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Shoushtari M, Rismani E, Salehi-Vaziri M, Azadmanesh K. Structure-based evaluation of the envelope domain III-nonstructural protein 1 (EDIII-NS1) fusion as a dengue virus vaccine candidate. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38319049 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2311350] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The lack of effective medicines or vaccines, combined with climate change and other environmental factors, annually subjects a significant proportion of the world's inhabitants to the risk of dengue virus (DENV) infection. These conditions increase the likelihood of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. Hence, many research approaches tend to develop efficient vaccine candidates against the dengue virus. Therefore, we used immunoinformatics and bioinformatics to design a construction for developing a candidate vaccine against dengue virus serotypes. In this study, the in silico structure, containing the non-structural protein 1 region (NS1) (consensus and epitope), the envelope domain III protein (EDIII) as the structural part of the virus construction, and the bc-loop of envelope domain II (EDII) as the neutralizing and protected epitope, were employed. We utilized in silico tools to enhance the immunogenicity and effectiveness of dengue virus vaccine candidates. Evaluations included refining and validating physicochemical characteristics, B and T-cell epitopes, homology modeling, and the three-dimensional structure to assess the designed vaccine's quality. In silico results for tertiary structure prediction and validation revealed high-quality modeling for all vaccine constructs. Additionally, the instructed model demonstrated stability throughout molecular dynamics simulation. The results of the immune simulation suggested that the titers of IgG and IgM could be raised to desirable values following injection into in vivo models. It can be concluded that the designed construct effectively induce humoral and cellular immunity and can be proposed as effective vaccine candidate against four dengue serotypes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Seitz J, Bilsland A, Puget C, Baasner I, Klopfleisch R, Stein T. SFRP1 Expression is Inversely Associated With Metastasis Formation in Canine Mammary Tumours. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2023; 28:15. [PMID: 37402051 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are the most frequent tumours in intact female dogs and show strong similarities with human breast cancer. In contrast to the human disease there are no standardised diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers available to guide treatment. We recently identified a prognostic 18-gene RNA signature that could stratify human breast cancer patients into groups with significantly different risk of distant metastasis formation. Here, we assessed whether expression patterns of these RNAs were also associated with canine tumour progression. METHOD A sequential forward feature selection process was performed on a previously published microarray dataset of 27 CMTs with and without lymph node (LN) metastases to identify RNAs with significantly differential expression to identify prognostic genes within the 18-gene signature. Using an independent set of 33 newly identified archival CMTs, we compared expression of the identified prognostic subset on RNA and protein basis using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry on FFPE-tissue sections. RESULTS While the 18-gene signature as a whole did not have any prognostic power, a subset of three RNAs: Col13a1, Spock2, and Sfrp1, together completely separated CMTs with and without LN metastasis in the microarray set. However, in the new independent set assessed by RT-qPCR, only the Wnt-antagonist Sfrp1 showed significantly increased mRNA abundance in CMTs without LN metastases on its own (p = 0.013) in logistic regression analysis. This correlated with stronger SFRP1 protein staining intensity of the myoepithelium and/or stroma (p < 0.001). SFRP1 staining, as well as β-catenin membrane staining, was significantly associated with negative LN status (p = 0.010 and 0.014 respectively). However, SFRP1 did not correlate with β-catenin membrane staining (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION The study identified SFRP1 as a potential biomarker for metastasis formation in CMTs, but lack of SFRP1 was not associated with reduced membrane-localisation of β-catenin in CMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Seitz
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chloé Puget
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ian Baasner
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Stein
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Baradaran M, Mahdavinia M, Naderi Soorki M, Jorfi S. Identification, Characterization, and Modeling of a Bioinsecticide Protein Isolated from Scorpion Venom gland: A Three-Finger Protein. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:158-66. [PMID: 37553755 PMCID: PMC10507287 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Background The majority of insecticides target sodium channels. The increasing emergence of resistance to the current insecticides has persuaded researchers to search for alternative compounds. Scorpion venom gland as a reservoir of peptides or proteins, which selectively target insect sodium channels. These proteins would be an appropriate source for finding new suitable anti-insect components. Methods Transcriptome of venom gland of scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus was obtained by RNA extraction and complementary DNA library synthesis. The obtained transcriptome was blasted against protein databases to find insect toxins against sodium channel based on the statistically significant similarity in sequence. Physicochemical properties of the identified protein were calculated using bioinformatics software. The three-dimensional structure of this protein was determined using homology modeling, and the final structure was assessed by molecular dynamics simulation. Results The sodium channel blocker found in the transcriptome of M. eupeus venom gland was submitted to the GenBank under the name of meuNa10, a stable hydrophilic protein consisting of 69 amino acids, with the molecular weight of 7721.77 g/mol and pI of 8.7. The tertiary structure of meuNa10 revealed a conserved LCN-type cysteine-stabilized alpha/beta domain stabilized by eight cysteine residues. The meuNa10 is a member of the 3FP superfamily consisting of three finger-like beta strands. Conclusion This study identified meuNa10 as a small insect sodium channel-interacting protein with some physicochemical properties, including stability and water-solubility, which make it a good candidate for further in vivo and in vitro experiments in order to develop a new bioinsecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Baradaran
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Mahdavinia
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Naderi Soorki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sahand Jorfi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Liu P, Wang S, Li K, Yang Y, Man Y, Du F, Wang L, Tian J, Su G. Exosomal microRNA‑4516, microRNA‑203 and SFRP1 are potential biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction. Mol Med Rep 2023; 27:124. [PMID: 37203392 PMCID: PMC10206682 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious disease which threatens public health. Exosomes (exos) contain certain genetic information and are important communication vehicles between cells. In the present study, different exosomal microRNAs (miRs), which exhibit a notable association between expression levels in plasma and AMI were assessed to support the development of new diagnostic and clinical assessment markers of patients with AMI. In total, 93 individuals, including 31 healthy controls and 62 patients with AMI, were recruited for the present study. Data on age, blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid levels and coronary angiography images were collected from the enrolled individuals, and plasma samples were collected. Plasma exos were extracted and verified using ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blotting (WB). Exo‑miR‑4516 and exo‑miR‑203 in plasma exos were identified by exosomal miRNA sequencing analysis, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was performed to detect the levels of exo‑miR‑4516 and exo‑miR‑203 in plasma exos, and ELISA was performed to detect the levels of secretory frizzled‑related protein 1 (SFRP1) in samples. The correlation analysis between exo‑miR‑4516, exo‑miR‑203 and SFRP1 in plasma exos and AMI was presented as receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) of the SYNTAX score, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) and each indicator separately. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was performed to predict relevant enrichment pathways. Exos were successfully isolated from plasma by ultracentrifugation, which was confirmed by TEM, NTA and WB. Exo‑miR‑4516, exo‑miR‑203 and SFRP1 levels in plasma were significantly higher in the AMI group compared with the healthy control group. ROCs demonstrated that exo‑miR‑4516, exo‑miR‑203 and SFRP1 levels had a high diagnostic efficiency in predicting AMI. Exo‑miR‑4516 was positively correlated with SYNTAX score, and plasma SFRP1 was positively correlated with plasma cTnI and LDL. In conclusion, the data demonstrated that exo‑miR‑4516, exo‑miR‑203 and SFRP1 levels could be used in combination to diagnose and assess the severity of AMI. The present study was retrospectively registered (TRN, NCT02123004).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Shuya Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Kaiyuan Li
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, P.R. China
| | - Yilong Man
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Fengli Du
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shandong Provincial Public Health Centre, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Guohai Su
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
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Farajzadeh-Dehkordi M, Mafakher L, Samiee-Rad F, Rahmani B. Computational analysis of missense variant CYP4F2*3 (V433M) in association with human CYP4F2 dysfunction: a functional and structural impact. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:17. [PMID: 37161313 PMCID: PMC10170697 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-023-00479-0] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) enzyme is a member of the CYP4 family responsible for the metabolism of fatty acids, therapeutic drugs, and signaling molecules such as arachidonic acid, tocopherols, and vitamin K. Several reports have demonstrated that the missense variant CYP4F2*3 (V433M) causes decreased activity of CYP4F2 and inter-individual variations in warfarin dose in different ethnic groups. However, the molecular pathogenicity mechanism of missense V433M in CYP4F2 at the atomic level has not yet been completely elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS In the current study, we evaluated the effect of the V433M substitution on CYP4F2 using 14 different bioinformatics tools. Further molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to assess the impact of the V433M mutation on the CYP4F2 protein structure, stability, and dynamics. In addition, molecular docking was used to illustrate the effect of V433M on its interaction with vitamin K1. Based on our results, the CYP4F2*3 variant was a damaging amino acid substitution with a destabilizing nature. The simulation results showed that missense V433M affects the dynamics and stability of CYP4F2 by reducing its compactness and stability, which means that it tends to change the overall structural conformation and flexibility of CYP4F2. The docking results showed that the CYP4F2*3 variant decreased the binding affinity between vitamin K1 and CYP4F2, which reduced the activity of CYP4F2*3 compared to native CYP4F2. CONCLUSIONS This study determined the molecular pathogenicity mechanism of the CYP4F2*3 variant on the human CYP4F2 protein and provided new information for understanding the structure-function relationship of CYP4F2 and other CYP4 enzymes. These findings will aid in the development of effective drugs and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Farajzadeh-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medical School, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ladan Mafakher
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research center, Health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical School, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Samiee-Rad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical School, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Babak Rahmani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medical School, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
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Afshari E, Cohan RA, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Mousavi SF. In-silico design and evaluation of an epitope-based serotype-independent promising vaccine candidate for highly cross-reactive regions of pneumococcal surface protein A. J Transl Med 2023; 21:13. [PMID: 36627666 PMCID: PMC9830136 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenicity of pneumococcus with high morbidity, mortality, and multi-drug resistance patterns has been increasing. The limited coverage of the licensed polysaccharide-based vaccines and the replacement of the non-vaccine serotypes are the main reasons for producing a successful serotype-independent vaccine. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is an extremely important virulence factor and an interesting candidate for conserved protein-based pneumococcal vaccine classified into two prominent families containing five clades. PspA family-elicited immunity is clade-dependent, and the level of the PspA cross-reactivity is restricted to the same family. METHODS To cover and overcome the clade-dependent immunity of the PspAs in this study, we designed and tested a PspA1-5c+p vaccine candidate composed of the highest immunodominant coverage of B- and T-cell epitope truncated domain of each clade focusing on two cross-reactive B and C regions of the PspAs. The antigenicity, toxicity, physicochemical properties, 3D structure prediction, stability and flexibility of the designed protein using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, molecular docking of the construct withHLADRB1*(01:01) and human lactoferrin N-lop, and immune simulation were assessed using immunoinformatics tools. In the experimental section, after intraperitoneal immunization of the mice with Alum adjuvanted recombinant PspA1-5c+p, we evaluated the immune response, cross-reactivity, and functionality of the Anti-PspA1-5c+p antibody using ELISA, Opsonophagocytic killing activity, and serum bactericidal assay. RESULTS For the first time, this work suggested a novel PspA-based vaccine candidate using immunoinformatics tools. The designed PspA1-5c+p protein is predicted to be highly antigenic, non-toxic, soluble, stable with low flexibility in MD simulation, and able to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. The designed protein also could interact strongly with HLADRB1*(01:01) and human lactoferrin N-lop in the docking study. Our immunoinformatics predictions were validated using experimental data. Results showed that the anti-PspA1-5c+p IgG not only had a high titer with strong and same cross-reactivity coverage against all pneumococcal serotypes used but also had high and effective bioactivity for pneumococcal clearance using complement system and phagocytic cells. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidated the potential application of the PspA1-5c+p vaccine candidate as a serotype-independent pneumococcal vaccine with a strong cross-reactivity feature. Further in-vitro and in-vivo investigations against other PspA clades should be performed to confirm the full protection of the PspA1-5c+p vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Afshari
- grid.411463.50000 0001 0706 2472Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fattah Sotoodehnejadnematalahi
- grid.411463.50000 0001 0706 2472Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Fazlollah Mousavi
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69 Pasteur Ave., Tehran, 13164 Iran
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Jahantigh H, Ahmadi N, Lovreglio P, Stufano A, Enayatkhani M, Shahbazi B, Ahmadi K. Repurposing antiviral drugs against HTLV-1 protease by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35612907 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2078411] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) belongs to the delta retrovirus family and the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL(. While the current HTLV-1 therapy, relies on using Zidovudine plus IFN-γ, there is no FDA approved drugs against it. In silico drug repurposing is a fast and accurate way for screening US-FDA approved drugs to find a therapeutic option for the HTLV-1 infection. So that, this research aims to analyze a dataset of approved antiviral drugs as a potential prospect for an anti-viral drug against HTLV-1 infection. Molecular docking simulation was performed to identify interactions of the antiviral drugs with the key residues in the HTLV-1 protease binding site. Then, molecular dynamics simulation was also performed for the potential protein-ligand complexes to confirm the stable behavior of the ligands inside the binding pocket. The best docking scores with the target was found to be Simeprevir, Atazanavir, and Saquinavir compounds which indicate that these drugs can firmly bind to the HTLV-1 protease. The MD simulation confirmed the stability of Simeprevir-protease, Atazanavir-Protease, and Saquinavir-Protease interactions. Clearly, these compounds should be further evaluated in experimental assays and clinical trials to confirm their actual activity against HTLV-1 infection.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Jahantigh
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Animal Health and Zoonosis PhD Course, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nahid Ahmadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Stufano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maryam Enayatkhani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Shahbazi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Shahbazi B, Arab SS, Mafakher L, Azadmansh K, Teimoori-Toolabi L. Computational assessment of pigment epithelium-derived factor as an anti-cancer protein during its interaction with the receptors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-17. [PMID: 35510592 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2069863] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) with antiangiogenic, anti-tumorigenic, antioxidant, anti-atherosclerosis, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The PEDF can bind to low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), laminin (LR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and ATP synthase β-subunit receptors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the structural basis of the interaction between PEDF and its receptors using bioinformatics approaches to identify the critical amino acids for designing anticancer peptides. The human ATP synthase β-subunit was predicted by homology modeling. The molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and Molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) were used to study this protein-receptor complex. The molecular docking showed PEDF could bind to the Laminin and VEGFR2 much stronger than ATP synthase β-subunit, VEGFR1, and LRP6. The PEDF could effectively interact with various receptors during the simulation. The N-terminal of PEDF has an important role in the interaction with the receptors. The MM/PBSA showed the electrostatic (ΔEElec) and van der Waals interactions (ΔEVdW) contributed positively to the binding process of the complexes. The critical amino acids in the binding interaction of PEDF to its receptors in the MD simulation were determined. The interaction mode of 34-mer PEDF to laminin, VEGFR2, and LRP6 were different from VEGFR1, ATP synthase β-subunit. The 34-mer PEDF has an important role in the interaction with different receptors and these critical amino acids can be used for designing peptides for future therapeutic aims.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Shahbazi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Mafakher
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ladan Teimoori-Toolabi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Jahantigh HR, Stufano A, Lovreglio P, Rezaee SA, Ahmadi K. In silico identification of epitope-based vaccine candidates against HTLV-1. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6737-6754. [PMID: 33648421 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1889669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the cause of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), uveitis, and certain pulmonary diseases. In recent decades, many scientists have proposed the development of different treatment and prevention strategies to combat HTLV-1 infection. In this study, we used bioinformatics tools to predict peptide and protein vaccine candidates against HTLV-1 that can potentially induce antibody production and both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses. Five critical proteins, viz., Hbz, Tax, Pol, Gag, and Env, were analyzed for predicting immunogenic T and B cell epitopes and subsequently evaluated using bioinformatics tools. Based on the predictions, the most antigenic epitopes were selected, and their interaction with immune receptors was investigated. We also designed a protein vaccine candidate with an eight-epitopes-rich domain, including overlapping epitopes detected on both B and T cells. Then, the interaction of the epitope and the designed protein with immune receptors was validated in an in silico docking study. The docking analysis showed that the O2 epitope and D8 protein interact strongly with immune receptors, especially the HLA-A*02:01 receptor. The stability of the interactions was investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) for 100 ns. The root mean square deviation, radius of gyration, hydrogen bonds, and solvent-accessible surface area were calculated for the 100 ns trajectory period. MD studies demonstrated that the O2-HLA-A*02:01 and D8-HLA-A*02:01 complexes were stable during the simulation. Analysis of in silico results showed that the peptide and the designed protein could elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Jahantigh
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Animal Health and Zoonosis PhD Course, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Stufano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Animal Health and Zoonosis PhD Course, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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