Natural products biological screening and ligand-based virtual screening for the discovery of new antileishmanial agents

In the course of our research program to discover novel antileishmanial agents, a biological screening of natural products against Leishmania major promastigotes allowed the identification of a furoquinoline alkaloid (1) and a furanocoumarin (2) as new hits. Subsequently, an integrated ligand-based virtual screening approach was employed to search for new antileishmanial compounds using these naturally occurring molecules as templates. Fourteen out of 40 compounds selected from a database of about 800,000 compounds (extracted from ZINC, a free database for virtual screening) were experimentally confirmed to possess significant in vitro antileishmanial properties. The application of ligand-based virtual screening as a complementary approach to experimental natural product screening was a useful strategy to facilitate the identification of new promising lead candidates.

Tetrachlorocarbonyliridates: Water-Soluble Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules Rate-Modulated by the Sixth Ligand

A new family of compounds is presented as potential carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs). These compounds, based on tetrachlorocarbonyliridate(III) derivatives, were synthesized and fully characterized by X-ray diffraction, electrospray mass spectrometry, IR. NMR, and density functional theory calculations. The rate of CO release was studied via the myoglobin assay. The results showed that the rate depends on the nature of the sixth ligand, trans to CO, and that a significant modulation on the release rate can be produced by changing the ligand. The reported compounds are soluble in aqueous media, and the rates of CO release are comparable with those for known CORMs, releasing CO at a rate of 0.03-0.58 mu M min(-1) in a 10 mu M solution of myoglobin and 10 mu M of the complexes.

The binding of synthetic triiodo L-thyronine analogs to human transthyretin: Molecular basis of cooperative and non-cooperative ligand recognition

Transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric beta-sheet-rich transporter protein directly involved in human amyloid diseases. Several classes of small molecules can bind to TTR delaying its amyloid fibril formation, thus being promising drug candidates to treat TTR amyloidoses. In the present study, we characterized the interactions of the synthetic triiodo L-thyronine analogs and thyroid hormone nuclear receptor TR beta-selecfive agonists GC-1 and GC-24 with the wild type and V30M variant of human transthyretin (TTR). To achieve this aim, we conducted in vitro TTR acid-mediated aggregation and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments and determined the TTR:GC-1 and TTR:GC-24 crystal structures. Our data indicate that both GC-1 and GC-24 bind to TTR in a non-cooperative manner and are good inhibitors of TTR aggregation, with dissociation constants for both hormone binding sites (HBS) in the low micromolar range. Analysis of the crystal structures of TTRwt:GC-1(24) complexes and their comparison with the TTRwt X-ray structure bound to its natural ligand thyroxine (T4) suggests, at the molecular level, the basis for the cooperative process displayed by T4 and the non-cooperative process provoked by both GC-1 and GC-24 during binding to TTR. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural modeling of high-affinity thyroid receptor-ligand complexes

Understanding the molecular basis of the binding modes of natural and synthetic ligands to nuclear receptors is fundamental to our comprehension of the activation mechanism of this important class of hormone regulated transcription factors and to the development of new ligands. Thyroid hormone receptors (TR) are particularly important targets for pharmaceuticals development because TRs are associated with the regulation of metabolic rates, body weight, and circulating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in humans. While several high-affinity ligands are known, structural information is only partially available. In this work we obtain structural models of several TR-ligand complexes with unknown structure by docking high affinity ligands to the receptors` ligand binding domain with subsequent relaxation by molecular dynamics simulations. The binding modes of these ligands are discussed providing novel insights into the development of TR ligands. The experimental binding free energies are reasonably well-reproduced from the proposed models using a simple linear interaction energy free-energy calculation scheme.

Synthesis, Structure, and Phosphatase-Like Activity of a New Trinuclear Gd Complex with the Unsymmetrical Ligand H(3)L As a Model for Nucleases

The new trinuclear gadolinium complex [Gd(3)L(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)]NO(3)center dot 8H(2)O (1) with the unsymmetrical ligand 2-[N-bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methyl-6-[N-bis(2-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)aminomethyl] phenol (H(3)L) was synthesized and characterized. The new ligand H(3)L was obtained in good yield. Complex I crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell, space group Pcab. Kinetic studies show that complex 1 is highly active in the hydrolysis of the substrate 2,4-bis(dinitrophenyl)phosphate (K(m) = 4.09 mM, V(max) = 2.68 x 10(-2) mM s(-1), and k(cat) = V(max)/[1] = 0.67 s(-1)). Through a potentiometric study and determination of the kinetic behavior of 1 in acetonitrile/water solution, the species present in solution could be identified, and a trinuclear monohydroxo species appears to be the most prominent catalyst under mild conditions. Complex 1 displays high efficiency in DNA hydrolytic cleavage, and complete kinetic studies were carried out (K(m) = 4.57 x 10(-4) M, K(cat)` = 3.42 h(-1), and k(cat)`/K(m) = 7.48 x 10(3) M(-1) h(-1)). Studies with a radical scavenger (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) showed that it did not inhibit the activity, indicating the hydrolytic action of 1 in the cleavage of DNA, and studies on the incubation of distamycin with plasmid DNA suggest that 1 is regio-specific, interacting with the minor groove of DNA.

On the Denaturation Mechanisms of the Ligand Binding Domain of Thyroid Hormone Receptors

The ligand binding domain (LBD) of nuclear hormone receptors adopts a very compact, mostly alpha-helical structure that binds specific ligands with very high affinity. We use circular dichroism spectroscopy and high-temperature molecular dynamics Simulations to investigate unfolding of the LBDs of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). A molecular description of the denaturation mechanisms is obtained by molecular dynamics Simulations of the TR alpha and TR beta LBDs in the absence and in the presence of the natural ligand Triac. The Simulations Show that the thermal unfolding of the LBD starts with the loss of native contacts and secondary Structure elements, while the Structure remains essentially compact, resembling a molten globule state. This differs From most protein denaturation simulations reported to date and suggests that the folding mechanism may start with the hydrophobic collapse of the TR LBDs. Our results reveal that the stabilities of the LBDs of the TR alpha and TR beta Subtypes are affected to different degrees by the binding of the isoform selective ligand Triac and that ligand binding confers protection against thermal denaturation and unfolding in a subtype specific manner. Our Simulations indicate two mechanisms by which the ligand stabilizes the LBD: (1) by enhancing the interactions between H8 and H 11, and the interaction of the region between H I and the Omega-loop with the core of the LBD, and (2) by shielding the hydrophobic H6 from hydration.

Gaining ligand selectivity in thyroid hormone receptors via entropy

Nuclear receptors are important targets for pharmaceuticals, but similarities between family members cause difficulties in obtaining highly selective compounds. Synthetic ligands that are selective for thyroid hormone (TH) receptor beta (TR beta) vs. TR alpha reduce cholesterol and fat without effects on heart rate; thus, it is important to understand TR beta-selective binding. Binding of 3 selective ligands (GC-1, KB141, and GC-24) is characterized at the atomic level; preferential binding depends on a nonconserved residue (Asn-331 beta) in the TR beta ligand-binding cavity (LBC), and GC-24 gains extra selectivity from insertion of a bulky side group into an extension of the LBC that only opens up with this ligand. Here we report that the natural TH 3,5,3`-triodothyroacetic acid (Triac) exhibits a previously unrecognized mechanism of TR beta selectivity. TR x-ray structures reveal better fit of ligand with the TR alpha LBC. The TR beta LBC, however, expands relative to TR alpha in the presence of Triac (549 angstrom(3) vs. 461 angstrom(3)), and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that water occupies the extra space. Increased solvation compensates for weaker interactions of ligand with TR beta and permits greater flexibility of the Triac carboxylate group in TR beta than in TR alpha. We propose that this effect results in lower entropic restraint and decreases free energy of interactions between Triac and TR beta, explaining subtype-selective binding. Similar effects could potentially be exploited in nuclear receptor drug design.

Structure, processing and midgut secretion of putative peritrophic membrane ancillary protein (PMAP) from Tenebrio molitor larvae

A cDNA coding for a Tenebrio molitor midgut protein named peritrophic membrane ancillary protein (PMAP) was cloned and sequenced. The complete cDNA codes for a protein of 595 amino acids with six insect-allergen-related-repeats that may be grouped in A (predicted globular)- and B (predicted nonglobular)-types forming an ABABAB structure. The PMAP-cDNA was expressed in Pichia pastoris and the recombinant protein (64 kDa) was purified to homogeneity and used to raise antibodies in rabbits. The specific antibody detected PMAP peptides (22 kDa) in the anterior and middle midgut tissue, luminal contents, peritrophic membrane and feces. These peptides derive from PMAP, as supported by mass spectrometry, and resemble those formed by the in vitro action of trypsin on recombinant PMAP. Both in vitro and in vivo PMAP processing seem to occur by attack of trypsin to susceptible bonds in the coils predicted to link AB pairs, thus releasing the putative functional AB structures. The AB-domain structure of PMAP is found in homologous proteins from several insect orders, except lepidopterans that have the apparently derived protein known as nitrile-specifier protein. Immunocytolocalization shows that PMAP is secreted by exocytosis and becomes entrapped in the glycocalyx, before being released into midgut contents. Circumstantial evidence suggests that PMAP-like proteins have a role in peritrophic membrane type 2 formation. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of new fluorous modular chiral ligand derivatives from amino alcohols and application in enantioselective carbon-carbon bond-forming alkylation reactions

N-Trifluoracyl beta-chalcogeno amides and N-perfluoracyl beta-thio amide ligands were prepared by a simple and efficient reaction sequence. These new ligands were evaluated in palladium-catalyzed alkylation of rac-(E)-1,3-diphenyl-2-propenyl acetate in the presence of dimethyl malonate and an enantioselectivity of up to 99% was obtained. After catalysis, the fluorous ligand can be easily recovered by liquid-liquid extraction and reused without loss in the activity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel electroluminescent devices containing Eu(3+)-(2-acyl-1,3-indandionate) complexes with TPPO ligand

Fabrication and electroluminescent properties of devices containing europium complexes of general formula [Eu(ACIND)(3)(TPPO)(2)], where ACIND, 2-acyl-1,3-indandionate ligands: and TPPO, triphenylphosphine oxide. as emitter layers are discussed. The double-layer devices based on these complexes present the following configurations: device 1: ITO/TPD/[Eu(AlND)(3)(TPPO)(2)]/Al: device 2: ITO/TPD/[Eu(ISOV-IND)(3)(TPPO)(2)]/Al and device 3: ITO/TPD/[Eu(BIND)(3)(TPPO)(2)]/Al, where AlND, 2-acetyl-1,3-indandionate; ISOVIND, 2-isovaleryl-1,3-indandionate; and BIND, 2-benzoyl-1,3-indandionate, respectively. These devices exhibited photo and electroluminescent emissions. An important characteristic presented by devices is that their electroluminescent (EL) spectra, in the region of (5)D(0) -> (7)F(J) (J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) transitions of Eu(3+) ion, show profiles that are different from photoluminescent (PL) ones. In addition to narrow bands arising from intraconfigurational-4f(6) transitions, devices 1 and 2 also exhibited a broad band with maximum at around 500 nm which is assigned to electrophosphorescence from the indandionate ligands. On the other hand, EL spectra of device 3 present only narrow bands from (5)D(0) -> (7)F(J) transitions. [Eu(ACIND)(3)(TPPO)(2)] complexes are promising candidates to prepare efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) when compared with those containing Eu(3+)-complexes of aliphatic beta-diketonate anions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Triangular ruthenium acetate clusters containing the bis(pyridyl)propane ligand and their inclusion chemistry with beta-cyclodextrin

The triruthenium carboxylate cluster [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)(py)(2)(bpp)](+) (OAc = acetate) containing the bridging 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp) ligand, and its dimeric species [{Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)(py(2))}(2)(mu-bpp)](2+) were synthesized in order to investigate their inclusion compounds with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). Characterization of the complexes was carried out based on spectroscopic, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques, while the formation of inclusion complexes was evaluated using (1)H NMR/NOESY spectroscopy. Since bpp is a flexible ligand, a DFT study was carried out in order to characterize its conformational isomers and their possible role in the host-guest chemistry with beta-CD. Instead of observing the formation of inclusion compounds with different stoichiometries, we observed the formation of 1:1 bpp/beta-CD compounds in which the bpp ligand assumes different conformations. The assembly of polymetallic rotaxane species was successfully demonstrated by monitoring the (1)H NMR spectra of the monomeric cluster species in the presence of aquapentacyanoferrate(II) ions and beta-CD.

Luminescence enhancement of the Tb(III) ion with the thenoyltrifluoroacetonate ligand acting as an efficient sensitizer

The synthesis, structural investigation, and photophysical properties of the complex [Tb(TTA)(2)(NO(3)) (TPPO)(2)] are reported. Unlike the analog tris-diketonate complex [Tb(TTA)(3)(TPPO)(2)], the new complex presents abnormally high luminescence intensity centered on the terbium ion. Our results clearly suggest a higher energy transfer efficiency from the TEA antenna ligand to the Tb(III) ion in the bis-diketonate complex compared with that in the tris-diketonate complex. A mechanism involving the increasing of triplet state energy when one TTA ligand is replaced by the NO(3)(-) group in the first coordination sphere is suggested and experimentally investigated to explain the anomalous luminescence properties of the new complex [Tb(TTA)(2)(NO(3))(TPPO)(2)]. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prion Protein and Its Ligand Stress Inducible Protein 1 Regulate Astrocyte Development

Prion protein (PrP(C)) interaction with stress inducible protein 1 (STI1) mediates neuronal survival and differentiation. However, the function of PrP(C) in astrocytes has not been approached. In this study, we show that STI1 prevents cell death in wild-type astrocytes in a protein kinase A-dependent manner, whereas PrP(C)-null astrocytes were not affected by STI1 treatment. At embryonic day 17, cultured astrocytes and brain extracts derived from PrP(C)-null mice showed a reduced expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and increased vimentin and nestin expression when compared with wild-type, suggesting a slower rate of astrocyte maturation in PrP(C)-null animals. Furthermore, PrP(C)-null astrocytes treated with STI1 did not differentiate from a flat to a process-bearing morphology, as did wild-type astrocytes. Remarkably, STI1 inhibited proliferation of both wild-type and PrP(C)-null astrocytes in a protein kinase C-dependent manner. Taken together, our data show that PrP(C) and STI1 are essential to astrocyte development and act through distinct signaling pathways.(C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ligand-Assisted Preparation of Palladium Supported Nanoparticles: a Step toward Size Control

Supported nanoparticles (SNPs) with narrow size distribution were prepared by H(2) reduction of Pd(2+) previously bound, to ligand-modified silica surfaces. Interestingly, the size of the Pd SNPs was tuned by the ligand grafted on the support surface. Amino- and ethylenediamino-functionalized supports formed Pd(0) SNPs of ca. 6 and 1 nm, respectively. The catalytic properties of both Pd(0) SNPs were investigated.

Integration of Ligand- and Target-Based Virtual Screening for the Discovery of Cruzain Inhibitors

A myriad of methods are available for virtual screening of small organic compound databases. In this study we have successfully applied a quantitative model of consensus measurements, using a combination of 3D similarity searches (ROCS and EON), Hologram Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (HQSAR) and docking (FRED, FlexX, Glide and AutoDock Vina), to retrieve cruzain inhibitors from collected databases. All methods were assessed individually and then combined in a Ligand-Based Virtual Screening (LBVS) and Target-Based Virtual Screening (TBVS) consensus scoring, using Receiving Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate their performance. Three consensus strategies were used: scaled-rank-by-number, rank-by-rank and rank-by-vote, with the most thriving the scaled-rank-by-number strategy, considering that the stiff ROC curve appeared to be satisfactory in every way to indicate a higher enrichment power at early retrieval of active compounds from the database. The ligand-based method provided access to a robust and predictive HQSAR model that was developed to show superior discrimination between active and inactive compounds, which was also better than ROCS and EON procedures. Overall, the integration of fast computational techniques based on ligand and target structures resulted in a more efficient retrieval of cruzain inhibitors with desired pharmacological profiles that may be useful to advance the discovery of new trypanocidal agents.