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Hu MT, Ma WC, Wang JH, Jiang XQ, Yang DQ, Ao JY. Mechanistic insights into the allosteric inactivation mechanism of ZAP-70 induced by the hot spot W165C mutation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7600-7609. [PMID: 37505058 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240421] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Zeta chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that interacts with the activated T-cell receptor to transduce downstream signals, and thus plays an important role in the adaptive immune system. The biphosphorylated immunotyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM-Y2P) binds to the N-SH2 and C-SH2 domains of ZAP-70 to promote the activation of ZAP-70. The present study explores molecular mechanisms of allosteric inactivation of ZAP-70 induced by the hot spot W165C mutation through atomically detailed molecular dynamics simulation approaches. We report microsecond-length simulations of two states of the tandem SH2 domains of ZAP-70 in complex with the ITAM-Y2P motif, including the wild-type and W165C mutant. Extensive analysis of local flexibility and dynamical correlated motions show that W165C mutation changes coupled motions of protein domains and community networks. The binding affinities of the ITAM-Y2P motif to the wild-type and W165C mutant of ZAP-70 are predicted using binding free energy calculations. The results suggest that the driving force to decrease the binding affinity in the W165C mutant derives from the difference in the protein-protein electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the per-residue free energy decomposition unravels that the contributions from residues in the phosphorylated Tyr315 (pY315) binding site, in particular pY315 of ITAM-Y2P, and Arg43, Tyr240 of ZAP-70, are the key determinants for the loss of binding affinity. This study may insights into our understanding of the pathological mechanism of ZAP-70.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tai Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Cong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Han Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Jiang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery I, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Qing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University (Wenzhou Central Hospital), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-Yang Ao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Arar S, Haque MA, Kayed R. Protein aggregation and neurodegenerative disease: Structural outlook for the novel therapeutics. Proteins 2023:10.1002/prot.26561. [PMID: 37530227 PMCID: PMC10834863 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Before the controversial approval of humanized monoclonal antibody lecanemab, which binds to the soluble amyloid-β protofibrils, all the treatments available earlier, for Alzheimer's disease (AD) were symptomatic. The researchers are still struggling to find a breakthrough in AD therapeutic medicine, which is partially attributable to lack in understanding of the structural information associated with the intrinsically disordered proteins and amyloids. One of the major challenges in this area of research is to understand the structural diversity of intrinsically disordered proteins under in vitro conditions. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the in vitro applications of biophysical methods, which are aimed to shed some light on the heterogeneity, pathogenicity, structures and mechanisms of the intrinsically disordered protein aggregates associated with proteinopathies including AD. This review will also rationalize some of the strategies in modulating disease-relevant pathogenic protein entities by small molecules using structural biology approaches and biophysical characterization. We have also highlighted tools and techniques to simulate the in vivo conditions for native and cytotoxic tau/amyloids assemblies, urge new chemical approaches to replicate tau/amyloids assemblies similar to those in vivo conditions, in addition to designing novel potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Arar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Md Anzarul Haque
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
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Mushebenge AG, Ugbaja SC, Mtambo SE, Ntombela T, Metu JI, Babayemi O, Chima JI, Appiah-Kubi P, Odugbemi AI, Ntuli ML, Khan R, Kumalo HM. Unveiling the Inhibitory Potentials of Peptidomimetic Azanitriles and Pyridyl Esters towards SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: A Molecular Modelling Investigation. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062641. [PMID: 36985614 PMCID: PMC10051727 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19, which was declared a global pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since SARS-CoV-2 main protease plays an essential role in the virus’s life cycle, the design of small drug molecules with lower molecular weight has been a promising development targeting its inhibition. Herein, we evaluated the novel peptidomimetic azatripeptide and azatetrapeptide nitriles against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. We employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the selected compounds’ binding free energy profiles against SARS-CoV-2 and further unveil the residues responsible for the drug-binding properties. Compound 8 exhibited the highest binding free energy of −49.37 ± 0.15 kcal/mol, followed by compound 7 (−39.83 ± 0.19 kcal/mol), while compound 17 showed the lowest binding free energy (−23.54 ± 0.19 kcal/mol). In addition, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) assessment was performed and revealed that only compound 17 met the drug-likeness parameters and exhibited high pharmacokinetics to inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2C9 with better absorption potential and blood-brain barrier permeability (BBB) index. The additional intermolecular evaluations suggested compound 8 as a promising drug candidate for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The substitution of isopropane in compound 7 with an aromatic benzene ring in compound 8 significantly enhanced the drug’s ability to bind better at the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aganze G. Mushebenge
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
| | - Samuel C. Ugbaja
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.U.); (H.M.K.)
| | - Sphamandla E. Mtambo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
| | - Thandokuhle Ntombela
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Joy I. Metu
- National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba 453106, Nigeria;
| | - Oludotun Babayemi
- Cloneshouse Nigeria, 6th Floor, Left Wing, NICON Plaza, Plot 242, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja 900103, Nigeria;
| | - Joy I. Chima
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
| | - Patrick Appiah-Kubi
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
| | - Adeshina I. Odugbemi
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
| | - Mthobisi L. Ntuli
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Rene Khan
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
| | - Hezekiel M. Kumalo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (S.E.M.); (J.I.C.); (P.A.-K.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.U.); (H.M.K.)
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Yao W, Yang H, Yang J. Small-molecule drugs development for Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1019412. [PMID: 36389082 PMCID: PMC9664938 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1019412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder with no effective therapeutic drugs currently. The complicated pathophysiology of AD is not well understood, although beta-amyloid (Aβ) cascade and hyperphosphorylated tau protein were regarded as the two main causes of AD. Other mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, deficiency of central cholinergic neurotransmitters, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, were also proposed and studied as targets in AD. This review aims to summarize the small-molecule drugs that were developed based on the pathogenesis and gives a deeper understanding of the AD. We hope that it could help scientists find new and better treatments to gradually conquer the problems related to AD in future.
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Kaur G, Goyal B. Deciphering the Molecular Mechanism of Inhibition of β‐Secretase (BACE1) Activity by a 2‐Amino‐imidazol‐4‐one Derivative. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gurmeet Kaur
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology Patiala 147004 Punjab India
| | - Bhupesh Goyal
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology Patiala 147004 Punjab India
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Ugbaja SC, Lawal IA, Abubakar BH, Mushebenge AG, Lawal MM, Kumalo HM. Allostery Inhibition of BACE1 by Psychotic and Meroterpenoid Drugs in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Molecules 2022; 27:4372. [PMID: 35889246 PMCID: PMC9320338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In over a century since its discovery, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has continued to be a global health concern due to its incurable nature and overwhelming increase among older people. In this paper, we give an overview of the efforts of researchers towards identifying potent BACE1 exosite-binding antibodies and allosteric inhibitors. Herein, we apply computer-aided drug design (CADD) methods to unravel the interactions of some proposed psychotic and meroterpenoid BACE1 allosteric site inhibitors. This study is aimed at validating the allosteric potentials of these selected compounds targeted at BACE1 inhibition. Molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, and post-MD analyses are carried out on these selected compounds, which have been experimentally proven to exhibit allosteric inhibition on BACE1. The SwissDock software enabled us to identify more than five druggable pockets on the BACE1 structural surface using docking. Besides the active site region, a melatonin derivative (compound 1) previously proposed as a BACE1 allostery inhibitor showed appreciable stability at eight different subsites on BACE1. Refinement with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations shows that the identified non-catalytic sites are potential allostery sites for compound 1. The allostery and binding mechanism of the selected potent inhibitors show that the smaller the molecule, the easier the attachment to several enzyme regions. This finding hereby establishes that most of these selected compounds failed to exhibit strong allosteric binding with BACE1 except for compound 1. We hereby suggest that further studies and additional identification/validation of other BACE1 allosteric compounds be done. Furthermore, this additional allosteric site investigation will help in reducing the associated challenges with designing BACE1 inhibitors while exploring the opportunities in the design of allosteric BACE1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C. Ugbaja
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Isiaka A. Lawal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Applied and Computer Science, Vanderbijlpark Campus, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa;
| | - Bahijjahtu H. Abubakar
- The Renewable Energy Programme, Federal Ministry of Environment, Aguiyi Ironsi St, Maitama, Abuja 904101, Nigeria;
| | - Aganze G. Mushebenge
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Monsurat M. Lawal
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Hezekiel M. Kumalo
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (A.G.M.); (M.M.L.)
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Ugbaja SC, Mtambo SE, Mushebenge AG, Appiah-Kubi P, Abubakar BH, Ntuli ML, Kumalo HM. Structural Investigations and Binding Mechanisms of Oseltamivir Drug Resistance Conferred by the E119V Mutation in Influenza H7N9 Virus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27144376. [PMID: 35889251 PMCID: PMC9317591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The use of vaccinations and antiviral medications have gained popularity in the therapeutic management of avian influenza H7N9 virus lately. Antiviral medicines are more popular due to being readily available. The presence of the neuraminidase protein in the avian influenza H7N9 virus and its critical role in the cleavage of sialic acid have made it a target drug in the development of influenza virus drugs. Generally, the neuraminidase proteins have common conserved amino acid residues and any mutation that occurs around or within these conserved residues affects the susceptibility and replicability of the influenza H7N9 virus. Herein, we investigated the interatomic and intermolecular dynamic impacts of the experimentally reported E119V mutation on the oseltamivir resistance of the influenza H7N9 virus. We extensively employed molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and subsequent post-MD analyses to investigate the binding mechanisms of oseltamivir-neuraminidase wildtype and E119V mutant complexes. The results revealed that the oseltamivir-wildtype complex was more thermodynamically stable than the oseltamivir-E119V mutant complex. Oseltamivir exhibited a greater binding affinity for wildtype (−15.46 ± 0.23 kcal/mol) relative to the E119V mutant (−11.72 ± 0.21 kcal/mol). The decrease in binding affinity (−3.74 kcal/mol) was consistent with RMSD, RMSF, SASA, PCA, and hydrogen bonding profiles, confirming that the E119V mutation conferred lower conformational stability and weaker protein–ligand interactions. The findings of this oseltamivir-E119V mutation may further assist in the design of compounds to overcome E119V mutation in the treatment of influenza H7N9 virus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C. Ugbaja
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.); (P.A.-K.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.U.); (H.M.K.)
| | - Sphamandla E. Mtambo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.); (P.A.-K.)
| | - Aganze G. Mushebenge
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.); (P.A.-K.)
| | - Patrick Appiah-Kubi
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.); (P.A.-K.)
| | - Bahijjahtu H. Abubakar
- Renewable Energy Programme, Federal Ministry of Environment, 444 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama, Abuja 900271, Nigeria;
| | - Mthobisi L. Ntuli
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Hezekiel M. Kumalo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.); (P.A.-K.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.U.); (H.M.K.)
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Mtambo SE, Ugbaja SC, Mushebenge AG, Abubakar BH, Ntuli ML, Kumalo HM. Intermolecular Mechanism and Dynamic Investigation of Avian Influenza H7N9 Virus' Susceptibility to E119V-Substituted Peramivir-Neuraminidase Complex. Molecules 2022; 27:1640. [PMID: 35268741 PMCID: PMC8911867 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The H7N9 virus attaches itself to the human cell receptor protein containing the polysaccharide that terminates with sialic acid. The mutation of neuraminidase at residue E119 has been explored experimentally. However, there is no adequate information on the substitution with E119V in peramivir at the intermolecular level. Therefore, a good knowledge of the interatomic interactions is a prerequisite in understanding its transmission mode and subsequent effective inhibitions of the sialic acid receptor cleavage by neuraminidase. Herein, we investigated the mechanism and dynamism on the susceptibility of the E119V mutation on the peramivir-neuraminidase complex relative to the wildtype complex at the intermolecular level. This study aims to investigate the impact of the 119V substitution on the neuraminidase-peramivir complex and unveil the residues responsible for the complex conformations. We employed molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and extensive post-MD analyses in the study. These extensive computational investigations were carried out on the wildtype and the E119V mutant complex of the protein for holistic insights in unveiling the effects of this mutation on the binding affinity and the conformational terrain of peramivir-neuraminidase E119V mutation. The calculated total binding energy (ΔGbind) for the peramivir wildtype is -49.09 ± 0.13 kcal/mol, while the E119V mutant is -58.55 ± 0.15 kcal/mol. The increase in binding energy (9.46 kcal/mol) is consistent with other post-MD analyses results, confirming that E119V substitution confers a higher degree of stability on the protein complex. This study promises to proffer contributory insight and additional knowledge that would enhance future drug designs and help in the fight targeted at controlling the avian influenza H7N9 virus. Therefore, we suggest that experimentalists collaborate with computational chemists for all investigations of this topic, as we have done in our previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sphamandla E. Mtambo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Samuel C. Ugbaja
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Aganze G. Mushebenge
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Bahijjahtu H. Abubakar
- Renewable Energy Programme, Federal Ministry of Environment, 444 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama, Abuja 904101, Nigeria;
| | - Mthobisi L. Ntuli
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa;
| | - Hezekiel M. Kumalo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (S.E.M.); (A.G.M.)
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Ugbaja S, Lawal I, Kumalo H, Lawal M. Alzheimer's Disease and β-Secretase Inhibition: An Update With a Focus on Computer-Aided Inhibitor Design. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 23:266-285. [PMID: 34370634 DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210809100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an intensifying neurodegenerative illness due to its irreversible nature. Identification of β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme1 (BACE1) has been a significant medicinal focus towards AD treatment, and this has opened ground for several investigations. Despite the numerous works in this direction, no BACE1 inhibitor has made it to the final approval stage as an anti-AD drug. METHOD We provide an introductory background of the subject with a general overview of the pathogenesis of AD. The review features BACE1 inhibitor design and development with a focus on some clinical trials and discontinued drugs. Using the topical keywords BACE1, inhibitor design, and computational/theoretical study in the Web of Science and Scopus database, we retrieved over 49 relevant articles. The search years are from 2010 and 2020, with analysis conducted from May 2020 to March 2021. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Researchers have employed computational methodologies to unravel potential BACE1 inhibitors with a significant outcome. The most used computer-aided approach in BACE1 inhibitor design and binding/interaction studies are pharmacophore development, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. These methods, plus more advanced ones including quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) and QM, have proven substantial in the computational framework for BACE1 inhibitor design. Computational chemists have embraced the incorporation of in vitro assay to provide insight into the inhibition performance of identified molecules with potential inhibition towards BACE1. Significant IC50 values up to 50 nM, better than clinical trial compounds, are available in the literature. CONCLUSION The continuous failure of potent BACE1 inhibitors at clinical trials is attracting many queries prompting researchers to investigate newer concepts necessary for effective inhibitor design. The considered properties for efficient BACE1 inhibitor design seem enormous and require thorough scrutiny. Lately, researchers noticed that besides appreciable binding affinity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation, BACE1 inhibitor must show low or no affinity for permeability-glycoprotein. Computational modeling methods have profound applications in drug discovery strategy. With the volume of recent in silico studies on BACE1 inhibition, the prospect of identifying potent molecules that would reach the approved level is feasible. Investigators should try pushing many of the identified BACE1 compounds with significant anti-AD properties to preclinical and clinical trial stages. We also advise computational research on allosteric inhibitor design, exosite modeling, and multisite inhibition of BACE1. These alternatives might be a solution to BACE1 drug discovery in AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ugbaja
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isiaka Lawal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Applied and Computer Science, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark Campus, Boulevard, 1900, Vanderbijlpark, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hezekiel Kumalo
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monsurat Lawal
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, Saudi Arabia
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Ugbaja SC, Lawal M, Kumalo H. An Overview of β-Amyloid Cleaving Enzyme 1 (Bace1) in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy Elucidating its Exosite-Binding Antibody and Allosteric Inhibitor. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:114-135. [PMID: 34102967 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210608145357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Over decades of its identification, numerous past and ongoing researches have focused on the therapeutic roles of β-amyloid cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) as a target in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the initial BACE1 inhibitors at phase-3 clinical trials tremendously reduced β-amyloid-associated plaques in patients with AD, the researchers eventually discontinued the tests due to the lack of potency. This discontinuation has resulted in limited drug development and discovery targeted at BACE1, despite the high demand for dementia and AD therapies. It is, therefore, imperative to describe the detailed underlying biological basis of the BACE1 therapeutic option in neurological diseases. Herein, we highlight BACE1 bioactivity, genetic properties, and role in neurodegenerative therapy. We review research contributions to BACE1 exosite-binding antibody and allosteric inhibitor development as AD therapies. The review also covers BACE1 biological function, the disease-associated mechanisms, and the enzyme conditions for amyloid precursor protein sites splitting. Based on the present review, we suggest further studies on anti-BACE1 exosite antibodies and BACE1 allosteric inhibitors. Non-active site inhibition might be the way forward to BACE1 therapy in Alzheimer's neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Ugbaja
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Monsurat Lawal
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Hezekiel Kumalo
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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