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Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Incorporating Target Protein Structure Flexibility and Dynamics in Computational Drug Discovery Using Ensemble-Based Docking Analysis
Published on: June 20, 2025
Unravelling the Relacatib activity against the CTSK proteins causing pycnodysostosis: a molecular docking and
Priyanka Kannan1, Hadeefa Begum A1, Madhana Priya N1
1Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Chennai, India.
Abstract:
Pycnodysostosis is an atypical autosomal recessive condition of Lysosomal storage disorder that originated due to the deficit of the enzyme Cathepsin K which is vital for normal osteoclast action in bone resorption. Abnormal degradation of type 1 collagen and accumulation of toxic undigested collagen fibers in lysosomes of the osteoclast cells resulting in high bone density, brittle bones, and a short stature is caused in CTSK protein-carrying individuals. The broad aim of this study is to identify the most significant variant through various computational pipelines. This study was initiated by retrieving a total number of thirty-six variants from NCBI, HGMD, and UniProt databases, and the Y283C variant was found to be more significant by various standard computational tools. A structural investigation was performed to understand and gain a better knowledge about the interaction profile for the native (1BY8) and variant (Y283C) with Relacatib (a small-molecule drug that blocks the function of Cathepsin K, an enzyme that has been linked to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and other bone-degrading diseases). The interaction profile was analyzed using molecular docking. Relacatib (ligand) had an average binding affinity for both native (-7.16 kcal/mol) and Y283C (-6.76 kcal/mol). Finally, Molecular dynamics simulations were done in duplicates to recognize the variant (Y283C) activity of the protein structure against Relacatib for 100 ns. This study assists in comprehending the most pathogenic amino-acid variant, the ligand interaction with the protein structure, and paves the way for understanding the steadiness of the ligand with the native and selected significant amino-acid variant.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Insights
Pycnodysostosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, results from Cathepsin K deficiency. This study identifies the Y283C variant and analyzes its interaction with the drug Relacatib using computational methods.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Pycnodysostosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by Cathepsin K deficiency.
- This deficiency impairs osteoclast function, leading to brittle bones and short stature due to abnormal collagen degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most significant pathogenic variant in Cathepsin K.
- To structurally analyze the interaction between the identified variant and the drug Relacatib.
Main Methods:
- Variant identification using NCBI, HGMD, and UniProt databases.
- Molecular docking to assess binding affinity between native/variant Cathepsin K and Relacatib.
- Molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate protein-ligand stability.
Main Results:
- The Y283C variant was identified as the most significant.
- Relacatib showed comparable binding affinities for both native (-7.16 kcal/mol) and Y283C (-6.76 kcal/mol) Cathepsin K.
- Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the stability of the interaction.
Conclusions:
- The Y283C variant is a key pathogenic variant in Pycnodysostosis.
- Relacatib demonstrates potential for therapeutic intervention by interacting with both native and variant Cathepsin K.
- This research aids in understanding disease mechanisms and drug interactions for Pycnodysostosis.
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