Froufe, Hugo J.C.Abreu, Rui M.V.Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.2011-08-232011-08-232011Froufe, Hugo J.C.; Abreu, Rui M.V.; Ferreira, Isabel C.R.R. (2011). Using molecular docking to investigate the anti-breast cancer activity of low molecular weight compounds present on wild mushrooms. SAR and QSAR Environmental Research. ISSN 1062-936X. 22:3-4, p. 315-3281062-936Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10198/6032Mushrooms represent an unlimited source of compounds with antitumor and immunostimulating properties and mushroom intake as been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. A large number of LMW (low molecular weight) compounds present in mushrooms have been identified including: phenolic acids, flavonoids, tocopherols, carotenoids, sugars and fatty acids. In order to evaluate which wild mushroom LMW compounds may be involved in anti-breast cancer activity we selected a representative dataset of 43 LMW compounds and performed molecular docking against 3 known protein targets involved in breast cancer (Aromatase, Estrone Sulfatase and 17β-HSD-1) using AutoDock4 as docking software. The estimated inhibition constants for all LMW compounds were determined and the potential structure-activity relationships for the compounds with the best estimated inhibition constants are discussed for each compound family. 4-O-caffeoylquinic, naringin and lycopene stand out as the top ranked potential inhibitors for Aromatase, Estrone Sulfatase and 17β-HSD1, respectively, and the 3-D docked conformation for these compounds are discussed in detail. This information provides several interesting starting points for further development of Aromatase, Estrone Sulfatase and 17β-HSD1 inhibitors.engMushroomsNutraceuticalsBreast cancerMolecular dockingAutoDock4journal article10.1080/1062936X.2011.569897