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Bitencourt-Ferreira G, Villarreal MA, Quiroga R, Biziukova N, Poroikov V, Tarasova O, de Azevedo Junior WF. Exploring Scoring Function Space: Developing Computational Models for Drug Discovery. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2361-2377. [PMID: 36944627 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230321103731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The idea of scoring function space established a systems-level approach to address the development of models to predict the affinity of drug molecules by those interested in drug discovery. OBJECTIVE Our goal here is to review the concept of scoring function space and how to explore it to develop machine learning models to address protein-ligand binding affinity. METHODS We searched the articles available in PubMed related to the scoring function space. We also utilized crystallographic structures found in the protein data bank (PDB) to represent the protein space. RESULTS The application of systems-level approaches to address receptor-drug interactions allows us to have a holistic view of the process of drug discovery. The scoring function space adds flexibility to the process since it makes it possible to see drug discovery as a relationship involving mathematical spaces. CONCLUSION The application of the concept of scoring function space has provided us with an integrated view of drug discovery methods. This concept is useful during drug discovery, where we see the process as a computational search of the scoring function space to find an adequate model to predict receptor-drug binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcos A Villarreal
- CONICET-Departamento de Matemática y Física, Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Quiroga
- CONICET-Departamento de Matemática y Física, Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nadezhda Biziukova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str., 10/8, Moscow, 119121, Russia
| | - Vladimir Poroikov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str., 10/8, Moscow, 119121, Russia
| | - Olga Tarasova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str., 10/8, Moscow, 119121, Russia
| | - Walter F de Azevedo Junior
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil
- Specialization Program in Bioinformatics, The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre / RS 90619-900, Brazil
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Algethami FK, Rabti A, Mastouri M, Ben Aoun S, Abdulkhair BY, Raouafi N. In silico selection of an aptamer for the design of aptamer-modified magnetic beads bearing ferrocene co-immobilized label for capacitive detection of acetamiprid. Talanta 2023; 258:124445. [PMID: 36924636 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
In silico evaluation of aptamer/target interactions can facilitate the development of efficient biosensor with high specificity and affinity. In this work, we present in silico, i.e. structural similarity, molecular docking and molecular dynamics selection of the aptamer with sufficient binding properties for acetamiprid (ACE), a nicotine-like pesticide, and its use to design aptamer-modified magnetic beads bearing ferrocene co-immobilized label for capacitive detection of ACE. Taking advantages of the aptamer higher stability and binding affinity, the specific properties of magnetic beads and the redox properties of ferrocene moiety, the developed aptasensor showed promising analytical performances for ACE detection, using electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy, with a linear response ranging from 1 fM to 100 pM and a limit of detection of 0.94 fM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, it was successfully applied to detect ACE in fortified tomatoes samples, proving a promising approach for routine detection of pesticide in real agricultural samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal K Algethami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, P.O. Box 90950, Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Amal Rabti
- Sensors and Biosensors Group, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Lab (LR99ES15), University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Mastouri
- Sensors and Biosensors Group, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Lab (LR99ES15), University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sami Ben Aoun
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, P.O Box 30002, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Babiker Y Abdulkhair
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, P.O. Box 90950, Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noureddine Raouafi
- Sensors and Biosensors Group, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Lab (LR99ES15), University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Zaharias S, Zhang Z, Davis K, Fargason T, Cashman D, Yu T, Zhang J. Intrinsically disordered electronegative clusters improve stability and binding specificity of RNA-binding proteins. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100945. [PMID: 34246632 PMCID: PMC8348266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins play crucial roles in various cellular functions and contain abundant disordered protein regions. The disordered regions in RNA-binding proteins are rich in repetitive sequences, such as poly-K/R, poly-N/Q, poly-A, and poly-G residues. Our bioinformatic analysis identified a largely neglected repetitive sequence family we define as electronegative clusters (ENCs) that contain acidic residues and/or phosphorylation sites. The abundance and length of ENCs exceed other known repetitive sequences. Despite their abundance, the functions of ENCs in RNA-binding proteins are still elusive. To investigate the impacts of ENCs on protein stability, RNA-binding affinity, and specificity, we selected one RNA-binding protein, the ribosomal biogenesis factor 15 (Nop15), as a model. We found that the Nop15 ENC increases protein stability and inhibits nonspecific RNA binding, but minimally interferes with specific RNA binding. To investigate the effect of ENCs on sequence specificity of RNA binding, we grafted an ENC to another RNA-binding protein, Ser/Arg-rich splicing factor 3. Using RNA Bind-n-Seq, we found that the engineered ENC inhibits disparate RNA motifs differently, instead of weakening all RNA motifs to the same extent. The motif site directly involved in electrostatic interaction is more susceptible to the ENC inhibition. These results suggest that one of functions of ENCs is to regulate RNA binding via electrostatic interaction. This is consistent with our finding that ENCs are also overrepresented in DNA-binding proteins, whereas underrepresented in halophiles, in which nonspecific nucleic acid binding is inhibited by high concentrations of salts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Zaharias
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kenneth Davis
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Talia Fargason
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Derek Cashman
- Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Bojarska J, New R, Borowiecki P, Remko M, Breza M, Madura ID, Fruziński A, Pietrzak A, Wolf WM. The First Insight Into the Supramolecular System of D,L-α-Difluoromethylornithine: A New Antiviral Perspective. Front Chem 2021; 9:679776. [PMID: 34055746 PMCID: PMC8155678 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.679776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the polyamine biosynthetic pathway by inhibiting ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a powerful approach in the fight against diverse viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, eflornithine) is the best-known inhibitor of ODC and a broad-spectrum, unique therapeutical agent. Nevertheless, its pharmacokinetic profile is not perfect, especially when large doses are required in antiviral treatment. This article presents a holistic study focusing on the molecular and supramolecular structure of DFMO and the design of its analogues toward the development of safer and more effective formulations. In this context, we provide the first deep insight into the supramolecular system of DFMO supplemented by a comprehensive, qualitative and quantitative survey of non-covalent interactions via Hirshfeld surface, molecular electrostatic potential, enrichment ratio and energy frameworks analysis visualizing 3-D topology of interactions in order to understand the differences in the cooperativity of interactions involved in the formation of either basic or large synthons (Long-range Synthon Aufbau Modules, LSAM) at the subsequent levels of well-organized supramolecular self-assembly, in comparison with the ornithine structure. In the light of the drug discovery, supramolecular studies of amino acids, essential constituents of proteins, are of prime importance. In brief, the same amino-carboxy synthons are observed in the bio-system containing DFMO. DFT calculations revealed that the biological environment changes the molecular structure of DFMO only slightly. The ADMET profile of structural modifications of DFMO and optimization of its analogue as a new promising drug via molecular docking are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bojarska
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Ecological and Inorganic Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Roger New
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paweł Borowiecki
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Drugs Technology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Martin Breza
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Izabela D. Madura
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Fruziński
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Ecological and Inorganic Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Pietrzak
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Ecological and Inorganic Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech M. Wolf
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Ecological and Inorganic Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Zhu Y, Liang M, Li H, Ni H, Li L, Li Q, Jiang Z. A mutant of Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora arylsulfatase with enhanced enzyme activity and its potential application in improvement of the agar quality. Food Chem 2020; 320:126652. [PMID: 32229399 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Enzymatic desulfation using arylsulfatase provides an attractive approach to improve agar quality. We have previously characterized a functional arylsulfatase from Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora. To further improve its enzymatic performance, we isolated a mutant arylsulfatase of K253Q with improved enzyme activity from a random mutant library. Compared to wild-type arylsulfatase (WT), K253Q showed 33% increase in enzyme activity, with optimal temperature and pH of 55 °C and 8.0, respectively. K253Q demonstrated better substrate binding ability with lower Km value. Structure analysis indicated that a combination of the additional hydrogen bond and the enhanced substrate binding affinity could account for the improved enzyme activity of K253Q. K253Q exhibited about 54% sulfate removal against agar, resulting in additional 8% increase in 3,6-AG content and 20% increase in gel strength compared to WT. Scanning electron microscopy showed that K253Q treatment led to a stronger crosslinking structure of agar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Zhu
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Xiamen 361021, China; Research Center of Food Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Systemic Utilization and In-depth Processing of Economic Seaweed, Xiamen Southern Ocean Technology Center of China, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Meifang Liang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hebin Li
- Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361008, China.
| | - Hui Ni
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Xiamen 361021, China; Research Center of Food Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Systemic Utilization and In-depth Processing of Economic Seaweed, Xiamen Southern Ocean Technology Center of China, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Lijun Li
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Xiamen 361021, China; Research Center of Food Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Systemic Utilization and In-depth Processing of Economic Seaweed, Xiamen Southern Ocean Technology Center of China, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Qingbiao Li
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Xiamen 361021, China; Research Center of Food Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Systemic Utilization and In-depth Processing of Economic Seaweed, Xiamen Southern Ocean Technology Center of China, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Zedong Jiang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Enzyme Engineering, Xiamen 361021, China; Research Center of Food Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Systemic Utilization and In-depth Processing of Economic Seaweed, Xiamen Southern Ocean Technology Center of China, Xiamen 361021, China.
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