In silico identification of putative bifunctional Plk1 inhibitors by integrative virtual screening and structural dynamics approach.

Polo like kinase (Plk1) is a master regulator of cell cycle and considered as next generation antimitotic target in human. As Plk1 predominantly expresses in the dividing cells with a much higher expression in cancerous cells, it serves as a discriminative target for cancer therapeutics. Here we implied a novel and promising integrative strategy to identify "bifunctional" Plk1 inhibitors that compete simultaneously with ATP and substrate for their binding sites. We integrated structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) and molecular dynamics simulations with emphasis on unique structural properties of Plk1. Through screening of 20,000 compounds, nearly ~2000 hits were enriched and subjected to SBVS against ATP and substrate binding sites of Plk1. Subsequently, on the basis of their binding abilities to Plk1 kinase and polo box domains, filtration of candidate hits resulted in the isolation of 26 compounds. By exclusion of close analogs or isomers, 10 unique compounds were selected for detailed study. A representative compound was subjected to molecular dynamics simulation assay to have deep structural insights and to gauge critical structural crunch for inhibitor binding against kinase and polo box domains. Our integrative approach may complement high-throughput screening and identify bifunctional Plk1 inhibitors that may contribute in selective targeting of Plk1 to elicit desired biological process.

E2UbcH5B-derived peptide ligands target HECT E3-E2 binding site and block the Ub-dependent SARS-CoV-2 egression: A computational study.

Homologous to E6AP carboxyl-terminus (HECT)-type E3 ligase performs ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasomal protein degradation via forming a complex with E2∼Ub. Enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2 escape from the infected cells by harnessing the E-class vacuolar protein-sorting (ESCRT) machinery and mimic the cellular system through PPAY motif-based linking to HECT Ub ligase activity. In the present study, we have characterized the binding pattern of E2UbcH5B to HECT domains of NEDD4L, WWP1, WWP2, HECW1, and HECW2 through in silico analysis to isolate the E2UbcH5B-specific peptide inhibitors that may target SARS-CoV-2 viral egression. Molecular dynamics analysis revealed more opening of E2UbcH5B-binding pocket upon binding to HECTNEDD4L, HECTWWP1, HECTWWP2, HECTHECW1, and HECTHECW2. We observed similar binding pattern for E2UbcH5B and mentioned HECT domains as previously reported for HECTNEDD4L where Trp762, Trp709, and Trp657 residues of HECTNEDD4L, HECTWWP1, and HECTWWP2 are involved in making contacts with Ser94 residue of E2UbcH5B. Similarly, corresponding to HECTNEDD4L Tyr756 residue, HECTWWP1, HECTWWP2, HECTHECW1, and HECTHECW2-specific Phe703, Phe651, Phe1387, and Phe1353 residues execute interaction with E2UbcH5B. Our analysis suggests that corresponding to Cys942 of HECTNEDD4L, Cys890, Cys838, Cys1574, and Cys1540 residues of HECTWWP1, HECTWWP2, HECTHECW1, and HECTHECW2, respectively are involved in E2-to-E3 Ub transfer. Furthermore, MM-PBSA free energy calculations revealed favorable energy values for E2UbcH5B-HECT complexes along with the individual residue contributions. Subsequently, two E2UbcH5B-derived peptides (His55-Phe69 and Asn81-Ala96) were tested for their binding abilities against HECT domains of NEDD4L, WWP1, WWP2, HECW1, and HECW2. Their binding was validated through substitution of Phe62, Pro65, Ile84, and Cys85 residues into Ala, which revealed an impaired binding, suggesting that the proposed peptide ligands may selectively target E2-HECT binding and Ub-transfer. Collectively, we propose that peptide-driven blocking of E2-to-HECT Ub loading may limit SARS-CoV-2 egression and spread in the host cells.

A Novel Missense Mutation in ERCC8 Co-Segregates with Cerebellar Ataxia in a Consanguineous Pakistani Family.

Autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) are heterogeneous rare disorders mainly affecting the cerebellum and manifest as movement disorders in children and young adults. To date, ARCA causing mutations have been identified in nearly 100 genes; however, they account for less than 50% of all cases. We studied a multiplex, consanguineous Pakistani family presenting with a slowly progressive gait ataxia, body imbalance, and dysarthria. Cerebellar atrophy was identified by magnetic resonance imaging of brain. Using whole exome sequencing, a novel homozygous missense mutation ERCC8:c.176T>C (p.M59T) was identified that co-segregated with the disease. Previous studies have identified homozygous mutations in ERCC8 as causal for Cockayne Syndrome type A (CSA), a UV light-sensitive syndrome, and several ARCAs. ERCC8 plays critical roles in the nucleotide excision repair complex. The p.M59T, a substitution mutation, is located in a highly conserved WD1 beta-transducin repeat motif. In silico modeling showed that the structure of this protein is significantly affected by the p.M59T mutation, likely impairing complex formation and protein-protein interactions. In cultured cells, the p.M59T mutation significantly lowered protein stability compared to wildtype ERCC8 protein. These findings expand the role of ERCC8 mutations in ARCAs and indicate that ERCC8-related mutations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ARCAs.

Repurposing FDA Approved Drugs as JNK3 Inhibitor for Prevention of Neuroinflammation Induced by MCAO in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Stress-associated kinases are considered major pathological mediators in several incurable neurological disorders. Importantly, among these stress kinases, the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) has been linked to numerous neuropathological conditions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and brain degeneration associated with brain injuries such as ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, we adopted a drug repurposing/reprofiling approach to explore novel JNK3 inhibitors from FDA-approved medications to supplement existing therapeutic strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed in silico docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation to screen potential candidates from the FDA approved drug library using the standard JNK inhibitor SP600125 as a reference. After the virtual screening, dabigatran, estazolam, leucovorin, and pitavastatin were further examined in ischemic stroke using an animal rodent model of focal cerebral ischemia using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t-MCAO). The selected drugs were probed for neuroprotective effectiveness by measuring the infarct area (%) and neurological deficits using a 28-point composite score. Biochemical assays including ELISA and immunohistochemical experiments were performed. RESULTS: We obtained structural insights for dabigatran, estazolam, and pitavastatin binding to JNK3, revealing a significant contribution of the hydrophobic regions and significant residues of active site regions. To validate the docking results, the pharmacological effects of dabigatran, estazolam, leucovorin, and pitavastatin on MCAO were tested in parallel with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. After MCAO surgery, severe neurological deficits were detected in the MCAO group compared with the sham controls, which were significantly reversed by dabigatran, estazolam, and pitavastatin treatment. Aberrant morphological features and brain damage were observed in the ipsilateral cortex and striatum of the MCAO groups. The drugs restored the anti-oxidant enzyme activity and reduced the levels of oxidative stress-induced p-JNK and neuroinflammatory mediators such as NF-kB and TNF-ɑ in rats subjected to MCAO. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the novel FDA-approved medications attenuate ischemic stroke-induced neuronal degeneration, possibly by inhibiting JNK3. Being FDA-approved safe medications, the use of these drugs can be clinically translated for ischemic stroke-associated brain degeneration and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Structural basis of ßTrCP1-associated GLI3 processing.

Controlled ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation is essential for various cellular processes. GLI family regulates the transcriptional events of the sonic hedgehog pathway genes that are implicated in almost one fourth of human tumors. GLI3 phosphorylation by Ser/Thr kinases is a primary factor for their transcriptional activity that incurs the formation of both GLI3 repressor and activator forms. GLI3 processing is triggered in an ubiquitin-dependent manner via SCFßTrCP1 complex; however, structural characterization, mode of action based on sequence of phosphorylation signatures and induced conformational readjustments remain elusive. Here, through structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulation assays, we explored comparative binding pattern of GLI3 phosphopeptides against ßTrCP1. A comprehensive and thorough analysis demarcated GLI3 presence in the binding cleft shared by inter-bladed binding grooves of ß-propeller. Our results revealed the involvement of all seven WD40 repeats of ßTrCP1 in GLI3 interaction. Conversely, GLI3 phosphorylation pattern at primary protein kinase A (PKA) sites and secondary casein kinase 1 (CK1) or glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) sites was carefully evaluated. Our results indicated that GLI3 processing depends on the 19 phosphorylation sites (849, 852, 855, 856, 860, 861, 864, 865, 868, 872, 873, 876, 877, 880, 899, 903, 906, 907 and 910 positions) by a cascade of PKA, GSK3ß and CSKI kinases. The presence of a sequential phosphorylation in the binding induction of GLI3 and ßTrCP1 may be a hallmark to authenticate GLI3 processing. We speculate that mechanistic information of the individual residual contributions through structure-guided approaches may be pivotal for the rational design of specific and more potent inhibitors against activated GLI3 with a special emphasis on the anticancer activity.

Structural basis for renal cancer by the dynamics of pVHL-dependent JADE1 stabilization and ß-catenin regulation.

Renal cancer is the major cause of mortality due to abnormal functioning of von Hippel-Lindau (pVHL) and Jade Family PHD Finger 1 (JADE1) complex. E3 ubiquitin ligase JADE1 is stabilized by pVHL interaction through its plant homeodomains (PHDs). JADE1 acts as a renal tumor suppressor that promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of ß-catenin by inhibiting canonical WNT signalling. Current study focuses on the structural characterization of reported missense mutations in pVHL through in silico approaches. The predicted 3-dimensional structures of pVHLWT, pVHLY98H, pVHLY112H, pVHLL118P and pVHLR167W were subjected to binding analysis against JADE1 through molecular docking and simulation assays. In all cases, JADE1 binding was observed at the ß-domain, except pVHLL118P that exhibited binding with JADE1 through its α-domain. Our results signify that JADE1 stabilization is induced by pVHL α-domain, while ß-domain is required for JADE1 binding. pVHL binding was mediated through ß1 and ß2-strands against the concave surface of the JADE1-PHD domain. The pVHL-JADE1 complex was evaluated to scrutinize the ß-catenin-binding interface, which suggested the contribution of both α and ß-domains of pVHL in ß-catenin binding. The eleven-residue (Tyr30-Thr40) ß-catenin segment exhibited association in a bipartite manner with pVHL-JADE1 complex. The presented model depicts a pVHL-JADE1 interface for the cooperative regulation of ß-catenin binding. We propose that reduced JADE1 stabilization in case of pVHLL118P and pVHLR167W may correlate with the increased activity of ß-catenin that may lead to renal cancer through ß-catenin de-repression. Overall, ß-catenin targeting mechanism coupled with the structural knowledge of JADE1-pVHL complex will provide better understanding of renal cancer pathogenesis.

Blockade of PDGFRß circumvents resistance to MEK-JAK inhibition via intratumoral CD8+ T-cells infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing progress in targeted and immune based-directed therapies for other solid organ malignancies, currently there is no targeted therapy available for TNBCs. A number of mechanisms have been reported both in pre-clinical and clinical settings that involve inherent, acquired and adaptive resistance to small molecule inhibitors. Here, we demonstrated a novel resistance mechanism in TNBC cells mediated by PDGFRß in response to JAK2 inhibition. METHODS: Multiple in vitro (subG1, western blotting, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, Immunoprecipitation), in vivo and publically available datasets were used. RESULTS: We showed that TNBC cells exposed to MEK1/2-JAK2 inhibitors exhibit resistant colonies in anchorage-independent growth assays. Moreover, cells treated with various small molecule inhibitors including JAK2 promote PDGFRß upregulation. Using publically available databases, we showed that patients expressing high PDGFRß or its ligand PDGFB exhibit poor relapse-free survival upon chemotherapeutic treatment. Mechanistically we found that JAK2 expression controls steady state levels of PDGFRß. Thus, co-blockade of PDGFRß with JAK2 and MEK1/2 inhibitors completely eradicated resistant colonies in vitro. We found that triple-combined treatment had a significant impact on CD44+/CD24- stem-cell-like cells. Likewise, we found a significant tumor growth inhibition in vivo through intratumoral CD8+ T cells infiltration in a manner that is reversed by anti-CD8 antibody treatment. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal a novel regulatory role of JAK2-mediated PDGFRß proteolysis and provide an example of a PDGFRß-mediated resistance mechanism upon specific target inhibition in TNBC.

Structural characterization of ß-catenin and RX-5902 binding to phospho-p68 RNA helicase by molecular dynamics simulation.

Emerging implications of probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase p68 in tumorigenesis and progression makes it a discerning target for cancer therapy. Recently it has been reported that tyrosyl-phosphorylation of p68 promotes ß-catenin nuclear translocation and cancer metastasis through elevating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Despite recent advances, the structural characterization of this interaction, mode of action and induced conformational changes remain elusive. Here, through comparative structure analysis and molecular dynamics simulation assays, we explored comparative binding pattern of phospho-p68 against ß-catenin. Conversely, due to the promising therapeutic potential of p68 in blocking the invasiveness and metastasis of cancer cells, we investigated the binding of heterocyclic N-substituted piperazine derivative-RX-5902 that inhibits the binding of phospho-p68 and ß-catenin. Evidently, transactivation and C-terminal helicase domains of phospho-p68 exhibited dramatic conformational alterations to assist ß-catenin and RX-5902 binding. As compared to unbound phospho-p68 (56.1 Å), the residual distances between transactivation domain-Ser79 and C-terminal helicase domain-Gln555 were reduced to 34.1 Šand 31 Šupon binding to ß-catenin and RX-5902, respectively. In contrast, helicase ATP-binding domain remained conformationally stable throughout simulations. Clearly, the comparative docking-for-functional analysis of phospho-p68 against RX-5902 and ß-catenin uncovered a spectrum of structural linkages associated with the molecular basis of ß-catenin-dependent ATPase activity. Thus the outcomes of this study may provide a platform for the rational design of specific and potent inhibitors against phospho-p68 with a special emphasis on anticancer activity.

Structural basis for Cullins and RING component inhibition: Targeting E3 ubiquitin pathway conductors for cancer therapeutics.

Cullin (CUL)-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) are attractive therapeutic targets as they regulate diverse biological processes important for cancer cell survival by conferring substrate selectivity for ubiquitination and degradation. Given the complexity of CRL complexes, steps toward the structure-based design of small-molecule inhibitors to modulate their activity have remained elusive. In this study, we explored the structural assembly and interaction details of closely related CUL scaffolds (CUL1, CUL2, CUL3, CUL4A, CUL4B, CUL5 and CUL7) with RBX1 to screen potent small molecules against CRLs. The RING-Box (RBX1 and RBX2) proteins heterodimerize with CULs and dynamically facilitate the ubiquitination process. The docked complexes of conserved CUL C-terminal domains exhibited a common RBX1 binding pattern through the incorporation of intermolecular ß-sheet and α/ß core, stabilized by hydrophobic contacts. The comparative binding pattern analysis of CUL-RBX1 interfaces revealed a unique structural motif (VLYRLWLN) that directs the binding of RBX1 N-terminal ß-strand. Through reinvigorating the subtle structural dynamics of bound complexes and application of structure-based drug design approaches, we proposed a set of inhibitors which could be further optimized to target CRL activity. One reference compound (C64) was extensively characterized for selective binding at the RBX1-binding grooves/VLYRLWLN of CUL1-7. We speculate that mechanistic information of the individual residual contributions through structure-guided approaches could be pivotal for the rational design of more promising and active drug candidates against CRLs.

Antiviral drug acyclovir exhibits antitumor activity via targeting ßTrCP1: Molecular docking and dynamics simulation study.

The critical role of ßTrCP1 in cancer development makes it a discerning target for the development of small drug like molecules. Currently, no inhibitor exists that is able to target its substrate binding site. Through molecular docking and dynamics simulation assays, we explored the comparative binding pattern of ßTrCP1-WD40 domain with ACV and its phospho-derivatives (ACVMP, ACVDP and ACVTP). Consequently, through principal component analysis, ßTrCP1-ACVTP was found to be more stable complex by obscuring a reduced conformational space than other systems. Thus based on the residual contribution and hydrogen bonding pattern, ACVTP was considered as a noteworthy inhibitor which demarcated binding in the cleft formed by ßTrCP1-WD40 specific ß-propeller. The outcomes of this study may provide a platform for rational design of specific and potent inhibitor against ßTrCP1, with special emphasis on anticancer activity.

Comparative in silico analyses of Cannabis sativa, Prunella vulgaris and Withania somnifera compounds elucidating the medicinal properties against rheumatoid arthritis.

From last decade, there has been progressive improvement in computational drug designing. Several diseases are being cured from different plant extracts and products. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most shared disease among auto-inflammatory diseases. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is associated with RA pathway and has adverse effects. Extensive literature review showed that plant species under study (Cannabis sativa, Prunella vulgaris and Withania somnifera) possess anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic properties. 13 anti-inflammatory compounds were characterised and filtered out from medicinal plant species and analysed for RA by targeting TNF-α through in silico analyses. By using ligand based pharmacophore generation approach and virtual screening against natural products libraries we retrieved twenty unique molecules that displayed utmost binding affinity, least binding energies and effective drug properties. The docking analyses revealed that Ala-22, Glu-23, Ser-65, Gln-67, Tyr-141, Leu-142, Asp-143, Phe-144 and Ala-145 were critical interacting residues for receptor-ligand interactions. It is proposed that the RA patients should use reported compounds for the prescription of RA by targeting TNF-α. This report is opening new dimensions for designing innovative therapeutic targets to cure RA.

Elucidation, functional clustering and structural characterization of ßTrCP1 substrates through a molecular dynamics study.

The current interest in the identification and characterization of ßTrCP1 substrates necessitates a promising approach with broad structural constraints of WD40 potential binding sites. Here, we employed an in silico integrative approach to identify putative novel substrates of ßTrCP1. Through a screened degradation motif (DSGXXS) for the entire human proteome and comparative substrate binding analysis of ßTrCP1, we identified 344 substrates, sharing high sequence similarity with the consensus motif. Subsequent filtering on the basis of functional annotation and clustering resulted in the isolation of hits having clear roles in various cancer types. These substrates were phosphorylated at the Ser residues (Ser14 and Ser18) of the conserved motif. A comprehensive and thorough analysis of ßTrCP1-phosphopeptide association indicated residual contributions located at the upper face of the ß-propeller. Evidently, upon binding to phosphopeptides, the central channel of ßTrCP1 attains a more open conformation to assist substrate binding. To elaborate the oncogenic function of ßTrCP1, the SKP1-ßTrCP1-CDH6 ternary complex was docked against CUL1-RBX1 and the acquired model exactly resembled the previously characterized SKP1-ßTrCP1-ß-catenin model. Overall, a deeper understanding of substrate targeting mechanisms coupled with the structural knowledge of ßTrCP1 and associated proteins will be useful for designing novel targets for cancer therapeutics.

Inhibition of Janus kinases by tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitor, Tyrphostin AG-490.

Janus kinases (JAKs) belong to a crucial family of tyrosine kinases, implicated in the patho-physiology of multiple cancer types, and serve as striking therapeutic targets. To date, many potent, either ATP-competitive (PTK domain) or non-ATP-competitive JAK inhibitors have been identified. Among them, Tyrphostin AG-490 (2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)-2-propenamide) is a well-known ATP-competitive inhibitor. However, its mode of action, details of interacting residues, and induced conformational changes in JAK-specific binding sites remain elusive. Here, through comparative structure analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation assays, we explored comparative binding patterns of AG-490 against JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3. Our results entail noteworthy observations about the binding affinity of AG-490 by illustrating distinctive amino acid residues lying at the conserved ATP-binding domains of JAK family members. By subsequent assessment of their structural homology and conserved structural folds, we highlight intriguing prospects to design more specific and potent inhibitors for selective targeting of JAK family members. Our comparative study provides a platform for the rational design of precise and potent inhibitor for selective targeting of JAK family members.