In Silico Analyses of a Promising Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Targeting Superoxide Dismutase I Protein

An In Silico Analysis of Genetic Variants and Structural Modeling of the Human Frataxin Protein in Friedreich's Ataxia

Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) stands out as the most prevalent form of hereditary ataxias, marked by progressive movement ataxia, loss of vibratory sensitivity, and skeletal deformities, severely affecting daily functioning. To date, the only medication available for treating FRDA is Omaveloxolone (Skyclarys®), recently approved by the FDA. Missense mutations within the human frataxin (FXN) gene, responsible for intracellular iron homeostasis regulation, are linked to FRDA development. These mutations induce FXN dysfunction, fostering mitochondrial iron accumulation and heightened oxidative stress, ultimately triggering neuronal cell death pathways. This study amalgamated 226 FXN genetic variants from the literature and database searches, with only 18 previously characterized. Predictive analyses revealed a notable prevalence of detrimental and destabilizing predictions for FXN mutations, predominantly impacting conserved residues crucial for protein function. Additionally, an accurate, comprehensive three-dimensional model of human FXN was constructed, serving as the basis for generating genetic variants I154F and W155R. These variants, selected for their severe clinical implications, underwent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, unveiling flexibility and essential dynamic alterations in their N-terminal segments, encompassing FXN42, FXN56, and FXN78 domains pivotal for protein maturation. Thus, our findings indicate potential interaction profile disturbances in the FXN42, FXN56, and FXN78 domains induced by I154F and W155R mutations, aligning with the existing literature.

Organohalogen chalcones: design, synthesis, ADMET prediction, molecular dynamics study and inhibition effect on acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase

In an effort to discover potential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors, a novel series of organohalogen chalcone derivatives (12-20, 23-30) was synthesized, and their chemical structures were characterized by spectral analysis. They showed a highly potent inhibition effect on AChE and hCAs (Ki values range from 5.07 ± 0.062 to 65.53 ± 4.36 nM for AChE, 13.54 ± 2.55 to 94.11 ± 10.39 nM for hCA I, and 5.21 ± 0.54 to 57.44 ± 3.12 nM for hCA II). In addition, the chalcone derivatives with the highest inhibitor score docked into the active site of the indicated metabolic enzyme receptors, and their absorption, metabolism, and toxic properties were evaluated according to ADMET's estimation.Compounds 16 and 19 exhibited the highest inhibition score, emerged as lead compounds, and inspired the development of more potent compounds.