Molecular dynamics approach to probe the allosteric inhibition of PTP1B by chlorogenic and cichoric acid
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Published on: May 23, 2025
Sarath Kumar Baskaran1, Nabajyoti Goswami, Sudhagar Selvaraj
1Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India.
Abstract:
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a major negative regulator of the insulin and leptin signaling pathway, is a potential target for therapeutic intervention against diabetes and obesity. The recent discovery of an allosteric site in PTP1B has created an alternate strategy in the development of PTP1B targeted therapy. The current study investigates the molecular interactions between the allosteric site of PTP1B with two caffeoyl derivatives, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and cichoric acid (CHA), using computational strategies. Molecular docking analysis with CGA and CHA at the allosteric site of PTP1B were performed and the resulting protein-ligand complexes used for molecular dynamics simulation studies for a time scale of 10 ns. Results show stable binding of CGA and CHA at the allosteric site of PTP1B. The flexibility of the WPD loop was observed to be constrained by CGA and CHA in the open (inactive), providing molecular mechanism of allosteric inhibition. The allosteric inhibition of CGA and CHA of PTP1B was shown to be favorable due to no restriction by the α-7 helix in the binding of CGA and CHA at the allosteric binding site. In conclusion, our results exhibit an inhibitory pattern of CGA and CHA against PTP1B through potent binding at the allosteric site.
Insights
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and cichoric acid (CHA) show potential for treating diabetes and obesity by inhibiting Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). These compounds bind to PTP1B's allosteric site, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a key regulator of insulin and leptin signaling, making it a therapeutic target for diabetes and obesity.
- The discovery of an allosteric site in PTP1B offers a new avenue for drug development.
- Caffeoyl derivatives like chlorogenic acid (CGA) and cichoric acid (CHA) are being explored for their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular interactions between PTP1B's allosteric site and CGA/CHA.
- To elucidate the mechanism of allosteric inhibition by CGA and CHA on PTP1B.
Main Methods:
- Computational strategies including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
- MD simulations were conducted for 10 ns to analyze the stability and interactions of protein-ligand complexes.
Main Results:
- Both CGA and CHA demonstrated stable binding at the allosteric site of PTP1B.
- CGA and CHA constrained the WPD loop flexibility in the open (inactive) state of PTP1B, revealing a mechanism for allosteric inhibition.
- The binding of CGA and CHA at the allosteric site was not hindered by the α-7 helix.
Conclusions:
- CGA and CHA exhibit an inhibitory effect on PTP1B through potent binding at its allosteric site.
- These findings support the development of CGA and CHA as potential therapeutic agents for diabetes and obesity by targeting PTP1B.
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