Farnesoid X Receptor as a potential protein target for mushroom LMW compounds: virtual screening using molecular docking

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor protein involved in controlling several metabolic pathways, with bile acids as his natural ligands. FXR functions as a sensor for bile acids, thus promoting their clearance by controlling expression of genes involved in bile acids transport and metabolism. FXR has been recently regarded as an important target for drug discovery and the research for small molecules, that modulates his interaction with binding co-regulator proteins, is ongoing. Very recently, several reports have shown natural compounds and extracts with activity as, either agonists or antagonists of FXR, notably steroids (1) and polyphenols (2). Mushrooms have been widely recognised as presenting in their chemical constitution polyphenols and steroids in significant amounts, either in quantity and diversity. For this reason we set out to investigate FXR as a potential target for LMW compounds present in mushrooms. To meet this goal we virtually screened a database of 40 compounds, present in mushrooms, against a carefully prepared 3D crystal structure of FXR (PDB code: 1OIV). The molecular docking software used for this virtual screening project was AutoDock Vina (VINA) and the database of LMW compounds were revised and prepared by us. VINA presents the results as predΔG (predicted binding energy), with compounds with the lowest predΔG expected to be the ones with more potent FXR modulating activity. Among the tested compounds, steroids presented the lowest predΔG, with several displaying values below -10 kcal/mol including: Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (-10,5 kcal/mol), Ganoderic acid A (-10,4 kcal/mol), Ganoderic acid A (-10,3 kcal/mol) and Ergosterol (-10,2 kcal/mol). These results are not unexpected, as FXR natural ligands are in fact bile acids, that belong to the steroid class of compounds. Also, the predΔG values of the top ranked steroids compared well with the predΔG value of a benzamide derivative compound (10,6 kcal/mol), a known inhibitor of FXR that is co-crystallized in the 1OIV crystal structure. In conclusion, this initial study points to FXR as a potential target for mushroom compounds and extracts, especially steroid derivatives or extracts. Although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis, this work demonstrates the usefulness of using an in silico approach as a complement for experimental work.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Stress oxidativo, antioxidantes e fitoquímicos

A manutenção do equilíbrio entre a produção de radicais livres e as defesas antioxidantes (enzimas e moléculas não enzimáticas) é uma condição essencial para o funcionamento normal do organismo. Quando este equilíbrio tende para a produção de radicais livres dizemos que o organismo está em stress oxidativo, e nestas situações os radicais livres em excesso podem oxidar e danificar lípidos celulares, proteínas e DNA, inibindo a sua função normal e conduzindo a várias doenças. Em organismos aeróbios, os radicais livres são constantemente produzidos durante o funcionamento normal da célula, na maior parte sob a forma de espécies reactivas de oxigénio (ROS) e de nitrogénio (RNS). A exposição dos organismos a radicais livres, conduziu ao desenvolvimento de mecanismos de defesa endógenos para os eliminar. Estas defesas são a resposta da evolução à inevitabilidade da existência de ROS em condições aeróbias. Alguns produtos naturais com actividade antioxidante, podem auxiliar o sistema protector endógeno. Nesta perspectiva, os antioxidantes presentes na dieta assumem grande importância como possíveis agentes protectores, reduzindo os danos oxidativos. São aqui descritos alguns desses agentes antioxidantes, os fitoquímicos, compostos bioactivos provenientes de diferentes partes de plantas (sementes, cereais, vegetais, frutos, folhas, raízes, especiarias, ervas) envolvidos na redução do risco de doença, como o cancro. Foram já identificados mais de 5000 fitoquímicos, no entanto, grande parte destes compostos é ainda desconhecida, sendo a sua identificação essencial para a compreensão da sua contribuição na saúde, ao serem incluídos na dieta. Maintenance of equilibrium between free radical production and antioxidant defences (enzymatic and non enzymatic) is an essential condition for normal organism functioning. When this equilibrium has a tendency to the production of free radical we say that the organism is in oxidative stress. In this situation, excess free radicals may damage cellular lipids, proteins and DNA, inhibiting his normal function and leading to various diseases. In aerobic organisms, the free radicals are constantly being produced during the normal cellular functioning, mainly in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS). Exposition of the organism to free radicals has led to the development of endogenous defence mechanisms to eliminate them. These defences were the response of evolution to the inevitability of ROS production in aerobic conditions. Natural products with antioxidant activity may help the endogenous defence system. In this perspective the antioxidant present on the diet assume a major importance as possible protector agents reducing oxidative damage. Phytochemicals with antioxidant activity, obtained from different plant parts (seeds, cereals, vegetables, fruits, leaves, roots, spices, herbs), and involved in disease risk reduction are review. More than 5000 phytochemicals were already discovered, but most of these compounds remain yet to be discovered. Their identification and the study of their contribution to health is essential

Antioxidants in wild mushrooms

Maintenance of equilibrium between free radical production and antioxidant defences (enzymatic and non enzymatic) is an essential condition for normal organism functioning. When this equilibrium has a tendency for the production of free radicals we say that the organism is in oxidative stress. In this situation, excess free radicals may damage cellular lipids, proteins and DNA, affecting normal function and leading to various diseases. In aerobic organisms, the free radicals are constantly produced during the normal cellular metabolism, mainly in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS). Exposition of the organism to free radicals has led to the development of endogenous defence mechanisms to eliminate them. These defences were the response of evolution to the inevitability of ROS production in aerobic conditions. Natural products with antioxidant activity may help the endogenous defence system. In this perspective the antioxidants present in the diet assume a major importance as possible protector agents reducing oxidative damage. Particularly, the antioxidant properties of wild mushrooms have been extensively studied by our research group and by others, and many antioxidant compounds extracted from these sources have been identified, such as phenolic compounds, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. We will review the compounds identified so far in mushrooms, as well as the mechanism of action involved in their antioxidant properties. Wild mushrooms might be used directly in diet and promote health, taking advantage of the additive and synergistic effects of all the bioactive compounds present

Virtual ligand screening studies between mushroom compounds and proteins involved in breast cancer

Mushrooms are a vast and yet largely untapped source of powerful new pharmaceutical products. In particular, and most importantly for modern medicine, they represent an unlimited source of compounds with antitumor and immunostimulating properties [1]. Particularly, the intake of some wild mushrooms has shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in Chinese women [2]. A large number of LMW (low molecular weight) compounds have been "identified in wild mushrooms including phenolic acids, flavonoids, tocopherols, carotenoids, sugars and fatty acids [3]. In this study we used AutoDock 4 [4] to perform virtual ligand screening in order to evaluate which LMW compounds may be involved in the inhibition of the activity of proteins related to human breast cancer: aromatase (EC: 1.14.14.1), estrone sulfatase (EC: 3.1.6.2) and 17- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity (17~-HSD-1; EC:. 1.1.1.62) [5]. A representative dataset of 43 LMW compounds was selected and molecular docking was performed against the three protein targets. 4-0-caffeoylquinic, naringin and lycopene stand out as the top ranked potential inhibitors for aromatase, estrone sulfatase and 1 7~HSD1, respectively. The information provided shows several interesting starting points for further development of inhibitors of the studied proteins, as also for the development of nutraceuticals or functional foods

Using molecular docking to investigate the anti-breast cancer activity of low molecular weight compounds present on wild mushrooms.

Mushrooms represent an unlimited source of compounds with antitumor and immunostimulating properties and mushroom intake as been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. A large number of LMW (low molecular weight) compounds present in mushrooms have been identified including: phenolic acids, flavonoids, tocopherols, carotenoids, sugars and fatty acids. In order to evaluate which wild mushroom LMW compounds may be involved in anti-breast cancer activity we selected a representative dataset of 43 LMW compounds and performed molecular docking against 3 known protein targets involved in breast cancer (Aromatase, Estrone Sulfatase and 17β-HSD-1) using AutoDock4 as docking software. The estimated inhibition constants for all LMW compounds were determined and the potential structure-activity relationships for the compounds with the best estimated inhibition constants are discussed for each compound family. 4-O-caffeoylquinic, naringin and lycopene stand out as the top ranked potential inhibitors for Aromatase, Estrone Sulfatase and 17β-HSD1, respectively, and the 3-D docked conformation for these compounds are discussed in detail. This information provides several interesting starting points for further development of Aromatase, Estrone Sulfatase and 17β-HSD1 inhibitors

QCAR models to predict wild mushrooms radical scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition

Wild mushrooms have become attractive as a source of physiologically beneficial compounds including antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and tocopherols. The concentrations of antioxidant compounds (phenolics and α-tocopherol) and EC50 values of antioxidant activity (concentration required to achieve 50% of radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition, or 0.5 of absorbance in reducing power) were analyzed by partial least square (PLS) regression analysis. Three QCAR (Quantitative Composition-Activity Relationship) models were constructed and their robustness and predictability were verified by internal and external cross-validation methods. Antioxidant activity correlated well with phenolics and -tocopherol contents, the major antioxidants in wild mushrooms. The models proved to be useful tools in the prediction of mushrooms radical scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition

Valorização de cogumelos silvestres como alimentos funcionais: estudos de química computacional

As interacções intermoleculares desempenham um papel essencial nos diversos processos biológicos, sendo fundamental a compreensão destas interacções nos Sectores das Indústrias Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos Funcionais. Os cogumelos representam uma fonte ilimitada de compostos com propriedades antitumorais e imunoestimulantes, e o seu consumo foi já relacionado com a redução do risco de cancro da mama. No presente trabalho, foram desenvolvidos dois estudos in silico com o intuito de compreender algumas das interacções moleculares presentes em cogumelos e responsáveis pela sua bioactividade. A técnica dos Mínimos Quadrados Parciais foi utilizada para avaliar a relação entre o potencial antioxidante (efeitos bloqueadores de radicais livres e poder redutor) e a composição química de vinte e três amostras de dezassete espécies de cogumelos silvestres Portugueses. Estudaram-se vários parâmetros analíticos tais como cinzas, hidratos de carbono, proteínas, gorduras, ácidos gordos monoinsaturados, ácidos gordos polinsaturados, ácidos gordos saturados, fenóis, flavonóides, ácido ascórbico e β-caroteno, e os seus resultados foram analisados pela técnica anteriormente mencionada de forma a estabelecer correlações entre todos os parâmetros. A actividade antioxidante mostrou estar correlacionada com o teor em fenóis e flavonóides. Foi construído um modelo QCAR (Relações Quantitativas Composição – Actividade), cuja robustez e previsibilidade foram verificadas por métodos de validação cruzada internos e externos. Finalmente, este modelo provou ser uma ferramenta útil na previsão do poder redutor de cogumelos

QSAR model for predicting radical scavenging activity of di(hetero)arylamines derivatives of benzo[b]thiophenes

A QSAR study was developed in order to model the antioxidant activity, specifically the radical scavenger activity (RSA), of 26 di(hetero)arylamines’ derivatives of benzo[b]thiophenes. The QSAR model was constructed, using the partial least squares projection of latent structures (PLS) method, and its robustness and predictability were verified by internal and external cross-validation methods. A total of 4 molecular descriptors, belonging to RDF (Radial Distribution Function) descriptors (RDF020e and RDF045e) and 2D-autocorrelation descriptors (GATS8p and MATS5e) were selected to build the QSAR model. RDF descriptors seem to relate the presence of electronegative atoms at the inner atmosphere of the compounds to increase RSA. 2D-Autocorrelation descriptors associate the presence of polarizable and electronegative pairs of atoms, at specific topological distance, with the RSA of the compounds. Finally this QSAR model proved to be a useful tool in the prediction of radical scavenger activity of congeneric compounds and will be used to guide the synthesis of new diarylamines in our laboratory

QSAR studies on di(hetero)arylamines derivatives of benzo[b]thiophenes as free radical scavengers

Synthetic antioxidants are widely used in food industry y, but because of toxic and carcinogenic effects revealed by some compounds such as BHA and BHT, their use is being restricted. The pursuit for novel compounds with antioxidant properties gained higher significance, since these compounds may contribute for the prevention of diseases in which free radicals are implicated