In silico structure-based screening of versatile P-glycoprotein inhibitors using polynomial empirical scoring functions

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP (adenosine triphosphate)-binding cassette transporter that causes multidrug resistance of various chemotherapeutic substances by active efflux from mammalian cells. P-gp plays a pivotal role in limiting drug absorption and distribution in different organs, including the intestines and brain. Thus, the prediction of P-gp–drug interactions is of vital importance in assessing drug pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. To find the strongest P-gp blockers, we performed an in silico structure-based screening of P-gp inhibitor library (1,300 molecules) by the gradient optimization method, using polynomial empirical scoring (POLSCORE) functions. We report a strong correlation (r(2)=0.80, F=16.27, n=6, P<0.0157) of inhibition constants (Ki(exp) or pKi(exp); experimental Ki or negative decimal logarithm of Ki(exp)) converted from experimental IC(50) (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values with POLSCORE-predicted constants (Ki(POLSCORE) or pKi(POLSCORE)), using a linear regression fitting technique. The hydrophobic interactions between P-gp and selected drug substances were detected as the main forces responsible for the inhibition effect. The results showed that this scoring technique might be useful in the virtual screening and filtering of databases of drug-like compounds at the early stage of drug development processes.