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PubMed2026

Development of metal-free one-pot sequential synthesis of carbazolyl-thiazolidinones as anti-leukemic agents with potential β-catenin/c-MYC pathway modulation: from synthesis to in vitro and in silico profiling.

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of new, selective, and potent therapeutic agents. In this study, a novel, metal-free, one-pot sequential synthetic approach was developed for the synthesis of carbazolyl-thiazolidinone (CTZD) derivatives via the reaction of N-octylcarbazole-3-carbaldehyde with variety of aromatic and aliphatic primary and secondary amines and thioglycolic acid. This strategy efficiently yielded a diverse range of CTZD derivatives (4a-p) in moderate to high yields (20-95%). The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, APT), and HRMS. Their in vitro cytotoxicity was tested on human leukemia cell lines NB4, K562 and U937 using MTT assays, where four derivatives (4e, 4i, 4j, and 4o) exhibited potent, concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity over the tested concentration range (1.25-10 μM). As c-MYC is a key regulator of cell proliferation, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that these four derivatives significantly downregulated c-MYC mRNA expression, with compound 4j producing the greatest reduction, suggesting a potential association with modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. DNA fragmentation analysis showed no detectable late-stage apoptosis, indicating that the observed c-MYC downregulation and antiproliferative effects were not associated with late-stage apoptotic cell death. The ADME/T analysis of all compounds showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles with prediction of good oral absorption (HIA >92%) and no hERG I liability. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong binding affinities of these compounds to β-catenin protein (PDB ID: 7ZRB) with compound 4i showing strongest affinity with ΔG = -8.10 kcal/mol via H-bonds with Ser473, Asn430, Arg469 and His470 amino acid residues. The developed metal-free synthesis provided a sustainable route to bioactive carbazolyl-thiazolidinones, and derivatives 4e, 4i, 4j, 4o could be promising leads for targeting Wnt/β-catenin/c-MYC signaling in leukemia.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Post-translational chemical modification of E3 ligase for efficient target protein degradation.

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a powerful therapeutic strategy, with proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) leading efforts to address previously undruggable targets. However, PROTACs face challenges such as low bioavailability and poor pharmacokinetic properties which limit their biological applications. Here, we report a strategy termed post-translational chemical modification targeting chimera (PTcM-TAC), which integrates ligand-directed chemistry into the PROTAC framework to achieve sustained target protein degradation through covalent modification of E3 ligases. PTcM-TAC incorporates an electrophilic dibromophenyl benzoate warhead into the linker connecting the E3 ligase ligand and the protein-of-interest (POI) ligand, enabling selective transfer of the POI ligand onto the recruited E3 ligase while releasing the E3-binding moiety. Mechanistic studies, including LC-MS/MS peptide mapping, pull-down assays, and structural modeling, demonstrated site-selective modification of CRBN by the PTcM-TAC. The resulting ligand-labeled E3 ligase enables sustained pseudo-catalytic target recognition through a simplified binary interaction, thereby maintaining degradation activity even after compound washout. Furthermore, we successfully applied the PTcM-TAC strategy to another representative E3 ligase, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), which exhibited substantially sustained degradation activity compared with conventional PROTACs. To our knowledge, PTcM-TAC represents the first ligand-directed chemical strategy that converts transient PROTAC-mediated ternary complex formation into binary target recognition via post-translational chemical modification of an E3 ligase. We believe that PTcM-TAC could provide a platform for next-generation targeted protein degraders to overcome the current limitation of PROTAC approach.

Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases↗
PubMed2026

Discovery of novel quinazoline-containing ATR inhibitor for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

ATR is a core kinase in the DNA damage response pathway, primarily sensing replication pressure and double strand breaks, initiating cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis programs, and maintaining genomic stability. In this work, we validated that intervention in ATR function might regulate the progression of AML through bioinformatics analysis. And a series of novel ATR inhibitors based on quinazoline moiety were obtained. The promising compound C7 achieved effective enzyme level and cellular level inhibitory activities, and exhibited acceptable liver S9 stability and oral bioavailability, with no high risk of drug-drug interactions. Research on the underlying mechanism indicated that compound C7 could inhibit the development of MOLM-13 through a dual mechanism of rapidly inducing cell apoptosis and exacerbating DNA damage levels. In brief, compound C7 might be a promising candidate or lead compound for the discovery of novel ATR inhibitors and the treatment of AML.

Quinazolines↗
PubMed2026

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of hydroxybenzothiazole-linked benzothiazole/benzoxazole conjugates as potent dual α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors.

The current study focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of novel Hydroxybenzothiazole-Linked Benzothiazole/Benzoxazole Conjugates to target Diabetes Mellitus (DM) by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Spectroscopic methods, including 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, were employed to confirm the structures of newly synthesized conjugates. The findings of in-vitro analysis displayed that the synthesized derivatives inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 values ranging from 3.65 ± 0.20 μM to 32.15 ± 3.20 μM on α-amylase and 5.92 ± 0.80 μM to 35.60 ± 3.40 μM on α-glucosidase, in contrast to the reference drug Acarbose (α-amylase IC50 = 8.25 ± 0.80 μM; α-glucosidase IC50 = 10.75 ± 1.10 μM). Among the series 9a-9f and 10a-10f, analogs 10 f, 10b, 9b, and 9e displayed superior anti-diabetic activity compared to the reference drug Acarbose. The inhibitory activity of these conjugates can be attributed to their favorable and stable interactions with critical amino acid residues of targeted enzymes, as revealed through molecular docking analysis. ADMET predictions and drug-likeness evaluations showed favorable pharmacokinetic features, while DFT investigations revealed electronic insights related to bioactivity. Experimental outcomes and in silico support display that these potent Hydroxybenzothiazole-Linked Benzothiazole/Benzoxazole Conjugates were comparable to an existing diabetic mellitus inhibitor while conserving an acceptable safety profile, specifying potential for further therapeutic development and optimization against diabetic Mellitus.

Benzothiazoles↗
PubMed2025

Pharmacologic interrogation of USP28 cellular function in p53 signaling.

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are crucial regulators of ubiquitin signaling and protein degradation that remain incompletely understood in part due to the lack of high-quality chemical probes. To address this challenge, we developed CAS-010, a low nanomolar, ubiquitin-competitive inhibitor of USP28 that demonstrates preferential activity against USP28 over other DUBs, while also exhibiting some activity against the closely related USP25. We rationalized our SAR trends and observed selectivity using a crystal structure of USP28 in complex with an inhibitor. We validated on-target effects of CAS-010 on the negative regulation of p53 transactivation in the wild-type setting. We demonstrated that CAS-010 disrupts the 53BP1-USP28 interaction, and more broadly showed that USP28 catalytic activity contributes to this key interaction. Taken together, CAS-010 and the accompanying negative control compound WPT-086 and inhibitor-resistant mutant provide well-validated tools for further characterizing the role of USP28 in p53-mediated effect on cell cycle control and cell fate.

Tumor Suppressor Protein p53↗
PubMed2025

Therapeutic targeting of WDR5-MLL1 by EMBOW-derived peptides suppresses leukemia progression.

WD40 repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) is a core component of the SET1/mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) complex that regulates gene expression via H3K4 methylation and plays a key role in maintaining oncogenic gene expression programs, particularly in MLL1-rearranged leukemias. In this study, we leveraged a microprotein, endogenous microprotein binder of WDR5 (EMBOW), to develop peptide-based inhibitors that specifically targeted WDR5. Through comprehensive biophysical analyses and high-resolution structural studies, we revealed that EMBOW mainly bound to the WDR5 interaction (WIN) site of WDR5. Structure-guided optimization led to the development of EMBOW-derived peptides, notably Ac7, which exhibited high affinity for WDR5 (Kd = 9.17 ± 4.01 nM). These peptides effectively inhibited H3K4 methylation, suppressed oncogenic gene expression, and impeded leukemia cell proliferation in vitro. Importantly, in xenograft mouse models, Ac7 demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity with low toxicity. This work offers a promising strategy for targeting epigenetic regulators with peptide-based therapeutics, providing a foundation for innovative treatments in leukemia.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Inhibitory mechanism of anthocyanin B-ring substituents on advanced glycation end-product formation through bovine serum albumin binding: Insights from multispectral, molecular docking and proteomics approaches.

This study demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of anthocyanins on AGEs formation is highly dependent on the substitution pattern of the B-ring. Among the four anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (D3G) exhibited the most potent antiglycation activity across BSA-fructose, MGO, and GO models with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 30.77, 200.29 and 269.97 μM. This superior performance was attributed to the presence of three hydroxyl groups on the B-ring, which facilitates a high-affinity, spontaneous binding interaction with BSA primarily through hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding. Spectroscopic and computational analyses revealed that D3G effectively stabilizes the protein scaffold, specifically recovering α-helix content and shielding critical subdomains (IB, IIA, and IIIA). Proteomics data are consistent with a protective binding mechanism, suggesting that D3G reduces the accessibility of key lysine and arginine residues to glycation-induced modifications. These findings provide a structural basis for developing D3G-rich extracts as targeted, structure-based functional ingredients to mitigate glycation-associated food quality degradation and related health issues.

Anthocyanins↗
PubMed2026

CONCR lncRNA organizes a 3'-end structural domain that engages DDX11 for DNA replication and sister chromatid cohesion.

CONCR (DDX11-AS1) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) necessary for the establishment of sister chromatid cohesion. Despite its activity, whether it contains structural elements essential for its function remains unknown. We determined CONCR structural organization and its functional relevance by integrating selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension and mutational profiling (SHAPE-MaP), atomic force microscopy (AFM), evolutionary analyses, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and cellular genetic studies. We found that CONCR molecular topology is modular, with highly structured domains connected by flexible linkers. A large 3'-end domain is responsible for binding to DDX11 helicase, can trigger DDX11 ATPase activity, and is essential for proper DNA replication and sister chromatid cohesion. This 3' end comprises two helical arms connecting two multiway junctions with structural motifs conserved among all primate groups and required for DDX11 binding and sister chromatid cohesion. Our results highlight the critical role of RNA structure in CONCR function, with a highly structured 3'-end domain acting as a loading and activation platform for DDX11 helicase.

DEAD-box RNA Helicases↗
PubMed2026

Selective Macrocyclic WEE1 Kinase Inhibitors with Strong Efficacy against Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Organoids.

Macrocyclization can enhance the selectivity of acyclic compounds toward structurally similar biological targets such as kinases. WEE1 regulates cellular homeostasis and is a promising target in oncology. The clinical candidate AZD1775 (1) failed to progress past Phase II trials because of patient tolerability issues, likely due to off-target inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). Herein, a computer-aided drug design approach was conducted to develop a macrocycle based on the 1-WEE1 X-ray cocrystal structure. Significantly enhanced WEE1 inhibitory selectivity over PLK1 was determined for leading macrocycle 2, which also demonstrated broader kinome-wide selectivity. Patient-derived organoids from colorectal cancer (CRC) peritoneal and liver metastases, treated with 2, demonstrated comparably strong or enhanced anticancer efficacy compared to that of 1. Against patient-matched normal colon vs primary CRC organoids, 2 potently and selectively treated CRC, as well as enhanced DNA damage compared to 1. Finally, the X-ray cocrystal structure of 2 bound to WEE1 validated its computationally predicted bioactive binding mode.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Structure-Function Analysis of the Benzyloxy Moiety of the Delta-Opioid Receptor Positive Modulator BMS-986187: Identification of a Derivative with High Selectivity for the Delta-Opioid Receptor over the Mu-Opioid Receptor In Vitro and In Vivo.

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) enhance endogenous opioid signaling while avoiding the convulsant liability of orthosteric agonists. However, the prototypical DOR-PAM, BMS-986187, also potentiates mu-opioid receptor (MOR) signaling, raising concerns regarding respiratory depression and abuse liability. Here, we report a structure-activity study of the benzyloxy moiety of BMS-986187 to improve selectivity for DOR over MOR, while retaining DOR-PAM potency. Fifty-two new analogues and 12 previously reported ones featuring mono- and disubstitution of the benzyl ring and phenyl-heterocycle replacements were synthesized and evaluated in β-arrestin2 recruitment assays. Ortho-substituted derivatives consistently enhanced DOR-PAM potency, although often increased MOR-PAM activity. One pyridyl derivative (compound 35) retained high DOR-PAM potency and efficacy (EC50 = 0.1 μM, Emax = 91%) with no detectable MOR activity. In mice, compound 35 enhanced DOR-mediated reversal of nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, an effect absent in DOR-knockout mice, without enhancing MOR-mediated antinociception, demonstrating in vivo selectivity.

Receptors, Opioid, delta↗
PubMed2026

Macrocyclization of Broad-Spectrum Kinase Inhibitor Bosutinib Leads to Potent and Selective Quinoline-Based HIPK4 Inhibitor AZ137.

Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 4 (HIPK4) remains an understudied member of the dark kinome. While genetic knockout studies suggest its involvement in spermiogenesis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, whether these cellular functions can be recapitulated by pharmacological inhibition remains to be determined. These investigations are currently hampered by a lack of high-quality chemical tools. To address this, we employed a rational design strategy utilizing macrocyclization of a bosutinib-based scaffold. Systematic optimization led to the discovery of AZ137 (28e), a potent and selective HIPK4 inhibitor (IC50: 11 nM; cellular EC50: 76 nM). AZ137 exhibits exceptional selectivity across three comprehensive orthogonal panels, high solubility, and no detectable cytotoxicity. Its cellular activity was confirmed in cell-based assays of HIPK4-dependent F-actin remodeling. Together with a negative control compound, this probe set provides a foundational framework for validating HIPK4 as a therapeutic target and a high-quality resource to elucidate its roles in normal physiology and disease.

Quinolines↗
PubMed2025

Noncompetitive Inhibition of DNA Polymerase β by a Nonnative Nucleotide.

Base excision repair (BER) is a DNA repair pathway responsible for protecting the genome against modified nucleotides. DNA polymerase β (Pol β) participates in this process by removing the remnants of a damaged nucleotide and filling in the resulting gap. Pol β is overexpressed in some cancers and is synthetic lethal in cells deficient in BRCA1/2, providing additional impetus for identifying inhibitors of this enzyme. We report noncovalent Pol β inhibitors that are nonnative nucleotides. The inhibitors were identified via a combination of structural and biochemical analysis, as well as serendipity, from an initial library of covalent inhibitor candidates in which diversity was introduced sequentially at the C3'- and C5-positions of pyrimidine nucleotides. The molecules are among the most potent Pol β inhibitors (Ki ≤ 70 nM) of the enzyme's polymerase and lyase activities. Kinetic analyses reveal that the molecules inhibit Pol β noncompetitively. Fluorescence anisotropy and kinetic experiments reveal that the more potent inhibitor binds in the lyase domain and does not prevent DNA binding. Neither the more potent noncompetitive inhibitor nor a neutral protide exhibits cytotoxic synergism with the DNA damaging agent methyl methanesulfonate in HeLa cells. Cell permeability experiments suggest that micromolar levels of the more potent noncompetitive inhibitor and corresponding protide are taken up by HeLa cells following 24 h incubation (25 μM). However, based upon a comparison with other molecules, it is possible that they are membrane bound. The molecules identified could be useful tools in biochemical studies and provide a starting point for creating new Pol β inhibitors that function in cells.

DNA Polymerase beta↗
PubMed2026

Copper-Containing Surface Engineering for Soft-Tissue Biomedical Devices: Structure-Function Relationships and Ion Release-Driven Biological Performance, A Systematic Review.

Copper and copper-based materials have gained increasing attention for the functional modification of implantable medical devices intended for prolonged soft-tissue contact, including vascular stents, catheters, and intrauterine devices. Owing to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, redox reactivity, and involvement in angiogenesis and cellular signaling, copper-based systems offer significant potential for multifunctional surface engineering. However, achieving a balance between antibacterial efficacy, corrosion behavior, controlled ion release, and cytocompatibility remains a critical challenge. This PRISMA-compliant systematic review analyzes copper-containing materials and surface modification strategies for soft-tissue biomedical applications. A structured search of Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed (2015-2025) identified 65 eligible studies. The review encompasses bulk copper-containing alloys, electrochemical and chemical surface modification techniques, physical vapor deposition approaches, and advanced hybrid systems integrating copper with polymers, hydrogels, or metal-phenolic networks. Across the reviewed literature, antibacterial performance was strongly dependent on copper concentration, microstructural distribution, and spatiotemporal ion release profiles. Moderate, well-controlled copper incorporation frequently improved antibacterial efficacy while maintaining acceptable hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, particularly in vascular and blood-contacting devices. In contrast, excessive copper loading often accelerated corrosion and induced adverse cellular responses. Emerging multifunctional architectures demonstrated improved regulation of biological interactions, enabling simultaneous antibacterial, antithrombotic, and proendothelial effects. Overall, copper-based surface technologies represent a versatile platform for soft-tissue implant modification. Future translational progress will require precise control of copper release kinetics and comprehensive long-term in vivo validation to ensure safety and sustained therapeutic performance. From the authors' perspective, the most promising future direction involves multifunctional copper-based hybrid coatings capable of dynamically regulating ion release, host tissue integration, and antibacterial performance simultaneously. Strategies integrating hierarchical architectures, stimulus-responsive release systems, and clinically scalable fabrication methods are expected to play a key role in translating copper-containing surfaces from experimental concepts toward commercially viable soft-tissue biomedical devices.

Copper↗
PubMed1975

Effect of pH on substrate and inhibitor kinetic constants of human liver alanine aminopeptidase. Evidence for two ionizable active center groups.

The presence of at least two ionizable active center groups has been detected by a study of the effect of pH upon catalysis of hydrolysis of L-alanyl-beta-naphthylamide by human liver alanine aminopeptidase and upon the inhibition of hydrolysis by inhibitors and substrate analogs. Octanoic acid, octylamine, and peptide inhibitors have been found to be competitive inhibitors and are therefore thought to bind the active center. L-Phe was previously shown to bind the active center since it was found to be a competitive inhibitor of the hydrolysis of tripeptide substrates (Garner, C. W., and Behal, F. J. (1975), Biochemistry 14, 3208). A plot of pKm vs. pH for the substrate L-Ala-beta-naphthylamide showed that binding decreased below pH 5.9 and above 7.5, the points at which the theoretical curve undergoes an integral change in slope. These points are interpreted as the pKa either of substrate ionizable groups or binding-dependent enzyme active center groups. Similar plots of pKm vs. pH for L-alanyl-p-nitroanilide (as substrate) and pKi vs. pH for L-Leu-L-Leu-L-Leu and D-Leu-L-Tyr (as inhibitors) gave pairs fo pKa values of 5.8 and 7.4, 6.0 and 7.5, and 5.7 and 7.5, respectively. All the above substrates (and D-Leu-L-Tyr) have pKa values near 7.5; therefore, the binding-dependent group with a pKa value near 7.5 is possibly this substrate group. Similar plots of pKi vs. pH for the inhibitors L-Phe, L-Met, L-Leu, octylamine, and octanoic acid had only one bending point at 7.7, 7.6, 7.4, 6.3, and 5.9, respectively. Amino acid inhibitors, octylamine, and octanoic acid have no groups with pKa values between 5 and 9. These data indicate that there are two active center ionizable groups with pKa values of approximately 6.0 and 7.5 which are involved in substrate binding or inhibitory amino acid binding but not in catalysis since Vmax was constant at all pH values tested.

Alanine↗
PubMed1975

Conformational changes induced in a homogeneous anti-type III pneumococcal antibody by oligosaccharides of increasing size.

The circular polarization of luminescence (CPL) emitted by tryptophan residues was used as a sensitive probe for measuring ligand-induced structural changes in a homogeneous type III pneumococcal antibody. A series of oligosaccharide ligands of increasing size derived from type III polysaccharide by partial acid hydrolysis was assayed. Ligand-induced changes in the circular polarization of fluorescence of the antibody were observed for all antigens tested, including tetra-, hexa-, and octasaccharides and a 16-residue oligomer, the largest changes being recorded upon interaction with the intact soluble type III pneumococcal (SIII) polysaccharide. When Fab' or F(ab')2 fragments were used instead of the antibody IgG for binding of SIII polysaccharide, the extent of conformational changes was decreased. This suggests interactions between Fab and Fc portions in the IgG molecule and subsequent conformational changes in Fc part upon antigen binding. Reduction of interchain disulfide bonds abolished the additional spectral changes attributed to the Fc part but not the changes observed in the Fab part, thus suggesting that the presence of the interchain disulfide bond in the hinge region is required for maximal CPL changes to occur. Small monovalent ligands, i.e., the tetra-, hexa-, and octasaccharides, were capable of inducing CPL changes in the Fab part of the antibody molecule as well as CPL changes attributed to the Fc portion. A multivalent ligand containing about 16 sugar residues appears to be the minimal antigenic size required for triggering conformational changes attributed to the Fc part, similar to those seen in the interaction with the whole polysaccharide antigen.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed2025

Structure-function relationship of ASH1L and histone H3K36 and H3K4 methylation.

The histone H3K36-specific methyltransferase ASH1L plays a critical role in development and is frequently dysregulated in human diseases, particularly cancer. Here, we report on the biological functions of the C-terminal region of ASH1L encompassing a bromodomain (ASH1LBD), a plant homeodomain (ASH1LPHD) finger, and a bromo-adjacent homology (ASH1LBAH) domain, structurally characterize these domains, describe their mechanisms of action, and explore functional crosstalk between them. We find that ASH1LPHD recognizes H3K4me2/3, whereas the neighboring ASH1LBD and ASH1LBAH have DNA binding activities. The DNA binding function of ASH1LBAH is a driving force for the association of ASH1L with the linker DNA in the nucleosome, and the large interface with ASH1LPHD stabilizes the ASH1LBAH fold, merging two domains into a single module. We show that ASH1L is involved in embryonic stem cell differentiation and co-localizes with H3K4me3 but not with H3K36me2 at transcription start sites of target genes and genome wide, and that the interaction of ASH1LPHD with H3K4me3 is inhibitory to the H3K36me2-specific catalytic activity of ASH1L. Our findings shed light on the mechanistic details by which the C-terminal domains of ASH1L associate with chromatin and regulate the enzymatic function of ASH1L.

Histones↗
PubMed2026

Computational discovery of emodin-based anthraquinones as PARP-1 inhibitors with relevance to ovarian and prostate cancer.

Cancer is a disease characterized by genomic instability and aberrant DNA repair. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) represents a well-established therapeutic target, particularly in ovarian and prostate cancer. However, the currently approved PARP inhibitors face challenges such as resistance, toxicity, and reduced efficacy. The search for alternative scaffolds has therefore become increasingly urgent. In this study, we used an integrated approach combining computer-aided methods to search for potential lead compounds among emodin-based anthraquinone derivatives as PARP-1 inhibitors. Using a PASS-based QSAR approach, drug-likeness prediction, and in silico ADMET assessment, we pre-screened a large set of anthraquinones and identified several potential hits for interaction with PARP-1. These hits were studied using molecular docking with the PARP-1 catalytic domain (PDB ID: 7KK4). The most stable and compact complexes were further explored by 500 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and various dynamic properties (RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, MolSA, hydrogen bonds, PCA, DCCM). The key finding of this study is that several emodin-derived anthraquinones exhibited binding behavior and ADMET profiles comparable to, or better than, the reference PARP-1 inhibitor. Among them, CID-10425624 emerged as the most promising candidate, exhibiting stable binding, reduced conformational fluctuation, compact complex formation, persistent hydrogen-bond interactions, and enhanced dynamic residue correlations within the PARP-1 catalytic domain. These findings suggest that the anthraquinone scaffold can provide a valuable starting point for developing structurally distinct PARP-1 inhibitors. In summary, this study identified several emodin-derived anthraquinones, particularly CID-10425624, as computationally prioritized lead candidates for PARP-1 inhibition, providing a novel anthraquinone-based scaffold for further experimental validation and optimization.

Anthraquinones↗