QSAR modeling, pharmacophore-based virtual screening, and ensemble docking insights into predicting potential epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) analogs against epidermal growth factor receptor

Abstract

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenols of green tea may have the possibility to inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity and lead to reduce non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. However, EGCG has some toxic features; moreover, there is a lack of explorations into the molecular interaction mechanisms of EGCG and the EGFR. In this examination, integration of quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, pharmacophore-based virtual screening, and ensemble docking approaches were used to predict potential novel EGCG analogs as effective EGFR inhibitors. QSAR modeling of logP and logS predictions and toxicity endpoint investigation for a set of 82 compounds were shown good predictive ability and robustness from the applicability domain and confusion matrix elucidations. Virtual screening and docking studies revealed that seven high potential EGCG analogs as strong EGFR binders. Molecular interactions interpretations indicated some insights into the structural features of ligands that efficiently interfere with mutation possible residues (Gly⁷¹⁹ and Thr⁷⁹⁰) of the EGFR. The hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, atomic π-cation interactions and salt bridges of ligands are contributing additional stability to receptor structure, which can lead to blocking the intracellular protein-tyrosine kinase activity, including EGFR associated pathways activation in NSCLC. Therefore, this can characterize as a block-cluster mechanism between EGCG analogs and EGFR complexes. In silico anti-EGFR and anticancer activity predictions suggested that, ligands could act as promising pharmacological, anticancer, and drug-like templates of EGFR towards moderating the NSCLC progressions. These results and provided pinpoints could be beneficial to recognize probable therapeutic targets for NSCLC therapy.

Keywords:

• Non-small cell lung carcinoma
• epigallocatechin gallate
• epidermal growth factor receptor
• QSAR modeling
• pharmacophore-based virtual screening
• ensemble docking

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

B. Uma Devi (F1-17.1/2012–13/RGNF-2012–13-SC-AND-32761/(SA-III/WEBSITE)) and K. Kranthi Kumar (F1-17.1/2013–14/RGNF-2013–14-SC-AND-40670/(SAIII/Website)) are grateful to University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India for awarding research fellowship, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) and Y. Suneetha is thankful for Human Resource Development for Health Research, New Delhi (F. No. V0.25011/542-HRD/2016-HR) to carry out this work.