Structural bioinformatics-based identification of EGFR inhibitor gefitinib as a putative lead compound for BACE

Chem Biol Drug Des. 2014 Jan;83(1):81-8. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.12200.

Abstract

β-secretase (BACE-1) is a potential target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite its potential, only few compounds targeting BACE have entered the clinical trials. Herein, we describe the identification of Gefitinib as a potential lead compound for BACE through an integrated approach of structural bioinformatics analysis, experimental assessment and computational analysis. In particular, we performed ELISA and western analysis to assess the effect of Gefitinib using N2a human APP695 cells. In addition, we investigated the binding mechanism of Gefitinib with BACE through molecular docking coupled with molecular dynamics simulations. The computational analyses revealed that hydrophobic contact is a major contributing factor to the binding of Gefitinib with BACE. The results obtained in the study have rendered Gefitinib as a putative lead compound for BACE. Further optimization studies are warranted to improve its potency and pharmacological properties against BACE for potential AD treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Computational Biology
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Quinazolines / chemistry*
  • Quinazolines / pharmacology

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • BACE1 protein, human
  • Gefitinib