Model based design of inhibitors for c-jun
Pallavi Chauhan1, Madhvi Shakya
1Department of Bioinformatics,MANIT, Bhopal, MP, India. pallavi.chauhan2006@gmail.com
Abstract:
Literature shows that various molecular cascades are activated by stress, UV rays and pollutants leading to wrinkle formation of the skin. These cascades start from five types of receptors (EGFR, PDGFR, PAFR, IL1R, TNFRB) and terminate with the production of matrix metalloproteinase's, which degrades collagen leading to wrinkle formation. Signaling pathway leading to wrinkle formation showed that c-jun is involved in these cascades. Therefore, c-jun is the preferential choice for inhibition to reduce the intensity of collagen degradation. Hence, the 3D structure of c-jun was modeled using segment based homology modeling by MODELLER 9v5. Evaluation of the constructed model was done by PROCHECK, WHAT CHECK and through RMSD/RMSF calculations. Ligands for the inhibitory sites were designed using LIGANDSCOUT. The interaction study of ligand and receptor was performed by AUTODOCK. A library of analogues was constructed for three known inhibitory sites. The receptor-analogue study was performed using the software MOLEGRO Virtual Docker. The analogues constructed from the designed novel reference ligands showed good binding with the receptor binding sites. It should be noted that these predicted data should be validated using suitable assays for further consideration.
Insights
Stress and UV damage activate molecular pathways that degrade skin collagen, causing wrinkles. Inhibiting c-jun, a key protein in these cascades, offers a promising strategy to reduce skin aging and collagen loss.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Skin aging, including wrinkle formation, is driven by molecular cascades initiated by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollutants.
- These cascades involve specific receptors (EGFR, PDGFR, PAFR, IL1R, TNFRB) and lead to collagen degradation via matrix metalloproteinases.
- The transcription factor c-jun plays a crucial role in these signaling pathways, making it a potential target for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally model the 3D structure of c-jun.
- To design and evaluate novel ligands capable of inhibiting c-jun's activity.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating stress-induced skin aging.
Main Methods:
- Segment-based homology modeling using MODELLER 9v5 to construct the c-jun 3D structure.
- Model validation through PROCHECK, WHAT CHECK, and RMSD/RMSF analysis.
- Ligand design using LIGANDSCOUT, interaction studies with AUTODOCK, and virtual screening of analogues using MOLEGRO Virtual Docker.
Main Results:
- A validated 3D model of c-jun was successfully generated.
- Novel ligands were designed and computationally evaluated for their binding affinity to c-jun.
- Constructed analogues demonstrated favorable binding interactions with the target receptor sites, suggesting inhibitory potential.
Conclusions:
- Inhibiting c-jun represents a viable strategy to counteract collagen degradation and reduce wrinkle formation.
- Computational methods provide a powerful platform for designing targeted inhibitors against key proteins involved in skin aging.
- Further experimental validation is necessary to confirm the efficacy of the designed ligands in biological assays.
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