Computer-based techniques for lead identification and optimization II: Advanced search methods

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Lupia ◽  
Federica Moraca ◽  
Donatella Bagetta ◽  
Annalisa Maruca ◽  
Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular System ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Computational Techniques ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Advanced Search ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Sequential Information

AbstractThis paper focuses on advanced computational techniques for identifying and optimizing lead molecules, such as metadynamics and a novel dynamic 3D pharmacophore analysis method called Dynophores. In this paper, the first application of the funnel metadynamics of the Berberine binding to G-quadruplex DNA is depicted, disclosing hints for drug design, in particular clarifying water’s role and suggesting the design of derivatives able to replace the solvent-mediated interactions between ligand and DNA to achieve more potent and selective activity. Secondly, the novel dynamic pharmacophore approach is an extension of the classic 3D pharmacophores, with statistical and sequential information about the conformational flexibility of a molecular system derived from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

scholarly journals PhenQE8, a Novel Ligand of the Human Telomeric Quadruplex

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 749
Author(s):  
Patricia B. Gratal ◽  
Julia G. Quero ◽  
Adrián Pérez-Redondo ◽  
Zoila Gándara ◽  
Lourdes Gude
Keyword(s):  
Equilibrium Dialysis ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
The Novel ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Telomeric Dna ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
G Quadruplex

A novel quadruplex ligand based on 1,10-phenanthroline and incorporating two guanyl hydrazone functionalities, PhenQE8, is reported herein. Synthetic access was gained in a two-step procedure with an overall yield of 61%. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that PhenQE8 can adopt an extended conformation that may be optimal to favor recognition of quadruplex DNA. DNA interactions with polymorphic G-quadruplex telomeric structures were studied by different techniques, such as Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) DNA melting assays, circular dichroism and equilibrium dialysis. Our results reveal that the novel ligand PhenQE8 can efficiently recognize the hybrid quadruplex structures of the human telomeric DNA, with high binding affinity and quadruplex/duplex selectivity. Moreover, the compound shows significant cytotoxic activity against a selected panel of cultured tumor cells (PC-3, HeLa and MCF-7), whereas its cytotoxicity is considerably lower in healthy human cells (HFF-1 and RPWE-1).

Computer-based techniques for lead identification and optimization I: Basics

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Maruca ◽  
Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio ◽  
Antonio Lupia ◽  
Isabella Romeo ◽  
Roberta Rocca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Lead Optimization ◽  
Computational Techniques ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Lead Identification ◽  
Modeling Techniques ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Identification Processes ◽  
Telomeric Rna

Abstract This chapter focuses on computational techniques for identifying and optimizing lead molecules, with a special emphasis on natural compounds. A number of case studies have been specifically discussed, such as the case of the naphthyridine scaffold, discovered through a structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) and proposed as the starting point for further lead optimization process, to enhance its telomeric RNA selectivity. Another example is the case of Liphagal, a tetracyclic meroterpenoid extracted from Aka coralliphaga, known as PI3Kα inhibitor, provide an evidence for the design of new active congeners against PI3Kα using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. These are only two of the numerous examples of the computational techniques’ powerful in drug design and drug discovery fields. Finally, the design of drugs that can simultaneously interact with multiple targets as a promising approach for treating complicated diseases has been reported. An example of polypharmacological agents are the compounds extracted from mushrooms identified by means of molecular docking experiments. This chapter may be a useful manual of molecular modeling techniques used in the lead-optimization and lead identification processes.

Umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations reveal concerted ion movement through G-quadruplex DNA channels

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (18) ◽  
pp. 11017-11025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Akhshi ◽  
Gang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Ion Transport ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Umbrella Sampling ◽  
Potential Of Mean Force ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Ion Movement ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

We have applied the umbrella sampling (US) method in all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain potential of mean force (PMF) profiles for ion transport through three representative G-quadruplex DNA channels: [d(TG4T)]4, [d(G3T4G4)]2, and d[G4(T4G4)3].

scholarly journals G-QUADRUPLEX LIGANDS AS STABILIZER TARGETING TELOMERASE ENZYME AS ANTI CANCER AGENTS

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Hemalatha Cn ◽  
Vijey Aanandhi M ◽  
Vijey Aanandhi M
Keyword(s):  
Basic Research ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Telomeric Dna ◽  
Inhibitor Activity ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Biophysical Studies ◽  
Lagging Strand

The human telomere stabilization with G-Quadruplex DNA tends to induce apoptosis. The molecular target of telomere cascade with a rigid molecular may show efficacious to treat cancer. The study of intercalation to human telomeric DNA with proposed ligand can be evaluated by the help of biophysical studies and biological studies. G-Quadruplex is one of the key epigenetic episodes of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, generally found in the telomeric end region, immunoglobulin switch recombination and the lagging strand of the DNA. These chemotherapeutic advances are not enough to maintain a life expectancy of cancer affected patients. A number of G-Quadruplex ligands such as acridine, perylene, and anthraquinones have been synthesized reported and evaluated them for the inhibitor activity. Therefore, translational research can pave the novel prospect to treat cancer in a fundamental way. In that connection, basic research showed G-Quadruplex phenomenon of DNA, which is having a great impact in this chemotherapy.

Hybrid Imidazole-Pyridine Derivatives: An Approach to Novel Anticancer DNA Intercalators

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 154-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudiu N. Lungu ◽  
Bogdan Ionel Bratanovici ◽  
Maria Mirabela Grigore ◽  
Vasilichia Antoci ◽  
Ionel I. Mangalagiu
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Qsar Model ◽  
Therapeutic Effectiveness ◽  
Computational Results ◽  
Pyridine Derivatives ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Dna Intercalators ◽  
Structure Activity ◽  
G Quadruplex

Lack of specificity and subsequent therapeutic effectiveness of antimicrobial and antitumoral drugs is a common difficulty in therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate, both by experimental and computational methods, the antitumoral and antimicrobial properties of a series of synthesized imidazole-pyridine derivatives. Interaction with three targets was discussed: Dickerson-Drew dodecamer (PDB id 2ADU), G-quadruplex DNA string (PDB id 2F8U) and DNA strain in complex with dioxygenase (PDB id 3S5A). Docking energies were computed and represented graphically. On them, a QSAR model was developed in order to further investigate the structure-activity relationship. Results showed that synthesized compounds have antitumoral and antimicrobial properties. Computational results agreed with the experimental data.

Emerging Role of G-quadruplex DNA as Target in Anticancer Therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (44) ◽  
pp. 6612-6624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziella Cimino-Reale ◽  
Nadia Zaffaroni ◽  
Marco Folini
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Therapy ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
G Quadruplex

Appraisal of the role of In silico Methods in Pyrazole based drug design

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smriti Sharma ◽  
Vinayak Bhatia
Keyword(s):  
Drug Design ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
Computational Techniques ◽  
Neuroprotective Drugs ◽  
Pharmacological Potential ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Anti Fungal

: Pyrazole and its derivatives are a pharmacologically significant active scaffold that have innumerable physiological and pharmacological activities. They can be very good targets for the discovery of novel anti-bacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-tubercular, antiviral, antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-convulsant and neuroprotective drugs. This review focuses on the importance of in silico manipulations of pyrazole and its derivatives for medicinal chemistry. The authors have discussed currently available information on the use of computational techniques like molecular docking, structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR), comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) to drug design using pyrazole moieties. Pyrazole based drug design is mainly dependent on the integration of experimental and computational approaches. The authors feel that more studies need to be done to fully explore the pharmacological potential of the pyrazole moiety and in silico method can be of great help.

scholarly journals The Functional Role of Loops and Flanking Sequences of G-Quadruplex Aptamer to the Hemagglutinin of Influenza a Virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2409
Author(s):  
Anastasia A. Bizyaeva ◽  
Dmitry A. Bunin ◽  
Valeria L. Moiseenko ◽  
Alexandra S. Gambaryan ◽  
Sonja Balk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Core Structure ◽  
Dna Aptamer ◽  
Tertiary Structures ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Flanking Sequences ◽  
Related Proteins

Nucleic acid aptamers are generally accepted as promising elements for the specific and high-affinity binding of various biomolecules. It has been shown for a number of aptamers that the complexes with several related proteins may possess a similar affinity. An outstanding example is the G-quadruplex DNA aptamer RHA0385, which binds to the hemagglutinins of various influenza A virus strains. These hemagglutinins have homologous tertiary structures but moderate-to-low amino acid sequence identities. Here, the experiment was inverted, targeting the same protein using a set of related, parallel G-quadruplexes. The 5′- and 3′-flanking sequences of RHA0385 were truncated to yield parallel G-quadruplex with three propeller loops that were 7, 1, and 1 nucleotides in length. Next, a set of minimal, parallel G-quadruplexes with three single-nucleotide loops was tested. These G-quadruplexes were characterized both structurally and functionally. All parallel G-quadruplexes had affinities for both recombinant hemagglutinin and influenza virions. In summary, the parallel G-quadruplex represents a minimal core structure with functional activity that binds influenza A hemagglutinin. The flanking sequences and loops represent additional features that can be used to modulate the affinity. Thus, the RHA0385–hemagglutinin complex serves as an excellent example of the hypothesis of a core structure that is decorated with additional recognizing elements capable of improving the binding properties of the aptamer.

scholarly journals DNA G-quadruplexes for native mass spectrometry in potassium: a database of validated structures in electrospray-compatible conditions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anirban Ghosh ◽  
Eric Largy ◽  
Valérie Gabelica
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Native Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
Dna Structures ◽  
Nmr Structures ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Screening Assays

Abstract G-quadruplex DNA structures have become attractive drug targets, and native mass spectrometry can provide detailed characterization of drug binding stoichiometry and affinity, potentially at high throughput. However, the G-quadruplex DNA polymorphism poses problems for interpreting ligand screening assays. In order to establish standardized MS-based screening assays, we studied 28 sequences with documented NMR structures in (usually ∼100 mM) potassium, and report here their circular dichroism (CD), melting temperature (Tm), NMR spectra and electrospray mass spectra in 1 mM KCl/100 mM trimethylammonium acetate. Based on these results, we make a short-list of sequences that adopt the same structure in the MS assay as reported by NMR, and provide recommendations on using them for MS-based assays. We also built an R-based open-source application to build and consult a database, wherein further sequences can be incorporated in the future. The application handles automatically most of the data processing, and allows generating custom figures and reports. The database is included in the g4dbr package (https://github.com/EricLarG4/g4dbr) and can be explored online (https://ericlarg4.github.io/G4_database.html).

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