scholarly journals Identifying the natural polyphenol catechin as a multi-targeted agent against SARS-CoV-2 for the plausible therapy of COVID-19: an integrated computational approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandra Bhushan Mishra ◽  
Preeti Pandey ◽  
Ravi Datta Sharma ◽  
Md Zubbair Malik ◽  
Raj Kumar Mongre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Interactions ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Target Proteins ◽  
Drug Molecules ◽  
Targeted Agent

Abstract The global pandemic crisis, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed the lives of millions of people across the world. Development and testing of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs or vaccines have not turned to be realistic within the timeframe needed to combat this pandemic. Here, we report a comprehensive computational approach to identify the multi-targeted drug molecules against the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, whichare crucially involved in the viral–host interaction, replication of the virus inside the host, disease progression and transmission of coronavirus infection. Virtual screening of 75 FDA-approved potential antiviral drugs against the target proteins, spike (S) glycoprotein, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro), cathepsin L (CTSL), nucleocapsid protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and non-structural protein 6 (NSP6), resulted in the selection of seven drugs which preferentially bind to the target proteins. Further, the molecular interactions determined by molecular dynamics simulation revealed that among the 75 drug molecules, catechin can effectively bind to 3CLpro, CTSL, RBD of S protein, NSP6 and nucleocapsid protein. It is more conveniently involved in key molecular interactions, showing binding free energy (ΔGbind) in the range of −5.09 kcal/mol (CTSL) to −26.09 kcal/mol (NSP6). At the binding pocket, catechin is majorly stabilized by the hydrophobic interactions, displays ΔEvdW values: −7.59 to −37.39 kcal/mol. Thus, the structural insights of better binding affinity and favorable molecular interaction of catechin toward multiple target proteins signify that catechin can be potentially explored as a multi-targeted agent against COVID-19.

scholarly journals Discovery of Natural Phenol Catechin as a Multitargeted Agent Against SARS-CoV-2 For the Plausible Therapy of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandra Bhushan Mishra ◽  
Preeti Pandey ◽  
Ravi Datta Sharma ◽  
Raj Kumar Mongre ◽  
Andrew M Lynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Energy ◽  
Molecular Interactions ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Cathepsin L ◽  
Target Proteins ◽  
Drug Molecules

The global pandemic crisis, COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed the lives of millions of people across the world. Development and testing of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs or vaccines, are not turned to be realistic in the timeframe needed to combat this pandemic. Thus, rigorous efforts are still ongoing for the drug repurposing as a clinical treatment strategy to control COVID-19. Here we report a comprehensive computational approach to identify the multi-targeted drug molecules against the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, which are crucially involved in the viral-host interaction, replication of the virus inside the host, disease progression and transmission of coronavirus infection. Virtual screening of 72 FDA approved potential antiviral drugs against the target proteins: Spike (S) glycoprotein, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro), Cathepsin L, Nucleocapsid protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and nonstructural protein 6 (NSP6) resulted in the selection of seven drugs which preferentially binds to the target proteins. Further, the molecular interactions determined by MD simulation, free energy landscape and the binding free energy estimation, using MM-PBSA revealed that among 72 drug molecules, catechin (flavan-3-ol) can effectively bind to 3CLpro, Cathepsin L, RBD of S protein, NSP-6, and Nucleocapsid protein. It is more conveniently involved in key molecular interactions, showing binding free energy (ΔGbind) in the range of -5.09 kcal/mol (Cathepsin L) to -26.09 kcal/mol (NSP6). At the binding pocket, catechin is majorly stabilized by the hydrophobic interactions, displays ΔEvdW values -7.59 to -37.39 kcal/mol. Thus, the structural insights of better binding affinity and favourable molecular interaction of catechin towards multiple target proteins, signifies that catechin can be potentially explored as a multitargeted agent in the rational design of effective therapies against COVID-19.<br>

scholarly journals Discovery of Natural Phenol Catechin as a Multitargeted Agent Against SARS-CoV-2 For the Plausible Therapy of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandra Bhushan Mishra ◽  
Preeti Pandey ◽  
Ravi Datta Sharma ◽  
Raj Kumar Mongre ◽  
Andrew M Lynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Energy ◽  
Molecular Interactions ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Cathepsin L ◽  
Target Proteins ◽  
Drug Molecules

The global pandemic crisis, COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed the lives of millions of people across the world. Development and testing of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs or vaccines, are not turned to be realistic in the timeframe needed to combat this pandemic. Thus, rigorous efforts are still ongoing for the drug repurposing as a clinical treatment strategy to control COVID-19. Here we report a comprehensive computational approach to identify the multi-targeted drug molecules against the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, which are crucially involved in the viral-host interaction, replication of the virus inside the host, disease progression and transmission of coronavirus infection. Virtual screening of 72 FDA approved potential antiviral drugs against the target proteins: Spike (S) glycoprotein, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro), Cathepsin L, Nucleocapsid protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and nonstructural protein 6 (NSP6) resulted in the selection of seven drugs which preferentially binds to the target proteins. Further, the molecular interactions determined by MD simulation, free energy landscape and the binding free energy estimation, using MM-PBSA revealed that among 72 drug molecules, catechin (flavan-3-ol) can effectively bind to 3CLpro, Cathepsin L, RBD of S protein, NSP-6, and Nucleocapsid protein. It is more conveniently involved in key molecular interactions, showing binding free energy (ΔGbind) in the range of -5.09 kcal/mol (Cathepsin L) to -26.09 kcal/mol (NSP6). At the binding pocket, catechin is majorly stabilized by the hydrophobic interactions, displays ΔEvdW values -7.59 to -37.39 kcal/mol. Thus, the structural insights of better binding affinity and favourable molecular interaction of catechin towards multiple target proteins, signifies that catechin can be potentially explored as a multitargeted agent in the rational design of effective therapies against COVID-19.<br>

MOLECULAR MODELING OF THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN HISTONE DEACETYLASE 8 AND INHIBITORS

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (04) ◽  
pp. 907-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAWEI HUANG ◽  
XIAOHUI LI ◽  
ZHILONG XIU
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Histone Deacetylases ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Zinc Ion ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Domain Docking ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Linker Domain

Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have become an attractive class of anticancer agent. To understand the interaction between HDAC8 and inhibitors, including "pan-" inhibitors that inhibit many HDACs isoforms and selective inhibitors with no linker domain, docking and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted. Docking results showed the presence of π-π interactions between "linkerless" inhibitors and the aromatic amino acid residues of HDAC8 in the active site. Binding between HDAC8 and inhibitors was also stabilized by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. In molecular dynamics simulations, the zinc ion was shown to coordinate one more atom of HDAC8-"linkerless" inhibitor complexes than HDAC8-"pan-" inhibitor complexes. Persistent hydrogen bonds also existed between Tyr306 of HDAC8 and some inhibitors. When inhibitors with large cap groups bound to the active pocket of HDAC8, Phe152 and Met274 shifted from their initial positions and the entrance of the active pocket became more open, resulting in the formation of sub-pocket. Hydrophobic interactions contributed most favorably to the binding free energy between HDAC8 and inhibitors. Lys33, Asp178, Asp267, Tyr306 and Leu308 of HDAC8 were favorable for binding with all inhibitors.

scholarly journals Luteolin and abyssinone II as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2: an in silico molecular modeling approach in battling the COVID-19 outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mahfuz Ali Khan Shawan ◽  
Sajal Kumar Halder ◽  
Md. Ashraful Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Root Mean Square ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Target Proteins

Abstract Background At present, the entire world is in a war against COVID-19 pandemic which has gradually led us toward a more compromised “new normal” life. SARS-CoV-2, the pathogenic microorganism liable for the recent COVID-19 outbreak, is extremely contagious in nature resulting in an unusual number of infections and death globally. The lack of clinically proven therapeutic intervention for COVID-19 has dragged the world’s healthcare system into the biggest challenge. Therefore, development of an efficient treatment scheme is now in great demand. Screening of different biologically active plant-based natural compounds could be a useful strategy for combating this pandemic. In the present research, a collection of 43 flavonoids of 7 different classes with previously recorded antiviral activity was evaluated via computational and bioinformatics tools for their impeding capacity against SARS-CoV-2. In silico drug likeness, pharmacophore and Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profile analysis of the finest ligands were carried out using DataWarrior, DruLiTo and admetSAR programs, respectively. Molecular docking was executed by AutoDock Vina, while molecular dynamics simulation of the target protein–ligand bound complexes was done using nanoscalable molecular dynamics and visual molecular dynamics software package. Finally, the molecular target analysis of the selected ligands within Homo sapiens was conducted with SwissTargetPredcition web server. Results Out of the forty-three flavonoids, luteolin and abyssinone II were found to develop successful docked complex within the binding sites of target proteins in terms of lowest binding free energy and inhibition constant. The root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation values of the docked complex displayed stable interaction and efficient binding between the ligands and target proteins. Both of the flavonoids were found to be safe for human use and possessed good drug likeness properties and target accuracy. Conclusions Conclusively, the current study proposes that luteolin and abyssinone II might act as potential therapeutic candidates for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In vivo and in vitro experiments, however, should be taken under consideration to determine the efficiency and to demonstrate the mechanism of action.

scholarly journals In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Bacillus cereus Isolated from Apis dorsata Gut against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1401
Author(s):  
Nurdjannah Jane Niode ◽  
Aryani Adji ◽  
Jimmy Rimbing ◽  
Max Tulung ◽  
Mohammed Alorabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Apis Dorsata ◽  
Associated Bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health and development concern on a global scale. The increasing resistance of the pathogenic bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae to antibiotics necessitates efforts to identify potential alternative antibiotics from nature, including insects, which are already recognized as a source of natural antibiotics by the scientific community. This study aimed to determine the potential of components of gut-associated bacteria isolated from Apis dorsata, an Asian giant honeybee, as an antibacterial against N. gonorrhoeae by in vitro and in silico methods as an initial process in the stage of new drug discovery. The identified gut-associated bacteria of A. dorsata included Acinetobacter indicus and Bacillus cereus with 100% identity to referenced bacteria from GenBank. Cell-free culture supernatants (CFCS) of B. cereus had a very strong antibacterial activity against N. gonorrhoeae in an in vitro antibacterial testing. Meanwhile, molecular docking revealed that antimicrobial lipopeptides from B. cereus (surfactin, fengycin, and iturin A) had a comparable value of binding-free energy (BFE) with the target protein receptor for N. gonorrhoeae, namely penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 1 and PBP2 when compared with the ceftriaxone, cefixime, and doxycycline. The molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) study revealed that the surfactin remains stable at the active site of PBP2 despite the alteration of the H-bond and hydrophobic interactions. According to this finding, surfactin has the greatest antibacterial potential against PBP2 of N. gonorrhoeae.

scholarly journals Bisindolylmaleimide IX: A novel anti-SARS-CoV2 agent targeting viral main protease 3CLpro demonstrated by virtual screening and in vitro assays

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yash Gupta ◽  
Dawid Maciorowski ◽  
Samantha E. Zak ◽  
Krysten A. Jones ◽  
Rahul S. Kathayat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Screening ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Protein Preparation ◽  
Drug Molecules ◽  
Multiplication Cycle ◽  
Energy Perturbation

Abstract The emergence of SARS/MERS drug-resistant SARS-CoV2 comes with higher rates of transmission and mortality. Like all coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively large virus consisting of several enzymes with essential functions within its proteome. Here, we focused on repurposing approved and investigational drugs by identifying potential drugs that are predicted to effectively inhibit critical enzymes. We targeted seven proteins with enzymatic activities known to be essential at different stages of the viral multiplication cycle including PLpro, 3CLpro, RdRP, Helicase, ExoN, NendoU, and 2’-O-MT. For virtual screening, the energy minimization of a crystal structure of the modeled protein was carried out using the Protein Preparation Wizard(Schrodinger LLC 2020-1). Following active site selection based on data mining and COACH predictions, we performed a high-throughput virtual screen of drugs (n=5903) that are approved by worldwide regulatory bodies. The screening was performed against viral targets using three sequential docking modes (i.e. HTVS, SP, and XP). Our in-silico virtual screening identified ~290 potential drugs based on the criteria of energy, docking parameters, ligand, and binding site strain and score. Drugs specific to each target protein were further analyzed for binding free energy perturbation by molecular mechanics (prime MM-GBSA) and pruning the hits to the top 32 candidates. The top lead from each target pool was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond module. Herein we report the evaluation of in-vitro efficacy of selected hit drug molecules on SARS-CoV-2 inhibition. Among eight molecules included in our evaluation, we found inhibitor of protein kinase C isoforms, Bisindolylmaleimide IX (BIM IX), as the potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 in-vitro. Further, in-silico predicted target validation through enzymatic assays confirmed 3CLpro to be the target. Therefore, our data support advancing BIM IX for clinical evaluation as a potential treatment for COVID-19. This is the first study that has showcased the possibility of using bisindolylmaleimide IX to treat COVID-19 through this pipeline.

scholarly journals Mechanistic insights into the Japanese Encephalitis Virus RNA dependent RNA polymerase protein inhibition by bioflavonoids from Azadirachta indica

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Dhar Dwivedi ◽  
Ankita Singh ◽  
Sherif Aly El-Kafraway ◽  
Thamir A. Alandijany ◽  
Leena Hussein Bajrai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Japanese Encephalitis ◽  
Azadirachta Indica ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Energy Calculation ◽  
Genome Replication ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, belongs to the genus flavivirus, is a major cause of viral encephalitis, which results in neurological damage. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein is the sole enzyme responsible for viral genome replication in RNA viruses and serves as an excellent target for anti-viral therapeutic development, as its homolog is not present in humans. In this study, the crystal structure of JE RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (jRdRp) protein was obtained from protein data bank while 43 by bioflavonoids reported in Azadirachta indica were retrieved from the PubChem database. Following, structure based virtual screening was employed using MTiOpenScreen server and top four compounds, viz. Gedunin, Nimbolide, Ohchinin acetate, and Kulactone, with the most negative docking scores (> -10 kcal/mol) conformations were redocked using AutoDock Vina; these complexes showed mechanistic interactions with Arg474, Gly605, Asp668, and Trp800 residues in the active site of jRdRp protein against reference ligand, i.e., Guanosine-5'-Triphosphate. Furthermore, 100 ns classical molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation showed considerable stability (via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions) of docked bioflavonoids in the active pocket of jRdRp and significant contribution of van der Waals interactions for docked complex stability during simulation, respectively. Therefore, the outcome of this study predicted the substantial anti-viral activity of Gedunin, Nimbolide, Ohchinin acetate, and Kulactone against jRdRp protein and can be considered for further antiviral drug development.

scholarly journals Drug Repurposing Approach against Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) through Virtual Screening Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury ◽  
Md. Riad Chowdhury ◽  
Shafi Mahmud ◽  
Abu Montakim Tareq ◽  
Nujhat Binte Hanif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Experimental Drugs ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified from China in December 2019 and spread rapidly through human-to-human transmission, affecting so many people worldwide. Until now, there has been no specific treatment against the disease and repurposing of the drug. Our investigation aimed to screen potential inhibitors against coronavirus for the repurposing of drugs. Our study analyzed sequence comparison among SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV to determine the identity matrix using discovery studio. SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was targeted to generate an E-pharmacophore hypothesis to screen drugs from the DrugBank database having similar features. Promising drugs were used for docking-based virtual screening at several precisions. Best hits from virtual screening were subjected to MM/GBSA analysis to evaluate binding free energy, followed by the analysis of binding interactions. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics simulation approaches were carried out to assess the docked complex’s conformational stability. A total of 33 drug classes were found from virtual screening based on their docking scores. Among them, seven potential drugs with several anticancer, antibiotic, and immunometabolic categories were screened and showed promising MM/GBSA scores. During interaction analysis, these drugs exhibited different types of hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions with amino acid residue. Besides, 17 experimental drugs selected from virtual screening might be crucial for drug discovery against COVID-19. The RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Rg, and MM/PBSA descriptors from molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the complex’s firm nature. Seven promising drugs for repurposing against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), namely sapanisertib, ornidazole, napabucasin, lenalidomide, daniquidone, indoximod, and salicylamide, could be vital for the treatment of COVID-19. However, extensive in vivo and in vitro studies are required to evaluate the mentioned drug’s activity.

scholarly journals Non-RBM Mutations Impaired SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Regulated to the ACE2 Receptor Based on Molecular Dynamic Simulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaoqiang Du ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Linjie Chen ◽  
Quan Fang ◽  
Biqin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Energy ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Hydrophobic Interactions ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Random Coil ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Binding Loop

The emergence of novel coronavirus mutants is a main factor behind the deterioration of the epidemic situation. Further studies into the pathogenicity of these mutants are thus urgently needed. Binding of the spinous protein receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor was shown to initiate coronavirus entry into host cells and lead to their infection. The receptor-binding motif (RBM, 438–506) is a region that directly interacts with ACE2 receptor in the RBD and plays a crucial role in determining affinity. To unravel how mutations in the non-RBM regions impact the interaction between RBD and ACE2, we selected three non-RBM mutant systems (N354D, D364Y, and V367F) from the documented clinical cases, and the Q498A mutant system located in the RBM region served as the control. Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted on the mutant systems and the wild-type (WT) system, and verified experiments also performed. Non-RBM mutations have been shown not only to change conformation of the RBM region but also to significantly influence its hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In particular, the D364Y and V367F systems showed a higher affinity for ACE2 owing to their electrostatic interactions and polar solvation energy changes. In addition, although the binding free energy at this point increased after the mutation of N354D, the conformation of the random coil (Pro384-Asp389) was looser than that of other systems, and the combined effect weakened the binding free energy between RBD and ACE2. Interestingly, we also found a random coil (Ala475-Gly485). This random coil is very sensitive to mutations, and both types of mutations increase the binding free energy of residues in this region. We found that the binding loop (Tyr495-Tyr505) in the RBD domain strongly binds to Lys353, an important residue of the ACE2 domain previously identified. The binding free energy of the non-RBM mutant group at the binding loop had positive and negative changes, and these changes were more obvious than that of the Q498A system. The results of this study elucidate the effect of non-RBM mutation on ACE2-RBD binding, and provide new insights for SARS-CoV-2 mutation research.

scholarly journals Bisindolylmaleimide IX: A novel anti-SARS-CoV2 agent targeting viral main protease 3CLpro demonstrated by virtual screening and in vitro assays

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yash Gupta ◽  
Dawid Maciorowski ◽  
Samantha E. Zak ◽  
Krysten A. Jones ◽  
Rahul S. Kathayat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Screening ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Binding Free Energy ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Protein Preparation ◽  
Drug Molecules ◽  
Virus Inhibition ◽  
Energy Perturbation

Abstract The emergence of SARS/MERS drug-resistant COVID-19 with high transmission and mortality has recently been declared a pandemic. Like all coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively large virus consisting of several enzymes with essential functions within its proteome. Here, we focused on repurposing approved and investigational drugs by identifying potential drugs that are predicted to effectively inhibit critical enzymes. We targeted seven proteins with enzymatic activities known to be essential at different stages of the virus life cycle; PLpro, 3CLpro, RdRP, Helicase, ExoN, NendoU, and 2’-O-MT. For virtual screening, the energy minimization of a crystal structure of the modeled protein was carried out using the Protein Preparation Wizard1. Following active site selection based on data mining and COACH predictions, we performed a high-throughput virtual screen of drugs (n=5903) that are approved by worldwide regulatory bodies. The screening was performed against viral targets using three sequential docking modes (i.e. HTVS, SP, and XP). Our in-silico virtual screening identified ~290 potential drugs based on the criteria of energy, docking parameters, ligand, and binding site strain and score. Drugs specific to each target protein were further analyzed for binding free energy perturbation by molecular mechanics (prime MM-GBSA) and pruning the hits to the top 32 candidates. Top lead from each target pool was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond module. Herein we report the evaluation of in-vitro efficacy of selected hit drug molecules on SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibition. Among eight molecules included in our evaluation, we found the micromolar inhibitor of protein kinase C isoforms, Bisindolylmaleimide IX (BIM IX), as the most potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 in-vitro. Further, in-silico predicted target validation through enzymatic assays confirmed its interaction with 3CLpro to be the target. Therefore, our data support advancing BIM IX for clinical evaluation as a potential treatment for COVID-19. This is the first study that has showcased the possibility of using bisindolylmaleimide IX to treat COVID-19 through this pipeline.

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