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Patamia V, Saccullo E, Zagni C, Tomarchio R, Quattrocchi G, Floresta G, Rescifina A. γ-Cyclodextrins as Supramolecular Reactors for the Three-component Aza-Darzens Reaction in Water. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303984. [PMID: 38127103 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303984] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, many efforts have been devoted to studying reactions catalyzed in nanoconfined spaces. The most impressive aspect of catalysis in nanoconfined spaces is that the reactivity of the molecules can be smartly driven to disobey classical behavior. A green and efficient three-component aza-Darzens (TCAD) reaction using a catalytic amount of γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) in water has been developed to synthesize N-phenylaziridines. CDs effectively performed this reaction in an environmentally friendly setting, achieving good yields. The same reaction was then performed using polymeric γ-CD such as a γ-cyclodextrin polymer crosslinked (GCDPC) with epichlorohydrin, a sponge-like macroporous γ-cyclodextrin-based cryogel (GCDC), and a γ-cyclodextrin-based hydrogel (GCDH). The homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst recovery was then studied, and it was proved to be easily recycled several times without relevant activity loss. Water, as a unique and eco-friendly reaction medium, has been utilized for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, in this reaction. The inclusion of the reagents in CDs has been studied and rationalized by NMR spectroscopy experiments and molecular modeling calculations. The credit of the presented protocol includes good yields and catalyst reusability and precludes the use of organic solvents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Erika Saccullo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Tomarchio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Quattrocchi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
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De-Simone SG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Lechuga GC, Carvalho JPRS, Monteiro ME, Morel CM, Provance DW. Mapping IgA Epitope and Cross-Reactivity between Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus 2 and DENV. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1749. [PMID: 38140154 PMCID: PMC10747746 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121749] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The newly introduced COVID-19 vaccines have reduced disease severity and hospitalizations. However, they do not significantly prevent infection or transmission. In the same context, measuring IgM and IgG antibody levels is important, but it does not provide information about the status of the mucosal immune response. This article describes a comprehensive mapping of IgA epitopes of the S protein, its cross-reactivity, and the development of an ELISA-peptide assay. METHODS IgA epitope mapping was conducted using SPOT synthesis and sera from RT-qPCR COVID-19-positive patients. Specific and cross-reacting epitopes were identified, and an evolutionary analysis from the early Wuhan strain to the Omicron variant was performed using bioinformatics tools and a microarray of peptides. The selected epitopes were chemically synthesized and evaluated using ELISA-IgA. RESULTS A total of 40 IgA epitopes were identified with 23 in S1 and 17 in the S2 subunit. Among these, at least 23 epitopes showed cross-reactivity with DENV and other organisms and 24 showed cross-reactivity with other associated coronaviruses. Three MAP4 polypeptides were validated by ELISA, demonstrating a sensitivity of 90-99.96% and a specificity of 100%. Among the six IgA-RBD epitopes, only the SC/18 epitope of the Omicron variants (BA.2 and BA.2.12.1) presented a single IgA epitope. CONCLUSIONS This research unveiled the IgA epitome of the S protein and identified many epitopes that exhibit cross-reactivity with DENV and other coronaviruses. The S protein of variants from Wuhan to Omicron retains many conserved IgA epitopes except for one epitope (#SCov/18). The cross-reactivity with DENV suggests limitations in using the whole S protein or the S1/S2/RBD segment for IgA serological diagnostic tests for COVID-19. The expression of these identified specific epitopes as diagnostic biomarkers could facilitate monitoring mucosal immunity to COVID-19, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and alternative mucosal vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore G. De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Parasitic Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - João P. R. S. Carvalho
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Program of Post-Graduation on Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria E. Monteiro
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Program of Post-Graduation on Parasitic Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos M. Morel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
| | - David W. Provance
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.P.R.S.C.); (M.E.M.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
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Floresta G, Zagni C, Patamia V, Rescifina A. How can artificial intelligence be utilized for de novo drug design against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1061-1064. [PMID: 37458097 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2236930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Floresta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Del Farmaco E della Salute, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Del Farmaco E della Salute, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Del Farmaco E della Salute, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Del Farmaco E della Salute, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
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Rescifina A. Progress of the "Molecular Informatics" Section in 2022. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119442. [PMID: 37298393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This is the first Editorial of the "Molecular Informatics" Section (MIS) of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), which was created towards the end of 2018 (the first article was submitted on 27 September 2018) and has experienced significant growth from 2018 to now [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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5
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Guo L, Lin S, Chen Z, Cao Y, He B, Lu G. Targetable elements in SARS-CoV-2 S2 subunit for the design of pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitors and vaccines. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:197. [PMID: 37164987 PMCID: PMC10170451 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01472-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused devastating impacts on the public health and the global economy. Rapid viral antigenic evolution has led to the continual generation of new variants. Of special note is the recently expanding Omicron subvariants that are capable of immune evasion from most of the existing neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). This has posed new challenges for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, exploring broad-spectrum antiviral agents to combat the emerging variants is imperative. In sharp contrast to the massive accumulation of mutations within the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), the S2 fusion subunit has remained highly conserved among variants. Hence, S2-based therapeutics may provide effective cross-protection against new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we summarize the most recently developed broad-spectrum fusion inhibitors (e.g., nAbs, peptides, proteins, and small-molecule compounds) and candidate vaccines targeting the conserved elements in SARS-CoV-2 S2 subunit. The main focus includes all the targetable S2 elements, namely, the fusion peptide, stem helix, and heptad repeats 1 and 2 (HR1-HR2) bundle. Moreover, we provide a detailed summary of the characteristics and action-mechanisms for each class of cross-reactive fusion inhibitors, which should guide and promote future design of S2-based inhibitors and vaccines against new coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Guo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Sheng Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zimin Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Disaster Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Guangwen Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Ielo L, Patamia V, Citarella A, Schirmeister T, Stagno C, Rescifina A, Micale N, Pace V. Selective noncovalent proteasome inhibiting activity of trifluoromethyl-containing gem-quaternary aziridines. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023:e2300174. [PMID: 37119396 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) represents the principal proteolytic apparatus in the cytosol and nucleus of all eukaryotic cells. Nowadays, proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are well-known as anticancer agents. However, although three of them have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating multiple myeloma and mantel cell lymphoma, they present several side effects and develop resistance. For these reasons, the development of new PIs with better pharmacological characteristics is needed. Recently, noncovalent inhibitors have gained much attention since they are less toxic as compared with covalent ones, providing an alternative mechanism for solid tumors. Herein, we describe a new class of bis-homologated chloromethyl(trifluoromethyl)aziridines as selective noncovalent PIs. In silico and in vitro studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action of such compounds. Human gastrointestinal absorption (HIA) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration were also considered together with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADMET) predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ielo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claudio Stagno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Micale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pace
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Zhao Y, Zhao Y, Xie L, Li Q, Zhang Y, Zang Y, Li X, Zhang L, Yang Z. Identification of Potential Lead Compounds Targeting Novel Druggable Cavity of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Trimer by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076281. [PMID: 37047254 PMCID: PMC10094189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an urgent public health problem. Spike (S) protein mediates the fusion between the virus and the host cell membranes, consequently emerging as an important target of drug design. The lack of comparisons of in situ full-length S homotrimer structures in different states hinders understanding the structures and revealing the function, thereby limiting the discovery and development of therapeutic agents. Here, the steady-state structures of the in situ full-length S trimer in closed and open states (Sclosed and Sopen) were modeled with the constraints of density maps, associated with the analysis of the dynamic structural differences. Subsequently, we identified various regions with structure and property differences as potential binding pockets for ligands that promote the formation of inactive trimeric protein complexes. By using virtual screening strategy and a newly defined druggable cavity, five ligands were screened with potential bioactivities. Then molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed on apo protein structures and ligand bound complexes to reveal the conformational changes upon ligand binding. Our simulation results revealed that sulforaphane (SFN), which has the best binding affinity, could inhibit the conformational changes of S homotrimer that would occur during the viral membrane fusion. Our results could aid in the understanding of the regulation mechanism of S trimer aggregation and the structure-activity relationship, facilitating the development of potential antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Linke Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yuze Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yongjian Zang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xuhua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- Correspondence:
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8
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Tomarchio R, Patamia V, Zagni C, Crocetti L, Cilibrizzi A, Floresta G, Rescifina A. Steered Molecular Dynamics Simulations Study on FABP4 Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062731. [PMID: 36985701 PMCID: PMC10058326 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ordinary small molecule de novo drug design is time-consuming and expensive. Recently, computational tools were employed and proved their efficacy in accelerating the overall drug design process. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a derivative of MD, steered molecular dynamics (SMD), turned out to be promising rational drug design tools. In this paper, we report the first application of SMD to evaluate the binding properties of small molecules toward FABP4, considering our recent interest in inhibiting fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). FABP4 inhibitors (FABP4is) are small molecules of therapeutic interest, and ongoing clinical studies indicate that they are promising for treating cancer and other diseases such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Tomarchio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Letizia Crocetti
- Department Neurofarba, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Agostino Cilibrizzi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Heparan Sulfate and Enoxaparin Interact at the Interface of the Spike Protein of HCoV-229E but Not with HCoV-OC43. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030663. [PMID: 36992372 PMCID: PMC10056857 DOI: 10.3390/v15030663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that the spike protein of human coronaviruses can bind to a secondary receptor, or coreceptor, to facilitate the virus entry. While HCoV-229E uses human aminopeptidase N (hAPN) as a receptor, HCoV-OC43 binds to 9-O-acetyl-sialic acid (9-O-Ac-Sia), which is linked in a terminal way to the oligosaccharides that decorate glycoproteins and gangliosides on the surface of the host cell. Thus, evaluating the possible inhibitory activity of heparan sulfate, a linear polysaccharide found in animal tissues, and enoxaparin sodium on these viral strains can be considered attractive. Therefore, our study also aims to evaluate these molecules’ antiviral activity as possible adsorption inhibitors against non-SARS-CoV. Once the molecules’ activity was verified in in vitro experiments, the binding was studied by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations confirming the interactions at the interface of the spike proteins.
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Costanzo G, Patamia V, Turnaturi R, Parenti C, Zagni C, Lombino J, Amata E, Marrazzo A, Pasquinucci L, Rescifina A. Design, synthesis, in vitro evaluation, and molecular modeling studies of N-substituted benzomorphans, analogs of LP2, as novel MOR ligands. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:1382-1392. [PMID: 36813756 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14220] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
6,7-Benzomorphans have been investigated in medicinal chemistry for developing new drugs. This nucleus could be considered a versatile scaffold. The physicochemical properties of benzomorphan N-substituent are crucial in achieving a definite pharmacological profile at opioid receptors. Thus, the dual-target MOR/DOR ligands LP1 and LP2 were obtained through N-substituent modifications. Specifically, LP2, bearing as N-substituent the (2R/S)-2-methoxy-2- phenylethyl group, is a dual-target MOR/DOR agonist and is successful in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. To obtain new opioid ligands, we focused on the design and synthesis of LP2 analogs. First, the 2-methoxyl group of LP2 was replaced by an ester or acid functional group. Then, spacers of different lengths were introduced at N-substituent. In-vitro, their affinity profile versus opioid receptors has been performed through competition binding assays. Molecular modeling studies were conducted to deeply analyze the binding mode and the interactions between the new ligands and all opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Costanzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jessica Lombino
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Amata
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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1,2-Dibenzoylhydrazine as a Multi-Inhibitor Compound: A Morphological and Docking Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021425. [PMID: 36674938 PMCID: PMC9864281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the framework of the multitarget inhibitor study, we report an in silico analysis of 1,2-dibenzoylhydrazine (DBH) with respect to three essential receptors such as the ecdysone receptor (EcR), urease, and HIV-integrase. Starting from a crystallographic structural study of accidentally harvested crystals of this compound, we performed docking studies to evaluate the inhibitory capacity of DBH toward three selected targets. A crystal morphology prediction was then performed. The results of our molecular modeling calculations indicate that DBH is an excellent candidate as a ligand to inhibit the activity of EcR receptors and urease. Docking studies also revealed the activity of DBH on the HIV integrase receptor, providing an excellent starting point for developing novel inhibitors using this molecule as a starting lead compound.
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