scholarly journals Development of IKATP Ion Channel Blockers Targeting Sulfonylurea Resistant Mutant KIR6.2 Based Channels for Treating DEND Syndrome

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marien J. C. Houtman ◽  
Theres Friesacher ◽  
Xingyu Chen ◽  
Eva-Maria Zangerl-Plessl ◽  
Marcel A. G. van der Heyden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Channel Inhibition ◽  
Patch Clamp Electrophysiology ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Inside Out

Introduction: DEND syndrome is a rare channelopathy characterized by a combination of developmental delay, epilepsy and severe neonatal diabetes. Gain of function mutations in the KCNJ11 gene, encoding the KIR6.2 subunit of the IKATP potassium channel, stand at the basis of most forms of DEND syndrome. In a previous search for existing drugs with the potential of targeting Cantú Syndrome, also resulting from increased IKATP, we found a set of candidate drugs that may also possess the potential to target DEND syndrome. In the current work, we combined Molecular Modelling including Molecular Dynamics simulations, with single cell patch clamp electrophysiology, in order to test the effect of selected drug candidates on the KIR6.2 WT and DEND mutant channels.Methods: Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate potential drug binding sites. To conduct in vitro studies, KIR6.2 Q52R and L164P mutants were constructed. Inside/out patch clamp electrophysiology on transiently transfected HEK293T cells was performed for establishing drug-channel inhibition relationships.Results: Molecular Dynamics simulations provided insight in potential channel interaction and shed light on possible mechanisms of action of the tested drug candidates. Effective IKIR6.2/SUR2a inhibition was obtained with the pore-blocker betaxolol (IC50 values 27–37 μM). Levobetaxolol effectively inhibited WT and L164P (IC50 values 22 μM) and Q52R (IC50 55 μM) channels. Of the SUR binding prostaglandin series, travoprost was found to be the best blocker of WT and L164P channels (IC50 2–3 μM), while Q52R inhibition was 15–20% at 10 μM.Conclusion: Our combination of MD and inside-out electrophysiology provides the rationale for drug mediated IKATP inhibition, and will be the basis for 1) screening of additional existing drugs for repurposing to address DEND syndrome, and 2) rationalized medicinal chemistry to improve IKATP inhibitor efficacy and specificity.

Use of Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Structure-Based Drug Discovery

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (31) ◽  
pp. 3339-3349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Indrani Bera ◽  
Pavan V. Payghan
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Drug Target ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Structure Based Drug Design ◽  
Drug Designing ◽  
Target Binding ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Background: Traditional drug discovery is a lengthy process which involves a huge amount of resources. Modern-day drug discovers various multidisciplinary approaches amongst which, computational ligand and structure-based drug designing methods contribute significantly. Structure-based drug designing techniques require the knowledge of structural information of drug target and drug-target complexes. Proper understanding of drug-target binding requires the flexibility of both ligand and receptor to be incorporated. Molecular docking refers to the static picture of the drug-target complex(es). Molecular dynamics, on the other hand, introduces flexibility to understand the drug binding process. Objective: The aim of the present study is to provide a systematic review on the usage of molecular dynamics simulations to aid the process of structure-based drug design. Method: This review discussed findings from various research articles and review papers on the use of molecular dynamics in drug discovery. All efforts highlight the practical grounds for which molecular dynamics simulations are used in drug designing program. In summary, various aspects of the use of molecular dynamics simulations that underline the basis of studying drug-target complexes were thoroughly explained. Results: This review is the result of reviewing more than a hundred papers. It summarizes various problems that use molecular dynamics simulations. Conclusion: The findings of this review highlight how molecular dynamics simulations have been successfully implemented to study the structure-function details of specific drug-target complexes. It also identifies the key areas such as stability of drug-target complexes, ligand binding kinetics and identification of allosteric sites which have been elucidated using molecular dynamics simulations.

scholarly journals Multidrug Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Identification of Functionally Important Residues in the MtrD Efflux Protein

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Chitsaz ◽  
Lauren Booth ◽  
Mitchell T. Blyth ◽  
Megan L. O’Mara ◽  
Melissa H. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Multidrug Resistance ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Multidrug Efflux ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Binding Pockets ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

ABSTRACT A key mechanism that Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses to achieve multidrug resistance is the expulsion of structurally different antimicrobials by the MtrD multidrug efflux protein. MtrD resembles the homologous Escherichia coli AcrB efflux protein with several common structural features, including an open cleft containing putative access and deep binding pockets proposed to interact with substrates. A highly discriminating N. gonorrhoeae strain, with the MtrD and NorM multidrug efflux pumps inactivated, was constructed and used to confirm and extend the substrate profile of MtrD to include 14 new compounds. The structural basis of substrate interactions with MtrD was interrogated by a combination of long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies together with site-directed mutagenesis of selected residues. Of the MtrD mutants generated, only one (S611A) retained a wild-type (WT) resistance profile, while others (F136A, F176A, I605A, F610A, F612C, and F623C) showed reduced resistance to different antimicrobial compounds. Docking studies of eight MtrD substrates confirmed that many of the mutated residues play important nonspecific roles in binding to these substrates. Long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations of MtrD with its substrate progesterone showed the spontaneous binding of the substrate to the access pocket of the binding cleft and its subsequent penetration into the deep binding pocket, allowing the permeation pathway for a substrate through this important resistance mechanism to be identified. These findings provide a detailed picture of the interaction of MtrD with substrates that can be used as a basis for rational antibiotic and inhibitor design. IMPORTANCE With over 78 million new infections globally each year, gonorrhea remains a frustratingly common infection. Continuous development and spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea, have posed a serious threat to public health. One of the mechanisms in N. gonorrhoeae involved in resistance to multiple drugs is performed by the MtrD multidrug resistance efflux pump. This study demonstrated that the MtrD pump has a broader substrate specificity than previously proposed and identified a cluster of residues important for drug binding and translocation. Additionally, a permeation pathway for the MtrD substrate progesterone actively moving through the protein was determined, revealing key interactions within the putative MtrD drug binding pockets. Identification of functionally important residues and substrate-protein interactions of the MtrD protein is crucial to develop future strategies for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea.

scholarly journals Structural Influence and Interactive Binding Behavior of Dopamine and Norepinephrine on the Greek-Key-Like Core of α-Synuclein Protofibril Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 850
Author(s):  
Yu Zou ◽  
Zhiwei Liu ◽  
Zhiqiang Zhu ◽  
Zhenyu Qian
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Binding Behavior ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Structural Influence ◽  
Β Sheet

The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is closely associated with the aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) protein. Finding the effective inhibitors of αS aggregation has been considered as the primary therapeutic strategy for PD. Recent studies reported that two neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), can effectively inhibit αS aggregation and disrupt the preformed αS fibrils. However, the atomistic details of αS-DA/NE interaction remain unclear. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the binding behavior of DA/NE molecules and their structural influence on αS44–96 (Greek-key-like core of full length αS) protofibrillar tetramer. Our results showed that DA/NE molecules destabilize αS protofibrillar tetramer by disrupting the β-sheet structure and destroying the intra- and inter-peptide E46–K80 salt bridges, and they can also destroy the inter-chain backbone hydrogen bonds. Three binding sites were identified for both DA and NE molecules interacting with αS tetramer: T54–T72, Q79–A85, and F94–K96, and NE molecules had a stronger binding capacity to these sites than DA. The binding of DA/NE molecules to αS tetramer is dominantly driven by electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Through aromatic π-stacking, DA and NE molecules can bind to αS protofibril interactively. Our work reveals the detailed disruptive mechanism of protofibrillar αS oligomer by DA/NE molecules, which is helpful for the development of drug candidates against PD. Given that exercise as a stressor can stimulate DA/NE secretion and elevated levels of DA/NE could delay the progress of PD, this work also enhances our understanding of the biological mechanism by which exercise prevents and alleviates PD.

scholarly journals Insights on Small Molecule Binding to the Hv1 Proton Channel from Free Energy Calculations with Molecular Dynamics Simulations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria T. Lim ◽  
Andrew D. Geragotelis ◽  
Nathan M. Lim ◽  
J. Alfredo Freites ◽  
Francesco Tombola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Free Energy ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Free Energy Calculations ◽  
Proton Channel ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Energy Perturbation ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Effective Channel

Hv1 is a voltage-gated proton channel whose main function is to facilitate extrusion of protons from the cell. The development of effective channel blockers for Hv1 can lead to new therapeutics for the treatment of maladies related to Hv1 dysfunction. Although the mechanism of proton permeation in Hv1 remains to be elucidated, a series of small molecules have been discovered to inhibit Hv1. Here, we compute relative binding free energies of a prototypical Hv1 blocker on a model of human Hv1 in an open state. We use alchemical free energy perturbation techniques based on atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The results support our proposed open state model, sheds light on the preferred tautomeric state of the blocker that binds Hv1, and lays the groundwork for future studies on adapting the blocker molecule for more effective channel blocking.

scholarly journals Structural Basis for Antiarrhythmic Drug Interactions with the Human Cardiac Sodium Channel

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong T. Nguyen ◽  
Kevin R. DeMarco ◽  
Igor Vorobyov ◽  
Colleen E. Clancy ◽  
Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Access Pathway

AbstractThe human voltage-gated sodium channel, hNav1.5, is responsible for the rapid upstroke of the cardiac action potential and is target for antiarrhythmic therapy. Despite the clinical relevance of hNav1.5 targeting drugs, structure-based molecular mechanisms of promising or problematic drugs have not been investigated at atomic scale to inform drug design. Here, we used Rosetta structural modeling and docking as well as molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions of antiarrhythmic and local anesthetic drugs with hNav1.5. These calculations revealed several key drug binding sites formed within the pore lumen that can simultaneously accommodate up to two drug molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations identified a hydrophilic access pathway through the intracellular gate and a hydrophobic access pathway through a fenestration between domains III and IV. Our results advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms of antiarrhythmic and local anesthetic drug interactions with hNav1.5 and will be useful for rational design of novel therapeutics.

scholarly journals Structural basis for antiarrhythmic drug interactions with the human cardiac sodium channel

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (8) ◽  
pp. 2945-2954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong T. Nguyen ◽  
Kevin R. DeMarco ◽  
Igor Vorobyov ◽  
Colleen E. Clancy ◽  
Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Access Pathway

The human voltage-gated sodium channel, hNaV1.5, is responsible for the rapid upstroke of the cardiac action potential and is target for antiarrhythmic therapy. Despite the clinical relevance of hNaV1.5-targeting drugs, structure-based molecular mechanisms of promising or problematic drugs have not been investigated at atomic scale to inform drug design. Here, we used Rosetta structural modeling and docking as well as molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions of antiarrhythmic and local anesthetic drugs with hNaV1.5. These calculations revealed several key drug binding sites formed within the pore lumen that can simultaneously accommodate up to two drug molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations identified a hydrophilic access pathway through the intracellular gate and a hydrophobic access pathway through a fenestration between DIII and DIV. Our results advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms of antiarrhythmic and local anesthetic drug interactions with hNaV1.5 and will be useful for rational design of novel therapeutics.

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