scholarly journals From in Silico Discovery to Intracellular Activity: Targeting JNK–Protein Interactions with Small Molecules

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (9) ◽  
pp. 721-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamer S. Kaoud ◽  
Chunli Yan ◽  
Shreya Mitra ◽  
Chun-Chia Tseng ◽  
Jiney Jose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Intracellular Activity

Aryloxy Triester Phosphoramidates as Phosphoserine Biocleavable Masking Motifs

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ageo Miccoli ◽  
Binar A. Dhiani ◽  
Peter J. Thornton ◽  
Olivia A. Lambourne ◽  
Edward James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Parent Compound ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Carboxypeptidase Y ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Enzymatic Assays ◽  
Specific Targeting

Many cellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are mediated by phosphoserine. The specific targeting of these PPIs by phosphoserine-containing small molecules has been scarce due to the dephosphorylation of phosphoserine and its charged nature at physiological pH, which hinders its uptake into cells. To address these issues, we herein report the masking of the phosphate group of phosphoserine with biocleavable aryloxy triester phosphoramidate groups. A combination of <i>in vitro</i> enzymatic assays and <i>in silico</i> studies, using carboxypeptidase Y and Hint-1 respectively, showed that the phosphate masking groups are metabolized to release phosphoserine. To probe the applicability of this phosphoserine masking approach, it was applied to a phosphoserine-containing inhibitor of 14-3-3 dimerization, and this generated molecules with improved pharmacological activity in cells compared to their unmasked phosphoserine-containing parent compound. Collectively, the data showcases the masking of phosphoserine with biocleavable aryloxy triester phosphoramidate masking groups as an efficient intracellular delivery system for phosphoserine-containing molecules.

Aryloxy Triester Phosphoramidates as Phosphoserine Biocleavable Masking Motifs

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ageo Miccoli ◽  
Binar A. Dhiani ◽  
Peter J. Thornton ◽  
Olivia A. Lambourne ◽  
Edward James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Parent Compound ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Carboxypeptidase Y ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Enzymatic Assays ◽  
Specific Targeting

Many cellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are mediated by phosphoserine. The specific targeting of these PPIs by phosphoserine-containing small molecules has been scarce due to the dephosphorylation of phosphoserine and its charged nature at physiological pH, which hinders its uptake into cells. To address these issues, we herein report the masking of the phosphate group of phosphoserine with biocleavable aryloxy triester phosphoramidate groups. A combination of <i>in vitro</i> enzymatic assays and <i>in silico</i> studies, using carboxypeptidase Y and Hint-1 respectively, showed that the phosphate masking groups are metabolized to release phosphoserine. To probe the applicability of this phosphoserine masking approach, it was applied to a phosphoserine-containing inhibitor of 14-3-3 dimerization, and this generated molecules with improved pharmacological activity in cells compared to their unmasked phosphoserine-containing parent compound. Collectively, the data showcases the masking of phosphoserine with biocleavable aryloxy triester phosphoramidate masking groups as an efficient intracellular delivery system for phosphoserine-containing molecules.

scholarly journals Divide et Impera: An In Silico Screening Targeting HCMV ppUL44 Processivity Factor Homodimerization Identifies Small Molecules Inhibiting Viral Replication

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanieh Ghassabian ◽  
Federico Falchi ◽  
Martina Timmoneri ◽  
Beatrice Mercorelli ◽  
Arianna Loregian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Dna Polymerase ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico Screening ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Processivity Factor

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS and transplanted patients, and in congenitally infected newborns. The utility of available drugs is limited by poor bioavailability, toxicity, and emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new targets of therapeutic intervention. Among the latter, viral protein-protein interactions are becoming increasingly attractive. Since dimerization of HCMV DNA polymerase processivity factor ppUL44 plays an essential role in the viral life cycle being required for oriLyt-dependent DNA replication, we performed an in silico screening and selected 18 small molecules (SMs) potentially interfering with ppUL44 homodimerization. Antiviral assays using recombinant HCMV TB40-UL83-YFP in the presence of the selected SMs led to the identification of four active compounds. The most active one, B3, also efficiently inhibited AD169 in plaque reduction assays and impaired replication of an AD169-GFP reporter virus and its ganciclovir-resistant counterpart to a similar extent. As assessed by Western blotting experiments, treatment of infected cells with B3 specifically reduced viral gene expression starting from 48 h post infection, consistent with activity on viral DNA synthesis. Therefore, inhibition of ppUL44 dimerization could represent a new class of HCMV inhibitors, complementary to those targeting the DNA polymerase catalytic subunit or the viral terminase complex.

scholarly journals Divide et impera: An In Silico Screening Targeting HCMV ppUL44 Processivity Factor Homodimerization Identifies Small Molecules Inhibiting Viral Replication

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 941
Author(s):  
Hanieh Ghassabian ◽  
Federico Falchi ◽  
Martina Timmoneri ◽  
Beatrice Mercorelli ◽  
Arianna Loregian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Dna Polymerase ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Post Infection ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico Screening ◽  
Processivity Factor

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS patients and transplant recipients, and in congenitally infected newborns. The utility of available drugs is limited by poor bioavailability, toxicity, and emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. Among the latter, viral protein–protein interactions are becoming increasingly attractive. Since dimerization of HCMV DNA polymerase processivity factor ppUL44 plays an essential role in the viral life cycle, being required for oriLyt-dependent DNA replication, it can be considered a potential therapeutic target. We therefore performed an in silico screening and selected 18 small molecules (SMs) potentially interfering with ppUL44 homodimerization. Antiviral assays using recombinant HCMV TB4-UL83-YFP in the presence of the selected SMs led to the identification of four active compounds. The most active one, B3, also efficiently inhibited HCMV AD169 strain in plaque reduction assays and impaired replication of an AD169-GFP reporter virus and its ganciclovir-resistant counterpart to a similar extent. As assessed by Western blotting experiments, B3 specifically reduced viral gene expression starting from 48 h post infection, consistent with the inhibition of viral DNA synthesis measured by qPCR starting from 72 h post infection. Therefore, our data suggest that inhibition of ppUL44 dimerization could represent a new class of HCMV inhibitors, complementary to those targeting the DNA polymerase catalytic subunit or the viral terminase complex.

Discovery of New AKT1 Inhibitors by Combination of In silico Structure Based Virtual Screening Approaches and Biological Evaluations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Fratev ◽  
Denisse A. Gutierrez ◽  
Renato J. Aguilera ◽  
suman sirimulla
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
In Vitro Binding ◽  
Vitro Binding ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
Screening Approaches

AKT1 is emerging as a useful target for treating cancer. Herein, we discovered a new set of ligands that inhibit the AKT1, as shown by in vitro binding and cell line studies, using a newly designed virtual screening protocol that combines structure-based pharmacophore and docking screens. Taking together with the biological data, the combination of structure based pharamcophore and docking methods demonstrated reasonable success rate in identifying new inhibitors (60-70%) proving the success of aforementioned approach. A detail analysis of the ligand-protein interactions was performed explaining observed activities.<br>

In the Quest for a Stable Triplet State in Small Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons : An In-Silico Tool for Rational Design and Prediction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhumita Rano ◽  
Sumanta K Ghosh ◽  
Debashree Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Triplet State ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Qualitative Agreement ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Spin Hamiltonian ◽  
Spin Frustration ◽  
Computationally Efficient ◽  
High Level

<div>Combining the roles of spin frustration and geometry of odd and even numbered rings in polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we design small molecules that show exceedingly small singlet-triplet gaps and stable triplet ground states. Furthermore, a computationally efficient protocol with a model spin Hamiltonian is shown to be capable of qualitative agreement with respect to high level multireference calculations and therefore, can be used for fast molecular discovery and screening.</div>

scholarly journals IκBα targeting promotes oxidative stress-dependent cell death

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Carrà ◽  
Giuseppe Ermondi ◽  
Chiara Riganti ◽  
Luisella Righi ◽  
Giulia Caron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Stress Dependent

Abstract Background Oxidative stress is a hallmark of many cancers. The increment in reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting from an increased mitochondrial respiration, is the major cause of oxidative stress. Cell fate is known to be intricately linked to the amount of ROS produced. The direct generation of ROS is also one of the mechanisms exploited by common anticancer therapies, such as chemotherapy. Methods We assessed the role of NFKBIA with various approaches, including in silico analyses, RNA-silencing and xenotransplantation. Western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of specific proteins and genes. Immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments were used to evaluate protein-protein interactions. Results Here, by using an in silico approach, following the identification of NFKBIA (the gene encoding IκBα) amplification in various cancers, we described an inverse correlation between IκBα, oxidative metabolism, and ROS production in lung cancer. Furthermore, we showed that novel IκBα targeting compounds combined with cisplatin treatment promote an increase in ROS beyond the tolerated threshold, thus causing death by oxytosis. Conclusions NFKBIA amplification and IκBα overexpression identify a unique cancer subtype associated with specific expression profile and metabolic signatures. Through p65-NFKB regulation, IκBα overexpression favors metabolic rewiring of cancer cells and distinct susceptibility to cisplatin. Lastly, we have developed a novel approach to disrupt IκBα/p65 interaction, restoring p65-mediated apoptotic responses to cisplatin due to mitochondria deregulation and ROS-production.

scholarly journals GENETIC INVOLVEMENT OF INTERLEUKIN 4 FOR ASTHMA AND IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL PHYTOCHEMICAL SCAFFOLD THROUGH MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Sarithamol ◽  
Divya V. ◽  
Sunitha V. R. ◽  
Suchitra Surendran ◽  
V. L. Pushpa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Chromosome Region ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Interleukin 4 ◽  
Receptor Interaction ◽  
Drug Candidates

Objective: Interleukin 4, an important cytokine, has the major role in the immunomodulatory responses associated with asthma. The present study focused on the involvement of single nucleotide polymorphism variation (SNP) of interleukin 4 (IL4) in the development of disease, asthma and designing small molecules for the inhibition of IL4 through in silico strategy.Methods: Identification of disease causing SNP will be a wise approach towards the phenotype specific treatment. A human origin deleterious no synonymous SNP of IL4 were found out in the chromosome region 5q31-q33 (rs199929962) (T/C). Proteins of the corresponding nucleotide variation were identified and were subjected to characterization studies for selecting the most appropriate one for further mutational analysis and molecular docking studies.Results: Influence of microbes on SNP variation of IL4 gene leading to asthma was found to be insignificant by metagenomic studies. Gene responsive drugs were identified through environmental factor analysis. The drug candidates including corticosteroids were subjected to protein interaction studies by in silico means. The pharmacophoric feature derived from drug receptor interaction was utilized for virtual screening on a dataset of anti-inflammatory phytomolecules. The scaffolds of ellagic acid and quercetin were identified as potential nonsteroidal entities which can shield the asthmatic activities.Conclusion: Developing small molecules using these scaffolds taking interleukin 4 as a target will be an adequate solution for steroid resistant asthma.

scholarly journals Exploring Protein-Protein Interactions as Drug Targets for Anti-cancer Therapy with In Silico Workflows

2017 ◽  
pp. 221-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Goncearenco ◽  
Minghui Li ◽  
Franco L. Simonetti ◽  
Benjamin A. Shoemaker ◽  
Anna R. Panchenko
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Anti Cancer

scholarly journals Theoretical models of inhibitory activity for inhibitors of protein–protein interactions: targeting menin–mixed lineage leukemia with small molecules

MedChemComm ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2216-2227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiktoria Jedwabny ◽  
Szymon Kłossowski ◽  
Trupta Purohit ◽  
Tomasz Cierpicki ◽  
Jolanta Grembecka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Binding Affinity ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Empirical Model ◽  
Inhibitory Activity ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Mixed Lineage Leukemia ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Dispersion Terms

A computationally affordable, non-empirical model based on electrostatic multipole and dispersion terms successfully predicts the binding affinity of inhibitors of menin–MLL protein–protein interactions.

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