1
|
Schmedtje JF, Ciske F, Muzzarelli KM, Assar Z. Novel nitric oxide donors are coronary vasodilators that also bind to the papain-like protease of SARS-CoV-2. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116378. [PMID: 38492437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116378] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Several investigational nitric oxide donors were originally created to correct vascular endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. These 48 compounds contain an urea-like moiety attached to the well-known NO donors isosorbide 2- and 5-mononitrate. CR-0305 and CR-0202 were synthesized and found to be nontoxic in the cell lines HMEC-1, A549/hACE2 and VeroE6. CR-0305 induced vasodilation in human coronary arteries ex vivo. Since NO can also have antiviral properties, a study of drug-protein interactions with SARS-CoV-2 was undertaken using in silico modeling. CR-0305 experimentally outperformed the other compounds, including CR-0202, in binding the catalytic site of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro). PLpro is a primary target for therapeutic inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 as it mediates viral replication and modulates host innate immune responses. CR-0305 is predicted to sit firmly in the PLpro catalytic pocket as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations, wherein stability of binding to the catalytic site of PLpro induces a conformational change in the BL2 loop to a more closed conformation as observed previously with GRL0617. Surface plasmon resonance was performed with CR-0305 and CR-0202 to characterize binding affinity to purified SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein. CR-0305 and CR-0202 also inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to vehicle as measured by virus N protein staining with a specific antibody in A549-ACE2 and VeroE6 cells at 20 µM. CR-0305 is a coronary vasodilator that appears to bind to the catalytic site of the PLpro of SARS-CoV-2 while targeting delivery of antiviral NO to cells infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting multiple indications for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F Schmedtje
- Coeurative, Inc., 201 McClanahan St. SW, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.
| | - Fred Ciske
- Cayman Chemical Co., 1180 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | | | - Zahra Assar
- Cayman Chemical Co., 1180 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khan A, Zahid MA, Mohammad A, Agouni A. Structure-guided engineering and molecular simulations to design a potent monoclonal antibody to target aP2 antigen for adaptive immune response instigation against type 2 diabetes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1357342. [PMID: 38524133 PMCID: PMC10960362 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as one of the oldest chronic diseases and has become a significant public health issue, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Traditional treatments have provided limited success, highlighting the need for novel approaches in managing this complex disease. Methods In our study, we employed graph signature-based methodologies in conjunction with molecular simulation and free energy calculations. The objective was to engineer the CA33 monoclonal antibody for effective targeting of the aP2 antigen, aiming to elicit a potent immune response. This approach involved screening a mutational landscape comprising 57 mutants to identify modifications that yield significant enhancements in binding efficacy and stability. Results Analysis of the mutational landscape revealed that only five substitutions resulted in noteworthy improvements. Among these, mutations T94M, A96E, A96Q, and T94W were identified through molecular docking experiments to exhibit higher docking scores compared to the wild-type. Further validation was provided by calculating the dissociation constant (KD), which showed a similar trend in favor of these mutations. Molecular simulation analyses highlighted T94M as the most stable complex, with reduced internal fluctuations upon binding. Principal components analysis (PCA) indicated that both the wild-type and T94M mutant displayed similar patterns of constrained and restricted motion across principal components. The free energy landscape analysis underscored a single metastable state for all complexes, indicating limited structural variability and potential for high therapeutic efficacy against aP2. Total binding free energy (TBE) calculations further supported the superior performance of the T94M mutation, with TBE values demonstrating the enhanced binding affinity of selected mutants over the wild-type. Discussion Our findings suggest that the T94M substitution, along with other identified mutations, significantly enhances the therapeutic potential of the CA33 antibody against DM by improving its binding affinity and stability. These results not only contribute to a deeper understanding of antibody-antigen interactions in the context of DM but also provide a valuable framework for the rational design of antibodies aimed at targeting this disease more effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Ammar Zahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
González-Paz L, Lossada C, Hurtado-León ML, Vera-Villalobos J, Paz JL, Marrero-Ponce Y, Martinez-Rios F, Alvarado Y. Biophysical Analysis of Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Cell Recognition and Their Effect on Viral Dynamics in Different Cell Types: A Computational Prediction from In Vitro Experimental Data. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:8923-8939. [PMID: 38434903 PMCID: PMC10905729 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent reports have suggested that the susceptibility of cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection can be influenced by various proteins that potentially act as receptors for the virus. To investigate this further, we conducted simulations of viral dynamics using different cellular systems (Vero E6, HeLa, HEK293, and CaLu3) in the presence and absence of drugs (anthelmintic, ARBs, anticoagulant, serine protease inhibitor, antimalarials, and NSAID) that have been shown to impact cellular recognition by the spike protein based on experimental data. Our simulations revealed that the susceptibility of the simulated cell systems to SARS-CoV-2 infection was similar across all tested systems. Notably, CaLu3 cells exhibited the highest susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially due to the presence of receptors other than ACE2, which may account for a significant portion of the observed susceptibility. Throughout the study, all tested compounds showed thermodynamically favorable and stable binding to the spike protein. Among the tested compounds, the anticoagulant nafamostat demonstrated the most favorable characteristics in terms of thermodynamics, kinetics, theoretical antiviral activity, and potential safety (toxicity) in relation to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated infections in the tested cell lines. This study provides mathematical and bioinformatic models that can aid in the identification of optimal cell lines for compound evaluation and detection, particularly in studies focused on repurposed drugs and their mechanisms of action. It is important to note that these observations should be experimentally validated, and this research is expected to inspire future quantitative experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenin González-Paz
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM). Laboratorio de Biocomputación
(LB),Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones
Científicas (IVIC),Maracaibo, Zulia 4001, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
| | - Carla Lossada
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM). Laboratorio de Biocomputación
(LB),Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones
Científicas (IVIC),Maracaibo, Zulia 4001, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
| | - María Laura Hurtado-León
- Facultad
Experimental de Ciencias (FEC). Departamento de Biología. Laboratorio
de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM),Universidad del Zulia (LUZ),Maracaibo 4001, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
| | - Joan Vera-Villalobos
- Facultad
de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Departamento de Química
y Ciencias Ambientales, Laboratorio de Análisis Químico
Instrumental (LAQUINS), Escuela Superior
Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil EC090112, Ecuador
| | - José L. Paz
- Departamento
Académico de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de
Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Cercado de Lima, Lima 15081, Perú
| | - Yovani Marrero-Ponce
- Grupo
de Medicina Molecular y Traslacional (MeM&T), Colegio de Ciencias
de la Salud (COCSA), Escuela de Medicina, Edificio de Especialidades
Médicas; e Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ),
Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito, Pichincha 170157, Ecuador
| | - Felix Martinez-Rios
- Universidad
Panamericana. Facultad de Ingeniería. Augusto Rodin 498, Ciudad de México 03920, México
| | - Ysaías.
J. Alvarado
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM). Laboratorio de Química Biofísica
Teórica y Experimental (LQBTE),Instituto
Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC),Maracaibo, Zulia 4001, República Bolivariana
de Venezuela
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alhazmi AY, Khan FR, Rehman ZU, Hazazi A, Alotaibi BS, Alharthi NS, Alhuthali HM, Aba Alkhayl FF, Alshehri FF, Alkhoshaiban A, Al-Otaibi F. Structural and energetic analysis of NS5 protein inhibition by small molecules in Japanese encephalitis virus using machine learning and steered molecular dynamics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38407246 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2316767] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
One of the viral diseases that affect millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries, is Japanese encephalitis (JE). In this study, the conserved protein of this virus, that is, non-structural protein 5 (NS5), was used as a target protein for this study, and a compound library of 749 antiviral molecules was screened against NS5. The current study employed machine learning-based virtual screening combined with molecular docking. Here, three hits (24360, 123519051 and 213039) had lower binding energies (< -8 kcal/mol) than the control, S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH). All the compounds showed significant H-bond interactions with functional residues, which were also observed by the control. Molecular dynamics simulation, MM/GBSA for binding free energy analysis, principal component analysis and free energy landscape were also performed to study the stability of the complex formation. All three compounds had similar root mean square deviation trends, which were comparable to the control, SAH. Post-MD, the 123519051-receptor complex had the highest number of H-bonds (4 to 5) after the control, out of which three exhibited the highest percentage occupancy (50%, 24% and 79%). Both docking and MD, 123519051 showed an H-bond with the residue Gly111, which was also found for the control-protein complex. 123519051 showed the lowest binding free energy with ΔGbind of -89 kJ/mol. Steered molecular dynamics depicted that 123519051 had the maximum magnitude of dissociation (1436.43 kJ/mol/nm), which was more than the control, validating its stable complex formation. This study concluded that 123519051 is a binder and could inhibit the protein NS5 of JE.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulfattah Y Alhazmi
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farhan R Khan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences - AlQuwayiyah, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Hazazi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader S Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences - AlQuwayiyah, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahed S Alharthi
- Department of Medical Laboratory. College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudia Arabia
| | - Hayaa M Alhuthali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris F Aba Alkhayl
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faez Falah Alshehri
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Faisal Al-Otaibi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zamani M, Mokarram P, Jamshidi M, Siri M, Ghasemi H. Molecular Modelling of Resveratrol Derivatives with SIRT1 for the Stimulation of Deacetylase Activity. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2024; 20:943-954. [PMID: 37842901 DOI: 10.2174/0115734099258321231003161602] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is found in plants and has been proposed to have a potential therapeutic effect through the activation of SIRT1, which is a crucial member of the mammalian NAD+ -dependent deacetylases. However, how its activity is enhanced toward specific substrates by resveratrol derivatives has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the types of interaction of resveratrol and its derivatives with SIRT1 as the target protein, as well as to find out the best ligand with the strangest interaction with SIRT1. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we employed the extensive molecular docking analysis using AutoDock Vina to comparatively evaluate the interactions of resveratrol derivatives (22 molecules from the ZINC database) as ligands with SIRT1 (PDB ID: 5BTR) as a receptor. The ChemDraw and Chem3D tools were used to prepare 3D structures of all ligands and energetically minimize them by the MM2 force field. RESULTS The molecular docking and visualizations showed that conformational change in resveratrol derivatives significantly influenced the parameter for docking results. Several types of interactions, including conventional hydrogen bonds, carbon-hydrogen bonds, Pi-donor hydrogen bonds, and Pi-Alkyl, were found via docking analysis of resveratrol derivatives and SIRT1 receptors. The possible activation effect of resveratrol 4'-(6-galloylglucoside) with ZINC ID: ZINC230079516 with higher binding energy score (-46.8608 kJ/mol) to the catalytic domain (CD) of SIRT1 was achieved at the maximum value for SIRT1, as compared to resveratrol and its other derivatives. CONCLUSION Finally, resveratrol 4'-(6-galloylglucoside), as a derivative for resveratrol, has stably interacted with the CD of SIRT1 and might be a potential effective activator for SIRT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mozhdeh Zamani
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jamshidi
- Institute für Chemie, Universität Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Straße 9-11,26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Morvarid Siri
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Ghasemi
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hamed M, Khalifa M, El Hassab MA, Abourehab MAS, Al Kamaly O, Alanazi AS, Eldehna WM, Mansour FR. The Potential Roles of Ficus carica Extract in the Management of COVID-19 Viral Infections: A Computer-aided Drug Design Study. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2024; 20:974-986. [PMID: 37594095 DOI: 10.2174/1573409920666230818092445] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The conventional processes of drug discovery are too expensive, timeconsuming and the success rate is limited. Searching for alternatives that have evident safety and potential efficacy could save money, time and improve the current therapeutic regimen outcomes. METHODS Clinical phytotherapy implies the use of extracts of natural origin for prophylaxis, treatment, or management of human disorders. In this work, the potential role of common Fig (Ficus carica) in the management of COVID-19 infections has been explored. The antiviral effects of Cyanidin 3-rhamnoglucoside which is abundant in common Figs have been illustrated on COVID-19 targets. The immunomodulatory effect and the ability to ameliorate the cytokine storm associated with coronavirus infections have also been highlighted. This work involves various computational studies to investigate the potential roles of common figs in the management of COVID-19 viral infections. RESULTS Two molecular docking studies of all active ingredients in common Figs were conducted starting with MOE to provide initial insights, followed by Autodock Vina for further confirmation of the results of the top five compounds with the best docking score. CONCLUSION Finally, Molecular dynamic simulation alongside MMPBSA calculations were conducted using GROMACS to endorse and validate the entire work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Hamed
- Pharmaceutical Services Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
- Cancer Fighters, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Maha Khalifa
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tanta Universal Teaching Hospital, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A El Hassab
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), South Sinai, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A S Abourehab
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omkulthom Al Kamaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashwag S Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wagdy M Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, P.O. Box 33516, Egypt
- School of Biotechnology, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
| | - Fotouh R Mansour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yamkela M, Sitobo Z, Makhoba XH. In Silico Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins Reveals an Interaction with the Host's Heat Shock Proteins That May Contribute to Viral Replications and Development. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:10225-10247. [PMID: 38132484 PMCID: PMC10742040 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120638] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-structural protein 2 (NSP2) is an RNA-binding protein involved in coronavirus genome replication, and it often decreases human immune response to promote viral invasion and development. It is believed that the NSP2 associates itself with polyamines and heat shock proteins inside the host cell to proceed with viral development. This study aimed to investigate how the SARS-CoV-2 virus' key non-structural proteins (NSP2) utilize polyamines and heat shock proteins using a molecular docking approach and molecular dynamics (MD). ClusPro and HADDOCK servers were used for the docking and Discovery Studio, chimera, and PyMOL were used for analysis. Docking of the heat shock proteins 40 (HSP40), 70 (HSP70), and 90 (HSP90) with SARS-CoV-2 NSP2 resulted in 32, 28, and 19 interactions, respectively. Molecular dynamics revealed Arg458, Asn508, Met297, Arg301, and Trp417 as active residues, and pharmacophore modeling indicated ZINC395648, ZINC01150525, and ZINC85324008 from the zinc database as possible inhibitors for this NSP2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mthembu Yamkela
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, South Africa; (M.Y.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zingisa Sitobo
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, South Africa; (M.Y.); (Z.S.)
| | - Xolani H. Makhoba
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Baruah I, Borgohain G. Temperature dependent molecular dynamics simulation study to understand the stabilizing effect of NADES on the protein β-Lactoglobulin. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108582. [PMID: 37595383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108582] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The thermal stability of a protein is an important concern for its practical application in food processing industries. In this study, we have carried out classical molecular dynamics simulations to systematically investigate the effect of NADES (natural deep eutectic solvent) on the stabilization of the protein β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) at different temperatures. This study sheds light on the very aspects of NADES composed of betaine and sorbitol on the stability of the protein. NADES provides better stability to the protein up to a temperature of 400 K than in water. It is observed that the protein starts to unfold above temperature 400 K in spite of the presence of NADES which is quiet evident from the root mean square deviation (RMSD) and radius of gyration (Rg) plots. The decreasing average solvent accessible surface area (SASA) values and increasing intra-protein hydrogen bonds indicate better stability of the protein in NADES medium than in water at temperatures 300 K and 400 K. At high temperatures viz. 450 K and 500 K the number and distribution of solvent species (betaine and sorbitol) around the protein surface show an increment that are evident from the calculations of solvation shell, radial and spatial distribution functions. Increased number of betaine molecules that interact with the protein through electrostatic interaction may lead to destabilization of the protein at these temperatures. This study suggests that NADES could be used as an ideal medium for thermal stability of the protein BLG up to a temperature of 400 K. Beyond this temperature, NADES used for this study fails to exert stabilization effect on the protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Baruah
- Department of Chemistry, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, 781001, India
| | - Gargi Borgohain
- Department of Chemistry, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, 781001, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang C, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. Anti-Viral Activity of Bioactive Molecules of Silymarin against COVID-19 via In Silico Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1479. [PMID: 37895950 PMCID: PMC10610370 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection drove the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing a huge loss of human life and a negative impact on economic development. It is an urgent necessity to explore potential drugs against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Silymarin, a mixture of herb-derived polyphenolic flavonoids extracted from the milk thistle, possesses potent antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Accumulating research studies have demonstrated the killing activity of silymarin against viruses, such as dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and hepatitis C virus. However, the anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of silymarin remain unclear. In this study, multiple disciplinary approaches and methodologies were applied to evaluate the potential mechanisms of silymarin as an anti-viral agent against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In silico approaches such as molecular docking, network pharmacology, and bioinformatic methods were incorporated to assess the ligand-protein binding properties and analyze the protein-protein interaction network. The DAVID database was used to analyze gene functions, such as the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. TCMSP and GeneCards were used to identify drug target genes and COVID-19-related genes. Our results revealed that silymarin compounds, such as silybin A/B and silymonin, displayed triplicate functions against SARS-CoV-2 infection, including directly binding with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells, directly binding with viral proteins RdRp and helicase to inhibit viral replication and proliferation, and regulating host immune response to indirectly inhibit viral infection. Specifically, the targets of silymarin molecules in immune regulation were screened out, such as proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-6 and cell growth factors VEGFA and EGF. In addition, the molecular mechanism of drug-target protein interaction was investigated, including the binding pockets of drug molecules in human ACE2 and viral proteins, the formation of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and other drug-protein ligand interactions. Finally, the drug-likeness results of candidate molecules passed the criteria for drug screening. Overall, this study demonstrates the molecular mechanism of silymarin molecules against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, China;
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China;
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cozzini P, Agosta F, Dolcetti G, Dal Palù A. A Computational Workflow to Predict Biological Target Mutations: The Spike Glycoprotein Case Study. Molecules 2023; 28:7082. [PMID: 37894561 PMCID: PMC10609230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207082] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological target identification process, a pivotal phase in the drug discovery workflow, becomes particularly challenging when mutations affect proteins' mechanisms of action. COVID-19 Spike glycoprotein mutations are known to modify the affinity toward the human angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE2 and several antibodies, compromising their neutralizing effect. Predicting new possible mutations would be an efficient way to develop specific and efficacious drugs, vaccines, and antibodies. In this work, we developed and applied a computational procedure, combining constrained logic programming and careful structural analysis based on the Structural Activity Relationship (SAR) approach, to predict and determine the structure and behavior of new future mutants. "Mutations rules" that would track statistical and functional types of substitutions for each residue or combination of residues were extracted from the GISAID database and used to define constraints for our software, having control of the process step by step. A careful molecular dynamics analysis of the predicted mutated structures was carried out after an energy evaluation of the intermolecular and intramolecular interactions using the HINT (Hydrophatic INTeraction) force field. Our approach successfully predicted, among others, known Spike mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Cozzini
- Molecular Modeling Lab, Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43121 Parma, Italy;
| | - Federica Agosta
- Molecular Modeling Lab, Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43121 Parma, Italy;
| | - Greta Dolcetti
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (G.D.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Alessandro Dal Palù
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (G.D.); (A.D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lefin N, Herrera-Belén L, Farias JG, Beltrán JF. Review and perspective on bioinformatics tools using machine learning and deep learning for predicting antiviral peptides. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10718-3. [PMID: 37626205 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10718-3] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Viruses constitute a constant threat to global health and have caused millions of human and animal deaths throughout human history. Despite advances in the discovery of antiviral compounds that help fight these pathogens, finding a solution to this problem continues to be a task that consumes time and financial resources. Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many areas of the biological sciences, making it possible to decipher patterns in amino acid sequences that encode different functions and activities. Within the field of AI, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms have been used to discover antimicrobial peptides. Due to their effectiveness and specificity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold excellent promise for treating various infections caused by pathogens. Antiviral peptides (AVPs) are a specific type of AMPs that have activity against certain viruses. Unlike the research focused on the development of tools and methods for the prediction of antimicrobial peptides, those related to the prediction of AVPs are still scarce. Given the significance of AVPs as potential pharmaceutical options for human and animal health and the ongoing AI revolution, we have reviewed and summarized the current machine learning and deep learning-based tools and methods available for predicting these types of peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Lefin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Lisandra Herrera-Belén
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge G Farias
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge F Beltrán
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Iqbal S, Lin SX. Deep Drug Discovery of Mac Domain of SARS-CoV-2 (WT) Spike Inhibitors: Using Experimental ACE2 Inhibition TR-FRET Assay, Screening, Molecular Dynamic Simulations and Free Energy Calculations. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:961. [PMID: 37627846 PMCID: PMC10451221 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080961] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 exploits the homotrimer transmembrane Spike glycoproteins (S protein) during host cell invasion. The Omicron XBB subvariant, delta, and prototype SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain show similar binding strength to hACE2 (human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2). Here we utilized multiligand virtual screening to identify small molecule inhibitors for their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 virus using QPLD, pseudovirus ACE2 Inhibition -Time Resolved Forster/Fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) Assay Screening, and Molecular Dynamics simulations (MDS). Three hundred and fifty thousand compounds were screened against the macrodomain of the nonstructural protein 3 of SARS-CoV-2. Using TR-FRET Assay, we filtered out two of 10 compounds that had no reported activity in in vitro screen against Spike S1: ACE2 binding assay. The percentage inhibition at 30 µM was found to be 79% for "Compound F1877-0839" and 69% for "Compound F0470-0003". This first of its kind study identified "FILLY" pocket in macrodomains. Our 200 ns MDS revealed stable binding poses of both leads. They can be used for further development of preclinical candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saleem Iqbal
- Axe Molecular Endocrinology and Nephrology, CHU Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Sheng-Xiang Lin
- Axe Molecular Endocrinology and Nephrology, CHU Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shaik NA, Al-Shehri N, Athar M, Awan A, Khalili M, Al Mahadi HB, Hejazy G, Saadah OI, Al-Harthi SE, Elango R, Banaganapalli B, Alefishat E, Awan Z. Protein structural insights into a rare PCSK9 gain-of-function variant (R496W) causing familial hypercholesterolemia in a Saudi family: whole exome sequencing and computational analysis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1204018. [PMID: 37469559 PMCID: PMC10353052 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1204018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a globally underdiagnosed genetic condition associated with premature cardiovascular death. The genetic etiology data on Arab FH patients is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the genetic basis of FH in a Saudi family using whole exome sequencing (WES) and multidimensional bioinformatic analysis. Our WES findings revealed a rare heterozygous gain-of-function variant (R496W) in the exon 9 of the PCSK9 gene as a causal factor for FH in this family. This variant was absent in healthy relatives of the proband and 200 healthy normolipidemic controls from Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, this variant has not been previously reported in various regional and global population genomic variant databases. Interestingly, this variant is classified as "likely pathogenic" (PP5) based on the variant interpretation guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG). Computational functional characterization suggested that this variant could destabilize the native PCSK9 protein and alter its secondary and tertiary structural features. In addition, this variant was predicted to negatively influence its ligand-binding ability with LDLR and Alirocumab antibody molecules. This rare PCSK9 (R496W) variant is likely to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of FH in Saudi Arabia. This study also provides computational structural insights into the genotype-protein phenotype relationship of PCSK9 pathogenic variants and contributes to the development of personalized medicine for FH patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor Ahmad Shaik
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najla Al-Shehri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariam Khalili
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Gehan Hejazy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar I. Saadah
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameer Eida Al-Harthi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramu Elango
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Babajan Banaganapalli
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Alefishat
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zuhier Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Patel S, Hasan H, Umraliya D, Sanapalli BKR, Yele V. Marine drugs as putative inhibitors against non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2: an in silico study. J Mol Model 2023; 29:176. [PMID: 37171714 PMCID: PMC10176293 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05574-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an unprecedented pandemic, threatening human health worldwide. The need to produce novel small-molecule inhibitors against the ongoing pandemic has resulted in the use of drugs such as chloroquine, azithromycin, dexamethasone, favipiravir, ribavirin, remdesivir and azithromycin. Moreover, the reports of the clinical trials of these drugs proved to produce detrimental effects on patients with side effects like nephrotoxicity, retinopathy, cardiotoxicity and cardiomyopathy. Recognizing the need for effective and non-harmful therapeutic candidates to combat COVID-19, we aimed to develop promising drugs against SARS-COV-2. DISCUSSION In the current investigation, high-throughput virtual screening was performed using the Comprehensive Marine Natural Products Database against five non-structural proteins: Nsp3, Nsp5, Nsp12, Nsp13 and Nsp15. Furthermore, standard precision (SP) docking, extra precision (XP) docking, binding free energy calculation and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies were performed using the Schrӧdinger suite. The top-ranked 5 hits obtained by computational studies exhibited to possess a greater binding affinity with the selected non-structural proteins. Amongst the five hits, CMNPD5804, CMNPD20924 and CMNPD1598 hits were utilized to design a novel molecule (D) that has the capability of interacting with all the key residues in the pocket of the selected non-structural proteins. Furthermore, 200 ns of molecular dynamics simulation studies provided insight into the binding modes of D within the catalytic pocket of selected proteins. CONCLUSION Hence, it is concluded that compound D could be a promising inhibitor against these non-structural proteins. Nevertheless, there is still a need to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to support our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simran Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India
| | - Haydara Hasan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India
| | - Divyesh Umraliya
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India
| | - Bharat Kumar Reddy Sanapalli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MB University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517102, India.
| | - Vidyasrilekha Yele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ribaudo G, Yun X, Ongaro A, Oselladore E, Ng JPL, Haynes RK, Law BYK, Memo M, Wong VKW, Coghi P, Gianoncelli A. Combining computational and experimental evidence on the activity of antimalarial drugs on papain-like protease of SARS-CoV-2: A repurposing study. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:809-818. [PMID: 36453012 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14187] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The development of inhibitors that target the papain-like protease (PLpro) has the potential to counteract the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on a consideration of its several downstream effects, interfering with PLpro would both revert immune suppression exerted by the virus and inhibit viral replication. By following a repurposing strategy, the current study evaluates the potential of antimalarial drugs as PLpro inhibitors, and thereby the possibility of their use for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Computational tools were employed for structural analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to screen antimalarial drugs against PLpro, and in silico data were validated by in vitro experiments. Virtual screening highlighted amodiaquine and methylene blue as the best candidates, and these findings were complemented by the in vitro results that indicated amodiaquine as a μM PLpro deubiquitinase inhibitor. The results of this study demonstrate that the computational workflow adopted here can correctly identify active compounds. Thus, the highlighted antimalarial drugs represent a starting point for the development of new PLpro inhibitors through structural optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Xiaoyun Yun
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Alberto Ongaro
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Erika Oselladore
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jerome P L Ng
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Richard K Haynes
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|