Data mining and molecular dynamics analysis to detect HIV-1 reverse transcriptase RNase H activity inhibitor

Abdul Ghafoor N., Kırboğa K. K., Baysal Ö., Süzek B. E., Silme R. S.

MOLECULAR DIVERSITY, cilt.1, ss.1-20, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11030-023-10707-6
  • Dergi Adı: MOLECULAR DIVERSITY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-20
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

HIV-1 is a deadly virus that afects millions of people worldwide. In this study, we aimed to inhibit viral replication by targeting one of the HIV-1 proteins and identifying a new drug candidate. We used data mining and molecular dynamics methods on HIV-1 genomes. Based on MAUVE analysis, we selected the RNase H activity of the reverse transcriptase (R.T) enzyme as a potential target due to its low mutation rate and high conservation level. We screened about 94,000 small molecule inhibitors by virtual screening. We validated the hit compounds' stability and binding free energy through molecular dynamics simulations and MM/PBSA. Phomoarcherin B, known for its anticancer properties, emerged as the best candidate and showed potential as an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase RNase H activity inhibitor. This study presents a new target and drug candidate for HIV-1 treatment. However, in vitro and in vivo tests are required. Also, the efect of RNase H activity on viral replication and the interaction of Phomoarcherin B with other HIV-1 proteins should be investigated.