New predicted dual CDK-2/CDK-1 inhibitors from Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY with relative selectivity for colorectal cancer cells: a computational and experimental approach
= 3.49 µg/mL) and a selectivity index (SI = 23.33), indicating relative cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Computational modeling and cellular phenotypic data suggest a potential mechanism of dual CDK2/1 inhibition, forming a testable hypothesis that requires direct enzymatic validation. Compounds corresponding to peaks [7] and [14] have been tentatively assigned as promising CDK inhibitors based on molecular docking studies; due to their: (1) strong binding affinities (-13.23 to -46.05 kcal/mol) confirmed by stable molecular dynamics (RMSD < 2.0 Å); (2) cell cycle arrest mediated by dual CDK2/1 inhibition; and (3) favorable drug-like properties, such as molecular weight < 500 Da, good intestinal absorption, and minimal toxicity. Critical interactions with CDK2 (Tyr16, Phe81) and CDK1 (Met88) active site residues were identified by structural analysis. These interactions competed with ATP to disrupt the CDK2 cyclin A and CDK1/cyclin A/B complexes, which resulted in both G1/S and G2/M cell cycle arrests. These integrated computational and cellular findings suggest that the fungal-derived compounds are promising candidates for novel dual CDK2/CDK1 inhibitors, warranting further experimental validation through biochemical kinase assays.
Authors
- Walid Fayad (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7975-0343)
- Faten K. Abd El-Hady (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2871-1560)
- Amal Mosad Ibrahim
- Mohamed Abdel-Aziz
- Ahmed A. El-Rashedy
Institutions
- University of Sadat City (EG)
- National Research Centre (EG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Published
- 2026-04-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-41120-2
- Primary Topic
- Cancer-related Molecular Pathways
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Science and Technology Development Fund