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Hierarchical database screenings for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase using a pharmacophore model, rigid docking, solvation docking, and MM-PB/SA.

In this work, an efficient strategy was presented to search drug leads for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) using hierarchical database screenings, which included a pharmacophore model, multiple-conformation rigid docking, solvation docking, and molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann/surface area (MM-PB/SA) sequentially. Encouraging results were achieved in searching a refined available chemical directory (ACD) database: the enrichment factor after the first three filters was estimated to be 25-fold; the hit rate for all the four filters was predicted to be 41% in a control test using 37 known HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; 10 out of 30 promising solvation-docking hits had MM-PB/SA binding free energies better than -6.8 kcal/mol and the best one, HIT15, had -17.0 kcal/mol. In conclusion, the hierarchical multiple-filter database searching strategy is an attractive strategy in drug lead exploration.

Allosteric Site↗

Mechanism for antibody catalysis of the oxidation of water by singlet dioxygen.

Wentworth et al. [Wentworth, P., Jones, L. H., Wentworth, A. D., Zhu, X. Y., Larsen, N. A., Wilson, I. A., Xu, X., Goddard, W. A., Janda, K. D., Eschenmoser, A. & Lerner, R. A. (2001) Science 293, 1806-1811] recently reported the surprising result that antibodies and T cell receptors efficiently catalyze the conversion of molecular singlet oxygen (1O2) plus water to hydrogen peroxide (HOOH). Recently, quantum mechanical calculations were used to delineate a plausible mechanism, involving reaction of 1O2 with two waters to form HOOOH (plus H2O), followed by formation of HOOOH dimer, which rearranges to form HOO-HOOO + H2O, which rearranges to form two HOOH plus 1O2 or 3O2. For a system with 18O H2O, this mechanism leads to a 2.2:1 ratio of 16O:18O in the product HOOH, in good agreement with the ratio 2.2:1 observed in isotope experiments by Wentworth et al. In this paper we use docking and molecular dynamics techniques (HierDock) to search various protein structures for sites that stabilize these products and intermediates predicted from quantum mechanical calculations. We find that the reaction intermediates for production of HOOH from 1O2 are stabilized at the interface of light and heavy chains of antibodies and T cell receptors. This inter Greek key domain interface structure is unique to antibodies and T cell receptors, but is not present in beta2-microglobulin, which does not show any stabilization in our docking studies. This result is consistent with the experimentally observed lack of HOOH production in this system. Our results provide a plausible mechanism for the reactions and provide an explanation of the specific structural character of antibodies responsible for this unexpected chemistry.

Antibodies, Catalytic↗

Structural and functional characterization of the human CCR5 receptor in complex with HIV gp120 envelope glycoprotein and CD4 receptor by molecular modeling studies.

The entry of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into cells depends on a sequential interaction of the gp120 envelope glycoprotein with the cellular receptors CD4 and members of the chemokine receptor family. The CC chemokine receptor CCR5 is such a receptor for several chemokines and a major coreceptor for the entry of R5 HIV type-1 (HIV-1) into cells. Although many studies focus on the interaction of CCR5 with HIV-1, the corresponding interaction sites in CCR5 and gp120 have not been matched. Here we used an approach combining protein structure modeling, docking and molecular dynamics simulation to build a series of structural models of the CCR5 in complexes with gp120 and CD4. Interactions such as hydrogen bonds, salt bridges and van der Waals contacts between CCR5 and gp120 were investigated. Three snapshots of CCR5-gp120-CD4 models revealed that the initial interactions of CCR5 with gp120 are involved in the negatively charged N-terminus (Nt) region of CCR5 and positively charged bridging sheet region of gp120. Further interactions occurred between extracellular loop2 (ECL2) of CCR5 and the base of V3 loop regions of gp120. These interactions may induce the conformational changes in gp120 and lead to the final entry of HIV into the cell. These results not only strongly support the two-step gp120-CCR5 binding mechanism, but also rationalize extensive biological data about the role of CCR5 in HIV-1 gp120 binding and entry, and may guide efforts to design novel inhibitors.

CD4 Antigens↗

Characterization of endostatin binding to heparin and heparan sulfate by surface plasmon resonance and molecular modeling: role of divalent cations.

Endostatin (20 kDa) is a C-terminal proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII that is localized in vascular basement membrane zones in various organs. It binds zinc, heparin/heparan sulfate, laminin, and sulfatides and inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. Here we determined the kinetics and affinity of the interaction of endostatin with heparin/heparan sulfate and investigated the effects of divalent cations on these interactions and on the biological activities of endostatin. The binding of human recombinant endostatin to heparin and heparan sulfate was studied by surface plasmon resonance using BIAcore technology and further characterized by docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Kinetic data, evaluated using a 1:1 interaction model, showed that heparan sulfate bound to and dissociated from endostatin faster than heparin and that endostatin bound to heparin and heparan sulfate with a moderate affinity (K(D) approximately 2 microm). Molecular modeling of the complex between endostatin and heparin oligosaccharides predicted that, compared with mutagenesis studies, two further arginine residues, Arg(47) and Arg(66), participated in the binding. The binding of endostatin to heparin and heparan sulfate required the presence of divalent cations. The addition of ZnCl(2) to endostatin enhanced its binding to heparan sulfate by approximately 40% as well as its antiproliferative effect on endothelial cells stimulated by fibroblast growth factor-2, suggesting that this activity is mediated by the binding of endostatin to heparan sulfate. In contrast, no increase in the antiangiogenic and anti-proliferative activities of endostatin promoted by vascular endothelial growth factor was observed upon the addition of zinc.

Cations, Divalent↗

Molecular dynamics simulations of lignin peroxidase in solution.

The dynamical and structural properties of lignin peroxidase and its Trp171Ala mutant have been investigated in aqueous solution using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In both cases, the enzyme retained its overall backbone structure and all its noncovalent interactions in the course of the MD simulations. Very interestingly, the analysis of the MD trajectories showed the presence of large fluctuations in correspondence of the residues forming the heme access channel; these movements enlarge the opening and facilitate the access of substrates to the enzyme active site. Moreover, steered molecular dynamics docking simulations have shown that lignin peroxidase natural substrate (veratryl alcohol) can easily approach the heme edge through the access channel.

Benzyl Alcohols↗

Exosome secretion and red cell maturation: Exploring molecular components involved in the docking and fusion of multivesicular bodies in K562 cells.

During reticulocyte maturation, some membrane proteins and organelles that are not required in the mature red cell are lost. These proteins are released into the extracellular medium associated with vesicles present in multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Fusion of MVBs with the plasma membrane results in secretion of the small internal vesicles, termed exosomes. By studying MVBs fusion and exosome release in K562 cells, a human erythroleukemic cell line, we have determined the functional significance of Rab11 and calcium in these events. Additionally, in the transformation process that occurs during erythrocyte maturation, intracellular organelles are likely removed as a consequence of autophagic sequestration and degradation. We propose K562 cells as a useful tool to analyze, at the molecular level, the role of autophagy in the terminal differentiation of red cells.

Autophagy↗

Structure-based drug design: computational advances.

Structure-based computational methods continue to enhance progress in the discovery and refinement of therapeutic agents. Several such methods and their applications are described. These include molecular visualization and molecular modeling, docking, fragment methods, 3-D database techniques, and free-energy perturbation. Related issues that are discussed include the use of simplified potential energy functions and the determination of the positions of tightly bound waters. Strengths and weaknesses of the various methods are described.

Algorithms↗

EWS-RNA Binding Protein 1: Structural Insights into Ewing Sarcoma by Conformational Dynamics Investigations.

BACKGROUND: Prior research has demonstrated that proteins play a significant role in the prognosis and treatments of various sarcomas, including Ewing sarcoma through the interplay of downstream signaling cascades. However, there is limited understanding about the strcucture conformation of EWSR1 and its structural implication in the prognosis of Ewsing Sarcoma by interaction with RNA molecules. AIMS: The primary goal of ongoing research is to determine how EWSR1 contributes to Ewing sarcoma. OBJECTIVE: The current study explores the complexity of EWSR1 structure and its conformational interactions with RNA in relation to Ewing sarcoma. METHODS: Here, we employed a comparative modeling approach to predict EWSR1 domains separately and assembled them into one structural unit using a DEMO server. Additionally, the RNA motifs interacting with EWSR1 were predicted, and the 3D model was built using RNAComposer. Protein-RNA docking and MD simulation studies were carried out to check the intermolecular interactions and stability behavior of docked EWSR1-RNA complexes. RESULTS: The overall results explore the structural insights into EWSR1 and their interactions with RNA, which may play a momentous role in co- and post-transcriptional regulation to control gene expression. CONCLUSION: Taken togather, our findings suggest that EWSR1 may be a useful therapeutic target for the diagnosis and management of Ewing sarcoma.

Sarcoma, Ewing↗

Novel computer program for fast exact calculation of accessible and molecular surface areas and average surface curvature.

New computer programs, SurfRace and FastSurf, perform fast calculations of the solvent accessible and molecular (solvent excluded) surface areas of macromolecules. Program SurfRace also calculates the areas of cavities inaccessible from the outside. We introduce the definition of average curvature of molecular surface and calculate average molecular surface curvatures for each atom in a structure. All surface area and curvature calculations are analytic and therefore yield exact values of these quantities. High calculation speed of this software is achieved primarily by avoiding computationally expensive mathematical procedures wherever possible and by efficient handling of surface data structures. The programs are written initially in the language C for PCs running Windows 2000/98/NT, but their code is portable to other platforms with only minor changes in input-output procedures. The algorithm is robust and does not ignore either multiplicity or degeneracy of atomic overlaps. Fast, memory-efficient and robust execution make this software attractive for applications both in computationally expensive energy minimization algorithms, such as docking or molecular dynamics simulations, and in stand-alone surface area and curvature calculations.

Algorithms↗

Computational modelling of the open-state Kv 1.5 ion channel block by bupivacaine.

Binding of R(+)-bupivacaine to open-state homology models of the mammalian K(v)1.5 membrane ion channel is studied using automated docking and molecular dynamics (MD) methods. Homology models of K(v)1.5 are built using the 3D structures of the KcsA and MthK channels as a template. The packing of transmembrane (TM) alpha-helices in the KcsA structure corresponds to a closed channel state. Opening of the channel may be reached by a conformational transition yielding a bent structure of the internal S6 helices. Our first model of the K(v) open state involves a PVP-type of bending hinge in the internal helices, while the second model corresponds to a Gly-type of bending hinge as found in the MthK channel. Ligand binding to these models is probed using the common local anaesthetic bupivacaine, where blocker binding from the intracellular side of the channel is considered. Conformational properties and partial atomic charges of bupivacaine are determined from quantum mechanical HF/6-31G* calculations with inclusion of solvent effects. The automated docking and MD calculations for the PVP-bend model predict that bupivacaine could bind either in the central cavity or in the PVP region of the channel pore. Linear interaction energy (LIE) estimates of the binding free energies for bupivacaine predict strongest binding to the PVP region. Surprisingly, no binding is predicted for the Gly-bend model. These results are discussed in light of electrophysiological data which show that the K(v)1.5 channel is unable to close when bupivacaine is bound.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Anion activation of 3-phosphoglycerate kinase requires domain closure.

3-Phosphoglycerate kinase is a typical two-domain "hinge-bending" enzyme, which is known to be regulated by multivalent anions. Here a relationship between this regulation and the hinge-bending domain closure is proposed on the basis of enzyme kinetic analysis and molecular modeling. Activation of the pig muscle enzyme at low concentrations and inhibition at high concentrations of various anionic analogues of the substrate 3-phosphoglycerate or of the nonsubstrate metal-free ATP are described by a two-site model assuming separate sites for activation and inhibition, respectively. Kinetic experiments with various pairs of analogues suggest the presence of a common site for activation by all effectors, separate from the catalytic site for 3-phosphoglycerate; and a common site for inhibition, except for metal-free ATP, identical with the catalytic site of 3-phosphoglycerate. An additional inhibiting site for all of the anions investigated, including metal-free ATP, is also proposed. A similar two-site model can describe activation of the enzyme by a large excess of each substrate; here the ligand binds to the catalytic site as a substrate and to the regulatory site as an activator. Activation is exerted not only by the physiological substrate, 3-phophoglycerate, but also by a synthetic weak substrate. The activity in the reaction with 3-phosphoglycerate and MgATP is greatly enhanced by the simultaneous presence of the weak substrate. This finding clearly proves the existence of a regulatory site, separate from the catalytic site. This regulatory site, however, may only exist in the catalytically competent closed conformation of the enzyme, as indicated by molecular modeling. Docking of the regulator anions into the known X-ray structures of the enzyme revealed the appearance of an anion binding site between the two domains, including the invariant residues of Lys-215 (C-domain) and of Arg-65 among other residues of the basic cluster (N-domain), as a consequence of the large-scale substrate-induced conformational change that leads to domain closure.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

Molecular recognition in purinergic receptors. 2. Diastereoselectivity of the h-P2Y1-receptor.

In the companion paper, part 1, we described the construction of an improved molecular model for the h-P2Y1 receptor (h-P2Y1-R) and proposed a rational for the stereoelectronic selectivity of the receptor. Here, we extend our studies on the molecular recognition of the h-P2Y1-R to the exploration of the diastereoselectivity of this receptor. For this purpose, we implemented an integrative approach combining synthesis, spectral analysis, biochemical assays, and computational analysis. Specifically, we selected and synthesized novel ATP analogues bearing a chiral center on the phosphate chain. We analyzed the conformation of the chiral ATP analogues in solution by 1H/13C NMR and assigned the absolute configuration of the diastereoisomers. The coordination mode of these analogues with a Mg2+ ion was evaluated by 31P NMR. These chiral analogues were biochemically evaluated and found to be potent h-P2Y1-R ligands. An EC50 difference of ca. 20-fold was observed between the diastereoisomers. Their spectral absolute configuration assignment was confirmed by comparison of the biochemical results to those of ATP-alpha-S diastereoisomers whose chirality is known. Finally, a computational analysis was performed for the elucidation of molecular recognition employing molecular mechanics (docking) studies on the receptor:ligands complexes. On the basis of the current results, we hypothesize that h-P2Y1-R's chiral discrimination originates from the requirement that the nucleotide analogue interacts with a Mg2+ ion within the receptor binding site. This Mg2+ ion is possibly coordinated with both Asp204 and the ATP's alpha, beta, gamma-phosphates in a Lambda configuration.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Design and synthesis of 4,5-diphenyl-4-isoxazolines: novel inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 with analgesic and antiinflammatory activity.

4,5-Diphenyl-4-isoxazolines (13a-k) possessing a variety of substituents (H, F, MeS, MeSO2) at the para position of one of the phenyl rings were synthesized for evaluation as analgesic and selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory antiinflammatory (AI) agents. Although the 4,5-phenyl-4-isoxazolines (13a-d,f), which do not have a C-3 Me substituent, exhibited potent analgesic and AI activities, those compounds evaluated (13a, 13b, 13h, and 13k) were not selective inhibitors of COX-2. In contrast, 2,3-dimethyl-5-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-4-phenyl-4-isoxazoline (13j) exhibited excellent analgesic and AI activities, and it was a potent and selective COX-2 inhibitor (COX-1, IC(50) = 258 microM; COX-2, IC(50) = 0.004 microM). A related compound 13k having a F substituent at the para position of the 4-phenyl ring was also a selective (SI = 3162) but less potent (IC(50) = 0.0316 microM) inhibitor of COX-2 than 13j. A molecular modeling (docking study) for 13j showed that the S atom of the MeSO2 substituent is positioned about 6.46 A inside the entrance to the COX-2 secondary pocket (Val(523)) and that a C-3 Me (13j, 13k) central isoxazoline ring substituent is crucial to selective inhibition of COX-2 for this class of compounds.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Epitope map for a growth hormone receptor agonist monoclonal antibody, MAb 263.

Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 263 is a widely used monoclonal antibody that recognizes the extracellular domain (ECD) of the GH receptor. It has been shown to act as a GH agonist both in vitro and in vivo, and we report here that it must be divalent to exert its effect on the full-length receptor. To understand the mechanism of its agonist action, we have determined the precise epitope for this antibody using a novel random PCR mutagenesis approach together with expression screening in yeast. A library of 5200 clones of rabbit GH receptor ECD mutants were screened both with MAb 263 and with an anticarboxy-tag antibody to verify complete ECD expression. Sequencing for clones that expressed complete ECD but were not MAb 263 positive identified 20 epitope residues distributed in a discontinuous manner throughout the ECD. The major part of the epitope, as revealed after mapping onto the crystal structure model of the ECD molecule, was located on the side and upper portion of domain 1, particularly within the D-E strand disulfide loop 79-96. Molecular dynamics docking of an antibody of the same isotype as MAb 263 was used to dock the bivalent antibody to the 1528-A2 epitope and to visualize the likely consequences of MAb binding. The minimized model enables the antibody to grasp two receptors in a pincer-like movement from opposite sides, facilitating alignment of the receptor dimerization domains in a manner similar to, but not identical with, GH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Multitargeted comparative evaluation suggests 2-Aoeobenoxmide shows favourable in silico binding compared to Tucatinib against ERα, HER2, AKT1, EGFR, and PIK3CA in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally, with the WHO reporting approximately 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths annually. Drug resistance in breast cancer complicates treatment, with mutations in critical proteins contributing to therapy failure. Key oncogenic proteins involved in breast cancer progression-namely ERα (a ligand-activated nuclear receptor; PDB: 1A52) and the kinase domains of HER2 (PDB ID: 3PP0), AKT1 (PDB ID: 4EJN), EGFR (PDB ID: 4I23) and PIK3CA (PDB ID: 7R9V)-are pivotal in tumour progression and resistance mechanisms. Targeting these proteins using multitargeted therapeutic strategies may overcome resistance by disrupting key signalling pathways involved in cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Such combinatorial approaches promise to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in cases of resistant breast cancer. In this study, we performed multitarget docking on prepared and validated protein structures against the ZINC natural compound library using HTVS, SP, and XP, with pose validation using MM-GBSA. We identified 2-Aoeobenoxmide (2-[1-(2-amino-2-oxo-ethoxy)-6-oxo-benzo[c]chromen-3-yl]oxyacetamide, ZINC134008) with docking and MM-GBSA scores ranging from -8.162 to -10.327 kcal/mol and from -47.18 to -57.62 kcal/mol, respectively, and compared the results with the FDA-approved drug Tucatinib, which exhibited lower binding affinity scores. We further evaluated pharmacokinetic properties using QikProp and electronic properties using DFT (Jaguar) and compared the descriptors of 2-Aoeobenoxmide with those of Tucatinib and with accepted reference ranges. We also performed the WaterMap for 5 nanoseconds (ns), computed various energies, interactions and hydration sites, and the comparison suggests that 2-Aoeobenoxmide shows more favourable hydration-site displacement and binding interactions than Tucatinib. Additionally, a 100 ns MD Simulation has resulted in far less deviation, fluctuations, and intermolecular interactions than Tucatinib, suggesting stable protein-ligand interactions, while the binding free energy and total complex energy computed across 0-1000 frames of the MD trajectories indicate that 2-Aoeobenoxmide is a promising in silico candidate. Importantly, because the entire study is computational, the findings should be interpreted as in silico hypotheses, and experimental validation through in vitro and in vivo assays is warranted before any clinical translation is considered.

Humans↗

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of N-acetyl-2-carboxybenzenesulfonamides: a novel class of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.

N-Acetyl-2-carboxybenzenesulfonamide (11), and a group of analogues possessing an appropriately substituted-phenyl substituent (4-F, 2,4-F(2), 4-SO(2)Me, 4-OCHMe(2)) attached to its C-4, or C-5 position, were synthesized for evaluation as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. In vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibition studies showed that 11 is a more potent inhibitor (COX-1 IC(50)=0.06microM; COX-2 IC(50)=0.25microM) than aspirin (COX-1 IC(50)=0.35microM; COX-2 IC(50)=2.4microM), and like aspirin [COX-2 selectivity index (S.I.)=0.14], 11 is a nonselective COX-2 inhibitor (COX-2 S.I.=0.23). Regioisomers having a 2,4-difluorophenyl substituent attached to the C-4 (COX-2 IC(50)=0.087microM; COX-2 S.I. >1149), or C-5 (COX-2 IC(50)=0.77microM, SI>130), position of 11 exhibited the most potent and selective COX-2 inhibitory activity relative to the reference drug celecoxib (COX-1 IC(50)=33.1microM; COX-2 IC(50)=0.07microM; COX-2 S.I.=472). N-Acetyl-2-carboxybenzenesulfonamide (11, ED(50)=49 mg/kg), and its C-4 2,4-difluorophenyl derivative (ED(50)=91 mg/kg), exhibited superior antiinflammatory activity (oral dosing) in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay compared to aspirin (ED(50)=129 mg/kg). These latter compounds exhibited comparable analgesic activity to the reference drug diflunisal, and superior analgesic activity compared to aspirin, in a 4% NaCl-induced abdominal constriction assay. A molecular modeling (docking) study indicated that the SO(2)NHCOCH(3) substituent present in N-acetyl-2-carboxy-4-(2,4-fluorophenyl)benzenesulfonamide, like the acetoxy substituent in aspirin, is suitably positioned to acetylate the Ser(530) hydroxyl group in the COX-2 primary binding site. The results of this study indicate that the SO(2)NHCOCH(3) pharmacophore present in N-acetyl-2-carboxybenzenesulfonamides is a suitable bioisostere for the acetoxy (OCOMe) group in aspirin.

Animals↗

Structure and orientation of peptide inhibitors bound to beta-amyloid fibrils.

Polymerization of the soluble beta-amyloid peptide into highly ordered fibrils is hypothesized to be a causative event in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the interactions of Abeta with inhibitors on an atomic level is fundamental for the development of diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, and can provide, in addition, important indirect information of the amyloid fibril structure. We have shown recently that trRDCs can be measured in solution state NMR for peptide ligands binding weakly to amyloid fibrils. We present here the structures for two inhibitor peptides, LPFFD and DPFFL, and their structural models bound to fibrillar Abeta(14-23) and Abeta(1-40) based on transferred nuclear Overhauser effect (trNOE) and transferred residual dipolar coupling (trRDC) data. In a first step, the inhibitor peptide structure is calculated on the basis of trNOE data; the trRDC data are then validated on the basis of the trNOE-derived structure using the program PALES. The orientation of the peptide inhibitors with respect to Abeta fibrils is obtained from trRDC data, assuming that Abeta fibrils orient such that the fibril axis is aligned in parallel with the magnetic field. The trRDC-derived alignment tensor of the peptide ligand is then used as a restraint for molecular dynamics docking studies. We find that the structure with the lowest rmsd value is in agreement with a model in which the inhibitor peptide binds to the long side of an amyloid fibril. Especially, we detect interactions involving the hydrophobic core, residues K16 and E22/D23 of the Abeta sequence. Structural differences are observed for binding of the inhibitor peptide to Abeta14-23 and Abeta1-40 fibrils, respectively, indicating different fibril structure. We expect this approach to be useful in the rational design of amyloid ligands with improved binding characteristics.

Amino Acid Sequence↗