Fucosyltransferase 2 inhibitors: Identification via docking and STD-NMR studies

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 14;16(10):e0257623. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257623. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) catalyzes the biosynthesis of A, B, and H antigens and other important glycans, such as (Sialyl Lewisx) sLex, and (Sialyl Lewisy) sLey. The production of these glycans is increased in various cancers, hence to design and develop specific inhibitors of FUT2 is a therapeutic strategy. The current study was designed to identify the inhibitors for FUT2. In silico screening of 300 synthetic compounds was performed. Molecular docking studies highlighted the interactions of ligands with critical amino acid residues, present in the active site of FUT2. The epitope mapping in ligands was performed using the STD-NMR experiments to identify the interactions between ligands, and receptor protein. Finally, we have identified 5 lead compounds 4, 5, 26, 27, and 28 that can be studied for further development as cancer therapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalytic Domain / drug effects
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Fucosyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Fucosyltransferases / chemistry
  • Fucosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Docking Simulation

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Ligands
  • Fucosyltransferases

Grants and funding

Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, 2310-2018, Dr. Humaira Zafar.