1
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Odchimar NMO, Macalalad MAB, Orosco FL. From antibiotic to antiviral: computational screening reveals a multi-targeting antibiotic from Streptomyces spp. against Nipah virus fusion proteins. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10932-7. [PMID: 39060858 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10932-7] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Nipah Virus is a re-emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus that poses a significant threat to both swine industry and human health. The pursuit of potential antiviral agents with both preventive and therapeutic properties holds promise for targeting such viruses. To expedite this search, leveraging computational biology is essential. Streptomyces is renowned for its capacity to produce large and diverse metabolites with promising bioactivities. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive structure-based virtual screening of 6524 Streptomyces spp. metabolites sourced from the StreptomeDB database to evaluate their potential inhibitory effects on three Nipah virus fusion (NiVF) protein conformations: NiVF pre-fusion 1-mer (NiVF-1mer), pre-fusion 3-mer (NiVF-3mer), and NiVF post-fusion (NiVF-PoF). Prior to virtual screening, the drug-likeness of Streptomyces spp. compounds was profiled using ADMET properties. From the 913 ADMET-filtered compounds, the subsequent targeted and confirmatory blind docking analysis revealed that S896 or virginiamycin M1, a known macrolide antibiotic, showed a maximum binding affinity with the NiVF proteins, suggesting a multi-targeting inhibitory property. In addition, the 200-ns molecular dynamics simulation and MM/PBSA analyses revealed stable and strong binding affinity between the NiVF-S896 complexes, indicating favorable interactions between S896 and the target proteins. These findings suggest the potential of virginiamycin M1, an antibiotic, as a promising multi-targeting antiviral drug. However, in vitro and in vivo experimental validations are necessary to assess their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyzar Mabeth O Odchimar
- Virology and Vaccine Research and Development Program, Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute, 1631, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Andrian B Macalalad
- Virology and Vaccine Research and Development Program, Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute, 1631, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Fredmoore L Orosco
- Virology and Vaccine Research and Development Program, Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute, 1631, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
- S&T Fellows Program, Department of Science and Technology, 1631, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines - Manila, 1000, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines.
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2
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Botelho FD, Franca TCC, LaPlante SR. The Search for Antidotes Against Ricin. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1148-1161. [PMID: 38350844 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575270509231121060105] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is primarily known for its seeds, which contain a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid with several industrial and commercial applications. Castor seeds also contain ricin, a toxin considered a chemical and biological warfare agent. Despite years of investigation, there is still no effective antidote or vaccine available. However, some progress has been made, and the development of an effective treatment may be on the horizon. To provide an updated overview of this issue, we have conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the current state of research in the fight against ricin. This review is based on the reported research and aims to address the challenges faced by researchers, as well as highlight the most successful cases achieved thus far. Our goal is to encourage the scientific community to continue their efforts in this critical search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Diniz Botelho
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Université de Québec, INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Université de Québec, INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
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3
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da Silva MACN, Tessmann JW, Borges KRA, Wolff LAS, Botelho FD, Vieira LA, Morgado-Diaz JA, Franca TCC, Barbosa MDCL, Nascimento MDDSB, Rocha MR, de Carvalho JE. Açaí ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Oil Exerts a Cytotoxic Role over Colorectal Cancer Cells: Insights of Annexin A2 Regulation and Molecular Modeling. Metabolites 2023; 13:789. [PMID: 37512496 PMCID: PMC10384432 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070789] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart., is a native plant from the Amazonian and is rich in several phytochemicals with anti-tumor activities. The aim was to analyze the effects of açaí seed oil on colorectal adenocarcinoma (ADC) cells. In vitro analyses were performed on CACO-2, HCT-116, and HT-29 cell lines. The strains were treated with açaí seed oil for 24, 48, and 72 h, and cell viability, death, and morphology were analyzed. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction between the major compounds in açaí seed oil and Annexin A2. The viability assay showed the cytotoxic effect of the oil in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Acai seed oil induced increased apoptosis in CACO-2 and HCT-116 cells and interfered with the cell cycle. Western blotting showed an increased expression of LC3-B, suggestive of autophagy, and Annexin A2, an apoptosis regulatory protein. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of major fatty acids with Annexin A2, suggesting a role of açaí seed oil in modulating Annexin A2 expression in these cancer cell lines. Our results suggest the anti-tumor potential of açaí seed oil in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and contribute to the development of an active drug from a known natural product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Antonio Custódio Neto da Silva
- Faculty of Medical Science, Post-graduation in Internal Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
- Nucleum of Basic and Applied Immunology, Pathology Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Josiane Weber Tessmann
- Cell Structure and Dynamics Group, Cellular and Molecular Oncobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Kátia Regina Assunção Borges
- Nucleum of Basic and Applied Immunology, Pathology Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Laís Araújo Souza Wolff
- Nucleum of Basic and Applied Immunology, Pathology Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Diniz Botelho
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Leandro Alegria Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Jose Andres Morgado-Diaz
- Cell Structure and Dynamics Group, Cellular and Molecular Oncobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitansheho 62, 500-03 Kralove, Czechia
| | - Maria do Carmo Lacerda Barbosa
- Nucleum of Basic and Applied Immunology, Pathology Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | - Murilo Ramos Rocha
- Cell Structure and Dynamics Group, Cellular and Molecular Oncobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, Brazil
| | - João Ernesto de Carvalho
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Post-graduation in Internal Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
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4
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Aiebchun T, Rasri N, Kiriwan D, Siripattanapipong S, Choowongkomon K. In Vitro and In Silico Studies of Kinase Inhibitor of MAPK3 Protein to Determine Leishmania martiniquensis Treatment. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:240-248. [PMID: 36637694 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00659-0] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of the phlebotomine female sand fly. Currently, no reported effective vaccines are available for the treatment of leishmaniasis; consequently, restricting this disease completely depends on controlling its transmission. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases have been reported to be involved in the regulation of the flagellum length and hence play an important role in disease transmission, especially the MAPK3 protein. Therefore, the current work focused on identifying approved drugs that can inhibit the MAPK3 protein. METHODS First, the recombinant plasmid (pET28b( +) MAPK3) was cloned into E. coli strain BL21 using the heatshock method. Afterward, E. coli was induced using IPTG, and cells were harvested for protein purification in the next step. After that, the MAPK3 protein was purified using Ni-NTA column. Then, the inhibition kinase activity of the purified MAPK3 protein was performed using an ADP-Glo™ Kinase Assay kit. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of Leishmania cells were detected by alamarBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent. Finally, the binding affinity within the binding site of MAPK3 protein was performed by computational methods. RESULTS Purification of the MAPK3 protein was done using an Ni-NTA column and a protein band was identified at the expected 44 kDa molecular weight. Afterward, the ability of commercial drugs (afatinib and lapatinib) to inhibit the purified MAPK3 kinase activity was performed using an ADP-Glo™ Kinase Assay kit. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of two drugs inhibited the MAPK3 protein within the same range of IC50 values (3.27 and 2.22 µM for afatinib and lapatinib, respectively). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assay of compounds toward the extracellular promastigote and intracellular amastigote stages was investigated using alamarBlue™ Cell Viability Reagent. The results showed that both drugs were more efficient against extracellular promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of both Leishmania donovani and Leishmania martiniquensis. Finally, the molecular dynamics simulation (MD) was performed to study the intermolecular interactions of both drugs with MAPK3 protein. From 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation, the structural stability of both drugs in a complex with MAPK3 was quite stable. CONCLUSION This work was suggesting that afatinib and lapatinib act as MAPK3 inhibitors and might be developed for leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitinan Aiebchun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd,Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Natchaya Rasri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd,Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Duangnapa Kiriwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd,Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd,Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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5
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González-Paz L, Lossada C, Hurtado-León ML, Fernández-Materán FV, Paz JL, Parvizi S, Cardenas Castillo RE, Romero F, Alvarado YJ. Intrinsic Dynamics of the ClpXP Proteolytic Machine Using Elastic Network Models. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:7302-7318. [PMID: 36873006 PMCID: PMC9979342 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ClpXP complex is an ATP-dependent mitochondrial matrix protease that binds, unfolds, translocates, and subsequently degrades specific protein substrates. Its mechanisms of operation are still being debated, and several have been proposed, including the sequential translocation of two residues (SC/2R), six residues (SC/6R), and even long-pass probabilistic models. Therefore, it has been suggested to employ biophysical-computational approaches that can determine the kinetics and thermodynamics of the translocation. In this sense, and based on the apparent inconsistency between structural and functional studies, we propose to apply biophysical approaches based on elastic network models (ENM) to study the intrinsic dynamics of the theoretically most probable hydrolysis mechanism. The proposed models ENM suggest that the ClpP region is decisive for the stabilization of the ClpXP complex, contributing to the flexibility of the residues adjacent to the pore, favoring the increase in pore size and, therefore, with the energy of interaction of its residues with a larger portion of the substrate. It is predicted that the complex may undergo a stable configurational change once assembled and that the deformability of the system once assembled is oriented, to increase the rigidity of the domains of each region (ClpP and ClpX) and to gain flexibility of the pore. Our predictions could suggest under the conditions of this study the mechanism of the interaction of the system, of which the substrate passes through the unfolding of the pore in parallel with a folding of the bottleneck. The variations in the distance calculated by molecular dynamics could allow the passage of a substrate with a size equivalent to ∼3 residues. The theoretical behavior of the pore and the stability and energy of binding to the substrate based on ENM models suggest that in this system, there are thermodynamic, structural, and configurational conditions that allow a possible translocation mechanism that is not strictly sequential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenin González-Paz
- Facultad
Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Biología, Laboratorio
de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM), Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), 4001 Maracaibo, Zulia, República Bolivariana
de Venezuela
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM). Laboratorio de Biocomputación
(LB), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones
Científicas (IVIC), 4001 Maracaibo, Zulia, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
| | - Carla Lossada
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM). Laboratorio de Biocomputación
(LB), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones
Científicas (IVIC), 4001 Maracaibo, Zulia, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
| | - Maria Laura Hurtado-León
- Facultad
Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Biología, Laboratorio
de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM), Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), 4001 Maracaibo, Zulia, República Bolivariana
de Venezuela
| | - Francelys V. Fernández-Materán
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM). Laboratorio de Biocomputación
(LB), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones
Científicas (IVIC), 4001 Maracaibo, Zulia, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
| | - José Luis Paz
- Departamento
Académico de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de
Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 15081 Lima, Perú
| | - Shayan Parvizi
- Pulmonary,
Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor
College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Freddy Romero
- Pulmonary,
Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor
College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ysaias J. Alvarado
- Centro
de Biomedicina Molecular (CBM), Laboratorio de Química Biofísica
Teórica y Experimental (LQBTE), Instituto
Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas (IVIC), 4001 Maracaibo, Zulia, República Bolivariana de Venezuela
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6
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Swain SP, Gupta S, Das N, Franca TCC, Goncalves ADS, Ramalho TC, Subrahmanya S, Narsaria U, Deb D, Mishra N. Flavanones: A potential natural inhibitor of the ATP binding site of PknG of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11885-11899. [PMID: 34409917 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1965913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been one of the major causes of death worldwide. As several clinical isolates of the bacteria have developed drug resistance against the target sites of the current therapeutic agents, the development of a novel drug is the pressing priority. According to recent studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis, ATP binding sites of Mycobacterium tuberculosis serine/threonine protein kinases (MTPKs) have been identified as the new promising drug target. Among the several other protein kinases (PKs), Protein kinase G (PknG) was selected for the study because of its crucial role in modulating bacterium's metabolism to survive in host macrophages. In this work, we have focused on the H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A list of 477 flavanones obtained from the PubChem database was docked one by one against the crystallized and refined structure of PknG by in-silico techniques. Initially, potential inhibitors were narrowed down by preliminary docking. Flavanones were then selected using binding energies ranging from -7.9 kcal.mol-1 to -10.8 kcal.mol-1. This was followed by drug-likeness prediction, redocking analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we have used experimentally confirmed drug AX20017 as a reference to determine candidate compounds that can act as potential inhibitors for PknG. PubChem165506, PubChem242065, PubChem688859, PubChem101367767, PubChem3534982, and PubChem42607933 were identified as possible target site inhibitors for PknG with a desirable negative binding energy of -8.1, -8.3, -8.4, -8.8, -8.6 and -7.9 kcal.mol-1 respectively. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subhi Gupta
- Independent Researcher, Karnataka, Bangalore, India
| | - Nidhi Das
- Independent Researcher, Karnataka, Bangalore, India
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Arlan da Silva Goncalves
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Espirito Santo - Unit Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil.,PPGQUI (Graduate Program in Chemistry), Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Teodorico Castro Ramalho
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemisry, UFLA, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Shreya Subrahmanya
- Department of Botany, St. Joseph's College (autonomous), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Neelam Mishra
- Department of Botany, St. Joseph's College (autonomous), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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7
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Aghamohammadi M, Sirouspour M, Goncalves AS, França TCC, LaPlante SR, Shahdousti P. Modeling studies on the role of vitamins B1 (thiamin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxamine), and caffeine as potential leads for the drug design against COVID-19. J Mol Model 2022; 28:380. [PMID: 36342543 PMCID: PMC9640828 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05356-9] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of effective and safe antivirals against it, we adopted a new approach in which food supplements with vital antiviral characteristics, low toxicity, and fast excretion have been targeted. The structures and chemical properties of the food supplements were compared to the promising antivirals against SARS-COV-2. Our goal was to exploit the food supplements to mimic the topical antivirals' functions but circumventing their severe side effects, which has limited the necessary dosage needed to exhibit the desired antiviral activity. On this line, after a comparative structural analysis of the chemicals mentioned above, and investigation of their potential mechanisms of action, we selected caffeine and some compounds of the vitamin B family and further applied molecular modeling techniques to evaluate their interactions with the RDB domain of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (SC2Spike) and its corresponding binding site on human ACE-2 (HssACE2). Our results pointed to vitamins B1 and B6 in the neutral form as potential binders to the HssACE2 RDB binding pocket that might be able to impair the SARS-CoV-2 mechanism of cell invasion, qualifying as potential leads for experimental investigation against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlan S Goncalves
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Chemistry, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa França
- Université de Québec, INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard Des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Université de Québec, INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard Des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Parvin Shahdousti
- Department of Chemistry, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran
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8
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França TCC, Botelho FD, Drummond ML, LaPlante SR. Theoretical Investigation of Repurposed Drugs Potentially Capable of Binding to the Catalytic Site and the Secondary Binding Pocket of Subunit A of Ricin. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:32805-32815. [PMID: 36120038 PMCID: PMC9476511 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we reported a library of 82 compounds, selected from different databanks through virtual screening and docking studies, and pointed to 6 among them as potential repurposed dual binders to both the catalytic site and the secondary binding pockets of subunit A of ricin (RTA). Here, we report additional molecular modeling studies of an extended list of compounds from the original library. Rounds of flexible docking followed by molecular dynamics simulations and further rounds of MM-PBSA calculations using a more robust protocol, enabled a better investigation of the interactions of these compounds inside RTA, the elucidation of their dynamical behaviors, and updating the list of the most important residues for the ligand binding. Four compounds were pointed as potential repurposed ricin inhibitors that are worth being experimentally investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanos C. C. França
- Université
de Québec, INRS—Centre Armand-Frappier Santé
Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
- Laboratory
of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University
of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho
62, Hradec Kralove 50003, Czech Republic
| | - Fernanda D. Botelho
- Laboratory
of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
| | | | - Steven R. LaPlante
- Université
de Québec, INRS—Centre Armand-Frappier Santé
Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
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9
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Yadav M, Abdalla M, Madhavi M, Chopra I, Bhrdwaj A, Soni L, Shaheen U, Prajapati L, Sharma M, Sikarwar MS, Albogami S, Hussain T, Nayarisseri A, Singh SK. Structure-Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Pharmacokinetic modelling of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor for the clinical treatment of Colorectal Cancer. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2022.2068799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Yadav
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, PR People’s Republic of China
| | - Maddala Madhavi
- Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Ishita Chopra
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, LeGene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anushka Bhrdwaj
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lovely Soni
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Uzma Shaheen
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Leena Prajapati
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sarah Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tajamul Hussain
- Research Chair for Biomedical Applications of Nanomaterials, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anuraj Nayarisseri
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, LeGene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Research Chair for Biomedical Applications of Nanomaterials, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Theoretical assessment of the performances of commercial oximes on the reactivation of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by the nerve agent A-242 (novichok). Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 165:113084. [PMID: 35489467 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The nerve agents of the A-series are relatively recent chemical weapons with no antidote available yet. Once inside the human body, those chemicals act similarly to the classic nerve agents, by binding to the catalytic residue Serine 203 (Ser203) of human acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE) and thus preventing the proper function of this enzyme. However, there is no experimental evidence yet if the current antidotes for intoxication by nerve agents are also capable of restoring AChE inhibited by the nerve agents of the A-series. In order to launch some light on this issue, we used computational techniques (molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA interaction energy calculations) to assess the performances of the four currently available commercial oximes (2-PAM, HI-6, obidoxime and trimedoxime) when in contact with HssAChE inhibited by the agent A-242. Based on the near-attack conformation (NAC) criterion, our results suggest that the commercial oximes would have limited efficacy to reactivate the enzyme since they are not able to properly approach the adduct Ser203-A-242. Among those oximes, trimedoxime seems to be the most promising, since it showed lower values of energy in the MM-PBSA calculations, a higher stability inside the catalytic anionic center (CAS) of HssAChE, and was able to adopt a position closer to the NAC that could enable the reactivation mechanism.
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11
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S. A, V. S, R. S, V. S. Structural exploration of interactions of (+) catechin and (−) epicatechin with bovine serum albumin: Insights from molecular dynamics and spectroscopic methods. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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12
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Khirehgesh MR, Sharifi J, Safari F, Akbari B. Immunotoxins and nanobody-based immunotoxins: review and update. J Drug Target 2021; 29:848-862. [PMID: 33615933 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2021.1894435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITs) are protein-based drugs that compose of targeting and cytotoxic moieties. After binding the IT to the specific cell-surface antigen, the IT internalises into the target cell and kills it. Targeting and cytotoxic moieties usually include monoclonal antibodies and protein toxins with bacterial or plant origin, respectively. ITs have been successful in haematologic malignancies treatment. However, ITs penetrate poorly into solid tumours because of their large size. Use of camelid antibody fragments known as nanobodies (Nbs) as a targeting moiety may overcome this problem. Nbs are the smallest fragment of antibodies with excellent tumour tissue penetration. The ability to recognise cryptic (immuno-evasive) target antigens, low immunogenicity, and high-affinity are other fundamental characteristics of Nbs that make them suitable candidates in targeted therapy. Here, we reviewed and discussed the structure and function of ITs, Nbs, and nanobody-based ITs. To gain sound insight into the issue at hand, we focussed on nanobody-based ITs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khirehgesh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jafar Sharifi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Safari
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahman Akbari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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13
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King E, Aitchison E, Li H, Luo R. Recent Developments in Free Energy Calculations for Drug Discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:712085. [PMID: 34458321 PMCID: PMC8387144 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.712085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The grand challenge in structure-based drug design is achieving accurate prediction of binding free energies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations enable modeling of conformational changes critical to the binding process, leading to calculation of thermodynamic quantities involved in estimation of binding affinities. With recent advancements in computing capability and predictive accuracy, MD based virtual screening has progressed from the domain of theoretical attempts to real application in drug development. Approaches including the Molecular Mechanics Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA), Linear Interaction Energy (LIE), and alchemical methods have been broadly applied to model molecular recognition for drug discovery and lead optimization. Here we review the varied methodology of these approaches, developments enhancing simulation efficiency and reliability, remaining challenges hindering predictive performance, and applications to problems in the fields of medicine and biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward King
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Erick Aitchison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Han Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ray Luo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
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Qureshi S, Khandelwal R, Madhavi M, Khurana N, Gupta N, Choudhary SK, Suresh RA, Hazarika L, Srija CD, Sharma K, Hindala MR, Hussain T, Nayarisseri A, Singh SK. A Multi-target Drug Designing for BTK, MMP9, Proteasome and TAK1 for the Clinical Treatment of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:790-818. [PMID: 33463471 DOI: 10.2174/1568026621666210119112336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the mutation and overexpression of the cyclin D1 protein by the reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13:q32). AIM The present study aims to identify potential inhibition of MMP9, Proteasome, BTK, and TAK1 and determine the most suitable and effective protein target for the MCL. METHODOLOGY Nine known inhibitors for MMP9, 24 for proteasome, 15 for BTK and 14 for TAK1 were screened. SB-3CT (PubChem ID: 9883002), oprozomib (PubChem ID: 25067547), zanubrutinib (PubChem ID: 135565884) and TAK1 inhibitor (PubChem ID: 66760355) were recognized as drugs with high binding capacity with their respective protein receptors. 41, 72, 102 and 3 virtual screened compounds were obtained after the similarity search with compound (PubChem ID:102173753), PubChem compound SCHEMBL15569297 (PubChem ID:72374403), PubChem compound SCHEMBL17075298 (PubChem ID:136970120) and compound CID: 71814473 with best virtual screened compounds. RESULT MMP9 inhibitors show commendable affinity and good interaction profile of compound holding PubChem ID:102173753 over the most effective established inhibitor SB-3CT. The pharmacophore study of the best virtual screened compound reveals its high efficacy based on various interactions. The virtual screened compound's better affinity with the target MMP9 protein was deduced using toxicity and integration profile studies. CONCLUSION Based on the ADMET profile, the compound (PubChem ID: 102173753) could be a potent drug for MCL treatment. Similar to the established SB-3CT, the compound was non-toxic with LD50 values for both the compounds lying in the same range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrukh Qureshi
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ravina Khandelwal
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Maddala Madhavi
- Department of Zoology, Nizam College, Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500001, Telangana State, India
| | - Naveesha Khurana
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Gupta
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Saurav K Choudhary
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Revathy A Suresh
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Lima Hazarika
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Chillamcherla D Srija
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Khushboo Sharma
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mali R Hindala
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Tajamul Hussain
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anuraj Nayarisseri
- In silico Research Laboratory, Eminent Biosciences, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Indore - 452010, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjeev K Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
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Chaves EJF, Gomes da Cruz LE, Padilha IQM, Silveira CH, Araujo DAM, Rocha GB. Discovery of RTA ricin subunit inhibitors: a computational study using PM7 quantum chemical method and steered molecular dynamics. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5427-5445. [PMID: 33526002 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1878058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is a potent toxin derived from the castor bean plant and comprises two subunits, RTA and RTB. Because of its cytotoxicity, ricin has alarmed world authorities for its potential use as a chemical weapon. Ricin also affects castor bean agribusiness, given the risk of animal and human poisoning. Over the years, many groups attempted to propose small-molecules that bind to the RTA active site, the catalytic chain. Despite such efforts, there is still no effective countermeasure against ricin poisoning. The computational study carried out in the present work renews the discussion about small-molecules that may inhibit this toxin. Here, a structure-based virtual screening protocol capable of discerning active RTA inhibitors from inactive ones was performed to screen over 2 million compounds from the ZINC database to find novel scaffolds that strongly bind into the active site of the RTA. Besides, a novel score method based on ligand undocking force profiles and semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations provided insights into the rescore of docking poses. Summing up, the filtering steps pointed out seven main compounds, with the SCF00-451 as a promising candidate to inhibit the killing activity of such potent phytotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gerd Bruno Rocha
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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16
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Almeida JSFD, Botelho FD, de Souza FR, Dos Santos MC, Goncalves ADS, Rodrigues RLB, Cardozo M, Kitagawa DAS, Vieira LA, Silva RSF, Cavalcante SFA, Bastos LDC, Nogueira MDOT, de Santana PIR, Brum JDOC, Nepovimova E, Kuca K, LaPlante SR, Galante EBF, Franca TCC. Searching for potential drugs against SARS-CoV-2 through virtual screening on several molecular targets. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5229-5242. [PMID: 33416020 PMCID: PMC7876915 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1869096] [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] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
The acute respiratory syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2, known as COVID-19, has been ruthlessly tormenting the world population for more than six months. However, so far no effective drug or vaccine against this plague have emerged yet, despite the huge effort in course by researchers and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Willing to contribute with this fight to defeat COVID-19, we performed a virtual screening study on a library containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs, in a search for molecules capable of hitting three main molecular targets of SARS-CoV-2 currently available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Our results were refined with further molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and MM-PBSA calculations and pointed to 7 multi-target hits which we propose here for experimental evaluation and repurposing as potential drugs against COVID-19. Additional rounds of docking, MD simulations and MM-PBSA calculations with remdesivir suggested that this compound can also work as a multi-target drug against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce S F D Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernanda D Botelho
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe R de Souza
- Department of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo C Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Arlan da Silva Goncalves
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Espírito Santo - Unit Vila Velha, Vila Velha/ES, Brazil.,PPGQUI (Graduate Program in Chemistry), Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria/ES, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L B Rodrigues
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Monique Cardozo
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniel A S Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Raphael S F Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil.,Coordination of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Samir F A Cavalcante
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Leonardo da C Bastos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana de O T Nogueira
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila I R de Santana
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana de O C Brum
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie 531, Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Erick B F Galante
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Tanos C C Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil.,Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie 531, Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada
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Botelho FD, Santos MC, Gonçalves AS, França TCC, LaPlante SR, de Almeida JSFD. Identification of novel potential ricin inhibitors by virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA calculations: a drug repurposing approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5309-5319. [PMID: 33410376 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1870154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is a potent cytotoxin with no available antidote. Its catalytic subunit, RTA, damages the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of eukaryotic cells, preventing protein synthesis and eventually leading to cell death. The combination between easiness of obtention and high toxicity turns ricin into a potential weapon for terrorist attacks, urging the need of discovering effective antidotes. On this context, we used computational techniques, in order to identify potential ricin inhibitors among approved drugs. Two libraries were screened by two different docking algorithms, followed by molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA calculations in order to corroborate the docking results. Three drugs were identified as potential ricin inhibitors: deferoxamine, leucovorin and plazomicin. Our calculations showed that these compounds were able to, simultaneously, form hydrogen bonds with residues of the catalytic site and the secondary binding site of RTA, qualifying as potential antidotes against intoxication by ricin.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda D Botelho
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo C Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
| | - Arlan S Gonçalves
- Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology - unit Vila Velha/ES, Brazil.,PPGQUI (Graduate Program in Chemistry), Federal University of Espirito Santo - Unit Goiabeiras, Vitória/ES, Brazil
| | - Tanos C C França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil.,INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Joyce S F D de Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil
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