New Theobromine Apoptotic Analogue with Anticancer Potential Targeting the EGFR Protein: Computational and Studies.

AIM

The aim of this study was to design and examine a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor with apoptotic properties by utilizing the essential structural characteristics of existing EGFR inhibitors as a foundation.

METHOD

The study began with the natural alkaloid theobromine and developed a new semisynthetic derivative (). Computational ADMET assessments were conducted first to evaluate its anticipated safety and general drug-likeness. Deep density functional theory (DFT) computations were initially performed to validate the three-dimensional (3D) structure and reactivity of . Molecular docking against the EGFR proteins was conducted to investigate 's binding affinity and inhibitory potential. Additional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over 200 ns along with MM-GPSA, PLIP, and principal component analysis of trajectories (PCAT) experiments were employed to verify the binding and inhibitory properties of . Afterward, was semisynthesized to validate the proposed design and findings through several examinations.

RESULTS

DFT studies indicated 's reactivity using electrostatic potential, global reactive indices, and total density of states. Molecular docking, MD simulations, MM-GPSA, PLIP, and ED suggested the binding and inhibitory properties of against the EGFR protein. The ADMET predicted 's safety and general drug-likeness. experiments demonstrated that effectively inhibited EGFR and EGFR, with IC values of 86 and 561 nM, respectively, compared to Erlotinib (31 and 456 nM). also showed significant suppression of the proliferation of HepG2 and MCF7 malignant cell lines, with IC values of 3.51 and 4.13 μM, respectively. The selectivity indices against the two cancer cell lines indicated the overall safety of . Flow cytometry confirmed the apoptotic effects of by increasing the total percentage of apoptosis to 42% compared to 31, and 3% in Erlotinib-treated and control cells, respectively. The qRT-PCR analysis further supported the apoptotic effects by revealing significant increases in the levels of Casp3 and Casp9. Additionally, controlled the levels of TNFα and IL2 by 74 and 50%, comparing Erlotinib's values (84 and 74%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study's findings suggest the potential of as a promising apoptotic anticancer lead compound targeting the EGFR.