Modeling ligand-receptor interaction for some MHC class II HLA-DR4 peptide mimetic inhibitors using several molecular docking and 3D QSAR techniques

The ligand-receptor interaction between some peptidomimetic inhibitors and a class II MHC peptide presenting molecule, the HLA-DR4 receptor, was modeled using some three-dimensional (3D) quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methods such as the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA), Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA), and a pharmacophore building method, the Catalyst program. The structures of these peptidomimetic inhibitors were generated theoretically, and the conformations used in the 3D QSAR studies were defined by docking them into the known structure of HLA-DR4 receptor through the GOLD, GLIDE Rigidly, GLIDE Flexible, and Xscore programs. Some of the parameters used in these docking programs were selected by docking an X-ray ligand into the receptor and comparing the root-means-square difference (RMSD) computed between the coordinates of the X-ray and docked structure. However, the goodness of a docking result for docking a series of peptidomimetic inhibitors into the HLA-DR4 receptor was judged by comparing the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient computed between each docking result and the activity data taken from the literature. The best CoMFA and CoMSIA models were constructed using the aligned structures of the best docking result. The CoMSIA was conducted in a stepwise manner to identify some important molecular features that were further employed in a pharmacophore building process by the Catalyst program. It was found that most inhibitors of the training set were accurately predicted by the best pharmacophore model, the Hypo1 hypothesis constructed. The deviation or conflict found between the actual and predicted activities of some inhibitors of both the training and the test sets were also investigated by mapping the Hypo1 hypothesis onto the corresponding structures of the inhibitors.     

Use of 3D QSAR to investigate the mode of binding of pyrazinones to HIV-1 RT

Abstract  

Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) based on the docked conformation were performed for 24 pyrazinone derivatives. All compounds were docked into the wild-type HIV-1 RT binding pocket and the lowest-energy docked configurations were used to construct the 3D QSAR models. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models enable good prediction of inhibition by the pyrazinones, with r_\textcv² r_{\text{cv}}^{2}  = 0.703 and 0.735. Results obtained from CoMFA and CoMSIA based on the docking conformation of the pyrazinones are, therefore, powerful means of elucidating the mode of binding of pyrazinones and suggesting the design of new potent NNRTIs.     

Docking and 3D-QSAR Analysis on a Series of Pyridone-based EZH2 Inhibitors

Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2(EZH2) is closely correlated with malignant tumor and regarded as a promising target to treat B-cell lymphoma. In our research, the molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships(3D-QSAR) studies were performed on a series of pyridone-based EZH2 compounds. Molecular docking allowed us to study the critical interactions at the binding site of EZH2 protein with inhibitors and identify the practical conformations of ligands in binding pocket. Moreover, the docking-based alignment was applied to derive the reliable 3D-QSAR models. Comparative molecular field analysis(CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis(CoMSIA) provided available ability of visualization. All the derived 3D-QSAR models were considered to be statistically significant with respect to the internal and external validation parameters. For the CoMFA model, q~2 = 0.649, r~2 = 0.961 and r~2 pred = 0.877. For the CoMSIA model, q~2 = 0.733, r~2 = 0.980 and r~2 pred = 0.848. With the above arguments, we extracted the correlation between the biological activity and structure. Based on the binding interaction and 3D contour maps, several new potential inhibitors with higher biological activity predicted were designed, which still awaited experimental validation. These theoretical conclusions could be helpful for further research and exploring potential EZH2 inhibitors.     

Use of 3D QSAR to investigate the mode of binding of pyrazinones to HIV-1 RT

Abstract  Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) based on the docked conformation were performed for 24 pyrazinone derivatives. All compounds were docked into the wild-type HIV-1 RT binding pocket and the lowest-energy docked configurations were used to construct the 3D QSAR models. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models enable good prediction of inhibition by the pyrazinones, with  = 0.703 and 0.735. Results obtained from CoMFA and CoMSIA based on the docking conformation of the pyrazinones are, therefore, powerful means of elucidating the mode of binding of pyrazinones and suggesting the design of new potent NNRTIs. Graphical Abstract        

3D-QSAR and molecular docking studies of 4-methyl quinazoline derivatives as PI3Kα inhibitors

A new series of 4- methyl quinazoline derivatives was synthesized and its anti-cancer activity was assessed. It was revealed that its compounds have potent inhibition on related phosphoinositide 3-kinases alpha (PI3Kα). In this study, the three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular docking approaches were performed on a series of 4-methyl quinazoline derivatives with PI3Kα inhibitors. The 3D-QSAR study was applied using Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) methods, which gave the cross-validation coefficient (Q²) values of 0.850 and 0.92, the determination coefficient (R²) values of 0.998 and 0.987, and the standard error of the estimate (SEE) values of 0.017 and 0.105, respectively. The acceptable values of determination coefficient (R² test) to CoMFA and CoMSIA respectively corresponding to values of 0.793 and 0.804 utilizing a test set of seven molecules prove the high predictive ability of this model. Using AutoDock tools, Molecular docking analysis was utilized to validate 3D-QSAR methods and to explain the binding site interactions and energy between the most active ligands and the PI3Kα (PDB ID: 4JPS) receptor. Based on these results, a novel series of 4- methyl quinazoline derivatives was predicted.     

Pharmacophore and Docking-based 3D-QSAR Studies on HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors

Integrase（IN） plays an essential role in the process of HIV-1 replication.IN inhibitors of diketo acid derivatives（DKAs） were analysed by the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis（CoMFA） and Comparative Molecular Similarity Induces Analysis（CoMSIA） methods.A set of 42 compounds were randomly selected as the training set（35） and test set（7）.Firstly,a good pharmacophore（goodness of hit=0.787） was obtained and used to align ligands.Then,predictive models were constructed with the CoMFA and CoMSIA methods based on the pharmacophore alignment.As a result,the CoMS1A method yielded the best model with an r2 of 0.955 and a q2 of 0.665,which can predict the activities of the tested DKAs very well（r2=0.559）.Finally,DKAs were docked into IN,and the predicit modes were superimposed on the contour maps obtained from the best CoMSIA model.The superimposed maps gave a visualized and meaningful insight into the inhibitory behaviors,providing significantly useful information for the rational drug design of anti-IN agents.     

Development of docking-based 3D QSAR models for the design of substituted quinoline derivatives as human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (hDHODH) inhibitors

Abstract

This study has investigated docking-based 3D quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) for a range of quinoline carboxylic acid derivatives by comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). A docking study has shown that most of the compounds formed H-bonds with Arg136 and Gln47, which have already been shown to be essential for the binding of ligands at the active site of the hydroorotate dehydrogenase adenovirus (hDHODH). Bioactive conformations of all the molecules obtained from the docking study were used for the 3D QSAR study. The best CoMFA and CoMSIA models were obtained for the training set and were found to be statistically significant, with cross-validated coefficients (q² ) of 0.672 and 0.613, r² _cv of 0.635 and 0.598 and coefficients of determination (r² ) of 0.963 and 0.896, respectively. Both models were validated by a test set of 15 compounds, giving satisfactory predicted correlation coefficients (r² _pred) of 0.824 and 0.793 for the CoMFA and CoMSIA models, respectively. From the docking-based 3D QSAR study we designed 34 novel quinoline-based compounds and performed structure-based virtual screening. Finally, in silico pharmacokinetics and toxicities were predicted for 24 of the best docked molecules. The study provides valuable information for the understanding of interactions between hDHODH and the novel compounds.     

2,4-二氨基嘧啶类FAK抑制剂的3D-QSAR研究

摘要 本文选取42个2,4-二氨基嘧啶类FAK小分子抑制剂,分别以比较分子场分析法（CoMFA）与相似性指数分析法（CoMSIA）构建3D-QSAR模型,评价模板分子、公共骨架点、最小能量优化参数、分子构象等因素对模型优化的影响。分析最优模型中立体场、静电场以及氢键等因素对抑制剂活性的影响,并应用分子对接分析该类抑制剂与FAK蛋白的相互作用。结果表明选择16号化合物作为模板分子,骨架A作为公共骨架点,最小能量优化参数中电荷、最大迭代系数、最低能量限定值分别为MMFF94、1000、0.01 Kcal/mol时所构建的模型最优。以CoMFA和CoMSIA构建的3D-QSAR模型的交叉验证系数（q2）分别为0.666和0.736,非交叉验证系数（R2）分别为0.990和0.989,表明此模型具有良好的预测能力。分子对接分析显示,其与FAK的氨基酸残基CYS502、ASP564形成了重要的氢键作用,并与周围残基形成了较强的疏水作用。通过3D-QSAR的构建与分子对接分析,可指导2,4-二氨基嘧啶类FAK小分子抑制剂的进一步结构优化设计。     

3D-QSAR Study on the Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoids on PIM-1 Kinase

20 Typical flavonoids were selected for study on the interaction between them and PIM-1 kinase with the comparative molecular field analysis method(CoMFA) as well as the comparative molecular similarity index analysis method(CoMSIA) based on molecule docking.3D-QSAR models between these flavonoids and receptor PIM-1 kinase were established.The obtained optimal cross-validation correlation coefficient Q2 for CoMFA model was 0.582,and the non-cross-validation correlation coefficient R2 was 0.955;the corresponding values for CoMSIA model were 0.790 and 0.974,respectively.These two models showed fairly fine stability and predictive ability.In addition,molecule docking results revealed the key residues in the receptor cavity and their specific action ways with flavonoids.     

雌激素β受体喹啉类配体的分子对接及3D-QSAR研究

对33个喹啉衍生物的雌激素β受体活性进行了分子对接以及比较分子力场分析(CoMFA)和比较分子相似性指数分析(CoMSIA). 对接结果显示氢键和疏水作用是配体与受体结合的主要因素,同时结果亦显示对接结合能与观测值pIC50具有极显著的线性相关性. 根据对接后各优势构象将33个样本进行叠合并进行CoMFA与CoMSIA研究,均得到了较优的结果,其中以选用立体场、静电场和疏水场建立的CoMSIA模型结果最优,其主成分数,r2,q2（LOO）和r2pred分别为2, 0.894, 0.708和0.802. 构效关系模型分析显示基团的空间位阻、电性及疏水作用是影响活性的主要因素     

The 3D Structure of the Binding Pocket of the Human Oxytocin Receptor for Benzoxazine Antagonists,Determined by Molecular Docking,Scoring Functions and 3D-QSAR Methods

Summary Molecular docking and 3D-QSAR studies were performed to determine the binding mode for a series of benzoxazine oxytocin antagonists taken from the literature. Structural hypotheses were generated by docking the most active molecule to the rigid receptor by means of AutoDock 3.05. The cluster analysis yielded seven possible binding conformations. These structures were refined by using constrained simulated annealing, and the further ligands were aligned in the refined receptor by molecular docking. A good correlation was found between the estimated ΔG_bind and the pK_i values for complex F. The Connolly-surface analysis, CoMFA and CoMSIA models q_CoMFA² = 0.653, q_CoMSA² = 0.630 and r_pred,CoMFA² = 0.852 , r_pred,CoMSIA² = 0.815) confirmed the scoring function results. The structural features of the receptor–ligand complex and the CoMFA and CoMSIA fields are in closely connected. These results suggest that receptor–ligand complex F is the most likely binding hypothesis for the studied benzoxazine analogs.     

马来酰胺类糖原合成酶激酶-3β抑制剂的分子对接和三维定量构效关系

通过分子对接和三维定量构效关系(3D-QSAR)两种方法来确定两类马来酰胺类的糖原合成酶激酶-3β(GSK-3β)抑制剂的结合方式. 首先, 用分子对接确定抑制剂与GSK-3β结合模式及其相互作用; 然后用比较分子力场分析法(CoMFA)与比较分子相似性指数分析法(CoMSIA)对48个化合物做三维定量构效关系的分析. 两种方法得出的交互验证回归系数分别为0.669(CoMFA)和0.683(CoMSIA), 证明该模型具有很好的统计相关性, 同时也说明该模型具有较高的预测能力.根据该模型提供的信息, 设计出9个预测活性较好的分子.     

马来酰胺类糖原合成酶激酶-3β抑制剂的分子对接和三维定量构效关系

通过分子对接和三维定量构效关系(3D-QSAR)两种方法来确定两类马来酰胺类的糖原合成酶激酶-3β(GSK-3β)抑制剂的结合方式.首先,用分子对接确定抑制剂与GSK-3β的结合模式及其相互作用;然后用比较分子力场分析法(CoMFA)与比较分子相似性指数分析法(CoMSIA)对48个化合物做三维定量构效关系的分析.两种方法得出的交互验证回归系数分别为0.669(CoMFA)和0.683(CoMSIA),证明该模型具有很好的统计相关性,同时也说明该模型具有较高的预测能力.根据该模型提供的信息,设计出9个预测性较好的分子.     

Strategies to design pyrazolyl urea derivatives for p38 kinase inhibition: a molecular modeling study

The p38 protein kinase is a serine–threonine mitogen activated protein kinase, which plays an important role in inflammation and arthritis. A combined study of 3D-QSAR and molecular docking has been undertaken to explore the structural insights of pyrazolyl urea p38 kinase inhibitors. The 3D-QSAR studies involved comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices (CoMSIA). The best CoMFA model was derived from the atom fit alignment with a cross-validated r ² (q ²) value of 0.516 and conventional r ² of 0.950, while the best CoMSIA model yielded a q ² of 0.455 and r ² of 0.979 (39 molecules in training set, 9 molecules in test set). The CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps generated from these models provided inklings about the influence of interactive molecular fields in the space on the activity. GOLD, Sybyl (FlexX) and AutoDock docking protocols were exercised to explore the protein–inhibitor interactions. The integration of 3D-QSAR and molecular docking has proffered essential structural features of pyrazolyl urea inhibitors and also strategies to design new potent analogues with enhanced activity.     

Docking-based 3D-QSAR study of pyridyl aminothiazole derivatives as checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitors

Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is a promising target for the design of novel anticancer agents. In the present work, molecular docking simulations and three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies were performed on pyridyl aminothiazole derivatives as Chk1 inhibitors. AutoDock was used to determine the probable binding conformations of all the compounds inside the active site of Chk1. Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models were developed based on the docking conformations and alignments. The CoMFA model produced statistically significant results with a cross-validated correlation coefficient (q²) of 0.608 and a coefficient of determination (r²) of 0.972. The reliable CoMSIA model with q² of 0.662 and r² of 0.970 was obtained from the combination of steric, electrostatic and hydrogen bond acceptor fields. The predictive power of the models were assessed using an external test set of 14 compounds and showed reasonable external predictabilities (r²_pred) of 0.668 and 0.641 for CoMFA and CoMSIA models, respectively. The models were further evaluated by leave-ten-out cross-validation, bootstrapping and progressive scrambling analyses. The study provides valuable information about the key structural elements that are required in the rational design of potential drug candidates of this class of Chk1 inhibitors.     

Molecular Modeling Studies of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Combining Molecular Docking and 3D-QSAR Methods

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR-2 or kinase insertdomain receptor (KDR) have emerged as attractive targets for the design of novel anticancer agents. In the present work, molecular docking method combined with three dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indice analysis (CoMSIA)) to analyze the possible interactions between KDR and those derivatives which acted as selective inhibitors. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models gave a cross-validated coefficient Q2 of 0.713 and 0.549, non-cross-validated R2 values of 0.974 and 0.878, and predicted R2 values of 0.966 and 0.823, respectively. The 3D contour maps generated by the CoMFA and CoMSIA models were used to identify the key structural requirements responsible for the biological activity. The information obtained from 3D-QSAR and docking studies were very helpful to design novel selective inhibitors of KDR with desired activity and good chemical property.