In Silico Study of Pyrin and 14-3-3 Protein Modulation During FMF and PAAND

Adrine Paronyan1,2, Nelli Muradyan1,3, Arsen Sargsyan1,2

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), Yerevan 0014, Armenia.

ACS Omega
|February 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) involves pyrin protein dysfunction. This study identified compounds that modulate the pyrin-14-3-3 interaction, offering potential new treatments for FMF and related autoinflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease.
  • Pyrin-associated autoinflammation with neutrophilic dermatosis (PAAND) is a rare, dominantly inherited condition with similar symptoms.
  • Both FMF and PAAND are linked to mutations in the MEFV gene, affecting pyrin protein function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between the pyrin protein and 14-3-3 protein.
  • To identify modulators that can regulate the pyrin-14-3-3 interaction.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets for FMF and related disorders.

Main Methods:

  • In silico screening of chemical compounds.
  • Analysis of molecular interactions between pyrin and 14-3-3 proteins.
  • Focus on FMF-associated pyrin mutations (e.g., M694I) and 14-3-3τ.

Main Results:

  • Identified low molecular weight compounds that modulate the tertiary structures of mutant pyrin and 14-3-3 proteins.
  • Discovered specific modulator molecules interacting with the M694I mutant pyrin and 14-3-3τ.
  • Demonstrated the potential of these compounds to affect the pyrin-14-3-3 complex.

Conclusions:

  • The pyrin-14-3-3 interaction is critical in FMF pathogenesis.
  • Modulating this interaction is a promising strategy for FMF drug development.
  • Identified chemical compounds represent a potential new basis for therapeutic interventions.