| MDM2 and MDMX are known as overexpressed oncoproteins in several wild-type p53 cancer cells.
The development of potent and dual antagonist peptides for p53-MDM2/X is a continuous challenge.
In this study, we intended to investigate the pivotal structural points respecting the development
of potent and dual inhibitors of MDM2/X. Correspondingly, MD simulation was performed on the
experimentally confirmed peptides, comprising p53, pDI, pDIQ, PMI, and computationally screened
mutant pDI and pDIQ. A follow-up secondary structure analysis showed the last three C-terminal
residues provide the helicity reservation of peptides bound to MDM2/X. Furthermore, a delicate
residue-residue examination displayed Met 11 and Ser12 in the modified peptides contribute
significantly to dual inhibition of MDM2/X. Additionally, the peptides_MDM2/X complexes’ ΔGbinding
extracted by the umbrella sampling method were in agreement with the pattern of their experimental
affinity values. It was concluded the screened pDI mutants were considered as suitable anti-MDM2/X
peptides, and the data obtained could be exploited as the theoretical structure-based guide for
rational peptide design. Taking account of results, the suitable C-terminal residues of p53-based
peptides especially Met11, and Ser12, as well as higher umbrella sampling, generated ΔGbinding to
MDM2/X would be considered as the positive structural markers of a promising anti-cancer agent. |