Virtual Screening for Potential Phytobioactives as Therapeutic Leads to Inhibit NQO1 for Selective Anticancer Therapy

NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) is a ubiquitous flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent flavoprotein that promotes obligatory two-electron reductions of quinones, quinonimines, nitroaromatics, and azo dyes. NQO1 is a multifunctional antioxidant enzyme whose expression and deletion are linked to reduced and increased oxidative stress susceptibilities. NQO1 acts as both a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter; thus, the inhibition of NQO1 results in less tumor burden. In addition, the high expression of NQO1 is associated with a shorter survival time of cancer patients. Inhibiting NQO1 also enables certain anticancer agents to evade the detoxification process. In this study, a series of phytobioactives were screened based on their chemical classes such as coumarins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids for their action on NQO1. The in silico evaluations were conducted using PyRx virtual screening tools, where the flavone compound, Orientin showed a better binding affinity score of -8.18 when compared with standard inhibitor Dicumarol with favorable ADME properties. An MD simulation study found that the Orientin binding to NQO1 away from the substrate-binding site induces a potential conformational change in the substrate-binding site, thereby inhibiting substrate accessibility towards the FAD-binding domain. Furthermore, with this computational approach we are offering a scope for validation of the new therapeutic components for their in vitro and in vivo efficacy against NQO1.

Automated summary

NQO1 is a multifunctional antioxidant enzyme with both tumor suppression and promotion properties. In this study, the flavone compound Orientin demonstrated a better binding affinity and favorable ADME properties compared to the standard inhibitor Dicumarol in targeting NQO1. Computational simulations showed that Orientin induces a potential conformational change in the substrate-binding site of NQO1, inhibiting substrate accessibility towards the FAD-binding domain. Our findings offer a promising direction for the development of new therapeutic components targeting NQO1.