Potential effective inhibitory compounds against Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA): A molecular docking and molecular dynamics study

Cross-reactivity to glutamate carboxypeptidase III causes undesired salivary gland and kidney uptake of PSMA-targeted small-molecule radionuclide therapeutics

PURPOSE

Recently, Pluvicto™ ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617), a small-molecule prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapeutic, has been approved by the FDA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Pluvicto™ and other PSMA-targeting radioligand therapeutics (RLTs) have shown side effects due to accumulation in certain healthy tissues, such as salivary glands and kidney. Until now, the molecular mechanism underlying the undesired accumulation of PSMA-targeting RLTs had not been elucidated.

METHODS

We compared the sequence of PSMA with the entire human proteome to identify proteins closely related to the target. We have identified glutamate carboxypeptidase III (GCPIII), N-acetylated alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase like 1 (NAALADL-1), and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) as extracellular targets with the highest similarity to PSMA. The affinity of compound 1 for PSMA, GCPIII, NAALADL-1, and TfR1 was measured by fluorescence polarization. The expression of the putative anti-target GCPIII was assessed by immunofluorescence on human salivary glands and kidney, using commercially available antibodies.

RESULTS

A fluorescent derivative of Pluvicto™ (compound 1) bound tightly to PSMA and to GCPIII in fluorescence polarization experiments, while no interaction was observed with NAALADL-1 and TfR1. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed abundant expression of GCPIII both in healthy human kidney and salivary glands.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the membranous expression of GCPIII in kidney and salivary gland may be the underlying cause for unwanted accumulation of Pluvicto™ and other Glu-ureido PSMA radio pharmaceuticals in patients.

Metamorphosis of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) inhibitors

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), also called glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP(II)), is a Zn-dependent metalloprotease that is known as a well prostate cancer indication and a potential targeting towards anti-cancer medicines and drug delivery. Because of its centrality in the diagnostics and treatment of prostate cancer, several types of inhibitors are designed with particular scaffolds. In this study, important groups of related inhibitors as well as reported experimental and computational studies are being reviewed, in which we examined three functional groups on each group of structures. The importance of computational biochemistry and the necessity of extensive research in this area on PSMA and its effective ligands are recommended.

Homology modeling, virtual screening and MD simulations for identification of NUAK1 and ULK1 potential dual inhibitors

Cancer cells produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to their severe metabolic stress. SNF1 like kinase 1 (NUAK1) is the key part of the cellular antioxidant system. Inhibiting the...

Structural analysis and prediction of potent bioactive molecule for eNOS protein through molecular docking

Reactive oxygen species by uncoupled eNOS is linked to endothelial dysfunction. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol possesses numerous biological activities including radical scavenging. whether EA exerts a vasculo-protective effect via antioxidant mechanisms in blood vessels remains unknown. Molecular docking provides an initial model of protein and molecular interactions in various physiological and/or pathological functions. To identify a eNOS modulatory biomolecule through molecular docking as possible vascular protective agent. On the basis of binding affinities and other physicochemical features, a molecular docking-based approach was used to classify and evaluate eNOS binding micronutrients found in natural sources, Lipinski's rule was used taking into account their adsorption, delivery, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). An insilico approach focused on the ligand-protein interaction technique to determine the therapeutic potential of certain phytochemical-based drugs for the vascular remodelling.20 bioactive molecules were screened, docking analysis on human eNOS proteins was performed. The best poses for target protein was established based on binding energy and inhibition constant. EA and caffeine acid are the strongest candidates for eNOS protein functional norms. This provides a novel insight into the interaction properties of known human eNOS protein with EA and used as a therapeutic agent in various pathologies. Predicting interaction of ellagic acid with eNOS protein by molecular docking in endothelial dysfunction.