Rational Design of Dual Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from Computational Screening of BACE1 and GSK-3β

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most concerned neurodegenerative disorders across the world characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. Targeting key pathways involved in AD like Aβ and NFT pathways, are crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to identify and establish promising dual inhibitors targeting BACE1 and GSK-3β, two proteins implicated in Aβ and NFT formation respectively.

METHODS

We have used molecular docking, ADME property analysis, and MMGBSA calculations for the identification of hit molecules and further evaluation of binding affinity, drug-like properties, and stability against BACE1 and GSK-3β.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated strong binding affinities of ZINC000034853956 towards the active sites of both proteins, with favorable interactions involving key residues crucial for inhibitory activity. Additionally, ZINC000034853956 exhibited favorable drug-like properties. MD simulations revealed the stable binding of ZINC000034853956 to both BACE1 and GSK-3β over a 50 ns period, with consistent ligand-protein interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic contacts. These findings highlight the potential of ZINC000034853956 as a promising candidate for AD treatment, acting as a dual inhibitor targeting both BACE1 and GSK-3β. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the potential of ZINC000034853956 as a dual inhibitor for AD. The strong binding affinity, favorable drug-like properties, and stability observed in MD simulations support its suitability for further optimization and preclinical studies.

CONCLUSION

Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of ZINC000034853956. Our findings offer hope for the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting crucial pathways involved in AD neurodegeneration.

Vitamin D Activates miR-126a-5p to Target GSK-3β and Alleviates Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in MRL/LPR Mice

BACKGROUND

The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex, and the disease is thus difficult to cure. In this regard, it has been established that SLE patients are characterized by differing levels of vitamin D-hydroxylation; however, the direct effects of vitamin D (VitD) in these patients remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of VitD in the context of SLE.

METHODS

The effects of VitD on MRL/LPR mice were studied by synthesizing glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)-interfering lentiviruses and transfecting with miR-126a-5p mimics. Changes in the body weight of mice were recorded for 6 weeks. Western blotting was performed to determine the levels of T-bet, GATA3, and GSK-3β protein expression, and qRT-PCR was performed to determine the levels of miR-126a-5p and GSK-3β mRNA expression. ELISA was performed to determine the levels of ANA, dsDNA, and snRNP/Sm in mice serum.

RESULTS

GSK-3β and miR-126a-5p were expressed at high and low levels, respectively, in MRL/LPR mice. VitD (30 ng/kg) was found to reduce the expression of GSK-3β and increase miR-126a-5p expression, which targets GSK-3β. T-bet and GATA3 were found to be positively regulated by miR-126a-5p and VitD and negatively regulated by GSK-3β. The body weight of mice was not altered by VitD. ANA, dsDNA, and snRNP/Sm were positively regulated by miR-126a-5p and VitD and negatively regulated by GSK-3β. The effects of GSK-3β were enhanced in response to the inhibition of miR-126a-5p expression.

CONCLUSION

VitD upregulated miR-126a-5p to target GSK-3β expression, thereby alleviating the SLE in MRL/LPR mice.