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Published on: September 26, 2025
Molecular features related to the binding mode of PPARδ agonists from QSAR and docking analyses
T S Garcia1, D C Silva, J C Gertrudes
1School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Diabetes affects approximately 4% of world's population and metabolic syndrome has been directly related to obesity. There is a class of nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which controls the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. It has been considered an attractive target to treat diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to employ molecular modelling techniques to understand the factors involved in PPARδ activation. The QSAR models obtained showed good internal and external consistency and presented good validation coefficients (QSAR: q(2) = 0.83, r(2) = 0.87; HQSAR: q(2) = 0.73, r(2) = 0.90; CoMFA: q(2) = 0.88, r(2) = 0.94). The selected properties and the contour maps described the possible interactions between the PPARδ receptor and its agonists. From these findings, it is possible to propose molecular modifications to design new compounds with improved biological properties.
Insights
Molecular modeling reveals key factors for activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), crucial targets for treating diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This research aids in designing improved therapeutic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Computational Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome affect a significant global population, often linked to obesity.
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
- PPARs represent a promising therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular determinants of PPARδ activation using computational modeling.
- To develop quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for PPARδ agonists.
- To guide the design of novel compounds with enhanced biological activity.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling.
- 3D-Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (3D-QSAR) analysis, including CoMFA.
- Molecular modeling and analysis of receptor-ligand interactions.
Main Results:
- Developed robust QSAR and HQSAR models with high predictive accuracy (q²=0.83, r²=0.87 and q²=0.73, r²=0.90, respectively).
- Generated a highly validated CoMFA model (q²=0.88, r²=0.94), indicating strong predictive power.
- Identified key molecular properties and interactions influencing PPARδ agonism through contour maps.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully established reliable QSAR models for PPARδ.
- Molecular modeling insights provide a foundation for designing new PPARδ agonists.
- Findings facilitate the development of improved therapeutic agents for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
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