Molecular Docking on Bromodomain (Brd4-Bd2) Which is a Potential Drug Target for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Prevention

S. Gokula Krishnan, V. Harish Chidambaram and Dr. S. Justin Packia Jacob
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S. Gokula Krishnan: Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, OMR Road, Chennai
V. Harish Chidambaram: Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, OMR Road, Chennai
Dr. S. Justin Packia Jacob: Professor, Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, OMR Road, Chennai

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 370-381

Abstract: Molecular docking has revolutionized drug discovery by providing an efficient and cost-effective approach of identifying potential therapeutic candidates. One of the most significant cancer research targets is the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4-BD2), which controls transcription by detecting acetylated lysine residues on histones. BRD4-BD2, a key epigenetic reader, stimulates gene expression by engaging transcriptional machinery, which affects the course of cell cycles and proliferation. BRD4-BD2’s post-translational modifications (PTMs) activate carcinogenic pathways, making it an attractive target in the development of cancer therapeutics, particularly in prostate cancer, where overexpression has been associated with disease progression. However, there are considerable issues in targeting bromodomain for therapeutic development. These include selectivity problems, structural flexibility of the docking site, off-target interactions, and potential drug resistance pathways. However, there are considerable challenges involved with targeting the bromodomain for therapeutic development. These include selectivity problems, the structural flexibility of the docking site, off-target interactions, and putative drug resistance mechanisms. Because different bromodomains are structurally similar, developing highly selective inhibitors is difficult, and may result in unpleasant side effects. Also, the flexibility of the BRD4-BD2 binding pocket complicates the development of long-term inhibitors. Despite these challenges, computational techniques such as molecular docking have emerged as valuable tools for identifying the binding interactions between small molecules and BRD4-BD2, enabling the rational design of novel inhibitors. In this study, AutoDock, a popular molecular docking software, was used to find probable interactions between BRD4-BD2 and potential ligands. This computational approach determines essential molecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces that contribute to ligand binding stability. Furthermore, Swiss ADME was utilized to assess the pharmacokinetic properties of the tested drugs utilizing Lipinski’s rule of five. Targeting BRD4-BD2 has demonstrated significant potential in prostate cancer prevention and treatment as it can reduce the expression of oncogenic genes that promote tumor formation and progression. The ability of small molecules to bind to BRD4-BD2 and engage with its regulatory function indicates a potential therapy strategy for reducing disease progression. This study underlines the significance of computational approaches like molecular docking, pharmacokinetic screening, and structural analysis in identifying effective and selective BRD4-BD2 inhibitors.

Date: 2025
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