Denis Zverev

Mr. Denis Zverev

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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21 October 2026 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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IVIvan Veselov
Ivan Veselov
DZDenis Zverev
Denis Zverev
DSDmitry A. Shulga
Dmitry A. Shulga
AAAlexey Aksinenko
Alexey Aksinenko
Elena R. MilaevaElena R. Milaeva
Elena R. Milaeva
Sergey BachurinSergey Bachurin
Sergey Bachurin
Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTp) opening is a critical event in neurodegeneration, representing a point of no return in cell death cascades. Despite the neuroprotective potential of MPTp inhibitors, systematic structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies for this target remain scarce. Here we present the first standardized dataset of 57 γ-carboline derivatives evaluated for their ability to inhibit MPTp under uniform experimental conditions. Using complementary Free–Wilson and 2D-QSAR analyses, we expertly propose rational structure–activity relationships (SAR) for this scaffold. Based on the Free–Wilson analysis, we assume that increasing lipophilicity and steric bulk at all four substitution positions to a certain limit positively correlates with inhibitory activity. The R3 linker plays a critical role: the presence of positively ionizable amine groups and potentially hydrogen bond donors enhances activity, whereas non-ionizable amide linkers may be detrimental. The QSAR model based on physicochemical descriptors of substituents corroborates these findings, with positive contributions from cLogP and HBD descriptors. This integrated computational–experimental approach provides a predictive framework for the rational design of novel neuroprotective agents targeting MPTp, with potential implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.