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Interaction between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and its agonists: docking study of oximes having 5-benzyl-2,4-thiazolidinedione.

The molecular modelling of oximes having 5-benzyl-2,4-thiazolidinedione moieties, agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), was performed with respect to their structures complexed with the ligand binding domain of PPAR gamma. For each ligand molecule, the 5-benzyl-2,4-thiazolidinedione head group was used as an anchor and the conformation of the rest of the molecule was searched for the most energetically favorable interaction with the receptor by systematic conformation search and manual modelling. Although both tail-up and tail-down configurations, which have been observed in the crystal structure of eicosapentaenoic acid when complexed with PPAR delta, appeared among the lowest energy structures for most of the compounds, potent agonists were found to adopt a configuration similar to that of rosiglitazone when bound to PPAR gamma, according to the crystal structure. The structure-activity relationships were analyzed based on the receptor-ligand interaction. The alkyl group and the aromatic ring of the tail group of the ligands had hydrophobic interactions with the receptor, and these interactions were found to be essential for the strong activity.

Hypoglycemic Agents↗

How sigma docks to RNA polymerase and what sigma does.

It is clear that multiple sites of interaction exist between sigmas and core subunits, likely reflecting the changing pattern of interactions that occur sequentially during the complex process of holoenzyme formation, open promoter formation, and initiation of transcription. Recent studies have revealed that a major site of interaction of Escherichia coli sigma factors is the amino acid 260-309 coiled-coil region of the beta' subunit of core RNA polymerase. This region of beta' interacts with region 2.1-2.2 of sigma(70). Binding of this region of beta' to sigma(70) triggers a conformational change in sigma that allows it to bind to a -10 nontemplate promoter DNA strand oligonucleotide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Unimolecular and bimolecular oxidoreduction reactions involving diprotein complexes of cytochrome c and plastocyanin. Dependence of electron-transfer reactivity on charge and orientation of the docked metalloproteins.

Cytochrome c and plastocyanin form an electrostatic complex, which can be reinforced by amide bonds in the presence of a carbodiimide. Besides this cross-linking, carbodiimide also converts carboxylate side chains into neutral N-acylurea groups. Four derivatives of the covalent diprotein complex, which differ in the degree of this charge neutralization, are separated by cation-exchange chromatography. Electron-transfer reactions at different ionic strengths involving the electrostatic complex and the four derivatives of the covalent complex are studied by laser flash photolysis with flavin semiquinones as reducing agents. The reactivity of the associated proteins toward external reductants cannot be predicted simply on the basis of this reactivity of the separate proteins. Qualitative analysis of the dependence on ionic strength of the reactions between FMN semiquinone and the covalent derivatives indicates sites at which this reductant interacts with the cross-linked proteins. The surprisingly small steric shielding of the protein redox sites in the covalent complex, as deduced from the reactions at high ionic strength, may indicate that the proteins have multiple reaction domains on their surfaces or that the complex is dynamical or both. The intracomplex (unimolecular) electron-transfer reaction is fast in the electrostatic complex (ket = 1300 +/- 200 s-1) but undetectably slow in each of the four derivatives of the covalent complex (ket less than 0.2 s-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytochrome c Group↗

Structural dynamics of myoglobin: spectroscopic and structural characterization of ligand docking sites in myoglobin mutant L29W.

We have studied CO binding to the heme and CO migration among protein internal cavities after photodissociation in sperm whale carbonmonoxy myoglobin (MbCO) mutant L29W using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with temperature derivative spectroscopy (TDS) and kinetic experiments at cryogenic temperatures. Photoproduct intermediates, characterized by CO at particular locations in the protein, were selectively enhanced by applying special laser illumination protocols. These studies were performed on the L29W mutant protein and a series of double mutants constructed so that bulky amino acid side chains block passageways between cavities or fill these sites. Binding of xenon was also employed as an alternative means of occluding cavities. All mutants exhibit two conformations, A(I) and A(II), with distinctly different photoproduct states and ligand binding properties. These differences arise mainly from different positions of the W29 and H64 side chains in the distal heme pocket [Ostermann, A., et al. (2000) Nature 404, 205-208]. The detailed knowledge of the interplay between protein structure, protein dynamics, and ligand migration at cryogenic temperatures allowed us to develop a dynamic model that explains the slow CO and O(2) bimolecular association observed after flash photolysis at ambient temperature.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Selective attenuation of the extrinsic limb of the tissue factor-driven coagulation protease cascade by occupancy of a novel peptidyl docking site on tissue factor.

Tissue factor (TF), the receptor and cofactor for factor VIIa (VIIa) for cellular initiation of the coagulation protease cascade, drives thrombogenesis, inflammation, tumor cell metastasis, and the lethality of severe sepsis. To identify TF surface loci that can selectively inhibit substrate zymogen association and activation, TF(1-218), the extracellular domain, was used as the target for the phage display search. This resulted in selection of 59 clones from a phage gpVIII surface protein-expressed library of constrained combinatorial peptides. Of these, one encoding the peptide Glu-Cys-Leu-Arg-Ser-Val-Val-Thr-Cys on gpVIII most avidly bound TF(1-218), as did the synthetic peptide. Inhibition of binding was selective with an IC(50) of 30 nM for proteolytic activation of factor X by the TF(1-218)-VIIa complex. In contrast, there was no inhibition of factor IX activation. The selective inhibition of only factor X association with TF(1-218) will spare the intrinsic hemostatic pathway while attenuating the extrinsic thrombogenic pathway. This and related peptidyl structures provide the potential for the more precise identification of TF surface loci that mediate selective functional properties of the protein as well as a structural basis for the design of novel molecules for selectively attenuating initiation of the extrinsic limb of the coagulation protease cascade and other functions of TF.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The mid-region of parathyroid hormone (1-34) serves as a functional docking domain in receptor activation.

Elucidating the bimolecular interface between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its cognate G protein-coupled receptor (PTHR1) should yield insights into the basis of molecular recognition and the mechanism of ligand-mediated intracellular signaling for a system that is critically important in regulating calcium levels in blood. We used photoaffinity scanning (PAS) to identify key ligand-receptor interactions for residues from the unstructured mid-region domain of PTH-(1-34). Four PTH analogues, containing a single photoreactive p-benzoylphenylalanine (Bpa) residue in position 11, 15, 18, or 21, were found to photo-cross-link within receptor regions [165-176], [183-189], [190-298], and [165-176], respectively. Addition of these mid-region contacts as constraints to our previously proposed model of the PTH-PTHR1 complex and extensive molecular simulation experiments enables substantial refinement of the model. Specifically, (1) the overall receptor-bound conformation of the hormone is not extended, but bent; (2) helix [169-176] of the N-terminal extracellular domain (N-ECD) of the receptor is redirected toward the heptahelical bundle; and (3) the hormone traverses between the top of transmembrane (TM) helices 1 and 2, rather than between TM-7 and TM-1. This significantly alters the model of both the receptor-bound tertiary structure of the hormone and the topological orientation of the C-terminus of the N-ECD in the hormone-receptor bimolecular complex. We propose that the mid-region of PTH-(1-34) has a role in fixing, by extensive contacts with the receptor, the entry of the N-terminal helix of the hormone into the heptahelical bundle between TM-1 and TM-2. This anchorage would orient the amino terminus into position to activate the receptor.

Animals↗

A combination of molecular dynamics and docking calculations to explore the binding mode of ADS-J1, a polyanionic compound endowed with anti-HIV-1 activity.

The HIV-1 entry process is an important target for the design of new pharmaceuticals for the multidrug therapy of AIDS. A lot of polyanionic compounds, such as polysulfonated and polysulfated, are reported in the literature for their ability to block early stages of HIV-1 replication. Several studies have been performed to elucidate the mechanism of the anti-HIV-1 activity of sulfated polysaccharides and polyanions in general, including binding to cell surface CD4 and interfering with the gp120-coreceptor interaction. Here, we show molecular modeling investigations on ADS-J1, a polyanionic compound with anti-HIV activity that is able to interfere with gp120-coreceptor interactions. Agreeing with experimental data, computer simulations suggested that the V3 loop of gp120 was the preferential binding site for ADS-J1 onto HIV-1. Moreover, mutations induced by the inhibitor significantly changed the stereoelectronic properties of the gp120 surface, justifying a marked drop in the affinity of ADS-J1 toward an ADS-J1-resistant HIV-1 strain.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and receptor docking simulations of 2-[(acylamino)ethyl]-1,4-benzodiazepines as kappa-opioid receptor agonists endowed with antinociceptive and antiamnesic activity.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new derivatives of 2-substituted 5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines, structurally related to tifluadom (5), are reported. Chemical and pharmacological studies on compounds 6 have been pursued with the aim of expanding the SAR data and validating the previously proposed model of interaction of this class of compounds with the kappa-opioid receptor. The synthesis of the previously described compounds 6 has been reinvestigated in order to obtain a more direct synthetic procedure. To study the relationship between the stereochemistry and the receptor binding affinity, compounds 6e and 6k were selected on the basis of their evident structural resemblance to tifluadom. Since a different specificity of action could be expected for the enantiomers of 6e and 6k, owing to the results shown by (S)- and (R)-tifluadom, their racemic mixtures have been resolved by means of liquid chromatography with chiral stationary phases (CSP), and the absolute configuration of the enantiomers has been studied by circular dichroism (CD) and (1)H NMR techniques. Moreover, some new 2-[(acylamino)ethyl]-1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives, 6a-d,f,g,j, have been synthesized, while the whole series (6a-o) has been tested for its potential affinity toward human cloned kappa-opioid receptor. The most impressive result obtained from the binding studies lies in the fact that this series of 2-[2-(acylamino)ethyl]-1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives binds the human cloned kappa-opioid receptor subtype very tightly. Indeed, almost all the ligands within this class show subnanomolar K(i) values, and the least potent compound 6o shows, in any case, an affinity in the nanomolar range. A comparison of the affinities obtained in human cloned kappa-receptor with the correspondent one obtained in native guinea pig kappa-receptor suggests that the human cloned kappa-receptor is less effective in discriminating the substitution pattern than the native guinea pig kappa-receptor. Furthermore, the results obtained are discussed with respect to the interaction with the homology model of the human kappa-opioid receptor, built on the recently solved crystal structure of rhodopsin. Finally, the potential antinociceptive and antiamnesic properties of compounds 6e and 6i have been investigated by means of the hot-plate and passive avoidance test in mice, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular docking studies of natural cholinesterase-inhibiting steroidal alkaloids from Sarcococca saligna.

Alkaloids isolated from Sarcococca saligna significantly inhibit acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme, suggesting discovery of inhibitors for nervous-system disorders. Studying interactions with the active site of the AChE enzyme from Torpedo californica, we have identified hydrophobic interactions inside the aromatic gorge area as the major stabilizing factor in enzyme-inhibitor complexes of these alkaloids. Molecular Dynamics simulation of a predicted complex indicates that ligand binding does not extensively alter enzyme structure, but reduces flexibility at the gorge.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Predicting the cell differentiation activity of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 side chain analogues from docking simulations.

We present a receptor-based protocol for the prediction of the cell differentiation activities of a series of side chain analogues of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), a compound that exhibits a very large variety of biological functions. Our protocol is able to reproduce the activity of the compounds studied here. It also sheds light on the relative importance of binding site residues in the biological activity and on the mechanism behind it.

Binding Sites↗

Virtual docking approaches to protein kinase B inhibition.

We examined some in silico approaches to identify Akt (protein kinase B) inhibitors. Experimental validation of selected compounds was achieved using a fluorescence-based enzymatic assay and a substrate phosphorylation assay involving the protein GSK-3. We report on success and failure obtained by using several strategies including FlexX, GOLD, and CSCORE, where the 100-200 top-scoring compounds from a 50000-compound library were experimentally tested. This study led to the identification of low micromolar Akt1 inhibitors.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Virtual screening workflow development guided by the "receiver operating characteristic" curve approach. Application to high-throughput docking on metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4.

The "receiver operating characteristic" (ROC) curve method is a well-recognized metric used as an objective way to evaluate the ability of a given test to discriminate between two populations. This facilitates decision-making in a plethora of fields in which a wrong judgment may have serious consequences including clinical diagnosis, public safety, travel security, and economic strategies. When virtual screening is used to speed-up the drug discovery process in pharmaceutical research, taking the right decision upon selecting or discarding a molecule prior to in vitro evaluation is of paramount importance. Characterizing both the ability of a virtual screening workflow to select active molecules and the ability to discard inactive ones, the ROC curve approach is well suited for this critical decision gate. As a case study, the first virtual screening workflow focused on metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGlu4R) agonists is reported here. Six compounds out of 38 selected and tested in vitro were shown to have agonist activity on this target of therapeutic interest.

Binding Sites↗

A docking score function for estimating ligand-protein interactions: application to acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is an important research topic because of its wide range of associated health implications. A receptor-specific scoring function was developed herein for predicting binding affinities for human AChE (huAChE) inhibitors. This method entails a statistically trained weighted sum of electrostatic and van der Waals (VDW) interactions between ligands and the receptor residues. Within the 53 ligand training set, a strong correlation was found (R2 = 0.89) between computed and experimental inhibition constants. Leave-one-out cross-validation indicated high predictive power (Q2 = 0.72), and analysis of a separate 16-compound test set also produced very good correlation with experiment (R2 = 0.69). Scoring function analysis has permitted identification and characterization of important ligand-receptor interactions, producing a list of those residues making the most important electrostatic and VDW contributions within the main active site, gorge area, acyl binding pocket, and periferal site. These analyses are consistent with X-ray crystallographic and site-directed mutagenesis studies.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and quantitative receptor docking simulations of 2-[(acylamino)ethyl]-1,4-benzodiazepines as novel tifluadom-like ligands with high affinity and selectivity for kappa-opioid receptors.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 2-substituted 5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines, structurally related to tifluadom (5), the only benzodiazepine that acts simultaneously as a kappa-opioid agonist and a cholecystokinin-A (CCK-A) antagonist, are reported. The radioligand binding models used in these studies were [(125)I](BH)-CCK-8 in rat pancreas (CCK-A), [(3)H]-(MENLE(28,31))-cck-8 in guinea pig cerebral cortex (CCK-B), and [(3)H]U-69593 (kappa(1)), [(3)H]DAMGO (mu), and [(3)H]DADLE (delta) in guinea pig brain. All the title compounds were devoid of significant affinity for both CCK-A and CCK-B receptors, while some of them bound with nanomolar affinity and high selectivity for kappa-opioid receptors. In particular, the 2-thienyl derivative 7A(X = H) with a K(i) = 0.50 nM represents a clear improvement with respect to tifluadom, showing a comparable potency but higher selectivity. The application of computational simulations and linear regression analysis techniques to the complexes between guinea pig kappa (kappa(1))-receptor and the title compounds allowed the identification of the structural determinants for recognition and quantitative elucidation of the structure-affinity relationships in this class of receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Homology modeling of gelatinase catalytic domains and docking simulations of novel sulfonamide inhibitors.

Three-dimensional models for the catalytic domain of gelatinases (MMP-9 and -2) have been constructed based on the X-ray crystal structure of MMP-3. Conformations of the loop segment which forms the bottom half of the S1' subsite but shows conformational diversity among the crystal structures of other MMPs have been explored by simulated annealing of each gelatinase model complexed with two highly potent "probe" inhibitors. Representative catalytic domain models have been selected for each gelatinase from the set of generated conformations based on shape complementarity of the loop to the probe inhibitors. The single model selected for MMP-9 was utilized to explain the structure-activity relationship of our novel sulfonamide inhibitors. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the complex models revealed important features of the binding mechanism of our inhibitors: (i) the ligand carboxylate group coordinating to the catalytic zinc ion and hydrogen bonding to the Glu219 side chain, (ii) one of the sulfonyl oxygens forming hydrogen bonds with the main chain NHs (Leu181 and Ala182), (iii) the sulfonyl substituent making extensive hydrophobic contact with the S1' subsite. The gauche conformation exclusively adopted by the sulfonamide C-N-S-C torsion plays an important role in achieving the third binding feature by properly directing the substituent into the S1' subsite. Improvement of the inhibitory activity according to straight elongation of the sulfonyl substituent was attributed to an increase of the hydrophobic contact between the substituent and the S1' subsite. Structural modifications which alter the straight shape of the substituent lead to deterioration of the activity. On the other hand, the two candidate models selected for MMP-2 differ in the bottom shape of the S1' subsite: one with a channel-like subsite and the other with a pocket-like subsite resembling that of the MMP-9 model. The bottom shape was experimentally probed by chemical synthesis of inhibitors having elongated sulfonyl substituents whose terminal alkyl groups were shown by MD simulations to protrude from the S1' subsite bottom into the solvent. Gelatinase assays of these inhibitors showed that elongation of the substituent significantly reduces activity against MMP-9 while retaining activity against MMP-2, consequently increasing the selectivity between MMP-2 and -9. The results confirm that MMP-9 has a pocket-like S1' subsite with a floorboard and MMP-2 has a channel-like S1' subsite.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evaluation of PMF scoring in docking weak ligands to the FK506 binding protein.

A new knowledge-based scoring function (PMF-score), implemented into the DOCK4 program, was used to screen a database of 3247 small molecules for binding to the FK506 binding protein (FKBP). The computational ranking of these compounds was compared to the binding affinities measured by NMR. It was demonstrated that small, weakly binding molecules have, on average, higher computational scores than nonbinders and are enriched in the upper ranks of the computational scoring lists. In addition, the results obtained with the PMF scoring function were superior (by 30-120% larger enrichment factors) to those obtained with the standard force field score of DOCK4. The reliable ranking of small, weakly binding molecules offers new ways of designing building blocks in combinatorial libraries as well as SAR by NMR libraries with the increased chance of identifying suitable lead compounds for drug design.

Binding Sites↗