The role of PASS and STITCH in the verification of unknown properties of pyruvate and lactate. Literature review and fragments of authors’ own research

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the predicted spectrum of biological activity of pyruvate and lactate using modern computer modeling methods and to determine potential protein partners in intermolecular interaction. Materials and methods. The biological activity spectrum of pyruvate and lactate by the structural formula was determined using the PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) software. Potential protein interaction partners for small molecules were predicted using the Search Tool for Interactions Chemicals (STITCH). Results. Analyzing the obtained results in silico reveals that pyruvate and lactate exhibit diverse biological activities, molecular mechanisms, and pharmacological effects. These include regulation of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism and effects on enzyme activity and gene expression. The data on the antihypoxic, antiischemic, antitoxic, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, antiviral, vasoprotective, and cytoprotective effects are presented. The neuroprotective and antineurotoxic effects of pyruvate and lactate are predicted. Conclusion. The spectrum of biological activities of lactate and pyruvate were revealed by computer modeling methods, and protein interaction partners were characterized. The small molecules we studied have a coordinating role in the functioning and modulation of mediator, hormonal, receptor, immune, inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral responses and gene expression. The use of natural intermediates as therapeutic agents for the treatment of ischemic stroke, acute neurological disorders, and neurodegeneration is discussed, which is underlain by the stimulating effect of metabolites on neuroplasticity. These properties may be manifested through conformational rearrangement of receptors, active binding centers, expression of multiple genes, and changes in the functional manifestations of catalytic and other proteins. The obtained data will obviously expand our understanding of the role of small molecules in intermolecular metabolite – protein interactions.