085 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01823-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of two half-sandwich complexes of Ru(II) and Ir(III) with thiabendazole as ancillary ligand and their DNA binding ability were investigated using experimental and computational methods. 1H NMR and acid-base studies have shown that aquo-complexes are the reactive species. Kinetic studies show that both complexes bind covalently to DNA through the metal site and non covalently through the ancillary ligand. Thermal stability studies, viscosity, circular dichroism measurements and quantum chemical calculations have shown that the covalent binding causes breaking of the H-bonding between base pairs, bringing about DNA denaturation and compaction. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations shed light into the binding features of the Ru(II) and Ir(III) complexes and their respective enantiomers toward double-helical DNA, highlighting the important role played by the NˆN ancillary ligand once the complexes are covalently linked to DNA. Moreover, metal quantification in the nucleus of SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells were carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), both complexes are more internalized than cisplatin after 4 h of exposition. However, in spite of the dramatic changes in the helicity of the DNA secondary structure induced by these complexes and their nuclear localization, antiproliferative studies have revealed that both, Ru(II) and Ir(III) complexes, cannot be considered cytotoxic. This unexpected behavior can be justified by the fast formation of aquo-complexes, which may react with components of the cell culture medium or the cytoplasm compartment in such a way that they may become deactivated before reaching DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Santolaya
- Chemistry Department, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain.,Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Natalia Busto
- Chemistry Department, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain.
| | - Marta Martínez-Alonso
- Chemistry Department, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain.,Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Gustavo Espino
- Chemistry Department, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain
| | - Jörg Grunenberg
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Begoña García
- Chemistry Department, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain
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46
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Conti I, Cerullo G, Nenov A, Garavelli M. Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Photoactive Molecular Systems from First Principles: Where We Stand Today and Where We Are Going. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:16117-16139. [PMID: 32841559 PMCID: PMC7901644 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c04952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
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Computational spectroscopy is becoming a mandatory tool for the interpretation of the
complex, and often congested, spectral maps delivered by modern non-linear multi-pulse
techniques. The fields of Electronic Structure Methods,
Non-Adiabatic Molecular Dynamics, and Theoretical
Spectroscopy represent the three pillars of the virtual ultrafast
optical spectrometer, able to deliver transient spectra in
silico from first principles. A successful simulation strategy requires a
synergistic approach that balances between the three fields, each one having its very
own challenges and bottlenecks. The aim of this Perspective is to demonstrate that,
despite these challenges, an impressive agreement between theory and experiment is
achievable now regarding the modeling of ultrafast photoinduced processes in complex
molecular architectures. Beyond that, some key recent developments in the three fields
are presented that we believe will have major impacts on spectroscopic simulations in
the very near future. Potential directions of development, pending challenges, and
rising opportunities are illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Conti
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 4, I-40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Cerullo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, IFN-CNR, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Artur Nenov
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 4, I-40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Garavelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 4, I-40136 Bologna, Italy
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47
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Das D, Dutta S, Dowerah D, Deka RC. Unveiling the Role of Hydrogen Bonding and g-Tensor in the Interaction of Ru-Bis-DMSO with Amino Acid Residue and Human Serum Albumin. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:6459-6474. [PMID: 32628490 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c02186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Density functional theory calculations have been carried out to observe the role of hydrogen bonding in hydrolysis and the coordination mechanism of three amino acid residues (histidine, cysteine, and alanine) with Ru-bis-DMSO complex via which the complex tends to interact with the HSA protein receptor. The interaction mechanism shows that ruthenium complexes prefer to bind protein receptor through cysteine and histidine residues rather than through alanine, which has been confirmed by DFT evaluated H-bonding and g-tensor analysis. The number of H-bonds plays a major role in stabilizing the intermediates and transition states involved in the Ru-bis-DMSO and amino acid residue interactions. Our theoretical g-tensor values are in good agreement with the available experimental results. Further QM/MM calculation on the Ru-bis-DMSO-HSA adducts reveals that the adduct is more stable when Ru gets coordinated with histidine imidazole rather than cysteine. These investigations helped us in understanding the type of amino acid residue responsible for binding the metal complex Ru-bis-DMSO with the carrier protein HSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharitri Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Snigdha Dutta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Dikshita Dowerah
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Ramesh Chandra Deka
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
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48
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Zanetti-Polzi L, Daidone I, Amadei A. Fully Atomistic Multiscale Approach for p Ka Prediction. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:4712-4722. [PMID: 32427481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The ionization state of titratable amino acids strongly affects proteins structure and functioning in a large number of biological processes. It is therefore essential to be able to characterize the pKa of ionizable groups inside proteins and to understand its microscopic determinants in order to gain insights into many functional properties of proteins. A big effort has been devoted to the development of theoretical approaches for the prediction of deprotonation free energies, yet the accurate theoretical/computational calculation of pKa values is recognized as a current challenge. A methodology based on a hybrid quantum/classical approach is here proposed for the computation of deprotonation free energies. The method is applied to calculate the pKa of formic acid, methylammonium, and methanethiol, providing results in good agreement with the corresponding experimental estimates. The pKa is also calculated for aspartic acid and lysine as single residues in solution and for three aspartic/glutamic acids inside a well-characterized protein: hen egg white lysozyme. While for small molecules the method is able to deal with multiple protonation states of all titratable groups, this becomes computationally very expensive for proteins. The calculated pKa values for the single amino acids (except for the zwitterionic aspartic acid) and inside the protein display a systematic shift with respect to the experimental values that suggests that the fine balance between hydrophobic and polar interactions might be not accurately reproduced by the usual classical force-fields, thus affecting the computation of deprotonation free energies. The calculated pKa shifts inside the protein are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental ones (within 1 pKa unit), well reproducing the pKa changes due to the protein environment even in the case of large pKa shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabella Daidone
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, I-67010 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Amadei
- Department of Chemical and Technological Sciences, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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49
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Venkatesan P, Cerón M, Pérez-Gutiérrez E, Thamotharan S, Robles F, Ceballos P, Percino MJ. Insights from QM/MM-ONIOM, PIXEL, NBO and DFT calculations: The molecular conformational origins for optical properties on (Z)-2-phenyl-3-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl) acrylonitrile polymorphs. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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50
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De S, Sabu G, Zacharias M. Molecular mechanism of Be2+-ion binding to HLA-DP2: tetrahedral coordination, conformational changes and multi-ion binding. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:799-810. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp05695e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Be small and positive: the smaller size and higher charge of the Be2+-ion results in strong binding between the M2 peptide and the β-chain of HLA-DP2, which induces conformational changes at the periphery suitable for TCR binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita De
- Department of Applied Chemistry
- Cochin University of Science and Technology
- Kochi 682 022
- India
- Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices (IUCND)
| | - Gopika Sabu
- Department of Applied Chemistry
- Cochin University of Science and Technology
- Kochi 682 022
- India
| | - Martin Zacharias
- Physics Department
- Technical University of Munich
- Garching 85747
- Germany
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