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Eissa I, Yousef RG, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk AA, Husein DZ, Ibrahim IM, Ismail A, Elkady H, Metwaly AM. New Theobromine Apoptotic Analogue with Anticancer Potential Targeting the EGFR Protein: Computational and In Vitro Studies. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:15861-15881. [PMID: 38617602 PMCID: PMC11007702 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to design and examine a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor with apoptotic properties by utilizing the essential structural characteristics of existing EGFR inhibitors as a foundation. METHOD The study began with the natural alkaloid theobromine and developed a new semisynthetic derivative (T-1-PMPA). Computational ADMET assessments were conducted first to evaluate its anticipated safety and general drug-likeness. Deep density functional theory (DFT) computations were initially performed to validate the three-dimensional (3D) structure and reactivity of T-1-PMPA. Molecular docking against the EGFR proteins was conducted to investigate T-1-PMPA's binding affinity and inhibitory potential. Additional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over 200 ns along with MM-GPSA, PLIP, and principal component analysis of trajectories (PCAT) experiments were employed to verify the binding and inhibitory properties of T-1-PMPA. Afterward, T-1-PMPA was semisynthesized to validate the proposed design and in silico findings through several in vitro examinations. RESULTS DFT studies indicated T-1-PMPA's reactivity using electrostatic potential, global reactive indices, and total density of states. Molecular docking, MD simulations, MM-GPSA, PLIP, and ED suggested the binding and inhibitory properties of T-1-PMPA against the EGFR protein. The in silico ADMET predicted T-1-PMPA's safety and general drug-likeness. In vitro experiments demonstrated that T-1-PMPA effectively inhibited EGFRWT and EGFR790m, with IC50 values of 86 and 561 nM, respectively, compared to Erlotinib (31 and 456 nM). T-1-PMPA also showed significant suppression of the proliferation of HepG2 and MCF7 malignant cell lines, with IC50 values of 3.51 and 4.13 μM, respectively. The selectivity indices against the two cancer cell lines indicated the overall safety of T-1-PMPA. Flow cytometry confirmed the apoptotic effects of T-1-PMPA by increasing the total percentage of apoptosis to 42% compared to 31, and 3% in Erlotinib-treated and control cells, respectively. The qRT-PCR analysis further supported the apoptotic effects by revealing significant increases in the levels of Casp3 and Casp9. Additionally, T-1-PMPA controlled the levels of TNFα and IL2 by 74 and 50%, comparing Erlotinib's values (84 and 74%), respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study's findings suggest the potential of T-1-PMPA as a promising apoptotic anticancer lead compound targeting the EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim
H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical
Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy
(Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G. Yousef
- Pharmaceutical
Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy
(Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha A. Alsfouk
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalal Z. Husein
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley
University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M. Ibrahim
- Biophysics
Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical
Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy
(Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy
and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical
Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Research Institute, City of Scientific Research
and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria 21934, Egypt
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Wanas AS, Radwan MM, Marzouk AA, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Mostafa AE, Eissa IH, Metwaly AM, ElSohly MA. Isolation and in silico investigation of cannflavins from Cannabis sativa leaves as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents targeting the Papain-Like Protease. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38100380 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2294111] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to isolate and identify three prenylflavonoids (cannflavin A, B, and C) from Cannabis sativa leaves using different chromatographic techniques. The potential of the isolated compounds against SARS-CoV-2 was suggested through several in silico analysis. Structural similarity studies against nine co-crystallized ligands of SARS-CoV-2's proteins indicated the similarities of the isolated cannflavins with the SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease (PLP) ligand, Y95. Then, flexible allignment study confirmed this similarity. Docking experiments showed successful binding of all cannflavins within the active pocket of PLP, with energies comparable to Y95. Among them, cannflavin A demonstrated the most similar binding mode, while cannflavin C exhibited the best energy. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and MM-GPSA confirmed the accurate binding of cannflavin A to the PLP. In silico ADMET studies indicated favourable drug-like properties for all three compounds, suggesting their potential as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Further In vitro and In vivo investigations are necessary to validate these findings and establish their efficacy and safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira S Wanas
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Radwan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Adel A Marzouk
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad E Mostafa
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A ElSohly
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, University, Mississippi, USA
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Eissa IH, Elkaeed EB, Elkady H, Yousef RG, Alsfouk BA, Elzahabi HSA, Ibrahim IM, Metwaly AM, Husein DZ. Design, Molecular Modeling, MD Simulations, Essential Dynamics, ADMET, DFT, Synthesis, Anti-proliferative, and Apoptotic Evaluations of a New Anti-VEGFR-2 Nicotinamide Analogue. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2902-2920. [PMID: 38031271 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128274870231102114858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to design and evaluate (in silico and in vitro) a new nicotinamide derivative as an inhibitor of VEGFR-2, a major mediator of angiogenesis Methods: The following in silico studies were performed; DFT calculations, molecular modelling, MD simulations, MM-GBSA, PLIP, and PCAT studies. The compound's in silico (ADMET) analysis was also conducted. Subsequently, the compound ((E)-N-(4-(1-(2-(4-(4-Chlorobenzamido)benzoyl)hydrazono)ethyl) phenyl)nicotinamide) was successfully synthesized and designated as compound X. In vitro, VEGFR-2 inhibition and cytotoxicity of compound X against HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines and normal Vero cell lines were conducted. Apoptosis induction and migration assay of HCT-116 cell lines after treatment with compound X were also evaluated. RESULTS DFT calculations assigned stability and reactivity of compound X. Molecular docking and MD simulations indicated its excellent binding against VEGFR-2. Furthermore, MM-GBSA analysis, PLIP experiments, and PCAT studies confirmed compound X's correct binding with optimal dynamics and energy. ADMET analysis expressed its general likeness and safety. The in vitro assays demonstrated that compound X effectively inhibited VEGFR-2, with an IC50 value of 0.319 ± 0.013 μM and displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 57.93 and 78.82 μM, respectively. Importantly, compound X exhibited minimal toxicity towards the non-cancerous Vero cell lines, (IC50 = 164.12 μM). Additionally, compound X significantly induced apoptosis of HCT-116 cell lines and inhibited their potential to migrate and heal. CONCLUSION In summary, the presented study has identified compound X as a promising candidate for the development of a novel apoptotic lead anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba S A Elzahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
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