Ligand based 3D-QSAR pharmacophore, molecular docking and ADME to identify potential fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 inhibitors

Background: The FGF/FGFR system may affect tumor cells and stromal microenvironment through autocrine and paracrine stimulation, thereby significantly promoting oncogene transformation and tumor growth. Abnormal expression of FGFR1 in cells is considered to be the main cause of tumorigenesis and a potential target for the treatment of cancer. Methods: The known inhibitors were collected to construct 3D-QSAR pharmacophore model, which was verified by cost analysis, test set validation and Fischer test. Virtual screening of zinc database based on pharmacophore was carried out. FGFR1 crystal complex was downloaded from the protein database to dock with the compound. Finally, the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) characteristics and toxicity of a series of potential inhibitors were studied. Results: It was found that the constructed pharmacophore had a good ability to predict the activity. 2763 compounds in the database could hit well and the predicted activity value was less than 1 µM. Through molecular docking, we found that six compounds can bind to protein stably and inhibit the activity of FGFR1 through hydrogen bond interaction. In ADME and toxicity studies, we have successfully screened out a compound with a new structure scaffold, and found that it has good oral bioavailability and non-toxic. Conclusions: This study screened out a new potential drug for cancer treatment, which can be further studied to explore its better therapeutic effect.