Browsing by Author "Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan"

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1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) as privileged scaffold for anticancer de novo drug design
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-04) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Cancer is a dreadful disorder that is emerging as one of the leading causes of mortality across the globe. The complex tumor environment, supplemented with drawbacks of the existing drugs, has made it a global health concern. The Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) ring holds an important position in medicinal chemistry due to its wide range of pharmacological properties. Several THIQ based natural products have been previously explored for their antitumor properties, making it a vital scaffold for anticancer drug design.
2-Amino Thiazole Derivatives as Prospective Aurora Kinase Inhibitors against Breast Cancer: QSAR, ADMET Prediction, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamic Simulation Studies
(ACS, 2023-11) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
The aurora kinase is a key enzyme that is implicated in tumor growth. Research revealed that small molecules that target aurora kinase have beneficial effects as anticancer agents. In the present study, in order to identify potential antibreast cancer agents with aurora kinase inhibitory activity, we employed QSARINS software to perform the quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR). The statistical values resulted from the study include R2 = 0.8902, CCCtr = 0.7580, Q2 LOO = 0.7875, Q2LMO = 0.7624, CCCcv = 0.7535, R2ext = 0.8735, and CCCext = 0.8783. Among the four generated models, the two best models encompass five important variables, including PSA, EstateVSA5, MoRSEP3, MATSp5, and RDFC24. The parameters including the atomic volume, atomic charges, and Sanderson’s electronegativity played an important role in designing newer lead compounds. Based on the above data, we have designed six series of compounds including 1a–e, 2a–e, 3a–e, 4a–e, 5a–e, and 6a–e. All these compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies by using AutoDock v4.2.6 against the aurora kinase protein (1MQ4). Among the above 30 compounds, the 2-amino thiazole derivatives 1a, 2a, 3e, 4d, 5d, and 6d have excellent binding interactions with the active site of 1MQ4. Compound 1a had the highest docking score (−9.67) and hence was additionally subjected to molecular dynamic simulation investigations for 100 ns. The stable binding of compound 1a with 1MQ4 was verified by RMSD, RMSF, RoG, H-bond, molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA), free binding energy calculations, and solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) analyses. Furthermore, newly designed compound 1a exhibited excellent ADMET properties. Based on the above findings, we propose that the designed compound 1a may be utilized as the best theoretical lead for future experimental research of selective inhibition of aurora kinase, therefore assisting in the creation of new antibreast cancer drugs.
Advances in the synthesis of diarylpyrimidine as potent non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: biological activities, molecular docking studies and structure-activity relationship: a critical review
(Bentham Science, 2023-04) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an ailment that is caused primarily by the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the main agent responsible for this deadly disease. Of all the different inhibitors employed to curtail the menace caused by this deadly virus, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have been cutting edge in the fight against AIDS. Over the past few years, the diaryl pyrimidine family and its derivatives have shown promising NNRTI properties attributed to their characteristic flexibility, targeting of conserved residues of reverse transcriptase, positional adaptability and, importantly, the formation of hydrogen bonds, which altogether led to the generation of secondgeneration NNRTIs. This breakthrough in the DAPY derivatives led to the development of TMC278 (rilpivirine) and TMC125 (etravirine), the two most recently approved NNRTIs by the FDA because of their low cytotoxicity, superior activities against mutant strains and WT HIV-1, excellent potency and high specificity. However, new challenges loom on the DAPY derivatives: the disappointing pharmacokinetic properties and accelerated emergence of resistance (particularly, K1013N and Y181C mutations, which are the two most important HIV-1 mutations that persist in most of the FDA-approved regimens), which implores further research to develop novel HIV-1 NNRTIs. In this review, we detail the reported different synthetic pathways for diaryl pyrimidine modification from published articles from 2010 to 2022, their biological activities, in addition to molecular docking studies and structure-activity relationships to uncover the possible molecular contributions that improved or reduced the NNRTIs properties. In a nutshell, the research findings provide valuable insights into the various modifications of the DAPY derivatives to develop novel NNRTIs.
Biological evaluation and structure activity relationship of 9-methyl-1-phenyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole derivatives as anti-leishmanial agents
(Elsiever, 2019) Jha, Prabhat N.; Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
A series of piperazinyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed through a molecular hybridization approach. Designed analogues were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani. In L. infantum inhibition assay, compounds 7d, 7g and 7c displayed potent inhibition of promastigotes (EC50 1.59, 1.47 and 3.73 µM respectively) and amastigotes (EC50 1.4, 1.9 and 2.6 µM respectively). SAR studies revealed that, para substitution of methoxy, chloro groups and methyl group on ortho position favored anti-leishmanial activity against L. infantum. Among these analogues 7d, 7h, 7n and 7g exhibited potent inhibition against L. donovani promastigotes (EC50 0.91, 4.0, 4.57 and 5.02 µM respectively), axenic amastigotes (EC50 0.9, 3.5, 2.2 and 3.8 µM respectively) and intracellular amastigotes (EC50 1.3, 7.8, 5.6 and 6.3 µM respectively). SAR studies suggested that, para substitution of methoxy group, para and meta substitution of chloro groups and benzyl replacement recommended for significant anti-leishmanial against L. donovani.
Computational screening of some phytochemicals to identify best modulators for ligand binding domain of estrogen receptor alpha
(Bentham Science, 2024-06) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
The peculiar aim of this study is to discover and identify the most effective and potential inhibitors against the most influential target ERα receptor by in silico studies of 45 phytochemicals from six diverse ayurvedic medicinal plants. Methods: The molecular docking investigation was carried out by the genetic algorithm program of AutoDock Vina. The molecular dynamic (MD) simulation investigations were conducted using the Desmond tool of Schrödinger molecular modelling. This study identified the top ten highest binding energy phytochemicals that were taken for drug-likeness test and ADMET profile prediction with the help of the web-based server QikpropADME. Results: Molecular docking study revealed that ellagic acid (-9.3 kcal/mol), emodin (-9.1 kcal/mol), rhein (-9.1 kcal/mol), andquercetin (-9.0 kcal/mol) phytochemicals showed similar binding affinity as standard tamoxifen towards the target protein ERα. MD studies showed that all four compounds possess comparatively stable ligand-protein complexes with ERα target compared to the tamoxifen-ERα complex. Among the four compounds, phytochemical rhein formed a more stable complex than standard tamoxifen. ADMET studies for the top ten highest binding energy phytochemicals showed a better safety profile. Conclusion: Additionally, these compounds are being reported for the first time in this study as possible inhibitors of ERα for treating breast cancer, according to the notion of drug repurposing. Hence, these phytochemicals can be further studied and used as a parent core molecule to develop innovative lead molecules for breast cancer therapy.
Computational search for potential covid-19 drugs from ayurvedic medicinal plants to identify potential inhibitors against sars-cov-2 targets
(Bentham Science, 2023-02) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
To date, very few small drug molecules are used for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has been discovered since the epidemic commenced in November 2019. SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and spike protein are essential targets for drug development amidst whole variants of coronaviruses. Objective: This study aims to discover and recognize the most effective and promising small molecules against SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and spike protein targets through molecular docking screening of 39 phytochemicals from five different Ayurveda medicinal plants. Methods: The phytochemicals were downloaded from PubChem, and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and spike protein were taken from the protein data bank. The molecular interactions, binding energy, and ADMET properties were analyzed. Results: Molecular docking analysis identified some phytochemicals, oleanolic acid, friedelin, serratagenic acid, uncinatone, clemaphenol A, sennosides B, trilobine and isotrilobine from ayurvedic medicinal plants possessing greater affinity against SARS-CoV-2-RdRp and spike protein targets. Two molecules, namely oleanolic acid and sennosides B, with low binding energies, were the most promising. Furthermore, based on the docking score, we carried out MD simulations for the oleanolic acid and sennosides B-protein complexes. Conclusion: Molecular ADMET profile estimation showed that the docked phytochemicals were safe. The present study suggested that active phytochemicals from medicinal plants could inhibit RdRp and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Coumarin-Oxadiazole Derivatives: Synthesis and Pharmacological Properties
(Bentham Science, 2020) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Coumarin and oxadiazole moieties ubiquitously occur in a wide range of natural products and are valued for their varied and beneficial pharmacological activities. Herein, this review focuses on various documented techniques used by researchers to synthesize an assortment of biologically active coumarin-oxadiazole scaffolds. Also, the common techniques discussed are used to establish the wide-range of biological activities of the synthesized coumarin and oxadiozole derivatives, including; antioxidant, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, anti-tuberculosis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and anticonvulsant. Additionally, the current, well-established drugs synthesized using coumarin-oxadiazole scaffolds are typically dispensed in regular clinical practice are also highlighted in this review paper.
CoviRx: A User-Friendly Interface for Systematic Down-Selection of Repurposed Drug Candidates for COVID-19
(MDPI, 2022-11) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Although various vaccines are now commercially available, they have not been able to stop the spread of COVID-19 infection completely. An excellent strategy to get safe, effective, and affordable COVID-19 treatments quickly is to repurpose drugs that are already approved for other diseases. The process of developing an accurate and standardized drug repurposing dataset requires considerable resources and expertise due to numerous commercially available drugs that could be potentially used to address the SARS-CoV-2 infection. To address this bottleneck, we created the CoviRx.org platform. CoviRx is a user-friendly interface that allows analysis and filtering of large quantities of data, which is onerous to curate manually for COVID-19 drug repurposing. Through CoviRx, the curated data have been made open source to help combat the ongoing pandemic and encourage users to submit their findings on the drugs they have evaluated, in a uniform format that can be validated and checked for integrity by authenticated volunteers. This article discusses the various features of CoviRx, its design principles, and how its functionality is independent of the data it displays. Thus, in the future, this platform can be extended to include any other disease beyond COVID-19.
Decentralized control of ideal ternary reactive distillation column with inert
(Elsevier, 2024-11) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Decentralized control of an ideal hypothetical ternary reactive distillation column with an inert component is explored. Both composition measurement based and temperature inferential control structures are designed using simple heuristic approaches (two and three-point). The three-point composition control structure is proposed for the example RD column for the first time in this work. Although stable closed loop responses are seen for the throughput changes for all, the two-point structures have failed to achieve tight control of the product purity in the bottoms or purity of inert in the distillate for the inert composition changes due to fixed reflux ratio. The performances of the three-point control structures for the inert composition changes are quite satisfactory due to the indirect manipulation of the reflux ratio. The independent manipulation of the reflux rate and distillate (instead of fixed reflux ratio policy) is an important control decision for the successful regulation of the example RD column.
Design and study of novel chromone and thiochromone derivatives as PfLDH inhibitors — computational approach
(Springer, 2022-06) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Malaria is one of the most neglected diseases in the South African countries, which leads to many deaths each year and the currently available drugs in the market are day-by-day acquiring resistance towards the plasmodium parasite. Hence, there is an immense need that arises to search for novel molecules to treat malaria. The Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) has been elected as the molecular target to check the binding affinity of the titled chromone and the thiochromone disubstituted analogous compounds. The molecular docking studies were done, which gave rise to the top two compounds (compounds 318 and 159), which were further subjected to in silico ADMET prediction and molecular dynamics study to observe the molecule’s behavior. The in silico-predicted SAR was derived for the designed compounds based on their predicted inhibitory constants. The output of the study reveals that the chromone and thiochromone analogs may emerge as potential agents against malaria and further studies need to be performed.
Design, in silico modeling, biodistribution study of rutin and quercetin loaded stable human hair keratin nanoparticles intended for anticancer drug delivery
(IOP, 2018) Chowdhury, Rajdeep; Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Current drug development using functional polymers is one of the major tasks for enhancing effectiveness and reducing the side effects in cancer therapeutics. To achieve this immense goal, human hair keratin and model drugs rutin-quercetin (Ru-Qr) were chosen to formulate nanoparticles (NPs). Drug delivery is a core path to produce significant biological activity, and in this connection, the current study was designed to produce highly stable Ru-Qr NPs and their characterization such as the encapsulation of Ru-Qr, the nature, molecular shape, particle size, stability and polydispersity index by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Zetasizer analyzer. Based on a literature report, the drug targets 521P and 5P21 were chosen to perform in silico study. The observed in silico study reports showed the strong interaction of NPs and binding pockets of H-Ras P21 proto-oncogene. In this respect, the importance of NPs prompted us to study the biodistribution and in vitro anticancer activity by using cancer cell lines. The investigation of biodistribution showed that it penetrated after 3 d of injection, up to 14% in the liver, 18% in the kidneys, 8% in the spleen, 3% in the heart and 0% in the brain. At 50 μg ml−1 concentration, the NPs displayed 78.02% viability in the normal liver cell line and 95.60% cytotoxicity in the HeLa cell line. The obtained results showed the active NPs enhancing controlled, site-specific drug delivery and they can serve as a novel nanodrug in the management of cancer.
Design, synthesis and anti-mycobacterial evaluation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine analogues
(RSC, 2022) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Based on the molecular hybridization strategy, thirty-four imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine amides (IPAs) and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine sulfonamides (IPSs) were designed and synthesized. The structures of the target compounds were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LCMS, and elemental analyses. The synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for anti-tubercular activity using the microplate Alamar Blue assay against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain and the MIC was determined. The evaluated compounds exhibited MIC in the range 0.05–≤100 μg mL−1. Among these derivatives, IPA-6 (MIC 0.05 μg mL−1), IPA-9 (MIC 0.4 μg mL−1), and IPS-1 (MIC 0.4 μg mL−1) displayed excellent anti-TB activity, whereas compounds IPA-5, IPA-7 and IPS-16 showed good anti-TB activity (MIC 0.8–3.12 μg mL−1). The most active compounds with MIC of <3.125 μg mL−1 were screened against human embryonic kidney cells to check their cytotoxicity to normal cells. It was observed that these compounds were nontoxic (SI value ≥66). The ADMET characteristics of the final compounds were also predicted in silico. Further, using the Glide module of Schrodinger software, a molecular docking study of IPA-6 was carried out to estimate the binding pattern at the active site of enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PDB 4TZK). Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for 100 ns to elucidate the stability, conformation, and intermolecular interactions of the co-crystal ligand and significantly active compound IPA-6 on the selected target protein. IPA-6, the most active compound, was found to be 125 times more potent than the standard drug ethambutol (MIC 6.25 μg mL−1).
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,2,3-triazole based 2-aminobenzimidazoles as novel inhibitors of LasR dependent quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(RSC, 2019) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Bacteria regulate their phenotype, growth and population via a signalling pathway known as quorum sensing. In this process, bacteria produce signalling molecules (autoinducers) to recognize their population density. Inhibiting this quorum sensing signalling pathway is one of the potential methods to treat bacterial infection. 2-Aminobenimdazoles are reported to be the strongest inhibitors of quorum sensing against wild-type P. aeruginosa. 1,2,3-Triazole based acyl homoserine lactones are found to be good inhibitors of the quorum sensing LasR receptor. Hence, in our current study, forty 1,2,3-triazole based 2-aminobenzimdazoles were synthesized and characterized using IR, NMR, MS and elemental analysis. A single crystal was developed for N-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-(4-nonyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)acetamide (6d). All final compounds were screened for in vitro quorum sensing inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The quorum sensing inhibitory activity was determined in the LasR expressing P. aeruginosa MH602 reporter strain by measuring green fluorescent protein production. Among the title compounds, N-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-(4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)acetamide (6i) exhibited good quorum sensing inhibitory activity of 64.99% at 250 μM. N-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-(4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)acetamide (6p) exhibited the most promising quorum sensing inhibitory activity with 68.23, 67.10 and 63.67% inhibition at 250, 125 and 62.5 μM, respectively. N-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)acetamide (6o) and N-(5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)acetamide (7l) also exhibited 64.25% and 65.80% quorum sensing inhibition at 250 μM. Compound 6p, the most active quorum sensing inhibitor, also displayed low cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations (25, 50 and 100 μM) against normal human embryonic kidney cell lines. Finally, a docking study using Schrodinger Glide elucidated the possible putative binding mode of the significantly active compound 6p at the active site of the target LasR receptor (PDB ID: 2UV0).
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel oxindole analogs as antitubercular agents
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-08) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
We synthesized the derivatives, confirmed their structures by 1H/13C NMR and mass spectrometry, and evaluated them for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain using the microplate alamarBlue™ assay. Results: Among all the synthesized derivatives, OXN-1, -3 and -7 exhibited excellent antitubercular activity (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]: 0.78 μg/ml). Compounds with a MIC ≤1.56 were tested for cytotoxicity against human embryonic kidney cells and were found to be relatively nontoxic. Molecular docking analysis of OXN-1, -3 and -7 was performed to determine their binding patterns at the active site of DNA topoisomerase II (PDB-5BS8). In drug combination studies, OXN-1, 3 and 7 showed synergism with isoniazid. Conclusion: The obtained results reveal that oxindole derivatives exhibit potent antitubercular activity.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrido-[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-2-amine analogues as antimycobacterial agents
(Elsevier, 2024-05) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Thirty-eight novel Pyrido-[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-2-amine derivatives (P1-P38) were designed, synthesized, and their structures confirmed using analytical techniques viz., 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA), the final derivatives, P1-P38, were tested for their anti-mycobacterial activity against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv strain. Amongst all the assessed compounds, P35 displayed significant inhibition with MIC 7.18 μg/mL. The remaining compounds exhibited MIC from 18.11 to >100 μg/mL. The potent compounds with MIC 〈 40.96 μg/mL, were evaluated for toxicity on HEK293T a normal human embryonic kidney cell line. The most active compound P35 exhibited a selectivity index 〉 20, proving its selective behavior towards Mtb H37Rv strain than human cells. To further evaluate the binding pattern in the active site of Thymidylate Kinase (TMPK) from Mtb (PDB-1G3U), a molecular docking analysis of compound P35 was performed using the glide module of Schrodinger software. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for 100 ns in order to elucidate the stability, confirmation, and intermolecular interactions of the co-crystal ligand and significantly active compound P35 on the selected target protein.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of phenanthridine amide and 1,2,3-triazole analogues against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(RSC, 2023) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
The phenanthridine core exhibits antitubercular activity, according to reports from the literature. Several 1,2,3-triazole-based heterocyclic compounds are well-known antitubercular agents. A series of twenty-five phenanthridine amide and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives are synthesized and analyzed using ESI-MS, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR on the basis of our earlier findings that phenanthridine and 1,2,3-triazoles shown good antitubercular activity. The synthesized phenanthridine amide and 1,2,3-triazole analogues were tested in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined utilizing non-replicating and replicating low-oxygen recovery assay (LORA) and microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA) methodologies. The phenanthridine amide derivative PA-01 had an MIC of 61.31 μM in MABA and 62.09 μM in the LORA technique, showing intense anti-TB activity. Amongst the phenanthridine triazole derivatives, PT-09, with MICs of 41.47 and 78.75 μM against the tested strain of Mtb in both MABA and LORA was the most active one. The final analogues' drug-likeness is predicted using absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies. The most active compounds PA-01 and PT-09 were further subjected to in silico docking studies. Using the Glide module of Schrodinger, molecular docking analysis was carried out to estimate the plausible binding pattern of PA-01 and PT-09 at the active site of Mycobacterial DNA topoisomerase II (PDB code: 5BS8). Further, molecular dynamics studies of PA-01 and PT-09 were also carried out.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel phenanthridine triazole analogs as potential antileishmanial agents
(Future Science Group, 2022-06) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
To synthesize and screen phenanthridine and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives for antileishmanial activity. Methodology: Synthesized analogs were tested for antileishmanial activity against transgenic strain of Leishmania infantum promastigotes and ex vivo infections. Results: Compounds T01, T08 and T11 revealed significant activity with EC50 <30 μm and lacked toxicity in mouse spleen and HepG2 cells. T01 with EC50 3.07 μm is fourfold more potent than the drug miltefosine (EC50 12.6 μM) against L. infantum promastigotes. In silico studies indicate that the analogs are nontoxic. A molecular docking analysis was also carried out on the T01 and T08 to investigate the binding pattern at the active site of the chosen target trypanothione reductase. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that phenanthridine triazoles exhibit antileishmanial activity.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel β-carboline ester analogues as potential anti-leishmanial agents
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-09) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Leishmaniasis is one of today's most neglected diseases. The emergence of new anti-leishmanial therapies emphasizes several study groups funded by the World Health Organization. The present investigation will focus on the research to determine a few new potential derivatives of β-carboline ester derivatives against leishmaniasis. The in-silico predicted ADMET properties of most of the titled compounds are in an acceptable range and having drug like properties. Among all the tested analogs, compound ES-3 (EC50 3.36 μM; SI > 29.80) showed comparable and equipotent anti-leishmanial activity as that of standard drug miltefosine (EC50 4.80 μM; SI > 20.80) against amastigote forms of the tested L. infantum strain. Two compounds ES-6 and ES-10 exhibited significant activity with EC50 10.16, 13.56 μM; SI > 4.90, 7.37, respectively. In-silico based molecular docking and dynamics study of the significantly active analog also performed to study the putative binding mode, interaction pattern at the active site of the target leishmanial trypanothione reductase enzyme as well as stability of the target-ligand complex. The changes in the conformation of molecules during MD (frame wise trajectory analysis) provided new insights for the development of novel potent molecules. These findings will further give insight that will help modify the compound ES-3 for better potency and the design of novel inhibitors for leishmaniasis.
Design, synthesis and structure–activity relationship studies of novel spirochromanone hydrochloride analogs as anticancer agents
(Future Science Group, 2022-01) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Literature reports suggest spirochromanone derivatives exhibit anticancer activity. Methodology: The authors designed and synthesized 18 spirochromanone derivatives (Csp 1–18). The compounds were characterized and evaluated for anticancer activity against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and murine melanoma (B16F10) cell lines. Results: The anticancer activity ranged from 4.34 to 29.31 μm. The most potent compounds, Csp 12 and Csp 18, were less toxic against the human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell line and ∼ two/∼fourfold selective toward MCF-7 than B16F10 in comparison to the reference, BG-45. Csp 12 caused 28.6% total apoptosis, leading to significant cytotoxicity, and arrested the G2 phase of the cell cycle in B16F10 cells. A molecular docking study of Csp 12 exhibited effective binding at the active site of the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase domain. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of spirochromanones as anticancer agents.
Design, synthesis, and anti-mycobacterial evaluation of 1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile analogues
(RSC, 2024-07) Murugesan, Sankaranarayanan
Twenty-eight compounds, viz., 1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile (ANC and ANA) derivatives, were designed and synthesized through a molecular hybridization approach. The structures of these compounds were analyzed and confirmed using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LCMS, and elemental analyses. The synthesized compounds were evaluated by in vitro testing for their effectiveness against tuberculosis using the MABA assay, targeting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined, showing that the tested compounds' MIC values ranged from 6.25 to ≤50 μg mL−1. Among the derivatives studied, ANA-12 demonstrated prominent anti-tuberculosis activity with a MIC of 6.25 μg mL−1. Compounds ANC-2, ANA-1, ANA 6–8, and ANA-10 displayed moderate to good anti-tuberculosis activity with MIC values of 12.5 μg mL−1. Compounds with MIC ≤ 12.5 μg mL−1 were screened against human embryonic kidney cells to assess their potential cytotoxicity. Interestingly, these compounds showed less toxicity towards normal cells, with a selectivity index value ≥ 11. To further evaluate the binding pattern in the active site of enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) from Mtb (PDB-4TZK), a molecular docking analysis of compound ANA-12 was performed using the glide module of Schrodinger software. The stability, confirmation, and intermolecular interactions of the cocrystal ligand and the highly active compound ANA-12 on the chosen target protein were investigated through molecular dynamics simulations lasting 100 ns. In silico predictions were utilized to assess the ADMET properties of the final compounds. A suitable single crystal was developed and analyzed for compound ANA-5 to gain a deeper understanding of the compounds' structures.