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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.
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetically determined disease transmitted through autosomal recessive inheritance. Recently, a rare but similar disease to FMF, pyrin-associated autoinflammation with neutrophilic dermatosis (PAAND), has been discovered. PAAND is inherited dominantly and is characterized by neutrophilic dermatosis and recurrent fevers. The cause of the disease is point mutations in the MEFV gene. The pyrin protein is a product of this gene and is one of the main factors in the disease's progression. This paper examines the interaction between pyrin and the 14-3-3 protein and screens for modulators affecting their interaction. Regulating this interaction is crucial for understanding the mechanism of FMF development, specifically the disruption of this complexation, which leads to inflammatory responses. The pyrin-14-3-3 interaction is essential for designing potential drugs since weakening this interaction can result in inflammation. This research of in silico experiments identified low molecular weight chemical compounds that have a modulating effect on the tertiary structures of mutant variations of pyrin and 14-3-3 proteins. Studies have identified modulator molecules that interact with the FMF-associated mutant structure of pyrin (M694I) and 14-3-3τ. The chemical compounds that result from this process can be used as modulators and as a potential new basis for the development of therapeutic drugs.
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.

