HSP60-Derived Peptide as an LPS/TLR4 Modulator: An in silico Approach

Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying Cellular Uptake and Activation of Dendritic Cells by the GK-1 Peptide

The use of peptides for cancer immunotherapy is a promising and emerging approach that is being intensively explored worldwide. One such peptide, GK-1, has been shown to delay the growth of triple-negative breast tumors in mice, reduce their metastatic capacity, and reverse the intratumor immunosuppression that characterizes this model. Herein, it is demonstrated that GK-1 is taken up by bone marrow dendritic cells in a dose-dependent manner 15 min after exposure, more efficiently at 37 °C than at 4 °C, implying an entrance into the cells by energy-independent and -dependent processes through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Theoretical predictions support the binding of GK-1 to the hydrophobic pocket of MD2, preventing it from bridging TLR4, thereby promoting receptor dimerization and cell activation. GK-1 can effectively activate cells via a TLR4-dependent pathway based on in vitro studies using HEK293 and HEK293-TLR4-MD2 cells and in vivo using C3H/HeJ mice (hyporesponsive to LPS). In conclusion, GK-1 enters the cells by passive diffusion and by activation of the transmembrane Toll-like receptor 4 triggering cell activation, which could be involved in the GK-1 antitumor properties.

Investigate the binding of pesticides with the TLR4 receptor protein found in mammals and zebrafish using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

The widespread use of pesticides poses significant threats to both environmental and human health, primarily due to their potential toxic effects. The study investigated the cardiovascular toxicity of selected pesticides, focusing on their interactions with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important part of the innate immune system. Using computational tools such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component analysis (PCA), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and ADME analysis, this study identified C160 as having the lowest binding affinity (-8.2 kcal/mol), followed by C107 and C165 (-8.0 kcal/mol). RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and hydrogen bond metrics indicated the formation of stable complexes between specific pesticides and TLR4. PCA revealed significant structural changes upon ligand binding, affecting stability and flexibility, while DFT calculations provided information about the stability, reactivity, and polarity of the compounds. ADME studies highlighted the solubility, permeability, and metabolic stability of C107, C160, and C165, suggesting their potential for bioavailability and impact on cardiovascular toxicity. C107 and C165 exhibit higher bioactivity scores, indicating favourable absorption, metabolism, and distribution properties. C165 also violated rule where molecular weight is greater than 500 g/mol. Further, DFT and NCI analysis of post MD conformations confirmed the binding of ligands at the binding pocket. The analysis shed light on the molecular mechanisms of pesticide-induced cardiovascular toxicity, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate their harmful effects on human health.

Navigating the intersection: Diabetes and Alzheimer's intertwined relationship

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit comparable pathophysiological pathways. Genetic abnormalities in APP, PS-1, and PS-2 are linked to AD, with diagnostic aid from CSF and blood biomarkers. Insulin dysfunction, termed "type 3 diabetes mellitus" in AD, involves altered insulin signalling and neuronal shrinkage. Insulin influences beta-amyloid metabolism, exacerbating neurotoxicity in AD and amyloid production in DM. Both disorders display impaired glucose transporter expression, hastening cognitive decline. Mitochondrial dysfunction and Toll-like receptor 4-mediated inflammation worsen neurodegeneration in both diseases. ApoE4 raises disease risk, especially when coupled with dyslipidemia common in DM. Targeting shared pathways like insulin-degrading enzyme activation and HSP60 holds promise for therapeutic intervention. Recognizing these interconnected mechanisms underscores the imperative for developing tailored treatments addressing the overlapping pathophysiology of AD and DM, offering potential avenues for more effective management of both conditions.

Environmentally friendly and efficient TBHP-mediated catalytic reaction for the synthesis of substituted benzimidazole-2-ones: In-silico approach to pharmaceutical applications

A novel method was used to synthesize benzimidazole-2-ones from the corresponding benzimidazolium salts. These salts were subsequently reacted with potassium tertiary butoxide (KOtBu), followed by oxidation using tertiary butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) at room temperature in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to obtain the desired products in 1 h with excellent yields. After optimizing the reaction conditions, the study focused on preparing benzimidazole-2-ones with diverse substituents at N1 and N3 positions, including benzyl, 2',4',6'-trimethyl benzyl groups, and long-chain aliphatic substituents (hexyl, octyl, decyl, and dodecyl). The compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectra, of which compound 2a is supported by single crystal XRD. Benzimidazole-2-one compounds exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The inhibition of mitochondrial Heat Shock Protein 60 (HSP60) of title compounds was also explored. Computational simulations were employed to assess anti-cancer properties of 19 benzimidazole-2-one derivatives (potential drugs). In-silico docking studies demonstrated promising binding interactions with HSP60, and these results were supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Notably, molecules 2b and 2d exhibited high affinity for HSP60 protein, highlighting their potential efficacy. The developed ligands were viable for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The findings provide valuable initial evidence supporting the efficacy of benzimidazole-2-ones as HSP60 inhibitors and lay the foundation for subsequent studies, including in-vitro assays.

Impacts of monosaccharide composition on immunomodulation by cello-pentaose, manno-pentaose, and xylo-pentaose: Unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms

Different types of functional oligosaccharides exhibit varying degrees of immune-enhancing effects, which might be attributable to differences in their glycosyl structures. The differences in the immunomodulatory action of three functional oligosaccharides with distinct glycosyl compositions: cello-oligosaccharides (COS), manno-oligosaccharides (MOS), and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), were investigated in mouse-derived macrophage RAW264.7. Moreover, the immune enhancement mechanism of oligosaccharides with diverse glycosyl compositions was investigated from a molecular interaction perspective. The TLR4-dependent immunoregulatory effect of functional oligosaccharides was shown by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in RAW264.7 cells treated with different functional oligosaccharides, both with and without Resatorvid [TAK-242] (a Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4] inhibitor). Western blot analysis showed that binding of the three oligosaccharides to TLR4 activated the downstream signaling pathway and consequently enhanced the immune response. The fluorescence spectra and molecular docking results revealed that the main mechanisms by which these oligosaccharides attach to the TLR4 active pocket are hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Functional oligosaccharides were ranked according to their affinity for TLR4, as follows: MOS > COS > XOS, indicating that oligosaccharides or polysaccharides containing mannose units may confer significant advantages for immune enhancement.

Fucoidan's Molecular Targets: A Comprehensive Review of Its Unique and Multiple Targets Accounting for Promising Bioactivities Supported by In Silico Studies

Fucoidan is a class of multifunctional polysaccharides derived from marine organisms. Its unique and diversified physicochemical and chemical properties have qualified them for potential and promising pharmacological uses in human diseases, including inflammation, tumors, immunity disorders, kidney diseases, and diabetes. Physicochemical and chemical properties are the main contributors to these bioactivities. The previous literature has attributed such activities to its ability to target key enzymes and receptors involved in potential disease pathways, either directly or indirectly, where the anionic sulfate ester groups are mainly involved in these interactions. These findings also confirm the advantageous pharmacological uses of sulfated versus non-sulfated polysaccharides. The current review shall highlight the molecular targets of fucoidans, especially enzymes, and the subsequent responses via either the upregulation or downregulation of mediators' expression in various tissue abnormalities. In addition, in silico studies will be applied to support the previous findings and show the significant contributors. The current review may help in understanding the molecular mechanisms of fucoidan. Also, the findings of this review may be utilized in the design of specific oligomers inspired by fucoidan with the purpose of treating life-threatening human diseases effectively.

Exploring the Role of Hsp60 in Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Suggestion for Common Drug Targeting

Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is a member of the chaperonin family of heat shock proteins (HSPs), primarily found in the mitochondrial matrix. As a molecular chaperone, Hsp60 plays an essential role in mediating protein folding and assembly, and together with the co-chaperon Hsp10, it is thought to maintain protein homeostasis. Recently, it has been found to localize in non-canonical, extra-mitochondrial sites such as cell membranes or extracellular fluids, particularly in pathological conditions. Starting from its biological function, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential involvement of Hsp60 in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which are known to share impaired key pathways and molecular dysfunctions. Fragmentary data reported in the literature reveal interesting links between the altered expression level or localization of this chaperonin and several disease conditions. The present work offers an overview of the past and more recent knowledge about Hsp60 and its role in the most important cellular processes to shed light on neuronal Hsp60 as a potential common target for both pathologies. The absence of any effective cure for AD patients makes the identification of a new molecular target a promising path by which to move forward in the development of new drugs and/or repositioning of therapies already used for T2DM.