1
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Adami R, Pezzotta M, Cadile F, Cuniolo B, Rovati G, Canepari M, Bottai D. Physiological Features of the Neural Stem Cells Obtained from an Animal Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Their Response to Antioxidant Curcumin. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8364. [PMID: 39125934 PMCID: PMC11313061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158364] [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: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent rare genetic disease affecting young individuals is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the telomeric gene survival motor neuron (SMN) 1. The high heterogeneity of the SMA pathophysiology is determined by the number of copies of SMN2, a separate centromeric gene that can transcribe for the same protein, although it is expressed at a slower rate. SMA affects motor neurons. However, a variety of different tissues and organs may also be affected depending on the severity of the condition. Novel pharmacological treatments, such as Spinraza, Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, and Evrysdi, are considered to be disease modifiers because their use can change the phenotypes of the patients. Since oxidative stress has been reported in SMA-affected cells, we studied the impact of antioxidant therapy on neural stem cells (NSCs) that have the potential to differentiate into motor neurons. Antioxidants can act through various pathways; for example, some of them exert their function through nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2). We found that curcumin is able to induce positive effects in healthy and SMA-affected NSCs by activating the nuclear translocation of NRF2, which may use a different mechanism than canonical redox regulation through the antioxidant-response elements and the production of antioxidant molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Adami
- Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (M.P.); (B.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Matteo Pezzotta
- Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (M.P.); (B.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Francesca Cadile
- Human Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Beatrice Cuniolo
- Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (M.P.); (B.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Gianenrico Rovati
- Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (M.P.); (B.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Monica Canepari
- Human Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.A.); (M.P.); (B.C.); (G.R.)
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2
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Kritsi E, Christodoulou P, Tsiaka T, Georgiadis P, Zervou M. A Computational Approach for the Discovery of Novel DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3394-3407. [PMID: 38666943 PMCID: PMC11049320 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the explosion of knowledge in the field of epigenetics has revealed new pathways toward the treatment of multifactorial diseases, rendering the key players of the epigenetic machinery the focus of today's pharmaceutical landscape. Among epigenetic enzymes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are first studied as inhibition targets for cancer treatment. The increasing clinical interest in DNMTs has led to advanced experimental and computational strategies in the search for novel DNMT inhibitors. Considering the importance of epigenetic targets as a novel and promising pharmaceutical trend, the present study attempted to discover novel inhibitors of natural origin against DNMTs using a combination of structure and ligand-based computational approaches. Particularly, a pharmacophore-based virtual screening was performed, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations in order to establish an accurate and robust selection methodology. Our screening protocol prioritized five natural-derived compounds, derivatives of coumarins, flavones, chalcones, benzoic acids, and phenazine, bearing completely diverse chemical scaffolds from FDA-approved "Epi-drugs". Their total DNMT inhibitory activity was evaluated, revealing promising results for the derived hits with an inhibitory activity ranging within 30-45% at 100 µM of the tested compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftichia Kritsi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece; (P.C.); (T.T.); (P.G.)
| | | | | | | | - Maria Zervou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece; (P.C.); (T.T.); (P.G.)
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3
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Xie D, Fu W, Yuan T, Han K, Lv Y, Wang Q, Jiang Q, Zhang Y, Zhu G, Xu J, Zhao P, Yang X. 6'- O-Caffeoylarbutin from Quezui Tea: A Highly Effective and Safe Tyrosinase Inhibitor. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:972. [PMID: 38256044 PMCID: PMC10816276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020972] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tyrosinase is vital in fruit and vegetable browning and melanin synthesis, crucial for food preservation and pharmaceuticals. We investigated 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin's inhibition, safety, and preservation on tyrosinase. Using HPLC, we analyzed its effect on mushroom tyrosinase and confirmed reversible competitive inhibition. UV_vis and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a stable complex formation with specific binding, causing enzyme conformational changes. Molecular docking and simulations highlighted strong binding, enabled by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Cellular tests showed growth reduction of A375 cells with mild HaCaT cell toxicity, indicating favorable safety. Animal experiments demonstrated slight toxicity within safe doses. Preservation trials on apple juice showcased 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin's potential in reducing browning. In essence, this study reveals intricate mechanisms and applications of 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin as an effective tyrosinase inhibitor, emphasizing its importance in food preservation and pharmaceuticals. Our research enhances understanding in this field, laying a solid foundation for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xie
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Wengan Fu
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Tiantian Yuan
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Kangjia Han
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Yuxiu Lv
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Qi Wang
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Qian Jiang
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Yingjun Zhang
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China;
| | - Guolei Zhu
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Junming Xu
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Nanjing 210042, China;
| | - Ping Zhao
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
| | - Xiaoqin Yang
- Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly-Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (D.X.); (W.F.); (T.Y.); (K.H.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (Q.J.); (G.Z.)
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Aloor LJ, Skariyachan S, Raghavamenon AC, Kumar KM, Narayanappa R, Uttarkar A, Niranjan V, Cherian T. BRCA1/TP53 tumor proteins inhibited by novel analogues of curcumin - Insight from computational modelling, dynamic simulation and experimental validation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126989. [PMID: 37739292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126989] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to design novel curcumin analogue inhibitors with antiproliferative and antitumor activity towards BRCA1 and TP53 tumor proteins and to study their therapeutic potential by computer-aided molecular designing and experimental investigations. Four curcumin analogues were computationally designed and their drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties were predicted. The binding of these analogues against six protein targets belonging to BRCA1 and TP53 tumor proteins were modelled by molecular docking and their binding energies were compared with that of curcumin and the standard drug cyclophosphamide and its validated target. The stabilities of selected docked complexes were confirmed by molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and MMGBSA calculations. The best-docked analogue was chemically synthesized, characterized, and used for in vitro cytotoxic screening using DLA, EAC, and C127I cell lines. In vivo antitumor studies were carried out in Swiss Albino Mice. The study revealed that the designed analogues satisfied drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties and demonstrated better binding affinity to the selected targets than curcumin. Among the analogues, NLH demonstrated significant interaction with the BRCA1-BRCT-c domain (TG3; binding energy -8.3 kcal/mol) when compared to the interaction of curcumin (binding energy -6.19 kcal) and cyclophosphamide (binding energy -3.8 kcal/mol) and its usual substrate (TG7). The MDS and MM/GBSA studies revealed that the binding free energy of the NLH-TG3 complex (-61.24 kcal/mol) was better when compared to that of the cyclophosphamide-TG7 complex (-21.67 kcal/mol). In vitro, cytotoxic studies showed that NLH demonstrated significant antiproliferative activities against tumor cell lines. The in vivo study depicted NLH possesses the potential for tumor inhibition. Thus, the newly synthesized curcumin analogue is probably used to develop novel therapeutic agents against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovely Jacob Aloor
- Department of Chemistry, Little Flower College, Guruvayoor, Kerala, India; Post Graduate & Research Department of Chemistry, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India
| | - Sinosh Skariyachan
- Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, Kerala, India.
| | | | - Kalavathi Murugan Kumar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Chinna Kalapet, Kalapet, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajeswari Narayanappa
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshay Uttarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vidya Niranjan
- Department of Biotechnology, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Tom Cherian
- Post Graduate & Research Department of Chemistry, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India.
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5
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Saatci O, Cetin M, Uner M, Tokat UM, Chatzistamou I, Ersan PG, Montaudon E, Akyol A, Aksoy S, Uner A, Marangoni E, Sajish M, Sahin O. Toxic PARP trapping upon cAMP-induced DNA damage reinstates the efficacy of endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors in treatment-refractory ER+ breast cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6997. [PMID: 37914699 PMCID: PMC10620179 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42736-y] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors, the standard of care (SOC) in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, greatly reduces patient survival. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to SOC therapy and identifying actionable targets are urgently needed. Here, we show that SOC therapy causes DNA damage and toxic PARP1 trapping upon generation of a functional BRCAness (i.e., BRCA1/2 deficiency) phenotype, leading to increased histone parylation and reduced H3K9 acetylation, resulting in transcriptional blockage and cell death. Mechanistically, SOC therapy downregulates phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), a novel ER target gene in a feedforward loop with ER, resulting in increased cAMP, PKA-dependent phosphorylation of mitochondrial COXIV-I, ROS generation and DNA damage. However, during SOC resistance, an ER-to-EGFR switch induces PDE4D overexpression via c-Jun. Notably, combining SOC with inhibitors of PDE4D, EGFR or PARP1 overcomes SOC resistance irrespective of the BRCA1/2 status, providing actionable targets for restoring SOC efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Saatci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Metin Cetin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Meral Uner
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Unal Metin Tokat
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Pelin Gulizar Ersan
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Elodie Montaudon
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Aytekin Akyol
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sercan Aksoy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Uner
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Mathew Sajish
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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6
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Goyal S, Singh M, Thirumal D, Sharma P, Mujwar S, Mishra KK, Singh TG, Singh R, Singh V, Singh T, Ahmad SF. In Silico Approaches to Developing Novel Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK-3β). Biomedicines 2023; 11:2784. [PMID: 37893156 PMCID: PMC10604233 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by plaque agglomeration and entanglement in several areas of the neural cells, which leads to apoptosis. The main etiology of AD is senile dementia, which is linked to amyloid-beta (Aβ) deregulation and tau perivascular pathogeny. Hyperphosphorylated tau has a propensity for microtubules, which elevate the instability and tau-protein congregates, leading to accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Tau hyperphosphorylation is susceptible to GSK-3, which has led to an emerging hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of AD. Accordingly, attempts have been made to conduct investigations and achieve further advancements on new analogues capable of inhibiting the GSK-3 protein, which are currently in the clinical trials. In this analysis, we have evaluated certain GSK-3 inhibitor variants utilising scaffolding and framework devised techniques with pharmacological characteristics, accompanied by computational screenings (pharmacokinetics and docking). The structure-based designed analogues interacted effectively with the active amino acids of GSK-3β target protein. The in silico pharmacokinetic studies revealed their drug-like properties. The analogues with best interactions and binding scores will be considered in the future to completely demonstrate their potential relevance as viable GSK-3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchi Goyal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Manjinder Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Divya Thirumal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Pratibha Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Somdutt Mujwar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Krishna Kumar Mishra
- Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India;
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Ravinder Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (S.G.); (S.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Varinder Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda 151001, Punjab, India;
| | - Tanveer Singh
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A & M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA;
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Ravnik V, Jukič M, Bren U. Identifying Metal Binding Sites in Proteins Using Homologous Structures, the MADE Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5204-5219. [PMID: 37557084 PMCID: PMC10466382 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00558] [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: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to identify the locations of metal ions in the binding sites of proteins, we have developed a method named the MADE (MAcromolecular DEnsity and Structure Analysis) approach. The MADE approach represents an evolution of our previous toolset, the ProBiS H2O (MD) methodology, for the identification of conserved water molecules. Our method uses experimental structures of proteins homologous to a query, which are subsequently superimposed upon it. Areas with a particular species present in a similar location among many homologous protein structures are identified using a clustering algorithm. Dense clusters likely represent positions containing species important to the query protein structure or function. We analyze well-characterized apo protein structures and show that the MADE approach can identify clusters corresponding to the expected positions of metal ions in their binding sites. The greatest advantage of our method lies in its generality. It can in principle be applied to any species found in protein records; it is not only limited to metal ions. We additionally demonstrate that the MADE approach can be successfully applied to predict the location of cofactors in computer-modeled structures, e.g., via AlphaFold. We also conduct a careful protein superposition method comparison and find our methodology robust and the results largely independent of the selected protein superposition algorithm. We postulate that with increasing structural data availability, additional applications of the MADE approach will be possible such as non-protein systems, water network identification, protein binding site elaboration, and analysis of binding events, all in a dynamic manner. We have implemented the MADE approach as a plugin for the PyMOL molecular visualization tool. The MADE plugin is available free of charge at https://gitlab.com/Jukic/made_software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vid Ravnik
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Maribor, Smetanova
ulica 17, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jukič
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Maribor, Smetanova
ulica 17, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
- The
Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, Koper SI-6000, Slovenia
- Institute
for Environmental Protection and Sensors, Beloruska ulica 7, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
| | - Urban Bren
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Maribor, Smetanova
ulica 17, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
- The
Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, Koper SI-6000, Slovenia
- Institute
for Environmental Protection and Sensors, Beloruska ulica 7, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
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8
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Naidu A, Nayak SS, Lulu S S, Sundararajan V. Advances in computational frameworks in the fight against TB: The way forward. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1152915. [PMID: 37077815 PMCID: PMC10106641 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1152915] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 1.6 million people lost their life to Tuberculosis in 2021 according to WHO estimates. Although an intensive treatment plan exists against the causal agent, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, evolution of multi-drug resistant strains of the pathogen puts a large number of global populations at risk. Vaccine which can induce long-term protection is still in the making with many candidates currently in different phases of clinical trials. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the adversities by affecting early TB diagnosis and treatment. Yet, WHO remains adamant on its "End TB" strategy and aims to substantially reduce TB incidence and deaths by the year 2035. Such an ambitious goal would require a multi-sectoral approach which would greatly benefit from the latest computational advancements. To highlight the progress of these tools against TB, through this review, we summarize recent studies which have used advanced computational tools and algorithms for-early TB diagnosis, anti-mycobacterium drug discovery and in the designing of the next-generation of TB vaccines. At the end, we give an insight on other computational tools and Machine Learning approaches which have successfully been applied in biomedical research and discuss their prospects and applications against TB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vino Sundararajan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India
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9
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Dou B, Wu X, Xia Z, Wu G, Guo Q, Lyu M, Wang S. Multiple Bioactivities of Peptides from Hydrolyzed Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062589. [PMID: 36985560 PMCID: PMC10053552 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062589] [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] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (loach) is a widely distributed benthic fish in Asia. In this study, the alkaline protease was used to hydrolyze loach, and the hydrolysate products of different molecular weights were obtained by membrane separation. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that the <3 kDa fraction (SLH-1) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical scavenging ability, and reducing power), while SLH-1 was purified by gel filtration chromatography, and peptide sequences were identified by LC-MS/MS. A total of six peptides with antioxidant activity were identified, namely SERDPSNIKWGDAGAQ (D-1), TVDGPSGKLWR (D-2), NDHFVKL (D-3), AFRVPTP (D-4), DAGAGIAL (D-5), and VSVVDLTVR (D-6). In vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition assay and pancreatic cholesterol esterase (CE) inhibition assay, peptide D-4 (IC50 95.07 μg/mL, 0.12 mM) and D-2 inhibited ACE, and peptide D-2 (IC50 3.19 mg/mL, 2.62 mM), D-3, and D-6 acted as pancreatic CE inhibitors. The inhibitory mechanisms of these peptides were investigated by molecular docking. The results showed that the peptides acted by binding to the key amino acids of the catalytic domain of enzymes. These results could provide the basis for the nutritional value and promote the type of healthy products from hydrolyzed loach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojie Dou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Xudong Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Zihan Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Guanghao Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Quanyou Guo
- East China Sea Fishery Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Mingsheng Lyu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Shujun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (S.W.)
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10
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Ajala A, Uzairu A, Shallangwa GA, Abechi SE, Ramu R, Al-Ghorbani M. Natural product inhibitors as potential drug candidates against Alzheimer's disease: Structural-based drug design, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation experiments, and ADMET predictions. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2023.100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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11
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Furlan V, Bren U. Helichrysum italicum: From Extraction, Distillation, and Encapsulation Techniques to Beneficial Health Effects. Foods 2023; 12:foods12040802. [PMID: 36832877 PMCID: PMC9957194 DOI: 10.3390/foods12040802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Helichrysum italicum (family Asteraceae), due to its various beneficial health effects, represents an important plant in the traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries. Currently, there is a renewed interest in this medicinal plant, especially in investigations involving the isolation and identification of its bioactive compounds from extracts and essential oils, as well as in experimental validation of their pharmacological activities. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the beneficial health effects of Helichrysum italicum extracts, essential oils, and their major bioactive polyphenolic compounds, ranging from antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities to their antiviral, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiparasitic effects. This review also provides an overview of the most promising extraction and distillation techniques for obtaining high-quality extracts and essential oils from Helichrysum italicum, as well as methods for determining their antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities. Finally, new ideas for in silico studies of molecular mechanisms of bioactive polyphenols from Helichrysum italicum, together with novel suggestions for their improved bioavailability through diverse encapsulation techniques, are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Furlan
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Urban Bren
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
- Institute of Environmental Protection and Sensors, Beloruska Ulica 7, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Yu CX, Tan JW, Rullah K, Imran S, Tham CL. Insight parameter drug design for human β-tryptase inhibition integrated molecular docking, QSAR, molecular dynamics simulation, and pharmacophore modelling studies of α-keto-[1,2,4]-oxadiazoles. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:12978-12996. [PMID: 36709457 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2171131] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is severe dengue with a hallmark of vascular leakage. β-tryptase has been found to promote vascular leakage in DHF patients, which could be a potential target for DHF treatment. This study aims to develop a theoretical background for designing and selecting human β-tryptase inhibitors through computational studies. Thirty-four α-keto-[1,2,3]-oxadiazoles scaffold-based compounds were used to generate 2D-QSAR models and for molecular docking studies with β-tryptase (PDB Code 4A6L). In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics generalised born surface area (MM-GBSA) analysis on the binding of the reported most active compound, compound 11e, towards β-tryptase were performed. Finally, a structure-based pharmacophore model was generated. The selected 2D-QSAR models have statistically proven good models by internal and external validation as well as the y-randomization test. The docking results of compound 11e showed lower CDOCKER energy than the 4A6L co-crystallised ligand and a similar binding pattern as the 4A6L co-crystallised ligand. From molecular dynamics simulation, 4A6L in compound 11e bound state has RMSD below 2 Å throughout the 500 ns simulation, indicating the docked complex is stable. Besides, MM-GBSA analysis suggested the 4A6L-compound 11e docked complex (-66.04 Kcal/mol) is structurally as stable as the 4A6L-native ligand co-crystallized structure (-66.84 Kcal/mol). The best pharmacophore model identified features included hydrogen bond acceptor, ionic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and aromatic ring, which contribute to the inhibitory potency of a compound. This study supplied insight and knowledge for developing novel chemical compounds with improved inhibition of β-tryptase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai Xin Yu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jian Wei Tan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Rullah
- Drug Discovery and Synthetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Syahrul Imran
- Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor Kampus Puncak Alam, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chau Ling Tham
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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13
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Nayak SS, Sundararajan V. Robust anti-inflammatory activity of genistein against neutrophil elastase: a microsecond molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11612-11628. [PMID: 36705087 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2170919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Human Neutrophil Elastase (HNE) is one of the major causes of tissue destruction in numerous chronic and inflammatory disorders and has been reported as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. Overexpression of this enzyme plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The focus of this study is to identify potent natural inhibitors that could target the active site of the HNE through the use of computational methods. The molecular structure of small molecules was retrieved from several natural compound databases. This was followed by structure-based virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET property predictions and molecular dynamic simulation studies to screen potential HNE inhibitors. In total, 1881 natural compounds were extracted and subjected to molecular docking studies, and 10 compounds were found to have good interactions, exhibiting the best docking scores. Genistein showed higher binding efficacy (-10.28 Kcal/mol) to HNE in comparison to other natural compounds. The conformational stability of the docked complex of the ELANE gene (HNE) with genistein was assessed using 1-microsecond molecular dynamic simulation (MDs), which reliably revealed the unique stereochemical alteration of the complex, indicating its conformational stability and flexibility. Alterations in the enzyme structure upon complex formation were further characterized through clustering analysis and linear interaction energy (LIE) calculation. The outcomes of this research propose novel potential candidates against target HNE.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smruti Sudha Nayak
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Vino Sundararajan
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
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14
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Targeting Annexin A1 as a Druggable Player to Enhance the Anti-Tumor Role of Honokiol in Colon Cancer through Autophagic Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010070. [PMID: 36678567 PMCID: PMC9862434 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the most common digestive tract malignancies, having the second highest mortality rate among all tumors, with a five-year survival of advanced patients of only 10%. Efficient, targeted drugs are still lacking in treating colon cancer, so it is urgent to explore novel druggable targets. Here, we demonstrated that annexin A1 (ANXA1) was overexpressed in tumors of 50% of colon cancer patients, and ANXA1 overexpression was significantly negatively correlated with the poor prognosis of colon cancer. ANXA1 promoted the abnormal proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by regulating the cell cycle, while the knockdown of ANXA1 almost totally inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in vivo. Furthermore, ANXA1 antagonized the autophagic death of honokiol in colon cancer cells via stabilizing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Based on these results, we speculated that ANXA1 might be a druggable target to control colon cancer and overcome drug resistance.
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Pantiora P, Furlan V, Matiadis D, Mavroidi B, Perperopoulou F, Papageorgiou AC, Sagnou M, Bren U, Pelecanou M, Labrou NE. Monocarbonyl Curcumin Analogues as Potent Inhibitors against Human Glutathione Transferase P1-1. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010063. [PMID: 36670925 PMCID: PMC9854774 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The isoenzyme of human glutathione transferase P1-1 (hGSTP1-1) is involved in multi-drug resistance (MDR) mechanisms in numerous cancer cell lines. In the present study, the inhibition potency of two curcuminoids and eleven monocarbonyl curcumin analogues against hGSTP1-1 was investigated. Demethoxycurcumin (Curcumin II) and three of the monocarbonyl curcumin analogues exhibited the highest inhibitory activity towards hGSTP1-1 with IC50 values ranging between 5.45 ± 1.08 and 37.72 ± 1.02 μM. Kinetic inhibition studies of the most potent inhibitors demonstrated that they function as non-competitive/mixed-type inhibitors. These compounds were also evaluated for their toxicity against the prostate cancer cells DU-145. Interestingly, the strongest hGSTP1-1 inhibitor, (DM96), exhibited the highest cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 8.60 ± 1.07 μΜ, while the IC50 values of the rest of the compounds ranged between 44.59-48.52 μΜ. Structural analysis employing molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and binding-free-energy calculations was performed to study the four most potent curcumin analogues as hGSTP1-1 inhibitors. According to the obtained computational results, DM96 exhibited the lowest binding free energy, which is in agreement with the experimental data. All studied curcumin analogues were found to form hydrophobic interactions with the residue Gln52, as well as hydrogen bonds with the nearby residues Gln65 and Asn67. Additional hydrophobic interactions with the residues Phe9 and Val36 as well as π-π stacking interaction with Phe9 contributed to the superior inhibitory activity of DM96. The van der Waals component through shape complementarity was found to play the most important role in DM96-inhibitory activity. Overall, our results revealed that the monocarbonyl curcumin derivative DM96 acts as a strong hGSTP1-1 inhibitor, exerts high prostate cancer cell cytotoxicity, and may, therefore, be exploited for the suppression and chemosensitization of cancer cells. This study provides new insights into the development of safe and effective GST-targeted cancer chemosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Pantiora
- Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, GR-11855 Athens, Greece
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Veronika Furlan
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Dimitris Matiadis
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Barbara Mavroidi
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Fereniki Perperopoulou
- Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, GR-11855 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Marina Sagnou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Urban Bren
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
- Institute of Environmental Protection and Sensors, Beloruska Ulica 7, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maria Pelecanou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos E. Labrou
- Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, GR-11855 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +30-2105294208
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16
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Sheng J, Zhang S, Wu L, Kumar G, Liao Y, GK P, Fan H. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase: A novel therapeutic target for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1019187. [PMID: 36268188 PMCID: PMC9577554 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1019187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is ranked as the 6th leading cause of death in the US. The prevalence of AD and dementia is steadily increasing and expected cases in USA is 14.8 million by 2050. Neuroinflammation and gradual neurodegeneration occurs in Alzheimer's disease. However, existing medications has limitation to completely abolish, delay, or prevent disease progression. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are large family of enzymes to hydrolyze the 3'-phosphodiester links in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in signal-transduction pathways for generation of 5'-cyclic nucleotides. It plays vital role to orchestrate several pharmacological activities for proper cell functioning and regulating the levels of cAMP and cGMP. Several evidence has suggested that abnormal cAMP signaling is linked to cognitive problems in neurodegenerative disorders like AD. Therefore, the PDE family has become a widely accepted and multipotential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, modulation of cAMP/cGMP by phytonutrients has a huge potential for the management of AD. Natural compounds have been known to inhibit phosphodiesterase by targeting key enzymes of cGMP synthesis pathway, however, the mechanism of action and their therapeutic efficacy has not been explored extensively. Currently, few PDE inhibitors such as Vinpocetine and Nicergoline have been used for treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Considering the role of flavonoids to inhibit PDE, this review discussed the therapeutic potential of natural compounds with PDE inhibitory activity for the treatment of AD and related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Sheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People’s Hospital of Yichun City, Yichun, China
| | - Shanjin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People’s Hospital of Yichun City, Yichun, China
| | - Lule Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People’s Hospital of Yichun City, Yichun, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanhang Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People’s Hospital of Yichun City, Yichun, China
| | - Pratap GK
- Department of Biochemistry, Davangere University, Davangere, India
| | - Huizhen Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People’s Hospital of Yichun City, Yichun, China
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17
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Identification of Potential Insect Growth Inhibitor against Aedes aegypti: A Bioinformatics Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158218. [PMID: 35897792 PMCID: PMC9332482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158218] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the main vector that transmits viral diseases such as dengue, hemorrhagic dengue, urban yellow fever, zika, and chikungunya. Worldwide, many cases of dengue have been reported in recent years, showing significant growth. The best way to manage diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti is to control the vector with insecticides, which have already been shown to be toxic to humans; moreover, insects have developed resistance. Thus, the development of new insecticides is considered an emergency. One way to achieve this goal is to apply computational methods based on ligands and target information. In this study, sixteen compounds with acceptable insecticidal activities, with 100% larvicidal activity at low concentrations (2.0 to 0.001 mg·L−1), were selected from the literature. These compounds were used to build up and validate pharmacophore models. Pharmacophore model 6 (AUC = 0.78; BEDROC = 0.6) was used to filter 4793 compounds from the subset of lead-like compounds from the ZINC database; 4142 compounds (dG < 0 kcal/mol) were then aligned to the active site of the juvenile hormone receptor Aedes aegypti (PDB: 5V13), 2240 compounds (LE < −0.40 kcal/mol) were prioritized for molecular docking from the construction of a chitin deacetylase model of Aedes aegypti by the homology modeling of the Bombyx mori species (PDB: 5ZNT), which aligned 1959 compounds (dG < 0 kcal/mol), and 20 compounds (LE < −0.4 kcal/mol) were predicted for pharmacokinetic and toxicological prediction in silico (Preadmet, SwissADMET, and eMolTox programs). Finally, the theoretical routes of compounds M01, M02, M03, M04, and M05 were proposed. Compounds M01−M05 were selected, showing significant differences in pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters in relation to positive controls and interaction with catalytic residues among key protein sites reported in the literature. For this reason, the molecules investigated here are dual inhibitors of the enzymes chitin synthase and juvenile hormonal protein from insects and humans, characterizing them as potential insecticides against the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
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18
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Jongkon N, Seaho B, Tayana N, Prateeptongkum S, Duangdee N, Jaiyong P. Computational Analysis and Biological Activities of Oxyresveratrol Analogues, the Putative Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072346. [PMID: 35408774 PMCID: PMC9000610 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring phytochemicals. Herein, oxyresveratrol was isolated from ethanolic crude extracts of Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham., and chemically modified to derive its lipophilic analogues. Biological screening assays showed their inhibitory potency against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with very low cytotoxicity to the MRC-5 normal cell lines. At the catalytic site of COX-2, docking protocols with ChemPLP, GoldScore and AutoDock scoring functions were carried out to reveal hydrogen bonding interactions with key polar contacts and hydrophobic pi-interactions. For more accurate binding energetics, COX-2/ligand complexes at the binding region were computed in vacuo and implicit aqueous solvation using M06-2X density functional with 6-31G+(d,p) basis set. Our computational results confirmed that dihydrooxyresveratrol (4) is the putative inhibitor of human COX-2 with the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 of 11.50 ± 1.54 µM) among studied non-fluorinated analogues for further lead optimization. Selective substitution of fluorine provides a stronger binding affinity; however, lowering the cytotoxicity of a fluorinated analogue to a normal cell is challenging. The consensus among biological activities, ChemPLP docking score and the binding energies computed at the quantum mechanical level is obviously helpful for identification of oxyresveratrol analogues as a putative anti-inflammatory agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathjanan Jongkon
- Department of Social and Applied Science, College of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok 10800, Thailand;
| | - Boonwiset Seaho
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (B.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Ngampuk Tayana
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advance Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Saisuree Prateeptongkum
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (B.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Nongnaphat Duangdee
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advance Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
- Correspondence: (N.D.); (P.J.)
| | - Panichakorn Jaiyong
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (B.S.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence: (N.D.); (P.J.)
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19
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Inhibition of Filamentous Thermosensitive Mutant-Z Protein in Bacillus subtilis by Cyanobacterial Bioactive Compounds. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27061907. [PMID: 35335270 PMCID: PMC8948890 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the major growing concerns for public health. Conventional antibiotics act on a few predefined targets and, with time, several bacteria have developed resistance against a large number of antibiotics. The WHO has suggested that antibiotic resistance is at a crisis stage and identification of new antibiotics and targets could be the only approach to bridge the gap. Filamentous Temperature Sensitive-Mutant Z (Fts-Z) is one of the promising and less explored antibiotic targets. It is a highly conserved protein and plays a key role in bacterial cell division by introducing a cytokinetic Z-ring formation. In the present article, the potential of over 165 cyanobacterial compounds with reported antibiotic activity against the catalytic core domain in the Fts-Z protein of the Bacillus subtilis was studied. The identified cyanobacterial compounds were screened using the GLIDE module of Maestro v-2019-2 followed by 100-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Ranking of the potential compound was performed using dock score and MMGBSA based free energy. The study reported that the docking score of aphanorphine (−6.010 Kcalmol−1) and alpha-dimorphecolic acid (ADMA) (−6.574 Kcalmol−1) showed significant role with respect to the reported potential inhibitor PC190723 (−4.135 Kcalmol−1). A 100 ns MD simulation infers that Fts-Z ADMA complex has a stable conformation throughout the progress of the simulation. Both the compounds, i.e., ADMA and Aphanorphine, were further considered for In-vitro validation by performing anti-bacterial studies against B. subtilis by agar well diffusion method. The results obtained through In-vitro studies confirm that ADMA, a small molecule of cyanobacterial origin, is a potential compound with an antibacterial activity that may act by inhibiting the novel target Fts-Z and could be a great drug candidate for antibiotic development.
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20
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G MS, Swetha M, Keerthana CK, Rayginia TP, Anto RJ. Cancer Chemoprevention: A Strategic Approach Using Phytochemicals. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:809308. [PMID: 35095521 PMCID: PMC8793885 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.809308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemoprevention approaches are aimed at preventing, delaying, or suppressing tumor incidence using synthetic or natural bioactive agents. Mechanistically, chemopreventive agents also aid in mitigating cancer development, either by impeding DNA damage or by blocking the division of premalignant cells with DNA damage. Several pre-clinical studies have substantiated the benefits of using various dietary components as chemopreventives in cancer therapy. The incessant rise in the number of cancer cases globally is an issue of major concern. The excessive toxicity and chemoresistance associated with conventional chemotherapies decrease the success rates of the existent chemotherapeutic regimen, which warrants the need for an efficient and safer alternative therapeutic approach. In this scenario, chemopreventive agents have been proven to be successful in protecting the high-risk populations from cancer, which further validates chemoprevention strategy as rational and promising. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of this approach in managing cancers of different origins. Phytochemicals, which constitute an appreciable proportion of currently used chemotherapeutic drugs, have been tested for their chemopreventive efficacy. This review primarily aims to highlight the efficacy of phytochemicals, currently being investigated globally as chemopreventives. The clinical relevance of chemoprevention, with special emphasis on the phytochemicals, curcumin, resveratrol, tryptanthrin, kaempferol, gingerol, emodin, quercetin genistein and epigallocatechingallate, which are potential candidates due to their ability to regulate multiple survival pathways without inducing toxicity, forms the crux of this review. The majority of these phytochemicals are polyphenols and flavanoids. We have analyzed how the key molecular targets of these chemopreventives potentially counteract the key drivers of chemoresistance, causing minimum toxicity to the body. An overview of the underlying mechanism of action of these phytochemicals in regulating the key players of cancer progression and tumor suppression is discussed in this review. A summary of the clinical trials on the important phytochemicals that emerge as chemopreventives is also incorporated. We elaborate on the pre-clinical and clinical observations, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and molecular targets of some of these natural products. To summarize, the scope of this review comprises of the current status, limitations, and future directions of cancer chemoprevention, emphasizing the potency of phytochemicals as effective chemopreventives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Shankar G
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mundanattu Swetha
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - C K Keerthana
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Tennyson P Rayginia
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Ruby John Anto
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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21
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Lešnik S, Bren U. Mechanistic Insights into Biological Activities of Polyphenolic Compounds from Rosemary Obtained by Inverse Molecular Docking. Foods 2021; 11:67. [PMID: 35010191 PMCID: PMC8750736 DOI: 10.3390/foods11010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) represents a medicinal plant known for its various health-promoting properties. Its extracts and essential oils exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial activities. The main compounds responsible for these effects are the diterpenes carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmanol, as well as the phenolic acid ester rosmarinic acid. However, surprisingly little is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for the pharmacological activities of rosemary and its compounds. To discern these mechanisms, we performed a large-scale inverse molecular docking study to identify their potential protein targets. Listed compounds were separately docked into predicted binding sites of all non-redundant holo proteins from the Protein Data Bank and those with the top scores were further examined. We focused on proteins directly related to human health, including human and mammalian proteins as well as proteins from pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The observed interactions of rosemary compounds indeed confirm the beforementioned activities, whereas we also identified their potential for anticoagulant and antiparasitic actions. The obtained results were carefully checked against the existing experimental findings from the scientific literature as well as further validated using both redocking procedures and retrospective metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samo Lešnik
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Urban Bren
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
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Elucidation of Agonist and Antagonist Dynamic Binding Patterns in ER-α by Integration of Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Quantum Mechanical Calculations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179371. [PMID: 34502280 PMCID: PMC8431471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a ligand-dependent transcriptional factor in the nuclear receptor superfamily. Many structures of ERα bound with agonists and antagonists have been determined. However, the dynamic binding patterns of agonists and antagonists in the binding site of ERα remains unclear. Therefore, we performed molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and quantum mechanical calculations to elucidate agonist and antagonist dynamic binding patterns in ERα. 17β-estradiol (E2) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT) were docked in the ligand binding pockets of the agonist and antagonist bound ERα. The best complex conformations from molecular docking were subjected to 100 nanosecond MD simulations. Hierarchical clustering was conducted to group the structures in the trajectory from MD simulations. The representative structure from each cluster was selected to calculate the binding interaction energy value for elucidation of the dynamic binding patterns of agonists and antagonists in the binding site of ERα. The binding interaction energy analysis revealed that OHT binds ERα more tightly in the antagonist conformer, while E2 prefers the agonist conformer. The results may help identify ERα antagonists as drug candidates and facilitate risk assessment of chemicals through ER-mediated responses.
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