Structural insights into the modulation Of SOD1 aggregation By a fungal metabolite Phialomustin-B: Therapeutic potential in ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal human motor neuron disease leading to muscle atrophy and paralysis. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are associated with familial ALS (fALS). The SOD1 mutants in ALS have a toxic-gain of function by destabilizing the functional SOD1 homodimer, consequently inducing fibril-like aggregation with a cytotoxic non-native trimer intermediate. Therefore, reducing SOD1 oligomerization via chemical modulators is an optimal therapy in ALS. Here, we report the discovery of Phialomustin-B, an unsaturated secondary metabolite from the endophytic fungus Phialophora mustea, as a modulator of SOD1 aggregation. The crystal structure of the SOD1-Phialomustin complex refined to 1.90 Å resolution demonstrated for the first time that the ligand binds to the dimer interface and the lateral region near the electrostatic loop. The aggregation analyses of SOD1WT and the disease mutant SOD1A4V revealed that Phialomustin-B reduces cytotoxic trimerization. We propose that Phialomustin-B is a potent lead molecule with therapeutic potential in fALS.

High-affinity binding of celastrol to monomeric α-synuclein mitigates in vitro aggregation.

α-Synuclein (αSyn) aggregation is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). The region αSyn36-42 acts as the nucleation 'master controller' and αSyn1-12 as a 'secondary nucleation site'. They drive monomeric αSyn to aggregation. Small molecules targeting these motifs are promising for disease-modifying therapy. Using computational techniques, we screened thirty phytochemicals for αSyn binding. The top three compounds were experimentally validated for their binding affinity. Amongst them, celastrol showed high binding affinity. NMR analysis confirmed stable αSyn-celastrol interactions involving several residues in the N-terminus and NAC regions but not in the C-terminal tail. Importantly, celastrol interacted extensively with the key motifs that drive αSyn aggregation. Thioflavin-T assay indicated that celastrol reduced αSyn aggregation. Thus, celastrol holds promise as a potent drug candidate for PD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Chlorhexidine as a Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor: a new target for an old drug for Parkinson's disease therapy.

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of most neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway, one of the internal defense mechanisms, curbs the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the cellular environment. The pathway leads to the expression of antioxidant genes such as HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1, which act as cellular redox switches and protect the cellular environment. Keap1, the negative regulator of Nrf2, is a potential therapeutic target for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Tecfidera (Dimethyl fumarate), used in the intervention for relapsing multiple sclerosis, is the only commercial drug known to regulate the Nrf2 function. Here, we have identified a repurposing drug, chlorhexidine (LBP125), through ligand-based pharmacophore development and screening against the DrugBank, as a potential inhibitor of the ß-propeller domain of Keap1 (Keap1-DC). Chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial agent, is widely used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, and intervening bacterial infection during childbirth. The biochemical assay confirmed a significant binding affinity of 30 µM and competitively inhibited the Nrf2 peptide interaction. Moreover, chlorhexidine also exerts cytoprotection in a neurotoxic cell model of PD through Keap1-Nrf2 disruption leading to nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and expression of downstream genes, HO-1, and NQO1. Hence, the chemical scaffold of chlorhexidine is a potential lead to develop new chemical libraries with drug-like properties for treating PD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico screening of small molecule modulators and their binding studies against human sirtuin-6 protein.

Sirtuin-6 (SIRT6), class III family of deacetylase regulates several biological functions, including transcriptional repression, telomere maintenance, and DNA repair. It is unique among sirtuin family members with diverse enzymatic functions: mono-ADP-ribosylase, deacetylase and defatty-acylase. The studies so far implicated SIRT6 role in lifespan extension, tumor suppression, and is considered as an attractive drug target for aging-related disease. In this study, we have carried out in silico screening for human SIRT6 modulators using NCI Diversity Set III library, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to analyze the protein-ligand interaction, and validated their binding-affinity (Kd) using MicroScale Thermophoresis. This study yielded two novel compounds, ((3Z)-3-((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)methylidene)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)furan-2-one and 5-phenyl-2-(5-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1,3-benzoxazole showing high-affinity interaction for SIRT6. The structural analysis from MD simulation suggests both compounds might act as substrate-analogs or mimic the nicotinamide binding. On considering the uniqueness of SIRT6 substrate binding acyl channel among sirtuin family member, binding of both compounds to the above site suggesting their specificity for SIRT6 isoform. Therefore, it may form the basis for the development of potential modulators for human SIRT6.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A Dominant C150Y Mutation in FHL1 Induces Structural Alterations in LIM2 Domain Causing Protein Aggregation In Human and Drosophila Indirect Flight Muscles.

FHL1-related myopathies are rare X-linked dominant myopathies. Though clinically classified into several subgroups, spinal and scapuloperoneal muscle involvement are common to all. In this study, we identified c.449G > A, p.C150Y mutation by clinical exome sequencing in two patients from same family (son and mother) of Indian origin who presented with multiple contractures. Muscle biopsy showed numerous intracytoplasmic aggregates intensely stained on HE and MGT. The strong reactions to M-NBT revealed aggregates to be reducing bodies and positively labeled to anti-FHL1 antibody. Ultrastructurally, Z-band streaming and granular and granulofilamentous material were seen. Further, the translational evidence of mutant peptide was confirmed using mass spectrometric analysis. To establish p.C150Y as the cause for protein aggregation, in vivo studies were carried out using transgenic Drosophila model which highlighted Z-band abnormalities and protein aggregates in indirect flight muscles with compromised physiological function. Thus, recapitulating the X-linked human disease phenotype. Additionally, the molecular dynamics simulation analysis unraveled the drastic change in α-helix of LIM2, the region immediately next to site of C150Y mutation that could be the plausible cause for protein aggregation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of p.C150Y mutation in FHL1 identified in Indian patients with in vivo and in silico analysis to establish the cause for protein aggregation in muscle.

Structural insights into the multiple binding modes of Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) and its analogs to the Kelch domain of Keap1.

The activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription function has been implicated in the protection of neurodegenerative diseases. The cytoplasmic protein, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), negatively regulates Nrf2. The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for tackling free-radical damage. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is currently an approved drug for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Recent studies showed that DMF modifies the reactive cysteines in the BTB domain of Keap1 and thus activates Nrf2 transcription function. Intriguingly, our crystal structure studies revealed that DMF also binds to the ß-propeller domain (Keap1-DC) of Keap1. The crystal structure of the complex, refined to 1.54 Å resolution, revealed unexpected features: DMF binds (a) to the Nrf2-binding site (bottom region of Keap1-DC, site 1) with moderate interaction, and (b) to the top region of Keap1-DC, near to the blade II (site 2). The specificity of the binding 'site 2' was found to be unique to blade II of the ß-propeller domain. The newly identified 'site 2' region in Keap1-DC may have a different functional role to regulate Nrf2. Moreover, the crystal structures of Keap1-DC in complex with the DMF analogs, including monoethyl fumarate, fumarate, and itaconate, also exhibited similar binding modes with Keap1-DC. Binding studies confirmed that DMF binds, in a nanomolar range, to the Keap1-DC region as well as the BTB domain of Keap1. Furthermore, the competitive binding assay in the presence of the Nrf2 peptide affirmed the direct binding of DMF at the Nrf2-binding region of Keap1-DC. Overall, our studies suggest that the drug molecule, DMF, binds at multiple sites of Keap1 and thus potentially activates Nrf2 function through covalent as well as the noncovalent mode of action, to combat oxidative stress. DATABASE: Structural data are available in RCSB-protein data bank database(s) under the accession numbers 6LRZ, 7C60, and 7C5E.

Identification of a repurposed drug as an inhibitor of Spike protein of human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by computational methods.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging new viral pathogen that causes severe respiratory disease. SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. As there are no confirmed antiviral drugs or vaccines currently available for the treatment of COVID-19, discovering potent inhibitors or vaccines are urgently required for the benefit of humanity. The glycosylated Spike protein (S-protein) directly interacts with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S-protein. As the S-protein is exposed to the surface and is essential for entry into the host, the S-protein can be considered as a first-line therapeutic target for antiviral therapy and vaccine development. In silico screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed to identify repurposing drugs using DrugBank and PubChem library against the RBD of S-protein. The study identified a laxative drug, Bisoxatin (DB09219), which is used for the treatment of constipation and preparation of the colon for surgical procedures. It binds nicely at the S-protein-ACE2 interface by making substantial π-π interactions with Tyr505 in the 'Site 1' hook region of RBD and hydrophilic interactions with Glu406, Ser494, and Thr500. Bisoxatin consistently binds to the protein throughout the 100 ns simulation. Taken together, we propose that the discovered molecule, Bisoxatin may be a promising repurposable drug molecule to develop new chemical libraries for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host.

Human muscle pathology is associated with altered phosphoprotein profile of mitochondrial proteins in the skeletal muscle.

Analysis of human muscle diseases highlights the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscle. Our previous work revealed that diverse upstream events correlated with altered mitochondrial proteome in human muscle biopsies. However, several proteins showed relatively unchanged expression suggesting that post-translational modifications, mainly protein phosphorylation could influence their activity and regulate mitochondrial processes. We conducted mitochondrial phosphoprotein profiling, by proteomics approach, of healthy human skeletal muscle (n = 10) and three muscle diseases (n = 10 each): Dysferlinopathy, Polymyositis and Distal Myopathy with Rimmed Vacuoles. Healthy human muscle mitochondrial proteins displayed 253 phosphorylation sites (phosphosites), which contributed to metabolic and redox processes and mitochondrial organization etc. Electron transport chain complexes accounted for 84 phosphosites. Muscle pathologies displayed 33 hyperphosphorylated and 14 hypophorphorylated sites with only 5 common proteins, indicating varied phosphorylation profile across muscle pathologies. Molecular modelling revealed altered local structure in the phosphorylated sites of Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 and complex V subunit ATP5B1. Molecular dynamics simulations in complex I subunits NDUFV1, NDUFS1 and NDUFV2 revealed that phosphorylation induced structural alterations thereby influencing electron transfer and potentially altering enzyme activity. We propose that altered phosphorylation at specific sites could regulate mitochondrial protein function in the skeletal muscle during physiological and pathological processes.

Design, synthesis, in-vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies of novel indole derivatives as inhibitors of SIRT1 and SIRT2.

Sirtuins (SIRTs), class III HDAC (Histone deacetylase) family proteins, are associated with cancer, diabetes, and other age-related disorders. SIRT1 and SIRT2 are established therapeutic drug targets by regulating its function either by activators or inhibitors. Compounds containing indole moiety are potential lead molecules inhibiting SIRT1 and SIRT2 activity. In the current study, we have successfully synthesized 22 indole derivatives in association with an additional triazole moiety that provide better anchoring of the ligands in the binding cavity of SIRT1 and SIRT2. In-vitro binding and deacetylation assays were carried out to characterize their inhibitory effects against SIRT1 and SIRT2. We found four derivatives, 6l, 6m, 6n, and 6o to be specific for SIRT1 inhibition; three derivatives, 6a, 6d and 6k, specific for SIRT2 inhibition; and two derivatives, 6s and 6t, which inhibit both SIRT1 and SIRT2. In-silico validation for the selected compounds was carried out to study the nature of binding of the ligands with the neighboring residues in the binding site of SIRT1. These derivatives open up newer avenues to explore specific inhibitors of SIRT1 and SIRT2 with therapeutic implications for human diseases.

Biochemical insight into pseudouridine synthase 7 (PUS7) as a novel interactor of sirtuin, SIRT1.

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) forms a dynamic regulatory network with multiple proteins. The SIRT1 protein interactome comprises histone, non-histone substrates, and modulators of SIRT1 deacetylase. Proteomic studies have enlisted several proteins in SIRT1 network, but the structural and functional details of their interactions remain largely unexplored. In this study, we establish Pseudouridine synthase 7 (PUS7), a nuclear protein involved in stem cell development and intellectual disabilities, as a novel interactor of SIRT1. The binding regions are predicted and analyzed based on molecular docking studies. The direct interaction occurs between SIRT1 and PUS7, as evidenced by pull-down studies and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. Furthermore, the truncation studies unambiguously suggested that the N-terminal region of PUS7 is essential for forming a stable complex with SIRT1. Overall, our results suggest that PUS7 may regulate the SIRT1 function when it directly interacts with SIRT1.

Tryptophan Oxidation in the UQCRC1 Subunit of Mitochondrial Complex III (Ubiquinol-Cytochrome C Reductase) in a Mouse Model of Myodegeneration Causes Large Structural Changes in the Complex: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.

Muscle diseases display mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage. Our previous study in a cardiotoxin model of myodegeneration correlated muscle damage with mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn entailed altered mitochondrial proteome and oxidative damage of mitochondrial proteins. Proteomic identification of oxidized proteins in muscle biopsies from muscular dystrophy patients and cardiotoxin model revealed specific mitochondrial proteins to be targeted for oxidation. These included respiratory complexes which displayed oxidative modification of Trp residues in different subunits. Among these, Ubiquinol-Cytochrome C Reductase Core protein 1 (UQCRC1), a subunit of Ubiquinol-Cytochrome C Reductase Complex or Cytochrome b-c1 Complex or Respiratory Complex III displayed oxidation of Trp395, which could be correlated with the lowered activity of Complex III. We hypothesized that Trp395 oxidation might contribute to altered local conformation and overall structure of Complex III, thereby potentially leading to altered protein activity. To address this, we performed molecular dynamics simulation of Complex III (oxidized at Trp395 of UQCRC1 vs. non-oxidized control). Molecular dynamic simulation analyses revealed local structural changes in the Trp395 site. Intriguingly, oxidized Trp395 contributed to decreased plasticity of Complex III due to significant cross-talk among the subunits in the matrix-facing region and subunits in the intermembrane space, thereby leading to impaired electron flow from cytochrome C.

Rational discovery of a SOD1 tryptophan oxidation inhibitor with therapeutic potential for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Formation of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein inclusions within motor neurons is one of the principal characteristics of SOD1-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A hypothesis as to the nature of SOD1 aggregation implicates oxidative damage to a solvent-exposed tryptophan as causative. Here, we chart the discovery of a phenanthridinone based compound (Lig9) from the NCI Diversity Set III by rational methods by in silico screening and crystallographic validation. The crystal structure of the complex with SOD1, refined to 2.5 Å, revealed that Lig9 binds the SOD1 ß-barrel in the ß-strand 2 and 3 region which is known to scaffold SOD1 fibrillation. The phenanthridinone moiety makes a substantial π-π interaction with Trp32 of SOD1. The compound possesses a significant binding affinity for SOD1 and inhibits oxidation of Trp32; a critical residue for SOD1 aggregation. Thus, Lig9 is a good candidate from which to develop a new library of SOD1 aggregation inhibitors through protection of Trp32 oxidation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway: promising therapeutic target to counteract ROS-mediated damage in cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.

The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generates oxidative stress in cells. Oxidative stress results in various pathophysiological conditions, especially cancers and neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). The Keap1-Nrf2 [Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2] regulatory pathway plays a central role in protecting cells against oxidative and xenobiotic stresses. The Nrf2 transcription factor activates the transcription of several cytoprotective genes that have been implicated in protection from cancer and NDD. The Keap1-Nrf2 system acts as a double-edged sword: Nrf2 activity protects cells and makes the cell resistant to oxidative and electrophilic stresses, whereas elevated Nrf2 activity helps in cancer cell survival and proliferation. Several groups in the recent past, from both academics and industry, have reported the potential role of Nrf2-mediated transcription to protect from cancer and NDD, resulting from mechanisms involving xenobiotic and oxidative stress. It suggests that the Keap1-Nrf2 system is a potential therapeutic target to combat cancer and NDD by designing and developing modulators (inhibitors/activators) for Nrf2 activation. Herein, we review and discuss the recent advancement in the regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2 system, its role under physiological and pathophysiological conditions including cancer and NDD, and modulators design strategies for Nrf2 activation.

Identification of New Inhibitors for Human SIRT1: An in-silico Approach.

BACKGROUND: Human SIRT1 is a class III histone deacetylase (HDAC) family protein. As the overexpression of hSIRT1 leads to cancer, inhibiting its HDAC function may be a better strategy for the treatment of cancer. Till now, only a few reported inhibitor compounds have reached the stage of animal studies; hence, identifying high efficacy inhibitors of hSIRT1 is essential. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the study is to obtain a new class of inhibitor compounds of hSIRT1 by the rational structure-based method. METHODOLOGY: We performed virtual screening using AutoDock Vina for the HDAC domain of hSIRT1 against the Drug- Bank library containing 1,716 compounds. The recently determined crystal structure of the HDAC domain of hSIRT1 (PDB Id: 4KXQ) was used for docking studies. Subsequently, we performed molecular dynamics simulations and an invitro deacetylase assay for selected compounds. RESULTS: Virtual screening studies yielded seven compounds from two chemical classes, namely diphenyl and oxycoumarin derivatives. Molecular dynamic simulations confirmed that the predicted seven compounds bind well to their respective complex structures. Moreover, four commercially available drugs containing the predicted compounds showed significant inhibition of hSIRT1 deacetylase activity in comparison to the known hSIRT1 inhibitor (sirtinol). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the compounds of the diphenyl and oxycoumarin series may serve as useful scaffolds in the development of new chemical libraries of hSIRT1 inhibitory activity.