Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Natural Phenolic Compounds with GSK-3β: A Putative Target to Combat Mortality in Patients with COVID-19

Author(s):  
Zahra Khamverdi ◽  
Zeinab Mohamadi ◽  
Amir Taherkhani

Objective: In this study, molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of 52 plant-based phenolics with the GSK-3β active sites. Moreover, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted to investigate the stability of interactions between the topranked phenolics and residues within the GSK-3β active sites. Methods: Molecular docking and MD simulations were performed using AutoDock and Discovery Studio Client software, respectively. Thereafter, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of top inhibitors were predicted using bioinformatics web tools. This study aimed to identify the most effective amino acids involved in the inhibition of GSK-3β based on the most stabilizing interactions between the residues and compounds, and also by considering the degree centrality in the ligand-amino acid interaction network for GSK-3β. Results: It was observed that procyanidin and amentoflavone could bind to the GSK-3β active sites at the picomolar (pM) scale as well as the binding affinity of ∆G binding < -13 kcal/mol, while the inhibition constant for theaflavin 3’-gallate, procyanidin B4, and rutin was calculated at the nanomolar (nM) scale, suggesting that these phenolic compounds can be considered as potential effective GSK-3β inhibitors. Furthermore, Val70, Ala83, Val135, and Tyr134 were found to be the most important amino acids involved in the inhibition of GSK-3β. Conclusion: The results of the current study may be useful in the prevention of several human disorders, including COVID-19, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. However, wet-lab experiments need to be performed in the future.

Author(s):  
Sanket Shelke ◽  
Pravin Badhe

Agaricus bisporus is belonging to family agaricaceae, which is widely acceptable and mostly cultivated among the all mushrooms. It has great nutritional values and it is rich in proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fibers, minerals and amino acids. It is effective in antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypercholesterolemic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. As it is effective in anticancer property, we check the effects of chemical constituents of Agaricus Bisporus on DNA damaging protein which results its activity PARP inhibiting or vise-versa. We choose the molecular docking technique to check the effects of different chemical constituents of Agaricus Bisporus on DNA damaging protein. For that different PARP inhibitory drugs taken as the standard. We perform the molecular docking of the chemical constituents of Agaricus Bisporus, using 4UND protein with the help of PyRx software and BIOVIA Discovery studio software. Along with that PARP inhibitor drugs also run against the same protein. The results of molecular docking shows the some of the constituents of Agaricus Bisporus has better binding affinity than the standard taken PARP inhibitor drugs. The ergosterol shows the better binding affinity than the niraparib and rucaparib on the same proteins. On other hands the naringenin, quercetin, anthocyanin, folate and myricetin shows the better results than the rucaparib. That means the ergosterol shows the better results as PARP inhibitor than the niraparib and rucaparib.


Author(s):  
Junjian Li ◽  
Lianbao Ye ◽  
Yuanyuan Wang ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Xiaobao Jin ◽  
...  

Background: Spirocyclic indoline compounds widely exist in numerous natural products with good biological activities and some drug molecules in many aspects. In recent years, it has attracted extensive attention as potent anti-tumor agents in the fields of pharmacology and chemistry. Objective: In this study, we focused on designing and synthesizing a set of novel 1'-H-spiro[indole-3,4'-piperidine] derivatives, which were evaluated by preliminary bioactivity experiment in vitro and molecular docking. Method: The key intermediate 1'-methylspiro[indoline-3,4'-piperidine] (B4) reacted with benzenesulfonyl chloride with different substituents under alkaline condition to obtain its sulfonyl derivatives (B5-B10). We evaluated their antiproliferative activities against A549, BEL-7402 and HeLa cells by MTT assay. We performed the CDOCKER module in Discovery Studio 2.5.5 software for molecular modeling of compound B5, and investigated the binding of compound B5 with the target proteins from PDB database. Results: The results indicated that compounds B4-B10 exhibited good antiproliferative activities against the above three types of cells, in which compound B5 with chloride atom as electron-withdrawing substituent on a phenyl ring showed the highest potency against BEL-7402 cells (IC50=30.03±0.43 μg/mL). By binging of the prominent bioactive compound B5 to CDK, c-Met, EGFR protein crystals, The binding energy of B5 with these three types receptors are -44.3583 kcal/mol, - 38.3292 kcal/mol, -33.3653 kcal/mol respectively. Conclusion: Six 1'-methylspiro[indoline-3,4'-piperidine] derivatives were synthesized and evaluated against BEL-7402, A- 549, HeLa cell lines. Compound B5 showed significant inhibition on BEL-7402 cell lines. Molecular docking revealed that B5 showed good affinity by the good fitting between B5 and these three targets with amino acid residues in active sites which encourage us to conduct further evaluation such as the kinase experiment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110167
Author(s):  
Xing-Pan Wu ◽  
Tian-Shun Wang ◽  
Zi-Xin Yuan ◽  
Yan-Fang Yang ◽  
He-Zhen Wu

Objective To explore the anti-COVID-19 active components and mechanism of Compound Houttuynia mixture by using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods First, the main chemical components of Compound Houttuynia mixture were obtained by using the TCMSP database and referring to relevant chemical composition literature. The components were screened for OB ≥30% and DL ≥0.18 as the threshold values. Then Swiss Target Prediction database was used to predict the target of the active components and map the targets of COVID-19 obtained through GeneCards database to obtain the gene pool of the potential target of COVID-19 resistance of the active components of Compound Houttuynia mixture. Next, DAVID database was used for GO enrichment and KEGG pathway annotation of targets function. Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to construct a “components-targets-pathways” network. Then String database was used to construct a “protein-protein interaction” network. Finally, the core targets, SARS-COV-2 3 Cl, ACE2 and the core active components of Compound Houttuyna Mixture were imported into the Discovery Studio 2016 Client database for molecular docking verification. Results Eighty-two active compounds, including Xylostosidine, Arctiin, ZINC12153652 and ZINC338038, were screened from Compound Houttuyniae mixture. The key targets involved 128 targets, including MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK8, MAPK14, TP53, TNF, and IL6. The HIF-1 signaling, VEGF signaling, TNF signaling and another 127 signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 were affected ( P < 0.05). From the results of molecular docking, the binding ability between the selected active components and the core targets was strong. Conclusion Through the combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, this study revealed that the therapeutic effect of Compound Houttuynia mixture on COVID-19 was realized through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways, which provided a certain scientific basis of the clinical application of Compound Houttuynia mixture.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3595
Author(s):  
Md Afjalus Afjalus Siraj ◽  
Md. Sajjadur Rahman ◽  
Ghee T. Tan ◽  
Veronique Seidel

A molecular docking approach was employed to evaluate the binding affinity of six triterpenes, namely epifriedelanol, friedelin, α-amyrin, α-amyrin acetate, β-amyrin acetate, and bauerenyl acetate, towards the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1). Molecular docking studies showed that friedelin, α-amyrin, and epifriedelanol had the strongest binding affinity towards CB1. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that friedelin and α-amyrin engaged in stable non-bonding interactions by binding to a pocket close to the active site on the surface of the CB1 target protein. The studied triterpenes showed a good capacity to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. These results help to provide some evidence to justify, at least in part, the previously reported antinociceptive and sedative properties of Vernonia patula.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda D. P. M. Ratu ◽  
Widdhi Bodhi ◽  
Fona Budiarso ◽  
Billy J. Kepel ◽  
. Fatimawali ◽  
...  

Abstract: COVID-19 is a new disease. Many people feel the impact of this disease. There is no definite cure for COVID-19, so many people use traditional medicine to ward off COVID-19, including ginger. This study aims to determine whether there is an interaction between compounds in ginger (gingerol and zingiberol) and the COVID-19’s main protease (6LU7). This study uses a molecular docking method using 4 main applications, namely Autodock Tools, Autodock Vina, Biovia Discovery Studio 2020, and Open Babel GUI. The samples used were gingerol and zingiberol compounds in ginger plants downloaded from Pubchem. The data used in this study used Mendeley, Clinical Key, and PubMed database. The study showed that almost all of the amino acid residues in the gingerol compound acted on the 6LU7 active site, whereas the zingiberol did not. The results of the binding affinity of ginger compounds, both gingerol and zingiberol, do not exceed the binding affinity of remdesivir, a drug that is widely researched as a COVID-19 handling drug. In conclusion, gingerol and zingiberol compounds in ginger can’t be considered as COVID-19’s treatment.Keywords: molecular docking, gingerol, zingiberol Abstrak: COVID-19 merupakan sebuah penyakit yang baru. Banyak masyarakat yang merasakan dampak dari penyakit ini. Belum ada pengobatan pasti untuk menyembuhkan COVID-19, sehingga banyak masyarakat yang menggunakan pengobatan tradisional untuk menangkal COVID-19, termasuk jahe. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah ada interaksi antara senyawa pada jahe (gingerol dan zingiberol) dengan main protease COVID-19 (6LU7). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode molecular docking dengan menggunakan 4 aplikasi utama, yaitu Autodock Tools, Autodock Vina, Biovia Discovery Studio 2020, dan Open Babel GUI. Sampel yang digunakan yaitu senyawa gingerol dan zingiberol pada tanaman jahe yang diunduh di Pubchem. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan database Mendeley, Clinical Key, dan PubMed. Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hampir semua residu asam amino pada senyawa gingerol bekerja pada sisi aktif 6LU7, sedangkan tidak demikian pada zingiberol. Hasil binding affinity senyawa jahe, baik gingerol maupun zingiberol tidak  melebihi binding affinity remdesivir, obat yang banyak diteliti sebagai obat penanganan COVID-19. Sebagai simpulan, senyawa gingerol dan zingiberol pada tanaman jahe tidak dapat dipertimbangkan sebagai penanganan COVID-19Kata Kunci: molecular docking, gingerol, zingiberol


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trina Ekawati Tallei ◽  
Fatimawali ◽  
Afriza Yelnetty ◽  
Rinaldi Idroes ◽  
Diah Kusumawaty ◽  
...  

The rapid spread of a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 has compelled the entire world to seek ways to weaken this virus, prevent its spread and also eliminate it. However, no drug has been approved to treat COVID-19. Furthermore, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) on this viral spike protein, as well as several other important parts of this virus, have recently undergone mutations, resulting in new virus variants. While no treatment is currently available, a naturally derived molecule with known antiviral properties could be used as a potential treatment. Bromelain is an enzyme found in the fruit and stem of pineapples. This substance has been shown to have a broad antiviral activity. In this article, we analyse the ability of bromelain to counteract various variants of the SARS-CoV-2 by targeting bromelain binding on the side of this viral interaction with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. We have succeeded in making three-dimensional configurations of various RBD variants using protein modelling. Bromelain exhibited good binding affinity toward various variants of RBDs and binds right at the binding site between RBDs and hACE2. This result is also presented in the modelling between Bromelain, RBD, and hACE2. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations study revealed significant stability of the bromelain and RBD proteins separately up to 100 ns with an RMSD value of 2 Å. Furthermore, despite increases in RMSD and changes in Rog values of complexes, which are likely due to some destabilized interactions between bromelain and RBD proteins, two proteins in each complex remained bonded, and the site where the two proteins bind remained unchanged. This finding indicated that bromelain could have an inhibitory effect on different SARS-CoV-2 variants, paving the way for a new SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor drug. However, more in vitro and in vivo research on this potential mechanism of action is required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 249-265
Author(s):  
Selvaraj Ayyamperumal ◽  

The enzyme, α-topoisomerase II (α-Topo II), is known to regulate efficiently the topology of DNA. It is highly expressed in rapidly proliferating cells and plays an important role in replication, transcription and chromosome organisation. This has prompted several investigators to pursue α-Topo II inhibitors as anticancer agents. δ-Carboline, a natural product, and its synthetic derivatives are known to exert potent anticancer activity by selectively targeting α-Topo II. Therefore, it is of interest to design carboline derivatives fused with pyrrolidine-2,5-dione in this context. δ-Carbolines fused with pyrrolidine-2,5-dione are of interest because the succinimide part of fused heteroaromatic molecule can interact with the ATP binding pocket via the hydrogen bond network with selectivity towards α-Topo II. The 300 derivatives designed were subjected to the Lipinski rule of 5, ADMET and toxicity prediction. The designed compounds were further analysed using molecular docking analysis on the active sites of the α-Topo II crystal structure (PDB ID:1ZXM). Molecular dynamic simulations were also performed to compare the binding mode and stability of the protein-ligand complexes. Compounds with ID numbers AS89, AS104, AS119, AS209, AS239, AS269, and AS299 show good binding activity compared to the co-crystal ligand. Molecular Dynamics simulation studies show that the ligand binding to α-Topo II in the ATP domain is stableand the protein-ligand conformation remains unchanged. Binding free energy calculations suggest that seven molecules designed are potential inhibitors for α-Topo II for further consideration as anticancer agents.


Author(s):  
Faruk Jayanto Kelutur ◽  
Nyi Mekar Saptarini ◽  
Resmi Mustarichie ◽  
Dikdik Kurnia

Background: The inflammatory pathway is induced by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzymes, so it requires the development of its inhibitors, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but they have side effects. Therefore, the discovery and development of natural medicine as a lead compound are needed. The gorgonian corals have been reported to contain cyclic diterpenes with anti-inflammatory activities. The specific anti-inflammatory inhibitor potential has not been reported regarding these secondary metabolites, whether in COX-2 or iNOS. Thus, the in silico method is the right alternative. Objective: This study aimed to determine the potency of fifteen terpenes of the various gorgonian corals to COX-2 and iNOS enzymes as an anti-inflammatory Methods: Molecular docking was performed using ChemDraw Ultra 12.0, Chem3D Pro 12.0, Biovia Discovery Studio 2016 Client®, Autodock Tools 4.2, prediction pharmacokinetics (Pre-ADMET), and oral administration (Lipinski rule of five). Results: Potential terpenes based on ΔG (kcal/mol) and Ki (nM) to COX-2 were gyrosanol B (-10,32; 27,15), gyrosanol A (-10,20; 33,57), echinolabdane A (-9,81; 64,76). Only nine terpenes were specific to COX-2 active sites, while for iNOS were palmonine F (-7.76; 2070), briarenol C (-7.55; 2910), and all test compounds binding to the iNOS active sites. Pre-ADMET prediction obtained that HIA was very excellent (70–100%), Caco-2 had moderate permeability (4–70 nm sec-1), and PPB had strong binding (> 90%). Eight terpenes qualified for the Lipinski rule of five. Conclusion: NOS was a specific target for terpenes based on the free energy of binding (ΔG).


Author(s):  
Sathishkumar Chinnasamy ◽  
Gurudeeban Selvaraj ◽  
Aman Chandra Kaushik ◽  
Satyavani Kaliamurthi ◽  
Asma Sindhoo Nangraj ◽  
...  

Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a normal cell proliferation-inducing enzyme encoded by AURKA gene, with over-expression observed in different types of malignancies. Hence, the goal is to find potential inhibitors against AURKA. In this study, molecular docking, Standard Precision and Extra Precision methods were employed. After the docking study, the ligands showed an extremely low binding score which suggested very high binding affinity of the ligands. Furthermore, Quantum polarized ligand docking (QPLD) was performed to predict the binding status of the molecules. Based on the binding affinity, the top four compounds were chosen for further analysis. The docked complexes were further analyzed in explicit water conditions using 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculation. Then, density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to calculate the molecular properties of the molecules. Finally, systems biology experiments validated the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies and indicated that quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and rutin could inhibit the AURKA. The results show that, these four molecules have high binding affinity to the AURKA and significant interactions (LEU139, GLU211and ALA213) were also identified with the hinge region of Aurora kinase A. Thus, LEU139, GLU211, and ALA213 were identified as the crucial protein mechanisms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110352
Author(s):  
Tian-Shun Wang ◽  
Xing-Pan Wu ◽  
Qiu-Yuan Jian ◽  
Yan-Fang Yang ◽  
Wu He-Zhen

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) once caused great harm in China, but now it is the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has become a huge threat to global health, which raises urgent demand for developing effective treatment strategies to avoid the recurrence of tragedies. Yinqiao powder, combined with modified Sangju decoction (YPCMSD), has been clinically proven to have a good therapeutic effect on COVID-19 in China. This study aimed to analyze the common mechanism of YPCMSD in the treatment of SARS and COVID-19 through network pharmacology and molecular docking and further explore the potential application value of YPCMSD in the treatment of coronavirus infections. Firstly, the active components were collected from the literature and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database platform. The COVID-19 and SARS associated targets of the active components were forecasted by the SwissTargetPrediction database and GeneCards. A protein–protein-interaction network was drawn and the core targets were obtained by selecting the targets larger than the average degree. By importing the core targets into database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery, enrichment analysis of gene ontology, and construction of a Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway was conducted. Cytoscape 3.6.1 software was used to construct a “components–targets–pathways” network. Active components were selected to dock with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-COV-2) 3CL and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through Discovery Studio 2016 software. A network of “components–targets–pathways” was successfully constructed, with key targets involving mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, caspase-3 (CASP3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin 6. Major metabolic pathways affected were those in cancer, the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The core components, such as arctiin, scopolin, linarin, and isovitexin, showed a strong binding ability with SARS-COV-2 3CL and ACE2. We predicted that the mechanism of action of this prescription in the treatment of COVID-19 and SARS might be associated with multicomponents that bind to SARS-COV-2 3CL and ACE2, thereby regulating targets that coexpressed with them and pathways related to inflammation and the immune system.


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