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Qureshi U, Mir S, Naz S, Nur-e-Alam M, Ahmed S, Ul-Haq Z. Mechanistic insights into the inhibitory activity of FDA approved ivermectin against SARS-CoV-2: old drug with new implications. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:8100-8111. [PMID: 33950784 PMCID: PMC8108190 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1906750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The novel corona virus (Covid-19) has become a great challenge worldwide since 2019, as no drug has been reported yet. Different clinical trials are still under way. Among them is Ivermectin (IVM), an FDA approved drug which was recently reported as a successful candidate to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load by inhibiting Importin-α1 (IMP-α1) protein which subsequently affects nuclear transport of viral proteins but its basic binding mode and inhibitory mechanism is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the inhibitory mechanism and binding mode of IVM with IMP-α1 via different computational methods. Initially, comparative docking of IVM was performed against two different binding sites (Nuclear Localization Signal (NLS) major and minor sites) of IMP-α1 to predict the probable binding mode of IVM. Then, classical MD simulation was performed (IVM/NLS-Major site and IVM/NLS-Minor site), to predict its comparative stability dynamics and probable inhibitory mechanism. The stability dynamics and biophysical analysis of both sites highlighted the stable binding of IVM within NLS-Minor site by establishing and maintaining more hydrophobic contacts with crucial residues, required for IMP-α1 inhibition which were not observed in NLS-major site. Altogether, these results recommended the worth of IVM as a possible drug to limit the SARS-CoV-2 viral load and consequently reduces its progression.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urooj Qureshi
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sonia Mir
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sehrish Naz
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Nur-e-Alam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Zaheer Ul-Haq
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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Comparative study of the interactions between fungal transcription factor nuclear localization sequences with mammalian and fungal importin-alpha. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1458. [PMID: 31996719 PMCID: PMC6989684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58316-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Importin-α (Impα) is an adaptor protein that binds to cargo proteins (containing Nuclear Localization Sequences - NLSs), for their translocation to the nucleus. The specificities of the Impα/NLS interactions have been studied, since these features could be used as important tools to find potential NLSs in nuclear proteins or even for the development of targets to inhibit nuclear import or to design peptides for drug delivery. Few structural studies have compared different Impα variants from the same organism or Impα of different organisms. Previously, we investigated nuclear transport of transcription factors with Neurospora crassa Impα (NcImpα). Herein, NIT-2 and PAC-3 transcription factors NLSs were studied in complex with Mus musculus Impα (MmImpα). Calorimetric assays demonstrated that the PAC-3 NLS peptide interacts with both Impα proteins with approximately the same affinity. The NIT-2 NLS sequence binds with high affinity to the Impα major binding site from both organisms, but its binding to minor binding sites reveals interesting differences due to the presence of additional interactions of NIT-2-NLS with MmImpα. These findings, together with previous results with Impα from other organisms, indicate that the differential affinity of NLSs to minor binding sites may be also responsible for the selectivity of some cargo proteins recognition and transport.
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Tolmachova KA, Moroz YS, Konovets A, Platonov MO, Vasylchenko OV, Borysko P, Zozulya S, Gryniukova A, Bogolubsky AV, Pipko S, Mykhailiuk PK, Brovarets VS, Grygorenko OO. (Chlorosulfonyl)benzenesulfonyl Fluorides-Versatile Building Blocks for Combinatorial Chemistry: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of a Covalent Inhibitor Library. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2018; 20:672-680. [PMID: 30354064 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.8b00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Multigram synthesis of (chlorosulfonyl)benzenesulfonyl fluorides is described. Selective modification of these building blocks at the sulfonyl chloride function under parallel synthesis conditions is achieved. It is shown that the reaction scope includes the use of (hetero)aromatic and electron-poor aliphatic amines (e.g., amino nitriles). Utility of the method is demonstrated by preparation of the sulfonyl fluoride library for potential use as covalent fragments, which is demonstrated by a combination of in silico and in vitro screening against trypsin as a model enzyme. As a result, several inhibitors were identified with activity on par with that of the known inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna A. Tolmachova
- National Taras
Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry & Petrochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Murmanska Street 1, Kyiv 02660, Ukraine
| | - Yurii S. Moroz
- National Taras
Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Chemspace, Ilukstes iela 38-5, Riga, LV-1082, Latvia
| | - Angelika Konovets
- National Taras
Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., Chervonotkatska Street 78, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Petro Borysko
- Bienta/Enamine Ltd., Chervonotkatska Street 78, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
| | - Sergey Zozulya
- Bienta/Enamine Ltd., Chervonotkatska Street 78, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Sergey Pipko
- Enamine Ltd., Chervonotkatska Street 78, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
| | - Pavel K. Mykhailiuk
- National Taras
Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr S. Brovarets
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry & Petrochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Murmanska Street 1, Kyiv 02660, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr O. Grygorenko
- National Taras
Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., Chervonotkatska Street 78, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
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Development of a new benchmark for assessing the scoring functions applicable to protein–protein interactions. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:1555-1574. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Scoring functions are important component of protein–protein docking methods. They need to be evaluated on high-quality benchmarks to reveal their strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation results obtained on such benchmarks can provide valuable guidance for developing more advanced scoring functions. Methodology & results: In our comparative assessment of scoring functions for protein–protein interactions benchmark, the performance of a scoring function was characterized by ‘docking power’ and ‘scoring power’. A high-quality dataset of 273 protein–protein complexes was compiled and employed in both tests. Four scoring functions, including FASTCONTACT, ZRANK, dDFIRE and ATTRACT were tested as demonstration. ZRANK and ATTRACT exhibited encouraging performance in the docking power test. However, all four scoring functions failed badly in the scoring power test. Conclusion: Our comparative assessment of scoring functions for protein–protein interaction benchmark is created especially for assessing the scoring functions applicable to protein–protein interactions. It is different from other benchmarks for assessing protein–protein docking methods. Our benchmark is available to the public at www.pdbbind-cn.org/download/CASF-PPI/ .
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Borysko P, Moroz YS, Vasylchenko OV, Hurmach VV, Starodubtseva A, Stefanishena N, Nesteruk K, Zozulya S, Kondratov IS, Grygorenko OO. Straightforward hit identification approach in fragment-based discovery of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:3399-3405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Fragment-based drug discovery and its application to challenging drug targets. Essays Biochem 2017; 61:475-484. [PMID: 29118094 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20170029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a technique for identifying low molecular weight chemical starting points for drug discovery. Since its inception 20 years ago, FBDD has grown in popularity to the point where it is now an established technique in industry and academia. The approach involves the biophysical screening of proteins against collections of low molecular weight compounds (fragments). Although fragments bind to proteins with relatively low affinity, they form efficient, high quality binding interactions with the protein architecture as they have to overcome a significant entropy barrier to bind. Of the biophysical methods available for fragment screening, X-ray protein crystallography is one of the most sensitive and least prone to false positives. It also provides detailed structural information of the protein-fragment complex at the atomic level. Fragment-based screening using X-ray crystallography is therefore an efficient method for identifying binding hotspots on proteins, which can then be exploited by chemists and biologists for the discovery of new drugs. The use of FBDD is illustrated here with a recently published case study of a drug discovery programme targeting the challenging protein-protein interaction Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1:nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.
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Cole DJ, Janecek M, Stokes JE, Rossmann M, Faver JC, McKenzie GJ, Venkitaraman AR, Hyvönen M, Spring DR, Huggins DJ, Jorgensen WL. Computationally-guided optimization of small-molecule inhibitors of the Aurora A kinase-TPX2 protein-protein interaction. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:9372-9375. [PMID: 28787041 PMCID: PMC5591577 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc05379g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Free energy perturbation theory, in combination with enhanced sampling of protein-ligand binding modes, is evaluated in the context of fragment-based drug design, and used to design two new small-molecule inhibitors of the Aurora A kinase-TPX2 protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Cole
- Department of Chemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8107 , USA , School of Chemistry , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , UK .
| | - Matej Janecek
- MRC Cancer Unit , University of Cambridge , Hills Road , Cambridge CB2 0XZ , UK , Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , UK
| | - Jamie E. Stokes
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , UK
| | - Maxim Rossmann
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Old Addenbrooke's Site , Cambridge CB2 1GA , UK
| | - John C. Faver
- Department of Chemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8107 , USA
| | - Grahame J. McKenzie
- MRC Cancer Unit , University of Cambridge , Hills Road , Cambridge CB2 0XZ , UK
| | | | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Old Addenbrooke's Site , Cambridge CB2 1GA , UK
| | - David R. Spring
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , UK
| | - David J. Huggins
- MRC Cancer Unit , University of Cambridge , Hills Road , Cambridge CB2 0XZ , UK , Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , UK , Theory of Condensed Matter Group , Cavendish Laboratory , 19 JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge CB3 0HE , UK
| | - William L. Jorgensen
- Department of Chemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8107 , USA
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Wiedmann MM, Aibara S, Spring DR, Stewart M, Brenton JD. Structural and calorimetric studies demonstrate that the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) transcription factor is imported into the nucleus via a monopartite NLS sequence. J Struct Biol 2016; 195:273-281. [PMID: 27346421 PMCID: PMC4991853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) is ubiquitously overexpressed in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) and is a potential therapeutic target. To explore potential approaches that block HNF1β transcription we have identified and characterised extensively the nuclear localisation signal (NLS) for HNF1β and its interactions with the nuclear protein import receptor, Importin-α. Pull-down assays demonstrated that the DNA binding domain of HNF1β interacted with a spectrum of Importin-α isoforms and deletion constructs tagged with eGFP confirmed that the HNF1β (229)KKMRRNR(235) sequence was essential for nuclear localisation. We further characterised the interaction between the NLS and Importin-α using complementary biophysical techniques and have determined the 2.4Å resolution crystal structure of the HNF1β NLS peptide bound to Importin-α. The functional, biochemical, and structural characterisation of the nuclear localisation signal present on HNF1β and its interaction with the nuclear import protein Importin-α provide the basis for the development of compounds targeting transcription factor HNF1β via its nuclear import pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike M Wiedmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Shintaro Aibara
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Murray Stewart
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - James D Brenton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
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9
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Structure of importin-α bound to a non-classical nuclear localization signal of the influenza A virus nucleoprotein. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15055. [PMID: 26456934 PMCID: PMC4601014 DOI: 10.1038/srep15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A non-classical nuclear localization signal (ncNLS) of influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) is critical for nuclear import of viral genomic RNAs that transcribe and replicate in the nucleus of infected cells. Here we report a 2.3 Å resolution crystal structure of mouse importin-α1 in complex with NP ncNLS. The structure reveals that NP ncNLS binds specifically and exclusively to the minor NLS-binding site of importin-α. Structural and functional analyses identify key binding pockets on importin-α as potential targets for antiviral drug development. Unlike many other NLSs, NP ncNLS binds to the NLS-binding domain of importin-α weakly with micromolar affinity. These results suggest that a modest inhibitor with low affinity to importin-α could have anti-influenza activity with minimal cytotoxicity.
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Laraia L, McKenzie G, Spring DR, Venkitaraman AR, Huggins DJ. Overcoming Chemical, Biological, and Computational Challenges in the Development of Inhibitors Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2015; 22:689-703. [PMID: 26091166 PMCID: PMC4518475 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) underlie the majority of biological processes, signaling, and disease. Approaches to modulate PPIs with small molecules have therefore attracted increasing interest over the past decade. However, there are a number of challenges inherent in developing small-molecule PPI inhibitors that have prevented these approaches from reaching their full potential. From target validation to small-molecule screening and lead optimization, identifying therapeutically relevant PPIs that can be successfully modulated by small molecules is not a simple task. Following the recent review by Arkin et al., which summarized the lessons learnt from prior successes, we focus in this article on the specific challenges of developing PPI inhibitors and detail the recent advances in chemistry, biology, and computation that facilitate overcoming them. We conclude by providing a perspective on the field and outlining four innovations that we see as key enabling steps for successful development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Grahame McKenzie
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ashok R Venkitaraman
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - David J Huggins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK; Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
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