Identification of novel neuraminidase 1 modulators as potential therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease using virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline. The neuraminidase isoenzyme NEU1 is a most ubiquitous mammalian enzyme, involved in various cellular mechanisms. The deficiency of NEU1 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of AD, significantly in amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism and Aβ clearance. Despite extensive research, no potent NEU1 modulator has been developed to regulate its activity for therapeutic intervention in AD. The present work aims to identify potential NEU1 modulators from a library of seaweed Metabolites Database through molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A library of 1,077 seaweed metabolites was screened, identifying 20 active compounds, of which 4 met Lipinski's Rule of Five criteria. ADMET profiling revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties for BE003, BS032, and RG007, with good blood-brain barrier permeability and bioavailability. Molecular docking demonstrates that BE003, BS032, RG007, and BD039 metabolites exhibited the highest binding affinities for the NEU1 active site. Additionally, MD simulation and MM-GBSA validated the stability of the metabolite-protein complex, with BE003 demonstrating the most stable interactions. Comparative docking against a natural substrate (Neu5Ac) and a NEU1 inhibitor (17f) revealed that BE003 shares significant interaction, RMSD stability profiles with the substrate and loop conformational dynamics while differing from the inhibitor. Our findings emphasize the potential of this modulator as a novel therapeutic target against NEU1 in AD treatment. Further experimental validation and preclinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in modulating NEU1 activity.