ADME Profile Research Articles

Exploring marine-derived compounds for MET signalling pathway inhibition in cancer: integrating virtual screening, ADME profiling and molecular dynamics investigations

ABSTRACT The MET signalling pathway regulates fundamental cellular processes such as growth, division, and survival. While essential for normal cell function, dysregulation of this pathway can contribute to cancer by triggering uncontrolled proliferation and metastasis. Targeting MET activity holds promise as an effective strategy for cancer therapy. Among potential sources of anti-cancer agents, marine organisms have gained attention. In this study, we screened 47,450 natural compounds derived from marine sources within the CMNPD database against the Met crystal structure. By employing HTVS, SP, and XP docking modes, we identified three compounds (CMNPD17595, CMNPD14026, and CMNPD19696) that outperformed a reference molecule in binding affinity to the Met structure. These compounds demonstrated desirable ADME properties. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations for 200 ns confirmed the stability of their interactions with Met. Our findings highlight CMNPD17595, CMNPD14026, and CMNPD19696 as potential inhibitors against Met-dependent cancers. Additionally, these compounds offer new avenues for drug development, leveraging their inhibitory effects on Met to combat carcinogenesis.

Chloro-substituted pyridine squaramates as new DNase I inhibitors: Synthesis, structural characterization, in vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies

Having continued our recent study on the synthesis and DNase I inhibition of several monosquaramides, two new chloro-substituted pyridine squaramates were synthesized and their structure was identified by X-ray. Their inhibitory properties towards deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were evaluated in vitro. 3-(((6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl)amino)-4-ethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (compound 3a) inhibited DNase I with an IC50 value of 43.82 ± 6.51 μM, thus standing out as one of the most potent small organic DNase I inhibitors tested to date. No cytotoxicity to human tumor cell lines (HL-60, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) was observed for the tested compounds. In order to investigate the drug-likeness of the squaramates, the ADME profile and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated. Molecular docking was performed to reveal the binding mode of the studied compounds on DNase I.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of chromone derivatives against uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a urinary tract pathogen responsible for most nosocomial urinary tract infections and can cause severe conditions like acute cystitis of the bladder or pyelonephritis. UPEC harbors a host of virulence factors like curli, hemolysin, siderophore, and motility factors and can form biofilm-like communities and quiescent reservoirs that aid its survival. This study was performed to investigate the antibiofilm, antimicrobial, and antivirulence potentials of three chromone derivatives, namely, 6-bromo 3-formylchromone, 6-chloro 3-formylchromone, and 3-formyl 6-isopropylchromone. These chromones had MICs against UPEC of 20, 20, and 50 µg/ml, respectively, inhibited biofilm formation by 72–96% at 20 µg/ml, and inhibited UPEC-associated virulence factors, that is, hemolysis, motility, curli, siderophore production, indole production, quiescent colony formation, and cell surface hydrophobicity. Gene expression analysis indicated these three derivatives downregulated virulence genes associated with toxins, biofilm production, and stress regulation and suggested they might target two-component UvrY response regulator. 3D-QSAR analysis showed that substitutions at the third and sixth positions of the chromone scaffold favor antimicrobial activity against UPEC. Furthermore, ADME profiles and C. elegans cytotoxicity assays indicated that these chromone derivatives are potent, safe drug candidates.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Properties of Mn (II) and Cu (II) Complexes with Sulfonamide and Imidazole Derivatives: Genotoxicity, ADME Profile, and Molecular Docking Studies**

AbstractThe synthesis, characterization, and comparative biological properties of manganese (II) and copper (II) complexes formed with two heterocyclic ligands used in the pharmaceutical field are reported. The characterization of the metal complexes involved elemental analysis, FAB mass spectroscopy, ESR, FTIR, UV‐Visible spectroscopy, and conductometry. The spectroscopic data allowed the determination of the coordination mode and the geometry of all the coordination compounds.

Synthesis, DFT, in silico anticancer, ADME and toxicity prediction study of (E)-2-(2-(3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)- ylidene)hydrazineyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole

In the current paper, we describe computational molecular modeling to investigate the quantum chemical, spectroscopic, MESP and in-silico Anticancer, ADME and toxicity study of (E)-2-(2-(3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole by one pot three component reaction. DFT method with B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level was used to optimize the geometry, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), Mulliken charges and vibrational assignments. The UV-Vis assignments, frontier molecular orbital (FMO), electronic parameters, and global descriptor were studied using the TD-DFT method with CAM-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. In-silico anticancer study revealed favorable binding interaction with an excellent docking score comparable to the anticancer drug Dasatinib. The molecular docking study found that, target 4xt2 receptor’s amino acid residues VAL422B, LEU407D, MET426D, TYR327A, GLN421B, SER424B, and LEU423D play a vital role. The title compound has the requisite toxicity and ADME profiles, and it has the potential to be therapeutic.

A computational investigation of thymidylate synthase inhibitors through a combined approach of 3D-QSAR and pharmacophore modelling

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a crucial target of cancer drug discovery and is mainly involved in the De novo synthesis of the DNA precursor thymine. In the present study, to generate reliable models and identify a few promising molecules, we combined QSAR modelling with the pharmacophore hypothesis-generating technique. Input molecules were clustered on their similarity, and a cluster of 74 molecules with a pyrimidine moiety was chosen as the set for 3D-QSAR and pharmacophore modelling. Atom-based and field-based 3D-QSAR models were generated and statistically validated with R2 > 0.90 and Q2 > 0.75. The common pharmacophore hypothesis(CPH) generation identified the best six-point model ADHRRR. Using these best models, a library of FDA-approved drugs was screened for activity and filtered via molecular docking, ADME profiling, and molecular dynamics simulations. The top ten promising TS-inhibiting candidates were identified, and their chemical features profitable for TS inhibitors were explored. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Evaluation of Alectinib Metabolic Stability in HLMs Using Fast LC-MS/MS Method: In Silico ADME Profile, P450 Metabolic Lability, and Toxic Alerts Screening.

Alectinib, also known as Alecensa®, is prescribed for the therapeutic treatment of individuals diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have a specific genetic mutation referred to as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positivity. The Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to alectinib, a drug developed by Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. (Basel, Switzerland)/Genentech, Inc. (South San Francisco, CA, USA), on 6 November 2017. The screening of the metabolic stability and identification of hazardous alarms within the chemical structure of ALC was conducted using the StarDrop software package (version 6.6), which incorporates the P450 metabolic module and DEREK software (KB 2018 1.1). The primary aim of this investigation was to develop a high-throughput and accurate LC-MS/MS technique for the quantification of ALC in the metabolic matrix (human liver microsomes; HLMs). The aforementioned methodology was subsequently employed to assess the metabolic stability of ALC in HLMs through in vitro tests, with the obtained results further validated using in silico software. The calibration curve of the ALC showed a linear correlation that exists within the concentration range from 1 to 3000 ng/mL. The LC-MS/MS approach that was recommended exhibited accuracy and precision levels for both inter-day and intra-day measurements. Specifically, the accuracy values ranged from -2.56% to 3.45%, while the precision values ranged from -3.78% to 4.33%. The sensitivity of the established approach was proved by its ability to adhere to an LLOQ of 0.82 ng/mL. The half-life (t1/2) and intrinsic clearance (Clint) of ALC were estimated to be 22.28 min and 36.37 mL/min/kg, correspondingly, using in vitro experiments. The ALC exhibited a moderate extraction ratio. The metabolic stability and safety properties of newly created derivatives can be enhanced by making modest adjustments to the morpholine and piperidine rings or by substituting the substituent, as per computational software. In in silico ADME prediction, ALC was shown to have poor water solubility and high gastrointestinal absorption along with inhibition of some cytochrome P450s (CYP2C19 and CYP2C9) without inhibition of others (CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6) and P-glycoprotein substrate. The study design that involves using both laboratory experiments and different in silico software demonstrates a novel and groundbreaking approach in the establishment and uniformization of LC-MS/MS techniques for the estimation of ALC concentrations, identifying structural alerts and the assessment of its metabolic stability. The utilization of this study strategy has the potential to be employed in the screening and optimization of prospective compounds during the drug creation process. This strategy may also facilitate the development of novel derivatives of the medicine that maintain the same biological action by targeted structural modifications, based on an understanding of the structural alerts included within the chemical structure of ALC.

THU546 A Lasofoxifene/Elacestrant Hybrid Antiestrogen Shows Effective Anti-tumoral Activities In Y537S ESR1 Breast Cancer Xenografts

Abstract Disclosure: K.S. Young: None. G.R. Hancock: None. S. Kregel: None. S.W. Fanning: Advisory Board Member; Self; Olema Oncology. Grant Recipient; Self; Olema Oncology. In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among women. Over 70 percent of these breast cancer cases are classified as overexpressing Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), denoting that the hormone estrogen fuels the cancer growth. In ER+ breast cancer patients, a distinct tyrosine to serine missense mutation at position 537 (Y537S) leads to hormone- independent ERα activity, causing drug resistance and increased metastatic potential. By favoring the active conformation of ERα, the Y537S mutation reduces binding affinity of small molecule drugs by 5-10 fold. Additionally, this mutation adversely effects the allosteric rearrangement of the receptor that is needed to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Recently, we identified a common structural interaction that distinguishes effective versus ineffective therapeutic antagonists in Y537S breast cancer cells. Based on this relationship, we have developed a new isoquinoline- based antiestrogen (T6I-29-1A) to aid in interpretation of the relationship between ligand binding pose and antagonistic efficacy. Our data suggest that this novel pose effectively antagonizes mutant ERα in breast cancer cells by significantly blunting cell proliferation and downregulating transcriptional activity. Importantly, T6I-29-1A shows potent anti-tumoral activity in ectopic murine xenografts of Y537S ESR1 MCF7 cells, is orally available, and shows a favorable DMPK and ADME profile. Additionally, mice treated with T6I-29-1A exhibited decreased distant metastases compared to hormone-only control. Collectively, these studies point to a distinct relationship between ERα ligand binding pose and novel anti-metastatic activities in drug resistant Y537S ESR1 breast cancer cells. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Reduced Level of Prolylhydroxyproline in the Nail Clippings of Oral Cancer Patients and its Role as an Activator of Phospholipase C-β2.

The oral cancer microenvironment plays an important role in the development and progression of the disease which depicts the heterogeneous nature of diseases. Several cellular and non-cellular factors, including dipeptides, have been reported to drive tumor progression and metastasis. Among various secreted molecules in the tumor microenvironment, prolylhydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) is a collagen-degraded product with specific relevance to fibrosis and oral cancer. However, the detection of Pro-Hyp in the nails of oral cancer patients is a potential biomarker, and our understanding of the biological relevance of Pro-Hyp is highly limited. Here, the authors have attempted to use a novel and in-house vertical tube gel electrophoresis (VTGE) protocol to evaluate the level of Pro-Hyp in the nails of oral cancer patients and healthy subjects. Furthermore, we employed molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict the biological function of Pro-Hyp. ADME profiles such as the druglikeness and leadlikeness of Pro-Hyp and a known PLC-β2 activator, m-3M3FBS, were evaluated by the SWISS-ADME server. We report that among various key metabolites, Pro-Hyp, a dipeptide, is reduced in the nails of oral cancer patients. Molecular docking and MD simulations helped to suggest the potential role of Pro-Hyp as an activator of Phospholipase C-β2 (PLC-β2). Pro-Hyp displayed good binding affinity (-7.6 kcal/mol) with specific interactions by a conventional hydrogen bond with key residues, such as HIS311, HIS312, VAL641, and GLU743. MD simulations showed that the activator binding residues and stability of complexes are similar to the well-known activator m-3M3FBS of PLC-β2. ADME profiles such as the druglikeness and leadlikeness of Pro-Hyp were found to be highly comparable and even better than those of m-3M3FBS. This study is one of the first reports on Pro-Hyp as a metabolite biomarker in the nails of oral cancer patients. Furthermore, the implications of Pro-Hyp are proposed to activate PLC-β2 as a pro-tumor signaling cascade. In the future, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches may be explored as biomarkers and mimetic of Pro-Hyp.

Comprehensive investigation of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes derived from a novel Schiff base: Synthesis, characterization, DNA interactions, ADME profiling, molecular docking, and in-vitro biological evaluation

Here, anisidine-based ligand (HL) and its cobalt (1a), nickel (1b) and copper (1c) complexes were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, mass, IR, UV–visible, magnetic moments, ESR and TGA. The synthesized [Ni(L)2] and [Cu(L)2] complexes demonstrated square planar geometry around the metal centers, while the cobalt complex [Co(L)2(H2O)2] adopted six coordinated octahedral geometries. The DNA interaction studies of the complexes revealed an intercalative mode of binding, as evidenced by UV absorption, emission, and viscosity experiments, and the binding constant (Kb) follows the order of 1c > 1a > 1b. When exposed to oxidative and photolytic methods, the complexes demonstrated better efficacy in cleaving double-stranded pBR322 DNA compared to their parent Schiff base. When tested for cytotoxicity against A549 and MCF7 cell lines, complexes showed more activity than their parent ligand. In-vitro studies of the complexes' antimicrobial and antioxidant properties shown that they are far more effective than the parent ligand. Further, the biological efficiency of the ligand (HL) and complexes were verified by computational methods, including molecular docking (against protein data bank PDB ID: 2ADO.pdb) and pharmacokinetic studies, both the ligand (HL) and complexes have demonstrated significant potency. This promising result indicated their potential as therapeutic agents for treating pathogen-induced deformities.

Designing of eight-coordinate manganese(II) complexes as bio-active materials: Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, spectroscopic, DFT, and molecular docking studies

Two new manganese(II) complexes based on bisaroylhydrazone derivatives: [MnII(L1)2(NO3)2] (1) and [MnII(L2)2(NO3)2] (2) were synthesized via the reaction of manganese (II) nitrate tetrahydrate with bisaroylhydrazone derivative in acetonitrile at room temperature. The synthesized organic ligands and manganese (II) complexes underwent thorough characterization, and their structures were elucidated using various techniques. The X-ray crystallography results confirmed that compounds 1 and 2 are mononuclear manganese (II) complexes, where the Mn(II) ion is eight-fold coordinated within a distorted pseudo-dodecahedral coordination environment. The coordination is achieved through the binding of the metal ion to N and O atoms of two bisaroylhydrazone molecules (bi-dentate ligands) and two nitrate ions. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to optimize the geometry of the complexes, generate molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps, and analyze vibrational spectra. Additionally, time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were carried out to investigate their electronic transitions. In order to calculate the structure–activity relationship and binding energies for the most suitable conformation, bond between Mn(II) complexes and enzymes has been examined using molecular modeling software. In addition, in vitro enzyme inhibition and antimicrobial activity have been investigated. Moreover, pharmacokinetics and enzyme kinetic mechanism studies were performed. Molecular docking results suggested that our complexes have a high affinity for binding to the two selected enzymes. Enzymatic kinetics research findings strongly suggested that our molecules are noncompetitive urease inhibitors, suggesting that those substances may be able to withstand significant structural modification regardless of the design of the active site cavity and could be used as a lead candidate for the creation of novel urease inhibitors. Compound 1 showed a competitive inhibition for α-glucosidase enzyme, while compound 2 exhibited a noncompetitive inhibition. Antimicrobial activity study of L1, L2, 1, and 2 against some selected pathogenic bacteria showed good activity with respect to their MIC values. The ADME profile also demonstrated information on the compounds general properties, with some of the examined metrics showing a parameter from the expected range.

In-silico investigation of E8 surface protein of the monkeypox virus to identify potential therapeutic agents

The re-emergence of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) in 2022 has become a global issue. The virus was first found in Denmark in 1958. The first human MPXV disease was reported in 1980 in Congo, caused by a rare zoonotic virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus and the family Poxviridae. Like SARS-CoV, there are no specific drugs to treat this infection. Taking cues from the successful implementation of drug repositioning for the Covid-19 pandemic using in silico drug discovery. We employed structure-based drug design in the study to repurpose the existing drug and natural product derivatives libraries against MPXV. The E8 protein was chosen as a therapeutic target because it is a surface membrane protein involved in viral entry and adhesion to the host cell surface membrane. Our study was bifurcated into the following steps; determining and analyzing the structure of the E8, followed by structure-based virtual screening of different datasets (natural products obtained from bacteria and fungi and FDA-approved drugs) to identify the hits. Based on the best binding affinities and protein-ligand interactions, we further proceeded for molecular dynamic (MD) studies of the identified hits, which revealed Gabosine D (docking score = −8.469 kcal/mol, MM/GBSA dG bind = −41.6729 kcal/mol) and Edoxudine (docking score = −6.372 kcal/mol, MM/GBSA dG bind = −35.8291 kcal/mol) as the best lead molecules. MD simulation for 100 ns was performed in triplicate, and post MM/GBSA analysis was conducted, which proves the stability of the identified leads. In addition, their ADME profiles also confirmed their suitability as therapeutic options for the treatment of monkeypox. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Lipophilic Studies and In Silico ADME Profiling of Biologically Active 2-Aminothiazol-4(5H)-one Derivatives.

Pseudothiohydantoin derivatives have a wide range of biological activities and are widely used in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Lipophilicity is a basic, but very important parameter in the design of potential drugs, as it determines solubility in lipids, nonpolar solvents, and makes it possible to predict the ADME profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipophilicity of 28 pseudothiohydantoin derivatives showing the inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) using chromatographic methods. Experimentally, lipophilicity was determined by reverse phase thin layer chromatography (RP-TLC) and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). In both methods, methanol was used as the organic modifier of the mobile phase. For each 2-aminothiazol-4(5H)-one derivative, a relationship was observed between the structure of the compound and the values of the lipophilicity parameters (log kw, RM0). Experimental lipophilicity values were compared with computer calculated partition coefficient (logP) values. A total of 27 of the 28 tested compounds had a lipophilicity value < 5, which therefore met the condition of Lipinski's rule. In addition, the in silico ADME assay showed favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion parameters for most of the pseudothiohydantoin derivatives tested. The study of lipophilicity and the ADME analysis indicate that the tested compounds are good potential drug candidates.

Identifying potential inhibitors of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand10 against vitiligo: structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and principal component analysis

The research aims to envisage small molecule inhibitors targeting the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) of the JAK/STAT pathway. CXCL10 plays a significant role in inducing auto-immunity in vitiligo through JAK/STAT pathway. To accomplish the aim, structure-based virtual screening with fundamental search limits, e.g., molecular weight (MW ≤ 500 Da), hydrogen bond donor (HBD ≤ 5), hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA ≤ 10), and lipophilicity (logP ≤ 5) was used to screen investigational molecules from MCULE database. The SBVS-ligand hits were sifted through toxicity profiling followed by filtration through the Brain or IntestinaL EstimateD-Egg model to check the human intestinal abortion and blood-brain barrier permeation based on two physicochemical properties, including topological surface area and WLOGP. The BOILED-Egg filtered compounds were passed through drug-likeness features other than Pfizer’s Lipinski rule of five, viz., Ghose filters, Muegge filters, Egan parameters, and Veber filters, followed by medicinal chemistry’s pan assay interference structure and Brenk alert investigation. Chemical compounds that comply with the above ADME descriptors were docked with target protein CXCL10 via AutoDock Vina. The stability of the top two ligand hits was assessed through dynamics simulations of 100 ns and principal component analysis and compared with the reference drugs Baicalein and EGCG. Based on the findings of Gibbs free energy of binding, ADME profiling, medicinal chemistry attributes depiction, root-mean-square deviation, root-mean-square fluctuation, solvent accessible surface area, the free energy of solvation, the radius of gyration, and PCA, MCULE2726078782-0-2 was found better than potential reference drug Baicalein. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Molecular docking, in-vitro anticancer evaluation and ADME profiling of 7-Oxo Midostaurin

Midostaurin drug is used for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and advanced systemic mastocytosis. Midostaurin under-went oxidation reaction and formed the degradation product (7-Oxo-midostaurin or MDS DP1). Therefore, an anti-cancer efficacy was investigated for MDS DP1 using the molecular docking, in-vitro proliferation, and ADME studies. Molecular docking simulations showed that the MDS DP1 had effectively docked with the active site of the crystal structure of BCL-2 with Venetoclax (PDB ID: 6O0K), resulting in enhanced inhibitory activity (docking score, -9.81 kcal/mol). In-vitro cytotoxicity tests using the CVS assay proved that MDS DP1 had the most promising anti-cancer behavior. The IC50 results of MDS DP1 obtained from CVS assay were 12.71, 13.04, and 17.50 µM against the human cancer cell lines of MDA-MB-231, A549 and HCT-116, which were found to be almost similar to that of the referenced anti-cancer drugs of Midostaurin (IC50: 14.81, 26.34, and 20.45 µM) and Doxorubicin (IC50: 15.06, 15.31, and 18.16 µM). Further, Lipinski's Rule of Five with QSAR models was utilized to predict the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties (ADME profiling) of MDS DP1.

Synthesis and evaluation of dihydrofuro[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives as potent IRAK4 inhibitors

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a key regulator to control downstream NF-κB and MAPK signals in the innate immune response and has been proposed as a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Herein, a series of IRAK4 inhibitors based on a dihydrofuro[2,3-b]pyridine scaffold was developed. Structural modifications of the screening hit 16 (IC50 = 243 nM) led to IRAK4 inhibitors with improved potency but high clearance (Cl) and poor oral bioavailability, as exemplified by compound 21 (IC50 = 6.2 nM, Cl = 43 ml/min/kg, F = 1.6%, LLE = 5.4). Structure modification aimed at improving LLE and reducing clearance identified compound 38. Compound 38 showed significantly improved clearance while maintained excellent biochemical potency against IRAK4 (IC50 = 7.3 nM, Cl = 12 ml/min/kg, F = 21%, LLE = 6.0). Importantly, compound 38 had favorable in vitro safety and ADME profiles. Furthermore, compound 38 reduced the in vitro production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both mouse iBMDMs and human PBMCs and was orally efficacious in the inhibition of serum TNF-α secretion in LPS-induced mouse model. These findings suggested that compound 38 has development potential as an IRAK4 inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Solvent-solute polarity, electrophilic, steric effects, reactive sites, themodynamic quantities discussion and biological evaluation of lung cancer antiproliferative activities of spirobrassinin derivatives

The current study of spirobrassinin and its related compounds, 1-methoxyspirobrassinol and the 5-bromo analogue of methoxyspirobrassinin is performed to reveal a comparison among these molecules to understand which is the most reactive and bioactive. DFT (Density Functional Theory) studies comprising geometry optimisation (energy minimisation), FMO (Frontier Molecular Orbital) Analysis, theoretical UV analysis, NLO (Non-Linear Optics), NBO (Natural Bond Orbital) and thermodynamics studies are performed using Gaussian 09W. IEFPCM model is employed to investigate the solvent effect on the reactivity and stability of the title compounds. ADME profiles are generated using SwissADME, PreADMET and ADMETLab 2.0. Interesting lung cancer target proteins are docked with the title compounds is finally performed to obtain insight into the molecules' anticancer potential.

Quinolone analogues of benzothiazinone: Synthesis, antitubercular structure-activity relationship and ADME profiling

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has an impermeable cell wall which gives it an inherent ability to resist many antibiotics. DprE1, an essential enzyme in Mtb cell wall synthesis, has been validated as a target for several TB drug candidates. The most potent and developmentally advanced DprE1 inhibitor, PBTZ169, is still undergoing clinical development. With high attrition rate, there is need to populate the development pipeline. Using a scaffold hopping strategy, we imprinted the benzenoid ring of PBTZ169 onto a quinolone nucleus. Twenty-two compounds were synthesised and screened for activity against Mtb, with six compounds exhibiting sub micromolar activity of MIC90 <0.244 μM. Compound 25 further demonstrated sub-micromolar activity when evaluated against wild-type and fluoroquinolone-resistant Mtb strains. This compound maintained its sub-micromolar activity against a DprE1 P116S mutant strain but showed a significant reduction in activity when tested against the DprE1 C387S mutant.

Spirocyclic isatin-derivative analogues: Solvation, structural, electronic, topological, reactivity properties, and anti-leukaemic biological evaluation

The present work investigates, via computational methods, three spirocyclic isatin derivatives with α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone cores, whose synthesis, experimental data and structural-activity relationships have been reported, to compare their properties and biological action. DFT (Density Functional Theory) studies, including geometry optimisation, FMO Analysis, theoretical UV spectral analysis, NBO and NLO studies, are performed using Gaussian 09 W with a standard basis set. The IEFPCM model is employed to investigate the solvent effect on the reactivity and stability of the compounds. Topological analyses are also performed, including ELF, LOL, RDG and charge transfer studies. ADME profiling is performed using SwissADME online tool. Anti-leukaemic target proteins are selected and docked with the title compounds to understand their suitability to act against leukaemic conditions.

Pan-genome mediated therapeutic target mining in Kingella kingae and inhibition assessment using traditional Chinese medicinal compounds: an informatics approach

Kingella kingae causes bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, meningitis, spondylodiscitis, and lower respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients. Usually it demonstrates disease after inflammation of mouth, lips or infections of the upper respiratory tract. To date, therapeutic targets in this bacterium remain unexplored. We have utilized a battery of bioinformatics tools to mine these targets in this study. Core genes were initially inferred from 55 genomes of K. kingae and 39 therapeutic targets were mined using an in-house pipeline. We selected aroG product (KDPG aldolase) involved in chorismate pathway, for inhibition analysis of this bacterium using lead-like metabolites from traditional Chinese medicinal plants. Pharmacophore generation was done using control ZINC36444158 (1,16-bis[(dihydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]hexadecane), followed by molecular docking of top hits from a library of 36,000 compounds. Top prioritized compounds were ZINC95914016, ZINC33833283 and ZINC95914219. ADME profiling and simulation of compound dosing (100 mg tablet) was done to infer compartmental pharmacokinetics in a population of 300 individuals in fasting state. PkCSM based toxicity analysis revealed the compounds ZINC95914016 and ZINC95914219 as safe and with almost similar bioavailability. However, ZINC95914016 takes less time to reach maximum concentration in the plasma and shows several optimal parameters compared to other leads. In light of obtained data, we recommend this compound for further testing and induction in experimental drug design pipeline. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma