Targeting Bacterial RNA Polymerase: Harnessing Simulations and Machine Learning to Design Inhibitors for Drug-Resistant Pathogens
Biochemistry,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 27, 2025
The
increase
in
antimicrobial
resistance
presents
a
major
challenge
treating
bacterial
infections,
underscoring
the
need
for
innovative
drug
discovery
approaches
and
novel
inhibitors.
Bacterial
RNA
polymerase
(RNAP)
has
emerged
as
crucial
target
antibiotic
development
due
to
its
essential
role
transcription.
RNAP
is
molecular
motor,
function
relies
heavily
on
dynamic
shifts
between
multiple
conformational
states.
While
biochemical
structural
experimental
methods
offer
insights
into
static
RNAP-drug
interactions,
they
fall
short
capturing
dynamics
at
level.
By
integrating
data
with
advanced
computational
techniques
like
Markov
State
Models
(MSMs),
Generalized
Master
Equation
(GME)
other
machine-learning
models
constructed
from
(MD)
simulations,
researchers
can
elucidate
cryptic
pockets
that
open
transiently
compounds
gain
more
nuanced
comprehensive
understanding
of
interactions.
This
integrated
approach
not
only
deepens
our
fundamental
knowledge
but
also
enables
targeted
efficient
design
strategies.
In
this
Perspective,
we
highlight
how
synergy
potential
new
pathways
combination
therapies
may
help
turn
tide
ongoing
battle
against
antibiotic-resistant
bacteria.
Language: Английский
Therapeutic Approaches for COVID-19: A Review of Antiviral Treatments, Immunotherapies, and Emerging Interventions
Advances in Therapy,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: May 8, 2025
The
coronavirus
disease
2019
(COVID-19)
global
health
crisis,
caused
by
the
severe
acute
respiratory
syndrome
2
(SARS-CoV-2),
has
presented
unprecedented
challenges
to
healthcare
systems,
leading
rapid
advances
in
treatment
development.
This
review
comprehensively
examines
current
therapeutic
approaches
for
managing
COVID-19,
including
direct-acting
antivirals,
immunomodulators,
anticoagulants,
and
adjuvant
therapies,
as
well
emerging
experimental
approaches.
Direct-acting
antivirals
target
various
stages
of
viral
life
cycle,
offering
specific
intervention
points,
while
immunomodulators
aim
modulate
host's
immune
response,
reducing
severity.
Anticoagulant
therapies
address
coagulopathy
frequently
observed
cases,
treatments
provide
supportive
care
improve
overall
outcomes.
We
also
explore
limitations
implementing
these
treatments,
such
drug
resistance,
variable
patient
responses,
access
especially
resource-limited
settings.
discusses
future
perspectives,
potential
next-generation
vaccines,
personalized
medicine,
collaboration
shaping
COVID-19
paradigms.
Continuous
innovation,
combined
with
an
integrated
adaptable
approach,
will
be
crucial
effectively
mitigating
impact
pandemics.
Language: Английский
Understanding the Fast-Triggering Unfolding Dynamics of FK-11 upon Photoexcitation of Azobenzene
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
15(13), P. 3531 - 3540
Published: March 25, 2024
Photoswitchable
molecules
can
control
the
activity
and
functions
of
biomolecules
by
triggering
conformational
changes.
However,
it
is
still
challenging
to
fully
understand
such
fast-triggering
evolution
from
nonequilibrium
equilibrium
distribution
at
molecular
level.
Herein,
we
successfully
simulated
unfolding
FK-11
peptide
upon
photoinduced
trans-to-cis
isomerization
azobenzene
based
on
Markov
state
model.
We
found
that
ensemble
contains
five
states,
constituting
two
pathways.
More
intriguingly,
observed
microsecond-scale
propagation
folded
populations
states.
The
computed
CD
spectra
match
well
with
experimental
data,
validating
our
simulation
method.
Overall,
study
not
only
offers
a
protocol
photoisomerization-induced
changes
enzymes
but
also
could
orientate
rational
design
photoswitchable
molecule
manipulate
biological
functions.
Language: Английский
Characterization of the Conformational Hotspots of the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Complex Identifies a Unique Structural Malleability of nsp8
Sowmomita Gharui,
No information about this author
Durba Sengupta,
No information about this author
Atanu Das
No information about this author
et al.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry B,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Oct. 2, 2024
Several
antiviral
therapeutic
approaches
have
been
targeted
toward
the
RNA-dependent
RNA
polymerase
(RdRp)
complex
that
is
involved
in
viral
genome
replication.
In
SARS-CoV-2,
although
RdRp
a
multiprotein
complex,
focus
has
on
ligand
binding
catalytic
core
(nonstructural
protein
nsp12),
and
not
functional
dynamics.
this
study,
we
conformational
ensembles
of
their
modulation
by
presence
RNA,
performing
comprehensive
microsecond-scale
atomistic
simulations
apo-
RNA-bound
complex.
We
delineate
differential
impact
constituent
proteins,
such
as
polymorphisms,
dominant
segment-specific
fluctuations,
switch
dynamical
crosstalk
within
distinguish
signatures
nsp7,
nsp8,
nsp12
apo-state
are
reduced
appear
to
"prime"
for
activity.
Importantly,
identify
unique
structural
malleability
nsp8
with
high
heterogeneity
apo
state,
especially
at
three
sites
(Y71
nsp8A,
D52
A66
nsp8B).
Our
work
highlights
implications
polymorphism
structures
reveals
possibilities
development
allosteric
inhibitors.
Language: Английский