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Molecular mechanism of HaiZao-YuHu decoction in breast cancer treatment via network pharmacology and molecular docking: Computational pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: The molecular biological mechanisms of HaiZao-YuHu decoction were investigated using network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS: TCMSP database was used to collect the active ingredients and action targets of HaiZao-YuHu decoction, through the OMIM, PharmGkb, GeneCards, TDD, and DurgBank database query targets for breast cancer. Then, using the intersecting targets, the protein-protein interaction network of HaiZao-YuHu decoction was constructed using the STRING website. Network topology analysis was performed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 to identify the core targets. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed with the R package. The Autodock software was used for molecular docking. RESULTS: Thirty-four active ingredients, 219 intersection targets and 4 key targets were obtained. gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis get 2152 biological processes and 186 pathways. Molecular docking showed that the 4 core targets could combine well with the 5 main active components. CONCLUSION: HaiZao-YuHu decoction can play a role in the treatment of breast cancer through multi-targets, multi-components, and multi-pathways.

Molecular Docking Simulation↗

On the interpretation of biochemical data by molecular dynamics computer simulation.

The application of computer simulation to molecular systems of biochemical interest is reviewed. It is shown that computer simulation is a tool complementary to experimental methods, which can be used to access atomic details inaccessible to experimental probes. Examples are given in which computer simulation augments the experimental information by providing an atomic picture of high resolution with respect to space, energy or time. The usefulness of a computer simulation largely depends on its quality. The most important factors that limit the accuracy of simulated results are discussed. The accuracy of different simulation studies can differ by orders of magnitude. The accuracy will depend on the type of biomolecular system and process studied. It will also depend on the choice of force field, the simulation set-up and the protocol that is used. A list of quality-determining factors is given, which may be useful when interpreting simulation studies appearing in the literature.

Biochemical Phenomena↗

A convenient method for the computer-aided molecular design of carborane containing compounds.

Computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) of carborane containing compounds is of growing interest for scientists involved in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and other pharmaceutical applications. However, the complex organo-metallic structures of carboranes pose difficulties in modeling and docking of these structures. This is the first report of a new strategy for modeling and docking of carborane containing molecules with the readily available software packages HyperChem, SYBYL and FlexX. It is intended as a guide for boron chemists interested in using CAMD of carborane containing agents for medical applications such as BNCT.

Boranes↗

Implementation of a redox microarray: an experimental model for future nanoscale biomolecular computing using integrated circuits.

The possibility of constructing high-density parallel computing architectures using molecular electronics technology is explored. By employing molecular computing devices, new circuitsystem integration could be realised. To clarify the proposed concept, an experimental model of a redox microarray is presented. A first experimental system for a redox microarray consists of a two-dimensional array of platinum microelectrodes to catalyse reversible reactions of redox-active molecules. Experimental results of active wave propagation in the redox microarray are presented to demonstrate the potential of molecular computing devices for creating artificially programmable reaction-diffusion dynamics for specific target applications.

Journal Article↗

[Methods of computer-assisted molecular modeling].

We present an overview on modern computer methods of molecular modelling. After treating three main steps of drug evaluation, namely target identification, lead identification and lead optimisation, we shortly discuss molecular graphics, molecular mechanics, molecular orbital and molecular dynamics methods. These are suitable for the more-or-less adequate modelling of real molecular processes both at the microscopic and the macroscopic levels. Molecular graphics provides beautiful pictures for the specialist that allow inspection and manipulation of detailed molecular models. An especially useful tool for the visualisation of molecular entities is the display of various properties on the molecular surface that allows rapid recognition of important relationships. Molecular mechanics is able to predict properties (e.g. geometric parameters, conformer stability) of several classes of molecules with an accuracy close to the experimental one, therefore it plays an important role in complementing molecular graphics. The performance of molecular orbital methods increased considerably in the last decade thus we can calculate parameters for isolated or interacting molecules that are not easily amenable to experiment (e.g. structure and energetics of unstable species or activation energies of elementary processes). Computer simulation methods provide a link between gas-phase models of microscopic structures or processes and macroscopic properties or events that may be derived from the former. Thus, it became possible to apply computerised methods for an adequate simulation of important events, like chemical and biochemical reactions, drug-target interactions, drug delivery and the similar that determine drug action. It is stressed that the hardware and software for computer-aided molecular modelling may not be absent from the arsenal of a drug designer.

Computer Graphics↗

A sticker-based model for DNA computation.

We introduce a new model of molecular computation that we call the sticker model. Like many previous proposals it makes use of DNA strands as the physical substrate in which information is represented and of separation by hybridization as a central mechanism. However, unlike previous models, the stickers model has a random access memory that requires no strand extension and uses no enzymes; also (at least in theory), its materials are reusable. The paper describes computation under the stickers model and discusses possible means for physically implementing each operation. Finally, we go on to propose a specific machine architecture for implementing the stickers model as a microprocessor-controlled parallel robotic workstation. In the course of this development a number of previous general concerns about molecular computation (Smith, 1996; Hartmanis, 1995; Linial et al., 1995) are addressed. First, it is clear that general-purpose algorithms can be implemented by DNA-based computers, potentially solving a wide class of search problems. Second, we find that there are challenging problems, for which only modest volumes of DNA should suffice. Third, we demonstrate that the formation and breaking of covalent bonds is not intrinsic to DNA-based computation. Fourth, we show that a single essential biotechnology, sequence-specific separation, suffices for constructing a general-purpose molecular computer. Concerns about errors in this separation operation and means to reduce them are addressed elsewhere (Karp et al., 1995; Roweis and Winfree, 1999). Despite these encouraging theoretical advances, we emphasize that substantial engineering challenges remain at almost all stages and that the ultimate success or failure of DNA computing will certainly depend on whether these challenges can be met in laboratory investigations.

Computer Simulation↗

ALADDIN: an integrated tool for computer-assisted molecular design and pharmacophore recognition from geometric, steric, and substructure searching of three-dimensional molecular structures.

ALADDIN is a computer program for the design or recognition of compounds that meet geometric, steric, and substructural criteria. ALADDIN searches a database of three-dimensional structures, marks atoms that meet substructural criteria, evaluates geometric criteria, and prepares a number of files that are input for molecular modification and coordinate generation as well as for molecular graphics. Properties calculated from the three-dimensional structure are described by either properties calculated from the molecule itself or from the molecule as compared to a reference molecule and associated surfaces. ALADDIN was used to design analogues to probe a bioactive conformation of a small molecule and a peptide, to test alternative superposition rules for receptor mapping of the D2 dopamine receptor, to recognize unexpected D2 dopamine agonist activity of existing compounds, and to design compounds to fit a binding site on a protein of known structure. We have found that series designed by ALADDIN show much more subtle variation in shape than do those designed by traditional methods and that compounds can be designed to be very close matches to the objective.

Binding Sites↗

Identification of residues in monoclonal antibody NC10.8 that bind to the sweetener N-(p-cyanophenyl)-N'-(diphenylmethyl)guanidinoacetic acid by using radioligand binding, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, computer-aided molecular modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis.

The interactive residues for mouse mAb NC10.8, which binds a superpotent guanidinium sweetener N-(p-cyanophenyl)-N'-(diphenylmethyl)guanidinoacetic acid with high affinity (Kd = 5 nM), were examined by using radioligand competitive binding, photoaffinity labeling, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, computer-aided molecular modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis. Competitive ligand analogue binding data revealed important structural features and a pH sensitivity for ligand binding. Spectroscopy of the sweetener-mAb complex revealed ligand-induced fluorescence quenching and the presence of a charge-transfer band. Site-directed mutagenesis of L:96W abolished the ligand-induced fluorescence quenching and reduced Ab affinity. The apparent Kd increased from 5 nM to more than 200 nM after such modification. A theoretical model of the Fv region was generated with use of a knowledge-based algorithm, and this model was used to identify the locations of key residues in the complementarity determining regions. These experimental and theoretical studies support the prediction that the sweetener ligand coordinates with the following residues: L:34H contacts the cyanophenyl ring, L:27DR forms a salt bridge with the acetic acid moiety, L:96W forms a pi-pi interaction with the cyanophenyl ring, and H:95E contacts the positively charged aryl nitrogen. These studies are important to our understanding of Ab-ligand specificity and may also shed light on the important chemical motifs responsible for elevated levels of sweetness potency in organic compounds.

Acetates↗

On the solution of mixed-integer nonlinear programming models for computer aided molecular design.

This paper addresses the efficient solution of computer aided molecular design (CAMD) problems, which have been posed as mixed-integer nonlinear programming models. The models of interest are those in which the number of linear constraints far exceeds the number of nonlinear constraints, and with most variables participating in the nonconvex terms. As a result global optimization methods are needed. A branch-and-bound algorithm (BB) is proposed that is specifically tailored to solving such problems. In a conventional BB algorithm, branching is performed on all the search variables that appear in the nonlinear terms. This translates to a large number of node traversals. To overcome this problem, we have proposed a new strategy for branching on a set of linear branchingfunctions, which depend linearly on the search variables. This leads to a significant reduction in the dimensionality of the search space. The construction of linear underestimators for a class of functions is also presented. The CAMD problem that is considered is the design of optimal solvents to be used as cleaning agents in lithographic printing.

Journal Article↗

Atom, atom-type, and total nonstochastic and stochastic quadratic fingerprints: a promising approach for modeling of antibacterial activity.

The TOpological MOlecular COMputer Design (TOMOCOMD-CARDD) approach has been introduced for the classification and design of antimicrobial agents using computer-aided molecular design. For this propose, atom, atom-type, and total quadratic indices have been generalized to codify chemical structure information. In this sense, stochastic quadratic indices have been introduced for the description of the molecular structure. These stochastic fingerprints are based on a simple model for the intramolecular movement of all valence-bond electrons. In this work, a complete data set containing 1006 antimicrobial agents is collected and presented. Two structure-based antibacterial activity classification models have been generated. The models (including nonstochastic and stochastic indices) classify correctly more than 90% of 1525 compounds in training sets. These models permit the correct classification of 92.28% and 89.31% of 505 compounds in an external test sets. The TOMOCOMD-CARDD approach, also, satisfactorily compares with respect to nine of the most useful models for antimicrobial selection reported to date. Finally, a virtual screening of 87 new compounds reported in the antiinfective field with antibacterial activities is developed showing the ability of the TOMOCOMD-CARDD models to identify new leads as antibacterial.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Computer-aided molecular modeling of a D2-agonist dopamine pharmacophore.

Using computer-aided molecular modeling techniques to analyze models recently proposed for the receptor binding sites of dopaminergic agonists, we superimposed the chemical structures of various compounds that mimic the pharmacological behavior of dopamine, as well as inactive enantiomers, on a postulated three-dimensional frame of reference. We analyzed the vector directionalities of the lone pairs of the nitrogen common to these molecules, and the acidic hydrogen of phenols (in aminoindanes, aminotetralins, apomorphines, p-phenol-piperazines, octahydrobenzo(g)quinolines, octahydrobenzo(f)quinolines, and benzazepines) or of nitrogen (in ergoline-type compounds and related structures). This model, when expressed as distances from that of the reference compound pergolide, correlates with the dopaminergic binding affinity observed in compounds previously reported to act on the dopaniergic system in the central nervous system (CNS). The regression analysis of log KD with respect to the distances of the vectors of the acidic hydrogen support the hypothesis that these compounds bind to the receptor as donors in hydrogen bond formation.

Computer Graphics↗

Similarities and differences in interaction of K+ and Na+ with condensed ordered DNA. A molecular dynamics computer simulation study.

Four 20 ns molecular dynamics simulations have been performed with two counterions, K+ or Na+, at two water contents, 15 or 20 H2O per nucleotide. A hexagonal simulation cell comprised of three identical DNA decamers [d(5'-ATGCAGTCAG) x d(5'-TGACTGCATC)] with periodic boundary condition along the DNA helix was used. The simulation setup mimics the DNA state in oriented DNA fibers or in crystals of DNA oligomers. Variation of counterion nature and water content do not alter averaged DNA structure. K+ and Na+ binding to DNA are different. K+ binds to the electronegative sites of DNA bases in the major and the minor grooves, while Na+ interacts preferentially with the phosphate groups. Increase of water causes a shift of both K+ and Na+ from the first hydration shell of O1P/O2P and of the DNA bases in the minor groove with lesser influence for the cation binding to the bases in the major groove. Mobility of both water and cations in the K-DNA systems is faster than in the Na-DNA systems: Na+ organizes and immobilizes water structure around itself and near DNA while for K+ water is less organized and more dynamic.

Base Pairing↗

A machine learning approach to computer-aided molecular design.

Preliminary results of a machine learning application concerning computer-aided molecular design applied to drug discovery are presented. The artificial intelligence techniques of machine learning use a sample of active and inactive compounds, which is viewed as a set of positive and negative examples, to allow the induction of a molecular model characterizing the interaction between the compounds and a target molecule. The algorithm is based on a twofold phase. In the first one--the specialization step--the program identifies a number of active/inactive pairs of compounds which appear to be the most useful in order to make the learning process as effective as possible and generates a dictionary of molecular fragments, deemed to be responsible for the activity of the compounds. In the second phase--the generalization step--the fragments thus generated are combined and generalized in order to select the most plausible hypothesis with respect to the sample of compounds. A knowledge base concerning physical and chemical properties is utilized during the inductive process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Oncogenic amino acid substitutions in the inhibitory rap-1A protein cause it to adopt a ras-p21-like conformation as computed using molecular dynamics.

rap-1A is a membrane-bound G-protein in the ras superfamily that, like the ras-p21 protein, is activated by binding GTP in place of GDP. When activated, however, this protein inhibits the action of ras-p21, which is to induce mitogenesis in cells A chimeric protein containing RAS-p21 residues 1-65 and rap-1A residues 66-184 becomes ras-p21-like in its activity. The critical changes in sequence that result in this transformation are G26N, 127H, E30D, K31E, and E45V. All of these substitutions occur in or around a critical effector domain of p21 that is involved in interacting with GTPase activating protein (GAP), raf-p74 protein and inositol-3-hydroxy kinase. Using molecular dynamics, we have computed the average low energy structures for each of the three proteins, ras-p21, rap-1A and mutant rap1A, called rap-M, that contains these critical amino acid substitutions. We find that rap-M more closely superimposes on ras-p21 (rms deviation 1.9 A) than on wild-type rap-1A (rms deviation 3.4 A). In particular, the amino terminal domains (residues 3-59) of both RAS-p21 and rap-M are superimposable while they deviate when the average structures of these two proteins are superimposed on that of wild-type rap-1A. We have identified Pro 34 as a critical residue which may determine if the protein transforms cells or inhibits cell transformation. In addition, we have found that ras-p21 and rap-M proteins are superimposable in the region 96-110 except at Asp 105. The 96-110 domain of ras-p21 has been found to be involved in the binding of this protein to the nuclear transcription protein, jun and its kinase, jun kinase, JNK. Both segments differ in structure from that of the rap-1A segment at Asp 108, implicating this residue as also being important in determining the activity of the protein. Overall, the oncogenic substitutions introduced into the rap-1A protein cause it to adopt a conformation that is very similar to that of ras-p21 rather than wild-type rap-1A.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Neurobiological approach to computing devices.

According to the old metaphor of classical cybernetics the brain can be considered as a computer. Newer theoretical endeavours reverse the question and ask: what could neurobiology offer to engineers of near-future generation computer systems? Three not completely disjoint abstract functions of the nervous system, namely pattern formation, pattern recognition and action, can be treated in a unified conceptual framework. Storage and retrieval mechanisms of information are connected to fault-tolerant, adaptive parallel structures. "Learning" and "plastic behaviour" are interpreted in terms of the theory of non-linear dynamic systems. As neural development and plasticity can be approached by deterministic models superimposed by random influence, noise might also have a positive role to play during the operation of technical computing devices. Molecular computation is discussed in relation to eventual hardware realization of "neurobiology-based" computers.

Cybernetics↗

Boolean control of aptamer binding states.

Molecules that perform Boolean calculations can analyze a series of inputs and make a decision to produce or not to produce an output, based on the presence or absence of inputs and a particular formula they encode. We now report that molecular computation performed by deoxyribozyme-based logic gates can be used to control the functional state of aptamers, switching them on or off based on the outcome of such computation.

Computers, Molecular↗

Polymetallated porphyrin ultrathin films as transducing elements for molecular devices and logic gates.

Meso-tetrapyridylporphyrins peripherally coordinated to four ruthenium complexes, such as [Ru(bpy)2Cl] and [Ru(5-ClPhen)2Cl] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), provide a versatile class of molecular materials in which the complexes act as co-factors, inducing electronic effects and acting as electron-transfer relays and electron pools or sinks, depending upon their oxidation state. These cationic porphyrins can be assembled into thin films by conventional methods, or into organized layer-by-layer structures by combining with negatively charged tetrasulfonated porphyrins or phthalocyanines. Their electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties have been successfully exploited in chemical sensors. Their usefulness in molecular logic gates are being demonstrated by using modified transparent conducting electrodes in miniaturized flow injection cells. In such designs, the chemical, electrochemical, and light inputs can be readily combined to perform the basic logic functions, such as AND, OR, and NOT, for molecular computing.

Computers, Molecular↗