Abstract Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), a selenoprotein enzyme crucial for redox homeostasis in mammals, has emerged as a promising target for anticancer therapy. In this study, we present a non-covalent TrxR1 inhibitor, identified through an integrated experimental and computational approach. After identifying a plausible druggable cavity, a molecular docking-based virtual screening of over 90,000 lead-like compounds was performed. The selected compounds were evaluated for their impact on TrxR1 activity, leading to the identification of the most promising candidate, C55. The identified compound, already proven to be free from potential ADMET concerns, inhibits TrxR1 in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value in the micromolar range. C55′s activity was confirmed across multiple cancer cell lines, including HepG2, Huh7, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cells. As a metal-free organic molecule capable of non-covalently inhibiting TrxR1, C55 represents a significant breakthrough, offering a solid foundation for hit-to-lead optimisation and the development of new anticancer drug candidates. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Structure-based identification of a non-covalent thioredoxin reductase inhibitor with proven ADMET suitability
G. Lamanna,G. Augello,Luisa Ronga,Diego Tesauro,I. Silvestri,A. Azzolina,M. Cervello,G. Mangiatordi,Michele Saviano
Published 2025 in Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry
ABSTRACT
PUBLICATION RECORD
- Publication year
2025
- Venue
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry
- Publication date
2025-11-10
- Fields of study
Medicine, Chemistry
- Identifiers
- External record
- Source metadata
Semantic Scholar, PubMed
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