1. Computational Analysis and Experimental Testing of the Molecular Mode of Action of Gatastatin and Its Derivatives
- Author
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Paola Vottero, Qian Wang, Marek Michalak, Maral Aminpour, and Jack Adam Tuszynski
- Subjects
Cancer Research ,Oncology ,tubulin ,microtubules ,gatastatin ,docking ,molecular dynamics - Abstract
Given its critical role in cell mitosis, the tubulin γ chain represents a viable chemotherapeutic target to solve the specificity issues associated with targeting α and β tubulin. Since γ tubulin is overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and some breast lesions, the glaziovianin A derivative gatastatin, presented as a γ-tubulin-specific inhibitor, could yield a successful therapeutic strategy. The present work aims to identify the binding sites and modes of gatastatin and its derivatives through molecular-docking simulations. Computational binding free energy predictions were compared to experimental microscale thermophoresis assay results. The computational simulations did not reveal a strong preference toward γ tubulin, suggesting that further derivatization may be needed to increase its specificity.
- Published
- 2023
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