| خلاصه مقاله | More than half of cancers bear TP53 mutations, that drive tumorigenesis and progression
through having gain-of-function effects [1]. Despite p53 variants are considered as 'undruggable'
targets, efforts have been made in p53-targeted therapies, but challenges remain in clinical development.
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a rapidly evolving technology which target undruggable
proteins through inducing their degradation. PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules that consist of
a ligand for the target protein, a ligand for the E3 ubiquitin ligase, and a linker connecting the two ends
[2]. Herein, we used structure-based virtual screening and dynamic simulations to design a PROTAC
system that targets a specific mutated form of the p53 protein known as p53(Y220C). By using
molecular docking technology, we virtually screened a large number of peptides to identify those that
have a high affinity for the target protein. This screening process involves predicting the binding
interactions (and energies) between the peptides and the target protein based on their structural
compatibility. To build our PROTAC system, we used previously used E3 ubiquitin ligase binder and
linkers with our candidate peptide. The final construct evaluated for its stability efficacy and safety
through 100ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and based on GROMOS96 54a7 force field for
understanding atomic level motion and interactions of the PROTAC-based designed peptide in complex
with TP53. The analyses of RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation), RMSF (Root Mean Square
Fluctuation), radius of gyration, and hydrogen bond formation indicate that the designed lead PROTACs
exhibit stable interactions throughout the simulation period. The subsequent breakdown of the
p53(Y220C) mutant via the PROTAC system may aid in restoring or stabilizing the typical structure of
the p53 protein, thereby presenting a potentially innovative therapeutic approach for combating cancer.
However, further in vitro and in vivo studies needed to ensure its effectiveness and safety. |