scholarly journals Computational Study of Drugs Targeting Nuclear Receptors

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maša Kenda ◽  
Marija Sollner Dolenc

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been shown to interfere with the endocrine system function at the level of hormone synthesis, transport, metabolism, binding, action, and elimination. They are associated with several health problems in humans: obesity, diabetes mellitus, infertility, impaired thyroid and neuroendocrine functions, neurodevelopmental problems, and cancer are among them. As drugs are chemicals humans can be frequently exposed to for longer periods of time, special emphasis should be put on their endocrine-disrupting potential. In this study, we conducted a screen of 1046 US-approved and marketed small-molecule drugs (molecular weight between 60 and 600) for estimating their endocrine-disrupting properties. Binding affinity to 12 nuclear receptors was assessed with a molecular-docking program, Endocrine Disruptome. We identified 130 drugs with a high binding affinity to a nuclear receptor that is not their pharmacological target. In a subset of drugs with predicted high binding affinities to a nuclear receptor with Endocrine Disruptome, the positive predictive value was 0.66 when evaluated with in silico results obtained with another molecular docking program, VirtualToxLab, and 0.32 when evaluated with in vitro results from the Tox21 database. Computational screening was proven useful in prioritizing drugs for in vitro testing. We suggest that the novel interactions of drugs with nuclear receptors predicted here are further investigated.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Zia Uddin ◽  
Arkajyoti Paul ◽  
Ahmed Rakib ◽  
Saad Ahmed Sami ◽  
Shafi Mahmud ◽  
...  

The current study attempted, for the first time, to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the phytochemical components of Elatostema papillosum methanol extract and their biological activities. The present study represents an effort to correlate our previously reported biological activities with a computational study, including molecular docking, and ADME/T (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion/toxicity) analyses, to identify the phytochemicals that are potentially responsible for the antioxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of this plant. In the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis, a total of 24 compounds were identified, seven of which were documented as being bioactive based on their binding affinities. These seven were subjected to molecular docking studies that were correlated with the pharmacological outcomes. Additionally, the ADME/T properties of these compounds were evaluated to determine their drug-like properties and toxicity levels. The seven selected, isolated compounds displayed favorable binding affinities to potassium channels, human serotonin receptor, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), COX-2, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and human peroxiredoxin 5 receptor proteins. Phytol acetate, and terpene compounds identified in E. papillosum displayed strong predictive binding affinities towards the human serotonin receptor. Furthermore, 3-trifluoroacetoxypentadecane showed a significant binding affinity for the KcsA potassium channel. Eicosanal showed the highest predicted binding affinity towards the human peroxiredoxin 5 receptor. All of these findings support the observed in vivo antidepressant and anxiolytic effects and the in vitro antioxidant effects observed for this extract. The identified compounds from E. papillosum showed the lowest binding affinities towards COX-1, COX-2, and NF-κB receptors, which indicated the inconsequential impacts of this extract against the activities of these three proteins. Overall, E. papillosum appears to be bioactive and could represent a potential source for the development of alternative medicines; however, further analytical experiments remain necessary.


Author(s):  
Haiming Zhou ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiaoqing Chen ◽  
Shili Guo ◽  
Huimei Lin ◽  
...  

Background and Objective: Beauvericin (BEA), a cyclic hexadepsipeptide mycotoxin, is a potent inhibitor of the acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase enzyme 1 (ACAT1) which involved in multiple tumor-correlated pathways. However, the binding mechanisms between BEA and ACAT1 were not elucidated. Methods: BEA was purified from a mangrove entophytic Fusarium sp. KL11. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the structure of BEA. Wound healing assays of BEA against KB cell line and MDA-MB-231 cell line were evaluated. Inhibitory potency of BEA against ACAT1 was determined by ELISA assays. Molecular docking was carried out to illuminate the bonding mechanism between BEA and ACAT1. Results: The structure of BEA was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, indicating a monoclinic crystal system with P21 space group (α = 90°, β = 92.2216(9)o, γ= 90o). BEA displayed migration-inhibitory activities against KB cells and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. ELISA assays revealed the protein expression level of ACAT1 in KB cells was significantly decreased after BEA treatment (P <0.05). Molecular docking demonstrated that BEA formed hydrogen bond with His425 and pi-pi staking with Tyr429 in ACAT1. Conclusions: BEA sufficiently inhibited the proliferation and migration of KB cells and MDA-MB-231 cells by downregulating ACAT1 expression. In addition, BEA potentially possessed a strong binding affinity with ACAT1. BEA may serve as a potential lead compound for the development of a new ACAT1-targeted anticancer drug.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Savita Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Hora ◽  
Vibha Shukla ◽  
Mukul Das ◽  
Harsha Kharkwal ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop polymer coated sustained release tablet using sorafenib and silibinin combination for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: The qualitative analysis such as weight variation, friability, hardness, interaction studies, disintegration and in vitro release were performed to validate formulated tablets. We have maintained the acceptable official limits for weight variation, friability, hardness and disintegration time according to prescribed pharmacopoeial recommendation. In vitro drug release studies were performed using USP-II (paddle type) dissolution apparatus. The MTT assay was performed for assessment of Cell viability of drug combination for tablet formulation. Molecular docking studies have been performed to determine the combinatorial mode of action for the tablet formulation.Results: Friability and weight variation were less than 1% for each formulation, which were within range of prescribed pharmacopoeial recommendation. The hardness of 20 tablets showed 5-6.5Kg/cm2 for all formulations 5-6.5Kg/cm2. The optimized formulation resulted in 98% drug release after 28 h. The present study reports the synergistic effects of drug combination to inhibit cell growth in HepG2 cell line. Molecular docking studies showed that sorafenib has high binding affinity for B-Raf vascular endothelial growth factor receptor β and protein kinase B. Silibinin showed binding affinity with MAP kinase-11, protein phosphatase 2 A and tankyrase.Conclusion: The present study reports for the first time a novel formulation for sustained release and reduced toxicity of sorafenib with enhanced inhibitory effect of the drug combination on cancerous hepatic cell line as well collaborative mechanism of action for the formulation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-132
Author(s):  
Javeed Ahmad War ◽  
Santosh Kumar Srivastava

A new series of imidazole linked thiazolidinone hybrid molecules was designed and subsequently synthesized through a feasible, three step reaction protocol. The structures of these molecules were established using FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS techniques. In vitro susceptibility tests against some Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) exhibited broad spectrum potency of the molecules. The most potent molecule (S2A7) amongst the screened molecules, showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value not less than 2.0 µg/mL which was at par with the reference drug Streptomycin. Structure activity relationships revealed nitro and chloro groups being crucial for bioactivity when present at meta position of arylidene ring in 3-(3-(imidazol-1-yl)propyl)-5-(benzylidene)-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-4-one. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)and bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding studies for S2A7 under simulated physiological pH were probed using UV-Visible, fluorescence quenching, gel electrophoresis and molecular docking techniques. These studies established that S2A7 has strong binding affinity towards DNA and binds at the minor groove of DNA with binding constant (Kb) of 0.1287×102 L/mol. Molecular docking simulations of S2A7 with DNA and BSA predicted binding affinity of -9.2 and -7.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding interactions were predicted as the main forces of interaction. With DNA, S2A7 exhibited specific binding affinity towards adenine-thiamine base pairs. The compound S2A7 forms a stable complex with BSA by binding at subdomain IIIA implying high bio-distribution of the compound.


2021 ◽  
pp. 122-137
Author(s):  
Chingju Lin ◽  
Fuu-Jen Tsai ◽  
Yuan-Man Hsu ◽  
Tsung-Jung Ho ◽  
Guo-Kai Wang ◽  
...  

Negative impacts of COVID-19 on human health and economic and social activities urge scientists to develop effective treatments. Baicalin is a natural flavonoid, extracted from a traditional medicinal plant, previously reported with anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we used pharmacophore fitting and molecular docking to screen and determine docking patterns and the binding affinity of baicalin on 3 major targets of SARS-CoV-2 (3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease [3CLpro], papain-like protease [PLpro], and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase). The obtained data revealed that baicalin has high pharmacophore fitting on 3CLpro and predicted good binding affinity on PLpro. Moreover, using the enzymatic assay, we examined the inhibitory effect of baicalin in vitro on the screened enzymes. Baicalin also exhibits inhibitory effect on these proteases in vitro. Additionally, we performed pharmacophore-based screening of baicalin on human targets and conducted pathway analysis to explore the potential cytoprotective effects of baicalin in the host cell that may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. The result suggested that baicalin has multiple targets in human cell that may induce multiple pharmacological effects. The result of pathway analysis implied that these targets may be associated with baicalin-induced bioactivities that are involved with signals of pro-inflammation factors, such as cytokine and chemokine. Taken together with supportive data from the literature, the bioactivities of bailalin may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment by reducing cytokine-induced acute inflammation. In conclusion, baicalin is potentially a good candidate for developing new therapeutic to treat COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Aldina Amalia Nur Shadrina ◽  
Yetty Herdiyati ◽  
Ika Wiani ◽  
Mieke Hemiawati Satari ◽  
Dikdik Kurnia

Background: Streptococcus sanguinis can contribute to tooth demineralization, which can lead to dental caries. Antibiotics used indefinitely to treat dental caries can lead to bacterial resistance. Discovering new antibacterial agents from natural products like Ocimum basilicum will help combat antibiotic resistance. In silico analysis (molecular docking) can help determine the lead compound by studying the molecular interaction between the drug and the target receptor (MurA enzyme and DNA gyrase). It is a potential candidate for antibacterial drug development. Objective: The research objective is to isolate the secondary metabolite of O. basilicum extract that has activity against S. sanguinis through in vitro and in silico analysis. Methods: n-Hexane extract of O. basilicum was purified by combining column chromatography with bioactivity-guided. The in vitro antibacterial activity against S. sanguinis was determined using the disc diffusion and microdilution method, while molecular docking simulation of nevadensin (1) with MurA enzyme and DNA gyrase was performed used PyRx 0.8 program. Results: Nevadensin from O. basilicum was successfully isolated and characterized by spectroscopic methods. This compound showed antibacterial activity against S. sanguinis with MIC and MBC values of 3750 and 15000 μg/mL, respectively. In silico analysis showed that the binding affinity to MurA was -8.5 Kcal/mol, and the binding affinity to DNA gyrase was -6.7 Kcal/mol. The binding of nevadensin-MurA is greater than fosfomycin-MurA. Otherwise, Nevadensin-DNA gyrase has a weaker binding affinity than fluoroquinolone-DNA gyrase and chlorhexidine-DNA gyrase. Conclusion: Nevadensin showed potential as a new natural antibacterial agent by inhibiting the MurA enzyme rather than DNA gyrase.


Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke Sternkopf ◽  
Sven Thoröe-Boveleth ◽  
Tobias Beck ◽  
Kirsten Oleschko ◽  
Ansgar Erlenkötter ◽  
...  

Hydrophobic uremic toxins accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease, contributing to a highly increased cardiovascular risk. The clearance of these uremic toxins using current hemodialysis techniques is limited due to their hydrophobicity and their high binding affinity to plasma proteins. Adsorber techniques may be an appropriate alternative to increase hydrophobic uremic toxin removal. We developed an extracorporeal, whole-blood bifunctional adsorber particle consisting of a porous, activated charcoal core with a hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone surface coating. The adsorption capacity was quantified using analytical chromatography after perfusion of the particles with an albumin solution or blood, each containing mixtures of hydrophobic uremic toxins. A time-dependent increase in hydrophobic uremic toxin adsorption was depicted and all toxins showed a high binding affinity to the adsorber particles. Further, the particle showed a sufficient hemocompatibility without significant effects on complement component 5a, thrombin-antithrombin III complex, or thrombocyte concentration in blood in vitro, although leukocyte counts were slightly reduced. In conclusion, the bifunctional adsorber particle with cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone coating showed a high adsorption capacity without adverse effects on hemocompatibility in vitro. Thus, it may be an interesting candidate for further in vivo studies with the aim to increase the efficiency of conventional dialysis techniques.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 989-1000
Author(s):  
Mustapha Abdullahi ◽  
Shola Elijah Adeniji

AbstractMolecular docking simulation of thirty-five (35) molecules of N-(2-phenoxy)ethyl imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide (IPA) with Mycobacterium tuberculosis target (DNA gyrase) was carried out so as to evaluate their theoretical binding affinities. The chemical structure of the molecules was accurately drawn using ChemDraw Ultra software, then optimized at density functional theory (DFT) using Becke’s three-parameter Lee–Yang–Parr hybrid functional (B3LYP/6-311**) basis set in a vacuum of Spartan 14 software. Subsequently, the docking operation was carried out using PyRx virtual screening software. Molecule 35 (M35) with the highest binding affinity of − 7.2 kcal/mol was selected as the lead molecule for structural modification which led to the development of four (4) newly hypothetical molecules D1, D2, D3 and D4. In addition, the D4 molecule with the highest binding affinity value of − 9.4 kcal/mol formed more H-bond interactions signifying better orientation of the ligand in the binding site compared to M35 and isoniazid standard drug. In-silico ADME and drug-likeness prediction of the molecules showed good pharmacokinetic properties having high gastrointestinal absorption, orally bioavailable, and less toxic. The outcome of the present research strengthens the relevance of these compounds as promising lead candidates for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis which could help the medicinal chemists and pharmaceutical professionals in further designing and synthesis of more potent drug candidates. Moreover, the research also encouraged the in vivo and in vitro evaluation study for the proposed designed compounds to validate the computational findings.


1980 ◽  
Vol 190 (3) ◽  
pp. 833-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
J O White ◽  
L Lim

A major proportion of the hypothalamic nuclear oestrogen receptors were available for complexing with radioactive oestradiol in vitro at 4 degrees C and were apparently unoccupied . At 6 h after oestradiol administration the content of unoccupied nuclear receptors had increased 2.5-fold and represented 71% of the total nuclear receptor content. These results suggest that unoccupied receptors may be active elements in the ‘long-term’ receptor population of the hypothalamus. Androgenized females had lower contents of these receptors.


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