Exploring tubulin-paclitaxel binding modes through extensive molecular dynamics simulations

Cancer treatment remains a pressing challenge, with paclitaxel playing a pivotal role in chemotherapy by disrupting mitotic spindle dynamics through microtubule stabilization. However, the molecular details of paclitaxel interaction with β-tubulin, its target, remain elusive, impeding efforts to overcome drug resistance and optimize efficacy. Here, we employ extensive molecular dynamics simulations to probe the binding modes of paclitaxel within tubulin protofilaments. Our simulations reveal a spectrum of paclitaxel binding poses, correlated with conformational changes in neighboring residues, proposing the ligand (un)binding route. These diverse binding modes exhibit varied interaction patterns and binding energies, elucidating the complex interplay between paclitaxel-tubulin interactions and the conformational dynamics of the M-loop. Furthermore, key residues influencing paclitaxel affinity and resistance are identified, enhancing our mechanistic understanding of the drug-binding mechanism. Finally, we uncover a novel high-affinity binding mode characterized by paclitaxel penetration into a subpocket formed by helices 1, 7, and loop B9-B10 of β-tubulin concerted with the rotational isomerization around a bond connecting the tetracyclic baccatin core with the N-benzoyl-β-phenylisoserine side chain, offering potential avenues for drug development. Our study advances the understanding of paclitaxel mode of action and informs strategies for rational drug design of antitumor agents.