Structural and Thermodynamic Investigation into the Protein-Binding Properties of a Natural Product Crytotanshinone

Crytotanshinone (CTSO) is a Chinese herbal medicine active ingredient isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. In this work, the interaction of CTSO and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet spectra, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, molecular probe and molecular modeling methods. The results showed that the endogenous fluorescence of HSA was quenched by CTSO through a static mechanism. The number of binding sites, equilibrium constants, and thermodynamic parameters of the reaction were calculated at three different temperatures. The positive enthalpy change (ΔH^θ) and entropy change (ΔS^θ) revealed that the interaction was an endothermic as well as an entropy-driven process, where hydrophobic power played the major role in stabilizing the structure of the new complex. Site-selective binding experiments were carried out using warfarin and ibuprofen as probes, which proved that CTSO binds to Sudlow’s site II in subdomain IIIA of the HSA molecule. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra was employed to detect the α-helix and β-strand contents in HSA before and after the binding of CTSO. Based on the experimental results, the structure of the CTSO–HSA complex was calculated by docking CTSO to the proven site using molecular modeling. The study obtained comprehensive information on structure and thermodynamics, which is essential for understanding the bioaffinity, delivery process and pharmacological mechanism.     

Studies of the Interaction Between Ronidazole and Human Serum Albumin by Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Methods

Ronidazole (RNZ) is widely used for the therapeutic treatment of farmed animals and is suspected of being a human carcinogen and mutagen. The interaction between RNZ and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated systematically by fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and a molecular docking study. The results indicate that the probable quenching mechanism of HSA by RNZ is dynamic quenching. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔH, ΔS and ΔG, etc., were calculated according to the van’t Hoff equation. The results indicate that the forces acting between RNZ and HSA are mainly hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The conformational changes in the interaction were studied by synchronous fluorescence, CD spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra. The results reveal that the microenvironment and conformation of HSA has been changed. A molecular modeling study further confirmed the binding mode obtained by the experimental studies.     

Fluorometric and molecular modeling deciphering the non-covalent interaction between cyromazine and human serum albumin

Cyromazine (CMZ) had been believed to be one of the safest pesticides and widely used for many years until its carcinogenesis was revealed recently. In this work, the interaction between cyromazine and human serum albumin (HSA) was systematically investigated by multiple spectroscopic methods and molecular docking techniques using warfarin and flufenamic acid as probes. The results demonstrated the fluorescence of HSA had been quenched by CMZ through static mechanism, with new non-covalent complexes formed at ground state. Fluorescence probe experiments indicated CMZ bound to Sudlow’s site I in subdomain IIA of HSA, having no competition with site marker in site II. The number of binding sites, equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters were calculated by monitoring the binding equilibriums at different temperatures. The positive enthalpy change (ΔH ^θ) and entropy change (ΔS ^θ) implied the binding was mainly conducted by hydrophobic interactions. The binding was an endothermic, spontaneous (ΔG ^θ?<?0) and entropy-driven process which made the energy distribution of the system more evenly. The force of interaction and the conformation of binding pocket were displayed by molecular simulation and discussed at molecular level. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicated distorted α-helix content of HSA decreased while other fine secondary structure increased when CMZ was added.     

Investigation on the interaction between a heterocyclic aminal derivative, SBDC, and human serum albumin

The interaction between a novel promising drug (spiro[(2R,3R,4S)-4-benzyloxy-2,3-isopropylidene-dioxy-1-oxa-cyclopentane-5,5′-(2-benzoylmethylene-1,3-diaza-cyclohexane)] (SBDC)) and human serum albumin (HSA) under physiological conditions has been investigated by using fluorescence, absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic techniques in combination with protein–ligand docking study. It was observed that SBDC has a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching procedure. The association constants of SBDC with HSA were determined at different temperatures based on fluorescence quenching results. The negative ΔH and positive ΔS values in case of SBDC–HSA complex showed that apart from an initial hydrophobic association, both van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding play a vital role in the binding of SBDC to HSA. The quantitative analysis data of CD spectra showed that the binding of SBDC to HSA induced conformational changes in HSA and the α-helix of 52.1% in free HSA increased to 55.7% in HSA–SBDC complex. The distance between donor (HSA) and acceptor (SBDC) was obtained according to the Förster's theory of non-radiation energy transfer. Data obtained by spectroscopic techniques and protein–ligand docking study suggested that SBDC binds to residues located in subdomain IIA of HSA.     

Investigating the interaction of juglone (5-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone) with serum albumins using spectroscopic and in silico methods

The interaction between juglone at the concentration range of 10–110 µM and bovine serum albumin (BSA) or human serum albumin (HSA) at the constant concentration of 11 µM was investigated by fluorescence and UV absorption spectroscopy under physiological-like condition. Performing the experiments at different temperatures showed that the fluorescence intensity of BSA/HSA was decreased in the presence of juglone by a static quenching mechanism due to the formation of the juglone–protein complex. The binding constant for the interaction was in the order of 10³ M^?1, and the number of binding sites for juglone on serum albumins was determined to be equal to one. The thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS) and Gibb’s free energy (ΔG) changes were obtained by using the van’t Hoff equation. These results indicated that van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding were the main intermolecular forces stabilizing the complex in a spontaneous association reaction. Moreover, the interaction of BSA/HSA with juglone was verified by UV absorption spectra and molecular docking. The results of synchronous fluorescence, UV–visible and CD spectra demonstrated that the binding of juglone with BSA/HSA induces minimum conformational changes in the structure of albumins. The increased binding affinity of juglone to albumin observed in the presence of site markers (digoxin and ibuprofen) excludes IIA and IIIA sites as the binding site of juglone. This is partially in agreement with the results of molecular docking studies which suggests sub-domain IA of albumin as the binding site.     

Interaction Between Plumbagin and Human Serum Albumin by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The interaction of plumbagin (PLU) with human serum albumin (HSA) in physiological buffer (pH=7.4) was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. Results obtained from analysis of the fluorescence spectra indicated that PLU has a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching procedure. Fluorescence quenching data revealed that the quenching constants (K) are 4.43×10⁴, 3.26×10⁴ and 1.69×10⁴ L?mol^?1 at 293, 303 and 313 K, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated to be ?36.63 kJ?mol^?1, and ?35.702 J?mol^?1?K^?1 respectively, which suggested that van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds play a major role in the interaction of PLU with HSA. The distance between donor (HSA) and acceptor (PLU) was calculated to be 3.76 nm based on Förster’s non-radiative energy transfer theory. The results of synchronous fluorescence spectra showed that binding of PLU to HSA can induce conformational changes in HSA.     

Study on the Interaction of Nd3+ with Human Serum Albumin at Molecular Level

Neodymium is applied widely in agriculture to improve crop nutrition and incidentally in fertilizers, yet little is known of its effect on the biological function of human serum albumin (HSA). The interaction of Nd³⁺ to HSA has been investigated mainly by fluorescence spectra, UV–vis absorption spectra and circular dichroism (CD) under simulative physiological conditions. Fluorescence data revealed that the quenching mechanism of HSA by Nd³⁺ was a static quenching process and the binding constant is 5.71 × 10⁴ L mol^‐1 and the number of binding sites is 1 at 292 K. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH⁰ = ‐20.79 kJ mol^‐1, ΔG⁰ = ‐26.58 kJ mol^‐1, and ΔS⁰ = 19.85 J mol^‐1 K^‐1) indicate that electrostatic effect between the protein and Nd³⁺ is the main binding force. The distance r = 2.91 nm between donor (HSA) and acceptor (Nd³⁺) was obtained according to Förster's nonradiative energy transfer. In addition, UV–vis, CD and synchronous fluorescence results showed that the addition of Nd³⁺ changed the conformation of HSA.     

Spectroscopic Study of the Interactions of Buflomedil to Serum Albumin and β-Cyclodextrin

The effects of buflomedil (BFM), a novel cerebrovascular medicine, on serum albumin and the feasibility of ??-cyclodextrin (??-CD) acting as a controlled releaser for BFM were investigated by molecular spectroscopy methods, including fluorescence emission, UV?Cvisible absorption, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopies. The interaction of BFM with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was analyzed by fluorescence quenching and it was found that BFM had reacted with BSA in the ground state and had affected the secondary structure of BSA. The observed binding constant K _b, the number of binding sites n, the distance r between donor (BSA) and acceptor (BFM), the enthalpy change (??H ^?? ), Gibbs energy change (??G ^?? ) and entropy change (??S ^?? ) at different temperatures were calculated. The inclusion reaction between ??-CD and BFM was explored by the Lineweaver?CBurk equation. The inclusion constants and the thermodynamic parameters were determined. The mechanism of the inclusion reaction was discussed and the controlled release characteristics of ??-CD to BFM were considered at the molecule level.     

长春新碱与人血清白蛋白的相互作用研究

利用荧光和圆二色光谱研究了长春新碱(VCR)与人血清白蛋白(HSA)之间的相互作用. 通过荧光猝灭测得在288, 298和308 K时, VCR与HSA的结合常数K分别为2.14×10⁴, 1.73×10⁴ 和1.35×10⁴ L•mol^－1, 表明VCR与HSA间具有较强的结合作用, 属于静态猝灭. 计算出焓变(ΔH)为 －17.38 kJ•mol^－1, 熵变(ΔS)为22.62 J•mol^－1•K^－1, 结合分子模型理论计算的结果, 表明VCR与HSA相互作用时在色氨酸(Trp) 214残基和VCR分子中吲哚基间作用力以疏水作用力为主, 但在 VCR和HSA 分子间以静电引力为主. 圆二色光谱(CD)的数据表明相互作用后HSA的二级结构发生了改变：HSA的α-螺旋的含量从51.7%下降到32.9%, β-折叠的含量增加了9.2%.     

Insight into the binding evaluation of two antitumor Pd(II) complexes with human serum albumin

The interaction between two novel water-soluble palladium(II) complexes (Pd(bpy)(pyr-dtc)]NO₃, complex I and ([Pd(phen)(pyr-dtc)]NO₃, complex II, where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and pyr-dtc = pyrrolidinedithiocarbame) and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by fluorescence quenching spectroscopy, synchronous, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and three-dimensional fluorescence combined with UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism technique under simulative physiological conditions. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated that the quenching mechanism of HSA by Pd(II) complexes was static fluorescence quenching and hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions were the main intermolecular force based on thermodynamic data. The HSA–Pd(II) complex interaction had a high affinity of 10⁵ M^?1, and the number of binding sites n is almost 1. The results of synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence spectra, UV–Vis absorption and CD spectroscopy indicated that these two complexes may induce the microenvironment around the tryptophan residues and the conformation of human serum albumin. The binding distance (r) in the interaction between Pd(II) complex and HSA was estimated by the efficiency of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Furthermore, results from multiple spectroscopic studies are consistent and indicate that the antitumor Pd(II) complexes can efficiently bind with human serum albumin molecules, providing a reasonable model that can help in understanding the design, transportation and toxic effects of anticancer agents.     

Investigation of nitroxoline-human serum albumin interactions by spectroscopic methods

Nitroxoline is a wide spectrum antibacterial and is one of the most important urinary antiseptics.The interaction between nitroxoline and human serum albumin(HSA)has been investigated systematically by fluorescence spectroscopy,synchronous fluorescence,three-dimensional fluorescence,CD spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy.The results indicated that the quenching of HSA by nitroxoline was static.The corresponding thermodynamic parameters △H,△S and △G calculated according to van’t Hoff equation revealed that the intermolecular forces acting between nitroxoline and HSA were mainly hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces.The conformational changes in the interaction were studied by synchronous fluorescence,CD spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra which showed changes in the microenvironment and conformation of HSA.     

Interaction Between Ginkgolic Acid and Human Serum Albumin by Spectroscopy and Molecular Modeling Methods

The interaction of ginkgolic acid (15:1, GA) with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by FT–IR, CD and fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling. FT–IR and CD spectroscopic showed that complexation with the drug alters the protein’s conformation by a major reduction of α-helix from 54 % (free HSA) to 46–31 % (drug–complex), inducing a partial protein destabilization. Fluorescence emission spectra demonstrated that the fluorescence quenching of HSA by GA was by a static quenching process with binding constants on the order of 10⁵ L·mol^?1. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH = ?28.26 kJ·mol^?1, ΔS = 11.55 J·mol^?1·K^?1) indicate that hydrophobic forces play a leading role in the formation of the GA–HSA complex. The ratio of GA and HSA in the complex is 1:1 and the binding distance between them was calculated as 2.2 nm based on the Förster theory, which indicates that the energy transfer from the tryptophan residue in HSA to GA occurs with high probability. On the other hand, molecular docking studies reveal that GA binds to Site II of HSA (sub-domain IIIA), and it also shows that several amino acids participate in drug–protein complexation, which is stabilized by H-bonding.     

In Vitro Binding of Furadan to Bovine Serum Albumin

Under physiological conditions, the interaction between furadan (FRD) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by spectroscopy including fluorescence emission, UV-visible absorption, scattering, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra. The observed binding constant K _b and the number of binding sites n were determined by the fluorescence quenching method. The distance r between donor (BSA) and acceptor (FRD) was obtained according to the Förster theory of non-radiation energy transfer. The enthalpy change (ΔH ^θ ), Gibbs energy change (ΔG ^θ ) and entropy change (ΔS ^θ ) at four different temperatures were calculated. The process of binding was proposed to be a spontaneous process since the ΔG ^θ values were negative. The positive ΔS ^θ and ΔH ^θ values indicated that the interaction of FRD and BSA was driven mainly by hydrophobic interactions. The addition of FRD to BSA solutions leads to enhancement in scattering intensity, exhibiting the formation of an aggregate in solution. CD spectra, synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra were used to measure the structural change of BSA molecules with FRD present.     

Characterization of the interaction between a platinum(II) complex and human serum albumin: spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking

In this study, the interaction between (2,2?-bipyridine)(pyrrolidinedithiocarbamato) platinum(II) nitrate, [Pt(bpy)(pyr-dtc]NO₃, and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by various spectroscopic methods (UV–vis, fluorescence, CD and FT-IR) and molecular docking technique at three temperatures. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy showed that Pt(II) complex can denature the protein at moderate concentrations. The results of emission quenching at two temperatures has revealed that the quenching mechanism of Pt(II) complex with HSA was static quenching mechanism. Binding constants (K), binding site number (n) and corresponding thermodynamic parameters ?G?, ?H? and ?S? were calculated and revealed that hydrophobic forces played a major role when Pt(II) complex interacted with HSA. The binding distance (r) between above complex and HSA based on Förster?s theory of non-radiation energy transfer was calculated as 3.22 nm. Alterations of HSA secondary structure induced by complex were confirmed by FT-IR and CD measurements. Also, a molecular docking study was performed for identification of key structural features of binding of the Pt complex into the receptor and predicting bioactive conformers. Our results may provide valuable information to understand the mechanistic pathway of drug delivery and to pharmacological behavior of drug.     

Studies on the interaction between imidacloprid and human serum albumin: Spectroscopic approach

The interaction between imidacloprid (IMI) and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated using fluorescence and UV/vis absorption spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence quenching of HSA by IMI was a result of the formation of IMI–HSA complex; static quenching was confirmed to result in the fluorescence quenching. The apparent binding constant K_A between IMI and HSA at three differences were obtained to be 1.51 × 10⁴, 1.58 × 10⁴, and 2.19 × 10⁴ L mol^?1, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH° and ΔS° were estimated to be 28.44 kJ mol^?1, 174.76 J mol^?1 K^?1 according to the van’t Hoff equation. Hydrophobic interactions played a major role in stabilizing the complex. The distance r between donor (HSA) and acceptor (IMI) was obtained according to fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The effect of IMI on the conformation of HSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy CD and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra, the environment around Trp and Tyr residues were altered.     

罗布麻活性成分与人血清白蛋白结合的光谱学研究

应用荧光和紫外光谱研究了人血清白蛋白与罗布麻活性成分槲皮素(QUE)、芸香苷(RUT)和儿茶素(CAT)的结合机理. 在QUE与蛋白质浓度比小于3.5时, 其荧光猝灭机理主要是静态猝灭, 在药物浓度较高时动态猝灭所占的比例增加; RUT在整个实验浓度范围内对蛋白质的荧光猝灭机理为静态猝灭; CAT与蛋白质之间不能形成复合物, 其荧光猝灭主要由动态猝灭产生. QUE和RUT分别与蛋白质形成1∶1的复合物, 结合常数分别为(1.51±0.13)×10⁵和(0.81±0.08)×10⁵ L•mol^－1. 由于激发态质子转移, 与蛋白质的相互作用引起QUE和RUT内源荧光发射峰强度的明显增加, 进一步证实了它们与蛋白质的结合. 与蛋白质的结合也引起了QUE紫外吸收带的明显红移, 说明药物分子中的酚羟基发生了解离, 以离子形式与蛋白质发生作用. RUT的紫外吸收谱带没有明显移动, 说明它主要以中性状态与蛋白质结合. 应用与蛋白质作用后药物分子紫外吸收光谱的二阶导数谱, 对药物与蛋白质的结合模式进行了深入探讨.     

Identification of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl binding affinity and binding site subdomain IIA in human serum albumin by spectroscopic methods

Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (PY) is a sulfonylurea herbicide developed by DuPont which has been widely used for weed control in cereals. The determination of PY binding affinity and binding site in human serum albumin (HSA) by spectroscopic methods is the subject of this work. From the fluorescence emission, circular dichroism and three-dimensional fluorescence results, the interaction of PY with HSA caused secondary structure changes in the protein. Fluorescence data demonstrated that the quenching of HSA fluorescence by PY was the result of the formation of HSA–PY complex at 1:1 molar ratio, a static mechanism was confirmed to lead to the fluorescence quenching. Hydrophobic probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) displacement results show that hydrophobic patches are the major sites for PY binding on HSA. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated to be ?36.32 kJ mol^?1 and ?35.91 J mol^?1 K^?1, which illustrated van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds interactions were the dominant intermolecular force in stabilizing the complex. Also, site marker competitive experiments showed that the binding of PY to HSA took place primarily in subdomain IIA (Sudlow's site I). What presented in this paper binding research enriches our knowledge of the interaction between sulfonylurea herbicides and the physiologically important protein HSA.     

A novel lophine-based fluorescence probe and its binding to human serum albumin

The binding of a lophine-based fluorescence probe, 4-[4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-5-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzoic acid methyl ester (DAPIM) with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy under physiological conditions. While DAPIM shows extreme low fluorescence in aqueous solution, DAPIM binding with HSA emits strong fluorescence at 510 nm. The binding constant and binding number determined by Scatchard plot was 3.65 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ and 1.07, respectively. Competitive binding between DAPIM and other ligands such as warfarin, valproic acid, diazepam and oleic acid, were also studied fluorometrically. The results indicated that the primary binding site of DAPIM to HSA is site II at subdomain IIIA. DAPIM can be a useful fluorescence probe for the characterization of drug-binding sites. In addition to the interaction study, because the fluorescence intensity of DAPIM increased in proportion to HSA concentration, its potential in HSA assay for serum sample was also evaluated.     

Spectroscopic Studies on the Interaction Between Troxerutin and Bovine Hemoglobin

The interaction of bovine hemoglobin (BHb) with troxerutin was investigated by UV–Vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra methods, circular dichroism spectra, and the freeze-fractured TEM methods. Results showed that troxerutin causes the fluorescence quenching of BHb through a static quenching mechanism. The binding constant K _A and number of binding sites n of troxerutin with BHb were obtained. Positive values of the thermodynamic parameters enthalpy change and entropy change indicate that the interaction between troxerutin and BHb is driven mainly by electrostatic interactions. This shows that the binding is spontaneous at the standard state since the change in the standard Gibbs energy value is negative. The average binding distance between the donor (BHb) and the acceptor (troxerutin) was assessed from the Förster theory. The present study suggests that the thermal stability of BHb is enhanced upon binding with troxerutin.     

Probing the binding of fluoxetine hydrochloride to human serum albumin by multispectroscopic techniques

The interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLX) have been studied by using different spectroscopic techniques viz., fluorescence, UV–vis absorption, circular dichroism and FTIR under simulated physiological conditions. Fluorescence results revealed the presence of static type of quenching mechanism in the binding of FLX to HSA. The values of binding constant, K of FLX-HSA were evaluated at 289, 300 and 310 K and were found to be 1.90 × 10³, 1.68 × 10³ and 1.45 × 10³ M^?1, respectively. The number of binding sites, n was noticed to be almost equal to unity thereby indicating the presence of a single class of binding site for FLX on HSA. Based on the thermodynamic parameters, ΔH⁰ and ΔS⁰ nature of binding forces operating between HSA and FLX were proposed. Spectral results revealed the conformational changes in protein upon interaction. Displacement studies indicated the site I as the main binding site for FLX on HSA. The effect of common ions on the binding of FLX to HSA was also investigated.