Interaction-based screening, Monte Carlo Bayesian inference-based de novo design and in vitro verification of...

One of the main reasons for hyperuricemia is high purine intake. The primary strategy for treating hyperuricemia is blocking the purine metabolism enzyme. However, by binding the purine bases directly, we suggested a unique therapeutic strategy that might interfere with purine metabolism. There have been numerous reports of extensive interactions between proteins and purine bases. Adenine, constituting numerous protein co-factors, can interact with the adenine-binding motif. Using Bayesian Inference and Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, we created a novel adenine-binding peptide Ile-Tyr-Val-Thr based on the structure of the adenine-binding motifs. Ile-Tyr-Val-Thr generates a semi-pocket that can clip the adenine within, as demonstrated by docking. Then, using thermodynamic techniques, the interaction between Ile-Tyr-Val-Thr and adenine was confirmed. The K_D value is 1.50e^-5 (ΔH = -20.2 kJ/mol and ΔG = -27.6 kJ/mol), indicating the high affinity. In brief, the adenine-binding peptide Ile-Tyr-Val-Thr may help lower uric acid level by blocking the absorption of food-derived adenine.