Mapping myeloperoxidase to identify its promiscuity properties using docking and molecular dynamics simulations

L A Ramírez-Durán1, M C Rosales-Hernández, Maricarmen Hernández-Rodríguez

  • 1Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación de la Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, C.P. 11340 México, DF.

Insights

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors bind to a single principal binding site (PBS) on the MPO enzyme. This site

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key enzyme in neutrophils, producing hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
  • Elevated MPO and HOCl levels are implicated in various diseases, making MPO inhibitors (MPOis) a therapeutic target.
  • The molecular recognition properties and binding site(s) of MPOis are not fully understood, limiting drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular recognition properties of MPO inhibitors.
  • To investigate whether MPO possesses a single or multiple binding sites for aryl compounds.
  • To understand the structural basis for MPO's promiscuity with different ligands.

Main Methods:

  • Docking simulations were employed to analyze MPO binding site recognition.
  • X-ray structures and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation snapshots were used to model MPO-ligand interactions.
  • Q-Site Finder was utilized to identify potential binding sites on the MPO enzyme.

Main Results:

  • All evaluated aryl ligands, including MPO inhibitors and tyrosine, bind to the same site, termed the 'principal binding site' (PBS).
  • The PBS is characterized by an aromatic cluster (F99, F366, F407) and a heme group, mediating ligand recognition via π-π interactions.
  • Limited conformational variations were observed in MPO, with minor side-chain movements accommodating different ligand interactions based on chemical structure.

Conclusions:

  • MPO exhibits high promiscuity due to a single principal binding site that accommodates diverse ligands through specific interactions.
  • Hydrazides, exemplified by ABAH, demonstrate consistent binding interactions, suggesting their potential as effective MPO inhibitors.
  • Understanding the MPO binding site and ligand interactions is crucial for designing targeted MPOis for disease treatment.

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