Insights into the Activation of a Crustacean G Protein-Coupled Receptor: Evaluation of the Red Pigment-Concentrating Hormone Receptor of the Water Flea Daphnia pulex (Dappu-RPCH R)

The validation of a previously developed model of the interaction between the red pigment-concentrating hormone of Daphnia pulex and its cognate receptor (Jackson et al., IJBM 106, 969–978, 2018) was undertaken. Single amino acid replacements, noticeably an Ala scan, of the ligand, Dappu-RPCH, were docked to the receptor, and the binding energies calculated and compared to the one with Dappu-RPCH. As a second step, the same molecules were docked using molecular dynamics (MD) in a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) membrane. Changes in binding energy were compared to previous results on in vitro receptor activation (Marco et al., Sci. Rep. 7, 6851, 2017). Residue scanning and MD simulations both gave comparable results for binding energy. For most mutants, there was a good inverse correlation between in vitro activity and binding. There were, however, exceptions; for example: [Ala4]Dappu-RPCH bound as tightly as the cognate ligand but had little activity. This seeming discrepancy was explained when the MD data were analyzed in detail, showing that, although [Ala4]Dappu-RPCH had multiple interactions with the receptor accounting for the high binding energy, the interacting residues of the receptor were quite different to those of Dappu-RPCH. The MD calculations show clearly that the strong binding affinity of the ligand to the receptor is not sufficient for activation. Interaction of the binding of the ligand to two residues of the receptor, Ser 155 and Gln 237, is also essential. A comparison of our computational results with the experimental results of Marco et al. and comparison with the extensive data on GnRH supports the validity of our Dappu-RPCH R model.

Download Full-text

In Silico Identification of Potential Natural Product Inhibitors of Human Proteases Key to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25173822 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (17) ◽

pp. 3822 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

R.P. Vivek-Ananth ◽

Abhijit Rana ◽

Nithin Rajan ◽

Himansu S. Biswal ◽

Areejit Samal

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Natural Product ◽

Cathepsin L ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Binding Energies ◽

In Vivo Testing ◽

Approved Drugs ◽

Indian Medicinal Plants

Presently, there are no approved drugs or vaccines to treat COVID-19, which has spread to over 200 countries and at the time of writing was responsible for over 650,000 deaths worldwide. Recent studies have shown that two human proteases, TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L, play a key role in host cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, inhibitors of these proteases were shown to block SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we perform virtual screening of 14,011 phytochemicals produced by Indian medicinal plants to identify natural product inhibitors of TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L. AutoDock Vina was used to perform molecular docking of phytochemicals against TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L. Potential phytochemical inhibitors were filtered by comparing their docked binding energies with those of known inhibitors of TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L. Further, the ligand binding site residues and non-covalent interactions between protein and ligand were used as an additional filter to identify phytochemical inhibitors that either bind to or form interactions with residues important for the specificity of the target proteases. This led to the identification of 96 inhibitors of TMPRSS2 and 9 inhibitors of cathepsin L among phytochemicals of Indian medicinal plants. Further, we have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze the stability of the protein-ligand complexes for the three top inhibitors of TMPRSS2 namely, qingdainone, edgeworoside C and adlumidine, and of cathepsin L namely, ararobinol, (+)-oxoturkiyenine and 3α,17α-cinchophylline. Interestingly, several herbal sources of identified phytochemical inhibitors have antiviral or anti-inflammatory use in traditional medicine. Further in vitro and in vivo testing is needed before clinical trials of the promising phytochemical inhibitors identified here.

Download Full-text

OR24-01 Mutational Study of the GPR119 Receptor Binding Site

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1659 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Matthew D Rosales ◽

Frank Dean ◽

Evangelia Kotsikorou

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Bonding ◽

Binding Site ◽

Specific Activity ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Binding Pocket ◽

Receptor Activation ◽

Activation Mechanism ◽

Receptor Model ◽

Wild Type

Abstract The GPR119 receptor, a class A G-protein coupled receptor located in the pancreatic β cells, induces insulin production when activated. Due to its specific activity, the pharmaceutical industry has identified GPR119 as a target for the treatment for type 2 diabetes. The lack of a GRP119 crystal structure has hindered the study of the receptor so our laboratory developed GPR119 active and inactive homology models. Docking studies with the inactive receptor model indicated that two leucine residues facing the binding pocket, L5.43(169) and L6.52(242), may be involved in ligand activation. Additionally, a serine at the extracellular end of the pocket, S1.32(4), may help orient of the ligand in the binding pocket via hydrogen bonding. To gain further insight into the role of these residues and the receptor activation mechanism, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and in vitro cAMP assays of the wild type and mutant receptors were employed. The software NAMD employing the CHARMM force field was used to carry out MD simulations of the active receptor model bound with the agonist AR231453 embedded in a hydrated lipid bilayer. Preliminary results indicate that L6.52(242), located on transmembrane helix (TMH) 6, does not face directly into the binding site and does not interact with the ligand, while L5.43(169), located on TMH5, does face into the binding site, potentially interacting directly with the ligand. Also, S1.32(4), because of its extracellular location, is solvated instead of interacting with the ligand. The in vitro studies overall support the MD simulations. The mutations L6.52(242)M and L6.52(242)A appear to have minimal to no effect on agonist-induced cAMP production, compared to the wild type. In contrast, the L5.43(169)M and L5.43(169)A mutations decrease the potency of activation by AR231453, indicating that L5.43(169) changes the shape of the binding pocket, affecting ligand binding and activation. Finally, the cAMP assays show that the S1.32(4)A mutant also shows decreased activity compared to the wild type, implying that the ligand may be losing a hydrogen bonding interaction when S1.32(4) is mutated to alanine.

Download Full-text

Elucidation of Teicoplanin Interactions with Drug Targets Related to COVID-19

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics10070856 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 856

Author(s):

Faizul Azam

Keyword(s):

Binding Energy ◽

Nucleocapsid Protein ◽

Drug Targets ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Interaction Mechanism ◽

Binding Energies ◽

Ligand Complex ◽

Average Binding Energy ◽

Dynamics Simulations

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic effective against several bacterial infections, has exhibited promising therapeutic efficiency against COVID-19 in vitro, and the rationale for its use in COVID-19 is yet to be recognized. Hence, in this study a number of molecular modeling techniques were employed to decrypt the mechanistic insight of teicoplanin interaction with several COVID-19 drug targets. Initially, molecular docking was employed to study the teicoplanin interaction with twenty-five SARS-CoV-2 structural and non-structural proteins which was followed by molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) computation for binding energy predictions of top ten models from each target. Amongst all macromolecular targets, the N-terminal domain of the nucleocapsid protein displayed the strongest affinity with teicoplanin showing binding energies of −7.4 and −102.13 kcal/mol, in docking and Prime MM/GBSA, respectively. Thermodynamic stability of the teicoplanin-nucleocapsid protein was further probed by molecular dynamics simulations of protein–ligand complex as well as unbounded protein in 100 ns trajectories. Post-simulation MM-GBSA computation of 50 frames extracted from simulated trajectories estimated an average binding energy of −62.52 ± 12.22 kcal/mol. In addition, conformational state of protein in complex with docked teicoplanin displayed stable root-mean-square deviation/fluctuation. In conclusion, computational investigation of the potential targets of COVID-19 and their interaction mechanism with teicoplanin can guide the design of novel therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, additional studies are warranted to establish the clinical use or relapses, if any, of teicoplanin in the therapeutic management of COVID-19 patients.

Download Full-text

A Computational Study to Identify Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) from Eucalyptus Active Compounds

Computation ◽

10.3390/computation8030079 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 79

Author(s):

Ibrahim Ahmad Muhammad ◽

Kanikar Muangchoo ◽

Auwal Muhammad ◽

Ya’u Sabo Ajingi ◽

Ibrahim Yahaya Muhammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Docking ◽

Binding Energy ◽

Computational Study ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Binding Energies ◽

Drug Candidate ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Main Protease ◽

Poisson Boltzmann ◽

Potential Inhibitors

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was found to be a severe threat to global public health in late 2019. Nevertheless, no approved medicines have been found to inhibit the virus effectively. Anti-malarial and antiviral medicines have been reported to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This paper chose eight natural eucalyptus compounds to study their binding interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) to assess their potential for becoming herbal drugs for the new SARS-CoV-2 infection virus. In-silico methods such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and Molecular Mechanics Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analysis were used to examine interactions at the atomistic level. The results of molecular docking indicate that Mpro has good binding energy for all compounds studied. Three docked compounds, α-gurjunene, aromadendrene, and allo-aromadendrene, with highest binding energies of −7.34 kcal/mol (−30.75 kJ/mol), −7.23 kcal/mol (−30.25 kJ/mol), and −7.17 kcal/mol (−29.99 kJ/mol) respectively, were simulated with GROningen MAchine for Chemical Simulations (GROMACS) to measure the molecular interactions between Mpro and inhibitors in detail. Our MD simulation results show that α-gurjunene has the strongest binding energy of −20.37 kcal/mol (−85.21 kJ/mol), followed by aromadendrene with −18.99 kcal/mol (−79.45 kJ/mol), and finally allo-aromadendrene with −17.91 kcal/mol (−74.95 kJ/mol). The findings indicate that eucalyptus may be used to inhibit the Mpro enzyme as a drug candidate. This is the first computational analysis that gives an insight into the potential role of structural flexibility during interactions with eucalyptus compounds. It also sheds light on the structural design of new herbal medicinal products against Mpro.

Download Full-text

Methods and Applications of In Silico Aptamer Design and Modeling

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21228420 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (22) ◽

pp. 8420

Author(s):

Andrey A. Buglak ◽

Alexey V. Samokhvalov ◽

Anatoly V. Zherdev ◽

Boris B. Dzantiev

Keyword(s):

Nucleic Acid ◽

In Silico ◽

Structure Prediction ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Binding Energies ◽

Inorganic Materials ◽

High Affinity ◽

Ligand Interactions

Aptamers are nucleic acid analogues of antibodies with high affinity to different targets, such as cells, viruses, proteins, inorganic materials, and coenzymes. Empirical approaches allow the design of in vitro aptamers that bind particularly to a target molecule with high affinity and selectivity. Theoretical methods allow significant expansion of the possibilities of aptamer design. In this study, we review theoretical and joint theoretical-experimental studies dedicated to aptamer design and modeling. We consider aptamers with different targets, such as proteins, antibiotics, organophosphates, nucleobases, amino acids, and drugs. During nucleic acid modeling and in silico design, a full set of in silico methods can be applied, such as docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and statistical analysis. The typical modeling workflow starts with structure prediction. Then, docking of target and aptamer is performed. Next, MD simulations are performed, which allows for an evaluation of the stability of aptamer/ligand complexes and determination of the binding energies with higher accuracy. Then, aptamer/ligand interactions are analyzed, and mutations of studied aptamers made. Subsequently, the whole procedure of molecular modeling can be reiterated. Thus, the interactions between aptamers and their ligands are complex and difficult to understand using only experimental approaches. Docking and MD are irreplaceable when aptamers are studied in silico.

Download Full-text

Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Computational Studies of Cyclic Opioid Peptidomimetics Containing β3-Lysine

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules27010151 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 151

Author(s):

Karol Wtorek ◽

Piotr F. J. Lipiński ◽

Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk ◽

Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska ◽

Jarosław Sukiennik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Dynamics ◽

Molecular Modeling ◽

Brain Homogenate ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Receptor Activation ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Computational Studies ◽

Ionic Interaction ◽

High Affinity

Our formerly described pentapeptide opioid analog Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (designated RP-170), showing high affinity for the mu (MOR) and kappa (KOR) opioid receptors, was much more stable than endomorphine-2 (EM-2) in the rat brain homogenate and displayed remarkable antinociceptive activity after central (intracerebroventricular) and peripheral (intravenous) administration. In this report, we describe the further modification of this analog, which includes the incorporation of a β3-amino acid, (R)- and (S)-β3-Lys, instead of D-Lys in position 2. The influence of such replacement on the biological properties of the obtained analogs, Tyr-c[(R)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (RP-171) and Tyr-c[(S)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, (RP-172), was investigated in vitro. Receptor radiolabeled displacement and functional calcium mobilization assays were performed to measure binding affinity and receptor activation of the new analogs. The obtained data revealed that only one of the diastereoisomeric peptides, RP-171, was able to selectively bind and activate MOR. Molecular modeling (docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations) suggests that both compounds should be accommodated in the MOR binding site. However, in the case of the inactive isomer RP-172, fewer hydrogen bonds, as well as instability of the canonical ionic interaction to Asp147, could explain its very low MOR affinity.

Download Full-text

Strategies in the Design of Antidiabetic Drugs from Terminalia Chebula Retz. Using in silico and in vitro Approach

10.20944/preprints201609.0073.v1 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Twinkle Bansode ◽

B.K. Salalkar

Keyword(s):

Binding Energy ◽

Binding Affinity ◽

In Silico ◽

Glycogen Synthase ◽

Petroleum Ether Extract ◽

Binding Energies ◽

New Drugs ◽

Alpha Amylase ◽

Standard Drug

Diabetes mellitus is the fifth deadliest disease in the developing countries. Even with all the research and new drugs available, combating diabetes is still challenging. There are successes in finding new cost effective drugs without side effects, even if not perfect. In our investigation we studied binding mechanism of secondary metabolite of T. chebula in silico. It was observed that three compounds out of 16 have a higher binding affinity for the target proteins. Ellagic acid showed highest binding affinity with alpha amylase, beta glucosidase and alpha glucosidase with lesser binding energies -4.5kcal/mol, -5.36kcal/mol and -4.48kcal/mol respectively. Arjungenin has lesser binding energy of 4.77 kcal/mol with glucokinase while luteoline has binding energy of -7.25kcal/mol for enzyme glycogen synthase kinase. These entire compounds interacted with non-covalent interaction. Petroleum ether extract showed the significant alpha amylase inhibitory activity i.e. 51.22% as compared to standard drug (65.99%).TLC analysis revealed the presence of total 9 compounds in different plant extracts one of them might be a lead compound which could be further exploited for the development of novel safer and potent antidiabetic drug.

Download Full-text

Closing the gap: an atomistic structural and functional perspective of S. mansoni universal stress G4LZI3 protein in complex with phenolic compounds

Current Drug Discovery Technologies ◽

10.2174/1570163817666201001122436 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Priscilla Masamba ◽

Geraldene Munsamy ◽

Abidemi Paul Kappo

Keyword(s):

Phenolic Compounds ◽

Conformational Changes ◽

Stress Protein ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Binding Energies ◽

Developmental Cycle ◽

Structure Based Drug Design ◽

Bioinformatic Tools ◽

Drug Of Choice ◽

Functional Perspective

Background: For decades, Praziquantel has been the undisputed drug of choice for all schistosome infections, but rising concerns due to the unelucidated mechanism of action of the drug and unavoidable reports of emerging drug resistant strains has necessitated the need for alternative treatment drug. Moreover, current apprehension has been reinforced by total dependence on the drug for treatment hence, the search for novel and effective anti-schistosomal drugs. Uses: This study made use of bioinformatic tools to determine the structural binding of the Universal G4LZI3 stress protein (USP) in complex with ten polyphenol compounds, thereby highlighting the effectiveness of these recently identified ‘lead’ molecules in the design of novel therapeutics targeted against schistosomiasis. Upregulation of the G4LZI3 USP throughout the schistosome multifaceted developmental cycle sparks interest in its potential role as a druggable target. The integration of in silico tools provides an atomistic perspective into the binding of potential inhibitors to target proteins. Conclusion: This study therefore, implemented the use of molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to provide functional and structural insight into key conformational changes upon binding of G4ZLI3 to these key phenolic compounds. Post-MD analyses revealed unique structural and conformational changes in the G4LZI3 protein in complex with curcumin and catechin respectively. These systems exhibited the highest binding energies, while the major interacting residues conserved in all the complexes provides a route map for structure-based drug design of novel compounds with enhanced inhibitory potency against the G4LZI3 protein. This study suggests an alternative approach for the development of anti-schistosomal drugs using natural compounds.

Download Full-text

In Silico and in Vitro Evaluation of Deamidation Effects on the Stability of the Fusion Toxin DAB389IL-2

Current Proteomics ◽

10.2174/1570164616666190131150033 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 307-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nasrin Zarkar ◽

Mohammad Ali Nasiri Khalili ◽

Fathollah Ahmadpour ◽

Sirus Khodadadi ◽

Mehdi Zeinoddini

Keyword(s):

In Silico ◽

Catalytic Domain ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Special Importance ◽

Native Form ◽

Vitro Experiment ◽

In Vitro Experiment ◽

Pharmaceutical Protein ◽

The Stability

Background: DAB389IL-2 (Denileukin diftitox) as an immunotoxin is a targeted pharmaceutical protein and is the first immunotoxin approved by FDA. It is used for the treatment of various kinds of cancer such as CTCL lymphoma, melanoma, and Leukemia but among all of these, treatment of CTCL has special importance. DAB389IL-2 consists of two distinct parts; the catalytic domain of Diphtheria Toxin (DT) that genetically fused to the whole IL-2. Deamidation is the most important reaction for chemical instability of proteins occurs during manufacture and storage. Deamidation of asparagine residues occurs at a higher rate than glutamine residues. The structure of proteins, temperature and pH are the most important factors that influence the rate of deamidation. Methods: Since there is not any information about deamidation of DAB389IL-2, we studied in silico deamidation by Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations using GROMACS software. The 3D model of fusion protein DAB389IL-2 was used as a template for deamidation. Then, the stability of deamidated and native form of the drug was calculated. Results: The results of MD simulations were showed that the deamidated form of DAB389IL-2 is more unstable than the normal form. Also, deamidation was carried by incubating DAB389IL-2, 0.3 mg/ml in ammonium hydrogen carbonate for 24 h at 37o C in order to in vitro experiment. Conclusion: The results of in vitro experiment were confirmed outcomes of in silico study. In silico and in vitro experiments were demonstrated that DAB389IL-2 is unstable in deamidated form.

Download Full-text

Assessing the Antimalarial Potentials of Phytochemicals: Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamics and In-Vitro Investigations

Letters in Drug Design & Discovery ◽

10.2174/1570180815666180604085626 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 291-300

Author(s):

Saumya K. Patel ◽

Mohd Athar ◽

Prakash C. Jha ◽

Vijay M. Khedkar ◽

Yogesh Jasrai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Dynamics ◽

Structural Integrity ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Tylophora Indica ◽

Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 ◽

Receptor Complexes ◽

Resistance Protein ◽

Dynamics Simulations ◽

Stable Trajectory

Background: Combined in-silico and in-vitro approaches were adopted to investigate the antiplasmodial activity of Catharanthus roseus and Tylophora indica plant extracts as well as their isolated components (vinblastine, vincristine and tylophorine). Methods: We employed molecular docking to prioritize phytochemicals from a library of 26 compounds against Plasmodium falciparum multidrug-resistance protein 1 (PfMDR1). Furthermore, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for a duration of 10 ns to estimate the dynamical structural integrity of ligand-receptor complexes. Results: The retrieved bioactive compounds viz. tylophorine, vinblastin and vincristine were found to exhibit significant interacting behaviour; as validated by in-vitro studies on chloroquine sensitive (3D7) as well as chloroquine resistant (RKL9) strain. Moreover, they also displayed stable trajectory (RMSD, RMSF) and molecular properties with consistent interaction profile in molecular dynamics simulations. Conclusion: We anticipate that the retrieved phytochemicals can serve as the potential hits and presented findings would be helpful for the designing of malarial therapeutics.

Download Full-text