Title:Induced Fit Docking and Automated QSAR Studies Reveal the ER-α Inhibitory Activity of Cannabis sativa in Breast Cancer
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Author(s): Babatomiwa Kikiowo*, Adewale J. Ogunleye, Opeyemi Iwaloye, Taiwo T. Ijatuyi, Niyi S. Adelakun and Wasiu O. Alashe
Affiliation:
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State,Nigeria
Keywords:
ADME, AutoQSAR, breast cancer, cancer, docking, estrogen, induced-fit docking, MM-GBSA.
Abstract:
Background: Breast Cancer (BC), a common fatal disease and the deadliest cancer next
to lung cancer, is characterized by an abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the breast. BC chemotherapy
is marked by targeting the activities of some receptors such as Estrogen Receptor alpha
(ER-α). At present, one of the most commonly used and approved marketed therapeutic drugs for
BC is tamoxifen. Despite the short-term success of tamoxifen usage, its long time treatment has
been associated with significant side effects. Therefore, there is a pressing need for the development
of novel anti-estrogens for the prevention and treatment of BC.
Objective: In this study, we evaluate the inhibitory effect of Cannabis sativa phytoconstituents on
ER-α.
Methods: Glide and induced fit docking followed by ADME, automated QSAR and binding free
energy (ΔGbind) studies were used to evaluate anti-breast cancer and ER-α inhibitory activity of
Cannabis sativa, which has been reported to be effective in inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation.
Results: Phyto-constituents of Cannabis sativa possess lower docking scores and good ΔGbind when
compared to that of tamoxifen. ADME and AutoQSAR studies revealed that our lead compounds
demonstrated the properties required to make them promising therapeutic agents.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that naringenin, dihydroresveratrol, baicalein, apigenin
and cannabitriol could have relatively better inhibitory activity than tamoxifen and could be
a better and patent therapeutic candidate in the treatment of BC. Further research such as in vivo
and/or in vitro assays could be conducted to verify the ability of these compounds.
