scholarly journals Identification of first-in-class plasmodium OTU inhibitors with potent anti-malarial activity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinar Siyah ◽  
Sezer Akgol ◽  
Serdar Durdagi ◽  
Fatih Kocabas
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Qsar Model ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Ubiquitinated Protein ◽  
Conserved Residues ◽  
Correlation Studies ◽  
Cellular Defense ◽  
Small Molecule Screening ◽  
Ic50 Values

OTU proteases antagonize the cellular defense in the host cells and involve in pathogenesis. Intriguingly, P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. yoelii have an uncharacterized and highly conserved viral OTU-like proteins. However, their structure, function or inhibitors have not been previously reported. To this end, we have performed structural modeling, small molecule screening, deconjugation assays to characterize and develop first-in-class inhibitors of P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. yoelii OTU-like proteins. These Plasmodium OTU-like proteins have highly conserved residues in the catalytic and inhibition pockets similar to viral OTU proteins. Plasmodium OTU proteins demonstrated Ubiquitin and ISG15 deconjugation activities as evident by intracellular ubiquitinated protein content analyzed by western blot and flow cytometry. We screened a library of small molecules to determine plasmodium OTU inhibitors with potent anti-malarial activity. Enrichment and correlation studies identified structurally similar molecules. We have identified two small molecules that inhibit P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. yoelii OTU proteins (IC50 values as low as 30nM) with potent anti-malarial activity (IC50 of 4.1-6.5 μM). We also established enzyme kinetics, druglikeness, ADME, and QSAR model. MD simulations allowed us to resolve how inhibitors interacted with plasmodium OTU proteins. These findings suggest that targeting malarial OTU-like proteases is a plausible strategy to develop new anti-malarial therapies.

scholarly journals Small-molecule metabolome identifies potential therapeutic targets against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M.P. Bennet ◽  
Martin Kaufmann ◽  
Kaede Takami ◽  
Calvin Sjaarda ◽  
Katya Douchant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Hydroxybutyric Acid ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Small Molecule Screening ◽  
Machine Learning Model ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Background: Respiratory viruses are transmitted and acquired via the nasal mucosa, and thereby may influence the nasal metabolome composed of biochemical products produced by both host cells and microbes. Studies of the nasal metabolome demonstrate virus-specific changes that sometimes correlate with viral load and disease severity. Here, we evaluate the nasopharyngeal metabolome of COVID-19 infected individuals and report several small molecules that may be used as potential therapeutic targets. Specimens were tested by qRT-PCR with target primers for three viruses: Influenza A (INFA), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, along with asymptomatic controls. The nasopharyngeal metabolome was characterized using an LC-MS/MS-based small-molecule screening kit capable of quantifying 141 analytes. A machine learning model identified 28 discriminating analytes and correctly categorized patients with a viral infection with an accuracy of 96% (R2=0.771, Q2=0.72). A second model identified 5 analytes to differentiate COVID19-infected patients from those with INFA or RSV with an accuracy of 85% (R2=0.442, Q2=0.301). Specifically, LysoPCaC18:2 concentration was significantly increased in COVID19 patients (P< 0.0001), whereas beta-hydroxybutyric acid, Met SO, succinic acid, and carnosine concentrations were significantly decreased (P< 0.0001). This study demonstrates that COVID19 infection results in a unique NP metabolomic signature with carnosine and LysoPCaC18:2 as potential therapeutic targets.

Discovery of New Phosphoinositide 3-kinase Delta (PI3Kδ) Inhibitors via Virtual Screening using Crystallography-derived Pharmacophore Modelling and QSAR Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 588-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Al-Sha'er ◽  
Rua'a A. Al-Aqtash ◽  
Mutasem O. Taha
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Qsar Model ◽  
Qsar Analysis ◽  
Pharmacophore Modelling ◽  
Physicochemical Descriptors ◽  
Qsar Modelling ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Pharmacophore Models

<P>Background: PI3K&#948; is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells and participates in the activation of leukocytes. PI3K&#948; inhibition is a promising approach for treating inflammatory diseases and leukocyte malignancies. Accordingly, we decided to model PI3K&#948; binding. </P><P> Methods: Seventeen PI3K&#948; crystallographic complexes were used to extract 94 pharmacophore models. QSAR modelling was subsequently used to select the superior pharmacophore(s) that best explain bioactivity variation within a list of 79 diverse inhibitors (i.e., upon combination with other physicochemical descriptors). </P><P> Results: The best QSAR model (r2 = 0.71, r2 LOO = 0.70, r2 press against external testing list of 15 compounds = 0.80) included a single crystallographic pharmacophore of optimal explanatory qualities. The resulting pharmacophore and QSAR model were used to screen the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database for new PI3Kδ inhibitors. Two hits showed low micromolar IC50 values. </P><P> Conclusion: Crystallography-based pharmacophores were successfully combined with QSAR analysis for the identification of novel PI3K&#948; inhibitors.</P>

Elaboration of Novel TTK1 Inhibitory Leads via QSAR-Guided Selection of Crystallographic Pharmacophores Followed By In vitro Assay

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Al-Sha'er ◽  
Mutasem O. Taha
Keyword(s):  
Standard Error ◽  
Qsar Model ◽  
Qsar Modeling ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Physicochemical Descriptors ◽  
Qsar Models ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Pharmacophore Hypotheses ◽  
Selection Of

Introduction: Tyrosine threonine kinase (TTK1) is a key regulator of chromosome segregation. TTK targeting received recent concern for the enhancement of possible anticancer therapies. Objective: In this regard we employed our well-known method of QSAR-guided selection of best crystallographic pharmacophore(s) to discover considerable binding interactions that anchore inhibitors into TTK1 binding site. Method:Sixtyone TTK1 crystallographic complexes were used to extract 315 pharmacophore hypotheses. QSAR modeling was subsequently used to choose a single crystallographic pharmacophore that when combined with other physicochemical descriptors elucidates bioactivity discrepancy within a list of 55 miscellaneous inhibitors. Results: The best QSAR model was robust and predictive (r2(55) = 0.75, r2LOO = 0.72 , r2press against external testing list of 12 compounds = 0.67), Standard error of estimate (training set) (S)= 0.63 , Standard error of estimate (testing set)(Stest) = 0.62. The resulting pharmacophore and QSAR models were used to scan the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database for new TTK1 inhibitors. Conclusion: Five hits confirmed significant TTK1 inhibitory profiles with IC50 values ranging between 11.7 and 76.6 micM.

scholarly journals All-Atom MD Simulations of the HBV Capsid Complexed with AT130 Reveal Secondary and Tertiary Structural Changes and Mechanisms of Allostery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Pérez Segura ◽  
Boon Chong Goh ◽  
Jodi A. Hadden-Perilla
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Drug Target ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Protein Dimer ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Flexible Protein ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

AbstractThe hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid is an attractive drug target, relevant to combating viral hepatitis as a major public health concern. Among small molecules known to interfere with capsid assembly, the phenylpropenamides, including AT130, represent an important anti-viral paradigm based on disrupting the timing of genome encapsulation. Crystallographic studies of AT130-bound complexes have been essential in explaining the effects of the small molecule on HBV capsid structure; however, computational examination reveals that key changes attributed to AT130 were erroneous, likely a consequence of interpreting poor resolution arising from a highly flexible protein. Here, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of an intact AT130-bound HBV capsid reveal that, rather than damaging spike helicity, AT130 enhances the capsid’s ability to recover it. A new conformational state is identified, which can lead to dramatic opening of the intradimer interface and disruption of communication within the spike tip. A novel salt bridge is also discovered, which can mediate contact between the spike tip and fulcrum even in closed conformations, revealing a mechanism of direct communication across these domains. Combined with dynamical network analysis, results describe a connection between the intra- and interdimer interfaces and enable mapping of allostery traversing the entire capsid protein dimer.

scholarly journals SPIKE PROTEIN AND ITS PROTEASES ROLE IN SARS-COV-2 PATHOGENICITY AND TREATMENT; A REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fateme Tavakoli Far ◽  
◽  
Ehsan Amiri-Ardekani ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Cathepsin B ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Pressure Regulation ◽  
Common Receptor ◽  
The World

Since December 2019, a novel beta coronavirus has spread around the world. This virus can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In this study, we reviewed proteases of SARS-CoV-2 based on related articles published in journals indexed by Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar from December 2019 to April 2020. Based on this study, we can claim that this coronavirus has about 76% genotype similarity to SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Also, similarities between these two viruses have been found in the mechanism of entry into host cells and pathogenicity. ACE 2, the angiotensin convertase enzyme 2, plays a role in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) and blood pressure regulation. Some mechanisms have been reported for the role of ACE 2 in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. For example, the interaction between the ACE 2 receptor and spike protein mediated by TMPRSS2, Cathepsin B/L, and other enzymes is responsible for the entry of the virus into human cells and pathogenicity. Some host cell endosomal enzymes are necessary to cleavage coronavirus spike protein and cause binding to their common receptor. So, we conclude that molecules like antibodies or small molecules like ACE 2 antagonists and soluble ACE 2 can be used as a good therapeutic candidate to prevent SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Identification of inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL-Pro enzymatic activity using a small molecule in-vitro repurposing screen

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kuzikov ◽  
Elisa Costanzi ◽  
Jeanette Reinshagen ◽  
Francesca Esposito ◽  
Laura Vangeel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Drug Target ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cleavage Sites ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Binding Characteristics ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Ic50 Values

Compound repurposing is an important strategy for the identification of effective treatment options against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. In this regard, SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CL-Pro), also termed M-Pro, is an attractive drug target as it plays a central role in viral replication by processing the viral polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab at multiple distinct cleavage sites. We here report the results of a repurposing program involving 8.7 K compounds containing marketed drugs, clinical and preclinical candidates, and small molecules regarded as safe in humans. We confirmed previously reported inhibitors of 3CL-Pro, and have identified 62 additional compounds with IC50 values below 1 uM and profiled their selectivity towards Chymotrypsin and 3CL-Pro from the MERS virus. A subset of 8 inhibitors showed anti-cytopathic effect in a Vero-E6 cell line and the compounds thioguanosine and MG-132 were analysed for their predicted binding characteristics to SARS-CoV-2 3CL-Pro. The X-ray crystal structure of the complex of myricetin and SARS-Cov-2 3CL-Pro was solved at a resolution of 1.77 Angs., showing that myricetin is covalently bound to the catalytic Cys145 and therefore inhibiting its enzymatic activity.

Cell interactions of Listeria monocytogenes L forms and peritoneal exudative cells in rats

1993 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1014-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mihailova ◽  
N. Markova ◽  
T. Radoucheva ◽  
D. Veljanov ◽  
S. Radoevska
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Peritoneal Cavity ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Lavage Fluid ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Cellular Defense ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopic ◽  
Scanning Electron

Listeria monocytogenes 4b and its forms without cell walls (L forms of a protoplastic type) were used to study in vivo interactions with host cells. Samples of peritoneal lavage fluid were obtained from rats intraperitoneally inoculated at intervals between 1 and 15 days after challenge, for scanning electron microscopic, bacteriological, biochemical, and cytometrical investigations. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed continuous adhesion of L forms on the macrophage surface up to 15 days after inoculation. The persistence of the L forms within the peritoneal cavity was also shown bacteriologically at all sample times, while the parental bacterial forms were isolated from the peritoneal cavity up to 7 days after challenge. The total count of peritoneal exudative cells determined by automated flow peroxidase cytometry peaked on the 15th day in animals infected with parental forms, while in animals infected with L forms the peak was lower and the macrophage population was predominant. The glycolytic and acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal exudative cells was two times higher in rats infected with L forms as compared with rats infected with the L. monocytogenes parental forms on the 3rd day after challenge. An understanding of the nature of the interactions between L forms of L. monocytogenes and peritoneal exudative cells found in vivo could be used to establish the influence of L forms on host cellular defense mechanisms.Key words: Listeria monocytogenes, L forms, peritoneal exudative cells, electron microscopy.

scholarly journals Systematic Identification of Thiosemicarbazides for Inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii Growth In Vitro

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Paneth ◽  
Lidia Węglińska ◽  
Adrian Bekier ◽  
Edyta Stefaniszyn ◽  
Monika Wujec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
High Selectivity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Structural Requirements ◽  
New Therapies ◽  
Cns Penetration ◽  
Systematic Identification

One of the key stages in the development of new therapies in the treatment of toxoplasmosis is the identification of new non-toxic small molecules with high specificity to Toxoplasma gondii. In the search for such structures, thiosemicarbazide-based compounds have emerged as a novel and promising leads. Here, a series of imidazole-thiosemicarbazides with suitable properties for CNS penetration was evaluated to determine the structural requirements needed for potent anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity. The best 4-arylthiosemicarbazides 3 and 4 showed much higher potency when compared to sulfadiazine at concentrations that are non-toxic to the host cells, indicating a high selectivity of their anti-toxoplasma activity.

scholarly journals Targeting the GRP78-Dependant SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry by Peptides and Small Molecules

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117793222096550
Author(s):  
Loubna Allam ◽  
Fatima Ghrifi ◽  
Hakmi Mohammed ◽  
Naima El Hafidi ◽  
Rachid El Jaoudi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Epigallocatechin Gallate ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Inhibitor Compounds ◽  
Potential Inhibitors

The global burden of infections and the rapid spread of viral diseases show the need for new approaches in the prevention and development of effective therapies. To this end, we aimed to explore novel inhibitor compounds that can stop replication or decrease the viral load of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), for which there is currently no approved treatment. Besides using the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor as a main gate, the CoV-2 can bind to the glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) receptor to get into the cells to start an infection. Here, we report potential inhibitors comprising small molecules and peptides that could interfere with the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 and its target cells by blocking the recognition of the GRP78 cellular receptor by the viral Spike protein. These inhibitors were discovered through an approach of in silico screening of available databases of bioactive peptides and polyphenolic compounds and the analysis of their docking modes. This process led to the selection of 9 compounds with optimal binding affinities to the target sites. The peptides (satpdb18674, satpdb18446, satpdb12488, satpdb14438, and satpdb28899) act on regions III and IV of the viral Spike protein and on its binding sites in GRP78. However, 4 polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), homoeriodictyol, isorhamnetin, and curcumin interact, in addition to the Spike protein and its binding sites in GRP78, with the ATPase domain of GRP78. Our work demonstrates that there are at least 2 approaches to block the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by preventing its fusion with the host cells via GRP78.

scholarly journals Interactive Mechanism of Potential Inhibitors with Glycosyl for SARS-CoV-2 by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1749
Author(s):  
Yuqi Zhang ◽  
Li Chen ◽  
Xiaoyu Wang ◽  
Yanyan Zhu ◽  
Yongsheng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Stacking Interactions ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Potential Inhibitors

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a type of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) coronavirus and it has infected and killed many people around the world. It is reported that the receptor binding domain of the spike protein (S_RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for attachment to human angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). Many researchers are attempting to search potential inhibitors for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection using theoretical or experimental methods. In terms of experimental and theoretical research, Cefuroxime, Erythromycin, Lincomycin and Ofloxacin are the potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. However, the interactive mechanism of the protein SARS-CoV-2 and the inhibitors are still elusive. Here, we investigated the interactions between S_RBD and the inhibitors using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Interestingly, we found that there are two binding sites of S_RBD for the four small molecules. In addition, our analysis also illustrated that hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions play crucial roles in the interactions between S_RBD and the small molecules. In our work, we also found that small molecules with glycosyl group have more effect on the conformation of S_RBD than other inhibitors, and they are also potential inhibitors for the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2. This study provides in silico-derived mechanistic insights into the interactions of S_RBD and inhibitors, which may provide new clues for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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