Detection of Drug Binding to a Target Protein Using EVV 2DIR Spectroscopy

The ability to detect and characterize drug binding to a target protein is of high priority in drug discovery research. However, there are inherent challenges when the target of interest is an integral membrane protein (IMP). Assuming successful purification of the IMP, traditional approaches for measuring binding such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) have been proven valuable. However, the mass dependence of SPR signals may preclude the detection of binding events when the ligand has a significantly smaller mass than the target protein. In FRET-based experiments, protein labeling through modification may inadvertently alter protein dynamics. Graphene Bio-Electronic Sensing Technology (GBEST) aims to overcome these challenges. Label-free characterization takes place in a microfluidic chamber wherein a fluid lipid membrane is reconstituted directly above the GBEST sensor surface. By leveraging the high conductivity, sensitivity, and electrical properties of monolayer graphene, minute changes in electrostatic charges arising from the binding and unbinding of a ligand to a native IMP target can be detected in real time and in a mass-independent manner. Using crude membrane fractions prepared from cells overexpressing monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), we demonstrate the ability to (1) form a fluid lipid bilayer enriched with MCT1 directly on top of the GBEST sensor and (2) obtain kinetic binding data for an anti-MCT1 antibody. Further development of this novel technology will enable characterization of target engagement by both low- and high-molecular-weight drug candidates to native IMP targets in a physiologically relevant membrane environment.

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Structure-Based Survey of the Human Proteome for Opportunities in Proximity Pharmacology

10.1101/2022.01.13.475779 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Evianne Rovers ◽

Matthieu Schapira

Keyword(s):

Binding Sites ◽

Drug Binding ◽

Human Proteome ◽

Target Protein ◽

Therapeutic Modality ◽

Post Translational Modifications ◽

Close Proximity ◽

Different Types ◽

Subsequent Degradation ◽

Binding Pockets

Proximity pharmacology (ProxPharm) is a novel paradigm in drug discovery where a small molecule brings two proteins in close proximity to elicit a signal, generally from one protein onto another. The potential of ProxPharm compounds as a new therapeutic modality is firmly established by proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that bring an E3 ubiquitin ligase in proximity to a target protein to induce ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the target protein. The concept can be expanded to induce other post-translational modifications via the recruitment of different types of protein-modifying enzymes. To survey the human proteome for opportunities in proximity pharmacology, we systematically mapped non-catalytic drug binding pockets on the structure of protein-modifying enzymes available from the Protein Databank. In addition to binding sites exploited by previously reported ProxPharm compounds, we identified putative ligandable non-catalytic pockets in 188 kinases, 42 phosphatases, 26 deubiquitinases, 9 methyltransferases, 7 acetyltransferases, 7 glycosyltransferases, 4 deacetylases, 3 demethylases and 2 glycosidases, including cavities occupied by chemical matter that may serve as starting points for future ProxPharm compounds. This systematic survey confirms that proximity pharmacology is a versatile modality with largely unexplored and promising potential, and reveals novel opportunities to pharmacologically rewire molecular circuitries.

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Effect of piperacillin on morphology and viability of gram-negative bacteria

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100111203 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. 218-219

Author(s):

R. H. Liss

Keyword(s):

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Cytoplasmic Membrane ◽

Drug Binding ◽

Gram Negative Bacteria ◽

Bacterial Cells ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Penicillin Binding Proteins ◽

Lactam Antibiotic ◽

Drug Free ◽

Tube Dilution

Piperacillip (PIP) is b-[D(-)-α-(4-ethy1-2,3-dioxo-l-piperzinylcar-bonylamino)-α-phenylacetamido]-penicillanate. The broad spectrum semisynthetic β-lactam antibiotic is believed to effect bactericidal activity through its affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), enzymes on the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane that control elongation and septation during cell growth and division. The purpose of this study was to correlate penetration and binding of 14C-PIP in bacterial cells with drug-induced lethal changes assessed by microscopic, microbiologic and biochemical methods.The bacteria used were clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Figure 1). Sensitivity to the drug was determined by serial tube dilution in Trypticase Soy Broth (BBL) at an inoculum of 104 organisms/ml; the minimum inhibitory concentration of piperacillin for both bacteria was 1 μg/ml. To assess drug binding to PBPs, the bacteria were incubated with 14C-PIP (5 μg/0.09 μCi/ml); controls, in drug-free medium.

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F557L – a novel determinant of hERG channel inhibition: allosteric modulation or drug binding?

Intrinsic Activity ◽

10.25006/ia.1.s1-a3.12 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1 (Suppl. 1) ◽

pp. A3.12

Author(s):

Priyanka Saxena

Keyword(s):

Allosteric Modulation ◽

Drug Binding ◽

Herg Channel ◽

Channel Inhibition

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Drug Repurposing Studies Targeting SARS-nCoV2: An Ensemble Docking Approach on Drug Target 3C-like Protease (3CLpro)

10.26434/chemrxiv.12228831 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shruti Koulgi ◽

Vinod Jani ◽

Mallikarjunachari Uppuladinne ◽

Uddhavesh Sonavane ◽

Asheet Kumar Nath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Repurposing ◽

Drug Binding ◽

Ensemble Docking ◽

Drug Molecules ◽

Drug Binding Site ◽

Main Protease ◽

Docking Approach ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Markov State Modeling ◽

Viral Polyprotein

The COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for several deaths worldwide. The causative agent behind this disease is the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – novel Coronavirus 2 (SARS-nCoV2). SARS-nCoV2 belongs to the category of RNA viruses. The main protease, responsible for the cleavage of the viral polyprotein is considered as one of the hot targets for treating COVID-19. Earlier reports suggest the use of HIV anti-viral drugs for targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV, which caused SARS in the year 2002-03. Hence, drug repurposing approach may prove to be useful in targeting the main protease of SARS-nCoV2. The high-resolution crystal structure of 3CLpro (main protease) of SARS-nCoV2 (PDB ID: 6LU7) was used as the target. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and SWEETLEAD database of drug molecules were screened. The apo form of the main protease was simulated for a cumulative of 150 ns and 10 μs open source simulation data was used, to obtain conformations for ensemble docking. The representative structures for docking were selected using RMSD-based clustering and Markov State Modeling analysis. This ensemble docking approach for main protease helped in exploring the conformational variation in the drug binding site of the main protease leading to efficient binding of more relevant drug molecules. The drugs obtained as best hits from the ensemble docking possessed anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Small molecules with these properties may prove to be useful to treat symptoms exhibited in COVID-19. This in-silico ensemble docking approach would support identification of potential candidates for repurposing against COVID-19.

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