Novel Pyrazole-Chalcone Hybrids: Synthesis and Computational Insights Against Breast Cancer.

More women die of breast cancer than of any other malignancy. The resistance and toxicity of traditional hormone therapy created an urgent need for potential molecules for treating breast cancer effectively. Novel biphenyl-substituted pyrazole chalcones linked to a pyrrolidine ring were designed by using a hybridization approach. The hybrids were assessed against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by NRU assay. Among them, 8 k, 8 d, 8 m, 8 h, and 8 f showed significantly potent IC50 values: 0.17, 5.48, 8.13, 20.51, and 23.61 µM) respectively, on MCF-7 cells compared to the positive control Raloxifene and Tamoxifen. Furthermore, most active compound 8 k [3-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1-(2-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-chalcone] showed cell death induced through apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and demonstrated decrease of ER-α protein in western blotting study. Docking studies of 8 k and 8 d established adequate interactions with estrogen receptor-α as required for SERM binding. The active hybrids exhibited good pharmacokinetic properties for oral bioavailability and drug-likeness. Whereas, RMSD, RMSF, and Rg values from Molecular dynamics studies stipulated stability of the complex formed between compound 8 k and receptor. All of these findings strongly indicate the antiproliferative potential of pyrazole-chalcone hybrids for the treatment of breast cancer.

Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation-based phytoconstituents against SARS-CoV-2 with dual inhibition of the primary protease targets.

A novel coronavirus has caused major health problems and is spreading globally. The main protease enzyme plays a significant role in the number of copies of ss-RNA produced during the proteolytic cleavage of polypeptides. This work aims to find possible dual inhibitors of the 3-Chymotrypsin-like proteases PDB-6W63 and 6LU7 which increase efficiency and faster inhibition activity. By using an in-silico technique, polyphenols are molecularly docked against these targets to inhibit protease enzymes. Some polyphenols, such as pelargonidin and naringin, have significant dual inhibition characteristics with remarkable binding affinities with active scaffolds of both proteins, which have important ADMET parameters. These organic molecules are strongly bonded with amino acids of protein via mostly hydrogen bonding. These polyphenols also have outstanding docking scores and MMGBSA energies. The validity of the docking score was evaluated using a molecular dynamics simulation that assessed the stability of the complex. With the aid of computer-aided drug design, we hypothesise that the dual inhibition of compounds pelargonidin and naringin could effectively and potentially oppose SARS-CoV-2.

Discovery of Novel Pyrimidine Based Small Molecule Inhibitors as VEGFR-2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, and Anti-Cancer Studies.

BACKGROUND: Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potent oncoproteins in cancer that, when mutated or overexpressed, can cause uncontrolled growth of cells, angiogenesis, and metastasis, making them significant targets for cancer treatment. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is produced in endothelial cells and is the most crucial regulator of angiogenic factors involved in tumor angiogenesis. So, a series of new substituted N-(4-((2-aminopyrimidin-5-yl)oxy)phenyl)-N-phenyl cyclopropane1,1-dicarboxamide derivatives as VEGFR-2 inhibitors have been designed and synthesized. METHODS: Utilizing H-NMR, C13-NMR, and mass spectroscopy, the proposed derivatives were produced and assessed. HT-29 and COLO-205 cell lines were used for the cytotoxicity tests. The effective compound was investigated further for the Vegfr-2 kinase inhibition assay, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. A molecular docking examination was also carried out with the Maestro-12.5v of Schrodinger. RESULTS: In comparison to the reference drug Cabozantinib (IC50 = 9.10 and 10.66 µM), compound SP2 revealed promising cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 4.07 and 4.98 µM) against HT-29 and COLO-205, respectively. The synthesized compound SP2 showed VEGFR-2 kinase inhibition activity with (IC50 = 6.82 µM) against the reference drug, Cabozantinib (IC50 = 0.045 µM). Moreover, compound SP2 strongly induced apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 phase. The new compounds' potent VEGFR-2 inhibitory effect was noted with key amino acids Asp1044, and Glu883, and the hydrophobic interaction was also observed in the pocket of the VEGFR-2 active site by using a docking study. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that at the cellular and enzyme levels, the synthetic compounds SP2 are similarly effective as cabozantinib. The cell cycle and apoptosis data demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested compounds. Based on the findings of docking studies, cytotoxic effects, in vitro VEGFR-2 inhibition, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, this research has given us identical or more effective VEGFR-2 inhibitors.

Natural polymers as potential P-glycoprotein inhibitors: Pre-ADMET profile and computational analysis as a proof of concept to fight multidrug resistance in cancer.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is known as the "multidrug resistance protein" because it contributes to tumor resistance to several different classes of anticancer drugs. The effectiveness of such polymers in treating cancer and delivering drugs has been shown in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of several naturally occurring polymers on P-gp efflux, as it is known that P-gp inhibition can impede the elimination of medications. The objective of our study is to identify polymers that possess the potential to inhibit P-gp, a protein involved in drug resistance, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of anticancer drug formulations. The ADMET profile of all the selected polymers (Agarose, Alginate, Carrageenan, Cyclodextrin, Dextran, Hyaluronic acid, and Polysialic acid) has been studied, and binding affinities were investigated through a computational approach using the recently released crystal structure of P-gp with PDB ID: 7O9W. The advanced computational study was also done with the help of molecular dynamics simulation. The aim of the present study is to overcome MDR resulting from the activity of P-gp by using such polymers that can inhibit P-gp when used in formulations. The docking scores of native ligand, Agarose, Alginate, Carrageenan, Chitosan, Cyclodextrin, Dextran, Hyaluronic acid, and Polysialic acid were found to be -10.7, -8.5, -6.6, -8.7, -8.6, -24.5, -6.7, -8.3, and -7.9, respectively. It was observed that, Cyclodextrin possess multiple properties in drug delivery science and here also demonstrated excellent binding affinity. We propose that drug efflux-related MDR may be prevented by the use of Agarose, Carregeenan, Chitosan, Cyclodextrin, Hyaluronic acid, and/or Polysialic acid in the administration of anticancer drugs.

Dual targeting in prostate cancer with phytoconstituents as a potent lead: a computational approach for novel drug discovery.

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is an abnormal cell growth within the prostate. This condition is the second most widespread malignancy in elderly males and one of the most frequently diagnosed life-threatening conditions. The Androgen receptor signaling pathway played a crucial role in the initiation and spread to increase the risk of PCa. Hence, targeting the AR receptor signaling pathway is a key strategy for a therapeutic plan for PCa. Our study focuses on recognizing potential inhibitors for dual targeting in PCa by using the in-silico approach. In this study, we target the two enzymes that are CYP17A1 (3RUK) and 5α-reductase (3G1R) responsible for PCa, with the help of phytoconstituents. The natural plant contains various phytochemical types produced from secondary metabolites and used as a medical treatment. The in-silico investigation of phytoconstituents and enzymes was done by approaching molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and high-level molecular dynamic simulation used to assess the stability and binding affinities of the protein-ligand complex. Some phytoconstituents, such as Peonidin, Pelargonidin, Malvidin and Berberine show complex has good molecular interaction with protein. The reliability of the docking scores was examined using a molecular dynamic simulation, which revealed that the complex remained stable throughout the simulation, which ranged from 0 to 200 ns. The selected hits may be effective against CYP17A1 (3RUK) and 5α-reductase (3G1R) (PCa) using a computer-aided drug design (CADD) method, which further enables researchers for upcoming in-vivo and in-vitro research, according to our in-silico approach.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated Azadirachta indica extract and study of their characterization, molecular docking, and antibacterial activity.

The green production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produces AgNPs with minimum influence on the environment by using plant components such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols as reducing agents. In the present investigation, Azadirachta indica leaf extract was used to form AgNPs from a 1 mM silver nitrate solution. The plan proved to be incredibly straightforward, cost-effective, and effective. The production of the nanoparticles was observed visually, where the colorless fluid turns into a brown-colored solution. Further research was carried out using x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in addition to UV-visible spectroscopy. The size range of AgNPs determined by TEM was 10-30 nm. When the diffusion technique was employed to demonstrate the antibacterial effect of AgNPs on various pathogens, the zones of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli, when 50 g of AgNPs were used were 16, 12, and 17 mm, respectively. By examining the leakage of reducing sugars and proteins, the mechanism by which nanoparticle antibacterial properties were explored, showed that AgNPs were capable of lowering membrane permeability.

Discovery of New Quinazoline Derivatives as VEGFR-2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, and Anti-proliferative Studies.

BACKGROUND: In cancer, Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are powerful oncoproteins that can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis when mutated or overexpressed, making them crucial targets for cancer treatment. In endothelial cells, one of them is vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), a tyrosine kinase receptor that is produced and is the most essential regulator of angiogenic factors involved in tumor angiogenesis. So, a series of new N-(4-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-2-yloxy)phenyl)-N-phenyl cyclopropane-1,1- dicarboxamide derivatives as VEGFR-2 inhibitors have been designed and synthesized. METHODS: The designed derivatives were synthesized and evaluated using H-NMR, C13-NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity was done with HT-29 and COLO-205 cell lines. The potent compound was further studied for Vegfr- 2 kinase inhibition assay. Furthermore, the highest activity compound was tested for cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The molecular docking investigation was also done with the help of the Glide-7.6 program interfaced with Maestro- 11.3 of Schrodinger 2017. The molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the Desmond module of Schrodinger. RESULTS: Compound SQ2 was observed to have promising cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 3.38 and 10.55 µM) in comparison to the reference drug Cabozantinib (IC50 = 9.10 and 10.66 µM) against HT-29 and COLO-205, respectively. The synthesized compound SQ2 showed VEGFR-2 kinase inhibition activity (IC50 = 0.014 µM) compared to the reference drug, Cabozantinib (IC50 = 0.0045 µM). Moreover, compound SQ2 strongly induced apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 and G2/M phases. The docking study was performed to understand the binding pattern of the new compounds to the VEGFR-2 active site. Docking results attributed the potent VEGFR-2 inhibitory effect of the new compounds as they bound to the key amino acids in the active site, Asp1044, and Glu883, as well as their hydrophobic interaction with the receptor's hydrophobic pocket. The advanced computational study was also done with the help of molecular dynamics simulation. CONCLUSION: The findings show that the developed derivatives SQ2 and SQ4 are equally powerful as cabozantinib at cellular and enzymatic levels. The apoptosis and cell cycle results show that the proposed compounds are potent. This research has provided us with identical or more potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors supported by the results of docking studies, molecular dynamics simulation, cytotoxic actions, in vitro VEGFR-2 inhibition, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest.

The Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Diaminopimelic Acid Derivatives as Potential dapF Inhibitors Preventing Lysine Biosynthesis for Antibacterial Activity.

We created thiazole and oxazole analogues of diaminopimelic acid (DAP) by replacing its carboxyl groups and substituting sulphur for the central carbon atom. Toxicity, ADME, molecular docking, and in vitro antimicrobial studies of the synthesized compounds were carried out. These compounds displayed significant antibacterial efficacy, with MICs of 70-80 µg/mL against all tested bacteria. Comparative values of the MIC, MBC, and ZOI of the synthesized compound were noticed when compared with ciprofloxacin. At 200 µg/mL, thio-DAP (1) had a ZOI of 22.67 ± 0.58, while ciprofloxacin had a ZOI of 23.67 ± 0.58. To synthesize thio-DAP (1) and oxa-DAP (2), l-cysteine was used as a precursor for the L-stereocenter (l-cysteine), which is recognized by the dapF enzyme's active site and selectively binds to the ligand's L-stereocenter. Docking studies of these compounds were carried out using the programme version 11.5 Schrodinger to reveal the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of these complexes. The docking scores of compounds one and two were -9.823 and -10.098 kcal/mol, respectively, as compared with LL-DAP (-9.426 kcal/mol.). This suggests that compounds one and two interact more precisely with dapF than LL-DAP. Chemicals one and two were synthesized via the SBDD (structure-based drug design) approach and these act as inhibitors of the dapF in the lysine pathway of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Targeting Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinases by Polyphenols: New Move Towards Anti-tumor Drug Discovery.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a complex disease involving genetic and epigenetic alteration that allows cells to escape normal homeostasis. Kinases play a crucial role in signaling pathways that regulate cell functions. Deregulation of kinases leads to a variety of pathological changes, activating cancer cell proliferation and metastases. The molecular mechanism of cancer is complex and the dysregulation of tyrosine kinases like Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), Bcr-Abl (Fusion gene found in patient with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), JAK (Janus Activated Kinase), Src Family Kinases (SFKs), ALK (Anaplastic lymphoma Kinase), c-MET (Mesenchymal- Epithelial Transition), EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor receptor), PDGFR (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor), RET (Rearranged during Transfection) and VEGFR (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor) plays major role in the process of carcinogenesis. Recently, kinase inhibitors have overcome many problems of traditional cancer chemotherapy as they effectively separate out normal, non-cancer cells as well as rapidly multiplying cancer cells. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to explore the small molecule tyrosine kinases by polyphenols with the help of docking study (Glide-7.6 program interfaced with Maestro-v11.3 of Schrödinger 2017) to show the binding energies of polyphenols inhibitor with different tyrosine kinases in order to differentiate between the targets. RESULTS: From the literature survey, it was observed that the number of polyphenols derived from natural sources alters the expression and signaling cascade of tyrosine kinase in various tumor models. Therefore, the development of polyphenols as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against targeted proteins is regarded as an upcoming trend for chemoprevention. CONCLUSION: In this review, we have discussed the role of polyphenols as chemoreceptive which will help in future for the development and discovery of novel semisynthetic anticancer agents coupled with polyphenols.

Synthesis, Biological Investigation and Docking Study of Novel Chromen Derivatives as Anti-Cancer Agents.

BACKGROUND: According to the latest global cancer data, cancer burden rises to 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths in 2018. Among that female breast cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of death (627000 deaths, 6.6%). The main causative factor involved in breast cancer development and progression is the Estrogen Receptor (ER) which is the essential target for anti-cancer drug discovery. Since millennia ER-α has been considered as an oncology mark for the treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: A series of novel 6-methyl-3-(3-oxo-1-phenyl-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenyl)propyl)-2Hchromen- 2-one was designed, synthesized and screened for their anti-breast cancer activity against estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7, ZR-75-1 and negative MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cell lines. Estrogen level of all the potent cytotoxic compounds were measured on day 30 of intoxication was compared with the control and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) group. The docking study was performed to predict binding orientation towards the estrogen receptor-α. RESULTS: Among the synthesized compounds C-3, C-5 and C-15 were showing potent cytotoxicity against estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7. The potent cytotoxic compounds C-3, C-5 and C-15 were further evaluated for in vivo anti-cancer activity by MNU induced mammary carcinoma in female sprague-dawley rats. The in vivo anticancer activity result shows that the compound C-5 has protuberant affinity towards estrogen receptor as standard TAM (Tamoxifen). The docking of the synthesized chromen derivatives showed interaction modes comparable to that of the co-crystallized ligands. CONCLUSION: The designed class has very promising starting point for the development and further improvement in anti-breast cancer class of drugs.