Binding of a Drug (Colchicine) to L-Asparaginase Enzyme Using Multispectroscopic, Thermodynamics, and Simulation Studies: Possible Implication in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment

Abstract

The research aims to elucidate how drug interactions affect the activity of L-asparaginase (L-ASNase), an essential enzyme in cancer treatment, especially for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing treatment effectiveness and reducing adverse effects. This study explores the intricate molecular interactions and structural dynamics of L-ASNase upon binding with colchicine. Fluorescence quenching experiments were conducted at various temperatures (298, 303, and 310 K), revealing notable interactions between L-ASNase and colchicine. These interactions were characterized by a reduction in fluorescence intensity and a blue shift in emission maxima. Additional analyses, including the determination of Stern–Volmer quenching constants (K_SV), bimolecular quenching rate constants (k_q), and thermodynamic parameters, indicated a static quenching mechanism with moderate binding affinities (K_a: 1.40–2.71 × 10⁴ M⁻¹) across different temperatures. Thermodynamic study suggested positive enthalpy and entropy changes (ΔH° = −10.26 kcal mol⁻¹; ΔS° = −14.19 cal mol⁻¹ K⁻¹), suggesting a spontaneous reaction with negative ΔG° values (−5.86 to −6.03 kcal mol⁻¹). FRET measurements supported optimal distances (r and R_o) for FRET occurrence, reinforcing the static quenching mechanism. Molecular docking further supported these findings, revealing a 1:1 stoichiometric binding ratio for L-ASNase:colchicine and elucidating specific binding orientations and interactions critical for complex stability. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations spanning 100 ns underscored the stability of the L-ASNase–colchicine complex, with minimal deviations observed in key structural parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, R_g, and SASA. Additionally, spectroscopic analyses, including circular dichroism (CD), synchronous fluorescence, and 3D fluorescence provided insights into the conformational changes and alterations in the microenvironment of aromatic amino acid residues in L-ASNase upon colchicine binding. Moreover, L-ASNase activity was slightly reduced by 25% in the presence of colchicine. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the molecular intricacies of the L-ASNase–colchicine complex, advancing our understanding of drug–target interactions and offering potential avenues for therapeutic applications.