Title:Computational Exploration of Anti-Cancer Potential of GUAIANE Dimers from Xylopia
vielana by Targeting B-Raf Kinase Using Chemo-Informatics, Molecular Docking,
and MD Simulation Studies
Volume: 22
Issue: 4
Author(s): Syed Shams ul Hassan, Syed Qamar Abbas, Mubashir Hassan and Hui-Zi Jin*
Affiliation:
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai
200240, PR China
Keywords:
Xylopia vielana, B-Raf kinase, melanoma, molecular docking, ADMET, MD simulations.
Abstract: Background: Natural products from herbs are abundant and display powerful anti-cancer activities.
Objectives: In the current study, B-Raf kinase protein (PDB: 3OG7), a potent target for melanoma, was tested against
two guaiane-type sesquiterpene dimers, xylopin E-F, obtained from Xylopia vielana.
Methods: In this work, a systematic in silico study using ADMET analysis, bioactivity score forecasts, and molecular
docking along with its simulations was conducted to understand compounds’ pharmacological properties.
Results: During ADMET predictions of both the compounds, xylopin E-F displayed a safer profile in hepatotoxicity
and cytochrome inhibition, and only xylopin F was shown to be non-cardiotoxic compared to the FDA-approved drug
vemurafenib. Both the compounds were proceeded to molecular docking experiments using Autodock docking software,
and both the compounds, xylopin E-F, displayed higher binding potential with -11.5Kcal/mol energy compared
to control vemurafenib (-10.2 Kcal/mol). All the compounds were further evaluated for their MD simulations, and their
molecular interactions with the B-Raf kinase complex displayed precise interactions with the active gorge of the enzyme
by hydrogen bonding.
Conclusion: Overall, xylopin F had a better profile relative to xylopin E and vemurafenib, and these findings indicated
that this bio-molecule could be used as an anti-melanoma agent and as a possible anti-cancer drug in the future. Therefore,
this is a systematically optimized in silico approach for creating an anti-cancer pathway for guaiane dimers
against the backdrop of its potential for future drug development.