Molecular modelling studies of new potential human DNA polymerase alpha alpha inhibitors

Author(s)
Barbara Zdrazil, Anja Schwanke, Birte Schmitz, Monika Schäfer-Korting, Hans-Dieter Höltje
Abstract

The human polymerase alpha alpha (pol alpha alpha) is a promising target for the therapy of cancer e.g. of the skin. The authors recently built a homology model of the active site of human DNA pol alpha alpha. This 3D model was now used for molecular modelling studies with eight novel analogues of 2-butylanilino-dATP, which is a highly selective nucleoside inhibitor of mammalian pol alpha alpha. Our results suggest that a higher hydrophobicity of a carbohydrate side chain (pointing into a spacious hydrophobic cavity) may enhance the strength of the interaction with the target protein. Moreover, acyclic acyclovir-like derivatives outperformed those with a sugar-moiety, indicating that structural flexibility and higher conformational adaptability has a positive effect on the receptor affinity. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed our theoretical findings. Besides, one of our most promising compounds in the molecular modelling studies revealed high selectivity for the SCC-25 cell line derived from squamous cell carcinoma in man.

Organisation(s)
External organisation(s)
Freie Universität Berlin (FU), Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Journal
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry
Volume
26
Pages
270-279
No. of pages
10
ISSN
1475-6366
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3109/14756366.2010.503609
Publication date
2011
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
301209 Pharmacy
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/molecular-modelling-studies-of-new-potential-human-dna-polymerase-alpha-alpha-inhibitors(fc7dcf65-14b5-45df-9ced-8bacde6f28f3).html