1
|
Lohachova KO, Kyrychenko A, Kalugin ON. Critical assessment of popular biomolecular force fields for molecular dynamics simulations of folding and enzymatic activity of main protease of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Biophys Chem 2024; 311:107258. [PMID: 38776839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The main cysteine protease (Mpro) of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has become a promising target for computational development in anti-COVID-19 treatments. Here, we benchmarked the performance of six biomolecular molecular dynamics (MD) force fields (OPLS-AA, CHARMM27, CHARMM36, AMBER03, AMBER14SB and GROMOS G54A7) and three water models (TIP3P, TIP4P and SPC) for reproducing the native fold and the enzymatic activity of Mpro as monomeric and dimeric units. The MD sampling up to 1 μs suggested that the proper choice of the force fields and water models plays an essential role in reproducing the tertiary structure and the inter-residue distance between the catalytic dyad His41-Cys145. We found that while most benchmarked all-atom force fields reproduce well the native fold of Mpro, the CHARMM27/TIP3P and OPLS-AA/TIP4P setups revealed a good performance in reproducing the structure of the catalytic domain. In addition, these FF setups were also well-adopted for MD sampling of Mpro at the physiologic conditions by mimicking the presence of 100 mM NaCl and the elevated temperature of 310 K. Finally, both FFs were also performed well in reproducing the native fold of Mpro in a dimeric form. Therefore, comparing the preservation of the native fold of Mpro and the stability of its catalytic site architecture, our MD benchmarking suggests that the OPLS-AA/TIP4P and CHARMM27/TIP3P MD setups at the physiologic conditions may be well-suited for rapid in silico screening and developing broad-spectrum anti-coronaviral therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna O Lohachova
- School of Chemistry, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody sq., 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Alexander Kyrychenko
- School of Chemistry, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody sq., 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine.
| | - Oleg N Kalugin
- School of Chemistry, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody sq., 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kudo G, Hirao T, Harada R, Hirokawa T, Shigeta Y, Yoshino R. Prediction of the binding mechanism of a selective DNA methyltransferase 3A inhibitor by molecular simulation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13508. [PMID: 38866895 PMCID: PMC11169543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64236-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that introduces a methyl group at the C5 position of cytosine. This reaction is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and is essential for the regulation of gene transcription. The DNMT1 and DNMT3A or -3B family proteins are known targets for the inhibition of DNA hypermethylation in cancer cells. A selective non-nucleoside DNMT3A inhibitor was developed that mimics S-adenosyl-l-methionine and deoxycytidine; however, the mechanism of selectivity is unclear because the inhibitor-protein complex structure determination is absent. Therefore, we performed docking and molecular dynamics simulations to predict the structure of the complex formed by the association between DNMT3A and the selective inhibitor. Our simulations, binding free energy decomposition analysis, structural isoform comparison, and residue scanning showed that Arg688 of DNMT3A is involved in the interaction with this inhibitor, as evidenced by its significant contribution to the binding free energy. The presence of Asn1192 at the corresponding residues in DNMT1 results in a loss of affinity for the inhibitor, suggesting that the interactions mediated by Arg688 in DNMT3A are essential for selectivity. Our findings can be applied in the design of DNMT-selective inhibitors and methylation-specific drug optimization procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genki Kudo
- Physics Department, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8571, Japan
| | - Takumi Hirao
- Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Harada
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Shigeta
- Physics Department, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8571, Japan
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Yoshino
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kudo G, Hirao T, Yoshino R, Shigeta Y, Hirokawa T. Site Identification and Next Choice Protocol for Hit-to-Lead Optimization. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4475-4484. [PMID: 38768949 PMCID: PMC11167593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c02036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Time efficiency and cost savings are major challenges in drug discovery and development. In this process, the hit-to-lead stage is expected to improve efficiency because it primarily exploits the trial-and-error approach of medicinal chemists. This study proposes a site identification and next choice (SINCHO) protocol to improve the hit-to-lead efficiency. This protocol selects an anchor atom and growth site pair, which is desirable for a hit-to-lead strategy starting from a 3D complex structure. We developed and fine-tuned the protocol using a training data set and assessed it using a test data set of the preceding hit-to-lead strategy. The protocol was tested for experimentally determined structures and molecular dynamics (MD) ensembles. The protocol had a high prediction accuracy for applying MD ensembles, owing to the consideration of protein flexibility. The SINCHO protocol enables medicinal chemists to visualize and modify functional groups in a hit-to-lead manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genki Kudo
- Physics
Department, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
| | - Takumi Hirao
- Doctoral
Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human
Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Division
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Yoshino
- Division
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Transborder
Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Shigeta
- Center
for Computational Sciences, University of
Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Division
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
- Transborder
Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruiz-Moreno AJ, Cedillo-González R, Cordova-Bahena L, An Z, Medina-Franco JL, Velasco-Velázquez MA. Consensus Pharmacophore Strategy For Identifying Novel SARS-Cov-2 M pro Inhibitors from Large Chemical Libraries. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1984-1995. [PMID: 38472094 PMCID: PMC10966741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main Protease (Mpro) is an enzyme that cleaves viral polyproteins translated from the viral genome and is critical for viral replication. Mpro is a target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development, and multiple Mpro crystals complexed with competitive inhibitors have been reported. In this study, we aimed to develop an Mpro consensus pharmacophore as a tool to expand the search for inhibitors. We generated a consensus model by aligning and summarizing pharmacophoric points from 152 bioactive conformers of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. Validation against a library of conformers from a subset of ligands showed that our model retrieved poses that reproduced the crystal-binding mode in 77% of the cases. Using models derived from a consensus pharmacophore, we screened >340 million compounds. Pharmacophore-matching and chemoinformatics analyses identified new potential Mpro inhibitors. The candidate compounds were chemically dissimilar to the reference set, and among them, demonstrating the relevance of our model. We evaluated the effect of 16 candidates on Mpro enzymatic activity finding that seven have inhibitory activity. Three compounds (1, 4, and 5) had IC50 values in the midmicromolar range. The Mpro consensus pharmacophore reported herein can be used to identify compounds with improved activity and novel chemical scaffolds against Mpro. The method developed for its generation is provided as an open-access code (https://github.com/AngelRuizMoreno/ConcensusPharmacophore) and can be applied to other pharmacological targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel J. Ruiz-Moreno
- School
of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma
de México, Mexico
City 04510, Mexico
| | - Raziel Cedillo-González
- School
of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma
de México, Mexico
City 04510, Mexico
- Graduate
Program in Biochemical Sciences, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- DIFACQUIM
Research Group, School of Chemistry, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Cordova-Bahena
- School
of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma
de México, Mexico
City 04510, Mexico
- Consejo
Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnología, Mexico City 03940, Mexico
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas
Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - José L. Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM
Research Group, School of Chemistry, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco A. Velasco-Velázquez
- School
of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma
de México, Mexico
City 04510, Mexico
- Texas
Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jin X, Zhang M, Fu B, Li M, Yang J, Zhang Z, Li C, Zhang H, Wu H, Xue W, Liu Y. Structure-Based Discovery of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Noncovalent Inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1319-1330. [PMID: 38346323 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01327] [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: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively employed for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there is demand for discovering more SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors with diverse scaffolds to optimize anti-SARS-CoV-2 lead compounds. In this study, comprehensive in silico and in vitro assays were utilized to determine the potential inhibitors from TCM compounds against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, which is an important therapeutic target for SARS-CoV-2. The ensemble docking analysis of 18263 TCM compounds against 15 SARS-CoV-2 Mpro conformations identified 19 TCM compounds as promising candidates. Further in vitro testing validated three compounds as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and showed IC50 values of 4.64 ± 0.11, 7.56 ± 0.78, and 11.16 ± 0.26 μM, with EC50 values of 12.25 ± 1.68, 15.58 ± 0.77, and 29.32 ± 1.25 μM, respectively. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicated that the three complexes remained stable over the last 100 ns of production run. An analysis of the binding mode revealed that the active compounds occupy different subsites (S1, S2, S3, and S4) of the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro via specific poses through noncovalent interactions with key amino acids (e.g., HIS 41, ASN 142, GLY 143, MET 165, GLU 166, or GLN 189). Overall, this study provides evidence indicating that the three natural products obtained from TCM could be further used for anti-COVID-19 research, justifying the investigation of Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients as bioactive constituents for therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine, Ministry of Education, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Mi Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Hospital of TCM, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine and Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine, Ministry of Education, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
da Rocha JAP, da Costa RA, da Costa ADSS, da Rocha ECM, Gomes AJB, Machado AK, Fagan SB, Brasil DDSB, Lima e Lima AH. Harnessing Brazilian biodiversity database: identification of flavonoids as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease using computational approaches and all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. Front Chem 2024; 12:1336001. [PMID: 38456183 PMCID: PMC10917896 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1336001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is the etiological agent responsible for the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). The main protease of SARS-CoV-2, Mpro, is a key enzyme that plays a vital role in mediating viral replication and transcription. In this study, a comprehensive computational approach was employed to investigate the binding affinity, selectivity, and stability of natural product candidates as potential new antivirals acting on the viral polyprotein processing mediated by SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. A library of 288 flavonoids extracted from Brazilian biodiversity was screened to select potential Mpro inhibitors. An initial filter based on Lipinski's rule of five was applied, and 204 compounds that did not violate any of the Lipinski rules were selected. The compounds were then docked into the active site of Mpro using the GOLD program, and the poses were subsequently re-scored using MM-GBSA (Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area) binding free energy calculations performed by AmberTools23. The top five flavonoids with the best MM-GBSA binding free energy values were selected for analysis of their interactions with the active site residues of the protein. Next, we conducted a toxicity and drug-likeness analysis, and non-toxic compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation using the MM-PBSA (Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) method. It was observed that the five selected flavonoids had lower MM-GBSA binding free energy with Mpro than the co-crystal ligand. Furthermore, these compounds also formed hydrogen bonds with two important residues, Cys145 and Glu166, in the active site of Mpro. Two compounds that passed the drug-likeness filter showed stable conformations during the molecular dynamics simulations. Among these, NuBBE_867 exhibited the best MM-PBSA binding free energy value compared to the crystallographic inhibitor. Therefore, this study suggests that NuBBE_867 could be a potential inhibitor against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 and may be further examined to confirm our results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Augusto Pereira da Rocha
- Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Bragança, Bragança, Brazil
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Renato Araújo da Costa
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Evolution and Microbiology, Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Abaetetuba, Abaetetuba, Brazil
| | - Andreia do Socorro Silva da Costa
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Medeiros da Rocha
- Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Bragança, Bragança, Brazil
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson José Bahia Gomes
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Evolution and Microbiology, Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Abaetetuba, Abaetetuba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Davi do Socorro Barros Brasil
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson Henrique Lima e Lima
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhattacharya P, Mandal A. Identification of amentoflavone as a potent SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitor: a combination of computational studies and in vitro biological evaluation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38263736 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2304676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro that block the active site pocket of the viral main protease have been considered potential therapeutics for the development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report the identification of amentoflavone (a biflavonoid) through docking-based virtual screening of a library comprised of 231 compounds consisting of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. The docking results were further substantiated through extensive analysis of the data obtained from all-atom 150 ns MD simulation. End-state effective free energy calculations using MM-PBSA calculations further suggested that (Ra)-amentoflavone (C3'-C8''-atropisomer) may show a greater binding affinity towards the Mpro than (Sa)-amentoflavone. In vitro cytotoxicity assay established that amentoflavone showed a high CC50 value indicating much lower toxicity. Further, potent inhibition of the Mpro by amentoflavone was established by studying the effect on HEK293T cells treated with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro expressing plasmid.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anirban Mandal
- Department of Microbiology, Mrinalini Datta Mahavidyapith, Kolkata, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lokhande KB, Kale A, Shahakar B, Shrivastava A, Nawani N, Swamy KV, Singh A, Pawar SV. Terpenoid phytocompounds from mangrove plant Xylocarpus moluccensis as possible inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: In silico strategy. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 106:107912. [PMID: 37454399 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 shook the world during the pandemic, where the climax it reached was vaccine manufacturing at an unfathomable pace. Alternative promising solutions to prevent infection from SARS-CoV-2 and its variants will remain crucial in the years to come. Due to its key role in viral replication, the major protease (Mpro) enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 can be an attractive therapeutic target. In the present work, natural terpenoids from mangrove medicinal plant Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M. Roem. were screened using computational methods for inhibition of Mpro protein. Out of sixty-seven terpenoids, Angolensic acid methyl ester, Moluccensin V, Thaixylomolin F, Godavarin J, and Xylomexicanolide A were shortlisted based on their docking scores and interaction affinities (- 13.502 to - 15.52 kcal/mol). The efficacy was validated by the 100 ns molecular dynamics study. Lead terpenoids were within the acceptable range of RMSD and RMSF with a mean value of 2.5 Å and 1.5 Å, respectively indicating that they bound tightly within Mpro and there was minimal fluctuation and stability of Mpro upon binding of these terpenoids. The utmost favorable binding strengths as calculated by MM-GBSA, were of Angolensic acid methyl ester and Moluccensin V with binding free energies (ΔGbind) of - 39.084, and - 43.160 kcal/mol, respectively. The terpenoids showed no violations in terms of Drug Likeliness and ADMET predictions. Overall, the findings indicate that Angolensic acid methyl ester and Moluccensin V are effective terpenoids having strong binding interaction with Mpro protein, which must be tested in vitro as an effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Bharat Lokhande
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics Research Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India
| | - Arti Kale
- Microbial Diversity Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bhagyashree Shahakar
- Microbial Diversity Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashish Shrivastava
- Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics Research Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India
| | - Neelu Nawani
- Microbial Diversity Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India.
| | - K Venkateswara Swamy
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics Research Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India
| | - Sarika Vishnu Pawar
- Microbial Diversity Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yoshino R, Yasuo N, Hagiwara Y, Ishida T, Inaoka DK, Amano Y, Tateishi Y, Ohno K, Namatame I, Niimi T, Orita M, Kita K, Akiyama Y, Sekijima M. Discovery of a Hidden Trypanosoma cruzi Spermidine Synthase Binding Site and Inhibitors through In Silico, In Vitro, and X-ray Crystallography. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:25850-25860. [PMID: 37521650 PMCID: PMC10373461 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
In drug discovery research, the selection of promising binding sites and understanding the binding mode of compounds are crucial fundamental studies. The current understanding of the proteins-ligand binding model extends beyond the simple lock and key model to include the induced-fit model, which alters the conformation to match the shape of the ligand, and the pre-existing equilibrium model, selectively binding structures with high binding affinity from a diverse ensemble of proteins. Although methods for detecting target protein binding sites and virtual screening techniques using docking simulation are well-established, with numerous studies reported, they only consider a very limited number of structures in the diverse ensemble of proteins, as these methods are applied to a single structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a method for predicting protein dynamics and can detect potential ensembles of protein binding sites and hidden sites unobservable in a single-point structure. In this study, to demonstrate the utility of virtual screening with protein dynamics, MD simulations were performed on Trypanosoma cruzi spermidine synthase to obtain an ensemble of dominant binding sites with a high probability of existence. The structure of the binding site obtained through MD simulation revealed pockets in addition to the active site that was present in the initial structure. Using the obtained binding site structures, virtual screening of 4.8 million compounds by docking simulation, in vitro assays, and X-ray analysis was conducted, successfully identifying two hit compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryunosuke Yoshino
- Transborder
Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
- Education
Academy of Computational Life Sciences (ACLS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yasuo
- Tokyo
Tech Academy for Convergence of Materials and Informatics (TAC-MI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Yohsuke Hagiwara
- Education
Academy of Computational Life Sciences (ACLS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishida
- School
of Computing, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Daniel Ken Inaoka
- School of
Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki
University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department
of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasushi Amano
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Tateishi
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohno
- Education
Academy of Computational Life Sciences (ACLS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Ichiji Namatame
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Niimi
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Masaya Orita
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba 305-8585, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of
Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki
University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department
of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yutaka Akiyama
- Education
Academy of Computational Life Sciences (ACLS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
- School
of Computing, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Masakazu Sekijima
- Education
Academy of Computational Life Sciences (ACLS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
- School
of Computing, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Soulère L, Barbier T, Queneau Y. In Silico Identification of Potential Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease among a PubChem Database of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus 3CLPro Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:956. [PMID: 37371536 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Remarkable structural homologies between the main proteases of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were revealed by comparative amino-acid sequence and 3D structural alignment. Assessing whether reported IBV 3CLPro inhibitors could also interact with SARS-CoV-2 has been undertaken in silico using a PubChem BioAssay database of 388 compounds active on the avian infectious bronchitis virus 3C-like protease. Docking studies of this database on the SARS-CoV-2 protease resulted in the identification of four covalent inhibitors targeting the catalytic cysteine residue and five non-covalent inhibitors for which the binding was further investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Predictive ADMET calculations on the nine compounds suggest promising pharmacokinetic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Soulère
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE-Lyon, ICBMS, UMR 5246, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bâtiment Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Thibaut Barbier
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE-Lyon, ICBMS, UMR 5246, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bâtiment Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yves Queneau
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, CPE-Lyon, ICBMS, UMR 5246, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bâtiment Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yousaf N, Jabeen Y, Imran M, Saleem M, Rahman M, Maqbool A, Iqbal M, Muddassar M. Exploiting the co-crystal ligands shape, features and structure-based approaches for identification of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14325-14338. [PMID: 36946192 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2189478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 enters the host cell through the ACE2 receptor and replicates its genome using an RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RDRP). The functional RDRP is released from pro-protein pp1ab by the proteolytic activity of Main protease (Mpro) which is encoded within the viral genome. Due to its vital role in proteolysis of viral polyprotein chains, it has become an attractive potential drug target. We employed a hierarchical virtual screening approach to identify small synthetic protease inhibitors. Statistically optimized molecular shape and color-based features (various functional groups) from co-crystal ligands were used to screen different databases through various scoring schemes. Then, the electrostatic complementarity of screened compounds was matched with the most active molecule to further reduce the hit molecules' size. Finally, five hundred eighty-seven molecules were docked in Mpro catalytic binding site, out of which 29 common best hits were selected based on Glide and FRED scores. Five best-fitting compounds in complex with Mpro were subjected to MD simulations to analyze their structural stability and binding affinities with Mpro using MM/GB(PB)SA models. Modeling results suggest that identified hits can act as the lead compounds for designing better active Mpro inhibitors to enhance the chemical space to combat COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Numan Yousaf
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yaruq Jabeen
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- KAM School of Life Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Moazur Rahman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Maqbool
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Mazhar Iqbal
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Muddassar
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Charles S, Edgar MP, Mahapatra RK. Artificial intelligence based virtual screening study for competitive and allosteric inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15286-15304. [PMID: 36943715 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2188419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious and dangerous coronavirus that first appeared in late 2019 causing COVID-19, a pandemic of acute respiratory illnesses that is still a threat to health and the general public safety. We performed deep docking studies of 800 M unique compounds in both the active and allosteric sites of the SARS-COV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and the 15 M and 13 M virtual hits obtained were further taken for conventional docking and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. The best XP Glide docking scores obtained were -14.242 and -12.059 kcal/mol by CHEMBL591669 and the highest binding affinities were -10.5 kcal/mol (from 444215) and -11.2 kcal/mol (from NPC95421) for active and allosteric sites, respectively. Some hits can bind both sites making them a great area of concern. Re-docking of 8 random allosteric complexes in the active site shows a significant reduction in docking scores with a t-test P value of 2.532 × 10-11 at 95% confidence. Some specific interactions have higher elevations in docking scores. MD studies on 15 complexes show that single-ligand systems are stable as compared to double-ligand systems, and the allosteric binders identified are shown to modulate the active site binding as evidenced by the changes in the interaction patterns and stability of ligands and active site residues. When an allosteric complex was docked to the second monomer to check for homodimer formation, the validated homodimer could not be re-established, further supporting the potential of the identified allosteric binders. These findings could be important in developing novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ssemuyiga Charles
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mulumba Pius Edgar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li J, Wang Y, Solanki K, Atre R, Lavrijsen M, Pan Q, Baig MS, Li P. Nirmatrelvir exerts distinct antiviral potency against different human coronaviruses. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105555. [PMID: 36791846 PMCID: PMC9925195 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Nirmatrelvir is the main component of Paxlovid, an oral antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19 caused by SARS-COV-2 infection. Nirmatrelvir targets the main protease (Mpro), which is substantially conserved among different coronaviruses. Here, our molecular docking analysis indicates comparable affinity of nirmatrelvir binding to the Mpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 and three seasonal coronaviruses (OC43, 229E and NL63). However, in cell culture models, we found that nirmatrelvir potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2, OC43 and 229E, but not NL63. The insensitivity of NL63 to nirmatrelvir treatment was demonstrated at both viral replication and infectious titer levels. The antiviral activity of nirmatrelvir against OC43 and 229E was further confirmed in human airway organoids. The combination of nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir exerted differential patterns of antiviral response against OC43 and 229E. These results revealed disparities in the ability of nirmatrelvir to inhibit different coronaviruses, and caution against repurposing of nirmatrelvir as a pan-coronavirus treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kundan Solanki
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Rajat Atre
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirza S Baig
- Department of Biosciences & Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552, India.
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mudi PK, Mahanty AK, Kotakonda M, Prasad S, Bhattacharyya S, Biswas B. A benzimidazole scaffold as a promising inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1798-1810. [PMID: 35000553 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2024448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The manuscript reports the green-chemical synthesis of a new diindole-substituted benzimidazole compound, B1 through a straightforward route in coupling between indolyl-3-carboxaldehyde and o-phenylenediamine in water medium under the aerobic condition at 75 ºC. The single crystal X-ray structural analysis of B1 suggests that the disubstituted benzimidazole compound crystallizes in a monoclinic system and the indole groups exist in a perpendicular fashion with respect to benzimidazole moiety. The SARS-CoV-2 screening activity has been studied against 1 × 10e4 VeroE6 cells in a dose-dependent manner following Hoechst 33342 and nucleocapsid staining activity with respect to remdesivir. The compound exhibits 92.4% cell viability for 30 h and 35.1% inhibition against VeroE6 cells at non-cytotoxic concentration. Molecular docking studies predict high binding propensities of B1 with the main protease (Mpro) and non-structural (nsp2 and nsp7-nsp8) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 through a number of non-covalent interactions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis for 100 ns confirms the formation of stable conformations of B1-docked proteins with significant changes of binding energy, attributing the potential inhibition properties of the synthetic benzimidazole scaffold against SARS-CoV-2. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prafullya Kumar Mudi
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, India
| | - Ayan Kumar Mahanty
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, India
| | | | - Sunnapu Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Science, Coimbatore, India
| | - Subires Bhattacharyya
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, India
| | - Bhaskar Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rudra Paul A, Debnath S, Majumdar S. Water‐SDS‐Ionic Liquid Catalytic System for the Synthesis of Pyrano‐chromenes and in‐silicio Approach to Predict Inhibitory Activity Against Mpro of SARS‐CoV‐2**. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Rudra Paul
- Department of Chemistry Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 Tripura INDIA
| | - Sudhan Debnath
- Department of Chemistry Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya Tripura 799114 India
| | - Swapan Majumdar
- Department of Chemistry Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 Tripura INDIA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Singh MP, Singh N, Mishra D, Ehsan S, Chaturvedi VK, Chaudhary A, Singh V, Vamanu E. Computational Approaches to Designing Antiviral Drugs against COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2601-2617. [PMID: 37916490 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128259795231023193419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 necessitates innovative strategies for the rapid development of effective treatments. Computational methodologies, such as molecular modelling, molecular dynamics simulations, and artificial intelligence, have emerged as indispensable tools in the drug discovery process. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of these computational approaches and their application in the design of antiviral agents for COVID-19. Starting with an examination of ligand-based and structure-based drug discovery, the review has delved into the intricate ways through which molecular modelling can accelerate the identification of potential therapies. Additionally, the investigation extends to phytochemicals sourced from nature, which have shown promise as potential antiviral agents. Noteworthy compounds, including gallic acid, naringin, hesperidin, Tinospora cordifolia, curcumin, nimbin, azadironic acid, nimbionone, nimbionol, and nimocinol, have exhibited high affinity for COVID-19 Mpro and favourable binding energy profiles compared to current drugs. Although these compounds hold potential, their further validation through in vitro and in vivo experimentation is imperative. Throughout this exploration, the review has emphasized the pivotal role of computational biologists, bioinformaticians, and biotechnologists in driving rapid advancements in clinical research and therapeutic development. By combining state-of-the-art computational techniques with insights from structural and molecular biology, the search for potent antiviral agents has been accelerated. The collaboration between these disciplines holds immense promise in addressing the transmissibility and virulence of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohan P Singh
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
| | - Nidhi Singh
- Centre of Bioinformatics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
| | - Divya Mishra
- Centre of Bioinformatics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
| | - Saba Ehsan
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
| | - Vivek K Chaturvedi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Anupriya Chaudhary
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
| | - Veer Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 800007, India
| | - Emanuel Vamanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Bucharest 011464, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jain MK, De Lemos JA, McGuire DK, Ayers C, Eitson JL, Sanchez CL, Kamel D, Meisner JA, Thomas EV, Hegde AA, Mocherla S, Strebe JK, Li X, Williams NS, Xing C, Ahmed MS, Wang P, Sadek HA, Schoggins JW. Atovaquone for treatment of COVID-19: A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1020123. [PMID: 36249792 PMCID: PMC9561237 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An in silico screen was performed to identify FDA approved drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), followed by in vitro viral replication assays, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice. These studies identified atovaquone as a promising candidate for inhibiting viral replication. Methods: A 2-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. Enrolled patients were randomized 2:1 to atovaquone 1500 mg BID versus matched placebo. Patients received standard of care treatment including remdesivir, dexamethasone, or convalescent plasma as deemed necessary by the treating team. Saliva was collected at baseline and twice per day for up to 10 days for RNA extraction for SARS-CoV-2 viral load measurement by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. The primary outcome was the between group difference in log-transformed viral load (copies/mL) using a generalized linear mixed-effect models of repeated measures from all samples. Results: Of the 61 patients enrolled; 41 received atovaquone and 19 received placebo. Overall, the population was predominately male (63%) and Hispanic (70%), with a mean age of 51 years, enrolled a mean of 5 days from symptom onset. The log10 viral load was 5.25 copies/mL vs. 4.79 copies/mL at baseline in the atovaquone vs. placebo group. Change in viral load did not differ over time between the atovaquone plus standard of care arm versus the placebo plus standard of care arm. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of atovaquone plasma concentration demonstrated a wide variation in atovaquone levels, with an inverse correlation between BMI and atovaquone levels, (Rho −0.45, p = 0.02). In post hoc analysis, an inverse correlation was observed between atovaquone levels and viral load (Rho −0.54, p = 0.005). Conclusion: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, atovaquone did not demonstrate evidence of enhanced SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance compared with placebo. However, based on the observed inverse correlation between atovaquone levels and viral load, additional PK-guided studies may be warranted to examine the antiviral effect of atovaquone in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamta K. Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Mamta K. Jain, ; Hesham A. Sadek, ; John W. Schoggins,
| | - James A. De Lemos
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Darren K. McGuire
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Colby. Ayers
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Eitson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Claudia L. Sanchez
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dena Kamel
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jessica A. Meisner
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emilia V. Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine/Hospital Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Anita A. Hegde
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine/Hospital Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Satish Mocherla
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, United States
| | | | - Xilong Li
- Department of Population and Data Science, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Noelle S. Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Chao Xing
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Mahmoud S. Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Hesham A. Sadek
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Departments Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, and Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Mamta K. Jain, ; Hesham A. Sadek, ; John W. Schoggins,
| | - John W. Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Mamta K. Jain, ; Hesham A. Sadek, ; John W. Schoggins,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kalasariya HS, Patel NB, Gacem A, Alsufyani T, Reece LM, Yadav VK, Awwad NS, Ibrahium HA, Ahn Y, Yadav KK, Jeon BH. Marine Alga Ulva fasciata-Derived Molecules for the Potential Treatment of SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Approach. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:586. [PMID: 36135775 PMCID: PMC9506351 DOI: 10.3390/md20090586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This in silico study aimed to elucidate therapeutic efficacies against SARS-CoV-2 of phyco-compounds from the seaweed, Ulva fasciata. Twelve phyco-compounds were isolated and toxicity was analyzed by VEGA QSAR. Five compounds were found to be nonmutagenic, noncarcinogenic and nontoxic. Moreover, antiviral activity was evaluated by PASS. Binding affinities of five of these therapeutic compounds were predicted to possess probable biological activity. Fifteen SARS-CoV-2 target proteins were analyzed by the AutoDock Vina program for molecular docking binding energy analysis and the 6Y84 protein was determined to possess optimal binding affinities. The Desmond program from Schrödinger's suite was used to study high performance molecular dynamic simulation properties for 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol-6Y84 for better drug evaluation. The ligand with 6Y84 had stronger binding affinities (-5.9 kcal/mol) over two standard drugs, Chloroquine (-5.6 kcal/mol) and Interferon α-2b (-3.8 kcal/mol). Swiss ADME calculated physicochemical/lipophilicity/water solubility/pharmacokinetic properties for 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, showing that this therapeutic agent may be effective against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haresh S. Kalasariya
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Nikunj B. Patel
- Microbiology Department, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar 384315, India
| | - Amel Gacem
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University 20 Août 1955, Skikda 21000, Algeria
| | - Taghreed Alsufyani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lisa M. Reece
- Reece Life Science Consulting Agency, 819 N Amburn Rd, Texas City, TX 77591, USA
| | - Virendra Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar 332311, India
| | - Nasser S. Awwad
- Department of Chemistry, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala A. Ibrahium
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Semi Pilot Plant, Nuclear Materials Authority, El Maadi, P.O. Box 530, Cairo 11381, Egypt
| | - Yongtae Ahn
- Department of Earth Resources & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222-Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Krishna Kumar Yadav
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Madhyanchal Professional University, Ratibad, Bhopal 462044, India
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222-Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
(+)-Usnic acid and its salts, inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, identified by using in silico methods and in vitro assay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13118. [PMID: 35908082 PMCID: PMC9338942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been ongoing for over two years, and treatment for COVID-19, other than monoclonal antibodies, is urgently required. Accordingly, we have investigated the inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protein targets by high-throughput virtual screening using a marine natural products database. Considering the calculated molecular properties and availability of the compounds, (+)-usnic acid was selected as a suitable hit. In the in vitro antiviral assay of (+)-usnic acid by the immunofluorescence method, IC50 was 7.99 μM, which is similar to that of remdesivir used as a positive control. The generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM/GBSA) method was performed to find the potent target of (+)-usnic acid, and the Mpro protein showed the most prominent value, -52.05 kcal/mol, among other SARS-CoV-2 protein targets. Thereafter, RMSD and protein-ligand interactions were profiled using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Sodium usnate (NaU) improved in vitro assay results with an IC50 of 5.33 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 9.38. Additionally, when (+)-usnic acid was assayed against SARS-CoV-2 variants, it showed enhanced efficacy toward beta variants with an IC50 of 2.92 μM and SI of 11.1. We report the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of (+)-usnic acid in this study and propose that it has the potential to be developed as a COVID-19 treatment if its in vivo efficacy has been confirmed.
Collapse
|
20
|
Antonopoulou I, Sapountzaki E, Rova U, Christakopoulos P. The Inhibitory Potential of Ferulic Acid Derivatives against the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and ADMET Evaluation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081787. [PMID: 35892687 PMCID: PMC9329733 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an appealing target for the development of antiviral compounds, due to its critical role in the viral life cycle and its high conservation among different coronaviruses and the continuously emerging mutants of SARS-CoV-2. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phytochemical with several health benefits that is abundant in plant biomass and has been used as a basis for the enzymatic or chemical synthesis of derivatives with improved properties, including antiviral activity against a range of viruses. This study tested 54 reported FA derivatives for their inhibitory potential against Mpro by in silico simulations. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina, resulting in comparable or better binding affinities for 14 compounds compared to the known inhibitors N3 and GC376. ADMET analysis showed limited bioavailability but significantly improved the solubility for the enzymatically synthesized hits while better bioavailability and druglikeness properties but higher toxicity were observed for the chemically synthesized ones. MD simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes of the most promising compounds with Mpro, highlighting FA rutinoside and compound e27 as the best candidates from each derivative category.
Collapse
|
21
|
In Silico Analysis Using SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and a Set of Phytocompounds to Accelerate the Development of Therapeutic Components against COVID-19. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10071397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, is homologous to SARS-CoV. It would be ideal to develop antivirals effective against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we chose one therapeutic target known as the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. A crystal structure (Id: 6LU7) from the protein data bank (PDB) was used to accomplish the screening and docking studies. A set of phytocompounds was used for the docking investigation. The nature of the interaction and the interacting residues indicated the molecular properties that are essential for significant affinity. Six compounds were selected, based on the docking as well as the MM-GBSA score. Pentagalloylglucose, Shephagenin, Isoacteoside, Isoquercitrin, Kappa-Carrageenan, and Dolabellin are the six compounds with the lowest binding energies (−12 to −8 kcal/mol) and show significant interactions with the target Mpro protein. The MMGBSA scores of these compounds are highly promising, and they should be investigated to determine their potential as Mpro inhibitors, beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. In this study, we highlight the crucial role of in silico technologies in the search for novel therapeutic components. Computational biology, combined with structural biology, makes drug discovery studies more rigorous and reliable, and it creates a scenario where researchers can use existing drug components to discover new roles as modulators or inhibitors for various therapeutic targets. This study demonstrated that computational analyses can yield promising findings in the search for potential drug components. This work demonstrated the significance of increasing in silico and wetlab research to generate improved structure-based medicines.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Design, synthesis and docking study of Vortioxetine derivatives as a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor. DARU : JOURNAL OF FACULTY OF PHARMACY, TEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 30:139-152. [PMID: 35508799 PMCID: PMC9067898 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-022-00441-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Vortioxetine an anti-depressant FDA-drug recently reported showing better in vitro efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. Methods In this study, we have synthesized ten new derivatives having alkenes, alkynes, benzyl, aryl, and mixed carbamate at the N-terminal of vortioxetine. Then the binding energy and interactions with the crucial amino acid residues in the binding pocket of main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, of reported and ten newly synthesized vortioxetine derivatives (total thirty-one) in comparison with remdesivir are analyzed and presented in this paper. Results Based on the docking scores predicted by ADV and AD, most vortioxetine derivatives showed better binding efficiency towards Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with remdesivir (an EUA approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) and vortioxetine. Conclusion This study shows that some vortioxetine derivatives can be developed into promising drugs for COVID-19 treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40199-022-00441-z.
Collapse
|
24
|
In Silico Screening and Testing of FDA-Approved Small Molecules to Block SARS-CoV-2 Entry to the Host Cell by Inhibiting Spike Protein Cleavage. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061129. [PMID: 35746605 PMCID: PMC9231362 DOI: 10.3390/v14061129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, but it is still active. The development of an effective vaccine reduced the number of deaths; however, a treatment is still needed. Here, we aimed to inhibit viral entry to the host cell by inhibiting spike (S) protein cleavage by several proteases. We developed a computational pipeline to repurpose FDA-approved drugs to inhibit protease activity and thus prevent S protein cleavage. We tested some of our drug candidates and demonstrated a decrease in protease activity. We believe our pipeline will be beneficial in identifying a drug regimen for COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
|
25
|
Multiple protonation states in ligand-free SARS-CoV-2 main protease revealed by large-scale quantum molecular dynamics simulations. Chem Phys Lett 2022; 794:139489. [PMID: 35221345 PMCID: PMC8863314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2022.139489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) catalyzes the cleavage of polyproteins for viral replication. Here, large-scale quantum molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations for ligand-free Mpro were performed, where all the atoms were treated quantum-mechanically, focusing on elucidation of the controversial active-site protonation state. The simulations clarified that the interconverting multiple protonation states exist in unliganded Mpro, and the catalytically relevant ion-pair state is more stable than the neutral state, which is consistent with neutron crystallography. The results highlight the importance of the ion-pair state for repurposing or discovering antiviral drugs that target Mpro.
Collapse
|
26
|
Molecular Docking as a Potential Approach in Repurposing Drugs Against COVID-19: a Systematic Review and Novel Pharmacophore Models. CURRENT PHARMACOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 8:212-226. [PMID: 35381996 PMCID: PMC8970976 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-022-00285-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This article provides a review of the recent literature related to the FDA-approved drugs that had been repurposed as potential drug candidates against COVID-19. Moreover, we performed a quality pharmacophore study for frequently studied targets, namely, the main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and spike protein. Recent Findings Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole spectrum of scientific community is still unable to invent an absolute therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Considering such a fact, drug repurposing strategies seem a truly viable approach to develop novel therapeutic interventions. Summery Drug repurposing explores previously approved drugs of known safety and pharmacokinetics profile for possible new effects, reducing the cost, time, and predicting prospective side effects and drug interactions. COVID-19 virulent machinery appeared similar to other viruses, making antiviral agents widely repurposed in pursuit for curative candidates. Our main protease pharmacophoric study revealed multiple features and could be a probable starting point for upcoming research.
Collapse
|
27
|
Vázquez-Mendoza LH, Mendoza-Figueroa HL, García-Vázquez JB, Correa-Basurto J, García-Machorro J. In Silico Drug Repositioning to Target the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease as Covalent Inhibitors Employing a Combined Structure-Based Virtual Screening Strategy of Pharmacophore Models and Covalent Docking. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3987. [PMID: 35409348 PMCID: PMC8999907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which has spread rapidly throughout the world, requires urgent and effective treatments considering that the appearance of viral variants limits the efficacy of vaccines. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) is a highly conserved cysteine proteinase, fundamental for the replication of the coronavirus and with a specific cleavage mechanism that positions it as an attractive therapeutic target for the proposal of irreversible inhibitors. A structure-based strategy combining 3D pharmacophoric modeling, virtual screening, and covalent docking was employed to identify the interactions required for molecular recognition, as well as the spatial orientation of the electrophilic warhead, of various drugs, to achieve a covalent interaction with Cys145 of Mpro. The virtual screening on the structure-based pharmacophoric map of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in complex with an inhibitor N3 (reference compound) provided high efficiency by identifying 53 drugs (FDA and DrugBank databases) with probabilities of covalent binding, including N3 (Michael acceptor) and others with a variety of electrophilic warheads. Adding the energy contributions of affinity for non-covalent and covalent docking, 16 promising drugs were obtained. Our findings suggest that the FDA-approved drugs Vaborbactam, Cimetidine, Ixazomib, Scopolamine, and Bicalutamide, as well as the other investigational peptide-like drugs (DB04234, DB03456, DB07224, DB7252, and CMX-2043) are potential covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Heriberto Vázquez-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Posgrado en Farmacología de la Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico; (L.H.V.-M.); (J.C.-B.)
| | - Humberto L. Mendoza-Figueroa
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Posgrado en Farmacología de la Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico; (L.H.V.-M.); (J.C.-B.)
| | - Juan Benjamín García-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Posgrado en Farmacología de la Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico; (L.H.V.-M.); (J.C.-B.)
- Cátedras CONACyT-Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Posgrado en Farmacología de la Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico; (L.H.V.-M.); (J.C.-B.)
| | - Jazmín García-Machorro
- Laboratorio de Medicina de la Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Airas J, Bayas CA, N'Ait Ousidi A, Ait Itto MY, Auhmani A, Loubidi M, Esseffar M, Pollock JA, Parish CA. Investigating novel thiazolyl-indazole derivatives as scaffolds for SARS-CoV-2 M Pro inhibitors. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY REPORTS 2022; 4:100034. [PMID: 37519829 PMCID: PMC8828376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmcr.2022.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Remdesivir, a SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase inhibitor, is the only drug to have received widespread approval for treatment of COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease enzyme (MPro), essential for viral replication and transcription, remains an active target in the search for new treatments. In this study, the ability of novel thiazolyl-indazole derivatives to inhibit MPro is evaluated. These compounds were synthesized via the heterocyclization of phenacyl bromide with (R)-carvone, (R)-pulegone and (R)-menthone thiosemicarbazones. The binding affinity and binding interactions of each compound were evaluated through Schrödinger Glide docking, AMBER molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-GBSA free energy estimation, and these results were compared with similar calculations of MPro binding various 5-mer substrates (VKLQA, VKLQS, VKLQG) and a previously identified MPro tight-binder X77. From these simulations, we can see that binding is driven by residue specific interactions such as π-stacking with His41, and S/π interactions with Met49 and Met165. The compounds were also experimentally evaluated in a MPro biochemical assay and the most potent compound containing a phenylthiazole moiety inhibited protease activity with an IC50 of 92.9 μM. This suggests that the phenylthiazole scaffold is a promising candidate for the development of future MPro inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Airas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Richmond, Gottwald Center for the Sciences, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA
| | - Catherine A Bayas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Richmond, Gottwald Center for the Sciences, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA
| | - Abdellah N'Ait Ousidi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Moulay Youssef Ait Itto
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Aziz Auhmani
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Loubidi
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - M'hamed Esseffar
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP, 2390, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Julie A Pollock
- Department of Chemistry, University of Richmond, Gottwald Center for the Sciences, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA
| | - Carol A Parish
- Department of Chemistry, University of Richmond, Gottwald Center for the Sciences, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Semenov VA, Krivdin LB. Combined Computational NMR and Molecular Docking Scrutiny of Potential Natural SARS-CoV-2 M pro Inhibitors. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:2173-2187. [PMID: 35271277 PMCID: PMC8936056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c10489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In continuation of the search for potential drugs that inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in this work, a combined approach based on the modeling of NMR chemical shifts and molecular docking is suggested to identify the possible suppressors of the main protease of this virus among a number of natural products of diverse nature. Primarily, with the aid of an artificial neural network, the problem of the reliable determination of the stereochemical structure of a number of studied compounds was solved. Complementary to the main goal of this study, theoretical modeling of NMR spectral parameters made it feasible to perform a number of signal reassignments together with introducing some missing NMR data. Finally, molecular docking formalism was applied to the analysis of several natural products that could be chosen as prospective candidates for the role of potential inhibitors of the main protease. The results of this study are believed to assist in further research aimed at the development of specific drugs based on the natural products against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin A. Semenov
- A. E. Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of
Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, Favorsky St. 1, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Leonid B. Krivdin
- A. E. Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of
Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, Favorsky St. 1, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Antonopoulou I, Sapountzaki E, Rova U, Christakopoulos P. Inhibition of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M pro) by repurposing/designing drug-like substances and utilizing nature's toolbox of bioactive compounds. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1306-1344. [PMID: 35308802 PMCID: PMC8920478 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a long pandemic, with numerous cases and victims worldwide and enormous consequences on social and economic life. Although vaccinations have proceeded and provide a valuable shield against the virus, the approved drugs are limited and it is crucial that further ways to combat infection are developed, that can also act against potential mutations. The main protease (Mpro) of the virus is an appealing target for the development of inhibitors, due to its importance in the viral life cycle and its high conservation among different coronaviruses. Several compounds have shown inhibitory potential against Mpro, both in silico and in vitro, with few of them also having entered clinical trials. These candidates include: known drugs that have been repurposed, molecules specifically designed based on the natural substrate of the protease or on structural moieties that have shown high binding affinity to the protease active site, as well as naturally derived compounds, either isolated or in plant extracts. The aim of this work is to collectively present the results of research regarding Mpro inhibitors to date, focusing on the function of the compounds founded by in silico simulations and further explored by in vitro and in vivo assays. Creating an extended portfolio of promising compounds that may block viral replication by inhibiting Mpro and by understanding involved structure-activity relationships, could provide a basis for the development of effective solutions against SARS-CoV-2 and future related outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ulrika Rova
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Paul Christakopoulos
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hengphasatporn K, Wilasluck P, Deetanya P, Wangkanont K, Chavasiri W, Visitchanakun P, Leelahavanichkul A, Paunrat W, Boonyasuppayakorn S, Rungrotmongkol T, Hannongbua S, Shigeta Y. Halogenated Baicalein as a Promising Antiviral Agent toward SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:1498-1509. [PMID: 35245424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease pandemic is a constant reminder that global citizens are in imminent danger of exposure to emerging infectious diseases. Therefore, developing a technique for inhibitor discovery is essential for effective drug design. Herein, we proposed fragment molecular orbital (FMO)-based virtual screening to predict the molecular binding energy of potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease inhibitors. The integration of quantum mechanical approaches and trajectory analysis from a microsecond molecular dynamics simulation was used to identify potential inhibitors. We identified brominated baicalein as a potent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and confirmed its inhibitory activity in an in vitro assay. Brominated baicalein did not demonstrate significant toxicity in either in vitro or in vivo studies. The pair interaction energy from FMO-RIMP2/PCM and inhibitory constants based on the protease enzyme assay suggested that the brominated baicalein could be further developed into novel SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kowit Hengphasatporn
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Patcharin Wilasluck
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Peerapon Deetanya
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kittikhun Wangkanont
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Warinthorn Chavasiri
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Peerapat Visitchanakun
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wattamon Paunrat
- Applied Medical Virology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Siwaporn Boonyasuppayakorn
- Applied Medical Virology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Supot Hannongbua
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yasuteru Shigeta
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Velu P, Rathinavel T, Kumarasamy S, Iqbal MN, Noor H, Ikram A, Rajamanickam K, Shanmugam G. Whole genome analysis and homology modeling of SARS-CoV-2 Indian isolate reveals potent FDA approved drug choice for treating COVID-19. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:2772-2788. [PMID: 35139758 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2038272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have caused enough devastation in the last two decades. These viruses have some rare features while sharing some common features. Novel coronavirus disease (nCoV-19) caused an outbreak with a fatality rate of 5%. It emerged from China and spread into many countries. The present research focused on genome analysis of Indian nCoV-19 Isolate and its translational product subjected to homology modeling and its subsequent molecular simulations to find out potent FDA approved drug for treating COVID-19. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Indian isolate shows close resemblance with 17 countries SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Homology modeling of four non-structural proteins translational product of Indian SARS-CoV-2 genome shows high similarity and allowed regions with the existing PDB deposited SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Finally, these four generated proteins show more affinity with cobicistat, remdesivir and indinavir out of 14 screened FDA approved drugs in molecular docking which is further proven by molecular dynamics simulation and MMGBSA analysis of target ligand complex with best simulation trajectories. Overall our present research findings is that three proposed drugs namely cobicistat, remdesivir and indinavir showed higher interaction with the model SARS-CoV-2 viral target proteins from the Indian nCoV-19 isolate. These compounds could be used as a starting point for the creation of active antiviral drugs to combat the deadly COVID-19 virus during global pandemic and its subsequent viral infection waves across the globe.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Periyannan Velu
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Suresh Kumarasamy
- PG and Research Centre in Biotechnology, MGR College, Adhiyamaan Educational Research Institute, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muhammad Nasir Iqbal
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hasnat Noor
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ayesha Ikram
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Karthika Rajamanickam
- Department of Biotechnology, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women (Autonomous), Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gnanendra Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahendra Arts and Science College, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sen D, Debnath B, Debnath P, Debnath S, Zaki MEA, Masand VH. Identification of potential edible mushroom as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor using rational drug designing approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1503. [PMID: 35087077 PMCID: PMC8795408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05349-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly pathogenic to humans and has created health care threats worldwide. This urgent situation has focused the researchers worldwide towards the development of novel vaccine or small molecule therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2. Although several vaccines have already been discovered and are in use for the masses, no therapeutic medication has yet been approved by FDA for the treatment of COVID-19. Keeping this in view, in the present study, we have identified promising hits against the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 from edible mushrooms. Structure-based virtual screening (VS) of 2433 compounds derived from mushrooms was performed with Mpro protein (6LU7). Four promising hits, namely, Kynapcin-12 (M_78), Kynapcin-28 (M_82), Kynapcin-24 (M_83), and Neonambiterphenyls-A (M_366) were identified based on the result of docking, Lipinski's rule, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM/PBSA binding free energy calculations. Finally, the inhibitory properties of these hits were compared with three known inhibitors, baicalein (1), baicalin (2), and biflavonoid (3). Data indicated that M_78, M_82 and M_83 compounds present in edible mushroom Polyozellus multiplex were potent inhibitors of Mproprotein (6LU7). It could be concluded that edible mushroom Polyozellus multiplex has potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection and identified molecules could be further explored as therapeutic inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Sen
- BCDA College of Pharmacy & Technology, Jessore Road South, Hridaypur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700127, India
| | - Bimal Debnath
- Department of Forestry and Biodiversity, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura, 799022, India
| | - Pradip Debnath
- Department of Chemistry, Majaraja Bir Bikram College, Agartala, Tripura, 799004, India
| | - Sudhan Debnath
- Department of Chemistry, Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya, Udaipur, Tripura, 799114, India.
| | - Magdi E A Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 13318, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Vijay H Masand
- Department of Chemistry, Vidya Bharati Mahavidyalaya, Amravati, Maharashtra, 444 602, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yamamoto K, Yasuo N, Sekijima M. Screening for Inhibitors of Main Protease in SARS-CoV-2: In Silico and In Vitro Approach Avoiding Peptidyl Secondary Amides. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:350-358. [PMID: 35015543 PMCID: PMC8767656 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In addition to vaccines, antiviral drugs are essential for suppressing COVID-19. Although several inhibitor candidates were reported for SARS-CoV-2 main protease, most are highly polar peptidomimetics with poor oral bioavailability and cell membrane permeability. Here, we conducted structure-based virtual screening and in vitro assays to obtain hit compounds belonging to a new chemical space, excluding peptidyl secondary amides. In total, 180 compounds were subjected to the primary assay at 20 μM, and nine compounds with inhibition rates of >5% were obtained. The IC50 of six compounds was determined in dose-response experiments, with the values on the order of 10-4 M. Although nitro groups were enriched in the substructure of the hit compounds, they did not significantly contribute to the binding interaction in the predicted docking poses. Physicochemical properties prediction showed good oral absorption. These new scaffolds are promising candidates for future optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki
Z. Yamamoto
- Department
of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of
Technology, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yasuo
- Academy
for Convergence of Materials and Informatics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - Masakazu Sekijima
- Department
of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of
Technology, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Farhat A, Ben Hlima H, Khemakhem B, Ben Halima Y, Michaud P, Abdelkafi S, Fendri I. Apigenin analogues as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: In-silico screening approach. Bioengineered 2022; 13:3350-3361. [PMID: 35048792 PMCID: PMC8974217 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2027181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 new variants spread rapidly all over the world, and until now scientists strive to find virus-specific antivirals for its treatment. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) exhibits high structural and sequence homology to main protease of SARS-CoV (93.23% sequence identity), and their sequence alignment indicated 12 mutated/variant residues. The sequence alignment of SARS-CoV-2 main protease led to identification of only one mutated/variant residue with no significant role in its enzymatic process. Therefore, Mpro was considered as a high-profile drug target in anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery. Apigenin analogues to COVID-19 main protease binding were evaluated. The detailed interactions between the analogues of Apigenin and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors were determined as hydrogen bonds, electronic bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The binding energies obtained from the molecular docking of Mpro with Boceprevir, Apigenin, Apigenin 7-glucoside-4’-p-coumarate, Apigenin 7-glucoside-4’-trans-caffeate and Apigenin 7-O-beta-d-glucoside (Cosmosiin) were found to be −6.6, −7.2, −8.8, −8.7 and −8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicological characteristics obtained by computational techniques and Virtual ADME studies of the Apigenin analogues confirmed that the Apigenin 7-glucoside-4’-p-coumarate is the best candidate for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ameny Farhat
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Equipe Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Bassem Khemakhem
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Youssef Ben Halima
- Riadi Labs, National School of Computer Science, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont Auvergne INP, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Equipe Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zakharova MY, Kuznetsova AA, Uvarova VI, Fomina AD, Kozlovskaya LI, Kaliberda EN, Kurbatskaia IN, Smirnov IV, Bulygin AA, Knorre VD, Fedorova OS, Varnek A, Osolodkin DI, Ishmukhametov AA, Egorov AM, Gabibov AG, Kuznetsov NA. Pre-Steady-State Kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease as a Powerful Tool for Antiviral Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:773198. [PMID: 34938188 PMCID: PMC8686763 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.773198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of effective target-specific drugs for COVID-19 treatment has become an intriguing challenge for modern science. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro, responsible for the processing of SARS-CoV-2 polyproteins and production of individual components of viral replication machinery, is an attractive candidate target for drug discovery. Specific Mpro inhibitors have turned out to be promising anticoronaviral agents. Thus, an effective platform for quantitative screening of Mpro-targeting molecules is urgently needed. Here, we propose a pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of the interaction of Mpro with inhibitors as a basis for such a platform. We examined the kinetic mechanism of peptide substrate binding and cleavage by wild-type Mpro and by its catalytically inactive mutant C145A. The enzyme induces conformational changes of the peptide during the reaction. The inhibition of Mpro by boceprevir, telaprevir, GC-376, PF-00835231, or thimerosal was investigated. Detailed pre-steady-state kinetics of the interaction of the wild-type enzyme with the most potent inhibitor, PF-00835231, revealed a two-step binding mechanism, followed by covalent complex formation. The C145A Mpro mutant interacts with PF-00835231 approximately 100-fold less effectively. Nevertheless, the binding constant of PF-00835231 toward C145A Mpro is still good enough to inhibit the enzyme. Therefore, our results suggest that even noncovalent inhibitor binding due to a fine conformational fit into the active site is sufficient for efficient inhibition. A structure-based virtual screening and a subsequent detailed assessment of inhibition efficacy allowed us to select two compounds as promising noncovalent inhibitor leads of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Yu Zakharova
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Kuznetsova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Victoria I Uvarova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia D Fomina
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov I Kozlovskaya
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena N Kaliberda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Inna N Kurbatskaia
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan V Smirnov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatoly A Bulygin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vera D Knorre
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga S Fedorova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexandre Varnek
- Laboratoire de Chémoinformatique, UMR 7140 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dmitry I Osolodkin
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aydar A Ishmukhametov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey M Egorov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander G Gabibov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita A Kuznetsov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mahato RK, Mahanty AK, Kotakonda M, Prasad S, Bhattacharyya S, Biswas B. A hydrated 2,3-diaminophenazinium chloride as a promising building block against SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23122. [PMID: 34848758 PMCID: PMC8633378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenazine scaffolds are the versatile secondary metabolites of bacterial origin. It functions in the biological control of plant pathogens and contributes to the producing strains ecological fitness and pathogenicity. In the light of the excellent therapeutic properties of phenazine, we have synthesized a hydrated 2,3-diaminophenazinium chloride (DAPH+Cl-·3H2O) through direct catalytic oxidation of o-phenylenediamine with an iron(III) complex, [Fe(1,10-phenanthroline)2Cl2]NO3 in ethanol under aerobic condition. The crystal structure, molecular complexity and supramolecular aspects of DAPH+Cl- were confirmed and elucidated with different spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray structural analysis. Crystal engineering study on DAPH+Cl- exhibits a fascinating formation of (H2O)2…Cl-…(H2O) cluster and energy framework analysis of defines the role of chloride ions in the stabilization of DAPH+Cl-. The bactericidal efficiency of the compound has been testified against few clinical bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, K. pneumoniae using the disc diffusion method and the results of high inhibition zone suggest its excellent antibacterial properties. The phenazinium chloride exhibits a significant percentage of cell viability and a considerable inhibition property against SARS-CoV-2 at non-cytotoxic concentration compared to remdesivir. Molecular docking studies estimate a good binding propensity of DAPH+Cl- with non-structural proteins (nsp2 and nsp7-nsp-8) and the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular dynamics simulation studies attribute the conformationally stable structures of the DAPH+Cl- bound Mpro and nsp2, nsp7-nsp8 complexes as evident from the considerable binding energy values, - 19.2 ± 0.3, - 25.7 ± 0.1, and - 24.5 ± 0.7 kcal/mol, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Kanta Mahato
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, 734013, India
| | - Ayan Kumar Mahanty
- Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, 734013, India
| | | | - Sunnapu Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Science, Coimbatore, 641044, India
| | | | - Bhaskar Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, 734013, India.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Oktay L, Erdemoğlu E, Tolu İ, Yumak Y, Özcan A, Acar E, Büyükkiliç Ş, Olkan A, Durdaği S. Binary-QSAR guided virtual screening of FDA approved drugs and compounds in clinical investigation against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Turk J Biol 2021; 45:459-468. [PMID: 34803447 PMCID: PMC8573836 DOI: 10.3906/biy-2106-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus, drug repurposing studies have gained substantial importance. Combined with the efficacy of recent improvements in ligand- and target-based virtual screening approaches, virtual screening has become faster and more productive than ever. In the current study, an FDA library of approved drugs and compounds under clinical investigation were screened for their antiviral activity using the antiviral therapeutic activity binary QSAR model of the MetaCore/MetaDrug platform. Among 6733-compound collection, we found 370 compounds with a normalized therapeutic activity value greater than a cutoff of 0.75. Only these selected compounds were used for molecular docking studies against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). After initial short (10 ns) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the top-50 docking scored compounds and following molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations, top-10 compounds were subjected to longer (100 ns) MD simulations and end-point MM/GBSA estimations. Our virtual screening protocol yielded Cefuroxime pivoxetil, an ester prodrug of second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic Cefuroxime, as being a considerable molecule for drug repurposing against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalehan Oktay
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey
| | - Ece Erdemoğlu
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey.,School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin Turkey
| | - İlayda Tolu
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey
| | - Yeşim Yumak
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey.,Faculty of Science and Letters, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat Turkey
| | - Ayşenur Özcan
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey.,Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul Medeniyet University, İstanbul Turkey
| | - Elif Acar
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey.,Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul Medeniyet University, İstanbul Turkey
| | - Şehriban Büyükkiliç
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey.,Faculty of Science, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya Turkey
| | - Alpsu Olkan
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey.,School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdaği
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rubio-Martínez J, Jiménez-Alesanco A, Ceballos-Laita L, Ortega-Alarcón D, Vega S, Calvo C, Benítez C, Abian O, Velázquez-Campoy A, Thomson TM, Granadino-Roldán JM, Gómez-Gutiérrez P, Pérez JJ. Discovery of Diverse Natural Products as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M pro Protease through Virtual Screening. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:6094-6106. [PMID: 34806382 PMCID: PMC9931176 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a type of coronavirus responsible for the international outbreak of respiratory illness termed COVID-19 that forced the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic infectious disease situation of international concern at the beginning of 2020. The need for a swift response against COVID-19 prompted to consider different sources to identify bioactive compounds that can be used as therapeutic agents, including available drugs and natural products. Accordingly, this work reports the results of a virtual screening process aimed at identifying antiviral natural product inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro viral protease. For this purpose, ca. 2000 compounds of the Selleck database of Natural Compounds were the subject of an ensemble docking process targeting the Mpro protease. Molecules that showed binding to most of the protein conformations were retained for a further step that involved the computation of the binding free energy of the ligand-Mpro complex along a molecular dynamics trajectory. The compounds that showed a smooth binding free energy behavior were selected for in vitro testing. From the resulting set of compounds, five compounds exhibited an antiviral profile, and they are disclosed in the present work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Rubio-Martínez
- Department
of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona and the Institut de Recerca en Quimica Teorica
i Computacional (IQTCUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain,. Phone: (+34) 93
4039263. Fax: (+34) 93 4021231
| | - Ana Jiménez-Alesanco
- Institute
for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units
IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad
de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Departamento
de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Ceballos-Laita
- Institute
for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units
IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad
de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Instituto
de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - David Ortega-Alarcón
- Institute
for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units
IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad
de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Departamento
de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sonia Vega
- Institute
for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units
IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad
de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Calvo
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área
Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain,Institute
of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Benítez
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área
Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain,Institute
of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Abian
- Institute
for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units
IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad
de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Departamento
de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Instituto
de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain,Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área
Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain,Instituto
Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Institute
for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units
IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad
de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Departamento
de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain,Instituto
de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain,Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área
Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain,Fundación
ARAID, Gobierno de Aragón, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Timothy M. Thomson
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área
Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain,Institute
of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain,Universidad
Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín
de Porres 15102, Perú
| | - José Manuel Granadino-Roldán
- Departamento
de Química Física y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias
Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Campus “Las Lagunillas”
s/n, 23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - Patricia Gómez-Gutiérrez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politecnica
de Catalunya- Barcelona Tech, Av. Diagonal, 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan J. Pérez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politecnica
de Catalunya- Barcelona Tech, Av. Diagonal, 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Debnath S, Bhaumik S, Sen D, Debnath B. Phytochemicals of Zingiberaceae family exhibit potentiality against SARS-CoV-2 main protease identified by a rational computer-aided drug design. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:4563-4568. [PMID: 34694165 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1994563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created huge social, economic and human health crises globally. Discovery of specific drugs has become a new challenge to the researcher. Structure-based virtual-screening of our in-house databank containing1102 phytochemicals of Zingiberaceae family was performed with main protease(Mpro), a crucial enzyme of SARS-CoV-2. Rigorous docking and ADME study of top-scored twenty hits resulted from VS was performed. Then 100 ns molecular dynamics followed by MMPBSA binding free energy(ΔGbind) calculation of A280 and KZ133 was also performed. These two hits showed good interactions with crucial amino acid residues of Mpro HIS-41 and CYS-145, excellent ADME properties, fair ΔGbind values (> ‒188.03 kj/mol), and average protein-ligand complex RMSD < apo-protein RMSD. Therefore, the seed extracts of Alpinia blepharocalyx and rhizome extracts Kaempferia angustifolia containing A280 and KZ133, respectively, may be useful against COVID-19 after the proper biological screening. These two novel scaffolds could be exploited as potent SARS-CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudhan Debnath
- Department of Chemistry, Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya, Udaipur, Tripura, India
| | - Samhita Bhaumik
- Department of Chemistry, Women's College, Agartala, Tripura, India
| | - Debanjan Sen
- BCDA College of Pharmacy & Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bimal Debnath
- Department of Forestry and Biodiversity, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Deb B, Debnath S, Chakraborty A, Majumdar S. Bis-indolylation of aldehydes and ketones using silica-supported FeCl 3: molecular docking studies of bisindoles by targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease binding sites. RSC Adv 2021; 11:30827-30839. [PMID: 35498942 PMCID: PMC9041420 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra05679d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We report herein an operationally simple, efficient and versatile procedure for the synthesis of bis-indolylmethanes via the reaction of indoles with aldehydes or ketones in the presence of silica-supported ferric chloride under grindstone conditions. The prepared supported catalyst was characterized by SEM and EDX spectroscopy. The present protocol has several advantages such as shorter reaction time, high yield, avoidance of using harmful organic solvents during the reaction and tolerance of a wide range of functional groups. Molecular docking studies targeted toward the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro or Mpro) enzymes were investigated with the synthesized bis-indoles. Our study revealed that some of the synthesized compounds have potentiality to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme by interacting with key amino acid residues of the active sites via hydrophobic as well as hydrogen bonding interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnali Deb
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 India +91-381-237-4802 +91-381-237-9070
| | - Sudhan Debnath
- Department of Chemistry, Netaji Subhash Mahavidalaya Tripura 799114 India
| | - Ankita Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 India +91-381-237-4802 +91-381-237-9070
| | - Swapan Majumdar
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 India +91-381-237-4802 +91-381-237-9070
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rao P, Goswami D, Rawal RM. Revealing the molecular interplay of curcumin as Culex pipiens Acetylcholine esterase 1 (AChE1) inhibitor. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17474. [PMID: 34471175 PMCID: PMC8410813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96963-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergence of vector borne diseases has continued to take toll on millions of lives since its inception. The use of insecticides began as vector control strategy in the early 1900's but the menace of insects is still prevalent. Additionally, the inadequate use of organophosphates and carbamates which target acetylcholine esterase (AChE), are known to develop resistance amongst vectors of transmission and are toxic to humans. In this study, extensive computational screening was performed using homology modelling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and free energy change calculation, which highlighted curcumin as a lead molecule out of ~ 1700 phytochemicals against Culex pipiens AChE. In vivo larvicidal activity was carried out along with in vivo and in vitro AChE inhibition assay to determine the biochemical efficacy of curcumin. Our study reveals that curcumin induces mortality in Cx. pipiens at an early stage of its life cycle by AChE inhibition. This also underlines the use of curcumin as a coming-age natural product insecticide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyashi Rao
- grid.411877.c0000 0001 2152 424XDepartment of Biochemistry & Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
| | - Dweipayan Goswami
- grid.411877.c0000 0001 2152 424XDepartment of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
| | - Rakesh M. Rawal
- grid.411877.c0000 0001 2152 424XDepartment of Biochemistry & Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Goswami D. Comparative assessment of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors under clinical trials to control SARS-CoV2 using rigorous computational workflow. RSC Adv 2021; 11:29015-29028. [PMID: 35478553 PMCID: PMC9038185 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra04460e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The devastating effect of SARS-CoV2 continues and the scientific community is pursuing to find the strategy to combat the spread of the virus. The approach is adapted to target this virus with medicine in combination with existing vaccines. For this, the medications that can specifically inhibit an enzyme essential for viral replication 'RNA-dependant-RNA polymerase (RdRp)' of SARS-CoV2 are being developed. RdRp is the enzyme commonly found in all RNA viruses but is absent in humans. There are in total 60 different RdRp inhibitors already under clinical trials for combating other RNA viruses, which are sought to even work for SARS-CoV2. These inhibitors are classified as nucleoside/nucleotide analogues and nonnucleoside/nonnucleotide analogues. In this study, all the known RdRp inhibitors were computationally targeted in the native form and their active form making the use of molecular docking, MM-GBSA and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to find the top two of each nucleoside/nucleotide analogues and nonnucleoside/nonnucleotide analogues. The results showed ribavirin 5'-triphosphate and favipiravir ribonucleoside triphosphate (favipiravir-RTP) to be the top two nucleotide analogues while pimodivir and dihydropyrazolopyridinone analogue 8d were the top two nonnucleosides/non-nucleotide analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dweipayan Goswami
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University Ahmedabad 380009 Gujarat India
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kuroda D, Tsumoto K. Microsecond molecular dynamics suggest that a non-synonymous mutation, frequently observed in patients with mild symptoms in Tokyo, alters dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Biophys Physicobiol 2021; 18:215-222. [PMID: 34631338 PMCID: PMC8470906 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v18.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), spread rapidly around the globe. The main protease encoded by SARS-CoV-2 is essential for processing of the polyproteins translated from the viral RNA genome, making this protein a potential drug target. A recently reported mutation in the protease, P108S, may be responsible for milder symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients in Tokyo. Starting from a crystal structure of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease in the dimeric form, we performed triplicate 5.0-μs molecular dynamics simulations of the wild-type and P108S mutant. Our computational results suggest a link between the mutation P108S and dynamics of the catalytic sites in the main protease: The catalytic dyad become considerably inaccessible to substrates in the P108S mutant. Our results also demonstrate the potential of molecular dynamics simulations to complement experimental techniques and other computational methods, such as protein design calculations, which predict effects of mutations based on static crystal structures. Further studies are certainly necessary to quantitively understand the relationships between the P108S mutation and physical properties of the main protease, but the results of our study will immediately inform development of new protease inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kuroda
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Nogara PA, Omage FB, Bolzan GR, Delgado CP, Aschner M, Orian L, Teixeira Rocha JB. In silico Studies on the Interaction between Mpro and PLpro From SARS-CoV-2 and Ebselen, its Metabolites and Derivatives. Mol Inform 2021; 40:e2100028. [PMID: 34018687 PMCID: PMC8236915 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has mobilized scientific attention in search of a treatment. The cysteine-proteases, main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are important targets for antiviral drugs. In this work, we simulate the interactions between the Mpro and PLpro with Ebselen, its metabolites and derivatives with the aim of finding molecules that can potentially inhibit these enzymes. The docking data demonstrate that there are two main interactions between the thiol (-SH) group of Cys (from the protease active sites) and the electrophilic centers of the organoselenium molecules, i. e. the interaction with the carbonyl group (O=C… SH) and the interaction with the Se moiety (Se… SH). Both interactions may lead to an adduct formation and enzyme inhibition. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations with Ebselen indicate that the energetics of the thiol nucleophilic attack is more favorable on Se than on the carbonyl group, which is in accordance with experimental data (Jin et al. Nature, 2020, 582, 289-293). Therefore, organoselenium molecules should be further explored as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 proteases. Furthermore, we suggest that some metabolites of Ebselen (e. g. Ebselen diselenide and methylebselenoxide) and derivatives ethaselen and ebsulfur should be tested in vitro as inhibitors of virus replication and its proteases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Andrei Nogara
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia MolecularUniversidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)Santa Maria97105-900RSBrazil
| | - Folorunsho Bright Omage
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia MolecularUniversidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)Santa Maria97105-900RSBrazil
| | - Gustavo Roni Bolzan
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia MolecularUniversidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)Santa Maria97105-900RSBrazil
| | - Cássia Pereira Delgado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia MolecularUniversidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)Santa Maria97105-900RSBrazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular PharmacologyAlbert Einstein College of Medicine1300 Morris Park Avenue, BronxNY10461USA
| | - Laura Orian
- Dipartimento di Scienze ChimicheUniversità degli Studi di PadovaVia Marzolo 135131PadovaItaly
| | - João Batista Teixeira Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia MolecularUniversidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)Santa Maria97105-900RSBrazil
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Llanos MA, Gantner ME, Rodriguez S, Alberca LN, Bellera CL, Talevi A, Gavernet L. Strengths and Weaknesses of Docking Simulations in the SARS-CoV-2 Era: the Main Protease (Mpro) Case Study. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3758-3770. [PMID: 34313128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The scientific community is working against the clock to arrive at therapeutic interventions to treat patients with COVID-19. Among the strategies for drug discovery, virtual screening approaches have the capacity to search potential hits within millions of chemical structures in days, with the appropriate computing infrastructure. In this article, we first analyzed the published research targeting the inhibition of the main protease (Mpro), one of the most studied targets of SARS-CoV-2, by docking-based methods. An alarming finding was the lack of an adequate validation of the docking protocols (i.e., pose prediction and virtual screening accuracy) before applying them in virtual screening campaigns. The performance of the docking protocols was tested at some level in 57.7% of the 168 investigations analyzed. However, we found only three examples of a complete retrospective analysis of the scoring functions to quantify the virtual screening accuracy of the methods. Moreover, only two publications reported some experimental evaluation of the proposed hits until preparing this manuscript. All of these findings led us to carry out a retrospective performance validation of three different docking protocols, through the analysis of their pose prediction and screening accuracy. Surprisingly, we found that even though all tested docking protocols have a good pose prediction, their screening accuracy is quite limited as they fail to correctly rank a test set of compounds. These results highlight the importance of conducting an adequate validation of the docking protocols before carrying out virtual screening campaigns, and to experimentally confirm the predictions made by the models before drawing bold conclusions. Finally, successful structure-based drug discovery investigations published during the redaction of this manuscript allow us to propose the inclusion of target flexibility and consensus scoring as alternatives to improve the accuracy of the methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Llanos
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa E Gantner
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas N Alberca
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina L Bellera
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Gavernet
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), 47&115, La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sun LY, Chen C, Su J, Li JQ, Jiang Z, Gao H, Chigan JZ, Ding HH, Zhai L, Yang KW. Ebsulfur and Ebselen as highly potent scaffolds for the development of potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104889. [PMID: 33915460 PMCID: PMC8026246 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The emerging COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised a global catastrophe. To date, there is no specific antiviral drug available to combat this virus, except the vaccine. In this study, the main protease (Mpro) required for SARS-CoV-2 viral replication was expressed and purified. Thirty-six compounds were tested as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Ebselen and Ebsulfur analogs were obtained to be in the range of 0.074-0.91 μM. Notably, the molecules containing furane substituent displayed higher inhibition against Mpro, followed by Ebselen 1i (IC50 = 0.074 μM) and Ebsulfur 2k (IC50 = 0.11 μM). The action mechanism of 1i and 2k were characterized by enzyme kinetics, pre-incubation and jump dilution assays, as well as fluorescent labeling experiments, which suggested that both compounds covalently and irreversibly bind to Mpro, while molecular docking suggested that 2k formed an SS bond with the Cys145 at the enzymatic active site. This study provides two very potent scaffolds Ebsulfur and Ebselen for the development of covalent inhibitors of Mpro to combat COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le-Yun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Jianpeng Su
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Jia-Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Zhihui Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA, Guangzhou 510010, PR China
| | - Han Gao
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Jia-Zhu Chigan
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Huan-Huan Ding
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China
| | - Le Zhai
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji 72101, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Ke-Wu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
MUHAMMED MT, AKI-YALCIN E. Pharmacophore Modeling in Drug Discovery: Methodology and Current Status. JOURNAL OF THE TURKISH CHEMICAL SOCIETY, SECTION A: CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.18596/jotcsa.927426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
49
|
A Crystallographic Snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Maturation Process. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167118. [PMID: 34174328 PMCID: PMC8223035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19. The dimeric form of the viral Mpro is responsible for the cleavage of the viral polyprotein in 11 sites, including its own N and C-terminus. The lack of structural information for intermediary forms of Mpro is a setback for the understanding its self-maturation process. Herein, we used X-ray crystallography combined with biochemical data to characterize multiple forms of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. For the immature form, we show that extra N-terminal residues caused conformational changes in the positioning of domain-three over the active site, hampering the dimerization and diminishing its activity. We propose that this form preludes the cis and trans-cleavage of N-terminal residues. Using fragment screening, we probe new cavities in this form which can be used to guide therapeutic development. Furthermore, we characterized a serine site-directed mutant of the Mpro bound to its endogenous N and C-terminal residues during dimeric association stage of the maturation process. We suggest this form is a transitional state during the C-terminal trans-cleavage. This data sheds light in the structural modifications of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease during its self-maturation process.
Collapse
|
50
|
Tanaka S, Tokutomi S, Hatada R, Okuwaki K, Akisawa K, Fukuzawa K, Komeiji Y, Okiyama Y, Mochizuki Y. Dynamic Cooperativity of Ligand-Residue Interactions Evaluated with the Fragment Molecular Orbital Method. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:6501-6512. [PMID: 34124906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c03043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
By the splendid advance in computation power realized with the Fugaku supercomputer, it has become possible to perform ab initio fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations for thousands of dynamic structures of protein-ligand complexes in a parallel way. We thus carried out electron-correlated FMO calculations for a complex of the 3C-like (3CL) main protease (Mpro) of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its inhibitor N3 incorporating the structural fluctuations sampled by classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in hydrated conditions. Along with a statistical evaluation of the interfragment interaction energies (IFIEs) between the N3 ligand and the surrounding amino-acid residues for 1000 dynamic structure samples, in this study we applied a novel approach based on principal component analysis (PCA) and singular value decomposition (SVD) to the analysis of IFIE data in order to extract the dynamically cooperative interactions between the ligand and the residues. We found that the relative importance of each residue is modified via the structural fluctuations and that the ligand is bound in the pharmacophore in a dynamic manner through collective interactions formed by multiple residues, thus providing new insight into structure-based drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigenori Tanaka
- Graduate School of System Informatics, Department of Computational Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Shusuke Tokutomi
- Graduate School of System Informatics, Department of Computational Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Ryo Hatada
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Smart Molecules, Faculty of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Koji Okuwaki
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Smart Molecules, Faculty of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuki Akisawa
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Smart Molecules, Faculty of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Kaori Fukuzawa
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan.,Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-11 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.,Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Yuto Komeiji
- Biomedical Research Institute, AIST, Tsukuba Central 6, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshio Okiyama
- Division of Medicinal Safety Science, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 201-9501, Japan
| | - Yuji Mochizuki
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Smart Molecules, Faculty of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan.,Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| |
Collapse
|