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Kocek H, Chalupská D, Dejmek M, Dvořáková A, Zgarbová M, Šála M, Chalupský K, Krafčíková P, Otava T, Drexler M, Procházková E, Klepetářová B, Štefek M, Kozic J, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Boura E, Weber J, Nencka R. Discovery of highly potent SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 methyltransferase inhibitors based on adenosine 5'-carboxamides. RSC Med Chem 2024:d4md00422a. [PMID: 39220762 PMCID: PMC11352099 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00422a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has highlighted the need for advanced antiviral strategies. Targeting the coronaviral methyltransferase nsp14, which is essential for RNA capping, offers a promising approach for the development of small-molecule inhibitors. We designed and synthesized a series of adenosine 5'-carboxamide derivatives as potential nsp14 inhibitors and identified coumarin analogs to be particularly effective. Structural modifications revealed the importance of the 5'-carboxyl moiety for the inhibitory activity, showing superior efficacy compared to other modifications. Notably, compound 18l (HK370) demonstrated high selectivity and favorable in vitro pharmacokinetic properties and exhibited moderate antiviral activity in cell-based assays. These findings provide a robust foundation for developing targeted nsp14 inhibitors as a potential treatment for COVID-19 and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Kocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Chalupská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Milan Dejmek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Dvořáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Michala Zgarbová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Michal Šála
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Karel Chalupský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Petra Krafčíková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Otava
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
- Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague Czech Republic
| | - Matúš Drexler
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Procházková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Klepetářová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Milan Štefek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Ján Kozic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | | | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
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2
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Simoben CV, Babiaka SB, Moumbock AFA, Namba-Nzanguim CT, Eni DB, Medina-Franco JL, Günther S, Ntie-Kang F, Sippl W. Challenges in natural product-based drug discovery assisted with in silico-based methods. RSC Adv 2023; 13:31578-31594. [PMID: 37908659 PMCID: PMC10613855 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06831e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of traditional medicine by humans for the treatment of ailments as well as improving the quality of life far outdates recorded history. To date, a significant percentage of humans, especially those living in developing/underprivileged communities still rely on traditional medicine for primary healthcare needs. In silico-based methods have been shown to play a pivotal role in modern pharmaceutical drug discovery processes. The application of these methods in identifying natural product (NP)-based hits has been successful. This is very much observed in many research set-ups that use rationally in silico-based methods in combination with experimental validation techniques. The combination has rendered the use of in silico-based approaches even more popular and successful in the investigation of NPs. However, identifying and proposing novel NP-based hits for experimental validation comes with several challenges such as the availability of compounds by suppliers, the huge task of separating pure compounds from complex mixtures, the quantity of samples available from the natural source to be tested, not to mention the potential ecological impact if the natural source is exhausted. Because most peer-reviewed publications are biased towards "positive results", these challenges are generally not discussed in publications. In this review, we highlight and discuss these challenges. The idea is to give interested scientists in this field of research an idea of what they can come across or should be expecting as well as prompting them on how to avoid or fix these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad V Simoben
- Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, University of Buea P.O. Box 63 Buea CM-00237 Cameroon
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto Toronto Ontario M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Smith B Babiaka
- Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, University of Buea P.O. Box 63 Buea CM-00237 Cameroon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Buea Buea Cameroon
- Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Aurélien F A Moumbock
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Cyril T Namba-Nzanguim
- Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, University of Buea P.O. Box 63 Buea CM-00237 Cameroon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Buea Buea Cameroon
| | - Donatus Bekindaka Eni
- Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, University of Buea P.O. Box 63 Buea CM-00237 Cameroon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Buea Buea Cameroon
| | - José L Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000 Mexico City 04510 Mexico
| | - Stefan Günther
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Fidele Ntie-Kang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, University of Buea P.O. Box 63 Buea CM-00237 Cameroon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Buea Buea Cameroon
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
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Anichina K, Mavrova A, Vuchev D, Popova-Daskalova G, Bassi G, Rossi A, Montesi M, Panseri S, Fratev F, Naydenova E. Benzimidazoles Containing Piperazine Skeleton at C-2 Position as Promising Tubulin Modulators with Anthelmintic and Antineoplastic Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1518. [PMID: 38004384 PMCID: PMC10675210 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs hold promise for repurposing as cancer treatments due to their interference with tubulin polymerization and depolymerization, manifesting anticancer properties. We explored the potential of benzimidazole compounds with a piperazine fragment at C-2 as tubulin-targeting agents. In particular, we assessed their anthelmintic activity against isolated Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae and their effects on glioblastoma (U-87 MG) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines. Compound 7c demonstrated exceptional anthelmintic efficacy, achieving a 92.7% reduction in parasite activity at 100 μg/mL after 48 hours. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis of MDA-MB 231 and U87 MG cell lines showed that derivatives 7b, 7d, and 7c displayed lower IC50 values compared to albendazole (ABZ), the control. These piperazine benzimidazoles effectively reduced cell migration in both cell lines, with compound 7c exhibiting the most significant reduction, making it a promising candidate for further study. The binding mode of the most promising compound 7c, was determined using the induced fit docking-molecular dynamics (IFD-MD) approach. Regular docking and IFD were also employed for comparison. The IFD-MD analysis revealed that 7c binds to tubulin in a unique binding cavity near that of ABZ, but the benzimidazole ring was fitted much deeper into the binding pocket. Finally, the absolute free energy of perturbation technique was applied to evaluate the 7c binding affinity, further confirming the observed binding mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameliya Anichina
- Department of Organic Synthesis, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Anelia Mavrova
- Department of Organic Synthesis, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Dimitar Vuchev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, 15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd., 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (D.V.); (G.P.-D.)
| | - Galya Popova-Daskalova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, 15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd., 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (D.V.); (G.P.-D.)
| | - Giada Bassi
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (G.B.); (A.R.); (M.M.); (S.P.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of G. D’Annunzio, Via Luigi Polacchi, 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Arianna Rossi
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (G.B.); (A.R.); (M.M.); (S.P.)
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Monica Montesi
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (G.B.); (A.R.); (M.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Panseri
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy, Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (G.B.); (A.R.); (M.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Filip Fratev
- Micar Innovation (Micar 21) Ltd., 34B Persenk Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, 1101 N Campbell St., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Emilia Naydenova
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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QSAR, Molecular Docking, Dynamic Simulation and Kinetic Study of Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors as Anti-Alzheimer Agent. CHEMISTRY AFRICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-022-00561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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5
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Simulation of Molecular Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein in the Presence of Multiple Arbidol Molecules: Interactions and Binding Mode Insights. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010119. [PMID: 35062323 PMCID: PMC8781717 DOI: 10.3390/v14010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we evaluated the antiviral activity of Arbidol (Umifenovir) against SARS-CoV-2 using a pseudoviral system with the glycoprotein S of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on its surface. In order to search for binding sites to protein S of the virus, we described alternative binding sites of Arbidol in RBD and in the ACE-2-RBD complex. As a result of our molecular dynamics simulations combined with molecular docking data, we note the following fact: wherever the molecules of Arbidol bind, the interaction of the latter affects the structural flexibility of the protein. This interaction may result both in a change in the shape of the domain-enzyme binding interface and simply in a change in the structural flexibility of the domain, which can subsequently affect its affinity to the enzyme. In addition, we examined the possibility of Arbidol binding in the stem part of the surface protein. The possibility of Arbidol binding in different parts of the protein is not excluded. This may explain the antiviral activity of Arbidol. Our results could be useful for researchers searching for effective SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors targeting the viral entry stage.
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Yang Y, Hu B, Yang Y, Gong K, Wang H, Guo Q, Tang X, Li Y, Wang J. Rational design of selective HDAC2 inhibitors for liver cancer treatment: computational insights into the selectivity mechanism through molecular dynamics simulations and QM/MM calculations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:17576-17590. [PMID: 34369509 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02264d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The rational design of selective histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) inhibitors is beneficial for the therapeutic treatment of liver cancer, though HDAC2 is highly homologous to HDAC8, which may lead to undesired side effects due to the pan-inhibition towards HDAC2 and HDAC8. To clarify the structural basis of selective inhibition towards HDAC2 over HDAC8, we utilized multiple in silico strategies, including sequence alignment, structural comparison, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, alanine scanning mutagenesis, pharmacophore modeling, protein contacts atlas analysis and QM/MM calculations to study the binding patterns of HDAC2/8 selective inhibitors. Through the whole process described above, it is found that although HDAC2 has conserved GLY154 and PHE210 that also exist within HDAC8, namely GLY151 and PHE208, the two isoforms exhibit diverse binding modes towards their inhibitors. Typically, HDAC2 inhibitors interact with the Zn2+ ions through the core chelate group, while HDAC8 inhibitors adopt a bent conformation within the HDAC8 pocket that inclines to be in contact with the Zn2+ ions through the terminal hydroxamic acid group. In summary, our data comprehensively elucidate the selectivity mechanism towards HDAC2 over HDAC8, which would guide the rational design of selective HDAC2 inhibitors for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning 110016, China.
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Anichina K, Argirova M, Tzoneva R, Uzunova V, Mavrova A, Vuchev D, Popova-Daskalova G, Fratev F, Guncheva M, Yancheva D. 1H-benzimidazole-2-yl hydrazones as tubulin-targeting agents: Synthesis, structural characterization, anthelmintic activity and antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells and molecular docking studies. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 345:109540. [PMID: 34139148 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, fifteen benzimidazolyl-2-hydrazones 7a-7o of fluoro-, hydroxy- and methoxy-substituted benzaldehydes and 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde were synthesized and their structure was identified by IR, NMR, and elemental analysis. The compounds 7j 2-(3-hydroxybenzylidene)-1-(5(6)-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)hydrazone and 7i 2-(3-hydroxybenzylidene)-1-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)hydrazone have exerted the strongest anthelmintic activity (100% after 24 h incubation period at 37 °C) against isolated muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis in an in vitro experiment. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells and mouse embryo fibroblasts 3T3 showed that the studied benzimidazolyl-2-hydrazones exhibit low to moderate cytotoxic effects. The ability of the studied benzimidazolyl-2-hydrazones to modulate microtubule polymerization was confirmed and suggested that their anthelmintic action is mediated through inhibition of the tubulin polymerization likewise the other known benzimidazole anthelmitics. It was also shown that the four most promising benzimidazolyl-2-hydrazones do not affect significantly the AChE activity even at high tested concentration, thus indicating that they do not have the potential for neurotoxic effects. The binding mode of compounds 7j and 7n in the colchicine-binding site of tubulin were clarified by molecular docking simulations. Taken together, these results demonstrate that for the synthesized benzimidazole derivatives the anthelmintic activity against T. spiralis and the inhibition of tubulin polymerization are closely related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameliya Anichina
- University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Argirova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., build. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rumyana Tzoneva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Veselina Uzunova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anelia Mavrova
- University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Vuchev
- Departmant of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Galya Popova-Daskalova
- Departmant of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Filip Fratev
- Micar Innovation (Micar 21) Ltd., 34B Persenk Str., 1407, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, 1101 N Campbell St, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Maya Guncheva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., build. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Denitsa Yancheva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., build. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Free energy perturbation in the design of EED ligands as inhibitors of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) methyltransferase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 39:127904. [PMID: 33684441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Free Energy Perturbation (FEP) calculations can provide high-confidence predictions of the interaction strength between a ligand and its protein target. We sought to explore a series of triazolopyrimidines which bind to the EED subunit of the PRC2 complex as potential anticancer therapeutics, using FEP calculations to inform compound design. Combining FEP predictions with a late-stage functionalisation (LSF) inspired synthetic approach allowed us to rapidly evaluate structural modifications in a previously unexplored region of the EED binding site. This approach generated a series of novel triazolopyrimidine EED ligands with improved physicochemical properties and which inhibit PRC2 methyltransferase activity in a cancer-relevant G401 cell line.
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del Hierro I, Mélida H, Broyart C, Santiago J, Molina A. Computational prediction method to decipher receptor-glycoligand interactions in plant immunity. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 105:1710-1726. [PMID: 33316845 PMCID: PMC8048873 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microbial and plant cell walls have been selected by the plant immune system as a source of microbe- and plant damage-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/DAMPs) that are perceived by extracellular ectodomains (ECDs) of plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) triggering immune responses. From the vast number of ligands that PRRs can bind, those composed of carbohydrate moieties are poorly studied, and only a handful of PRR/glycan pairs have been determined. Here we present a computational screening method, based on the first step of molecular dynamics simulation, that is able to predict putative ECD-PRR/glycan interactions. This method has been developed and optimized with Arabidopsis LysM-PRR members CERK1 and LYK4, which are involved in the perception of fungal MAMPs, chitohexaose (1,4-β-d-(GlcNAc)6 ) and laminarihexaose (1,3-β-d-(Glc)6 ). Our in silico results predicted CERK1 interactions with 1,4-β-d-(GlcNAc)6 whilst discarding its direct binding by LYK4. In contrast, no direct interaction between CERK1/laminarihexaose was predicted by the model despite CERK1 being required for laminarihexaose immune activation, suggesting that CERK1 may act as a co-receptor for its recognition. These in silico results were validated by isothermal titration calorimetry binding assays between these MAMPs and recombinant ECDs-LysM-PRRs. The robustness of the developed computational screening method was further validated by predicting that CERK1 does not bind the DAMP 1,4-β-d-(Glc)6 (cellohexaose), and then probing that immune responses triggered by this DAMP were not impaired in the Arabidopsis cerk1 mutant. The computational predictive glycan/PRR binding method developed here might accelerate the discovery of protein-glycan interactions and provide information on immune responses activated by glycoligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene del Hierro
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP)Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)Campus de Montegancedo‐UPM28223Pozuelo de Alarcón, MadridSpain
- Departamento de Biotecnología‐Biología VegetalEscuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería AgronómicaAlimentaria y de BiosistemasUniversidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)28040MadridSpain
| | - Hugo Mélida
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP)Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)Campus de Montegancedo‐UPM28223Pozuelo de Alarcón, MadridSpain
- Present address:
Área de Fisiología VegetalDepartamento de Ingeniería y Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad de León24071LeónSpain
| | - Caroline Broyart
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire Végétale (DBMV)University of Lausanne (UNIL)Biophore Building, UNIL SorgeCH‐1015LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Julia Santiago
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire Végétale (DBMV)University of Lausanne (UNIL)Biophore Building, UNIL SorgeCH‐1015LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Antonio Molina
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP)Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)Campus de Montegancedo‐UPM28223Pozuelo de Alarcón, MadridSpain
- Departamento de Biotecnología‐Biología VegetalEscuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería AgronómicaAlimentaria y de BiosistemasUniversidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)28040MadridSpain
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Wang H, Wang Y, Li C, Wang H, Geng X, Hu B, Wen R, Wang J, Zhang F. Structural basis for tailor-made selective PI3K α/β inhibitors: a computational perspective. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj04216a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PI3K α and β are Class IA PI3K isoforms that share a highly homologous ATP binding site, differing only in a few residues around the binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Wang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
| | - Chunshi Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering
| | - Xiaohui Geng
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
| | - Baichun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering
| | - Rui Wen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering
| | - Fengjiao Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
- Shenyang 110016
- People's Republic of China
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Mazurek AH, Szeleszczuk Ł, Simonson T, Pisklak DM. Application of Various Molecular Modelling Methods in the Study of Estrogens and Xenoestrogens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6411. [PMID: 32899216 PMCID: PMC7504198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, applications of various molecular modelling methods in the study of estrogens and xenoestrogens are summarized. Selected biomolecules that are the most commonly chosen as molecular modelling objects in this field are presented. In most of the reviewed works, ligand docking using solely force field methods was performed, employing various molecular targets involved in metabolism and action of estrogens. Other molecular modelling methods such as molecular dynamics and combined quantum mechanics with molecular mechanics have also been successfully used to predict the properties of estrogens and xenoestrogens. Among published works, a great number also focused on the application of different types of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses to examine estrogen's structures and activities. Although the interactions between estrogens and xenoestrogens with various proteins are the most commonly studied, other aspects such as penetration of estrogens through lipid bilayers or their ability to adsorb on different materials are also explored using theoretical calculations. Apart from molecular mechanics and statistical methods, quantum mechanics calculations are also employed in the studies of estrogens and xenoestrogens. Their applications include computation of spectroscopic properties, both vibrational and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and also in quantum molecular dynamics simulations and crystal structure prediction. The main aim of this review is to present the great potential and versatility of various molecular modelling methods in the studies on estrogens and xenoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Helena Mazurek
- Chair and Department of Physical Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 str., 02-093 Warsaw Poland; (A.H.M.); (D.M.P.)
| | - Łukasz Szeleszczuk
- Chair and Department of Physical Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 str., 02-093 Warsaw Poland; (A.H.M.); (D.M.P.)
| | - Thomas Simonson
- Laboratoire de Biochimie (CNRS UMR7654), Ecole Polytechnique, 91-120 Palaiseau, France;
| | - Dariusz Maciej Pisklak
- Chair and Department of Physical Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 str., 02-093 Warsaw Poland; (A.H.M.); (D.M.P.)
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12
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Kostal J, Voutchkova-Kostal A. Going All In: A Strategic Investment in In Silico Toxicology. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:880-888. [PMID: 32166946 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As vast numbers of new chemicals are introduced to market annually, we are faced with the grand challenge of protecting humans and the environment while minimizing economically and ethically costly animal testing. In silico models promise to be the solution we seek, but we find ourselves at crossroads of future development efforts that would ensure standalone applicability and reliability of these tools. A conscientious effort that prioritizes experimental testing to support the needs of in silico models (versus regulatory needs) is called for to achieve this goal. Using economic analogy in the title of this work, we argue that a prudent investment is to go all-in to support in silico model development, rather than gamble our future by keeping the status quo of a "balanced portfolio" of testing approaches. We discuss two paths to future in silico toxicology-one based on big-data statistics ("broadsword"), and the other based on direct modeling of molecular interactions ("scalpel")-and offer rationale that the latter approach is more transparent, is better aligned with our quest for fundamental knowledge, and has a greater potential to succeed if we are willing to transform our toxicity-testing paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kostal
- Department of Chemistry, The George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052-0066, United States
| | - Adelina Voutchkova-Kostal
- Department of Chemistry, The George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052-0066, United States
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Liao Q. Enhanced sampling and free energy calculations for protein simulations. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 170:177-213. [PMID: 32145945 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulation is a powerful computational technique to study biomolecular systems, which complements experiments by providing insights into the structural dynamics relevant to biological functions at atomic scale. It can also be used to calculate the free energy landscapes of the conformational transitions to better understand the functions of the biomolecules. However, the sampling of biomolecular configurations is limited by the free energy barriers that need to be overcome, leading to considerable gaps between the timescales reached by MD simulation and those governing biological processes. To address this issue, many enhanced sampling methodologies have been developed to increase the sampling efficiency of molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. Usually, enhanced sampling algorithms can be classified into methods based on collective variables (CV-based) and approaches which do not require predefined CVs (CV-free). In this chapter, the theoretical basis of free energy estimation is briefly reviewed first, followed by the reviews of the most common CV-based and CV-free methods including the presentation of some examples and recent developments. Finally, the combination of different enhanced sampling methods is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Liao
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Chemistry-BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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14
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Limongelli V. Ligand binding free energy and kinetics calculation in 2020. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Limongelli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science – Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) Lugano Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples “Federico II” Naples Italy
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15
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An Improved Free Energy Perturbation FEP+ Sampling Protocol for Flexible Ligand-Binding Domains. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16829. [PMID: 31728038 PMCID: PMC6856381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53133-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent improvements to the free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations, especially FEP+ , established their utility for pharmaceutical lead optimization. Herein, we propose a modified version of the FEP/REST (i.e., replica exchange with solute tempering) sampling protocol, based on detail studies on several targets by probing a large number of perturbations with different sampling schemes. Improved FEP+ binding affinity predictions for regular flexible-loop motions and considerable structural changes can be obtained by extending the prior to REST (pre-REST) sampling time from 0.24 ns/λ to 5 ns/λ and 2 × 10 ns/λ, respectively. With this new protocol, much more precise ∆∆G values of the individual perturbations, including the sign of the transformations and decreased error were obtained. We extended the REST simulations from 5 ns to 8 ns to achieve reasonable free energy convergence. Implementing REST to the entire ligand as opposed to solely the perturbed region, and also some important flexible protein residues (pREST region) in the ligand binding domain (LBD) has considerably improved the FEP+ results in most of the studied cases. Preliminary molecular dynamics (MD) runs were useful for establishing the correct binding mode of the compounds and thus precise alignment for FEP+ . Our improved protocol may further increase the FEP+ accuracy.
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Schneider M, Pons JL, Labesse G, Bourguet W. In Silico Predictions of Endocrine Disruptors Properties. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2709-2716. [PMID: 31265055 PMCID: PMC6804484 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a broad class of molecules present in our environment that are suspected to cause adverse effects in the endocrine system by interfering with the synthesis, transport, degradation, or action of endogenous ligands. The characterization of the harmful interaction between environmental compounds and their potential cellular targets and the development of robust in vivo, in vitro, and in silico screening methods are important for assessment of the toxic potential of large numbers of chemicals. In this context, computer-aided technologies that will allow for activity prediction of endocrine disruptors and environmental risk assessments are being developed. These technologies must be able to cope with diverse data and connect chemistry at the atomic level with the biological activity at the cellular, organ, and organism levels. Quantitative structure-activity relationship methods became popular for toxicity issues. They correlate the chemical structure of compounds with biological activity through a number of molecular descriptors (e.g., molecular weight and parameters to account for hydrophobicity, topology, or electronic properties). Chemical structure analysis is a first step; however, modeling intermolecular interactions and cellular behavior will also be essential. The increasing number of three-dimensional crystal structures of EDCs' targets has provided a wealth of structural information that can be used to predict their interactions with EDCs using docking and scoring procedures. In the present review, we have described the various computer-assisted approaches that use ligands and targets properties to predict endocrine disruptor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schneider
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Luc Pons
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gilles Labesse
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: Gilles Labesse, PhD, or William Bourguet, PhD, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 29 rue de Navacelles, 34090 Montpellier, France. E-mail: or
| | - William Bourguet
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: Gilles Labesse, PhD, or William Bourguet, PhD, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 29 rue de Navacelles, 34090 Montpellier, France. E-mail: or
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Fratev F, Miranda-Arango M, Lopez AB, Padilla E, Sirimulla S. Discovery of GlyT2 Inhibitors Using Structure-Based Pharmacophore Screening and Selectivity Studies by FEP+ Calculations. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:904-910. [PMID: 31223446 PMCID: PMC6580377 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, mammalian Glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) has emerged as a promising target for the development of compounds against chronic pain states. In our current work, we discovered a new set of promising hits that inhibit the glycine transporter at nano- and micromolar activity and have excellent selectivity over GlyT1 (as shown by in vitro studies) using a newly designed virtual screening (VS) protocol that combines a structure-based pharmacophore and docking screens with a success rate of 75%. Furthermore, the free energy perturbation calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) studies revealed the GlyT2 amino acid residues critical for the binding and selectivity of both Glycine and our Hit1 compound. The FEP+ results well-matched with the available literature mutational data proving the quality of the generated GlyT2 structure. On the basis of these results, we propose that our hit compounds may lead to new chronic pain agents to address unmet and challenging clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Fratev
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Micar21 Ltd., Persenk 34B, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Manuel Miranda-Arango
- Department
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
| | - Ashley Bryan Lopez
- Department
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
| | - Elvia Padilla
- Department
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
| | - Suman Sirimulla
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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Cao H, Wang L, Cao M, Ye T, Sun Y. Computational insights on agonist and antagonist mechanisms of estrogen receptor α induced by bisphenol A analogues. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 248:536-545. [PMID: 30831350 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Structural analogues of bisphenol A (BPA) have become widely used as alternatives in BPA-free products. Most toxicological investigations have focused on the estrogenic activities of these analogues, which have been considered as potential environmental estrogens. However, recent studies revealed that certain BPA analogues could dramatically inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells, and exhibited strong anti-estrogenic effects compared with the antagonist 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT). Thus, we adopted computational models combining molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations to explore the underlying molecular basis of BPA analogues binding to estrogen receptor α (ERα). We also evaluated ligand-induced structural rearrangements of ERα at the atomic level. Conformational analyses showed that induced-fit H-bonding recognition by Thr347 was an important factor distinguishing antagonist from agonist BPA analogues. Moreover, antagonists of BPA analogues could indirectly induce the structural reposition of key helix 12 and produce an antagonistic conformation of ERα. Compared with OHT, the binding affinity of BPA analogues is stronger for antagonists than agonists. Taken together, we therefore propose computational indicators for screening of anti-estrogenic activities of BPA analogues, which may be beneficial for predicting the estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects of BPA alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Mengxi Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Tong Ye
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yuzhen Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
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