Exploring the Potential of Peptides Derived from the Coelomic Fluid of Echinometra lucunter Targeting Inflammatory Cytokines in Placental Syndromes: In Silico Study.

BACKGROUND

Placental syndromes-encompassing pregnancy loss, preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preeclampsia-have been strongly linked to dysregulated inflammatory responses at the maternal-fetal interface. This study aims to explore the potential of peptides derived from the coelomic fluid of Echinometra lucunter targeting the inflammatory cytokines involved in placental syndromes using in silico approaches.

METHODS

The 3D molecular structure of peptides was modeled using the UCSF Chimera application. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADMET) properties were analysed using SwissADME and the ProTox web server. The PerMM web server was used to estimate membrane permeability. Crystal structures of target proteins-including c-Met, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-were obtained from the Protein Data Bank Japan (PDBj). Molecular docking and structural visualization were conducted using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software, while molecular dynamics simulations were subsequently performed using the YASARA Dynamics software to assess the stability and conformational behavior of the ligand-receptor complexes.

RESULTS

Peptide A was selected based on favorable ADMET properties. Molecular docking results revealed that Peptide A exhibits low binding affinities toward pro-inflammatory mediators, including TRAIL (-10.02 kcal/mol), MIF (-9.32 kcal/mol), IL-1β (-8.29 kcal/mol), and PDGF (-10.44 kcal/mol). Furthermore, Peptide A showed potential agonistic interactions with IL-10 (-10.26 kcal/mol) and c-Met (-9.27 kcal/mol), indicating a possible role in restoring anti-inflammatory and angiogenic signaling. Molecular dynamics simulations supported the stability of the peptide-receptor complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptide A holds promise as a dual-function therapeutic agent in placental syndromes. However, experimental validation is necessary to confirm its biological efficacy and safety.