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Wu Z, Han Z, Tao L, Sun X, Su J, Hu J, Li C. Dynamic Insights into the Self-Activation Pathway and Allosteric Regulation of the Orphan G-Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR52. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5847-5862. [PMID: 37651308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Within over 800 members of G-protein-coupled receptors, there are numerous orphan receptors whose endogenous ligands are largely unknown, providing many opportunities for novel drug discovery. However, the lack of an in-depth understanding of the intrinsic working mechanism for orphan receptors severely limits the related rational drug design. The G-protein-coupled receptor 52 (GPR52) is a unique orphan receptor that constitutively increases cellular 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels without binding any exogenous agonists and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for central nervous system disorders. Although recent structural biology studies have provided snapshots of both active and inactive states of GPR52, the mechanism of the conformational transition between these states remains unclear. Here, an acceptable self-activation pathway for GPR52 was proposed through 6 μs Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations, in which the receptor spontaneously transitions from the active state to that matching the inactive crystal structure. According to the three intermediate states of the receptor obtained by constructing a reweighted potential of mean force, how the allosteric regulation occurs between the extracellular orthosteric binding pocket and the intracellular G-protein-binding site is revealed. Combined with the independent gradient model, several important microswitch residues and the allosteric communication pathway that directly links the two regions are both identified. Transfer entropy calculations not only reveal the complex allosteric signaling within GPR52 but also confirm the unique role of ECL2 in allosteric regulation, which is mutually validated with the results of GaMD simulations. Overall, this work elucidates the allosteric mechanism of GPR52 at the atomic level, providing the most detailed information to date on the self-activation of the orphan receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wu
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhongjie Han
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Lianci Tao
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingjie Su
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Chunhua Li
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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2
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Yadav M, Abdalla M, Madhavi M, Chopra I, Bhrdwaj A, Soni L, Shaheen U, Prajapati L, Sharma M, Sikarwar MS, Albogami S, Hussain T, Nayarisseri A, Singh SK. Structure-Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Pharmacokinetic modelling of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor for the clinical treatment of Colorectal Cancer. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2022.2068799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Yadav
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Maddala Madhavi
- Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Ishita Chopra
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, LeGene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anushka Bhrdwaj
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lovely Soni
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Uzma Shaheen
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Leena Prajapati
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sarah Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tajamul Hussain
- Research Chair for Biomedical Applications of Nanomaterials, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anuraj Nayarisseri
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, LeGene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Research Chair for Biomedical Applications of Nanomaterials, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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3
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Baltrukevich H, Podlewska S. From Data to Knowledge: Systematic Review of Tools for Automatic Analysis of Molecular Dynamics Output. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:844293. [PMID: 35359865 PMCID: PMC8960308 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.844293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of crystal structures available on one side, and the boost of computational power available for computer-aided drug design tasks on the other, have caused that the structure-based drug design tools are intensively used in the drug development pipelines. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations, key representatives of the structure-based approaches, provide detailed information about the potential interaction of a ligand with a target receptor. However, at the same time, they require a three-dimensional structure of a protein and a relatively high amount of computational resources. Nowadays, as both docking and molecular dynamics are much more extensively used, the amount of data output from these procedures is also growing. Therefore, there are also more and more approaches that facilitate the analysis and interpretation of the results of structure-based tools. In this review, we will comprehensively summarize approaches for handling molecular dynamics simulations output. It will cover both statistical and machine-learning-based tools, as well as various forms of depiction of molecular dynamics output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Baltrukevich
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Chair of Technology and Biotechnology of Medical Remedies, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Sabina Podlewska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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4
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Oliveira ASF, Ibarra AA, Bermudez I, Casalino L, Gaieb Z, Shoemark DK, Gallagher T, Sessions RB, Amaro RE, Mulholland AJ. A potential interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biophys J 2021; 120:983-993. [PMID: 33609494 PMCID: PMC7889469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Changeux et al. (Changeux et al. C. R. Biol. 343:33-39.) recently suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and that such interactions may be involved in pathology and infectivity. This hypothesis is based on the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contains a sequence motif similar to known nAChR antagonists. Here, we use molecular simulations of validated atomically detailed structures of nAChRs and of the spike to investigate the possible binding of the Y674-R685 region of the spike to nAChRs. We examine the binding of the Y674-R685 loop to three nAChRs, namely the human α4β2 and α7 subtypes and the muscle-like αβγδ receptor from Tetronarce californica. Our results predict that Y674-R685 has affinity for nAChRs. The region of the spike responsible for binding contains a PRRA motif, a four-residue insertion not found in other SARS-like coronaviruses. The conformational behavior of the bound Y674-R685 is highly dependent on the receptor subtype; it adopts extended conformations in the α4β2 and α7 complexes but is more compact when bound to the muscle-like receptor. In the α4β2 and αβγδ complexes, the interaction of Y674-R685 with the receptors forces the loop C region to adopt an open conformation, similar to other known nAChR antagonists. In contrast, in the α7 complex, Y674-R685 penetrates deeply into the binding pocket in which it forms interactions with the residues lining the aromatic box, namely with TrpB, TyrC1, and TyrC2. Estimates of binding energy suggest that Y674-R685 forms stable complexes with all three nAChR subtypes. Analyses of simulations of the glycosylated spike show that the Y674-R685 region is accessible for binding. We suggest a potential binding orientation of the spike protein with nAChRs, in which they are in a nonparallel arrangement to one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sofia F Oliveira
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre, BrisSynBio, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Amaurys Avila Ibarra
- Research Software Engineering, Advanced Computing Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Bermudez
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Casalino
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Zied Gaieb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Deborah K Shoemark
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre, BrisSynBio, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Gallagher
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rommie E Amaro
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Adrian J Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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Kalash L, Winfield I, Safitri D, Bermudez M, Carvalho S, Glen R, Ladds G, Bender A. Structure-based identification of dual ligands at the A 2AR and PDE10A with anti-proliferative effects in lung cancer cell-lines. J Cheminform 2021; 13:17. [PMID: 33658076 PMCID: PMC7927403 DOI: 10.1186/s13321-021-00492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced/prolonged cAMP signalling has been suggested as a suppressor of cancer proliferation. Interestingly, two key modulators that elevate cAMP, the A2A receptor (A2AR) and phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), are differentially co-expressed in various types of non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cell-lines. Thus, finding dual-target compounds, which are simultaneously agonists at the A2AR whilst also inhibiting PDE10A, could be a novel anti-proliferative approach. Using ligand- and structure-based modelling combined with MD simulations (which identified Val84 displacement as a novel conformational descriptor of A2AR activation), a series of known PDE10A inhibitors were shown to dock to the orthosteric site of the A2AR. Subsequent in-vitro analysis confirmed that these compounds bind to the A2AR and exhibit dual-activity at both the A2AR and PDE10A. Furthermore, many of the compounds exhibited promising anti-proliferative effects upon NSCLC cell-lines, which directly correlated with the expression of both PDE10A and the A2AR. Thus, we propose a structure-based methodology, which has been validated in in-vitro binding and functional assays, and demonstrated a promising therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Kalash
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB21EW, Cambridge, UK
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, Stevenage, UK
| | - Ian Winfield
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB21EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1PD, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dewi Safitri
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1PD, Cambridge, UK
- Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Bandung Institute of Technology, 40132, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB21EW, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 und 4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Carvalho
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1PD, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert Glen
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB21EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Metabolism Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Graham Ladds
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1PD, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Andreas Bender
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB21EW, Cambridge, UK.
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6
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Kaur A, Goyal B. Deciphering the Inhibitory Mechanism of hIAPP‐Derived Fragment Peptide Against hIAPP Aggregation in Type 2 Diabetes**. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202003565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Apneet Kaur
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology Patiala- 147004 Punjab India
| | - Bhupesh Goyal
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology Patiala- 147004 Punjab India
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7
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Binding Mode Exploration of B1 Receptor Antagonists' by the Use of Molecular Dynamics and Docking Simulation-How Different Target Engagement Can Determine Different Biological Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207677. [PMID: 33081372 PMCID: PMC7590058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinin B1 receptor plays a critical role in the chronic phase of pain and inflammation. The development of B1 antagonists peaked in recent years but almost all promising molecules failed in clinical trials. Little is known about these molecules' mechanisms of action and additional information will be necessary to exploit the potential of the B1 receptor. With the aim of contributing to the available knowledge of the pharmacology of B1 receptors, we designed and characterized a novel class of allosteric non-peptidic inhibitors with peculiar binding characteristics. Here, we report the binding mode analysis and pharmacological characterization of a new allosteric B1 antagonist, DFL20656. We analyzed the binding of DFL20656 by single point mutagenesis and radioligand binding assays and we further characterized its pharmacology in terms of IC50, B1 receptor internalization and in vivo activity in comparison with different known B1 antagonists. We highlighted how different binding modes of DFL20656 and a Merck compound (compound 14) within the same molecular pocket can affect the biological and pharmacological properties of B1 inhibitors. DFL20656, by its peculiar binding mode, involving tight interactions with N114, efficiently induced B1 receptor internalization and evoked a long-lasting effect in an in vivo model of neuropathic pain. The pharmacological characterization of different B1 antagonists highlighted the effects of their binding modes on activity, receptor occupancy and internalization. Our results suggest that part of the failure of most B1 inhibitors could be ascribed to a lack of knowledge about target function and engagement.
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8
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Insights into adenosine A2A receptor activation through cooperative modulation of agonist and allosteric lipid interactions. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007818. [PMID: 32298258 PMCID: PMC7188303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation process of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been extensively studied, both experimentally and computationally. In particular, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations have proven useful in exploring GPCR conformational space. The typical behaviour of class A GPCRs, when subjected to unbiased MD simulations from their crystallized inactive state, is to fluctuate between inactive and intermediate(s) conformations, even with bound agonist. Fully active conformation(s) are rarely stabilized unless a G protein is also bound. Despite several crystal structures of the adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR) having been resolved in complex with co-crystallized agonists and Gs protein, its agonist-mediated activation process is still not completely understood. In order to thoroughly examine the conformational landscape of A2aR activation, we performed unbiased microsecond-length MD simulations in quadruplicate, starting from the inactive conformation either in apo or with bound agonists: endogenous adenosine or synthetic NECA, embedded in two homogeneous phospholipid membranes: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoglycerol (DOPG) or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). In DOPC with bound adenosine or NECA, we observe transition to an intermediate receptor conformation consistent with the known adenosine-bound crystal state. In apo state in DOPG, two different intermediate conformations are obtained. One is similar to that observed with bound adenosine in DOPC, while the other is closer to the active state but not yet fully active. Exclusively, in DOPG with bound adenosine or NECA, we reproducibly identify receptor conformations with fully active features, which are able to dock Gs protein. These different receptor conformations can be attributed to the action/absence of agonist and phospholipid-mediated allosteric effects on the intracellular side of the receptor.
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Al-Attraqchi OH, Attimarad M, Venugopala KN, Nair A, Al-Attraqchi NH. Adenosine A2A Receptor as a Potential Drug Target - Current Status and Future Perspectives. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:2716-2740. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190716113444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine receptors (ARs) are a class of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by
the endogenous substance adenosine. ARs are classified into 4 subtype receptors, namely, the A1, A2A, A2B and A3
receptors. The wide distribution and expression of the ARs in various body tissues as well as the roles they have
in controlling different functions in the body make them potential drug targets for the treatment of various pathological
conditions, such as cardiac diseases, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, inflammation and glaucoma. Therefore,
in the past decades, there have been extensive investigations of ARs with a high number of agonists and antagonists
identified that can interact with these receptors. This review shall discuss the A2A receptor (A2AAR) subtype
of the ARs. The structure, properties and the recent advances in the therapeutic potential of the receptor are discussed
with an overview of the recent advances in the methods of studying the receptor. Also, molecular modeling
approaches utilized in the design of A2AAR ligands are highlighted with various recent examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar H.A. Al-Attraqchi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University-Jordan, P.O BOX (1), Philadelphia University-19392, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mahesh Attimarad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katharigatta N. Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anroop Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Reconstruction of apo A2A receptor activation pathways reveal ligand-competent intermediates and state-dependent cholesterol hotspots. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14199. [PMID: 31578448 PMCID: PMC6775061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50752-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a pivotal role in transmitting signals at the cellular level. Structural insights can be exploited to support GPCR structure-based drug discovery endeavours. Despite advances in GPCR crystallography, active state structures are scarce. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to explore the conformational landscape of GPCRs. Efforts have been made to retrieve active state conformations starting from inactive structures, however to date this has not been possible without using an energy bias. Here, we reconstruct the activation pathways of the apo adenosine receptor (A2A), starting from an inactive conformation, by applying adaptive sampling MD combined with a goal-oriented scoring function. The reconstructed pathways reconcile well with experiments and help deepen our understanding of A2A regulatory mechanisms. Exploration of the apo conformational landscape of A2A reveals the existence of ligand-competent states, active intermediates and state-dependent cholesterol hotspots of relevance for drug discovery. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time an activation process has been elucidated for a GPCR starting from an inactive structure only, using a non-biased MD approach, opening avenues for the study of ligand binding to elusive yet pharmacologically relevant GPCR states.
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Oliveira ASF, Shoemark DK, Campello HR, Wonnacott S, Gallagher T, Sessions RB, Mulholland AJ. Identification of the Initial Steps in Signal Transduction in the α4β2 Nicotinic Receptor: Insights from Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Simulations. Structure 2019; 27:1171-1183.e3. [PMID: 31130483 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) modulate synaptic transmission in the nervous system. These receptors have emerged as therapeutic targets in drug discovery for treating several conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, pain, and nicotine addiction. In this in silico study, we use a combination of equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to map dynamic and structural changes induced by nicotine in the human α4β2 nAChR. They reveal a striking pattern of communication between the extracellular binding pockets and the transmembrane domains (TMDs) and show the sequence of conformational changes associated with the initial steps in this process. We propose a general mechanism for signal transduction for Cys-loop receptors: the mechanistic steps for communication proceed firstly through loop C in the principal subunit, and are subsequently transmitted, gradually and cumulatively, to loop F of the complementary subunit, and then to the TMDs through the M2-M3 linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sofia F Oliveira
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1DT, UK; Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | | | - Hugo Rego Campello
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Susan Wonnacott
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Timothy Gallagher
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | | | - Adrian J Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
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12
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Samanta PN, Kar S, Leszczynski J. Recent Advances of In-Silico Modeling of Potent Antagonists for the Adenosine Receptors. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:750-773. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190304123545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The rapid advancement of computer architectures and development of mathematical algorithms offer a
unique opportunity to leverage the simulation of macromolecular systems at physiologically relevant timescales.
Herein, we discuss the impact of diverse structure-based and ligand-based molecular modeling techniques in
designing potent and selective antagonists against each adenosine receptor (AR) subtype that constitutes multitude
of drug targets. The efficiency and robustness of high-throughput empirical scoring function-based approaches
for hit discovery and lead optimization in the AR family are assessed with the help of illustrative examples
that have led to nanomolar to sub-micromolar inhibition activities. Recent progress in computer-aided drug
discovery through homology modeling, quantitative structure-activity relation, pharmacophore models, and molecular
docking coupled with more accurate free energy calculation methods are reported and critically analyzed
within the framework of structure-based virtual screening of AR antagonists. Later, the potency and applicability
of integrated molecular dynamics (MD) methods are addressed in the context of diligent inspection of intricated
AR-antagonist binding processes. MD simulations are exposed to be competent for studying the role of the membrane
as well as the receptor flexibility toward the precise evaluation of the biological activities of antagonistbound
AR complexes such as ligand binding modes, inhibition affinity, and associated thermodynamic and kinetic
parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabitra Narayan Samanta
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, United States
| | - Supratik Kar
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, United States
| | - Jerzy Leszczynski
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, United States
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13
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Agrawal N, Chandrasekaran B, Al-Aboudi A. Recent Advances in the In-silico Structure-based and Ligand-based Approaches for the Design and Discovery of Agonists and Antagonists of A2A Adenosine Receptor. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:774-782. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190306162006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A2A receptor belongs to the family of GPCRs, which are the most abundant membrane protein family.
Studies in the last few decades have shown the therapeutic applications of A2A receptor in various diseases. In the
present mini-review, we have discussed the recent progress in the in-silico studies of the A2A receptor. Herein, we
described the different structures of A2A receptor, the discovery of new agonists and antagonists using virtualscreening/
docking, pharmacophore modeling, and QSAR based pharmacophore modeling. We have also discussed
various molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies of A2A receptor in complex with ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Agrawal
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. O. Box: 4000, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Balakumar Chandrasekaran
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. O. Box: 4000, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Amal Al-Aboudi
- Faculty of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
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Lagarias P, Vrontaki E, Lambrinidis G, Stamatis D, Convertino M, Ortore G, Mavromoustakos T, Klotz KN, Kolocouris A. Discovery of Novel Adenosine Receptor Antagonists through a Combined Structure- and Ligand-Based Approach Followed by Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Ligand Binding Mode. J Chem Inf Model 2018; 58:794-815. [PMID: 29485875 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
An intense effort is made by pharmaceutical and academic research laboratories to identify and develop selective antagonists for each adenosine receptor (AR) subtype as potential clinical candidates for "soft" treatment of various diseases. Crystal structures of subtypes A2A and A1ARs offer exciting opportunities for structure-based drug design. In the first part of the present work, Maybridge HitFinder library of 14400 compounds was utilized to apply a combination of structure-based against the crystal structure of A2AAR and ligand-based methodologies. The docking poses were rescored by CHARMM energy minimization and calculation of the desolvation energy using Poisson-Boltzmann equation electrostatics. Out of the eight selected and tested compounds, five were found positive hits (63% success). Although the project was initially focused on targeting A2AAR, the identified antagonists exhibited low micromolar or micromolar affinity against A2A/A3, ARs, or A3AR, respectively. Based on these results, 19 compounds characterized by novel chemotypes were purchased and tested. Sixteen of them were identified as AR antagonists with affinity toward combinations of the AR family isoforms (A2A/A3, A1/A3, A1/A2A/A3, and A3). The second part of this work involves the performance of hundreds of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of complexes between the ARs and a total of 27 ligands to resolve the binding interactions of the active compounds, which were not achieved by docking calculations alone. This computational work allowed the prediction of stable and unstable complexes which agree with the experimental results of potent and inactive compounds, respectively. Of particular interest is that the 2-amino-thiophene-3-carboxamides, 3-acylamino-5-aryl-thiophene-2-carboxamides, and carbonyloxycarboximidamide derivatives were found to be selective and possess a micromolar to low micromolar affinity for the A3 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Lagarias
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Eleni Vrontaki
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - George Lambrinidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Dimitrios Stamatis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Marino Convertino
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , 120 Mason Farm Road , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| | - Gabriella Ortore
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Pisa , 56126 Pisa , Italy
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Division of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, School of Science , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
| | - Karl-Norbert Klotz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Würzburg Versbacher Str. 9 , 97078 Würzburg , Germany
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Panepistimiopolis-Zografou , 15771 Athens , Greece
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15
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Competitive docking model for prediction of the human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 binding of tobacco constituents. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16899-16916. [PMID: 29682193 PMCID: PMC5908294 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The detrimental health effects associated with tobacco use constitute a major public health concern. The addiction associated with nicotine found in tobacco products has led to difficulty in quitting among users. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the targets of nicotine and are responsible for addiction to tobacco products. However, it is unknown if the other >8000 tobacco constituents are addictive. Since it is time-consuming and costly to experimentally assess addictive potential of such larger number of chemicals, computationally predicting human nAChRs binding is important for in silico evaluation of addiction potential of tobacco constituents and needs structures of human nAChRs. Therefore, we constructed three-dimensional structures of the ligand binding domain of human nAChR α7 subtype and then developed a predictive model based on the constructed structures to predict human nAChR α7 binding activity of tobacco constituents. The predictive model correctly predicted 11 out of 12 test compounds to be binders of nAChR α7. The model is a useful tool for high-throughput screening of potential addictive tobacco constituents. These results could inform regulatory science research by providing a new validated predictive tool using cutting-edge computational methodology to high-throughput screen tobacco additives and constituents for their binding interaction with the human α7 nicotinic receptor. The tool represents a prediction model capable of screening thousands of chemicals found in tobacco products for addiction potential, which improves the understanding of the potential effects of additives.
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Abstract
From the pharmacological point of view, allosteric modulators may present numerous advantages over orthosteric ligands. Growing availability of novel tools and experimental data provides a tempting opportunity to apply computational methods to improve known modulators and design novel ones. However, recent progress in understanding of complexity of allostery increases awareness of problems involved in design of modulators with desired properties. Deeper insight into phenomena such as probe dependence, altering signaling bias with minor changes in ligand structure, as well as influence of subtle endogenous allosteric factors turns out to be fundamental. These effects make the design of a modulator with precise pharmacological outcome a very challenging task, and need to be taken into consideration throughout the design process. In this chapter, we focus on nuances of targeting GPCR allosteric sites in computational drug design efforts, in particular with application of docking, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics.
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17
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Rodríguez-Espigares I, Kaczor AA, Stepniewski TM, Selent J. Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Discovery of Biased Ligands. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1705:321-334. [PMID: 29188569 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7465-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The observation of biased agonism in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has provided new approaches for the development of more efficacious and safer drugs. However, in order to rationally design biased drugs, one must understand the molecular basis of this phenomenon. Computational approaches can help in exploring the conformational universe of GPCRs and detecting conformational states with relevance for distinct functional outcomes. This information is extremely valuable for the development of new therapeutic agents that promote desired conformational receptor states and responses while avoiding the ones leading to undesired side-effects.This book chapter intends to introduce the reader to powerful computational approaches for sampling the conformational space of these receptors, focusing first on molecular dynamics and the analysis of the produced data through methods such as dimensionality reduction, Markov State Models and adaptive sampling. Then, we show how to seek for compounds that target distinct conformational states via docking and virtual screening. In addition, we describe how to detect receptor-ligand interactions that drive signaling bias and comment current challenges and opportunities of presented methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Rodríguez-Espigares
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modelling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., PL-20093, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jana Selent
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Rodríguez-Espigares I, Kaczor AA, Selent J. In silico Exploration of the Conformational Universe of GPCRs. Mol Inform 2016; 35:227-37. [PMID: 27492237 DOI: 10.1002/minf.201600012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The structural plasticity of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to a conformational universe going from inactive to active receptor states with several intermediate states. Many of them have not been captured yet and their role for GPCR activation is not well understood. The study of this conformational space and the transition dynamics between different receptor populations is a major challenge in molecular biophysics. The rational design of effector molecules that target such receptor populations allows fine-tuning receptor signalling with higher specificity to produce drugs with safer therapeutic profiles. In this minireview, we outline highly conserved receptor regions which are considered determinant for the establishment of distinct receptor states. We then discuss in-silico approaches such as dimensionality reduction methods and Markov State Models to explore the GPCR conformational universe and exploit the obtained conformations through structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Rodríguez-Espigares
- Pharmacoinformatics group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division for Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St., PL-20059, Lublin, Poland.,School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jana Selent
- Pharmacoinformatics group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Nowroozi A, Shahlaei M. A coupling of homology modeling with multiple molecular dynamics simulation for identifying representative conformation of GPCR structures: a case study on human bombesin receptor subtype-3. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:250-272. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1140593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Nowroozi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Shahlaei
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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20
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Dos Santos Passos C, Simões-Pires CA, Carrupt PA, Nurisso A. Molecular dynamics of zinc-finger ubiquitin binding domains: a comparative study of histone deacetylase 6 and ubiquitin-specific protease 5. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 34:2581-2598. [PMID: 26619262 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1124051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
HDAC6 is a unique cytoplasmic histone deacetylase characterized by two deacetylase domains, and by a zinc-finger ubiquitin binding domain (ZnF-UBP) able to recognize ubiquitin (Ub). The latter has recently been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and in mediating infection by the influenza A virus. Nowadays, understanding the dynamic and energetic features of HDAC6 ZnF-UBP-Ub recognition is considered as a crucial step for the conception of HDAC6 potential modulators. In this study, the atomic, solvent-related, and thermodynamic features behind HDAC6 ZnF-UBP-Ub recognition have been analyzed through molecular dynamics simulations. The behavior was then compared to the prototypical ZnF-UBP from ubiquitin-specific protease 5 (USP5) in order to spot relevant differences useful for selective drug design. Principal component analysis highlighted flapping motions of the L2A loop which were lowered down upon Ub binding in both systems. While polar and nonpolar interactions involving Ub G75 and G76 residues were also common features stabilizing both complexes, salt bridges showed a different pattern, more significant in HDAC6 ZnF-UBP-Ub, whose energetic contribution in USP5 ZnF-UBP-Ub was compensated by the presence of a more stable bridging water molecule. Whereas molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) free energies of binding were comparable for both systems, in agreement with experiments, computational alanine scanning and free energy decomposition data revealed that HDAC6 E1141 and D1178 are potential hotspots for the design of selective HDAC6 modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Dos Santos Passos
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne , 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 , Geneva 4 , Switzerland
| | - Claudia A Simões-Pires
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne , 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 , Geneva 4 , Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Carrupt
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne , 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 , Geneva 4 , Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Nurisso
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne , 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 , Geneva 4 , Switzerland
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21
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Bartuzi D, Kaczor AA, Matosiuk D. Activation and Allosteric Modulation of Human μ Opioid Receptor in Molecular Dynamics. J Chem Inf Model 2015; 55:2421-34. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.5b00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Damian Bartuzi
- Department
of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances
with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical
Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St., PL-20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kaczor
- Department
of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances
with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical
Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St., PL-20093 Lublin, Poland
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dariusz Matosiuk
- Department
of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances
with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical
Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St., PL-20093 Lublin, Poland
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22
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Ng HW, Shu M, Luo H, Ye H, Ge W, Perkins R, Tong W, Hong H. Estrogenic activity data extraction and in silico prediction show the endocrine disruption potential of bisphenol A replacement compounds. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 28:1784-95. [PMID: 26308263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) replacement compounds are released to the environment and cause widespread human exposure. However, a lack of thorough safety evaluations on the BPA replacement compounds has raised public concerns. We assessed the endocrine disruption potential of BPA replacement compounds in the market to assist their safety evaluations. A literature search was conducted to ascertain the BPA replacement compounds in use. Available experimental estrogenic activity data of these compounds were extracted from the Estrogenic Activity Database (EADB) to assess their estrogenic potential. An in silico model was developed to predict the estrogenic activity of compounds lacking experimental data. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to understand the mechanisms by which the estrogenic compounds bind to and activate the estrogen receptor (ER). Forty-five BPA replacement compounds were identified in the literature. Seven were more estrogenic and five less estrogenic than BPA, while six were nonestrogenic in EADB. A two-tier in silico model was developed based on molecular docking to predict the estrogenic activity of the 27 compounds lacking data. Eleven were predicted as ER binders and 16 as nonbinders. MD simulations revealed hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonds as the main interactions between ER and the estrogenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Ng
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Mao Shu
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Heng Luo
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Hao Ye
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Weigong Ge
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Roger Perkins
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Weida Tong
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
| | - Huixiao Hong
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, United States
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23
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Cao R, Rossetti G, Bauer A, CarIoni P. Binding of the Antagonist Caffeine to the Human Adenosine Receptor hA2AR in Nearly Physiological Conditions. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126833. [PMID: 25992797 PMCID: PMC4439127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid composition may significantly affect membrane proteins function, yet its impact on the protein structural determinants is not well understood. Here we present a comparative molecular dynamics (MD) study of the human adenosine receptor type 2A (hA(2A)R) in complex with caffeine--a system of high neuro-pharmacological relevance--within different membrane types. These are POPC, mixed POPC/POPE and cholesterol-rich membranes. 0.8-μs MD simulations unambiguously show that the helical folding of the amphipathic helix 8 depends on membrane contents. Most importantly, the distinct cholesterol binding into the cleft between helix 1 and 2 stabilizes a specific caffeine-binding pose against others visited during the simulation. Hence, cholesterol presence (~33%-50% in synaptic membrane in central nervous system), often neglected in X-ray determination of membrane proteins, affects the population of the ligand binding poses. We conclude that including a correct description of neuronal membranes may be very important for computer-aided design of ligands targeting hA(2A)R and possibly other GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyin Cao
- German Research School for Simulation Sciences (joint venture of RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH), D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- German Research School for Simulation Sciences (joint venture of RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH), D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Paolo CarIoni
- German Research School for Simulation Sciences (joint venture of RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH), D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
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24
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Xu J, Wang Z, Liu P, Li D, Lin J. An insight into antagonist binding and induced conformational dynamics of class B GPCR corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2015; 11:2042-50. [DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00159e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The binding of small-molecule antagonists, CP-376395 and MTIP, would induce conformational dynamics behaviors of CRF1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
- Pharmaceutical Intelligence Platform
| | - Zhonghua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Pi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Dongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Jianping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
- Pharmaceutical Intelligence Platform
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25
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On the modularity of the intrinsic flexibility of the µ opioid receptor: a computational study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115856. [PMID: 25549261 PMCID: PMC4280117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The µ opioid receptor (µOR), the principal target to control pain, belongs to the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family, one of the most highlighted protein families due to their importance as therapeutic targets. The conformational flexibility of GPCRs is one of their essential characteristics as they take part in ligand recognition and subsequent activation or inactivation mechanisms. It is assessed that the intrinsic mechanical properties of the µOR, more specifically its particular flexibility behavior, would facilitate the accomplishment of specific biological functions, at least in their first steps, even in the absence of a ligand or any chemical species usually present in its biological environment. The study of the mechanical properties of the µOR would thus bring some indications regarding the highly efficient ability of the µOR to transduce cellular message. We therefore investigate the intrinsic flexibility of the µOR in its apo-form using all-atom Molecular Dynamics simulations at the sub-microsecond time scale. We particularly consider the µOR embedded in a simplified membrane model without specific ions, particular lipids, such as cholesterol moieties, or any other chemical species that could affect the flexibility of the µOR. Our analyses highlighted an important local effect due to the various bendability of the helices resulting in a diversity of shape and volume sizes adopted by the µOR binding site. Such property explains why the µOR can interact with ligands presenting highly diverse structural geometry. By investigating the topology of the µOR binding site, a conformational global effect is depicted: the correlation between the motional modes of the extra- and intracellular parts of µOR on one hand, along with a clear rigidity of the central µOR domain on the other hand. Our results show how the modularity of the µOR flexibility is related to its pre-ability to activate and to present a basal activity.
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26
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Yuan G, Gedeon NG, Jankins TC, Jones GB. Novel approaches for targeting the adenosine A2Areceptor. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 10:63-80. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.971006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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27
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Keränen H, Gutiérrez-de-Terán H, Åqvist J. Structural and energetic effects of A2A adenosine receptor mutations on agonist and antagonist binding. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108492. [PMID: 25285959 PMCID: PMC4186821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To predict structural and energetic effects of point mutations on ligand binding is of considerable interest in biochemistry and pharmacology. This is not only useful in connection with site-directed mutagenesis experiments, but could also allow interpretation and prediction of individual responses to drug treatment. For G-protein coupled receptors systematic mutagenesis has provided the major part of functional data as structural information until recently has been very limited. For the pharmacologically important A(2A) adenosine receptor, extensive site-directed mutagenesis data on agonist and antagonist binding is available and crystal structures of both types of complexes have been determined. Here, we employ a computational strategy, based on molecular dynamics free energy simulations, to rationalize and interpret available alanine-scanning experiments for both agonist and antagonist binding to this receptor. These computer simulations show excellent agreement with the experimental data and, most importantly, reveal the molecular details behind the observed effects which are often not immediately evident from the crystal structures. The work further provides a distinct validation of the computational strategy used to assess effects of point-mutations on ligand binding. It also highlights the importance of considering not only protein-ligand interactions but also those mediated by solvent water molecules, in ligand design projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Keränen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hugo Gutiérrez-de-Terán
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Åqvist
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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28
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Xu Y, Wang Y, Meng XY, Zhang M, Jiang M, Cui M, Tseng GN. Building KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel models and probing their interactions by molecular-dynamics simulations. Biophys J 2014; 105:2461-73. [PMID: 24314077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The slow delayed rectifier (I(KS)) channel is composed of KCNQ1 (pore-forming) and KCNE1 (auxiliary) subunits, and functions as a repolarization reserve in the human heart. Design of I(KS)-targeting anti-arrhythmic drugs requires detailed three-dimensional structures of the KCNQ1/KCNE1 complex, a task made possible by Kv channel crystal structures (templates for KCNQ1 homology-modeling) and KCNE1 NMR structures. Our goal was to build KCNQ1/KCNE1 models and extract mechanistic information about their interactions by molecular-dynamics simulations in an explicit lipid/solvent environment. We validated our models by confirming two sets of model-generated predictions that were independent from the spatial restraints used in model-building. Detailed analysis of the molecular-dynamics trajectories revealed previously unrecognized KCNQ1/KCNE1 interactions, whose relevance in I(KS) channel function was confirmed by voltage-clamp experiments. Our models and analyses suggest three mechanisms by which KCNE1 slows KCNQ1 activation: by promoting S6 bending at the Pro hinge that closes the activation gate; by promoting a downward movement of gating charge on S4; and by establishing a network of electrostatic interactions with KCNQ1 on the extracellular surface that stabilizes the channel in a pre-open activated state. Our data also suggest how KCNE1 may affect the KCNQ1 pore conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xu
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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29
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Navarrete LC, Barrera NP, Huidobro-Toro JP. Vas deferens neuro-effector junction: from kymographic tracings to structural biology principles. Auton Neurosci 2014; 185:8-28. [PMID: 24956963 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2014.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The vas deferens is a simple bioassay widely used to study the physiology of sympathetic neurotransmission and the pharmacodynamics of adrenergic drugs. The role of ATP as a sympathetic co-transmitter has gained increasing attention and furthered our understanding of its role in sympathetic reflexes. In addition, new information has emerged on the mechanisms underlying the storage and release of ATP. Both noradrenaline and ATP concur to elicit the tissue smooth muscle contractions following sympathetic reflexes or electrical field stimulation of the sympathetic nerve terminals. ATP and adenosine (its metabolic byproduct) are powerful presynaptic regulators of co-transmitter actions. In addition, neuropeptide Y, the third member of the sympathetic triad, is an endogenous modulator. The peptide plus ATP and/or adenosine play a significant role as sympathetic modulators of transmitter's release. This review focuses on the physiological principles that govern sympathetic co-transmitter activity, with special interest in defining the motor role of ATP. In addition, we intended to review the recent structural biology findings related to the topology of the P2X1R based on the crystallized P2X4 receptor from Danio rerio, or the crystallized adenosine A2A receptor as a member of the G protein coupled family of receptors as prototype neuro modulators. This review also covers structural elements of ectonucleotidases, since some members are found in the vas deferens neuro-effector junction. The allosteric principles that apply to purinoceptors are also reviewed highlighting concepts derived from receptor theory at the light of the current available structural elements. Finally, we discuss clinical applications of these concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Camilo Navarrete
- Laboratorio de Estructura de Proteínas de Membrana y Señalización, Núcleo Milenio de Biología Estructural, NuBEs, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Nelson P Barrera
- Laboratorio de Estructura de Proteínas de Membrana y Señalización, Núcleo Milenio de Biología Estructural, NuBEs, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - J Pablo Huidobro-Toro
- Laboratorio de Nucleótidos, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile.
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30
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Ng HW, Laughton CA, Doughty SW. Molecular dynamics simulations of the adenosine A2a receptor in POPC and POPE lipid bilayers: effects of membrane on protein behavior. J Chem Inf Model 2014; 54:573-81. [PMID: 24460123 DOI: 10.1021/ci400463z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of 300 ns (ns) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of an adenosine A2a receptor (A2a AR) model, conducted in triplicate, in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) bilayers reveals significantly different protein dynamical behavior. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that the dissimilarities stem from interhelical rather than intrahelical motions. The difference in the hydrophobic thicknesses of these simulated lipid bilayers is potentially a significant reason for the observed difference in results. The distinct lipid headgroups might also lead to different molecular interactions and hence different protein loop motions. Overall, the A2a AR shows higher mobility and flexibility in POPC as compared to POPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Ng
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus , Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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31
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Preininger AM, Meiler J, Hamm HE. Conformational flexibility and structural dynamics in GPCR-mediated G protein activation: a perspective. J Mol Biol 2013; 425:2288-98. [PMID: 23602809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Structure and dynamics of G proteins and their cognate receptors, both alone and in complex, are becoming increasingly accessible to experimental techniques. Understanding the conformational changes and timelines that govern these changes can lead to new insights into the processes of ligand binding and associated G protein activation. Experimental systems may involve the use of, or otherwise stabilize, non-native environments. This can complicate our understanding of structural and dynamic features of processes such as the ionic lock, tryptophan toggle, and G protein flexibility. While elements in the receptor's transmembrane helices and the C-terminal α5 helix of Gα undergo well-defined structural changes, regions subject to conformational flexibility may be important in fine-tuning the interactions between activated receptors and G proteins. The pairing of computational and experimental approaches will continue to provide powerful tools to probe the conformation and dynamics of receptor-mediated G protein activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita M Preininger
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-6600, USA.
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