scholarly journals Inhibition Potencies of Phytochemicals Derived from Sesame Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: A Molecular Docking and Simulation Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Kumar ◽  
Dwijesh Chandra Mishra ◽  
Ulavappa Basavanneppa Angadi ◽  
Rashmi Yadav ◽  
Anil Rai ◽  
...  

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has now spread across the nations with high mortality rates and multifaceted impact on human life. The proper treatment methods to overcome this contagious disease are still limited. The main protease enzyme (Mpro, also called 3CLpro) is essential for viral replication and has been considered as one of the potent drug targets for treating COVID-19. In this study, virtual screening was performed to find out the molecular interactions between 36 natural compounds derived from sesame and the Mpro of COVID-19. Four natural metabolites, namely, sesamin, sesaminol, sesamolin, and sesamolinol have been ranked as the top interacting molecules to Mpro based on the affinity of molecular docking. Moreover, stability of these four sesame-specific natural compounds has also been evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 200 nanoseconds. The molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations revealed that these compounds have stable and favorable energies, causing strong binding with Mpro. These screened natural metabolites also meet the essential conditions for drug likeness such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties as well as Lipinski’s rule of five. Our finding suggests that these screened natural compounds may be evolved as promising therapeutics against COVID-19.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chirag N. Patel ◽  
Dharmesh G. Jaiswal ◽  
Siddhi P. Jani ◽  
Naman Mangukia ◽  
Robin M. Parmar ◽  
...  

Abstract The novel SARS-CoV-2 is an etiological factor that triggers Coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) and tends to be an imminent occurrence of a pandemic. Out of all recognized solved complexes linked to SARS-CoV, Main protease (Mpro) is considered a desirable antiviral phytochemical that play a crucial role in virus assembly and possibly non-interactive capacity to adhere to any viral host protein. In this research, SARS-CoV-2 MPro was chosen as a focus for the detection of possible inhibitors using a variety of different analytical methods such as molecular docking, ADMET analysis, dynamic simulations and binding free energy measurements. Virtual screening of known natural compounds recognized Withanoside V, Withanoside VI, Racemoside B, Racemoside A and Shatavarin IX as future inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 MPro with stronger energy binding. Also, simulations of molecular dynamics for a 100 ns time scale showed that much of the main SARS-CoV-2 MPro interactions had been maintained in the simulation routes. Binding free energy calculations using the MM/PBSA method ranked the top five possible natural compounds that can act as effective SARS-CoV-2 MPro inhibitors.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Son Tung Ngo ◽  
Ngoc Quynh Anh Pham ◽  
Ly Le ◽  
Duc-Hung Pham ◽  
Van Vu

<p>The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 850,000 people and caused more than 42000 deaths worldwide as of April 1<sup>st</sup>, 2020. As the disease is spreading rapidly all over the world, it is urgent to find effective drugs to treat the virus. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the potential drug targets. In this work, we used rigorous computational methods, including molecular docking, fast pulling of ligand (FPL), and free energy perturbation (FEP), to investigate potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We first tested our approach with three reported inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro; and our computational results are in good agreement with the respective experimental data. Subsequently, we applied our approach on a databases of ~4600 natural compounds found in Vietnamese plants, as well as 8 available HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitors and an aza-peptide epoxide. Molecular docking resulted in a short list of 35 natural compounds, which was subsequently refined using the FPL scheme. FPL simulations resulted in five potential inhibitors, including 3 natural compounds and two available HIV-1 PR inhibitors. Finally, FEP, the most accurate and precise method, was used to determine the absolute binding free energy of these five compounds. FEP results indicate that two natural compounds, <i>cannabisin </i>A and <i>isoacteoside</i>, and an HIV-1 PR inhibitor, <i>darunavir</i>, exhibit large binding free energy to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, which is larger than that of <b>13b</b>, the most reliable SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor recently reported. The binding free energy largely arises from van der Waals (vdW) interaction. We also found that Glu166 form H-bonds to all the inhibitors. Replacing Glu166 by an alanine residue leads to ~ 2.0 kcal/mol decreases in the affinity of <i>darunavir </i>to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Our results could contribute to the development of potentials drugs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. </p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neelaveni Thangavel ◽  
Mohammad Al Bratty ◽  
Hassan Ahmad Al Hazmi ◽  
Asim Najmi ◽  
Reem Othman Ali Alaqi

Molecular docking and molecular dynamics aided virtual search of OliveNet™ directory identified potential secoiridoids that combat SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication, and associated hyperinflammatory responses. OliveNet™ is an active directory of phytochemicals obtained from different parts of the olive tree, Olea europaea (Oleaceae). Olive oil, olive fruits containing phenolics, known for their health benefits, are indispensable in the Mediterranean and Arabian diets. Secoiridoids is the largest group of olive phenols and is exclusive to the olive fruits. Functional food like olive fruits could help prevent and alleviate viral disease at an affordable cost. A systematized virtual search of 932 conformers of 78 secoiridoids utilizing Autodock Vina, followed by precision docking using Idock and Smina indicated that Nüzhenide oleoside (NZO), Oleuropein dimer (OED), and Dihydro oleuropein (DHO) blocked the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein-ACE-2 interface; Demethyloleuropein (DMO), Neo-nüzhenide (NNZ), and Nüzhenide (NZE) blocked the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the NZO-S-protein-ACE-2 complex by Desmond revealed stability during 50 ns. RMSD of the NZO-S-protein-ACE-2 complex converged at 2.1 Å after 20 ns. During MD, the interaction fractions confirmed multiple interactions of NZO with Lys417, a crucial residue for inhibition of S protein. MD of DMO-Mpro complex proved its stability as the RMSD converged at 1.6 Å. Analysis of interactions during MD confirmed the interaction of Cys145 of Mpro with DMO and, thus, its inhibition. The docking predicted IC50 of NZO and DMO was 11.58 and 6.44 μM, respectively. Molecular docking and dynamics of inhibition of the S protein and Mpro by NZO and DMO correlated well. Docking of the six-hit secoiridoids to IL1R, IL6R, and TNFR1, the receptors of inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, and TNFα, revealed the anti-inflammatory potential except for DHO. Due to intricate structures, the secoiridoids violated Lipinski's rule of five. However, the drug scores of secoiridoids supported their use as drugs. The ADMET predictions implied that the secoiridoids are non-toxic and pose low oral absorption. Secoiridoids need further optimization and are a suitable lead for the discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. For the moment, olive secoiridoids presents an accessible mode of prevention and therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Son Tung Ngo ◽  
Ngoc Quynh Anh Pham ◽  
Ly Le ◽  
Duc-Hung Pham ◽  
Van Vu

<p>The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 850,000 people and caused more than 42000 deaths worldwide as of April 1<sup>st</sup>, 2020. As the disease is spreading rapidly all over the world, it is urgent to find effective drugs to treat the virus. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the potential drug targets. In this work, we used rigorous computational methods, including molecular docking, fast pulling of ligand (FPL), and free energy perturbation (FEP), to investigate potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We first tested our approach with three reported inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro; and our computational results are in good agreement with the respective experimental data. Subsequently, we applied our approach on a databases of ~4600 natural compounds found in Vietnamese plants, as well as 8 available HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitors and an aza-peptide epoxide. Molecular docking resulted in a short list of 35 natural compounds, which was subsequently refined using the FPL scheme. FPL simulations resulted in five potential inhibitors, including 3 natural compounds and two available HIV-1 PR inhibitors. Finally, FEP, the most accurate and precise method, was used to determine the absolute binding free energy of these five compounds. FEP results indicate that two natural compounds, <i>cannabisin </i>A and <i>isoacteoside</i>, and an HIV-1 PR inhibitor, <i>darunavir</i>, exhibit large binding free energy to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, which is larger than that of <b>13b</b>, the most reliable SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor recently reported. The binding free energy largely arises from van der Waals (vdW) interaction. We also found that Glu166 form H-bonds to all the inhibitors. Replacing Glu166 by an alanine residue leads to ~ 2.0 kcal/mol decreases in the affinity of <i>darunavir </i>to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Our results could contribute to the development of potentials drugs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. </p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1252
Author(s):  
Ari Hardianto ◽  
Muhammad Yusuf ◽  
Ika Wiani Hidayat ◽  
Safri Ishmayana ◽  
Ukun Mochammad Syukur Soedjanaatmadja

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic burdening the global economy. It is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed may contain antivirals for the disease since it was reported to inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Main protease (Mpro) is a vital protein for viral replication and a promising target for COVID-19 drug development. Hence, in this study, we intended to uncover the potency of N. sativa seed as the natural source of inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We collected secondary metabolites in N. sativa seed through a literature search and employed Lipinski’s rule of five as the initial filter. Subsequently, virtual screening campaigns using a molecular docking method were performed, with N3 inhibitor and leupeptin as reference ligands. The top hits were analyzed further using a molecular dynamics simulation approach. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that binding affinities of nigellamine A2 and A3 to Mpro are comparable to that of leupeptin, with median values of -43.9 and -36.2 kcal mol–1, respectively. Ultimately, this study provides scientific information regarding N. sativa seeds’ potency against COVID-19 and helps direct further wet experiments.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaresh Mishra ◽  
Yamini Pathak ◽  
Gourav Choudhir ◽  
Anuj Kumar ◽  
Surabhi Kirti Mishra ◽  
...  

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic has now expanded over 213 nations across the world. To date, there is no specific medication available for SARS CoV-2 infection. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS CoV-2 plays a crucial role in viral replication and transcription and thereby considered as an attractive drug target for the inhibition of COVID-19,. Natural compounds are widely recognised as valuabe source of antiviral drugs due to their structural diversity and safety. In the current study, we have screened twenty natural compounds having antiviral properties to discover the potential inhibitor molecules against Mpro of COVID-19. Systematic molecular docking analysis was conducted using AuroDock 4.2 to determine the binding affinities and interactions between natural compounds and the Mpro. Out of twenty molecules, four natural metabolites namely, amentoflavone, guggulsterone, puerarin, and piperine were found to have strong interaction with Mpro of COVID-19 based on the docking analysis. These selected natural compounds were further validated using combination of molecular dynamic simulations and molecular mechanic/generalized/Born/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/G/P/BSA) free energy calculations. During MD simulations, all four natural compounds bound to Mpro on 50ns and MM/G/P/BSA free energy calculations showed that all four shortlisted ligands have stable and favourable energies causing strong binding with binding site of Mpro protein. These four natural compounds have passed the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) property as well as Lipinski’s rule of five. Our promising findings based on in-silico studies warrant further clinical trials in order to use these natural compounds as potential inhibitors of Mpro protein of COVID.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Son Tung Ngo ◽  
Ngoc Quynh Anh Pham ◽  
Ly Le ◽  
Duc-Hung Pham ◽  
Van Vu

<p>The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 850,000 people and caused more than 42000 deaths worldwide as of April 1<sup>st</sup>, 2020. As the disease is spreading rapidly all over the world, it is urgent to find effective drugs to treat the virus. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the potential drug targets. In this work, we used rigorous computational methods, including molecular docking, fast pulling of ligand (FPL), and free energy perturbation (FEP), to investigate potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We first tested our approach with three reported inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro; and our computational results are in good agreement with the respective experimental data. Subsequently, we applied our approach on a databases of ~4600 natural compounds found in Vietnamese plants, as well as 8 available HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitors and an aza-peptide epoxide. Molecular docking resulted in a short list of 35 natural compounds, which was subsequently refined using the FPL scheme. FPL simulations resulted in five potential inhibitors, including 3 natural compounds and two available HIV-1 PR inhibitors. Finally, FEP, the most accurate and precise method, was used to determine the absolute binding free energy of these five compounds. FEP results indicate that two natural compounds, <i>cannabisin </i>A and <i>isoacteoside</i>, and an HIV-1 PR inhibitor, <i>darunavir</i>, exhibit large binding free energy to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, which is larger than that of <b>13b</b>, the most reliable SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor recently reported. The binding free energy largely arises from van der Waals (vdW) interaction. We also found that Glu166 form H-bonds to all the inhibitors. Replacing Glu166 by an alanine residue leads to ~ 2.0 kcal/mol decreases in the affinity of <i>darunavir </i>to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Our results could contribute to the development of potentials drugs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. </p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 357
Author(s):  
Magdi E. A. Zaki ◽  
Sami A. Al-Hussain ◽  
Vijay H. Masand ◽  
Siddhartha Akasapu ◽  
Sumit O. Bajaj ◽  
...  

Due to the genetic similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, the present work endeavored to derive a balanced Quantitative Structure−Activity Relationship (QSAR) model, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies to identify novel molecules having inhibitory potential against the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. The QSAR analysis developed on multivariate GA–MLR (Genetic Algorithm–Multilinear Regression) model with acceptable statistical performance (R2 = 0.898, Q2loo = 0.859, etc.). QSAR analysis attributed the good correlation with different types of atoms like non-ring Carbons and Nitrogens, amide Nitrogen, sp2-hybridized Carbons, etc. Thus, the QSAR model has a good balance of qualitative and quantitative requirements (balanced QSAR model) and satisfies the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. After that, a QSAR-based virtual screening of 26,467 food compounds and 360 heterocyclic variants of molecule 1 (benzotriazole–indole hybrid molecule) helped to identify promising hits. Furthermore, the molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of Mpro with molecule 1 recognized the structural motifs with significant stability. Molecular docking and QSAR provided consensus and complementary results. The validated analyses are capable of optimizing a drug/lead candidate for better inhibitory activity against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2.


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