Preferential binding of fisetin to the native state of bovine serum albumin: spectroscopic and docking studies

Deciphering Saquinavir-Bovine Serum Albumin Interactions: Spectroscopic and Computational Insights

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) plays a crucial role as a carrier protein in plasma, binding various ligands, including drugs. Understanding the interaction between BSA and saquinavir, an antiretroviral drug, is essential for predicting its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We employed spectroscopic approaches, including circular dichroism spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy, to investigate the binding of saquinavir to BSA. CD studies revealed conformational changes upon saquinavir mesylate binding, and the complex was stable up to 45°C during thermal denaturation. Saquinavir quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA, indicating static quenching due to complex formation. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to elucidate the favored binding site and interactions. The molecular docking results revealed that Subdomains IIA and IIB, which are proximal to Sudlow Site I, are the principal binding sites for the antiviral drug saquinavir. The ligand-bound pose of BSA also revealed that residue Trp213, which is adjacent to saquinavir, further validated the results of the fluorescence quenching assay, suggesting that residue Trp213 is quenched upon binding with saquinavir. MD simulations allowed us to explore the dynamic behavior of the BSA-saquinavir complex over time. We observed conformational fluctuations, solvent exposure, flexibility of binding pockets, free energy landscape, and binding energy. This study enhances our understanding of drug-protein interactions and contributes to drug development and optimization.

Probing silver nanoparticle mediated mitigation of UV-photolysis in proteins by electrical impedance analysis

The dynamic equilibrium between an array of molecular forces precisely organizes the native structure of the protein. The charge on the protein, an interconnected network continuum, is crucial in determining its secondary and tertiary structure. The photolysis of the protein by ultraviolet (UV) light occurs by generating reactive oxygen intermediates from the interaction of matter and light. Herein, we have investigated the photolysis of the protein and its prevention by the pre-treatment with silver nanoparticle (AgNP) using non-faradaic electrical impedance spectroscopy (Nf-EIS). Five microliters of protein solution are used to measure its impedimetric parameters via Nf-EIS. The photoionization process sparks off an altered surface charge continuum of the protein molecules in tandem with the genesis of solvated electrons and protons, spurring an upward shift in conductivity. The AgNP pre-treatment has reduced the damaging effects of the UV radiation, which is reflected as lesser conductivity in contrast to the photolyzed protein solution. Raman Spectroscopy and circular dichroism tests affirm the trend of Nf-EIS results. These results show that Nf-EIS can evaluate protein structure analysis utilized in quality assurance and toxicity analysis for biologics.

Glycation reduces the binding dynamics of aflatoxin B1 to human serum albumin: a comprehensive spectroscopic and computational investigation

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent mutagen, is synthesized by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Human serum albumin (HSA) is a globular protein with diverse roles. As AFB1 is ingested with food and is transported in the body via blood, it becomes pertinent to comprehend the effect of the binding of this toxin on the structure and conformation of HSA, which may help to get insight into the toxic effect of the exposure of the mycotoxin. In this study, multi-spectroscopic approaches have been used to evaluate the binding efficiency of AFB1 with both the native HSA (nHSA) and the glycated HSA (gHSA). Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy reveals the static type of fluorescence quenching in the fluorescence emission spectra of nHSA and gHSA in the presence of AFB1. The binding constant (Kb) is calculated to be 6.88 × 104 M-1 for nHSA, while a reduced Kb value of 2.95 × 104 M-1 has been obtained for gHSA. The circular dichroism study confirms the change in the secondary structure of nHSA and gHSA in the presence of AFB1, followed by alterations in the melting temperature (Tm) of nHSA and gHSA. In silico computational findings envisaged the amino acid residues and bonds involved in the binding of nHSA and gHSA with AFB1. The comprehensive study analyzes the binding effectiveness of AFB1 with nHSA and gHSA and shows reduced binding of AFB1 to gHSA.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Stimuli-Responsive Miktoarm Polymer-Based Formulations for Fisetin Delivery and Regulatory Effects in Hyperactive Human Microglia

Branched star polymers offer exciting opportunities in enhancing the efficacy of nanocarriers in delivering biologically active lipophilic agents. We demonstrate that the star polymeric architecture can be leveraged to yield soft nanoparticles of vesicular morphology with precisely located stimuli-sensitive chemical entities. Amphiphilic stars of AB₂ (A = PEG, B = PCL) composition with/without oxidative stress or reduction responsive units at the core junction of A and B arms, are constructed using synthetic articulation. Fisetin, a natural flavonoid with remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but of limited clinical value due to its poor aqueous solubility, was physically encapsulated into miktoarm star-derived aqueous polymersomes. We evaluated polymersomes and fisetin separately, and in combination, in human microglia (HMC3), to show if (i) polymersomes are toxic; (ii) fisetin reduces the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and (iii) fisetin modulates the activation of ERK1/2. These signaling molecules and pathways are implicated in inflammatory processes and cell survival. Fisetin, both incorporated and non-incorporated into polymersomes, reduced ROS and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-treated human microglia, normalizing excessive oxidative stress and ERK-mediated signaling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Molecular interactions of esculin with bovine serum albumin and recognition of binding sites with spectroscopy and molecular docking

Esculin is structurally a hydroxycoumarin found in various medicinal plants. This study investigates the binding mode of esculin with bovine serum albumin by employing numerous spectroscopic studies and molecular docking approaches. Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy revealed ground state complex formation between esculin and bovine serum albumin. At the same time, steady-state fluorescence studies showed quenching in the fluorescence emission spectra of BSA in the presence of esculin. To get insight into the location of the binding pocket of esculin on BSA, warfarin and ibuprofen site markers were used. Competitive site marker displacement assay revealed that esculin binds to Sudlow's site I (subdomain IIA) in bovine serum albumin. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interaction stabilizes the esculin-BSA complex. Förster's non-radiation energy transfer analysis described the high propensity of energy transfer between bovine serum albumin and esculin. The molecular docking approach facilitated locating the binding pocket, amino acid residues involved, types of interacting forces, and binding energy (ΔG) between esculin and BSA. Circular dichroism revealed the effect of the binding of esculin on the secondary structure and helped understand the thermal unfolding profile of BSA in the presence of esculin.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarm.

Aflatoxin B1 Induced Structural and Conformational Changes in Bovine Serum Albumin: A Multispectroscopic and Circular Dichroism-Based Study

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a mutagen that has been categorized as a group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is produced as a secondary metabolite by soil fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus . Here, in this study, the effect of AFB₁ on the structure and conformation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) using multispectroscopic tools like fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectropolarimetry has been ascertained. Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy revealed hyperchromicity in the absorption spectra of BSA in the presence of AFB₁. The binding constant was calculated in the range of 10⁴ M^-1, by fluorescence spectroscopy suggesting moderate binding of the toxin to BSA. The study also confirms the static nature of fluorescence quenching. The stoichiometry of binding sites was found to be unity. The competing capability of warfarin for AFB₁ was higher than ibuprofen as calculated from site marker displacement assay. Förster resonance energy transfer confirmed the high efficiency of energy transfer from BSA to AFB₁. Circular dichroism spectropolarimetry showed a decrease in the α-helix in BSA in the presence of AFB₁. The melting temperature of BSA underwent an increment in the presence of a mycotoxin from 62.5 to 70.3 °C. Molecular docking confirmed the binding of AFB₁ to subdomain IIA in BSA.

Dietary flavonoid fisetin binds human SUMO1 and blocks sumoylation of p53

Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds that occur abundantly in fruits and vegetables and have been shown to possess potent anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their direct targets and molecular mechanism of action are not well characterized, hampering exploitation of the beneficial properties of flavonoids for drug development. Small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) is attached to target proteins as part of a post-translational modification system implicated in a myriad of cellular processes from nuclear trafficking to transcriptional regulation. Using a combination of surface plasmon resonance, differential scanning fluorimetry and fluorescence quenching studies, we provide evidence for direct binding of the dietary flavonoid fisetin to human SUMO1. Our NMR chemical shift perturbation analyses reveal that binding to fisetin involves four conserved amino acid residues (L65, F66, E67, M82) previously shown to be important for conjugation of SUMO1 to target proteins. In vitro sumoylation experiments indicate that fisetin blocks sumoylation of tumor suppressor p53, consistent with fisetin negatively affecting post-translational modification and thus the biological activity of p53. A series of differential scanning fluorimetry experiments suggest that high concentrations of fisetin result in destabilization and unfolding of SUMO1, presenting a molecular mechanism by which flavonoid binding affects its activity. Overall, our data establish a novel direct interaction between fisetin and SUMO1, providing a mechanistic explanation for the ability of fisetin to modulate multiple key signaling pathways inside cells.

Tandem Detection of Sub-Nano Molar Level CN- and Hg2+ in Aqueous Medium by a Suitable Molecular Sensor: A Viable Solution for Detection of CN- and Development of the RGB-Based Sensory Device

An inimitable urea-based multichannel chemosensor, DTPH [1,5-bis-(2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)carbonohydrazide], was examined to be highly proficient to recognize CN- based on the H-bonding interaction between sensor -NH moiety and CN- in aqueous medium with explicit selectivity. In the absorption spectral titration of DTPH, a new peak at higher wavelength was emerged in titrimetric analytical studies of CN- with the zero-order reaction kinetics affirming the substantial sensor-analyte interaction. The isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiment further affirmed that the sensing process was highly spontaneous with the Gibbs free energy of -26 × 104 cal/mol. The binding approach between DTPH and CN- was also validated by more than a few experimental studies by means of several spectroscopic tools along with the theoretical calculations. A very low detection limit of the chemosensor toward CN- (0.15 ppm) further instigated to design an RGB-based sensory device based on the colorimetric upshots of the chemosensor in order to develop a distinct perception regarding the presence of innocuous or precarious level of the CN- in a contaminated solution. Moreover, the reversibility of the sensor in the presence of CN- and Hg2+ originated a logic gate mimic ensemble. Additionally, the real-field along with the in vitro CN- detection efficiency of the photostable DTPH was also accomplished by using various biological specimens.

Spectroscopic overview of quercetin and its Cu(II) complex interaction with serum albumins

Introduction: Flavonoids are widely used as dietary supplements, and thus, play a significant role in the research field. In recent time, the interaction of flavonoid-metal complexes with serum albumin (SA) has widely been studied since the complexation poses a significant impact on biological activities. Additionally, the binding nature of flavonoids with SA gets modified in the presence of metal ions.

Methods: In the present review, we studied the interaction of quercetin (Qu), a well-known flavonoid, and its Cu²⁺ complexes with SA to provide sufficient information about the beneficial role of metal-flavonoid complexes over free flavonoids.

Results: Complexation with Cu(II) ion may alter the mode of binding of Qu with SAs. The strength of binding might be increased in the presence of Cu(II) as evidenced by the binding constant calculation. However, the drug binding site in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) are not altered during the complexation process.

Conclusion: To enhance the pharmaceutical outcomes of Qu molecules, one may use Qu-Cu(II) complex for the development and delivery of the small molecules.

Comparative study of binding interactions between porphyrin systems and aromatic compounds of biological importance by multiple spectroscopic techniques: A review

The specific spectroscopic and redox properties of porphyrins predestine them to fulfill the role of sensors during interacting with different biologically active substances. Monitoring of binding interactions in the systems porphyrin-biologically active compound is a key question not only in the field of physiological functions of living organisms, but also in environmental protection, notably in the light of the rapidly growing drug consumption and concurrently the production of drug effluents. Not always beneficial action of drugs on natural porphyrin systems induces to further studies, with commercially available porphyrins as the model systems. Therefore the binding process between several water-soluble porphyrins and a series of biologically active compounds (e.g. caffeine, guanine, theophylline, theobromine, xanthine, uric acid) has been studied in different aqueous solutions analyzing their absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectra, the porphyrin fluorescence lifetimes and their quantum yields. The magnitude of the binding and fluorescence quenching constants values for particular quenchers decreases in a series: uric acid > guanine > caffeine > theophylline > theobromine > xanthine. In all the systems studied there are characters of static quenching, as a consequence of the π-π-stacked non-covalent and non-fluorescent complexes formation between porphyrins and interacting compounds, accompanied simultaneously by the additional specific binding interactions. The porphyrin fluorescence quenching can be explain by the photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer from aromatic compound to the center of the porphyrin molecule, playing the role of the binding site. Presented results can be valuable for designing of new fluorescent porphyrin chemosensors or monitoring of drug traces in aqueous solutions. The obtained outcomes have also the toxicological and medical importance, providing insight into the interactions of the water-soluble porphyrins with biologically active substances.

Effects of urea, metal ions and surfactants on the binding of baicalein with bovine serum albumin

The interaction of baicalein with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated with the help of spectroscopic and molecular docking studies. The binding affinity of baicalein towards BSA was estimated to be in order of 10⁵ M⁻¹ from fluorescence quenching studies. Negative ΔH° (−5.66±0.14 kJ/mol) and positive (ΔS°) (+79.96±0.65 J/mol K) indicate the presence of electrostatic interactions along with the hydrophobic forces that result in a positive ΔS°. The hydrophobic association of baicalein with BSA diminishes in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) due to probable hydrophobic association of baicalein with SDS, resulting in a negative ΔS° (−40.65±0.87 J/mol K). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight (MALDI--TOF) experiments indicate a 1:1 complexation between baicalein and BSA. The unfolding and refolding phenomena of BSA were investigated in the absence and presence of baicalein using steady-state and fluorescence lifetime measurements. It was observed that the presence of urea ruptured the non-covalent interaction between baicalein and BSA. The presence of metal ions (Ag⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺and Zn²⁺) increased the binding affinity of ligand towards BSA. The changes in conformational aspects of BSA after ligand binding were also investigated using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques. Site selectivity studies following molecular docking analyses indicated the binding of baicalein to site 1 (subdomain IIA) of BSA.

DNA damaging, cell cytotoxicity and serum albumin binding efficacy of the rutin–Cu(ii) complex

The rutin–Cu(ii) complex causes DNA damage and is also able to inhibit the growth of human HeLa cells. This complex binds with serum albuminsviahydrophobic forces.

Antiplatelet effects of Rhus verniciflua stokes heartwood and its active constituents--fisetin, butein, and sulfuretin--in rats

Rhus verniciflua stokes (RVS) is known to promote blood circulation by preventing blood stasis, although the active ingredients and the underlying mechanism are unclear. Platelets are the primary cells that regulate circulation and contribute to the development of diverse cardiovascular diseases by aggregation and thrombosis. The study assessed the antiplatelet activity of RVS and sought to identify the active constituents. Pretreatment of washed platelets with RVS heartwood extract blunted the aggregatory response of platelets to collagen. In the subfractions, fisetin, butein, and sulfuretin were identified as effective inhibitors of platelet aggregation by collagen, thrombin, and adenosine-5'-diphosphate. Antiplatelet activities of all three compounds were concentration dependent, and fisetin had longer in vitro duration of action compared with butein or sulfuretin. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase activation by collagen was prevented by fisetin, whereas butein and sulfuretin failed to inhibit ERK and p38 activation was not affected by any of the compounds. Rats orally administered 100 mg/(kg·day(-1)) fisetin for 7 days were resistant to arterial thrombosis, although total extract of RVS heartwood exhibited little effect at a dose of 1000 mg/(kg·day(-1)). RVS heartwood may have cardiovascular protective activity by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The active constituents are fisetin, butein, and sulfuretin, and fisetin is orally effective against thrombosis.

Inhibitory activities of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives from Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng on α-glucosidase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Polyphenols and caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA) were prepared from Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng, and their effects and mechanisms on the activities of α-glucosidase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated in the present study. As results, the IC50 values for CQA derivatives were 0.16-0.39 mg/mL, and the inhibition mode of CQA derivatives was noncompetitive. On the basis of fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy data, the binding constants and number of binding sites were calculated to be 10(6)-10(8) M(-1) and 1.42-1.87, respectively. CQA derivatives could bind to the enzyme mainly through hydrophobic interaction, altering the microenvironment and molecular conformation of the enzyme, thus decreasing the catalytic activity. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on α-glucosidase inhibitory mechanism by CQA derivatives from I. kudingcha, and the findings suggest a potential use of kudingcha as functional foods for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and related symptoms.

Fluorescence enhancement of fisetin by silver nanoparticles with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide micelles

The synergistic action of solubilization and sensitization of CTAB micelles and metal-enhanced fluorescence of AgNPs enhance fluorescence intensity of fisetin.

Study on the interaction of catalase with pesticides by flow injection chemiluminescence and molecular docking

The interaction mechanisms of catalase (CAT) with pesticides (including organophosphates: disulfoton, isofenphos-methyl, malathion, isocarbophos, dimethoate, dipterex, methamidophos and acephate; carbamates: carbaryl and methomyl; pyrethroids: fenvalerate and deltamethrin) were first investigated by flow injection (FI) chemiluminescence (CL) analysis and molecular docking. By homemade FI-CL model of lg[(I0-I)/I]=lgK+nlg[D], it was found that the binding processes of pesticides to CAT were spontaneous with the apparent binding constants K of 10(3)-10(5) L mol(-1) and the numbers of binding sites about 1.0. The binding abilities of pesticides to CAT followed the order: fenvalerate>deltamethrin>disulfoton>isofenphos-methyl>carbaryl>malathion>isocarbophos>dimethoate>dipterex>acephate>methomyl>methamidophos, which was generally similar to the order of determination sensitivity of pesticides. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that CAT bound with hydrophobic pesticides by hydrophobic interaction force, and with hydrophilic pesticides by hydrogen bond and van der Waals force. The pesticides to CAT molecular docking study showed that pesticides could enter into the cavity locating among the four subdomains of CAT, giving the specific amino acid residues and hydrogen bonds involved in CAT-pesticides interaction. It was also found that the lgK values of pesticides to CAT increased regularly with increasing lgP, Mr, MR and MV, suggesting that the hydrophobicity and steric property of pesticide played essential roles in its binding to CAT.

Molecular modeling and multispectroscopic studies of the interaction of mesalamine with bovine serum albumin

The interaction of mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence quenching, absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) techniques, and molecular docking. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH<0 and ΔS 0) indicated that the hydrogen bond and electrostatic forces played the major role in the binding of 5-ASA to BSA. The results of CD and UV-vis spectroscopy showed that the binding of this drug to BSA induces some conformational changes in BSA. Displacement experiments predicted that the binding of 5-ASA to BSA is located within domain III, Sudlows site 2, that these observations were substantiated by molecular docking studies. In addition, the docking result shows that the 5-ASA in its anionic form mainly interacts with Gln-416 residue through one hydrogen bond between H atom of 5-ASA anion and the adjacent O atom of the hydroxyl group of Gln-416.