An Evaluation of the Interaction of Brefeldin A with Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1) and Protein Kinase C Alpha (PrKCα): Insights from Molecular Modelling Studies

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Abstract
Aberrant protein glycosylation is a key driver of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, contributing to tumour growth, metastasis, and immune evasion. In this study, computational approaches were employed to explore the potential of Brefeldin A as an inhibitor of two glycosylation-associated regulatory proteins: Protein Kinase C alpha (PrKCα) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1). Using computational docking and structural analyses, Brefeldin A was predicted to bind effectively to both targets, thereby inhibiting their enzymatic activities. Detailed investigations revealed that Brefeldin A interacts favourably within the active sites of MAPK1 and PrKCα, forming stable complexes by optimal binding interactions. Key residues contributing to binding stabilisation were identified in both MAPK1 and PrKCα. For MAPK1, residues such as Lys114 and Ser153 played a significant role in hydrogen bonding interactions, while for PrKCα, Gln105, Asn154, and Asp167 were notably involved. These interactions included both hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts, which collectively contributed to the strength and specificity of ligand binding. The identification of these residues provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the stabilisation of the Brefeldin A-kinase complexes. Binding affinity estimations showed that Brefeldin A bound to MAPK1 exhibited a binding energy of −22.18 ± 4.50 kcal/mol. In contrast, the Brefeldin A bound to PrKCα demonstrated a slightly stronger binding energy of −23.90 ± 5.36 kcal/mol. Collectively, these findings underscore Brefeldin A’s potential as a novel inhibitor targeting glycosylation-related proteins in CRC, offering a promising therapeutic strategy to impede CRC progression. This work not only proposes Brefeldin A as a promising therapeutic lead but also supports glycosylation inhibition as a valuable approach for CRC control, with broader implications for drug discovery in glycan-related oncogenic pathways.

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