Identification of Potential ACE2-Derived Peptide Mimetics in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Therapeutics using Computational Approaches.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health challenge because of the emergence of distinct variants. Omicron, a new variant, is recognized as a variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its higher mutations and accelerated human infection. The infection rate is strongly dependent on the binding rate of the receptor binding domain (RBD) against human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2human) receptor. Inhibition of protein-protein (RBDs(SARS-CoV-2/omicron)-ACE2human) interaction has been already proven to inhibit viral infection. We have systematically designed ACE2human-derived peptides and peptide mimetics that have high binding affinity toward RBDomicron. Our peptide mutational analysis indicated the influence of canonical amino acids on the peptide binding process. Herein, efforts have been made to explore the atomistic details and events of RBDs(SARS-CoV-2/omicron)-ACE2human interactions by using molecular dynamics simulation. Our studies pave a path for developing therapeutic peptidomimetics against omicron.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors: a patent review (2002 - 2011).

INTRODUCTION: The protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases or PTPs) are highly conserved phosphatases that regulate the tyrosine phosphorylation and consequently, the cellular functions. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is the major post-translational modification to regulate signal transduction in cells. PTPs control diverse processes such as focal adhesion dynamics, cell-cell adhesion, insulin signaling, cytoskeletal functions, synaptogenesis and neurite growth. The availability of numerous X-ray crystal structures of PTPs, along with their inhibitors, has provided the opportunity for the structure-based design of effective inhibitors having potential for the treatment of various disorders. AREAS COVERED: The main focus of the present review is to get an insight into the most clinically relevant therapeutic PTP inhibitors published in patents over the past 10 years. EXPERT OPINION: Several computational studies are being carried out to understand ligand binding modes, selectivity interactions and conformational changes during inhibitor binding. PTP inhibitors that are of current interest include quinolyl, cyclic alabenzimidazole, pyrazine, (ethynediyl)bis-benzene, pyridopyrimidine, triazolopyridine, cyclo propylphenyl phenyloxamides, oxindole and azoloarin derivatives. The development of allosteric site-directed PTP inhibitors may help in understanding the absorption and selectivity of PTP inhibitors.