1
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Ibrahim PEGF, Zuccotto F, Zachariae U, Gilbert I, Bodkin M. Accurate prediction of dynamic protein-ligand binding using P-score ranking. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:1762-1778. [PMID: 38647338 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27370] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Protein-ligand binding prediction typically relies on docking methodologies and associated scoring functions to propose the binding mode of a ligand in a biological target. Significant challenges are associated with this approach, including the flexibility of the protein-ligand system, solvent-mediated interactions, and associated entropy changes. In addition, scoring functions are only weakly accurate due to the short time required for calculating enthalpic and entropic binding interactions. The workflow described here attempts to address these limitations by combining supervised molecular dynamics with dynamical averaging quantum mechanics fragment molecular orbital. This combination significantly increased the ability to predict the experimental binding structure of protein-ligand complexes independent from the starting position of the ligands or the binding site conformation. We found that the predictive power could be enhanced by combining the residence time and interaction energies as descriptors in a novel scoring function named the P-score. This is illustrated using six different protein-ligand targets as case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E G F Ibrahim
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ulrich Zachariae
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ian Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Mike Bodkin
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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2
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Yadav AK, Murthy TPK, Divyashri G, Prasad N D, Prakash S, Vaishnavi V V, Shukla R, Singh TR. Computational screening of pathogenic missense nsSNPs in heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) gene and their structural and functional consequences. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5072-5091. [PMID: 37434323 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2231553] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Heme Oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) is a cytoprotective enzyme, exhibiting the highest activity in the spleen, catalyzing the heme ring breakdown into products of biological significance- biliverdin, CO, and Fe2+. In vascular cells, HMOX1 possesses strong anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions. The majority of these activities are crucial for the prevention of atherogenesis. Single amino acid substitutions in proteins generated by missense non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNPs) in the protein-encoding regions of genes are potent enough to cause significant medical challenges due to the alteration of protein structure and function. The current study aimed at characterizing and analyzing high-risk nsSNPs associated with the human HMOX1 gene. Preliminary screening of the total available 288 missense SNPs was performed through the lens of deleteriousness and stability prediction tools. Finally, a total of seven nsSNPs (Y58D, A131T, Y134H, F166S, F167S, R183S and M186V) were found to be most deleterious by all tools that are present at highly conserved positions. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) analysis explained the mutational effects on the dynamic action of the wild-type and mutant proteins. In a nutshell, R183S (rs749644285) was identified as a highly detrimental mutation that could significantly render the enzymatic activity of HMOX1. The finding of this computational analysis might help subject the experimental confirmatory analysis to characterize the role of nsSNPs in HMOX1.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - T P Krishna Murthy
- Department of Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Gangaraju Divyashri
- Department of Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Durga Prasad N
- Department of Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sriraksha Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijaya Vaishnavi V
- Department of Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tiratha Raj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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3
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Hutchins CM, Gorfe AA. Intrinsically Disordered Membrane Anchors of Rheb, RhoA, and DiRas3 Small GTPases: Molecular Dynamics, Membrane Organization, and Interactions. J Phys Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38942776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Protein structure has been well established to play a key role in determining function; however, intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs and IDRs) defy this paradigm. IDPs and IDRs exist as an ensemble of structures rather than a stable 3D structure yet play essential roles in many cell-signaling processes. Nearly all Ras superfamily GTPases are tethered to membranes by a lipid tail at the end of a flexible IDR. The sequence of the IDR is a key determinant of membrane localization, and interaction between the IDR and the membrane has been shown to affect signaling in RAS proteins through the modulation of dynamic membrane organization. Here, we utilized atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to study the membrane interaction, conformational dynamics, and lipid sorting of three IDRs from small GTPases Rheb, RhoA, and DiRas3 in model membranes representing their physiological target membranes. We found that complementarity between the lipidated IDR sequence and target membrane lipid composition is a determinant of conformational plasticity. We also show that electrostatic interactions between anionic lipids and basic residues on IDRs are correlated with sampling of semistable conformational substates, and lack of these interactions is associated with greater conformational diversity. Finally, we show that small GTPase IDRs with a polybasic domain alter local lipid composition by segregating anionic lipids and, in some cases, excluding other lipids from their immediate vicinity in favor of anionic lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase M Hutchins
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alemayehu A Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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4
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Ali MS, Teixeira LMC, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA, Al-Lohedan HA. Interaction of major saffron constituent safranal with trypsin: An experimental and computational investigation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133231. [PMID: 38897495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133231] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Trypsin is a serine protease, an important digestive enzyme that digests the proteins in the small intestine. In the present study, we have investigated the interaction of safranal, a major saffron metabolite, with trypsin using spectroscopic and molecular docking analyses. Fluorescence emission spectra of trypsin were largely affected by the inner filter effect from safranal; that's why these were corrected using the standard procedure. The corrected fluorescence spectra have shown that the safranal quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of trypsin with a blue shift in the wavelength of emission maximum, which revealed that the microenvironment of the fluorophore became more hydrophobic. There was approximately 1: 1 fair binding between them, which increased with a rise in temperature. The interaction was favored, principally, by hydrophobic forces, and there was an efficient energy transfer from the fluorophore to the safranal. Synchronous fluorescence spectra suggested that the tryptophan residues were the major ones taking part in the fluorescence quenching of trypsin. Safranal also influenced the secondary structure of trypsin and caused partial unfolding. Molecular Docking and the Molecular Dynamics simulation of the free and complexed trypsin was also carried out. Safranal formed a stable, non-covalent complex within the S2'-S5' subsite. Moreover, two nearby tyrosine residues (Tyr39 and Tyr151) stabilized safranal through π-π interactions. Additionally, the presence of safranal led to changes in the protein flexibility and compactness, which could indicate changes in the surrounding of tryptophan residues, impacting their fluorescence. Furthermore, a loss in compactness is in line with the partial unfolding observed experimentally. Thus, both experimental and computational studies were in good agreement with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Sajid Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box-2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Luís M C Teixeira
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências,Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Ramos
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências,Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências,Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hamad A Al-Lohedan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box-2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Granato DC, Carnielli CM, Trino LD, Busso-Lopes AF, Câmara GA, Normando AGC, Filho HVR, Domingues R, Yokoo S, Pauletti BA, Patroni FM, Santos-Silva AR, Lopes MA, Brandão TB, Prado-Ribeiro AC, Lopes-de Oliveira PS, Telles GP, Paes Leme AF. Mapping Conformational Changes in the Saliva Proteome Potentially Associated with Oral Cancer Aggressiveness. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:2148-2159. [PMID: 38785273 PMCID: PMC11166140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00093] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Diverse proteomics-based strategies have been applied to saliva to quantitatively identify diagnostic and prognostic targets for oral cancer. Considering that these targets may be regulated by events that do not imply variation in protein abundance levels, we hypothesized that changes in protein conformation can be associated with diagnosis and prognosis, revealing biological processes and novel targets of clinical relevance. For this, we employed limited proteolysis-mass spectrometry in saliva samples to explore structural alterations, comparing the proteome of healthy control and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients with and without lymph node metastasis. Thirty-six proteins with potential structural rearrangements were associated with clinical patient features including transketolase and its interacting partners. Moreover, N-glycosylated peptides contribute to structural rearrangements of potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Altogether, this approach utilizes saliva proteins to search for targets for diagnosing and prognosing oral cancer and can guide the discovery of potential regulated sites beyond protein-level abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C. Granato
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Carolina M. Carnielli
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Luciana D. Trino
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Ariane F. Busso-Lopes
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Guilherme A. Câmara
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Gabriela C. Normando
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Helder V. R. Filho
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Romênia
R. Domingues
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Sami Yokoo
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Bianca A. Pauletti
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Fabio M. Patroni
- Centro
de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
| | - Alan R. Santos-Silva
- Departamento
de Diagnóstico Oral, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Márcio A. Lopes
- Departamento
de Diagnóstico Oral, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Thaís Bianca Brandão
- Instituto
do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Octavio Frias de Oliveira, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo. S. Lopes-de Oliveira
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Guilherme P. Telles
- Instituto
de Computação, Universidade
Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-852, Brazil
| | - Adriana F. Paes Leme
- Laboratório
Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
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6
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Hutchins CM, Gorfe AA. Intrinsically disordered membrane anchors of Rheb, RhoA and DiRas3 small GTPases: Molecular dynamics, membrane organization, and interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591151. [PMID: 38712287 PMCID: PMC11071463 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Protein structure has been well established to play a key role in determining function; however, intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs and IDRs) defy this paradigm. IDPs and IDRs exist as an ensemble of structures rather than a stable 3D structure yet play essential roles in many cell signaling processes. Nearly all Ras Superfamily GTPases are tethered to membranes by a lipid tail at the end of a flexible IDR. The sequence of these IDRs are key determinants of membrane localization, and interactions between the IDR and the membrane have been shown to affect signaling in RAS proteins through modulation of dynamic membrane organization. Here we utilized atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to study the membrane interactions, conformational dynamics, and lipid sorting of three IDRs from small GTPases Rheb, RhoA and DiRas3 in model membranes representing their physiological target membranes. We found that complementarity between lipidated IDR sequence and target membrane lipid composition is a determinant of conformational plasticity. We also show that electrostatic interactions between anionic lipids and basic residues on IDRs generate semi-stable conformational sub-states, and a lack of these residues leads to greater conformational diversity. Finally, we show that small GTPase IDRs with a polybasic domain alter local lipid composition by segregating anionic membrane lipids, and, in some cases, excluding other lipids from their immediate proximity in favor of anionic lipids.
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7
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Viegas RG, Martins IBS, Sanches MN, Oliveira Junior AB, Camargo JBD, Paulovich FV, Leite VBP. ELViM: Exploring Biomolecular Energy Landscapes through Multidimensional Visualization. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3443-3450. [PMID: 38506664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide a powerful means of exploring the dynamic behavior of biomolecular systems at the atomic level. However, analyzing the vast data sets generated by MD simulations poses significant challenges. This article discusses the energy landscape visualization method (ELViM), a multidimensional reduction technique inspired by the energy landscape theory. ELViM transcends one-dimensional representations, offering a comprehensive analysis of the effective conformational phase space without the need for predefined reaction coordinates. We apply the ELViM to study the folding landscape of the antimicrobial peptide Polybia-MP1, showcasing its versatility in capturing complex biomolecular dynamics. Using dissimilarity matrices and a force-scheme approach, the ELViM provides intuitive visualizations, revealing structural correlations and local conformational signatures. The method is demonstrated to be adaptable, robust, and applicable to various biomolecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Giordano Viegas
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of São Paulo (IFSP), Catanduva, São Paulo 15.808-305, Brazil
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Ingrid B S Martins
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Murilo Nogueira Sanches
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana B de Camargo
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Fernando V Paulovich
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Vitor B P Leite
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
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8
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Martín LR, Santiago LR, Korendovych IV, Sodupe M, Maréchal JD. Computational modelling of supramolecular metallopeptide assemblies. Methods Enzymol 2024; 697:211-245. [PMID: 38816124 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.03.021] [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] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Among the important questions in supramolecular peptide self-assemblies are their interactions with metallic compounds and ions. In the last decade, intensive efforts have been devoted to understanding the structural properties of these interactions including their dynamical and catalytic impact in natural and de novo systems. Since structural insights from experimental approaches could be particularly challenging, computational chemistry methods are interesting complementary tools. Here, we present the general multiscale strategies we developed and applied for the study of metallopeptide assemblies. These strategies include prediction of metal binding site, docking of metallic moieties, classical and accelerated molecular dynamics and finally QM/MM calculations. The systems of choice for this chapter are, on one side, peptides involved in neurodegenerative diseases and, on the other, de novo fibrillar systems with catalytic properties. Both successes and remaining challenges are highlighted so that the protocol could be apply to other system of this kind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ivan V Korendovych
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Mariona Sodupe
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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9
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Patra P, Gao YQ. Structural and dynamical aspect of DNA motif sequence specific binding of AP-1 transcription factor. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:115103. [PMID: 38506297 DOI: 10.1063/5.0196508] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Activator protein-1 (AP-1) comprises one of the largest and most evolutionary conserved families of ubiquitous eukaryotic transcription factors that act as a pioneer factor. Diversity in DNA binding interaction of AP-1 through a conserved basic-zipper (bZIP) domain directs in-depth understanding of how AP-1 achieves its DNA binding selectivity and consequently gene regulation specificity. Here, we address the structural and dynamical aspects of the DNA target recognition process of AP-1 using microsecond-long atomistic simulations based on the structure of the human AP-1 FosB/JunD bZIP-DNA complex. Our results show the unique role of DNA shape features in selective base specific interactions, characteristic ion population, and solvation properties of DNA grooves to form the motif sequence specific AP-1-DNA complex. The TpG step at the two terminals of the AP-1 site plays an important role in the structural adjustment of DNA by modifying the helical twist in the AP-1 bound state. We addressed the role of intrinsic motion of the bZIP domain in terms of opening and closing gripper motions of DNA binding helices, in target site recognition and binding of AP-1 factors. Our observations suggest that binding to the cognate motif in DNA is mainly accompanied with the precise adjustment of closing gripper motion of DNA binding helices of the bZIP domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piya Patra
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, 518107 Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Qin Gao
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, 518107 Shenzhen, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102200, China
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10
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Nesabi A, Kalayan J, Al-Rawashdeh S, Ghattas MA, Bryce RA. Molecular dynamics simulations as a guide for modulating small molecule aggregation. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2024; 38:11. [PMID: 38470532 PMCID: PMC10933209 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-024-00557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Small colloidally aggregating molecules (SCAMs) can be problematic for biological assays in drug discovery campaigns. However, the self-associating properties of SCAMs have potential applications in drug delivery and analytical biochemistry. Consequently, the ability to predict the aggregation propensity of a small organic molecule is of considerable interest. Chemoinformatics-based filters such as ChemAGG and Aggregator Advisor offer rapid assessment but are limited by the assay quality and structural diversity of their training set data. Complementary to these tools, we explore here the ability of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as a physics-based method capable of predicting the aggregation propensity of diverse chemical structures. For a set of 32 molecules, using simulations of 100 ns in explicit solvent, we find a success rate of 97% (one molecule misclassified) as opposed to 75% by Aggregator Advisor and 72% by ChemAGG. These short timescale MD simulations are representative of longer microsecond trajectories and yield an informative spectrum of aggregation propensities across the set of solutes, capturing the dynamic behaviour of weakly aggregating compounds. Implicit solvent simulations using the generalized Born model were less successful in predicting aggregation propensity. MD simulations were also performed to explore structure-aggregation relationships for selected molecules, identifying chemical modifications that reversed the predicted behaviour of a given aggregator/non-aggregator compound. While lower throughput than rapid cheminformatics-based SCAM filters, MD-based prediction of aggregation has potential to be deployed on the scale of focused subsets of moderate size, and, depending on the target application, provide guidance on removing or optimizing a compound's aggregation propensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Nesabi
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jas Kalayan
- Daresbury Laboratory, Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC), Keckwick Lane, Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4AD, UK
| | - Sara Al-Rawashdeh
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | | | - Richard A Bryce
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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11
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Roldán-Martín L, Sodupe M, Maréchal JD. Computational Study of Amyloidβ 42 Familial Mutations and Metal Interaction: Impact on Monomers and Aggregates Dynamical Behaviors. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:4725-4737. [PMID: 38408469 PMCID: PMC10934806 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c04555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
One of the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease is the formation of β-amyloid plaques, whose formation may be enhanced by metal binding or the appearance of familial mutations. In the present study, the simultaneous effect of familial mutations (E22Q, E22G, E22K, and D23N) and binding to metal ions (Cu(II) or Al(III)) is studied at the Aβ42 monomeric and fibrillar levels. With the application of GaMD and MD simulations, it is observed that the effects of metal binding and mutations differ in the monomeric and fibrillar forms. In the monomeric structures, without metal binding, all mutations reduce the amount of α-helix and increase, in some cases, the β-sheet content. In the presence of Cu(II) and Al(III) metal ions, the peptide becomes less flexible, and the β-sheet content decreases in favor of forming α-helix motifs that stabilize the system through interhelical contacts. Regarding the fibrillar structures, mutations decrease the opening of the fiber in the vertical axis, thereby stabilizing the S-shaped structure of the fiber. This effect is, in general, enhanced upon metal binding. These results may explain the different Aβ42 aggregation patterns observed in familial mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Roldán-Martín
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola
del Vallès, Spain
| | - Mariona Sodupe
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola
del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jean-Didier Maréchal
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola
del Vallès, Spain
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12
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Love O, Winkler L, Cheatham TE. van der Waals Parameter Scanning with Amber Nucleic Acid Force Fields: Revisiting Means to Better Capture the RNA/DNA Structure through MD. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:625-643. [PMID: 38157247 PMCID: PMC10809421 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations can be used in combination with experimental techniques to uncover the intricacies of biomolecular structure, dynamics, and the resulting interactions. However, many noncanonical nucleic acid structures have proven to be challenging to replicate in accurate agreement with experimental data, often attributed to known force field deficiencies. A common force field criticism is the handling of van der Waals (vdW) parameters, which have not been updated since the regular use of Ewald's methods became routine. This work dives into the effects of minute vdW radii shifts on RNA tetranucleotide, B-DNA, and Z-DNA model systems described by commonly used Amber force fields. Using multidimensional replica exchange molecular dynamics (M-REMD), the GACC RNA tetranucleotide demonstrated changes in the structural distribution between the NMR minor and anomalous structure populations based on the O2' vdW radii scanning. However, no significant change in the NMR Major conformation population was observed. There were minimal changes in the B-DNA structure but there were more substantial improvements in Z-DNA structural descriptions, specifically with the Tumuc1 force field. This occurred with both LJbb vdW radii adjustments and incorporation of the CUFIX nonbonded parameter modifications. Though the limited vdW modifications tested did not provide a universal fix to the challenge of simulating the various known nucleic acid structures, they do provide direction and a greater understanding for future force field development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas E. Cheatham
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 2000 East 30 South Skaggs 306, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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13
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Martins IBS, Viegas RG, Sanches MN, de Araujo AS, Leite VBP. Probing Mastoparan-like Antimicrobial Peptides Interaction with Model Membrane Through Energy Landscape Analysis. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:163-171. [PMID: 38159056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c05852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their capacity to disrupt the lipid packing of bacterial cell membranes. This mechanism of action may prevent the development of resistance by bacteria. Understanding their role in lipid packing disruption and their structural properties upon interaction with bacterial membranes is highly desirable. In this study, we employed Molecular Dynamics simulations and the Energy Landscape Visualization Method (ELViM) to characterize and compare the conformational ensembles of mastoparan-like Polybia-MP1 and its analogous H-MP1, in which histidines replace lysine residues. Two situations were analyzed: (i) the peptides in their free state in an aqueous solution containing water and ions and (ii) the peptides spontaneously adsorbing onto an anionic lipid bilayer, used as a bacteria membrane mimetic. ELViM was used to project a single effective conformational phase space for both peptides, providing a comparative analysis. This projection enabled us to map the conformational ensembles of each peptide in an aqueous solution and assess the structural effects of substituting lysines with histidines in H-MP1. Furthermore, a single conformational phase space analysis was employed to describe structural changes during the adsorption process using the same framework. We show that ELViM provides a comprehensive analysis, able to identify discrepancies in the conformational ensembles of these peptides that may affect their affinity to the membrane and adsorption kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid B S Martins
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Viegas
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of São Paulo (IFSP), Catanduva, SP 15.808-305, Brazil
| | - Murilo N Sanches
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S de Araujo
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Vitor B P Leite
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, SP 15054-000, Brazil
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14
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Winkler L, Galindo-Murillo R, Cheatham TE. Assessment of A- to B- DNA Transitions Utilizing the Drude Polarizable Force Field. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:8955-8966. [PMID: 38014857 PMCID: PMC10720382 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the well-characterized B-form of DNA, duplex DNA can adopt various conformations, such as A or Z-DNA. Though less common, these structures can be induced biologically through protein or ligand interactions or experimentally with niche environmental conditions, such as high salt concentrations or in mixed water-ethanol. Reproducing these alternate structures through molecular dynamics simulations in recent years has been quite challenging with the currently available force fields, simulation techniques, and time scales. In this study, the Drude polarizable force field is tested for its ability to facilitate transitions between A-DNA and B-DNA or maintain A-DNA. Though transitions away from B-DNA were observed in high concentrations of ethanol, the resulting structures had hybrid properties taken from both B-DNA and A-DNA structures. This was also true for A-DNA in ethanol, which lost some of the A-DNA properties that it was expected to maintain. When B-DNA was tested in high salt environments, the resulting B-DNA structures showed no distinguishable differences with the increasing salt concentrations tested. These results with the Drude FF and recent results with additive force fields suggest that at present the current additive and polarizable force fields do not facilitate a complete transition between B- to A-DNA conformations under the conditions simulated. At present, the Drude FF favors A-B DNA hybrid structures when simulated in nonphysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Winkler
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 2000 East 30 South Skaggs 306, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112,United States
| | - Rodrigo Galindo-Murillo
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, California 92010, United States
| | - Thomas E. Cheatham
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 2000 East 30 South Skaggs 306, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112,United States
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15
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Havranek B, Demissie R, Lee H, Lan S, Zhang H, Sarafianos SG, Jean-Luc Ayitou A, Islam SM. Discovery of Nirmatrelvir Resistance Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro: A Computational-Experimental Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7180-7188. [PMID: 37947496 PMCID: PMC10976418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the urgency for effective antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-2. Targeting the main protease (3CLpro) of the virus has emerged as a promising approach, and nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332), the active component of Pfizer's oral drug Paxlovid, has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy. However, the emergence of resistance mutations poses a challenge to its continued success. In this study, we employed alchemical free energy perturbation (FEP) alanine scanning to identify nirmatrelvir-resistance mutations within SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. FEP identified several mutations, which were validated through in vitro IC50 experiments and found to result in 8- and 72-fold increases in nirmatrelvir IC50 values. Additionally, we constructed SARS-CoV-2 omicron replicons containing these mutations, and one of the mutants (S144A/E166A) displayed a 20-fold increase in EC50, confirming the role of FEP in identifying drug-resistance mutations. Our findings suggest that FEP can be a valuable tool in proactively monitoring the emergence of resistant strains and guiding the design of future inhibitors with reduced susceptibility to drug resistance. As nirmatrelvir is currently widely used for treating COVID-19, this research has important implications for surveillance efforts and antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Havranek
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA, 60607
| | - Robel Demissie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Biophysics Core at Research Resource Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Hyun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Biophysics Core at Research Resource Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Shuiyun Lan
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Huanchun Zhang
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stefan G. Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Shahidul M. Islam
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA, 60607
- Department of Chemistry, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, 19901, USA
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16
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Conceição RAD, von Ranke N, Azevedo L, Franco D, Nadur NF, Kummerle AE, Barbosa MLDC, Souza AMT. Structure-based design of new N-benzyl-piperidine derivatives as multitarget-directed AChE/BuChE inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1734-1748. [PMID: 37796142 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30483] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenic complexity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) demands the development of multitarget-directed agents aiming at improving actual pharmacotherapy. Based on the cholinergic hypothesis and considering the well-established role of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in advanced stages of AD, the chemical structure of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor drug donepezil (1) was rationally modified for the design of new N-benzyl-piperidine derivatives (4a-d) as potential multitarget-direct AChE and BuChE inhibitors. The designed analogues were further studied through the integration of in silico and in vitro methods. ADMET predictions showed that 4a-d are anticipated to be orally bioavailable, able to cross the blood-brain barrier and be retained in the brain, and to have low toxicity. Computational docking and molecular dynamics indicated the formation of favorable complexes between 4a-d and both cholinesterases. Derivative 4a presented the lowest binding free energy estimation due to interaction with key residues from both target enzymes (-36.69 ± 4.47 and -32.23 ± 3.99 kcal/mol with AChE and BuChE, respectively). The in vitro enzymatic assay demonstrated that 4a was the most potent inhibitor of AChE (IC50 2.08 ± 0.16 µM) and BuChE (IC50 7.41 ± 0.44 µM), corroborating the in silico results and highlighting 4a as a novel multitarget-directed AChE/BuChE inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raissa Alves da Conceição
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry (LaSOQuiM), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natalia von Ranke
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Azevedo
- Laboratory of Molecular Diversity and Medicinal Chemistry (LaDMol-QM), Institute of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Daiana Franco
- Laboratory of Molecular Diversity and Medicinal Chemistry (LaDMol-QM), Institute of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Fonseca Nadur
- Laboratory of Molecular Diversity and Medicinal Chemistry (LaDMol-QM), Institute of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Arthur Eugen Kummerle
- Laboratory of Molecular Diversity and Medicinal Chemistry (LaDMol-QM), Institute of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Maria Letícia de C Barbosa
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry (LaSOQuiM), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandra M T Souza
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Pineda-Alemán R, Alviz-Amador A, Galindo-Murillo R, Pérez-González H, Rodríguez-Cavallo E, Méndez-Cuadro D. Cysteine carbonylation with reactive carbonyl species from lipid peroxidation induce local structural changes on thioredoxin active site. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 124:108533. [PMID: 37311331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108533] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein oxidative modifications with reactive carbonyl species (RCS) is directly linked to metabolic processes in premature aging, cancer, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. RCS as 4-Hydroxy-2-nonal (HNE), 4-Hydroxy-2-hexenal (HHE), 4-Oxo-2-nonenal (ONE) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) attack nucleophilic amino acids residues forming irreversible adducts with proteins as Thioredoxins (Trx). This is a class of small thiol oxide-reductases playing a key role in redox signaling and oxidative stress responses in mammals. Although proteomic studies have identified to Cys-32 residue as a target of HNE attack that inhibit its enzymatic activity, how this carbonylation affects its structure and dynamic behavior at the atomic level is unknown. Even more, the molecular bases for the atomistic behavior of these modified proteins have not been completely understood. We present molecular dynamics simulations of Trx-modified with four different RCS to analyze its global and local structural effects. For this, parameters supported in the AMBER force fields were built and validated for three non-natural cysteine residues modified with HHE, ONE and MDA. Results obtained showed a slight change in the global conformational stability of Trx modified with HNE and MDA, establishing that all modified proteins presented local regions of high mobility in the modified catalytic site and some regions far from the modification area. In addition, essential domain movement modes evidences that proteins modified with the RCS assayed induce changes in conformational flexibility. Finally, these data showed that the given conformational changes did not caused global changes in proteins but rather localized changes in particular regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pineda-Alemán
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, Medicine Faculty, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia.
| | - Antistio Alviz-Amador
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia.
| | | | - Humberto Pérez-González
- Department of Mathematics, Exact and Natural Sciences Faculty, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia.
| | - Erika Rodríguez-Cavallo
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia.
| | - Darío Méndez-Cuadro
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, Exact and Natural Sciences Faculty, University of Cartagena, Colombia.
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18
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Li K, Cardenas-Lizana P, Kellner AV, Yuan Z, Ahn E, Lyu J, Li Z, Salaita K, Ahmed R, Zhu C. Mechanical force regulates ligand binding and function of PD-1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.13.553152. [PMID: 37645980 PMCID: PMC10462004 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.13.553152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1 shows great success in cancer therapy. However, the mechanism of how ligand binding initiates PD-1 signaling remains unclear. As prognosis markers of multiple cancers, soluble PD-L1 is found in patient sera and can bind PD-1, but fails to suppress T cell function. This and our previous observations that T cells exert endogenous forces on PD-1-PD-L2 bonds prompt the hypothesis that mechanical force might be critical to PD-1 triggering, which is missing in the soluble ligand case due to the lack of mechanical support afforded by surface-anchored ligand. Here we show that PD-1 function is eliminated or reduced when mechanical support on ligand is removed or dampened, respectively. Force spectroscopic analysis reveals that PD-1 forms catch bonds with both PD-Ligands <7 pN where force prolongs bond lifetime, but slip bonds >8 pN where force accelerates dissociation. Steered molecular dynamics finds PD-1-PD-L2 complex very sensitive to force due to the two molecules' "side-to-side" binding via β sheets. Pulling causes relative rotation and translation between the two molecules by stretching and aligning the complex along the force direction, yielding new atomic contacts not observed in the crystal structure. Compared to wild-type, PD-1 mutants targeting the force-induced new interactions maintain the same binding affinity but display lower rupture force, shorter bond lifetime, reduced tension, and most importantly, impaired capacity to suppress T cell activation. Our results uncover a mechanism for cells to probe the mechanical support of PD-1-PD-Ligand bonds using endogenous forces to regulate PD-1 triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitao Li
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Paul Cardenas-Lizana
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Anna V. Kellner
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Zhou Yuan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Eunseon Ahn
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jintian Lyu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Zhenhai Li
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Rafi Ahmed
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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19
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Teixeira O, Martins IBS, Froes TQ, de Araújo AS, Nonato MC. Kinetic and structural studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dihydroorotate dehydrogenase reveal new insights into class 2 DHODH inhibition. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130378. [PMID: 37150227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130378] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide. TB represents a serious public health threat, and it is characterized by high transmission rates, prevalence in impoverished regions, and high co-infection rates with HIV. Moreover, the serious side effects of long-term treatment that decrease patient adherence, and the emergence of multi-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causing agent of TBs, pose several challenges for its eradication. The search for a new TB treatment is necessary and urgent. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is responsible for the stereospecific oxidation of (S)-dihydroorotate (DHO) to orotate during the fourth and only redox step of the de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway. DHODH has been considered an attractive target against infectious diseases. As a first step towards exploiting DHODH as a drug target against TB, we performed a full kinetic characterization of both bacterial MtDHODH and its human ortholog (HsDHDOH) using both substrates coenzyme Q0 (Q0) and vitamin K3 (K3). MtDHODH follows a ping-pong mechanism of catalysis and shares similar catalytic parameters with the human enzyme. Serendipitously, Q0 was found to inhibit MtDHODH (KI (Q0) = 138 ± 31 μM). To the best of our knowledge, Q0 is the first non-orotate like dihydroorotate-competitive inhibitor for class 2 DHODHs ever described. Molecular dynamics simulations along with in silico solvent mapping allowed us to successfully probe protein flexibility and correlate it with the druggability of binding sites. Together, our results provide the starting point for the design of a new generation of potent and selective inhibitors against MtDHODH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olívia Teixeira
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil; Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and molecular Targets (CRAFT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Bernardes Santana Martins
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Física, UNESP, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thamires Quadros Froes
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil; Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and molecular Targets (CRAFT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Suman de Araújo
- Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Física, UNESP, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil; Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and molecular Targets (CRAFT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.
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20
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Winkler L, Cheatham TE. Benchmarking the Drude Polarizable Force Field Using the r(GACC) Tetranucleotide. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:2505-2511. [PMID: 36996447 PMCID: PMC10131218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Polarizable force fields, in particular, the Drude polarizable force field (Drude FF), may hold the key to more accurately modeling biomolecules with molecular dynamics simulations by explicitly accounting for atomic polarizability. Previous work has shown promising results in simulating duplex nucleic acids and protein structures with excellent agreement with experimental values. However, benchmarking the Drude polarizable force field with highly flexible, single-stranded structures has yet to be achieved. In this work, the r(GACC) tetranucleotide is simulated over a multimicrosecond time scale, starting with various different initial conformations. Despite the starting conformation, including starting from the expected dominant A-form major conformation, the experimental structural distribution is not matched. In fact, the major NMR conformation is never resampled. Instead, the r(GACC) tetranucleotide becomes stabilized in anomalous structures that are inconsistent with the NMR data and that favor base-pairing and electrostatic interactions over base stacking. These structures are maintained for lengthy time scales (>1 μs) themselves, suggesting a misbalance of forces in the Drude polarizable force field itself. This model system is suggestive of the fact that currently the Drude polarizable force field does not appear to produce the sensitive balance of forces required to accurately model other single-stranded or noncanonical RNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Winkler
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 2000 East 30 South Skaggs 306, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Thomas E Cheatham
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 2000 East 30 South Skaggs 306, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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21
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Zhao Y, Zhang J, Zhang H, Gu S, Deng Y, Tu Y, Hou T, Kang Y. Sigmoid Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: An Efficient Enhanced Sampling Method for Biosystems. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:1103-1112. [PMID: 36700836 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) is recognized as a popular enhanced sampling method for tackling long-standing challenges in biomolecular simulations. Inspired by GaMD, Sigmoid accelerated molecular dynamics (SaMD) is proposed in this work by adding a Sigmoid boost potential to improve the balance between the highest acceleration and accurate reweighting. Compared with GaMD, SaMD extends the accessible time scale and improves the computational efficiency as tested in three tasks. In the alanine dipeptide task, SaMD can produce the free energy landscape with better accuracy and efficiency. In the chignolin folding task, the estimated Gibbs free energy difference can converge to the experimental value ∼30% faster. In the protein-ligand binding task, the bound conformations are closer to the crystal structure with a minimal ligand root-mean-square deviation of 1.7 Å. The binding of the ligand XK263 to the HIV protease is reproduced by SaMD in ∼60% less simulation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jintu Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, Zhejiang, China
- CarbonSilicon AI Technology Company, Ltd., Hangzhou310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haotian Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, Zhejiang, China
- CarbonSilicon AI Technology Company, Ltd., Hangzhou310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shukai Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yafeng Deng
- CarbonSilicon AI Technology Company, Ltd., Hangzhou310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaoquan Tu
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tingjun Hou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Kang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, Zhejiang, China
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22
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Mondal M, Gao YQ. Sequence‐dependent clustering properties of nucleotides fragments in an ionic solution. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.202200425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manas Mondal
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology Shenzhen Bay Laboratory Shenzhen China
| | - Yi Qin Gao
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology Shenzhen Bay Laboratory Shenzhen China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center Peking University Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics Peking University Beijing China
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23
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Patra P, Gao YQ. Sequence-Specific Structural Features and Solvation Properties of Transcription Factor Binding DNA Motifs: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:9187-9206. [PMID: 36322688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c05749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Sequence-specific recognition of transcription factor (TF) binding motifs in the target site of DNA over the vast amount of non-target DNA is of primary importance for the transcriptional regulation of gene expression by the TFs. Binding of TFs to the target site of DNA relies not only on the direct contact formation but also on the structural and conformational features of DNA. Recognition of DNA structural features or shape readout by proteins is an important factor in the context of TF-DNA interaction. Based on the atomistic molecular simulation, here we report the sequence-dependent unique structural features, solvation, and ion-binding properties of biologically relevant AT- and GC-rich human TF binding motifs in DNA. Counterion and water distribution around the motif is found to be sensitive to the motif sequence, which is accompanied with the DNA shape features. The motif sequence affects the electrostatic potential along the grooves, and cytosine methylation alters the DNA shape features. Characteristic solvation properties of TF binding motif DNA fragments infer that an ionic environment and hydration influences are essential to describe TF-DNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piya Patra
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yi Qin Gao
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen 518107, China.,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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24
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High-Resolution Conformational Analysis of RGDechi-Derived Peptides Based on a Combination of NMR Spectroscopy and MD Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911039. [PMID: 36232339 PMCID: PMC9569650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The crucial role of integrin in pathological processes such as tumor progression and metastasis formation has inspired intense efforts to design novel pharmaceutical agents modulating integrin functions in order to provide new tools for potential therapies. In the past decade, we have investigated the biological proprieties of the chimeric peptide RGDechi, containing a cyclic RGD motif linked to an echistatin C-terminal fragment, able to specifically recognize αvβ3 without cross reacting with αvβ5 and αIIbβ3 integrin. Additionally, we have demonstrated using two RGDechi-derived peptides, called RGDechi1-14 and ψRGDechi, that chemical modifications introduced in the C-terminal part of the peptide alter or abolish the binding to the αvβ3 integrin. Here, to shed light on the structural and dynamical determinants involved in the integrin recognition mechanism, we investigate the effects of the chemical modifications by exploring the conformational space sampled by RGDechi1-14 and ψRGDechi using an integrated natural-abundance NMR/MD approach. Our data demonstrate that the flexibility of the RGD-containing cycle is driven by the echistatin C-terminal region of the RGDechi peptide through a coupling mechanism between the N- and C-terminal regions.
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25
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Pokhrel R, Shakya R, Baral P, Chapagain P. Molecular Modeling and Simulation of the Peptidoglycan Layer of Gram-Positive Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4955-4962. [PMID: 35981320 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The peptidoglycan (PG) layer is a vital component of the bacterial cell wall that protects the cell from rupturing due to internal pressure. Its ubiquity across the bacterial kingdom but not animals has made it the target of drug discovery efforts. The PG layer composed of cross-linked PG strands is porous enough to allow the diffusion of molecules through the PG mesh and into the cell. The lack of an accurate atomistic model of the PG mesh has limited the computational investigations of drug diffusion in Gram-positive bacteria, which lack the outer membrane but consist of a much thicker PG layer compared to Gram-negative bacteria. In this work, we built an atomistic model of the Staphylococcus aureus PG layer architecture with horizontally aligned PG strands and performed molecular dynamics simulations of the diffusion of curcumin molecules through the PG mesh. An accurate model of the Gram-positive bacterial cell wall may aid in developing novel antibiotics to tackle the threat posed by antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudramani Pokhrel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Rojesh Shakya
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Prabin Baral
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Prem Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
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26
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Doll SG, Meshkin H, Bryer AJ, Li F, Ko YH, Lokareddy RK, Gillilan RE, Gupta K, Perilla JR, Cingolani G. Recognition of the TDP-43 nuclear localization signal by importin α1/β. Cell Rep 2022; 39:111007. [PMID: 35767952 PMCID: PMC9290431 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic mislocalization of the TAR-DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) leads to large, insoluble aggregates that are a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Here, we study how importin α1/β recognizes TDP-43 bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). We find that the NLS makes extensive contacts with importin α1, especially at the minor NLS-binding site. NLS binding results in steric clashes with the C terminus of importin α1 that disrupts the TDP-43 N-terminal domain (NTD) dimerization interface. A putative phosphorylation site in the proximity of TDP-43 R83 at the minor NLS site destabilizes binding to importins by reducing the NLS backbone dynamics. Based on these data, we explain the pathogenic role of several post-translational modifications and mutations in the proximity of TDP-43 minor NLS site that are linked to disease and shed light on the chaperone activity of importin α1/β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Doll
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Hamed Meshkin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Alexander J Bryer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Fenglin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ying-Hui Ko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ravi K Lokareddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Richard E Gillilan
- Macromolecular Diffraction Facility, Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (MacCHESS), Cornell University, 161 Synchrotron Drive, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kushol Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Juan R Perilla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Gino Cingolani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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27
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Teixeira LC, Coimbra JT, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 Proteolytic Cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A Mechanistic Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Study to Inspire the Design of New Drugs To Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:2510-2521. [PMID: 35549216 PMCID: PMC9113003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the development of vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, there is an urgent need for efficient drugs to treat infected patients. An attractive drug target is the human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) because of its vital role in the viral infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 by activation of the virus spike protein (S protein). Having in mind that the information derived from quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) studies could be an important tool in the design of transition-state (TS) analogue inhibitors, we resorted to adiabatic QM/MM calculations to determine the mechanism of the first step (acylation) of proteolytic cleavage of the S protein with atomistic details. Acylation occurred in two stages: (i) proton transfer from Ser441 to His296 concerted with the nucleophilic attack of Ser441 to the substrate's P1-Arg and (ii) proton transfer from His296 to the P1'-Ser residue concerted with the cleavage of the ArgP1-SerP1' peptide bond, with a Gibbs activation energy of 17.1 and 15.8 kcal mol-1, relative to the reactant. An oxyanion hole composed of two hydrogen bonds stabilized the rate-limiting TS by 8 kcal mol-1. An analysis of the TMPRSS2 interactions with the high-energy, short-lived tetrahedral intermediate highlighted the limitations of current clinical inhibitors and pointed out specific ways to develop higher-affinity TS analogue inhibitors. The results support the development of more efficient drugs against SARS-CoV-2 using a human target, free from resistance development.
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28
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Nguyen H, Lan PD, Nissley DA, O’Brien EP, Li MS. Cocktail of REGN Antibodies Binds More Strongly to SARS-CoV-2 Than Its Components, but the Omicron Variant Reduces Its Neutralizing Ability. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:2812-2823. [PMID: 35403431 PMCID: PMC9016775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A promising approach to combat Covid-19 infections is the development of effective antiviral antibodies that target the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Understanding the structures and molecular mechanisms underlying the binding of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 can contribute to quickly achieving this goal. Recently, a cocktail of REGN10987 and REGN10933 antibodies was shown to be an excellent candidate for the treatment of Covid-19. Here, using all-atom steered molecular dynamics and coarse-grained umbrella sampling, we examine the interactions of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with REGN10987 and REGN10933 separately as well as together. Both computational methods show that REGN10933 binds to RBD more strongly than REGN10987. Importantly, the cocktail binds to RBD (simultaneous binding) more strongly than its components. The dissociation constants of REGN10987-RBD and REGN10933-RBD complexes calculated from the coarse-grained simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data. Thus, REGN10933 is probably a better candidate for treating Covid-19 than REGN10987, although the cocktail appears to neutralize the virus more efficiently than REGN10933 or REGN10987 alone. The association of REGN10987 with RBD is driven by van der Waals interactions, while electrostatic interactions dominate in the case of REGN10933 and the cocktail. We also studied the effectiveness of these antibodies on the two most dangerous variants Delta and Omicron. Consistent with recent experimental reports, our results confirmed that the Omicron variant reduces the neutralizing activity of REGN10933, REGN10987, and REGN10933+REGN10987 with the K417N, N440K, L484A, and Q498R mutations playing a decisive role, while the Delta variant slightly changes their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Institute
of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pham Dang Lan
- Life
Science Lab, Institute for Computational
Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, 729110 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,Faculty
of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University
of Science, 227, Nguyen
Van Cu Street, District 5, 749000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Daniel A. Nissley
- Department
of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford
Protein Bioinformatics Group, OX1 2JD Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Edward P. O’Brien
- Department
of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States,Bioinformatics
and Genomics Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States,Institute
for Computational and Data Sciences, Penn
State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute
of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland,
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29
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Al-Zrkani MK, Abdulkareem RA, Al-Fahad D, Al Shouber M, Nasr AMS, Al-Khdhairawi A. Elucidating novel antibacterial compounds from the NPASS database against the FimH lectin domain for the treatment of urinary tract infections: an in-silico study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:3914-3925. [PMID: 35403563 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2059009] [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
The increase in multidrug-resistant pathogens in urinary tract infections (UTIs) among communities and hospitals threatens our ability to treat these common pathogens. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are the most frequent uropathies linked to the development of UTIs. This work aims to introduce bioactive natural products via virtual screening of small molecules from a public database to prevent biofilm formation by inhibiting FimH, a type 1 fimbriae that plays a crucial role in UPEC pathogenicity. A total of 30926 small molecules from the NPASS database were subjected to screening via molecular docking. Followed by performing in silico ADME studies, seven molecules showed promising docking results ranging from -6.8 to -8.7 kcal/mol. As a result of the docking score findings, 100 ns Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed. Based on MM-PBSA analysis, NPC313334 ligand showed high binding affinity -42 and stability with the binding pocket of FimH protein during molecular dynamic simulations. DFT calculations were also performed on the ligands to calculate the HOMO-LUMO energies of the compounds in order to an idea about their structure and reactivity. This research suggests that NPC313334 may be a possible antibacterial drug candidate that targets FimH to reduce the number of UPEC-related urinary tract infections. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrtatha K Al-Zrkani
- Institute of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Research, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Rafid A Abdulkareem
- Institute of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Research, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Dhurgham Al-Fahad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Marwah Al Shouber
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Al Zahra Teaching Hospital of Wasit, Kut, Iraq
| | | | - Ahmad Al-Khdhairawi
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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30
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Codony S, Pont C, Griñán-Ferré C, Di Pede-Mattatelli A, Calvó-Tusell C, Feixas F, Osuna S, Jarné-Ferrer J, Naldi M, Bartolini M, Loza MI, Brea J, Pérez B, Bartra C, Sanfeliu C, Juárez-Jiménez J, Morisseau C, Hammock BD, Pallàs M, Vázquez S, Muñoz-Torrero D. Discovery and In Vivo Proof of Concept of a Highly Potent Dual Inhibitor of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and Acetylcholinesterase for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4909-4925. [PMID: 35271276 PMCID: PMC8958510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
With innumerable clinical failures of target-specific drug candidates for multifactorial diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), which remains inefficiently treated, the advent of multitarget drug discovery has brought a new breath of hope. Here, we disclose a class of 6-chlorotacrine (huprine)-TPPU hybrids as dual inhibitors of the enzymes soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a multitarget profile to provide cumulative effects against neuroinflammation and memory impairment. Computational studies confirmed the gorge-wide occupancy of both enzymes, from the main site to a secondary site, including a so far non-described AChE cryptic pocket. The lead compound displayed in vitro dual nanomolar potencies, adequate brain permeability, aqueous solubility, human microsomal stability, lack of neurotoxicity, and it rescued memory, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation in an AD mouse model, after low dose chronic oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Codony
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caterina Pont
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology
Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ania Di Pede-Mattatelli
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical
and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University
of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Calvó-Tusell
- CompBioLab
Group, Departament de Química and Institut de Química
Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC), Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ferran Feixas
- CompBioLab
Group, Departament de Química and Institut de Química
Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC), Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- CompBioLab
Group, Departament de Química and Institut de Química
Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC), Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain,Institució
Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Jarné-Ferrer
- Pharmacology
Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Belmeloro, 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Belmeloro, 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - María Isabel Loza
- BioFarma
Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina
Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Av. de Barcelona s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Brea
- BioFarma
Research Group, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina
Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Av. de Barcelona s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez
- Department
of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Clara Bartra
- Institute
of Biomedical Research of Barcelona, CSIC and Institut d’Investigacions
Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló, 149, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Coral Sanfeliu
- Institute
of Biomedical Research of Barcelona, CSIC and Institut d’Investigacions
Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló, 149, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Juárez-Jiménez
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Theoretical
and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University
of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christophe Morisseau
- Department
of Entomology and Nematology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Bruce D. Hammock
- Department
of Entomology and Nematology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology
Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Vázquez
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain,. Phone: (+34) 934024533
| | - Diego Muñoz-Torrero
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain,. Phone: (+34) 934024533
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31
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de O Araújo J, Pinheiro S, Zamora WJ, Alves CN, Lameira J, Lima AH. Structural, energetic and lipophilic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 9 (NSP9). Sci Rep 2021; 11:23003. [PMID: 34837010 PMCID: PMC8626507 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In SARS-CoV-2 replication complex, the Non-structural protein 9 (Nsp9) is an important RNA binding subunit in the RNA-synthesizing machinery. The dimeric forms of coronavirus Nsp9 increase their nucleic acid binding affinity and the N-finger motif appears to play a critical role in dimerization. Here, we present a structural, lipophilic and energetic study about the Nsp9 dimer of SARS-CoV-2 through computational methods that complement hydrophobicity scales of amino acids with molecular dynamics simulations. Additionally, we presented a virtual N-finger mutation to investigate whether this motif contributes to dimer stability. The results reveal for the native dimer that the N-finger contributes favorably through hydrogen bond interactions and two amino acids bellowing to the hydrophobic region, Leu45 and Leu106, are crucial in the formation of the cavity for potential drug binding. On the other hand, Gly100 and Gly104, are responsible for stabilizing the α-helices and making the dimer interface remain stable in both, native and mutant (without N-finger motif) systems. Besides, clustering results for the native dimer showed accessible cavities to drugs. In addition, the energetic and lipophilic analysis reveal that the higher binding energy in the native dimer can be deduced since it is more lipophilic than the mutant one, increasing non-polar interactions, which is in line with the result of MM-GBSA and SIE approaches where the van der Waals energy term has the greatest weight in the stability of the native dimer. Overall, we provide a detailed study on the Nsp9 dimer of SARS-CoV-2 that may aid in the development of new strategies for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica de O Araújo
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 01, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Silvana Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 01, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - William J Zamora
- School of Chemistry & Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
- Advanced Computing Lab (CNCA), National High Technology Center (CeNAT-CONARE), Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cláudio Nahum Alves
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 01, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Jerônimo Lameira
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 01, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Anderson H Lima
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 01, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brasil.
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32
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Metibemu DS, Akinloye OA, Omotuyi IO, Okoye JO, Popoola MA, Akamo AJ. Carotenoid-Enriched Fractions From Spondias mombin Demonstrate HER2 ATP Kinase Domain Inhibition: Computational and In Vivo Animal Model of Breast Carcinoma Studies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687190. [PMID: 34532287 PMCID: PMC8438527 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in about 20% of breast cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. We report in this study that carotenoid-enriched fractions from Spondias mombin demonstrate HER2 ATP kinase domain inhibition. HER2 breast carcinoma was modeled in female Wistar rats and authenticated via immunohistochemical studies. Inhibition of HER2 ATP kinase domain by the carotenoid-enriched fractions was investigated by molecular docking, atomistic simulation, and the expression of HER2 mRNA in HER2-positive breast carcinoma model in female Wistar rats. The therapeutic efficacy of the treatments (carotenoid-rich fractions) was determined by biochemical, tumor volume, and histopathological analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced HER2-positive breast carcinoma. Phytoconstituents of the carotenoid-enriched fractions astaxanthin, 7,7′,8,8′-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene, beta-carotene-15,15′-epoxide, and lapatinib (standard drug) demonstrate inhibition of HER2 with docking scores of −3.0, −8.5, −11.5, and −10.6 kcal/mol, respectively; and during atomistic simulation, the compounds ruptured the canonical active-state K753/E770 salt-bridge interaction. The treatment similarly downregulated HER2 mRNA expression significantly at p < 0.05. It also upregulated the expression of p53 and p27 mRNAs significantly at p < 0.05 and reduced creatinine and urea concentrations in the serum at p < 0.05. The tumor volume was also significantly reduced when compared with that of the untreated group. Carotenoid-enriched fractions from S. mombin demonstrate anti-HER2 positive breast carcinoma potentials via HER2 ATP kinase domain inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilohun Samuel Metibemu
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | | | - Idowu Olaposi Omotuyi
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.,Institute for Drug Research and Development, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Jude Ogechukwu Okoye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Mustapha Ayodele Popoola
- Institute for Drug Research and Development, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.,Research and Development Desk, Office of the Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Adio Jamiu Akamo
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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33
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Thallmair S, Javanainen M, Fábián B, Martinez-Seara H, Marrink SJ. Nonconverged Constraints Cause Artificial Temperature Gradients in Lipid Bilayer Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:9537-9546. [PMID: 34398598 PMCID: PMC8404198 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c03665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Molecular dynamics
(MD) simulations have become an indispensable
tool to investigate phase separation in model membrane systems. In
particular, simulations based on coarse-grained (CG) models have found
widespread use due to their increased computational efficiency, allowing
for simulations of multicomponent lipid bilayers undergoing phase
separation into liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered domains. Here,
we show that a significant temperature difference between molecule
types can artificially arise in CG MD membrane simulations with the
standard Martini simulation parameters in GROMACS. In particular,
the linear constraint solver (LINCS) algorithm does not converge with
its default settings, resulting in serious temperature differences
between molecules in a time step-dependent manner. We demonstrate
that the underlying reason for this behavior is the presence of highly
constrained moieties, such as cholesterol. Their presence can critically
impact numerous structural and dynamic membrane properties obtained
from such simulations. Furthermore, any preference of these molecules
toward a certain membrane phase can lead to spatial temperature gradients,
which can amplify the degree of phase separation or even induce it
in compositions that would otherwise mix well. We systematically investigated
the effect of the integration time step and LINCS settings on membrane
properties. Our data show that for cholesterol-containing membranes,
a time step of 20 fs should be combined with at least lincs_iter = 2 and lincs_order = 12, while using a time
step of 30 fs requires at least lincs_iter =
3 and lincs_order = 12 to bring the temperature
differences to a level where they do not perturb central membrane
properties. Moreover, we show that in cases where stricter LINCS settings
are computationally too demanding, coupling the lipids in multiple
groups to the temperature bath offers a practical workaround to the
problem, although the validity of this approach should be further
verified. Finally, we show that similar temperature gradients can
also emerge in atomistic simulations using the CHARMM force field
in combination with settings that allow for a 5 fs integration step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Thallmair
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.,Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Ruth-Moufang-Straße 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matti Javanainen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 542/2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Balázs Fábián
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 542/2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hector Martinez-Seara
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 542/2, CZ-16000 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Siewert J Marrink
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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34
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Chitranshi N, Kumar A, Sheriff S, Gupta V, Godinez A, Saks D, Sarkar S, Shen T, Mirzaei M, Basavarajappa D, Abyadeh M, Singh SK, Dua K, Zhang KYJ, Graham SL, Gupta V. Identification of Novel Cathepsin B Inhibitors with Implications in Alzheimer's Disease: Computational Refining and Biochemical Evaluation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081946. [PMID: 34440715 PMCID: PMC8391575 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP), upon proteolytic degradation, forms aggregates of amyloid β (Aβ) and plaques in the brain, which are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cathepsin B is a cysteine protease enzyme that catalyzes the proteolytic degradation of APP in the brain. Thus, cathepsin B inhibition is a crucial therapeutic aspect for the discovery of new anti-Alzheimer’s drugs. In this study, we have employed mixed-feature ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) by integrating pharmacophore mapping, docking, and molecular dynamics to detect small, potent molecules that act as cathepsin B inhibitors. The LBVS model was generated by using hydrophobic (HY), hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and hydrogen bond donor (HBD) features, using a dataset of 24 known cathepsin B inhibitors of both natural and synthetic origins. A validated eight-feature pharmacophore hypothesis (Hypo III) was utilized to screen the Maybridge chemical database. The docking score, MM-PBSA, and MM-GBSA methodology was applied to prioritize the lead compounds as virtual screening hits. These compounds share a common amide scaffold, and showed important interactions with Gln23, Cys29, His110, His111, Glu122, His199, and Trp221. The identified inhibitors were further evaluated for cathepsin-B-inhibitory activity. Our study suggests that pyridine, acetamide, and benzohydrazide compounds could be used as a starting point for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
- Correspondence: (N.C.); (V.G.); Tel.: +61-(02)-9850-2804 (N.C.)
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Kanagawa, Japan; (A.K.); (K.Y.J.Z.)
| | - Samran Sheriff
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | - Angela Godinez
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Danit Saks
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Soumalya Sarkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Ting Shen
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Morteza Abyadeh
- Cell Science Research Center, Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran;
| | - Sachin K. Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India;
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kam Y. J. Zhang
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Kanagawa, Japan; (A.K.); (K.Y.J.Z.)
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (M.M.); (D.B.); (S.L.G.)
- Correspondence: (N.C.); (V.G.); Tel.: +61-(02)-9850-2804 (N.C.)
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35
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Lizana I, Uribe EA, Delgado EJ. A theoretical approach for the acylation/deacylation mechanisms of avibactam in the reversible inhibition of KPC-2. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2021; 35:943-952. [PMID: 34236545 PMCID: PMC8264174 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-021-00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC-2) is the most commonly encountered class A β-lactamase variant worldwide, which confer high-level resistance to most available antibiotics. In this article we address the issue by a combined approach involving molecular dynamics simulations and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. The study contributes to improve the understanding, at molecular level, of the acylation and deacylation stages of avibactam involved in the inhibition of KPC-2. The results show that both mechanisms, acylation and deacylation, the reaction occur via the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. The formation of this intermediate corresponds to the rate limiting stage. The activation barriers are 19.5 kcal/mol and 23.0 kcal/mol for the acylation and deacylation stages, respectively. The associated rate constants calculated, using the Eyring equation, are 1.2 × 10−1 and 3.9 × 10−4 (s−1). These values allow estimating a value of 3.3 × 10−3 for the inhibition constant, in good agreement with the experimental value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Lizana
- Grupo QTC, Departamento de Físico-Química, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus on Catalytic Processes Towards Sustainable Chemistry, 4070386, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elena A Uribe
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Eduardo J Delgado
- Grupo QTC, Departamento de Físico-Química, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile. .,Millennium Nucleus on Catalytic Processes Towards Sustainable Chemistry, 4070386, Santiago, Chile.
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36
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Kong X, Xing E, Zhuang T, Li PK, Cheng X. Mechanistic Insights into the Allosteric Inhibition of Androgen Receptors by Binding Function 3 Antagonists from an Integrated Molecular Modeling Study. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3477-3494. [PMID: 34165949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An androgen receptor (AR) is an intensively studied treatment target for castration-resistant prostate cancer that is irresponsive to conventional antiandrogen therapeutics. Binding function 3 (BF3) inhibitors with alternative modes of action have emerged as a promising approach to overcoming antiandrogen resistance. However, how these BF3 inhibitors modulate AR function remains elusive, hindering the development of BF3-targeting agents. Here, we performed an integrated computational study to interrogate the binding mechanism of several known BF3 inhibitors with ARs. Our results show that the inhibitory effect of the BF3 antagonists arises from their allosteric modulation of the activation function (AF2) site, which alters the dynamic coupling between the BF3 and AF2 sites as well as the AF2-coactivator (SRC2-3) interaction. Moreover, the per-residue binding energy analyses reveal the "anchor" role of the linker connecting the phenyl ring and benzimidazole/indole in these BF3 inhibitors. Furthermore, the allosteric driver-interacting residues are found to include both "positive", e.g., Phe673 and Asn833, and "negative" ones, e.g., Phe826, and the differential interactions with these residues provide an explanation why stronger binding does not necessarily result in higher inhibitory activities. Finally, our allosteric communication pathway analyses delineate how the allosteric signals triggered by BF3 binding are propagated to the AF2 pocket through multiple short- and/or long-ranged transmission pathways. Collectively, our combined computational study provides a comprehensive structural mechanism underlying how the selected set of BF3 inhibitors modulate AR function, which will help guide future development of BF3 antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Kong
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Enming Xing
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Tony Zhuang
- J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Program, Department of Medicine, Emory University, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Pui-Kai Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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37
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Lopez A, Havranek B, Papadantonakis GA, Islam SM. In silico screening and molecular dynamics simulation of deleterious PAH mutations responsible for phenylketonuria genetic disorder. Proteins 2021; 89:683-696. [PMID: 33491267 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that if left untreated can lead to behavioral problems, epilepsy, and even mental retardation. PKU results from mutations within the phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase (PAH) gene that encodes for the PAH protein. The study of all PAH causing mutations is improbable using experimental techniques. In this study, a collection of in silico resources, sorting intolerant from tolerant, Polyphen-2, PhD-SNP, and MutPred were used to identify possible pathogenetic and deleterious PAH non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs). We identified two variants of PAH, I65N and L311P, to be the most deleterious and disease causing nsSNPs. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to characterize these point mutations on the atomic level. MD simulations revealed increased flexibility and a decrease in the hydrogen bond network for both mutants compared to the native protein. Free energy calculations using the MM/GBSA approach found that BH4 , a drug-based therapy for PKU patients, had a higher binding affinity for I65N and L311P mutants compared to the wildtype protein. We also identify important residues in the BH4 binding pocket that may be of interest for the rational drug design of other PAH drug-based therapies. Lastly, free energy calculations also determined that the I65N mutation may impair the dimerization of the N-terminal regulatory domain of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lopez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brandon Havranek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Shahidul M Islam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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38
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Farina B, Andrea C, Del Gatto A, Comegna D, Di Gaetano S, Capasso D, Paladino A, Acconcia C, Teresa Gentile M, Saviano M, Fattorusso R, Zaccaro L, Russo L. A novel approach for studying receptor-ligand interactions on living cells surface by using NUS/T1ρ-NMR methodologies combined with computational techniques: The RGDechi15D-α vβ 5 integrin complex. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3303-3318. [PMID: 34188779 PMCID: PMC8207173 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural investigations of receptor-ligand interactions on living cells surface by high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) are problematic due to their short lifetime, which often prevents the acquisition of experiments longer than few hours. To overcome these limitations, we developed an on-cell NMR-based approach for exploring the molecular determinants driving the receptor-ligand recognition mechanism under native conditions. Our method relies on the combination of high-resolution structural and dynamics NMR data with Molecular Dynamics simulations and Molecular Docking studies. The key point of our strategy is the use of Non Uniform Sampling (NUS) and T1ρ-NMR techniques to collect atomic-resolution structural and dynamics information on the receptor-ligand interactions with living cells, that can be used as conformational constraints in computational studies. In fact, the application of these two NMR methodologies allows to record spectra with high S/N ratio and resolution within the lifetime of cells. In particular, 2D NUS [1H–1H] trNOESY spectra are used to explore the ligand conformational changes induced by receptor binding; whereas T1ρ-based experiments are applied to characterize the ligand binding epitope by defining two parameters: T1ρ Attenuation factor and T1ρ Binding Effect. This approach has been tested to characterize the molecular determinants regulating the recognition mechanism of αvβ5-integrin by a selective cyclic binder peptide named RGDechi15D. Our data demonstrate that the developed strategy represents an alternative in-cell NMR tool for studying, at atomic resolution, receptor-ligand recognition mechanism on living cells surface. Additionally, our application may be extremely useful for screening of the interaction profiling of drugs with their therapeutic targets in their native cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biancamaria Farina
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.,Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis Company, via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Corvino Andrea
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Annarita Del Gatto
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center of Bioactive Peptide, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Comegna
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Di Gaetano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center of Bioactive Peptide, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Capasso
- Interdepartmental Center of Bioactive Peptide, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.,Center for Life Sciences and Technologies (CESTEV) University of Naples Federico II, Via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Paladino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via Francesco de Sanctis, Benevento 82100, Italy
| | - Clementina Acconcia
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography-CNR, Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Fattorusso
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center of Bioactive Peptide, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Zaccaro
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center of Bioactive Peptide, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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39
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Ramirez-Mondragon CA, Nguyen ME, Milicaj J, Hassan BA, Tucci FJ, Muthyala R, Gao J, Taylor EA, Sham YY. Conserved Conformational Hierarchy across Functionally Divergent Glycosyltransferases of the GT-B Structural Superfamily as Determined from Microsecond Molecular Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094619. [PMID: 33924837 PMCID: PMC8124905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has long been understood that some proteins undergo conformational transitions en route to the Michaelis Complex to allow chemistry. Examination of crystal structures of glycosyltransferase enzymes in the GT-B structural class reveals that the presence of ligand in the active site triggers an open-to-closed conformation transition, necessary for their catalytic functions. Herein, we describe microsecond molecular dynamics simulations of two distantly related glycosyltransferases that are part of the GT-B structural superfamily, HepI and GtfA. Simulations were performed using the open and closed conformations of these unbound proteins, respectively, and we sought to identify the major dynamical modes and communication networks that interconnect the open and closed structures. We provide the first reported evidence within the scope of our simulation parameters that the interconversion between open and closed conformations is a hierarchical multistep process which can be a conserved feature of enzymes of the same structural superfamily. Each of these motions involves of a collection of smaller molecular reorientations distributed across both domains, highlighting the complexities of protein dynamic involved in the interconversion process. Additionally, dynamic cross-correlation analysis was employed to explore the potential effect of distal residues on the catalytic efficiency of HepI. Multiple distal nonionizable residues of the C-terminal domain exhibit motions anticorrelated to positively charged residues in the active site in the N-terminal domain involved in substrate binding. Mutations of these residues resulted in a reduction in negatively correlated motions and an altered enzymatic efficiency that is dominated by lower Km values with kcat effectively unchanged. The findings suggest that residues with opposing conformational motions involved in the opening and closing of the bidomain HepI protein can allosterically alter the population and conformation of the “closed” state, essential to the formation of the Michaelis complex. The stabilization effects of these mutations likely equally influence the energetics of both the ground state and the transition state of the catalytic reaction, leading to the unaltered kcat. Our study provides new insights into the role of conformational dynamics in glycosyltransferase’s function and new modality to modulate enzymatic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Ramirez-Mondragon
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.A.R.-M.); (M.E.N.); (J.G.)
| | - Megin E. Nguyen
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.A.R.-M.); (M.E.N.); (J.G.)
| | - Jozafina Milicaj
- Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA; (J.M.); (B.A.H.); (F.J.T.)
| | - Bakar A. Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA; (J.M.); (B.A.H.); (F.J.T.)
| | - Frank J. Tucci
- Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA; (J.M.); (B.A.H.); (F.J.T.)
| | - Ramaiah Muthyala
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Jiali Gao
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.A.R.-M.); (M.E.N.); (J.G.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Erika A. Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA; (J.M.); (B.A.H.); (F.J.T.)
- Correspondence: (E.A.T.); (Y.Y.S.); Tel.: +1-(860)-685-2739 (E.A.T.); +1-(612)-625-6255 (Y.Y.S.); Fax: +1-(860)-685-2211 (E.A.T.); +1-(612)-625-5149 (Y.Y.S.)
| | - Yuk Y. Sham
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.A.R.-M.); (M.E.N.); (J.G.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: (E.A.T.); (Y.Y.S.); Tel.: +1-(860)-685-2739 (E.A.T.); +1-(612)-625-6255 (Y.Y.S.); Fax: +1-(860)-685-2211 (E.A.T.); +1-(612)-625-5149 (Y.Y.S.)
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Martins IBS, Viegas TG, Dos Santos Alvares D, de Souza BM, Palma MS, Ruggiero Neto J, de Araujo AS. The effect of acidic pH on the adsorption and lytic activity of the peptides Polybia-MP1 and its histidine-containing analog in anionic lipid membrane: a biophysical study by molecular dynamics and spectroscopy. Amino Acids 2021; 53:753-767. [PMID: 33890127 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02982-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune system of many species. AMPs are short sequences rich in charged and non-polar residues. They act on the lipid phase of the plasma membrane without requiring membrane receptors. Polybia-MP1 (MP1), extracted from a native wasp, is a broad-spectrum bactericide, an inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation being non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic. MP1 mechanism of action and its adsorption mode is not yet completely known. Its adsorption to lipid bilayer and lytic activity is most likely dependent on the ionization state of its two acidic and three basic residues and consequently on the bulk pH. Here we investigated the effect of bulk acidic (pH 5.5) and neutral pH (7.4) solution on the adsorption, insertion, and lytic activity of MP1 and its analog H-MP1 to anionic (7POPC:3POPG) model membrane. H-MP1 is a synthetic analog of MP1 with lysines replaced by histidines. Bulk pH changes could modulate this peptide efficiency. The combination of different experimental techniques and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the adsorption, insertion, and lytic activity of H-MP1 are highly sensitive to bulk pH in opposition to MP1. The atomistic details, provided by MD simulations, showed peptides contact their N-termini to the bilayer before the insertion and then lay parallel to the bilayer. Their hydrophobic faces inserted into the acyl chain phase disturb the lipid-packing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Bernardes Santana Martins
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Cristóvão Colombo, 2265-Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Taisa Giordano Viegas
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Cristóvão Colombo, 2265-Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Dayane Dos Santos Alvares
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Cristóvão Colombo, 2265-Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Mário Sérgio Palma
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - João Ruggiero Neto
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Cristóvão Colombo, 2265-Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Suman de Araujo
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Cristóvão Colombo, 2265-Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil.
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Alvares DDS, Martins IBS, Viegas TG, Palma MS, de Araujo AS, de Carvalho SJ, Ruggiero Neto J. Modulatory Effects of Acidic pH and Membrane Potential on the Adsorption of pH-Sensitive Peptides to Anionic Lipid Membrane. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11050307. [PMID: 33922150 PMCID: PMC8143466 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anionic lipid membrane electrostatic potential and solution pH can influence cationic peptide adsorption to these bilayers, especially those containing simultaneously acid and basic residues. Here, we investigate the effects of the pH solution on MP1 (IDWKKLLDAAKQIL-NH2) adsorption to anionic (7POPC:3POPG) lipid vesicles in comparison to its analog H-MP1, with histidines substituting lysines. We used the association of adsorption isotherms and constant pH molecular dynamic simulations (CpHMD) to explore the effects of membrane potential and pH on peptides' adsorption on this lipid membrane. We analyzed the fluorescence and zeta potential adsorption isotherms using the Gouy-Chapman theory. In CpHMD simulations for the peptides in solution and adsorbed on the lipid bilayer, we used the conformations obtained by conventional MD simulations at a μs timescale. Non-equilibrium Monte Carlo simulations provided the protonation states of acidic and basic residues. CpHMD showed average pKa shifts of two to three units, resulting in a higher net charge for the analog than for MP1, strongly modulating the peptide adsorption. The fractions of the protonation of acidic and basic residues and the peptides' net charges obtained from the analysis of the adsorption isotherms were in reasonable agreement with those from CpHMD. MP1 adsorption was almost insensitive to solution pH. H-MP1 was much more sensitive to partitioning, at acidic pH, with an affinity ten times higher than in neutral ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane dos Santos Alvares
- IBILCE, Department of Physics, UNESP—São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (D.d.S.A.); (I.B.S.M.); (T.G.V.); (A.S.d.A.); (S.J.d.C.)
| | - Ingrid Bernardes Santana Martins
- IBILCE, Department of Physics, UNESP—São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (D.d.S.A.); (I.B.S.M.); (T.G.V.); (A.S.d.A.); (S.J.d.C.)
| | - Taisa Giordano Viegas
- IBILCE, Department of Physics, UNESP—São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (D.d.S.A.); (I.B.S.M.); (T.G.V.); (A.S.d.A.); (S.J.d.C.)
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Basic and Applied Biology, UNESP—São Paulo State University, Rio Claro 13506-752, SP, Brazil;
| | - Alexandre Suman de Araujo
- IBILCE, Department of Physics, UNESP—São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (D.d.S.A.); (I.B.S.M.); (T.G.V.); (A.S.d.A.); (S.J.d.C.)
| | - Sidney Jurado de Carvalho
- IBILCE, Department of Physics, UNESP—São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (D.d.S.A.); (I.B.S.M.); (T.G.V.); (A.S.d.A.); (S.J.d.C.)
| | - João Ruggiero Neto
- IBILCE, Department of Physics, UNESP—São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (D.d.S.A.); (I.B.S.M.); (T.G.V.); (A.S.d.A.); (S.J.d.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Wu R, Wei Z, Zhang L. Structural insight into mutations at 155 position of valosin containing protein (VCP) linked to inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal Dementia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:2128-2138. [PMID: 33911929 PMCID: PMC8071901 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Valosin-containing protein (VCP) have been implicated in the pathology linked to inclusion body myopathy, paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD). VCP is an essential component of AAA-ATPase superfamily involved in various cellular functions. Advanced In-silico analysis was performed using prediction based servers to determine the most deleterious mutation. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to study the protein dynamics at atomic level. Molecular docking was used to study the effect of mutation on ATP/ADP transition in the kinase domain. This ATPase of 806 amino acids has four domains: N-terminal domain, C-terminal domain and two ATPase domains D1 and D2 and each of these domains have a distinct role in its functioning. The mutations in VCP protein are distributed among regions known as hotspots, one such hotspot is codon 155. Three missense mutations reported in this hotspot are R155C, R155H and R155P. Potentiality of the deleteriousness calculated using server based prediction models reveal R155C mutation to be the most deleterious. The atomic insight into the effect of mutation by molecular dynamics simulation revealed major conformational changes in R155C variants ATP binding site in D1 domain. The nucleotide-binding mode at the catalytic pocket of VCP and its three variants at codon 155 showed change in the structure, which affects the ATP-ADP transition kinetics in all the three variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Zhijie Wei
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
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43
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Uggowitzer KA, Habibi Y, Wei W, Moitessier N, Thibodeaux CJ. Mutations in Dynamic Structural Elements Alter the Kinetics and Fidelity of the Multifunctional Class II Lanthipeptide Synthetase, HalM2. Biochemistry 2021; 60:412-430. [PMID: 33507068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Class II lanthipeptide synthetases (LanM enzymes) catalyze the multistep post-translational modification of genetically encoded precursor peptides into macrocyclic (often antimicrobial) lanthipeptides. The reaction sequence involves dehydration of serine/threonine residues, followed by intramolecular addition of cysteine thiols onto the nascent dehydration sites to construct thioether bridges. LanMs utilize two separate active sites in an iterative yet highly coordinated manner to maintain a remarkable level of regio- and stereochemical control over the multistep maturation. The mechanisms underlying this biosynthetic fidelity remain enigmatic. We recently demonstrated that proper function of the haloduracin β synthetase (HalM2) requires dynamic structural elements scattered across the surface of the enzyme. Here, we perform kinetic simulations, structural analysis of reaction intermediates, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry studies, and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the contributions of these dynamic HalM2 structural elements to biosynthetic efficiency and fidelity. Our studies demonstrate that a large, conserved loop (HalM2 residues P349-P405) plays essential roles in defining the precursor peptide binding site, facilitating efficient peptide dehydration, and guiding the order of thioether ring formation. Moreover, mutations near the interface of the HalM2 dehydratase and cyclase domains perturb cyclization fidelity and result in aberrant thioether topologies that cannot be corrected by the wild type enzyme, suggesting an element of kinetic control in the normal cyclization sequence. Overall, this work provides the most comprehensive correlation of the structural and functional properties of a LanM enzyme reported to date and should inform mechanistic studies of the biosynthesis of other ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide natural products.
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Arodola OA, Kanchi S, Hloma P, Bisetty K, Asiri AM, Inamuddin. An in-silico layer-by-layer adsorption study of the interaction between Rebaudioside A and the T1R2 human sweet taste receptor: modelling and biosensing perspectives. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18391. [PMID: 33110140 PMCID: PMC7591876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human sweet taste receptor (T1R2) monomer-a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family that detects a wide variety of chemically and structurally diverse sweet tasting molecules, is known to pose a significant threat to human health. Protein that lack crystal structure is a challenge in structure-based protein design. This study focused on the interaction of the T1R2 monomer with rebaudioside A (Reb-A), a steviol glycoside with potential use as a natural sweetener using in-silico and biosensing methods. Herein, homology modelling, docking studies, and molecular dynamics simulations were applied to elucidate the interaction between Reb-A and the T1R2 monomer. In addition, the electrochemical sensing of the immobilised T1R2-Reb-A complex with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and graphene oxide (GO) were assessed by testing the performance of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as an adsorbent experimentally. Results indicate a strong interaction between Reb-A and the T1R2 receptor, revealing the stabilizing interaction of the amino acids with the Reb-A by hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups of the glucose moieties, along with a significant amount of hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the presence of the MWCNT as an anchor confirms the adsorption strength of the T1R2-Reb-A complex onto the GO nanocomposite and supported with electrochemical measurements. Overall, this study could serve as a cornerstone in the development of electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of Reb-A, with applications in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayide A Arodola
- Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Suvardhan Kanchi
- Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Phathisanani Hloma
- Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Krishna Bisetty
- Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Abdullah M Asiri
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Inamuddin
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
- Advanced Functional Materials Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India.
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45
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Pokhrel R, Chapagain P, Siltberg-Liberles J. Potential RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors as prospective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:864-873. [PMID: 32469301 PMCID: PMC7451031 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has taken humanity off guard. Following an outbreak of SARS-CoV in 2002, and MERS-CoV about 10 years later, SARS-CoV-2 is the third coronavirus in less than 20 years to cross the species barrier and start spreading by human-to-human transmission. It is the most infectious of the three, currently causing the COVID-19 pandemic. No treatment has been approved for COVID-19. We previously proposed targets that can serve as binding sites for antiviral drugs for multiple coronaviruses, and here we set out to find current drugs that can be repurposed as COVID-19 therapeutics.Aim. To identify drugs against COVID-19, we performed an in silico virtual screen with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), a critical enzyme for coronavirus replication.Methodology. Initially, no RdRP structure of SARS-CoV-2 was available. We performed basic sequence and structural analysis to determine if RdRP from SARS-CoV was a suitable replacement. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to generate multiple starting conformations that were used for the in silico virtual screen. During this work, a structure of RdRP from SARS-CoV-2 became available and was also included in the in silico virtual screen.Results. The virtual screen identified several drugs predicted to bind in the conserved RNA tunnel of RdRP, where many of the proposed targets were located. Among these candidates, quinupristin is particularly interesting because it is expected to bind across the RNA tunnel, blocking access from both sides and suggesting that it has the potential to arrest viral replication by preventing viral RNA synthesis. Quinupristin is an antibiotic that has been in clinical use for two decades and is known to cause relatively minor side effects.Conclusion. Quinupristin represents a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic. At present, we have no evidence that this drug is effective against SARS-CoV-2 but expect that the biomedical community will expeditiously follow up on our in silico findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudramani Pokhrel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Prem Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Jessica Siltberg-Liberles
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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46
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Tendong E, Dasgupta TS, Chakrabarti J. Dynamics of water trapped in transition metal oxide-graphene nano-confinement. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2020; 32:325101. [PMID: 32191936 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ab814f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Motivated by practical implementation of transition-metal oxide-graphene heterostructures, we use all atom molecular dynamics simulations to study dynamics of water in a nano slit bounded by a transition metal oxide surface, namely, TiO2termination of SrTiO3, and graphene. The resultant asymmetric, strong confinement produces square ice-like crystallites of water pinned at TiO2surface and drives enhanced hydrophobicity of graphene via the proximity effect to the hydrophilic TiO2surface. This importantly brings in dynamic heterogeneity, both in translational and rotational degrees of freedom, due to coupling between the slow relaxing, strongly adsorbed water layer at the hydrophilic oxide surface, and faster relaxation of subsequent water layers. The heterogeneity is signalled in the ruggedness of the effective free energy landscapes. We discuss possible implications of our findings in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tendong
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Material Sciences & Department of Chemical Biological and Macromoleculer Sciences, S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block JD, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata - 700106, India
| | - T Saha Dasgupta
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Material Sciences & Department of Chemical Biological and Macromoleculer Sciences, S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block JD, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata - 700106, India
| | - J Chakrabarti
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Material Sciences,Thematic Unit of Excellence for Material Science & Technology Research Centre, S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block JD, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata - 700106, India
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Pedersen L, Panahandeh P, Siraji MI, Knappskog S, Lønning PE, Gordillo R, Scherer PE, Molven A, Teigen K, Halberg N. Golgi-Localized PAQR4 Mediates Antiapoptotic Ceramidase Activity in Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:2163-2174. [PMID: 32291319 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic network of sphingolipids plays important roles in cancer biology. Prominent sphingolipids include ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate that regulate multiple aspects of growth, apoptosis, and cellular signaling. Although a significant number of enzymatic regulators of the sphingolipid pathway have been described in detail, many remained poorly characterized. Here we applied a patient-derived systemic approach to identify and molecularly define progestin and adipoQ receptor family member IV (PAQR4) as a Golgi-localized ceramidase. PAQR4 was approximately 5-fold upregulated in breast cancer compared with matched control tissue and its overexpression correlated with disease-specific survival rates in breast cancer. Induction of PAQR4 in breast tumors was found to be subtype-independent and correlated with increased ceramidase activity. These findings establish PAQR4 as Golgi-localized ceramidase required for cellular growth in breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Induction of and cellular dependency on de novo sphingolipid synthesis via PAQR4 highlights a central vulnerability in breast cancer that may serve as a viable therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Pedersen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Stian Knappskog
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Eystein Lønning
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth Gordillo
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Simmons Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Philipp E Scherer
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Simmons Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Anders Molven
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Teigen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Halberg
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Chen Y, Li J, Wu Z, Liu G, Li H, Tang Y, Li W. Computational Insight into the Allosteric Activation Mechanism of Farnesoid X Receptor. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:1540-1550. [PMID: 32097559 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid-sensing transcription factor with indispensable roles in regulating metabolic processes. Nowadays, FXR has become a highly promising drug target for severe liver disorders, especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A recent study showed that imatinib and its analogues were able to allosterically enhance agonist-induced FXR activation and its target gene expression. However, the allosteric modulation mechanism of FXR by these compounds remains unclear. In this work, the most effective imatinib analogue, P16, was used as a probe to explore this issue by computational approaches. Our results identified one potential allosteric site surrounded by residues Ile335, Phe336, Lys338, Glu339, Leu340, and Leu348, which could efficiently accommodate P16. In addition, the long-time molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the binding of P16 could significantly decrease the fluctuation of the co-activator and enhance the communications between the endogenous ligand chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and FXR. By analyzing the residue interaction network, we observed two unique communication pathways connecting P16 and CDCA through three key residues, Arg331, Ser332, and Phe336. The communications of network organization in the P16-bound complex may allow the synergistic effect of the two compounds via robust signal transmission between the binding sites and global network bridges, which coordinate allosteric transitions and modulate the receptor activity. Our study offers insights into the allosteric modulation occurring in FXR and would be helpful for discovery of new allosteric modulators targeting FXR for further clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Junhao Li
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zengrui Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guixia Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Pourshojaei Y, Abiri A, Eskandari K, Haghighijoo Z, Edraki N, Asadipour A. Phenoxyethyl Piperidine/Morpholine Derivatives as PAS and CAS Inhibitors of Cholinesterases: Insights for Future Drug Design. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19855. [PMID: 31882733 PMCID: PMC6934599 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56463-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalyzes the conversion of Aβ peptide to its aggregated form and the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE is mainly involved in this phenomenon. Also catalytic active site (CAS) of donepezil stimulates the break-down of acetylcholine (ACh) and depletion of ACh in cholinergic synapses are well established in brains of patients with AD. In this study, a set of compounds bearing phenoxyethyl amines were synthesized and their inhibitory activity toward electric eel AChE (eeAChE) and equine butyrylcholinesterase (eqBuChE) were evaluated. Molecular dynamics (MD) was employed to record the binding interactions of best compounds against human cholinesterases (hAChE and hBuChE) as well as donepezil as reference drug. In vitro results revealed that compound 5c is capable of inhibiting eeAChE activity at IC50 of 0.50 µM while no inhibitory activity was found for eqBuChE for up to 100 µM concentrations. Compound 5c, also due to its facile synthesis, small structure and high selectivity for eeAChE would be very interesting candidate in forthcoming studies. The main interacting parts of compound 5c and compound 7c (most potent eeAChE and eqBuChE inhibitors respectively) with receptors which confer selectivity for AChE and BuChE inhibition were identified, discussed, and compared with donepezil’s interactions. Also during MD simulation it was discovered for the first time that binding of substrates like donepezil to dual CAS and PAS or solely CAS region might have a suppressive impact on 4-α-helical bundles near the tryptophan amphiphilic tetramerization (WAT) domain of AChE and residues which are far away from AChE active site. The results proposed that residues involved in donepezil interactions (Trp86 and Phe295) which are located in CAS and mid-gorge are the mediator of conformational changes in whole protein structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaghoub Pourshojaei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khalil Eskandari
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Zahra Haghighijoo
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Najmeh Edraki
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ali Asadipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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50
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Jin Y, Duan M, Wang X, Kong X, Zhou W, Sun H, Liu H, Li D, Yu H, Li Y, Hou T. Communication between the Ligand-Binding Pocket and the Activation Function-2 Domain of Androgen Receptor Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:842-857. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Jin
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Mojie Duan
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xiaotian Kong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wenfang Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Huiyong Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Huidong Yu
- Rongene Pharma Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518054, China
| | - Youyong Li
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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