The drug discovery candidate for targeting PARP1 with Onosma. Dichroantha compounds in triple-negative breast cancer: A virtual screening and molecular dynamic simulation

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the overexpression of poly-ADP ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), a key enzyme in DNA repair. Targeting PARP1 with inhibitors presents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly given the limited treatment options for TNBC. This study employed in silico methodologies to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and inhibitory potential of FDA-approved drugs and compounds derived from Onosma. dichroantha root extracts against PARP1. Virtual screening and molecular docking identified Midazolam, Olaparib, Beta-sitosterol, and 1-Hexyl-4-nitrobenzene as top candidates, exhibiting strong binding affinities of −10.6 kcal/mol, −9.9 kcal/mol, −6.83 kcal/mol, and −5.53 kcal/mol respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) over 100 nanoseconds revealed that Beta-sitosterol formed the most stable complex with PARP1, demonstrating minimal structural deviations and robust hydrogen bonding. The Molecular Mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) analysis further confirmed Beta-Sitosterol and Olaparib superior binding free energy (ΔG_bind= −175.43 kcal/mol and –180.8 kcal/mol respectively), highlighting its potential as a potent PARP1 inhibitor. ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiling indicated that Beta-Sitosterol adheres to Lipinski's Rule of Five, with high intestinal absorption (95.88 %) and blood-brain barrier permeability (0.824), despite low water solubility. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified key PARP1-associated proteins, including CASP3, CASP7, and XRCC1, suggesting broader therapeutic implications. These findings underscore the potential of Beta-Sitosterol as a novel PARP1 inhibitor for TNBC treatment, combining computational validation with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. The study also highlights the utility of drug repurposing and plant-derived compounds in developing targeted therapies for TNBC, paving the way for further preclinical and clinical investigations.