Raju Dash

Dr. Raju Dash


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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RDRaju Das
Raju Das
SHSarmin Ummey Habiba
Sarmin Ummey Habiba
RDRaju Dash
Raju Dash
YSYohan Seo
Yohan Seo
JWJooHan Woo
JooHan Woo
Shikonin, a phytochemical present in the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, is well-known for its broad-spectrum activity against cancer, oxidative stress, inflammation, viruses, and anti-COVID-19 agents. A recent report based on a crystallographic study revealed a distinct conformation of shikonin binding to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), suggesting the possibility of designing potential inhibitors based on shikonin derivatives. The present study aimed to identify potential shikonin derivatives targeting the Mpro of COVID-19 by using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. A total of 20 shikonin derivatives were screened, of which few derivatives showed higher binding affinity than shikonin. Following the MM-GBSA binding energy calculations using the docked structures, four derivatives were retained with the highest binding energy and subjected to molecular dynamics simulation. Molecular dynamics simulation studies suggested that alpha-methyl-n-butyl shikonin, beta-hydroxyisovaleryl shikonin, and lithospermidin-B interacted with two conserved residues, His41 and Cys145, through multiple bonding in the catalytic sites. This suggests that these residues may effectively suppress SARS-CoV-2 progression by inhibiting Mpro. Taken together, the present in silico study concluded that shikonin derivatives may play an influential role in Mpro inhibition.