Affiliation:
1. Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
Abstract
Background:
The difficulty in druggability of K-Ras variant has presented a challenge in the
treatment of cancer diseases associated with its dysfunctionality. Despite the identification of different binding
sites, limited information exists in the literature about their characteristics. Therefore, identification, crossvalidation
and characterization of its druggable sites would aid the design of chemical compounds that will
arrest its dysfunctionality related oncogenesis.
Objective:
This study entails the identification, cross-validation and characterization of K-Ras G12C variant’s
binding sites for potential druggability, coupled with the elucidation of alterations in 3D conformations and
dynamics.
Method:
Molecular dynamics simulation was carried out on the inactive, the active and the hyperactive
K-RasG12Cvariant using the amber software package. The SiteMap software was employed in identifying
and characterizing the druggable binding sites while the validation of the binding sites was carried out with the
SiteHound and MetaPocket servers.
Results:
Four druggable binding sites were identified, validated and characterized based on physicochemical
attributes such as size, volume, degree of enclosure or exposure, degree of contact, hydrophobic/hydrophilic
character, hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and hydrogen-bonding features. Conformational studies also
revealed that the K-Ras variant exhibited notable structural instability, increased flexibility and a strongly anticorrelated
movement compared to the inactive and active wildtype forms.
Conclusion:
The attributes of the characterized druggable sites will be useful in designing site-specific K-Ras
inhibitors for the treatment of K-Ras variant associated cancer diseases.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Cancer Research,Pharmacology,Molecular Medicine
Cited by
7 articles.
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