Predictive insights into plant-based compounds as fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 inhibitors: a combined molecular docking and dynamics simulation study.

The discovery of novel therapeutic agents with potent anticancer activity remains a critical challenge in drug development. Natural products, particularly bioactive phytoconstituents derived from plants, have emerged as promising sources for anticancer drug discovery. In this study, we used virtual screening techniques to explore the potential of bioactive phytoconstituents as inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), a key signaling protein implicated in cancer progression. We used virtual screening techniques to analyze phytoconstituents extracted from the IMPPAT 2.0 database. Our primary objective was to discover promising inhibitors of FGFR1. To ensure the selection of promising candidates, we initially filtered the molecules based on their physicochemical properties. Subsequently, we performed binding affinity calculations, PAINS, ADMET, and PASS filters to identify nontoxic and highly effective hits. Through this screening process, one phytocompound, namely Mundulone, emerged as a potential lead. This compound demonstrated an appreciable affinity for FGFR1 and exhibited specific interactions with the ATP-binding site residues. To gain further insights into the conformational dynamics of Mundulone and the reference FGFR1 inhibitor, Lenvatinib, we conducted time-evolution analyses employing 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and essential dynamics. These analyses provided valuable information regarding the dynamic behavior and stability of the compounds in complexes with FGFR1. Overall, the findings indicate that Mundulone exhibits promising binding affinity, specific interactions, and favorable drug profiles, making it a promising lead candidate. Further experimental analysis will be necessary to confirm its effectiveness and safety profiles for therapeutic advancement in the cancer field.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies of binding interaction between bovine serum albumin and roflumilast.

BACKGROUND: The binding interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and roflumilast (ROF) was explored in this study. The binding of drugs to albumin plays a vital role in their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in vivo. The mechanisms involved in the interaction between BSA and ROF was studied using multi-spectroscopic experimental and computational approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spectrofluorometric experiments were used to determine the method of quenching involved and the conformational changes in the BSA. UV-visible spectroscopy synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy were used to further explore the binding interaction mechanism. RESULTS: The results suggested that the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched due to the formation of a static complex between ROF and BSA. Conformational changes in BSA were determined based on its interaction with ROF. The thermodynamic results suggested that the interaction between ROF and BSA was spontaneous and a hydrophobic interaction occurred between them. Site I of BSA was suggested as the site of interaction between ROF and BSA based on the site marker experiments. CONCLUSION: The molecular simulation results and the experimental outcomes were complimentary to each other and helped to identify the binding site and nature of bonds involved in the interaction between ROF and BSA.