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Файл:Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_5440_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана.pdf
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- •Computational Methods for Rational Drug Design
- •Contents
- •1.1.2.2 GROMACS
- •1.1.2.3 Amber
- •1.1.2.4 CHARMM
- •1.1.2.5 AutoDock
- •1.1.2.6 VMD
- •1.1.2.7 PyMOL
- •1.1.2.8 Open Babel
- •List of Contributors
- •Preface
- •1. Molecular Modeling and Drug Design
- •1.1 Introduction
- •1.1.1 What Is Molecular Modeling?
- •1.1.2 Software Used for Molecular Modeling
- •1.1.2.1 Schrodinger
- •1.1.2.9 Avogadro
- •1.1.2.10 Discovery Studio
- •1.1.3 Molecular Mechanics
- •1.1.3.1 Prediction of Binding Affinity
- •1.1.3.2 Conformational Analysis
- •1.1.3.3 Virtual Screening
- •1.1.3.4 Lead Discovery
- •1.1.3.5 Mechanism of Action
- •1.2 Types of Molecular Models
- •1.2.1 Ball-and-Spoke Model
- •1.2.1.1 Future Directions
- •1.2.2 Space-filling Models
- •1.2.2.1 Future Directions
- •1.2.3 Crystal Lattice Models
- •1.2.3.1 Future Directions
- •1.3 Computational Methods in Drug Discovery
- •1.3.1 What Is Drug Discovery?
- •1.3.2 Computational Platforms for Drug Discovery
- •1.3.2.1 NCBI
- •1.3.2.2 Chemical Databases
- •1.3.2.3 PDB
- •1.3.2.5 UniProt
- •1.3.2.6 QSAR
- •1.3.2.8 Desmond
- •1.3.2.9 OpenBabel
- •1.3.2.10 DeepChem and Cheminformatics for Python (RDKit)
- •1.3.2.11 SBML
- •1.3.2.12 Virtual Screening
- •1.3.3 Applications of Computer-Based Methods in Steps of Drug Discovery
- •1.4 Potential Use and Application of AI in Drug Designing
- •1.4.1 Target Identification and Validation
- •1.4.2 Drug Screening and Lead Optimization
- •1.4.3 De Novo Drug Design
- •1.4.4 Predictive Toxicology and ADMET
- •1.4.5 Clinical Trial Optimization
- •1.4.6 Drug Repurposing
- •1.4.7 Concept of Personalized Medicine
- •1.4.8 Drug Combination Optimization
- •1.5 Limitations of Current Methods
- •1.5.1 Data Restrictions
- •1.5.2 Interpretability
- •1.5.3 Generalization
- •1.5.4 Resources and Computation
- •1.5.5 Ethical Considerations
- •1.5.6 Validation and Experimentation
- •1.5.7 Regulatory Obstacles
- •1.6 Case Studies
- •1.7 Molecular Docking
- •1.7.1 What Is Molecular Docking?
- •1.7.1.1 Procedure
- •1.7.1.2 Biophysical Laws
- •1.7.1.3 Rigid and Flexible Docking
- •1.7.1.4 Types of Docking
- •1.7.1.5 Challenges and Future Perspectives
- •1.7.2 Applications of Molecular Docking in Drug Designing
- •1.7.3 Success of Molecular Docking Cases in Drug Designing
- •1.8 Conclusion and Future Works
- •References
- •2. Bioactive Small Molecules and Drug Discovery
- •2.1 Introduction
- •2.1.1 Introduction to Drug Design and Discovery
- •2.1.2 Brief History of Small-Molecule Drug Discovery
- •2.1.3 Importance of Bioactive Small Molecules in Drug Discovery
- •2.2.1 Structure-Based Methods
- •2.2.2 Ligand-Based Methods
- •2.2.3 Network-Based Methods
- •2.3 Natural Products in Bioactive Small-Molecule Discovery
- •2.3.1 Plant Primary and Secondary Molecules as Bioactive Molecules
- •2.3.2 Anticancer Agents as Bioactive Molecules
- •2.3.3 Antiviral Agents as Bioactive Molecules
- •2.3.4 Antimalarial Agents as Bioactive Molecules
- •2.6.6 Toxicity and Side Effects
- •2.6.7 Cost-Effectiveness, Synthetic Feasibility, and Scalability
- •2.6.8 Structural Diversity and Novelty
- •2.6.9 Patentability and Intellectual Property
- •2.3.5 Marine Bioactive Products
- •2.4.1 Importance of DFT in Small-Molecule Drug Discovery
- •2.5 Application of DFT to Bioactive Small Molecules
- •2.5.1 HOMO–LUMO Calculation
- •2.5.1.1 Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) Map
- •2.5.1.3 Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) Analysis
- •2.5.1.4 Implementations and Tools
- •2.6.1 Target Identification and Validation
- •2.6.2 Target Specificity
- •2.6.3 Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics
- •2.6.4 Chemical Structure and Drug-likeness
- •2.6.5 Safety and Toxicity
- •2.7 Conclusion
- •References
- •3. Novel Drug Targets for Small Molecule-based Drug Discovery
- •3.1 Introduction
- •3.2 Drug Target Identification
- •3.3 Classification of Novel Drug Targets
- •3.3.1 Transcription Factors
- •3.3.2 Cytokines
- •3.3.3 Chaperones
- •3.3.4 Viral Targets
- •3.3.5 G Protein-coupled Receptors
- •3.3.6 Transporters
- •3.3.7 Enzymes
- •3.3.8 RNA Targets
- •3.4 Small Molecules as Drugs
- •3.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •4.1 Introduction
- •4.2 Structure-Based Drug Discovery Concept
- •4.2.1 Structure Generation of the Target
- •4.2.1.1 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.2.2 Active Binding Site Within the Target
- •4.2.2.1 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.2.2.2 Molecular Docking Analysis
- •4.2.2.3 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.2.3 Molecular Dynamic Simulations
- •4.2.3.1 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.3 Ligand-Based Drug Discovery Concept
- •4.3.1.1 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.4 Structure- and Ligand-Based Assisted Studies
- •4.4.1 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.4.2 The Detailed Description of Each Tool
- •4.5 Advancement and Challenges in SBDD and LBDD
- •4.6 Conclusion
- •References
- •5. Virtual Screening and Lead Discovery
- •5.1 Introduction to Virtual Screening and Lead Discovery
- •5.1.1 Overview of Drug Discovery Process
- •5.1.2 Role of Virtual Screening
- •5.1.3 Importance of Lead Discovery
- •5.2 Molecular Targets and Biomolecular Structures
- •5.3 Virtual Screening Approaches
- •5.3.1 Structure-based Virtual Screening
- •5.3.2 Ligand-based Virtual Screening
- •5.3.3 Hybrid Approaches
- •5.4 Databases and Compound Collections
- •5.4.1 Overview of Chemical Databases
- •5.4.2 Compound Filtering and Preparation
- •5.4.3 Diversity and Size of Compound Collections
- •5.5 Molecular Docking
- •5.5.1 Principles of Molecular Docking
- •5.5.2 Docking Algorithms and Scoring Functions
- •5.5.3 Validation of Docking Results
- •5.6 Pharmacophore Modeling
- •5.6.1 Concept of Pharmacophores
- •5.6.2 Generating Pharmacophore Models
- •5.6.3 Applications in Lead Discovery
- •5.7 Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR)
- •5.7.1 Basics of QSAR
- •5.7.2 Model Development and Validation
- •5.7.3 QSAR in Virtual Screening
- •5.8 Machine Learning and AI in Virtual Screening
- •5.8.1 Introduction to Machine Learning and AI
- •5.8.2 Feature Selection and Model Training
- •5.8.3 Applications in Virtual Screening
- •5.9 Hit-to-Lead Optimization
- •5.9.1 Prioritizing Hits from Virtual Screening
- •5.9.2 SAR Analysis and Iterative Design
- •5.9.2.1 SAR Analysis (Structure–Activity Relationship)
- •5.9.2.2 Iterative Design
- •5.9.3 ADME/Tox Considerations
- •5.9.3.1 ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion)
- •5.9.3.2 Toxicity Considerations
- •5.10 Case Studies and Examples
- •5.10.1 Exploration Protocol for Mutant-targeted PI3K Inhibitors
- •5.11 Challenges and Future Directions
- •5.11.1 Limitations of Virtual Screening
- •5.11.2 Emerging Technologies and Trends
- •5.11.3 Integration with High-throughput Experimentation
- •5.12 Ethical and Regulatory Considerations
- •5.12.1 Intellectual Property and Patents
- •5.12.2 Ethical Use of Computational Tools
- •5.12.3 Regulatory Approval Process
- •5.13 Conclusion
- •5.13.1 Future Prospects in Virtual Screening and Lead Discovery
- •5.13.2 Summary of Key Points
- •References
- •6. ADMET and Physicochemical Assessments in Drug Design
- •6.1 ADMET
- •6.1.1 Absorption
- •6.1.1.1 Solubility and Dissolution
- •6.1.1.2 Lipophilicity
- •6.1.1.3 Permeability
- •6.1.2 Distribution
- •6.1.3 Metabolism
- •6.1.4 Excretion
- •6.1.5 Toxicity
- •6.2 Physicochemical Assessments
- •6.2.1 Partition Coefficient
- •6.2.2 Log D: Ionizable Compound Lipophilicity
- •6.2.2.1 Methods for Calculating Lipophilicity
- •6.2.2.2 Direct Experimental Determination of Lipophilicity
- •6.2.2.3 Indirect Experimental Determination of Lipophilicity
- •6.2.3 Acid–Base Properties and Ionization
- •6.2.4 Solubility
- •6.2.5 Polymorphism
- •6.2.6 Molecular Weight
- •6.2.7 Number of Hydrogen Bond Donors (HDB) and Acceptors (HDA)
- •References
- •7. In Silico Modeling and Drug Design
- •7.1 Introduction
- •7.2 Target Identification
- •7.2.1 Experimental Approaches
- •7.2.2 Computational Target Identification
- •7.2.3 Target Validation
- •7.3 Computer-Aided Drug Design
- •7.3.1 Ligand-based CADD
- •7.3.2 Structure-Based CADD
- •7.4 ADMET Assessment
- •7.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •8. Pharmacophore Modeling in Drug Design
- •8.1 Introduction
- •8.1.1 The Role of Pharmacophore Modeling in Drug Design
- •8.1.2 Historical Perspective and Evolution of Pharmacophore Concepts
- •8.2 Essential Concepts in Pharmacophore Hypothesis Generation
- •8.2.1.1 Partitioning Initial Data into Distinctive Datasets
- •8.3 Diverse Approaches to Pharmacophore Modeling
- •8.3.1 Ligand-Based Pharmacophore Modeling
- •8.3.2 Structure-Based Pharmacophore Modeling
- •8.4 Application of Pharmacophore Modeling
- •8.4.1 Applications of Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening
- •8.4.1.1 Drug Discovery
- •8.4.2 Applications in Drug Target Fishing
- •8.4.3 Applications in Ligand Profiling
- •8.4.4 Applications in Docking
- •8.4.5 Applications in ADMET
- •8.4.6 Modulation of the Immune System
- •8.5 Emerging Trends in Pharmacophore Model Development
- •8.5.1 Involvement of Machine Learning
- •8.5.2 Prediction of Pharmacokinetic Properties
- •8.5.3 Structural Biology and Protein Functionality Studies
- •8.5.4 Integration with MDs Simulations
- •8.6 Case Studies
- •8.6.1 Case 1
- •8.6.2 Case 2
- •8.7 Challenges in Pharmacophore Modeling
- •8.8 Conclusion
- •Acknowledgments
- •References
- •9. Scaffold Hopping and De Novo Drug Design
- •9.1 Introduction
- •9.2 Scaffold Hopping
- •9.2.1 Classification of Scaffold Hopping
- •9.2.1.1 1° Hop: Heterocycle Replacement
- •9.2.1.2 2° Hop: Ring Opening and Closure: Pseudo Ring Structures
- •9.2.1.3 3° Hop: Pseudopeptides and Peptidomimetics
- •9.2.1.4 4° Hop: Topology/Shape-Based Scaffold Hopping
- •9.2.2 Advantages of Scaffold Hopping
- •9.2.3 Disadvantages of Scaffold Hopping
- •9.2.4 Reasons for Scaffold Hopping
- •9.2.5 Properties and Key Methods of Scaffold Hopping
- •9.3 De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.1 Classification of De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.1.1 Structure-based Drug Design
- •9.3.1.2 Ligand-based Drug Design
- •9.3.1.3 De Novo Design Strategies
- •9.3.1.4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning-based Design
- •9.3.1.5 Hybrid Approaches
- •9.3.2 Basic Principle of De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.3 Application of De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.4 Historical Overview of Scaffold Hoping and De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.5 Methodological Approaches in De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.5.1 Structure-based De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.5.2 Ligand-based De Novo Drug Design
- •9.3.5.3 Generation of Drug-Like Molecular Fragments
- •9.3.5.4 Similarity Searching
- •9.3.5.5 Selection of Target Reference Structure
- •9.3.5.6 Similarity Analysis of De Novo-generated Compounds
- •9.3.5.7 Evaluation of Scaffold Diversity
- •9.4 Results and Discussion
- •9.4.1 Generation of Drug-Like Molecular Fragments
- •9.4.2 De Novo Design with a Single Reference Structure
- •9.4.3 De Novo Design with a Focused Set of Five Similar Templates
- •9.4.4 De Novo Design with a Diverse Set of Five Templates
- •9.6 Case Study
- •9.6.1 De Novo Drug Design
- •9.6.2 Scaffold Hopping
- •9.7 Conclusion
- •References
- •10. Fragment-based Drug Design and Drug Discovery
- •10.1 Introduction
- •10.2 The Process of Finding Fragments
- •10.3 FBDD Strategies
- •10.4 Case Studies
- •10.5 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
- •References
- •11. AI/ML Approaches in Drug Design
- •11.1 Introduction
- •11.2 Traditional Drug Design Methods
- •11.2.1 The Rise of Computational Methods
- •11.2.2 The Importance of AI/ML in Modern Drug Design
- •11.3 AI/ML Landscape in Drug Design
- •11.3.1 AI/ML Algorithms and Methods
- •11.3.1.1 Machine Learning Models
- •11.3.1.2 Neural Networks
- •11.3.2 Applications in Drug Design
- •11.3.2.1 Peptide Synthesis
- •11.3.2.2 Molecular Design
- •11.3.2.3 Virtual Screening (VS)
- •11.3.2.4 Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Models
- •11.3.2.5 Drug Repurposing
- •11.3.3 Challenges and Failures
- •11.4 Ethics, Reliability, and Regulatory Issues
- •11.5 Future Directions
- •11.6 Conclusion
- •References
- •12. Network-based Methods in Drug Discovery
- •12.1 Introduction
- •12.1.1 Background of Drug Discovery Future Challenges
- •12.1.2 Single Target Approach Limitations
- •12.1.3 Emergence of Network Biology and Polypharmacology
- •12.2 Network Pharmacology: Practical Guide
- •12.2.1 Common Network Pharmacology Databases
- •12.2.1.1 Network Pharmacology-Related Databases and Data Analysis Tools
- •12.2.1.2 Exploring IMPPAT Network Pharmacology Databases
- •12.2.1.3 Target Genes of Phytoconstituents
- •12.2.2 Network Analysis and Visualization
- •12.2.3 Applications of Network Pharmacology in Drug Discovery
- •12.3 Ayurveda and Traditional Indian Medicine
- •12.3.1 Overview of Ayurveda and Its Complex Formulations
- •12.3.2 Diversity of Ingredients and Bioactive Compounds in Ayurvedic Medicines
- •12.4 Network Pharmacology in Herbal Remedies
- •12.4.1 Application of Network Pharmacology in Herbal Drug Discovery
- •12.4.1.1 Cancer
- •12.4.1.2 Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
- •12.4.1.3 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- •12.4.2 Screening Pharmacological Efficacy of Herbal Remedies
- •12.4.3 Utilizing Network Pharmacology to Understand Complex Diseases
- •12.5 Conclusion and Future Prospects
- •References
- •13. Rational Design of Natural Products for Drug Discovery
- •13.1 Introduction
- •13.2 Natural Products for the Development of New Drugs
- •13.3 Criteria for Selecting Natural Products for Drug Design
- •13.4 Importance of Biodiversity in Sourcing Natural Products
- •13.5 Structural Elucidation of Natural Products
- •13.6.3 High-Throughput Screening Methods for Efficient Compound Selection
- •13.6.4 Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Predicting Solubility and Stability
- •13.6.5 ADMET Attributes Predicted In Silico
- •13.7 Formulation Challenges with Natural Products
- •13.8 Quality by Design (QbD) Approaches
- •13.8.1 Use of Computational Models for Formulation Optimization
- •13.9 Conclusion
- •References
- •14. Design of Enzyme Inhibitors in Drug Discovery
- •14.1 Introduction
- •14.3 Classification of Enzyme Inhibitors
- •14.3.1 Reversible Inhibitors
- •14.3.2 Irreversible Inhibitors
- •14.3.3 Competitive Inhibitors
- •14.3.4 Noncompetitive Inhibitors
- •14.3.5 Allosteric Modulators
- •14.4.1 Structure-Based Design
- •14.4.2 Computer-Aided Design
- •14.4.3 Fragment-Based Design
- •14.4.4 Virtual Screening Method
- •14.4.4.1 Ligand Based
- •14.4.4.2 Receptor Based
- •14.4.5 Natural Product-Based Discovery
- •14.4.6 Using Iterative Protein Crystallographic Analysis
- •14.4.7 Utilization of Covalent Inhibitors
- •14.4.8 Encapsulation Techniques
- •14.4.9 Based on Active-Site Specificity
- •14.4.10 Machine Learning Inhibitor Design
- •14.4.11 Enzyme-Templated Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry
- •14.5 Limitations and Challenges
- •14.6 Future Directions
- •14.7 Conclusion
- •References
- •15.1 Introduction
- •15.2 Peptides as Therapeutics
- •15.2.1 Peptide Antibiotics
- •15.2.1.1 Peptides in Bone Diseases
- •15.2.1.2 Peptides in Cancer
- •15.2.1.3 Peptides in Metabolic Diseases
- •15.2.1.4 Peptides in Gastrointestinal Diseases
- •15.2.2 Advantages and Limitations of Peptide Therapeutics
- •15.2.3 FDA-Approved Peptide Therapeutics
- •15.2.4 Peptide-Based Entities in Clinical Trials
- •15.2.5 Peptide Synthesis and Diversification
- •15.2.5.1 Chemical Synthesis of Peptides
- •15.2.5.2 Chemical Modification of Peptide and Peptidomimetics
- •15.2.5.3 Backbone Modification of Peptides
- •15.2.5.4 Side-Chain Modification of Peptides
- •15.2.5.5 Peptide Cyclization
- •15.2.5.6 Peptide Mimicking of α-Helices and Stabilization
- •15.2.5.7 Peptide Mimicking of β-Strands and β-Sheets
- •15.2.5.8 Peptide Production by Recombinant Technology
- •15.2.5.9 Peptides Modification by Genetic Code Expansion
- •15.2.5.10 PEGylation of Peptides and Proteins
- •15.3 New Technologies for Peptide-Based Drug Discovery
- •15.3.1 Phage Display
- •15.3.2 mRNA Display
- •15.3.3 DNA-Encoded Libraries
- •15.3.4 Cell-Penetrating Peptides
- •15.3.5 Macrocyclic Peptides
- •15.4 Computational Approaches in Peptide Drug Discovery
- •15.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •16. Rational Design of Drugs for Neurodegenerative Disorders
- •16.1 Introduction
- •16.2 Common Mechanism of Neurodegeneration
- •16.3 Brief Overview of Computational Methods in Drug Design
- •16.4 Parkinson’s Disease as Prevalent Neurodegenerative Disorder
- •16.4.1 Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease
- •16.4.2 Pathogenesis of PD
- •1) Accumulation of Lewy bodies in substantia nigra
- •2) Mitochondrial dysfunction
- •3) Genetic factors
- •4) Neuroinflammation
- •5) Impaired protein handling
- •6) Oxidative stress
- •7) Environmental toxins
- •16.4.3 Signaling Pathway of Parkinson’s Disease
- •1) DA signaling
- •2) MAPK/ERK pathway
- •3) PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
- •4) Wnt/β-catenin pathway
- •5) NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) pathway
- •6) Autophagy-lysosomal pathway
- •7) JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) pathway
- •8) AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway
- •9) Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathway
- •16.4.4 Enzymatic Targets in Parkinson’s Disease
- •1) MAO-B (monoamine oxidase B)
- •2) COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase)
- •3) LRRK2
- •4) GCase (glucocerebrosidase)
- •5) PARP-1 [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1]
- •6) PINK1
- •7) DJ-1 (Parkinson protein 7)
- •8) Nrf2
- •16.4.5 Current Therapeutic Approaches to Treat PD
- •1) Drugs to treat motor symptoms of PD
- •2) Drugs to treat non-motor symptoms of PD
- •3) Disease-modifying therapies to treat PD
- •16.4.6 Current Therapeutic Challenges to Treat Parkinson’s disease
- •1) Symptomatic relief only
- •2) Motor fluctuations and dyskinesias
- •3) Limited efficacy in nonmotor symptoms
- •4) Disease progression
- •5) Side effects
- •6) Limited treatment options for advanced PD
- •7) Individual variability
- •16.4.7 Unmet Needs in Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics
- •16.4.8 Significance of Computational Approaches in Parkinson’s Disease
- •16.4.9 Use of Computational Tools in Identifying Biomarkers
- •16.4.10 Neuroprotective Strategies Through Computational Insights
- •16.4.10.1 Computational Models for Neuroprotection
- •1) Target identification and validation
- •2) Drug repurposing
- •3) Alpha-synuclein aggregation inhibitors
- •4) Deep learning in biomarker discovery
- •5) Personalized medicine
- •6) Drug-induced neuroprotection
- •7) Optimizing clinical trials
- •1) ML and AI-based diagnostics
- •2) Wearable technology integration
- •3) Multimodal data fusion
- •4) Predictive modeling of disease progression
- •5) Network analysis of brain connectivity
- •6) Personalized treatment optimization
- •7) Data sharing and collaboration platforms
- •16.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •17. Rational Design of Anti-inflammatory Therapeutics
- •17.1 Introduction
- •17.2 Navigating Inflammation and its Microenvironment
- •17.2.1 Inflammatory Cell Infiltration and Vascular Permeability
- •17.2.2 Acidosis
- •17.2.3 Increased Oxidative Stress in Tissues
- •17.3 The Demand for Advanced Anti-inflammatory Medications
- •17.5 Rational Design of Anti-inflammatory Agents
- •17.5.2 New Anti-inflammatory Agent with Indoyl-imidazole Hybrids
- •17.5.3 Rational Design of Novel Aminopiperidinyl Amide
- •17.5.4 Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) as Anti-inflammatory Agents
- •17.6 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
- •Authors’ Contribution
- •References
- •18.1 Introduction
- •18.2 Treatment
- •18.3 Antibacterial Resistance
- •18.3.1 Mutation
- •18.3.2 Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)
- •18.3.3 Enzymatic Modification or Degradation
- •18.3.4 Target Site Modification
- •18.3.5 Decreased Permeability
- •18.3.6 Efflux Pumps
- •18.3.7 Plasmids
- •18.3.8 Transposons
- •18.3.9 Gene Amplification
- •18.3.10 Formation of Biofilms
- •18.3.11 Modified Metabolic Pathways
- •18.3.12 Adaptive Evolution
- •18.4.1 Structure- Based Drug Design
- •18.4.2 Modification of Existing Antibiotics
- •18.4.3 Bioisosterism
- •18.4.4 Prodrug Strategies
- •18.4.5 Similar Bacterial Components Target
- •18.4.6 Combine or Combination Therapy
- •18.4.7 Drug Repurposing
- •18.4.8 Resistant Mechanism Blocking
- •18.4.9 Improving Drug Delivery by Nanotechnology
- •18.4.10 Phage Intervention
- •18.4.11 Host Targeting
- •18.4.12 CRISPR-Cas Technique
- •18.4.13 Peptides as Antibacterials
- •18.4.14 Immunizations and Immunotherapy
- •18.4.15 Natural Product Derivatives
- •18.4.16 Fragment- Based Drug Discovery (FBDD)
- •18.4.17 Metabolomics and Genetics
- •18.4.18 Cheminformatics
- •18.5 Summary and Conclusion
- •References
- •19. Rational Design of Antiviral Therapeutics
- •19.1 Introduction to Antiviral Therapeutics
- •19.1.1 Overview
- •19.1.2 Blueprints for Antiviral Drug Interventions
- •19.1.2.1 Protein Folding and Binding Sites
- •19.1.2.2 Conformational Changes
- •19.1.2.3 Protein–Protein Interactions (PPIs)
- •19.1.2.4 Capsid and Envelope Structures
- •19.1.2.5 Structural Vulnerabilities
- •19.1.2.6 Enzymatic Activities
- •19.1.2.7 Viral Attachment
- •19.1.2.8 Viral Assembly and Replication Machinery
- •19.1.2.9 The Host’s Immune Response
- •19.2 Targets for Antiviral Therapeutics and Inhibition Strategies
- •19.2.1 Enzyme Inhibitors
- •19.2.2 Antiviral Peptides
- •19.2.3 Antiviral Antibodies
- •19.2.4 Lipid-Mimicking Compounds
- •19.2.5 Vaccines
- •19.2.6 Immunomodulation
- •19.3 Rational Strategies for Antiviral Therapeutics
- •19.3.1 CADD and QSAR (Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship)
- •19.3.2 AI and ML
- •19.3.3 Systems Biology and Network Pharmacology
- •19.3.4 CRISPR Systems
- •19.3.5 Nanotechnology-Based Design and Delivery Systems
- •19.3.6 Reverse Vaccinology
- •19.4 Conclusion
- •References
- •20. Rational Design of Anticancer Therapeutics
- •20.1 Introduction
- •20.2 Rational Design of Nanomedicine for Cancer Treatment
- •20.4.1 Particle Size
- •20.4.2 Shape
- •20.4.3 Surface Modification
- •20.6 Artificial Intelligence’s Progress in Anticancer Drug Development
- •20.6.1 Identification of Anticancer Drug Targets Using Artificial Intelligence
- •20.6.3 Artificial Intelligence-Based De Novo Anticancer Drug Design
- •20.6.4 Artificial Intelligence for Repurposing Anticancer Drugs
- •20.7 Conclusion
- •References
- •21. PROTAC and ProTide Strategies in Drug Design
- •21.1 Introduction
- •21.2 Drug Design: Past to Present
- •21.3 PROTAC Strategy in Drug Design
- •21.3.1 Ubiquitin Proteasome System and PROTACs
- •21.3.2 Chemical Formulations of PROTACs
- •21.3.3 Advent of PROTACs as Antiviral
- •21.3.4 NS3/4A-Targeting PROTACs Against HCV
- •21.3.4.1 Neuraminidase-Targeting PROTACs
- •21.4 Emergence of ProTide Technology in Drug Design
- •21.5 Approaches of ProTides in Drug Development
- •21.6 Implementation of ProTides as Nucleoside Analogs
- •21.6.1 Antiviral Applications of ProTides
- •21.7 Conclusion
- •References

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5.1 Introduction to Virtual Screening and Lead Discovery
5.1.1 Overview of Drug Discovery Process
The process of drug discovery is intricate and financially demanding, encompassing the identification
and advancement of novel therapeutic agents. This multifaceted endeavor unfolds through various
phases, starting with target identification, followed by lead discovery, lead optimization, preclini-
cal evaluations, and ultimately, clinical trials. Each stage plays a crucial role in the development
and validation of potential pharmaceutical candidates, culminating in the delivery of safe and
effective treatments to address diverse medical needs [1].
Efforts to discover new chemical entities and novel structural scaffolds for therapeutic applications
are central to pharmaceutical chemistry. Traditionally, this involves the laborious synthesis of vari-
ous potential structures or the screening of natural products, often leading to chance discoveries
rather than rational approaches. However, recent advancements in computational techniques and
protein crystallography have spurred the adoption of in silico approaches [2], which have become
integral to drug design and discovery in both industrial and academic settings. These approaches,
encompassing genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and chemoinformatics, facilitate the identi-
fication and development of potential ligands tailored for specific protein targets, thereby forming
the cornerstone of drug discovery processes. Once potential ligands, or hits, are identified, the next
step involves refining them into active compounds with nonpromiscuous binding behavior, known
as leads. This process, known as lead identification and optimization, is crucial in drug discovery
programs and typically involves medicinal chemists modifying substituents to enhance activity
against a given receptor or disease. Ultimately, these efforts aim to yield compounds with improved
potency and efficacy, often requiring further study of pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles
through in vivo screening procedures [3–5]. However, challenges persist, particularly in identifying
the target protein and active site, designing inhibitors for membrane proteins, and accounting for
various factors influencing drug interaction. Despite the advances in computational methods, such
as high-throughput screening and virtual screening (VS) approaches, there remains a need to
develop databases and refine concepts to categorize chemical entities as drug-like molecules.
High-throughput screening methods, which involve testing large libraries of compounds for
5
Virtual Screening and Lead Discovery
Nisha Kumari Singh, Nigam Jyoti Maiti, Manshi Mishra, Shantanu Raj,

98
biological activity, have revolutionized drug discovery but also pose challenges in data analysis and
interpretation.
In recent years, researchers have shifted toward “smart” approaches for identifying compounds
with desired biological activity, leveraging innovative computational techniques to process large
datasets effectively. While the initial excitement surrounding combinatorial screening methods
has waned, there is a growing focus on adopting more strategic approaches to identify compounds
with therapeutic potential (Figure 5.1).
5.1.2 Role of Virtual Screening
VS serves as a pivotal computational methodology within drug discovery, aimed at pinpointing
promising drug candidates amidst extensive chemical repositories. This technique significantly
streamlines the compound selection process for experimental evaluation, thereby conserving both
time and resources. VS methodologies are typically categorized into two main approaches:
structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) and ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) [6, 7], each
offering distinct strategies for identifying compounds with potential therapeutic activity. The
experimental efforts required for the biological screening of billions of compounds remain sub-
stantial, leading to increased interest in computer-aided drug design approaches. VS has emerged
as a dynamic and lucrative technology for identifying novel drug-like compounds, or “hits,” in the
pharmaceutical industry [8]. Utilizing bioactive conformers obtained from structural methods or
molecular modeling, VS employs ligand-based and structure-based approaches to rank novel
ligands by 3D similarity searching or pharmacophore pattern matching. These computational
methods enable the prediction of putative binding affinities between small molecules and biolo-
gical receptors of interest in pharmaceutical research [9–11]. Ligand-based VS, also known as
neighborhood behavior search, involves searching databases of chemical structures to find com-
pounds similar to known actives or possessing common pharmacophores or substructures.
Meanwhile, structure-based VS automates the docking of numerous chemical compounds against
Ligands Protein
3D Pharmacophore
generated
Active compound Lead discovery
Virtual
screening
Lead
optimization
Poly-
pharmacology
Fragment-based
drug design
Exploring
novel target
Figure 5.1 Depicting the drug discovery process.

99
protein-binding or active sites, leveraging the increasing number of available protein 3D structures.
These VS methodologies are categorized based on their principles, with a focus on introducing the
underlying theories and principles behind these procedures. Additionally, this review presents
recent case studies illustrating the application and effectiveness of various VS methods.
5.1.3 Importance of Lead Discovery
Lead discovery is a critical phase in drug development, involving the identification of potential
drug candidates. For instance, VS techniques, such as molecular docking simulations, efficiently
sift through large chemical databases to highlight promising compounds. Examples include iden-
tifying a small molecule that binds to a specific protein target implicated in a disease or discovering
a natural product with therapeutic properties through screening plant extracts [12]. Early identifi-
cation of these lead compounds, like a novel kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment or an antiviral
peptide derived from marine organisms, accelerates drug development and reduces costs by expe-
diting subsequent optimization and testing processes.
5.2 Molecular Targets and Biomolecular Structures
The study of molecular targets and biomolecular structures is fundamental to various fields, includ-
ing molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and structural biology. It provides insights into
how biological processes occur at the molecular level and informs the development of therapies and
interventions for a wide range of diseases and conditions [7, 13]. Researchers continue to explore
these concepts to deepen our understanding of life processes and to advance medical science.
Molecular targets are specific biological molecules, like proteins or DNA sequences, crucial for vari-
ous cellular functions and often associated with diseases. Biomolecular structures refer to the three-
dimensional arrangements of these molecules, determining their functions. Understanding these
structures is vital for scientific fields like molecular biology, pharmacology, and structural biol-
ogy [14], as it enables the development of treatments and enhances our knowledge of life processes.
Techniques like X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy help in determining these structures at
different levels, from the linear sequence to the overall three-dimensional folding of biomolecules.
5.3 Virtual Screening Approaches
VS approaches are essential tools in drug discovery, allowing researchers to identify potential drug
candidates from large chemical libraries using computational methods. There are three primary
VS approaches.
5.3.1 Structure-based Virtual Screening
SBVS is a computational drug discovery approach that utilizes the three-dimensional structures of
target proteins to screen and identify potential ligands from large compound libraries. SBVS relies
on molecular docking algorithms to predict the binding affinity and orientation of small molecules
within the active site of a target protein. By analyzing the interactions between the ligand and the
target protein, SBVS helps in identifying lead compounds with high binding affinities and favorable
pharmacological properties, thus accelerating the drug discovery process [15–18].

100
SBVS relies on the knowledge of a target protein’s three-dimensional structure, often obtained
through techniques like X-ray crystallography or homology modeling. Key points include:
● Utilization of the target protein’s 3D structure.
● Prediction of potential drug compounds’ interaction with the protein’s active site.
● Screening of compound libraries to identify molecules that fit well with the protein’s structure
and have therapeutic potential.
● Valuable when the protein’s structure is known or can be accurately predicted.
5.3.2 Ligand-based Virtual Screening
LBVS is a computational drug discovery approach that focuses on the chemical properties and
structural features of known ligands (or active compounds) rather than the three-dimensional
structure of the target protein. LBVS methods analyze the similarities between the molecular
descriptors or fingerprints of reference ligands and those of compounds in a chemical database.
The goal is to identify new molecules with similar structural and chemical features to known
active compounds, thus potentially possessing similar biological activities [19, 20].
LBVS does not require the target protein’s structure but instead focuses on known ligands (small
molecules) that bind to the target. Key aspects are:
● Utilization of data from known ligands or active compounds.
● Analysis of structural and chemical properties to identify common features or patterns.
● Search for molecules in chemical libraries with similar properties, potentially having similar
biological activity.
● Particularly useful when the protein structure is unavailable or hard to obtain.
5.3.3 Hybrid Approaches
Hybrid approaches in SBVS and LBVS refer to integrating methodologies from both SBVS and
LBVS to improve the accuracy and efficiency of VS in drug discovery [21, 22]. These hybrid
approaches leverage the strengths of both SBVS, which utilizes the three-dimensional structure of
the target protein, and LBVS, which focuses on the chemical properties of ligands, to overcome
limitations associated with each method when used independently [23]. One common hybrid
approach involves using structural information from SBVS to refine the results obtained from
LBVS or vice versa. For example, after identifying potential hits through LBVS, these compounds
can be docked into the active site of the target protein using SBVS techniques to assess their bind-
ing modes and interactions. Another hybrid strategy involves combining molecular descriptors
derived from ligand-based methods with structural information obtained from target proteins to
develop more accurate predictive models for VS [24].
Hybrid approaches combine elements of SBVS and LBVS to enhance VS accuracy. These
approaches involve:
● Integration of information from both protein structure (SBVS) and ligand data (LBVS).
● Improvement of the screening process by considering multiple factors, including protein–ligand
interactions and ligand similarity.
● Increased likelihood of identifying potential drug candidates with desired properties [25]
(Figure 5.2).

101
5.4 Databases and Compound Collections
5.4.1 Overview of Chemical Databases
“Chemical Databases” encompass repositories of structured chemical information, including
molecular structures, properties, reactions, and associated data, utilized across various scientific
disciplines for research, education, and industrial applications. These databases serve as vital
resources for chemists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and other researchers, enabling efficient
storage, retrieval, and analysis of chemical data. An overview of chemical databases includes
various types and examples [8]:
Public databases: These freely accessible databases provide extensive collections of chemical
information to the scientific community and the general public. Examples include:
PubChem: Maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubChem
is a comprehensive chemical database containing information on millions of chemical compounds,
including their structures, properties, bioactivities, and references to the literature.
ChemSpider: Curated by the Royal Society of Chemistry, ChemSpider is a chemical structure
database offering access to over 67 million chemical compounds, along with their properties,
spectral data, and literature references.
Commercial databases: These databases, typically requiring a subscription or license, offer
curated chemical data and specialized tools for research and industry. Examples include:
Reaxys: Provided by Elsevier, Reaxys is a web-based chemistry database offering access to a vast
collection of organic, inorganic, and organometallic compounds, along with their properties,
reactions, and synthesis information.
Virtual screening approaches
LBVS
SBVS
Protein
ligand
Binding complex
Hybrid approach
Integrate information from
protein structure (SBVS) and
ligand data (LBVS)
Utilize data from known
ligands or active compounds
Desired 3-D structure of protein
Homology modeling
X-ray crystallography
Analyze structural and
chemical properties
Identify common
features or patterns
Consider multiple factors:
protein-ligand interactions
and ligand similarity
Enhance screening process
Increase likelihood of
identifying potential drug
candidate
Search chemical libraries for
molecules with similar
properties
Potentially identify
molecules with similar
biological activity
Figure 5.2 Workflow for the virtual screening approaches in the drug discovery process.

102
Scifinder: Offered by the American Chemical Society, Scifinder is a comprehensive research
tool providing access to chemical literature, patents, and substance information, facilitating
searches for chemical compounds, reactions, and related data [26–30].
Specialized databases: These databases focus on specific areas of chemistry or research inter-
ests, providing tailored data and tools. Examples include:
ChEMBL: Hosted by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), ChEMBL is a bioac-
tivity database offering information on the biological activities of small molecules, including drugs,
experimental compounds, and natural products, along with their targets and assay data.
DrugBank: DrugBank is a comprehensive resource providing information on drugs, drug
targets, and related data, including chemical structures, pharmacological actions, and drug
interactions.
Chemical databases play a crucial role in scientific research, education, and industrial applica-
tions, facilitating the exploration, analysis, and utilization of chemical compounds and their prop-
erties across diverse fields of study.
5.4.2 Compound Filtering and Preparation
Before VS, compounds sourced from chemical databases often undergo filtering and preparation
steps to enhance their suitability for analysis. Filtering involves the exclusion of compounds that
do not meet specific criteria, such as drug-likeness or safety considerations, ensuring that only
relevant candidates are retained for further investigation. Subsequently, compound preparation
tasks are carried out, including the generation of three-dimensional structures and energy minimi-
zation to optimize molecular geometries. These preparatory measures ensure that the compounds
are in an optimal state for subsequent VS simulations, thereby facilitating more accurate predic-
tions and efficient identification of potential drug candidates [31, 32].
5.4.3 Diversity and Size of Compound Collections
The diversity of compound collections plays a crucial role in conducting comprehensive VS pro-
cesses. Such collections, encompassing a broad spectrum of chemical structures, significantly
enhance the likelihood of identifying novel drug candidates. These collections can vary greatly in
size, ranging from thousands to millions of compounds, depending on the database or resource
utilized. While larger collections offer more extensive screening possibilities, they also demand
substantial computational resources to execute effectively [33].
5.5 Molecular Docking
5.5.1 Principles of Molecular Docking
Molecular docking stands as a vital computational tool in drug discovery, aiming to predict the
interaction between a small molecule (known as a ligand) and a biological target, commonly a
protein (receptor). The primary objective is to ascertain the most energetically favorable binding
pose of the ligand within the binding site of the receptor. Leveraging principles of molecular phys-
ics and chemistry, molecular docking simulations simulate these interactions, offering insights
into the potential binding modes and affinities between the ligand and receptor [34, 35].
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