1
|
Inniss NL, Kozic J, Li F, Rosas-Lemus M, Minasov G, Rybáček J, Zhu Y, Pohl R, Shuvalova L, Rulíšek L, Brunzelle JS, Bednárová L, Štefek M, Kormaník JM, Andris E, Šebestík J, Li ASM, Brown PJ, Schmitz U, Saikatendu K, Chang E, Nencka R, Vedadi M, Satchell KJ. Discovery of a Druggable, Cryptic Pocket in SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 Using Allosteric Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1918-1931. [PMID: 37728236 PMCID: PMC10961098 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00203] [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] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
A collaborative, open-science team undertook discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp16-nsp10 2'-O-methyltransferase using a high throughput screening approach with the potential to reveal new inhibition strategies. This screen yielded compound 5a, a ligand possessing an electron-deficient double bond, as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 activity. Surprisingly, X-ray crystal structures revealed that 5a covalently binds within a previously unrecognized cryptic pocket near the S-adenosylmethionine binding cleft in a manner that prevents occupation by S-adenosylmethionine. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we examined the mechanism of binding of compound 5a to the nsp16 cryptic pocket and developed 5a derivatives that inhibited nsp16 activity and murine hepatitis virus replication in rat lung epithelial cells but proved cytotoxic to cell lines canonically used to examine SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study reveals the druggability of this newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 cryptic pocket, provides novel tool compounds to explore the site, and suggests a new approach for discovery of nsp16 inhibition-based pan-coronavirus therapeutics through structure-guided drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L. Inniss
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - Ján Kozic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Monica Rosas-Lemus
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - George Minasov
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - Jiří Rybáček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 201308, China
| | - Radek Pohl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmilla Shuvalova
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - Lubomír Rulíšek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph S. Brunzelle
- Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, Life Sciences Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, IL, 60439, United States
| | - Lucie Bednárová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Štefek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Michael Kormaník
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Andris
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Šebestík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Shi Ming Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada, and Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Peter J. Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Uli Schmitz
- Structural Chemistry, Gilead Pharmaceuticals, San Mateo, CA, 94404, United States
| | - Kumar Saikatendu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Edcon Chang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada, and Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Karla J.F. Satchell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Low ZY, Zabidi NZ, Yip AJW, Puniyamurti A, Chow VTK, Lal SK. SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins and Their Roles in Host Immune Evasion. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091991. [PMID: 36146796 PMCID: PMC9506350 DOI: 10.3390/v14091991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an unprecedented global crisis and continues to threaten public health. The etiological agent of this devastating pandemic outbreak is the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is characterized by delayed immune responses, followed by exaggerated inflammatory responses. It is well-established that the interferon (IFN) and JAK/STAT signaling pathways constitute the first line of defense against viral and bacterial infections. To achieve viral replication, numerous viruses are able to antagonize or hijack these signaling pathways to attain productive infection, including SARS-CoV-2. Multiple studies document the roles of several non-structural proteins (NSPs) of SARS-CoV-2 that facilitate the establishment of viral replication in host cells via immune escape. In this review, we summarize and highlight the functions and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 NSPs that confer host immune evasion. The molecular mechanisms mediating immune evasion and the related potential therapeutic strategies for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Nur Zawanah Zabidi
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ashwini Puniyamurti
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Vincent T. K. Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Correspondence: (V.T.K.C.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Sunil K. Lal
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (V.T.K.C.); (S.K.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gomes JPA, Rocha LDO, Leal CEY, Filho EBDA. Virtual screening of molecular databases for potential inhibitors of the NSP16/NSP10 methyltransferase from SARS-CoV-2. J Mol Struct 2022; 1261:132951. [PMID: 35369609 PMCID: PMC8958854 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and represents one of the greatest health problems that humanity faces at the moment. Therefore, efforts have been made with the objective of seeking therapies that could be effective in combating this problematic. In the search for ligands, computational chemistry plays an essential role, since it allows the screening of thousands of molecules on a given target, in order to save time and money for the in vitro or in vivo pharmacological stage. In this paper, we perform a virtual screening by docking looking for potential inhibitors of the NSP16-NSP10 protein dimer (methyltransferase) from SARS-CoV-2, by evaluating a homemade databank of molecules found in plants of the Caatinga Brazilian biome, compounds from ZINC online molecular database, as well as structural analogues of the enzymatic cofactor s-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and a known inhibitor in the literature, sinefungin (SFG), provided at PubChem database. All the evaluated sets presented molecules that deserve attention, highlighting four compounds from ZINC as the most promising ligands. These results contribute to the discovery of new molecular hits, in the search of potential agents against SARS-CoV-2 virus, still unveiling a pathway that can be used in combined therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Agra Gomes
- College of Pharmacy, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - Edilson Beserra de Alencar Filho
- College of Pharmacy, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chourasia R, Padhi S, Phukon LC, Abedin MM, Sirohi R, Singh SP, Rai AK. Peptide candidates for the development of therapeutics and vaccines against β-coronavirus infection. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9435-9454. [PMID: 35387556 PMCID: PMC9161909 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2060453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses (β-CoVs) have caused major viral outbreaks in the last two decades in the world. The mutation and recombination abilities in β-CoVs resulted in zoonotic diseases in humans. Proteins responsible for viral attachment and replication are highly conserved in β-CoVs. These conserved proteins have been extensively studied as targets for preventing infection and the spread of β-CoVs. Peptides are among the most promising candidates for developing vaccines and therapeutics against viral pathogens. The immunostimulatory and viral inhibitory potential of natural and synthetic peptides has been extensively studied since the SARS-CoV outbreak. Food-derived peptides demonstrating high antiviral activity can be used to develop effective therapeutics against β-CoVs. Specificity, tolerability, and customizability of peptides can be explored to develop potent drugs against β-CoVs. However, the proteolytic susceptibility and low bioavailability of peptides pose challenges for the development of therapeutics. This review illustrates the potential role of peptides in eliciting an adaptive immune response and inhibiting different stages of the β-CoV life cycle. Further, the challenges and future directions associated with developing peptide-based therapeutics and vaccines against existing and future β-CoV pathogens have been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rounak Chourasia
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Srichandan Padhi
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Loreni Chiring Phukon
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Md Minhajul Abedin
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Ranjana Sirohi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sudhir P Singh
- Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (DBT-CIAB), Sector-81, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali- 140306, India
| | - Amit Kumar Rai
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Mizoram Node, Aizawl, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramdhan P, Li C. Targeting Viral Methyltransferases: An Approach to Antiviral Treatment for ssRNA Viruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020379. [PMID: 35215972 PMCID: PMC8880702 DOI: 10.3390/v14020379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase enzymes have been associated with different processes within cells and viruses. Specifically, within viruses, methyltransferases are used to form the 5′cap-0 structure for optimal evasion of the host innate immune system. In this paper, we seek to discuss the various methyltransferases that exist within single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses along with their respective inhibitors. Additionally, the importance of motifs such as the KDKE tetrad and glycine-rich motif in the catalytic activity of methyltransferases is discussed.
Collapse
|
6
|
Saliu TP, Umar HI, Ogunsile OJ, Okpara MO, Yanaka N, Elekofehinti OO. Molecular docking and pharmacokinetic studies of phytocompounds from Nigerian Medicinal Plants as promising inhibitory agents against SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase (nsp16). J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:172. [PMID: 34751829 PMCID: PMC8576800 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00273-5] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Since the index case was reported in China, COVID-19 has led to the death of at least 4 million people globally. Although there are some vaccine cocktails in circulation, the emergence of more virulent variants of SARS-CoV-2 may make the eradication of COVID-19 more difficult. Nsp16 is an S-adenosyl-L-Methionine-dependent methyltransferase that plays an important role in SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA cap formation—a crucial process that confers viral stability and prevents virus detection by cell innate immunity mechanisms. This unique property makes nsp16 a promising molecular target for COVID-19 drug design. Thus, this study aimed to identify potent phytocompounds that can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 nsp16. We performed in silico pharmacokinetic screening and molecular docking studies using 100 phytocompounds—isolated from fourteen Nigerian plants—as ligands and nsp16 (PDB: 6YZ1) as the target. Results We found that only 59 phytocompounds passed the drug-likeness analysis test. However, after the docking analysis, only six phytocompounds (oxopowelline, andrographolide, deacetylbowdensine, 11, 12-dimethyl sageone, sageone, and quercetin) isolated from four Nigerian plants (Crinum jagus, Andrographis paniculata, Sage plants (Salvia officinalis L.), and Anacardium occidentale) showed good binding affinity with nsp16 at its active site with docking score ranging from − 7.9 to − 8.4 kcal/mol. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the six phytocompounds could serve as therapeutic agents to prevent viral survival and replication in cells. However, further studies on the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activities of these 6 hit phytocompounds against SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 are needed to confirm their efficacy and dose. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43141-021-00273-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tolulope Peter Saliu
- Computational and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. .,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 4-4 Kagamiyama 1-chome, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan.
| | - Haruna I Umar
- Computational and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Olawale Johnson Ogunsile
- Computational and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Micheal O Okpara
- Computational and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Noriyuki Yanaka
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 4-4 Kagamiyama 1-chome, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Olusola Olalekan Elekofehinti
- Computational and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Destefanis E, Avşar G, Groza P, Romitelli A, Torrini S, Pir P, Conticello SG, Aguilo F, Dassi E. A mark of disease: how mRNA modifications shape genetic and acquired pathologies. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:367-389. [PMID: 33376192 PMCID: PMC7962492 DOI: 10.1261/rna.077271.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications have recently emerged as a widespread and complex facet of gene expression regulation. Counting more than 170 distinct chemical modifications with far-reaching implications for RNA fate, they are collectively referred to as the epitranscriptome. These modifications can occur in all RNA species, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). In mRNAs the deposition, removal, and recognition of chemical marks by writers, erasers and readers influence their structure, localization, stability, and translation. In turn, this modulates key molecular and cellular processes such as RNA metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, and others. Unsurprisingly, given their relevance for cellular and organismal functions, alterations of epitranscriptomic marks have been observed in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, neurological and metabolic disorders. Here, we will review the major types of mRNA modifications and editing processes in conjunction with the enzymes involved in their metabolism and describe their impact on human diseases. We present the current knowledge in an updated catalog. We will also discuss the emerging evidence on the crosstalk of epitranscriptomic marks and what this interplay could imply for the dynamics of mRNA modifications. Understanding how this complex regulatory layer can affect the course of human pathologies will ultimately lead to its exploitation toward novel epitranscriptomic therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Destefanis
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
| | - Gülben Avşar
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Paula Groza
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Antonia Romitelli
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Core Research Laboratory, ISPRO-Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network, 50139 Firenze, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Università di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Serena Torrini
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Core Research Laboratory, ISPRO-Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network, 50139 Firenze, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Università di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Pınar Pir
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Silvestro G Conticello
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Core Research Laboratory, ISPRO-Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network, 50139 Firenze, Italy
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Aguilo
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Dassi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- The EPITRAN COST Action Consortium, COST Action CA16120
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
El Hassab MA, Ibrahim TM, Shoun AA, Al-Rashood ST, Alkahtani HM, Alharbi A, Eskandrani RO, Eldehna WM. In silico identification of potential SARS COV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase inhibitor: fragment-based screening approach and MM-PBSA calculations. RSC Adv 2021; 11:16026-16033. [PMID: 35481212 PMCID: PMC9029993 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra01809d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present era, there are many efforts trying to face the emerging and successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to considering new and unusual targets for SARS CoV-2. 2′-O-Methyltransferase (nsp16) is a key and attractive target in the SARS CoV-2 life cycle since it is responsible for the viral RNA protection via a cap formation process. In this study, we propose a new potential inhibitor for SARS COV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase (nsp16). A fragment library was screened against the co-crystal structure of the SARS COV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase complexed with Sinefungin (nsp16 – PDB ID: 6WKQ), and consequently the best proposed fragments were linked via a de novo approach to build molecule AP-20. Molecule AP-20 displayed a superior docking score to Sinefungin and reproduced the key interactions in the binding site of 2′-O-methyltransferase. Three molecular dynamic simulations of the 2′-O-methyltransferase apo structure and its complexed forms with AP-20 and Sinefungin were performed for 150 nano-seconds to provide insights on the dynamic nature of such setups and to assess the stability of the proposed AP-20/enzyme complex. AP-20/enzyme complex demonstrated better stability for the ligand–enzyme complex compared to Sinefungin in a respective setup. Furthermore, MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations showed a better profile for AP-20/enzyme complex compared to Sinefungin/enzyme complex emphasizing the potential inhibitory effect of AP-20 on SARS COV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase. We endorse our designed molecule AP-20 to be further explored via experimental evaluations to confront the spread of the emerging COVID-19. Also, in silico ADME profiling has ascribed to AP-20 an excellent safety and metabolic stability profile. The identification of AP-20 as a potential SARS COV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase inhibitor: fragment-based screening approach and MM-PBSA calculations.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A. El Hassab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- School of Pharmacy
- Badr University in Cairo (BUC)
- Cairo
- Egypt
| | - Tamer M. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Kafrelsheikh University
- Kafrelsheikh
- Egypt
| | - Aly A. Shoun
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Sinai University
- North Sinai
- Egypt
| | - Sara T. Al-Rashood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- College of Pharmacy
- King Saud University
- Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad M. Alkahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- College of Pharmacy
- King Saud University
- Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- College of Pharmacy
- King Saud University
- Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan O. Eskandrani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- College of Pharmacy
- King Saud University
- Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia
| | - Wagdy M. Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Kafrelsheikh University
- Kafrelsheikh
- Egypt
| |
Collapse
|