Computational Exploration of the Structural Requirements of Triazole Derivatives as Colchicine Binding Site Inhibitors

Colchicine inhibits microtubule assembly by preventing tubulin polymerization, making the colchicine binding site a promising target against cancer. The present study focuses on the 3D‐QSAR analysis of 31 triazole analogs. The atom‐based and field‐based QSAR models exhibit significant statistical results for internal and external validations, with the atom‐based 3D‐QSAR model showing a Q2 of 0.658 and R2 of 0.998, and the field‐based 3D‐QSAR model showing a Q2 of 0.658 and R2 of 0.998. The 3D‐QSAR atom‐based pharmacophore model explains biological activity using a six‐point hypothesis (AHHRRR.1), while the field‐based 3D‐QSAR model explains activity based on steric, electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bond donor/acceptor fields. Based on the 3D contour maps generated, five new compounds were designed and their ADME/Tox properties predicted. The results suggested that these compounds possess potent pharmacological characteristics. The results of the molecular docking analysis showed that Pred01 and Pred02 had higher docking scores (−6.2417Kcal/mol and −6.5049Kcal/mol, respectively) than compound 15, and they formed notable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with active site residues. The MMGBSA results confirmed these findings and emphasized the essential role of van der Waals energy in the binding energy. Moreover, the dynamic stability of the complexes was further supported by MD simulations. This study presents a comprehensive 3D‐QSAR analysis of triazole analogs using atom‐based and Gaussian field‐based models. The aim was to determine the structural factors that govern the inhibitory activity against colchicine binding. The obtained information has been utilized in the design of new compounds with favorable pharmacological properties. Molecular docking, MMGBSA, and MD simulations were employed to investigate the binding interactions and stability of the engineered compounds. These findings support the potential of these compounds as promising candidates for further development as cancer therapeutics.