Prediction of structure of human WNT-CRD (FZD) complex for computational drug repurposing.
The observed genetic alterations of various extracellular and intracellular WNT (Wingless, Int-1 proto-oncogene) signaling components can result in an increase or decrease in gene expression, and hence can be obstructed proficiently. These genetics target sites may include the prevention of WNT-FZD (Frizzled) binding, destruction of β-catenin and formation of Axin, APC and GSK-3β complex. Hence, the localized targeting of these interacting partners can help in devising novel inhibitors against WNT signaling. Our present study is an extension of our previous work, in which we proposed the co-regulated expression pattern of the WNT gene cluster (WNT-1, WNT-6, WNT-10A and WNT-10B) in human breast carcinoma. We present here the computationally modeled three dimensional structure of human WNT-1 in complex with the FZD-1 CRD (Cysteine Rich Domain) receptor. The dimeric cysteine-rich domain was found to fit into the evolutionarily conserved U-shaped groove of WNT protein. The two ends of the U- shaped cleft contain N-terminal and C-terminal hydrophobic residues, thus providing a strong hydrophobic moiety for the frizzled receptor and serving as the largest binding pocket for WNT-FZD interaction. Detailed structural analysis of this cleft revealed a maximum atomic distance of ~28 Å at the surface, narrowing down to ~17 Å and again increasing up to ~27 Å at the bottom. Altogether, structural prediction analysis of WNT proteins was performed to reveal newer details about post-translational modification sites and to map the novel pharmacophore models for potent WNT inhibitors.
Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Qurrat U
QU
Ain
Umair
U
Seemab
Sajid
S
Rashid
Muhammad Sulaman
MS
Nawaz
Mohammad A
MA
Kamal
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D015195:Drug Design; D051157:Frizzled Receptors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008958:Models, Molecular; D062105:Molecular Docking Simulation; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D054730:Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs; D055503:Protein Multimerization; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
D051157:Frizzled Receptors; C000715470:MAS1 protein, human; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D051153:Wnt Proteins