Binbin Lu , Qian Zhang , Hang Lin , Shaowei Wang , Yang Zhu , Ren-shan Ge , Xingwang Li
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
We investigated the inhibitory effects of dithiocarbamates (DTCs) on human steroid 5α-reductase 1 (SRD5A1), an enzyme crucial for the conversion of testosterone or pregnenolone into neuroactive steroids. Utilizing a comprehensive approach that included enzyme assays, molecular docking simulations, and both structure-activity relationship (SAR) and 3D quantitative SAR (3D-QSAR) analyses, we assessed the potency and interaction mechanisms of DTCs with SRD5A1 in human SF126 cells. Our results demonstrated that zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, disulfiram, ferbam, thiram, and ziram displayed significant inhibitory activity against SRD5A1, with IC50 values of 1.10, 1.62, 2.31, 1.74, and 1.84 μM, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated that these compounds function as mixed inhibitors, suggesting a multifaceted interaction with the enzyme's active site. These DTCs effectively penetrated the cell membrane of SF126 cells to inhibit SRD5A1 at ≥ 5 μM. Molecular docking analyses revealed that these compounds interacted with a distinct domain located between the NADPH and testosterone binding sites of SRD5A1, primarily through sulfur bonds, which are a fundamental component of the DTC structure. Experimental validation of the inhibitory mechanism was achieved by demonstrating that the co-incubation of dithiothreitol, a sulfhydryl-reducing agent, significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate and thiram. SAR analysis revealed a negative correlation between LogP, molecular weight, and IC50 values, and a positive correlation between LogS, lowest binding energy, and IC50 values. The 3D-QSAR analysis further indicated that hydrogen bond acceptor and hydrophobic region capabilities significantly contribute to the primary inhibition. In conclusion, this research significantly advances our understanding of the SAR of sulfur-containing DTCs as inhibitors of human SRD5A1, providing valuable insights for identifying toxicity of DTCs targeting this enzyme.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is devoted to new experimental and theoretical developments in areas related to steroids including vitamin D, lipids and their metabolomics. The Journal publishes a variety of contributions, including original articles, general and focused reviews, and rapid communications (brief articles of particular interest and clear novelty). Selected cutting-edge topics will be addressed in Special Issues managed by Guest Editors. Special Issues will contain both commissioned reviews and original research papers to provide comprehensive coverage of specific topics, and all submissions will undergo rigorous peer-review prior to publication.