In Silico Study of the Interactions of Anle138b Isomer, an Inhibitor of Amyloid Aggregation, with Partner Proteins

Abstract

Herein, we aimed to highlight current “gaps” in the understanding of the potential interactions between the Anle138b isomer ligand, a promising agent for clinical research, and the intrinsically disordered alpha-synuclein protein. The presence of extensive unstructured areas in alpha-synuclein determines its existence in the cell of partner proteins, including the cyclophilin A chaperone, which prevents the aggregation of alpha-synuclein molecules that are destructive to cell life. Using flexible and cascaded molecular docking techniques, we aimed to expand our understanding of the molecular architecture of the protein complex between alpha-synuclein, cyclophilin A and the Anle138b isomer ligand. We demonstrated the possibility of intricate complex formation under cellular conditions and revealed that the main interactions that stabilize the complex are hydrophobic and involve hydrogen.