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Daily Signal May 28, 2026 · 11 min read

Issue #118: Computational Identification of Novel Inhibitors Targeting Multiple Proteins of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Through AlphaFold-Based Protein Modeling, Molecular Docking, MM/GBSA Binding Free Energy Analysis, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Protein Design Digest #118: Computational Identification of Novel Inhibitors Targeting Multiple Prot…

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Computational Identification of Novel Inhibitors Targeting Multiple Proteins of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Through AlphaFold-Based Protein Modeling, Molecular Docking, MM/GBSA Binding Free Energy Analysis, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Abstract Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a tobamovirus, poses a significant threat to global tomato production due to its high infectivity, seed-borne transmission, and severe fruit symptoms. In this study, an integrative computational approach was employed to identify plant-derived phytochemicals capable of inhibiting essential viral proteins such as movement protein (MP), coat protein (CP), helicase domain, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) domain. The three-dimensional structures of these viral targets were predicted using AlphaFold and subsequently validated using Ramachandran plots. A library of 2,847 phytochemicals was subjected to molecular docking, followed by MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations to evaluate binding affinity and interaction strength. Top-ranked compounds were further validated through 100-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess complex stability and conformational behavior. Panasenoside, Kaempferol 3-sophorotrioside, Violanin, and Albireodelphin A exhibited the strongest binding affinities toward MP, CP, Helicase, and RdRP, respectively. RMSD and RMSF analyses confirmed the stability of these complexes, highlighting persistent hydrogen-bonding interactions within the active sites. The findings underscore the potential of flavonoids as effective antiviral agents against ToBRFV and provide a foundation for future in vitro and in vivo validation studies to develop flavonoid-based antiviral formulations for sustainable tomato crop protection.

Why this matters: Enhances small-molecule or peptide docking accuracy for targeted drug discovery.

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Efficacy and potential mechanisms of alkaloids in animal models for pulmonary fibrosis: a study integrating preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Alkaloids are the primary active ingredients of various traditional Chinese medicines. Preclinical studies show they possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) models. To evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of alkaloids against PF by integrating meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on alkaloid treatment for PF were systematically searched. Methodological quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and data were synthesized using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0. Network pharmacology studies were carried out with the aid of databases such as SwissTargetPrediction and PubChem, primarily to screen predicted targets and enrich relevant pathways. Molecular docking validated core component-target interactions. Thirty-five RCTs (548 animals) showed that alkaloids significantly improved PF-related indicators compared to controls. Network analysis identified AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, and SRC as key targets, implicating pathways such as Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Protein kinase B (Akt), Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), Focal adhesion, Advanced glycation end-products (AGE)-Receptor for advanced glycation End-products (RAGE), and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Molecular docking confirmed stable binding between core alkaloids and these targets. Alkaloids such as Cepharanthine, Berberine, and Vinpocetine exert multi-target effects in animal models of PF through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of fibroblast activation. Molecular docking indicates that they target ALB, HSP90AA1, ERBB2, and MAPK1. Current evidence is derived mainly from animal and computational studies, necessitating validation through high-quality clinical trials. Nevertheless, existing findings support their potential as an adjunctive therapy.

Exploring the mechanism of saffron in treating viral myocarditis using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Viral myocarditis (VM) is a cardiovascular disorder that can lead to heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Saffron, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has shown therapeutic potential against VM in numerous studies. However, the mechanisms through which saffron exerts its effects on VM remain poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the active compounds, molecular targets, and signaling pathways involved in saffron’s therapeutic action against VM by employing network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. The active compounds and corresponding targets of saffron were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. VM-associated targets were sourced from the GeneCards database. Overlapping targets between saffron and VM were then identified. Protein-protein interaction networks were established and analyzed utilizing the STRING platform and Cytoscape software to determine core targets. Furthermore, gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were carried out utilizing Bioconductor in R to explore the potential biological activities and signaling pathways through which saffron may act against VM. Finally, molecular docking and model visualization were carried out using AutoDock Tools and PyMOL open-source software. From the database, we identified 4 active compounds in saffron with potential effects against VM: crocetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin. A total of 60 corresponding targets were observed, with TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL8, and JUN emerging as core targets. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed 155 regulatory signaling pathways, among which the TNF, AGE-RAGE, and IL-17 signaling pathways, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis were the most prominent. Molecular docking results indicated that quercetin showed the strongest binding affinity toward IL-1β and CXCL8. The therapeutic effect of saffron against VM is not driven by a single factor, but rather involves multiple active compounds, targets, and signaling pathways.

Unraveling the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of Cervus cucumis polypeptide injection in Alzheimer’s disease: insights from network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and experimental validation.

Objective Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with increasing global prevalence, in which neuroinflammation serves as a critical pathological driver exacerbating cognitive decline. While current therapies offer limited symptomatic relief, multi-target strategies are urgently needed. Cervus cucumis polypeptide injection (CCPI), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties; however, its mechanisms of action against AD remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-AD potential mechanisms of CCPI using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and experimental validation. Methods Active components and corresponding targets of CCPI were retrieved from the TCMSP database, while AD-related targets were collected from Genecards, OMIM, and DrugBank. Potential therapeutic targets were identified by intersecting drug and disease targets, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Molecular docking and MD simulations were performed to evaluate interactions between potential active components and key targets. In vitro experiments were conducted on Aβ 25-35 -induced BV2 microglial cells to assess cell viability (CCK-8 assay), inflammatory cytokine levels (ELISA), and protein expression (Western blot) related to the neuroinflammation pathway and microglial polarization. Results A total of 28 active components and 50 common targets of CCPI for AD treatment were identified. Linoleic acid (LA) was determined to be a potential active component, with IL-6 as the key target based on PPI network topology. Molecular docking and MD simulation confirmed a stable binding affinity between LA and IL-6. KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment in the HIF-1 signaling pathway, particularly the IL-6/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway. In vitro , CCPI treatment significantly enhanced cell viability and attenuated the pro-inflammatory response, as evidenced by reduced levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, decreased the expression of the pro-inflammatory marker iNOS. Concurrently, it elevated the expression of the anti-inflammatory/repair-associated marker CD206. Western blot analysis further verified that CCPI suppressed IL-6/STAT3 activation while upregulating VEGF expression. Additionally, LA alone significantly reduced IL-6 levels and STAT3 phosphorylation, decreased the expression of iNOS, and increased the expression of CD206, with therapeutic efficacy comparable to CCPI. Conclusion CCPI exerts neuroprotective effects in AD models by regulating the IL-6/STAT3/VEGF pathway, downregulating the expression of the inflammation-related iNOS protein, upregulating the expression of the CD206 protein associated with anti-inflammatory and reparative functions, remodeling the functional state of microglia, inhibiting their pro-inflammatory responses, and enhancing their reparative functions. Its potential active component, LA, likely mediates this effect by stably binding to and inhibiting IL-6, thus suppressing the downstream STAT3 phosphorylation that drives inflammatory activation.

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