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Li M, Bei ZC, Yuan Y, Wang B, Zhang D, Xu L, Zhao L, Xu Q, Song Y. In-cell bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based assay uncovers ceritinib and CA-074 as SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2387417. [PMID: 39163165 PMCID: PMC11338211 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2387417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Papain-like protease (PLpro) is an attractive anti-coronavirus target. The development of PLpro inhibitors, however, is hampered by the limitations of the existing PLpro assay and the scarcity of validated active compounds. We developed a novel in-cell PLpro assay based on BRET and used it to evaluate and discover SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors. The developed assay demonstrated remarkable sensitivity for detecting the reduction of intracellular PLpro activity while presenting high reliability and performance for inhibitor evaluation and high-throughput screening. Using this assay, three protease inhibitors were identified as novel PLpro inhibitors that are structurally disparate from those previously known. Subsequent enzymatic assays and ligand-protein interaction analysis based on molecular docking revealed that ceritinib directly inhibited PLpro, showing high geometric complementarity with the substrate-binding pocket in PLpro, whereas CA-074 methyl ester underwent intracellular hydrolysis, exposing a free carboxyhydroxyl group essential for hydrogen bonding with G266 in the BL2 groove, resulting in PLpro inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu-Chun Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongtian Yuan
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Likun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liangliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yabin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Patel DK, Kumar H, Sobhia ME. Exploring the binding dynamics of covalent inhibitors within active site of PL pro in SARS-CoV-2. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 112:108132. [PMID: 38959551 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 virus, the search for potent medications is paramount. With a focused investigation on the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) as a promising therapeutic target due to its pivotal role in viral replication and immune modulation, the catalytic triad of PLpro comprising Cys111, His272, and Asp286, highlights Cys111 as an intriguing nucleophilic center for potential covalent bonds with ligands. The detailed analysis of the binding site unveils crucial interactions with both hydrophobic and polar residues, demonstrating the structural insights of the cavity and deepening our understanding of its molecular landscape. The sequence of PLpro among variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron) and the recent variant of interest, JN.1, remains conserved with no mutations at the active site. Moreover, a thorough exploration of apo, non-covalently bound, and covalently bound PLpro conformations exposes significant conformational changes in loop regions, offering invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of ligand-protein complex formation. Employing strategic in silico medication repurposing, this study swiftly identifies potential molecules for target inhibition. Within the domain of covalent docking studies and molecular dynamics, using reported inhibitors and clinically tested molecules elucidate the formation of stable covalent bonds with the cysteine residue, laying a robust foundation for potential therapeutic applications. These details not only deepen our comprehension of PLpro inhibition but also play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic landscape of COVID-19 treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India.
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3
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Ferreira JC, Fadl S, Cardoso THS, Andrade BS, Melo TS, Silva EMDA, Agarwal A, Turville SJ, Saksena NK, Rabeh WM. Boosting immunity: synergistic antiviral effects of luteolin, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20240617. [PMID: 39045772 PMCID: PMC11327220 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20240617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 was first discovered in 2019 and has disseminated throughout the globe to pandemic levels, imposing significant health and economic burdens. Although vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed, their long-term efficacy and specificity have not been determined, and antiviral drugs remain necessary. Flavonoids, which are commonly found in plants, fruits, and vegetables and are part of the human diet, have attracted considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents due to their antiviral and antimicrobial activities and effects on other biological activities, such as inflammation. The present study uses a combination of biochemical, cellular, molecular dynamics, and molecular docking experiments to provide compelling evidence that the flavonoid luteolin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one) has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) that is synergistically enhanced by magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. The IC50 of luteolin against 2 µM 3CLpro is 78 µM and decreases 10-fold to 7.6 µM in the presence of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C. Thermodynamic stability analyses revealed that luteolin has minimal effects on the structure of 3CLpro, whereas metal ions and vitamin C significantly alter the thermodynamic stability of the protease. Interactome analysis uncovered potential host-virus interactions and functional clusters associated with luteolin activity, supporting the relevance of this flavone for combating SARS-CoV-2 infection. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on luteolin's therapeutic potential and provides insights into its mechanisms of action against SARS-CoV-2. The novel formulation of luteolin, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C may be an effective avenue for treating COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar Fadl
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thyago H S Cardoso
- G42 Healthcare Omics Excellence Center, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arabes Emirates
| | - Bruno Silva Andrade
- UESB - Universidade Estatudal Do Sudoeste da Bahia. Deparmento de Ciencias Biologicas
| | - Tarcisio S Melo
- UESB - Universidade Estatudal Do Sudoeste da Bahia. Deparmento de Ciencias Biologicas
| | | | | | | | - Nitin K Saksena
- Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3134, Australia
- Aegros Therapeutics Pty Ltd, 5-6 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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4
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Nazir F, John Kombe Kombe A, Khalid Z, Bibi S, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. SARS-CoV-2 replication and drug discovery. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 77:101973. [PMID: 39025272 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to wreak havoc across the globe. This sudden and deadly pandemic emphasizes the necessity for anti-viral drug development that can be rapidly administered to reduce morbidity, mortality, and virus propagation. Thus, lacking efficient anti-COVID-19 treatment, and especially given the lengthy drug development process as well as the critical death tool that has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak, drug repurposing (or repositioning) constitutes so far, the ideal and ready-to-go best approach in mitigating viral spread, containing the infection, and reducing the COVID-19-associated death rate. Indeed, based on the molecular similarity approach of SARS-CoV-2 with previous coronaviruses (CoVs), repurposed drugs have been reported to hamper SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, understanding the inhibition mechanisms of viral replication by repurposed anti-viral drugs and chemicals known to block CoV and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication is crucial, and it opens the way for particular treatment options and COVID-19 therapeutics. In this review, we highlighted molecular basics underlying drug-repurposing strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discussed inhibition mechanisms of viral replication, involving and including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteases (3C-like protease, 3CLpro or Papain-like protease, PLpro) by protease inhibitors such as Carmofur, Ebselen, and GRL017, polymerases (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, RdRp) by drugs like Suramin, Remdesivir, or Favipiravir, and proteins/peptides inhibiting virus-cell fusion and host cell replication pathways, such as Disulfiram, GC376, and Molnupiravir. When applicable, comparisons with SARS-CoV inhibitors approved for clinical use were made to provide further insights to understand molecular basics in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and draw conclusions for future drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Nazir
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zunera Khalid
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Shaheen Bibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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5
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Angeli A, Occhini A, Renzi G, Capperucci A, Ferraroni M, Tanini D, Supuran CT. Thia- and Seleno-Michael Reactions for the Synthesis of Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400345. [PMID: 39031732 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Novel chalcogen-containing amides and esters bearing the benzenesulfonamide moiety have been synthesised upon nucleophilic conjugate addition of thiols and selenols to suitable electron-deficient alkenes. The activity of the synthesised compounds as Carbonic Anhydrases inhibitors has been investigated in vitro and the inhibition mechanism has been elucidated by X-rays studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeli
- NEUROFARBA Deptartment, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Occhini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Gioele Renzi
- NEUROFARBA Deptartment, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Capperucci
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Damiano Tanini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Deptartment, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
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6
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Ali MA, Sheikh H, Yaseen M, Faruqe MO, Ullah I, Kumar N, Bhat MA, Mollah MNH. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Petiveria alliacea L. Phytochemicals: A Computational Study on Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2's Main Protease (Mpro). Molecules 2024; 29:2524. [PMID: 38893400 PMCID: PMC11173994 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, also known as the COVID-19 pandemic, is still a critical risk factor for both human life and the global economy. Although, several promising therapies have been introduced in the literature to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, most of them are synthetic drugs that may have some adverse effects on the human body. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to carry out an in-silico investigation into the medicinal properties of Petiveria alliacea L. (P. alliacea L.)-mediated phytocompounds for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections since phytochemicals have fewer adverse effects compared to synthetic drugs. To explore potential phytocompounds from P. alliacea L. as candidate drug molecules, we selected the infection-causing main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 as the receptor protein. The molecular docking analysis of these receptor proteins with the different phytocompounds of P. alliacea L. was performed using AutoDock Vina. Then, we selected the three top-ranked phytocompounds (myricitrin, engeletin, and astilbin) as the candidate drug molecules based on their highest binding affinity scores of -8.9, -8.7 and -8.3 (Kcal/mol), respectively. Then, a 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study was performed for their complexes with Mpro using YASARA software, computed RMSD, RMSF, PCA, DCCM, MM/PBSA, and free energy landscape (FEL), and found their almost stable binding performance. In addition, biological activity, ADME/T, DFT, and drug-likeness analyses exhibited the suitable pharmacokinetics properties of the selected phytocompounds. Therefore, the results of this study might be a useful resource for formulating a safe treatment plan for SARS-CoV-2 infections after experimental validation in wet-lab and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ahad Ali
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Humaira Sheikh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;
| | - Muhammad Yaseen
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Swat, Main Campus, Charbagh 19130, Pakistan;
| | - Md Omar Faruqe
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
| | - Ihsan Ullah
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Swat, Main Campus, Charbagh 19130, Pakistan;
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bhupal Nobles’ College of Pharmacy, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India;
| | - Mashooq Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Md. Nurul Haque Mollah
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
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Zhang Y, Chen S, Tian Y, Fu X. Host factors of SARS-CoV-2 in infection, pathogenesis, and long-term effects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1407261. [PMID: 38846354 PMCID: PMC11155306 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1407261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative virus of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic that results in an unparalleled global health and economic crisis. Despite unprecedented scientific efforts and therapeutic interventions, the fight against COVID-19 continues as the rapid emergence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and the increasing challenge of long COVID-19, raising a vast demand to understand the pathomechanisms of COVID-19 and its long-term sequelae and develop therapeutic strategies beyond the virus per se. Notably, in addition to the virus itself, the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and clinical severity of COVID-19 is also governed by host factors. In this review, we therefore comprehensively overview the replication cycle and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 from the perspective of host factors and host-virus interactions. We sequentially outline the pathological implications of molecular interactions between host factors and SARS-CoV-2 in multi-organ and multi-system long COVID-19, and summarize current therapeutic strategies and agents targeting host factors for treating these diseases. This knowledge would be key for the identification of new pathophysiological aspects and mechanisms, and the development of actionable therapeutic targets and strategies for tackling COVID-19 and its sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital and Cancer Center, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital and Cancer Center, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
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Maniak H, Matyja K, Pląskowska E, Jarosz J, Majewska P, Wietrzyk J, Gołębiowska H, Trusek A, Giurg M. 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid-Based Hydrazide-Hydrazones as Potent Growth Inhibition Agents of Laccase-Producing Phytopathogenic Fungi That Are Useful in the Protection of Oilseed Crops. Molecules 2024; 29:2212. [PMID: 38792074 PMCID: PMC11124341 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The research on new compounds against plant pathogens is still socially and economically important. It results from the increasing resistance of pests to plant protection products and the need to maintain high yields of crops, particularly oilseed crops used to manufacture edible and industrial oils and biofuels. We tested thirty-five semi-synthetic hydrazide-hydrazones with aromatic fragments of natural origin against phytopathogenic laccase-producing fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Cerrena unicolor. Among the investigated molecules previously identified as potent laccase inhibitors were also strong antifungal agents against the fungal species tested. The highest antifungal activity showed derivatives of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic aldehydes with 3-tert-butyl, phenyl, or isopropyl substituents. S. sclerotiorum appeared to be the most susceptible to the tested compounds, with the lowest IC50 values between 0.5 and 1.8 µg/mL. We applied two variants of phytotoxicity tests for representative crop seeds and selected hydrazide-hydrazones. Most tested molecules show no or low phytotoxic effect for flax and sunflower seeds. Moreover, a positive impact on seed germination infected with fungi was observed. With the potential for application, the cytotoxicity of the hydrazide-hydrazones of choice toward MCF-10A and BALB/3T3 cell lines was lower than that of the azoxystrobin fungicide tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Maniak
- Department of Micro, Nano, and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 4/6 Norwida Street, 50-373 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Konrad Matyja
- Department of Micro, Nano, and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 4/6 Norwida Street, 50-373 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Elżbieta Pląskowska
- Division of Plant Pathology and Mycology, Department of Plant Protection, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 24A Grunwald Square, 50-363 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Jarosz
- Laboratory of Experimental Anticancer Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigla Street, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Paulina Majewska
- Institute of Technology and Life Sciences-National Research Institute, 3 Hrabska Avenue, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland;
| | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Laboratory of Experimental Anticancer Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigla Street, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Hanna Gołębiowska
- Department of Weed Science and Tillage Systems, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation State Research Institute, 61 Orzechowa Street, 50-540 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Trusek
- Department of Micro, Nano, and Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 4/6 Norwida Street, 50-373 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Mirosław Giurg
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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9
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Kumar P, Bhalla A. Reaction Pattern and Mechanistic Aspects of Iodine and Iodine-Based Reagents in Selenylation of Aliphatic, Aromatic, and (Hetero)Cyclic Systems. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2024; 382:12. [PMID: 38589598 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-024-00459-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Organoselenium compounds have been the subject of extensive research since the discovery of the biologically active compound ebselen. Ebselen has recently been found to show activity against the main protease of the virus responsible for COVID-19. Other organoselenium compounds are also well-known for their diverse biological activities, with such compounds exhibiting interesting physical properties relevant to the fields of electronics, materials, and polymer chemistry. In addition, the incorporation of selenium into various organic molecules has garnered significant attention due to the potential of selenium to enhance the biological activity of these molecules, particularly in conjunction with bioactive heterocycles. Iodine and iodine-based reagents play a prominent role in the synthesis of organoselenium compounds, being valued for their cost-effectiveness, non-toxicity, and ease of handling. These reagents efficiently selenylate a broad range of organic substrates, encompassing alkenes, alkynes, and cyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic molecules. They serve as catalysts, additives, inducers, and oxidizing agents, facilitating the introduction of different functional groups at alternate positions in the molecules, thereby allowing for regioselective and stereoselective approaches. Specific iodine reagents and their combinations can be tailored to follow the desired reaction pathways. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the progress in the selenylation of organic molecules using iodine reagents over the past decade, with a focus on reaction patterns, solvent effects, heating, microwave, and ultrasonic conditions. Detailed discussions on mechanistic aspects, such as electrophilic, nucleophilic, radical, electrochemical, and ring expansion reactions via selenylation, multiselenylation, and difunctionalization, are included. The review also highlights the formation of various cyclic, heterocyclic, and heteroarenes resulting from the in situ generation of selenium intermediates, encompassing cyclic ketones, cyclic ethers, cyclic lactones, selenophenes, chromones, pyrazolines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, indolines, oxazolines, isooxazolines, lactones, dihydrofurans, and isoxazolidines. To enhance the reader's interest, the review is structured into different sections covering the selenylation of aliphatic sp2/sp carbon and cyclic sp2 carbon, and then is further subdivided into various heterocyclic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, UT, 160014, India
| | - Aman Bhalla
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, UT, 160014, India.
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10
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Doman AJ, Perkins MV, Tommasi S, Mangoni AA, Nair PC. Recent advances in DDAH1 inhibitor design and discovery: insights from structure-activity relationships and X-ray crystal structures. RSC Adv 2024; 14:9619-9630. [PMID: 38525060 PMCID: PMC10958460 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08210e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signalling molecule which modulates several biological and pathological processes. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) plays a key role indirectly regulating NO concentrations in the body. It has been shown that DDAH1 inhibition may be an effective therapeutic strategy in certain pathological states in which excessive NO is produced. In recent years, specific DDAH1 inhibitors have shown promise in suppressing abnormal neovascularization in cancer. However, the available DDAH1 inhibitors lack potency and selectivity and are mostly arginine-based. Further, these inhibitors display unfavourable pharmacokinetics and have not been tested in humans. Thus, the development of potent, selective, and chemically diverse DDAH1 inhibitors is essential. In this review, we examine the structure activity relationships (SARs) and X-ray crystal structures of known DDAH1 inhibitors. Then, we discuss current challenges in the design and development of novel DDAH1 inhibitors and provide future directions for developing potent and chemically diverse compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Doman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Adelaide Australia
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University Adelaide Australia +61-8-82043155
| | - Michael V Perkins
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide Australia
| | - Sara Tommasi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Adelaide Australia
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University Adelaide Australia +61-8-82043155
| | - Arduino A Mangoni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Adelaide Australia
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University Adelaide Australia +61-8-82043155
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University Adelaide Australia
| | - Pramod C Nair
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University Adelaide Australia +61-8-82043155
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University Adelaide Australia
- Cancer Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
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11
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Chan HTH, Brewitz L, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Walsh MA, Schofield CJ, Duarte F. Studies on the selectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease reveal the importance of the P2' proline of the viral polyprotein. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:117-130. [PMID: 38333195 PMCID: PMC10849127 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00128h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is an antiviral drug target that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the viral polyproteins pp1a/1ab, so releasing the non-structural proteins (nsps) 1-3 that are essential for the coronavirus lifecycle. The LXGG↓X motif in pp1a/1ab is crucial for recognition and cleavage by PLpro. We describe molecular dynamics, docking, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to investigate how oligopeptide substrates derived from the viral polyprotein bind to PLpro. The results reveal how the substrate sequence affects the efficiency of PLpro-catalyzed hydrolysis. In particular, a proline at the P2' position promotes catalysis, as validated by residue substitutions and mass spectrometry-based analyses. Analysis of PLpro catalyzed hydrolysis of LXGG motif-containing oligopeptides derived from human proteins suggests that factors beyond the LXGG motif and the presence of a proline residue at P2' contribute to catalytic efficiency, possibly reflecting the promiscuity of PLpro. The results will help in identifying PLpro substrates and guiding inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Henry Chan
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Martin A Walsh
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Fernanda Duarte
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
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12
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Wang H, Nkingwa AA, Islam F, Xu C, Zeng Q. Advances in Difunctionalization of Olefins with Diorganyl Dichalcogenides. Chem Asian J 2024; 19:e202300883. [PMID: 37950799 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Organochalcogen molecules have extensive applications in various fields. They serve as pharmaceuticals, ligands, organocatalysts, agrochemicals, and other functional materials. Difunctionalization of olefins, which belong to a class of multicomponent reactions, is a successful technique for introducing two functional moieties in a single-step reaction, both in terms of atom economy and step economy. The difunctionalization of olefins with diorganyl dichalcogenides may effectively increase the molecular complexity, which has achieved significant advancements in recent decades. This article describes recent advancements in the difunctionalization of olefins with diorganyl diselenides and diorganyl disulfides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helin Wang
- College of Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Alex Adonis Nkingwa
- College of Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Fawad Islam
- College of Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Chao Xu
- College of Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Qingle Zeng
- College of Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
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13
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Barchielli G, Capperucci A, Tanini D. Therapeutic cysteine protease inhibitors: a patent review (2018-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:17-49. [PMID: 38445468 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2327299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cysteine proteases are involved in a broad range of biological functions, ranging from extracellular matrix turnover to immunity. Playing an important role in the onset and progression of several diseases, including cancer, immune-related and neurodegenerative disease, viral and parasitic infections, cysteine proteases represent an attractive drug target for the development of therapeutic tools. AREAS COVERED Recent scientific and patent literature focusing on the design and study of cysteine protease inhibitors with potential therapeutic application has been reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of a number of effective structurally diverse cysteine protease inhibitors opened up new challenges and opportunities for the development of therapeutic tools. Mechanistic studies and the availability of X-ray crystal structures of some proteases, alone and in complex with inhibitors, provide crucial information for the rational design and development of efficient and selective cysteine protease inhibitors as preclinical candidates for the treatment of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Barchielli
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
| | - Antonella Capperucci
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
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14
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Ali F, Alom S, Ali SR, Kondoli B, Sadhu P, Borah C, Kakoti BB, Ghosh SK, Shakya A, Ahmed AB, Singh UP, Bhat HR. Ebselen: A Review on its Synthesis, Derivatives, Anticancer Efficacy and Utility in Combating SARS-COV-2. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1203-1225. [PMID: 37711004 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230914103339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Ebselen is a selenoorganic chiral compound with antioxidant properties comparable to glutathione peroxidase. It is also known as 2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one. In studies examining its numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and anti- Alzheimer's, ebselen has demonstrated promising results. This review's primary objective was to emphasize the numerous synthesis pathways of ebselen and their efficacy in fighting cancer. The data were collected from multiple sources, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Publons. The starting reagents for the synthesis of ebselen are 2-aminobenzoic acid and N-phenyl benzamide. It was discovered that ebselen has the ability to initiate apoptosis in malignant cells and prevent the formation of new cancer cells by scavenging free radicals. In addition, ebselen increases tumor cell susceptibility to apoptosis by inhibiting TNF-α mediated NF-kB activation. Ebselen can inhibit both doxorubicin and daunorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Allopurinol and ebselen administered orally can be used to suppress renal ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Due to excessive administration, diclofenac can induce malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, which ebselen can effectively suppress. Recent research has demonstrated ebselen to inhibit viral function by binding to cysteinecontaining catalytic domains of various viral proteases. It was discovered that ebselen could inhibit the catalytic dyad function of Mpro by forming an irreversible covalent bond between Se and Cys145, thereby altering protease function and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. Ebselen may also inhibit the activation of endosomal NADPH oxidase of vascular endothelial cells, which is believed to be required for thrombotic complications in COVID-19. In this review, we have included various studies conducted on the anticancer effect of ebselen as well as its inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farak Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, Tezpur, Sonitpur Assam, 784501,India
| | - Shahnaz Alom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, Tezpur, Sonitpur Assam, 784501,India
| | - Sheikh Rezzak Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Biswanarayan Kondoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Tripura University, Suryamani Nagar, Agartala, Tripura 799022, India
| | - Prativa Sadhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Chinmoyee Borah
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781017, India
| | - Bibhuti Bushan Kakoti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Surajit Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Anshul Shakya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Abdul Baquee Ahmed
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science,Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, Tezpur, Sonitpur-784501, Assam, India
| | - Udaya Pratap Singh
- Drug Design & Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, 211007, India
| | - Hans Raj Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
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15
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Li X, Song Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3: Function, structure, inhibition, and perspective in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103832. [PMID: 37977285 PMCID: PMC10872262 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
As a highly contagious human pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected billions of people worldwide with more than 6 million deaths. With several effective vaccines and antiviral drugs now available, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic been brought under control. However, a new pathogenic coronavirus could emerge in the future, given the zoonotic nature of this virus. Natural evolution and drug-induced mutations of SARS-CoV-2 also require continued efforts for new anti-coronavirus drugs. Nonstructural protein (nsp) 3 of CoVs is a large, multifunctional protein, containing a papain-like protease (PLpro) and a macrodomain (Mac1), which are essential for viral replication. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the function, structure, and inhibition of SARS-CoV/-CoV-2 PLpro and Mac1. We also discuss advances in, and challenges to, the discovery of drugs against these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Musalov MV, Amosova SV, Potapov VA. Selenium Dibromide Click Chemistry: The Efficient Synthesis of Novel Selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonene-2 and -nonane Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17485. [PMID: 38139313 PMCID: PMC10744190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly efficient and convenient methods for the preparation of 35 novel derivatives of 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane and 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonene-2 in high yields based on the adduct of the transannular addition of SeBr2 to 1,5-cyclooctadiene were developed. The methods for the amination of the adduct made it possible to obtain both diamino selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives and their dihydrobromide salts in one step in 88-98% yields. The methods meet the criteria of click chemistry. Compounds with high glutathione peroxidase mimetic activity were found among water-soluble dihydrobromide salts. The selective reaction of 2,6-dibromo-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane with acetonitrile to form 6-bromo-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonene-2 was discovered. The latter compound served as a promising starting material to give rise to the new class of selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonene-2 derivatives, e.g., 6-alkoxy-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonenes were obtained in 94-99% yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim V. Musalov
- A. E. Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Division of The Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Favorsky Str., Irkutsk 664033, Russia; (S.V.A.); (V.A.P.)
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17
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Hasan MN, Ray M, Saha A. Landscape of In Silico Tools for Modeling Covalent Modification of Proteins: A Review on Computational Covalent Drug Discovery. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9663-9684. [PMID: 37921534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c04710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Covalent drug discovery has been a challenging research area given the struggle of finding a sweet balance between selectivity and reactivity for these drugs, the lack of which often leads to off-target activities and hence undesirable side effects. However, there has been a resurgence in covalent drug design following the success of several covalent drugs such as boceprevir (2011), ibrutinib (2013), neratinib (2017), dacomitinib (2018), zanubrutinib (2019), and many others. Design of covalent drugs includes many crucial factors, where "evaluation of the binding affinity" and "a detailed mechanistic understanding on covalent inhibition" are at the top of the list. Well-defined experimental techniques are available to elucidate these factors; however, often they are expensive and/or time-consuming and hence not suitable for high throughput screens. Recent developments in in silico methods provide promise in this direction. In this report, we review a set of recent publications that focused on developing and/or implementing novel in silico techniques in "Computational Covalent Drug Discovery (CCDD)". We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches along with what improvements are required to make it a great tool in medicinal chemistry in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nazmul Hasan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin─Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Manisha Ray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60660, United States
| | - Arjun Saha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin─Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
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18
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Liu W, Wang J, Wang S, Yue K, Hu Y, Liu X, Wang L, Wan S, Xu X. Discovery of new non-covalent and covalent inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and main protease. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106830. [PMID: 37683544 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still threatens human health and public safety, and the development of effective antiviral agent is urgently needed. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are vital proteins in viral replication and promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, PLpro also modulates host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15) from ISGylated host proteins. In this report, we identified [1,2]selenazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3(2H)-one and benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one as attractive scaffolds of PLpro and Mpro inhibitors. The representative compounds 6c and 7e exhibited excellent PLpro inhibition with percent inhibition of 42.9% and 44.9% at 50 nM, respectively. The preliminary enzyme kinetics experiment and fluorescent labelling experiment results determined that 6c was identified as a covalent PLpro inhibitor, while 7e was a non-covalent inhibitor. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that 6c and 7e bound to Zn-finger domain of PLpro. Compounds 6c and 7e were also identified to potent Mpro inhibitors, and they exhibited potent antiviral activities in SARS-CoV-2 infected Vero E6 cells, with EC50 value of 3.9 μM and 7.4 μM, respectively. In addition, the rat liver homogenate half-life of 6c and 7e exceeded 24 h. These findings suggest that 6c and 7e are promising led compounds for further development of PLpro/Mpro dual-target antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandong Liu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Suyun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Kairui Yue
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Lihao Wang
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Shengbiao Wan
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China.
| | - Ximing Xu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China.
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19
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Tucci AR, da Rosa RM, Rosa AS, Augusto Chaves O, Ferreira VNS, Oliveira TKF, Coutinho Souza DD, Borba NRR, Dornelles L, Rocha NS, Mayer JCP, da Rocha JBT, Rodrigues OED, Miranda MD. Antiviral Effect of 5'-Arylchalcogeno-3-aminothymidine Derivatives in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Molecules 2023; 28:6696. [PMID: 37764472 PMCID: PMC10537738 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The understanding that zidovudine (ZDV or azidothymidine, AZT) inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 and that chalcogen atoms can increase the bioactivity and reduce the toxicity of AZT has directed our search for the discovery of novel potential anti-coronavirus compounds. Here, the antiviral activity of selenium and tellurium containing AZT derivatives in human type II pneumocytes cell model (Calu-3) and monkey kidney cells (Vero E6) infected with SARS-CoV-2, and their toxic effects on these cells, was evaluated. Cell viability analysis revealed that organoselenium (R3a-R3e) showed lower cytotoxicity than organotellurium (R3f, R3n-R3q), with CC50 ≥ 100 µM. The R3b and R3e were particularly noteworthy for inhibiting viral replication in both cell models and showed better selectivity index. In Vero E6, the EC50 values for R3b and R3e were 2.97 ± 0.62 µM and 1.99 ± 0.42 µM, respectively, while in Calu-3, concentrations of 3.82 ± 1.42 µM and 1.92 ± 0.43 µM (24 h treatment) and 1.33 ± 0.35 µM and 2.31 ± 0.54 µM (48 h) were observed, respectively. The molecular docking calculations were carried out to main protease (Mpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), and RdRp following non-competitive, competitive, and allosteric inhibitory approaches. The in silico results suggested that the organoselenium is a potential non-competitive inhibitor of RdRp, interacting in the allosteric cavity located in the palm region. Overall, the cell-based results indicated that the chalcogen-zidovudine derivatives were more potent than AZT in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and that the compounds R3b and R3e play an important inhibitory role, expanding the knowledge about the promising therapeutic capacity of organoselenium against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Resende Tucci
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raquel Mello da Rosa
- LabSelen-NanoBio—Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil; (R.M.d.R.); (L.D.); (N.S.R.); (J.C.P.M.)
| | - Alice Santos Rosa
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- CQC-IMS, Departamento de Química, Universidade de Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Centro de Pesquisa, Inovação e Vigilância em COVID-19 e Emergências Sanitárias (CPIV), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vivian Neuza Santos Ferreira
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
| | - Thamara Kelcya Fonseca Oliveira
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniel Dias Coutinho Souza
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Roberto Resende Borba
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
| | - Luciano Dornelles
- LabSelen-NanoBio—Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil; (R.M.d.R.); (L.D.); (N.S.R.); (J.C.P.M.)
| | - Nayra Salazar Rocha
- LabSelen-NanoBio—Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil; (R.M.d.R.); (L.D.); (N.S.R.); (J.C.P.M.)
| | - João Candido Pilar Mayer
- LabSelen-NanoBio—Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil; (R.M.d.R.); (L.D.); (N.S.R.); (J.C.P.M.)
| | - João B. Teixeira da Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil;
| | - Oscar Endrigo D. Rodrigues
- LabSelen-NanoBio—Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil; (R.M.d.R.); (L.D.); (N.S.R.); (J.C.P.M.)
| | - Milene Dias Miranda
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil; (A.R.T.); (A.S.R.); (V.N.S.F.); (T.K.F.O.); (D.D.C.S.); (N.R.R.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
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20
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Khurana A, Allawadhi P, Singh V, Khurana I, Yadav P, Sathua KB, Allwadhi S, Banothu AK, Navik U, Bharani KK. Antimicrobial and anti-viral effects of selenium nanoparticles and selenoprotein based strategies: COVID-19 and beyond. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023; 86:104663. [PMID: 37362903 PMCID: PMC10249347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency of selenium (Se) has been described in a significant number of COVID-19 patients having a higher incidence of mortality, which makes it a pertinent issue to be addressed clinically for effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) provide a unique option for managing the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SeNPs possess promising anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by virtue of their nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-stimulator of activated B cells (NFκB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) modulatory activity. In addition, SeNPs possess remarkable immunomodulatory effects, making them a suitable option for supplementation with a much lower risk of toxicity compared to their elemental counterpart. Further, SeNPs have been shown to curtail viral and microbial infections, thus, making it a novel means to halt viral growth. In addition, it can be administered in the form of aerosol spray, direct injection, or infused thin-film transdermal patches to reduce the spread of this highly contagious viral infection. Moreover, a considerable decrease in the expression of selenoprotein along with enhanced expression of IL-6 in COVID-19 suggests a potential association among selenoprotein expression and COVID-19. In this review, we highlight the unique antimicrobial and antiviral properties of SeNPs and the immunomodulatory potential of selenoproteins. We provide the rationale behind their potentially interesting properties and further exploration in the context of microbial and viral infections. Further, the importance of selenoproteins and their role in maintaining a successful immune response along with their association to Se status is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Khurana
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, 500030, PVNRTVU, Telangana, India
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Warangal, 506166, PVNRTVU, Telangana, India
| | - Prince Allawadhi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vishakha Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Isha Khurana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Poonam Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Kshirod Bihari Sathua
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Konark Marine Drive Road, Puri, 752002, Odisha, India
| | - Sachin Allwadhi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
| | - Anil Kumar Banothu
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, 500030, PVNRTVU, Telangana, India
| | - Umashanker Navik
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Kala Kumar Bharani
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Warangal, 506166, PVNRTVU, Telangana, India
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21
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Henriquez-Figuereo A, Alcon M, Moreno E, Sanmartín C, Espuelas S, Lucio HD, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Plano D. Next generation of selenocyanate and diselenides with upgraded leishmanicidal activity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106624. [PMID: 37295238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, leishmaniasis is still treated with outdated drugs that present several obstacles related to their high toxicity, long duration, parenteral administration, high costs and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for safer and more effective novel drugs. Previous studies indicated that selenium compounds are promising derivatives for innovative therapy in leishmaniasis treatment. With this background, a new library of 20 selenocyanate and diselenide derivatives were designed based on structural features present in the leishmanicidal drug miltefosine. Compounds were initially screened against promastigotes of L. major and L. infantum and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in THP-1 cells. Compounds B8 and B9 were the most potent and less cytotoxic and were further screened for the intracellular back transformation assay. The results obtained revealed that B8 and B9 showed EC50 values of 7.7 µM and 5.7 µM, respectively, in L. major amastigotes, while they presented values of 6.0 µM and 7.4 µM, respectively, against L. infantum amastigotes. Furthermore, they exerted high selectivity (60 < SI > 70) towards bone marrow-derived macrophages. Finally, these compounds exhibited higher TryR inhibitory activity than mepacrine (IC50 7.6 and 9.2 µM, respectively), and induced nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in macrophages. These results suggest that the compounds B8 and B9 could not only exert a direct leishmanicidal activity against the parasite but also present an indirect action by activating the microbicidal arsenal of the macrophage. Overall, these new generation of diselenides could constitute promising leishmanicidal drug candidates for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreina Henriquez-Figuereo
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alcon
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Moreno
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Socorro Espuelas
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Héctor de Lucio
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Plano
- University of Navarra, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, ISTUN, Pamplona, Spain; IdisNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
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22
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Saha T, Sinha S, Harfoot R, Quiñones-Mateu ME, Das SC. Spray-Dried Inhalable Microparticles Combining Remdesivir and Ebselen against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2229. [PMID: 37765198 PMCID: PMC10535576 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a continuous effort to develop efficient treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral respiratory diseases. Among the different strategies, inhaled treatment is considered one of the most logical and efficient approaches to treating COVID-19, as the causative "SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA" predominantly infects the respiratory tract. COVID-19 treatments initially relied on repurposed drugs, with a few additional strategies developed during the last two years, and all of them are based on monotherapy. However, drug combinations have been found to be more effective than monotherapy in other viral diseases such as HIV, influenza, and hepatitis C virus. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in vitro studies have shown synergistic antiviral activity combining remdesivir with ebselen, an organoselenium compound. Therefore, these drug combinations could ensure better therapeutic outcomes than the individual agents. In this study, we developed a dry powder formulation containing remdesivir and ebselen using a spray-drying technique and used L-leucine as an aerosolization enhancer. The prepared dry powders were spherical and crystalline, with a mean particle size between 1 and 3 µm, indicating their suitability for inhalation. The emitted dose (ED) and fine particle fraction (FPF) of remdesivir- and ebselen-containing dry powders were ~80% and ~57% when prepared without L-leucine. The ED as well as the FPF significantly increased with values of >86% and >67%, respectively, when L-leucine was incorporated. More importantly, the single and combinational dry powder of remdesivir and ebselen showed minimal cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 μM) in Calu-3 cells, retaining their anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties (EC50 2.77 to 18.64 μM). In summary, we developed an inhalable dry powder combination of remdesivir and ebselen using a spray-drying technique. The spray-dried inhalable microparticles retained their limited cytotoxicity and specific antiviral properties. Future in vivo studies are needed to verify the potential use of these remdesivir/ebselen combinational spray-dried inhalable microparticles to block the SARS-CoV-2 replication in the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Saha
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
| | - Shubhra Sinha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.S.); (R.H.); (M.E.Q.-M.)
| | - Rhodri Harfoot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.S.); (R.H.); (M.E.Q.-M.)
| | - Miguel E. Quiñones-Mateu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (S.S.); (R.H.); (M.E.Q.-M.)
| | - Shyamal C. Das
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
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23
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Brian Chia CS, Pheng Lim S. A Patent Review on SARS Coronavirus Papain-Like Protease (PL pro ) Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300216. [PMID: 37248169 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is an unprecedented global health emergency causing more than 6.6 million fatalities by 31 December 2022. So far, only three antiviral drugs have been granted emergency use authorisation or approved by the FDA. The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro ) is deemed an attractive drug target as it plays an essential role in viral polyprotein processing and pathogenesis although no inhibitors have yet been approved. This patent review discusses coronavirus PLpro inhibitors reported in patents published between 1 January 2003 to 2 March 2023, giving an overview on the inhibitors that have generated commercial interest, especially amongst drug companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Brian Chia
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos #08-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
| | - Siew Pheng Lim
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos #08-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
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24
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Wildner G, Tucci AR, Prestes ADS, Muller T, Rosa ADS, Borba NRR, Ferreira VN, Rocha JBT, Miranda MD, Barbosa NV. Ebselen and Diphenyl Diselenide Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication at Non-Toxic Concentrations to Human Cell Lines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1222. [PMID: 37515038 PMCID: PMC10384302 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global public health problem. Despite the numerous studies for drug repurposing, there are only two FDA-approved antiviral agents (Remdesivir and Nirmatrelvir) for non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Consequently, it is pivotal to search for new molecules with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and to study their effects in the human immune system. Ebselen (Eb) is an organoselenium compound that is safe for humans and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) shares several pharmacological properties with Eb and is of low toxicity to mammals. Herein, we investigated Eb and (PhSe)2 anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in a human pneumocytes cell model (Calu-3) and analyzed their toxic effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Both compounds significantly inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 replication in Calu-3 cells. The EC50 values for Eb and (PhSe)2 after 24 h post-infection (hpi) were 3.8 µM and 3.9 µM, respectively, and after 48 hpi were 2.6 µM and 3.4 µM. These concentrations are safe for non-infected cells, since the CC50 values found for Eb and (PhSe)2 on Calu-3 were greater than 200 µM. Importantly, the concentration rates tested on viral replication were not toxic to human PBMCs. Therefore, our findings reinforce the efficacy of Eb and demonstrate (PhSe)2 as a new candidate to be tested in future trials against SARS-CoV-2 infection/inflammation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Wildner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Resende Tucci
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandro de Souza Prestes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Talise Muller
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Alice Dos Santos Rosa
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Roberto R Borba
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vivian Neuza Ferreira
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Milene Dias Miranda
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nilda Vargas Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
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25
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She Z, Yao Y, Wang C, Li Y, Xiong X, Liu Y. M pro-targeted anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor-based drugs. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:17475198231184799. [PMID: 37455837 PMCID: PMC10333551 DOI: 10.1177/17475198231184799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global health emergency. The main protease is an important drug target in coronaviruses. It plays an important role in the processing of viral RNA-translated polyproteins and is highly conserved in the amino acid sequence and three-dimensional structure, making it a good drug target for which several small molecule inhibitors are available. This paper describes the various anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 inhibitor drugs targeting Mpro discovered since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 outbreak at the end of 2019, with all these compounds inhibiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Mpro activity in vitro. This provides a reference for the development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Mpro-targeted inhibitors and the design of therapeutic approaches to address newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mutant strains with immune evasion capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuxin She
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yinuo Yao
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Conglong Wang
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Xiong
- College of Food Science and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, ChengXian College, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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26
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Ferdous N, Reza MN, Hossain MU, Mahmud S, Napis S, Chowdhury K, Mohiuddin AKM. Mpropred: A machine learning (ML) driven Web-App for bioactivity prediction of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) antagonists. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287179. [PMID: 37352252 PMCID: PMC10289339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emerged in 2019 and still requiring treatments with fast clinical translatability. Frequent occurrence of mutations in spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 led the consideration of an alternative therapeutic target to combat the ongoing pandemic. The main protease (Mpro) is such an attractive drug target due to its importance in maturating several polyproteins during the replication process. In the present study, we used a classification structure-activity relationship (CSAR) model to find substructures that leads to to anti-Mpro activities among 758 non-redundant compounds. A set of 12 fingerprints were used to describe Mpro inhibitors, and the random forest approach was used to build prediction models from 100 distinct data splits. The data set's modelability (MODI index) was found to be robust, with a value of 0.79 above the 0.65 threshold. The accuracy (89%), sensitivity (89%), specificity (73%), and Matthews correlation coefficient (79%) used to calculate the prediction performance, was also found to be statistically robust. An extensive analysis of the top significant descriptors unveiled the significance of methyl side chains, aromatic ring and halogen groups for Mpro inhibition. Finally, the predictive model is made publicly accessible as a web-app named Mpropred in order to allow users to predict the bioactivity of compounds against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Later, CMNPD, a marine compound database was screened by our app to predict bioactivity of all the compounds and results revealed significant correlation with their binding affinity to Mpro. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) analysis showed improved properties of the complexes. Thus, the knowledge and web-app shown herein can be used to develop more effective and specific inhibitors against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The web-app can be accessed from https://share.streamlit.io/nadimfrds/mpropred/Mpropred_app.py.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadim Ferdous
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Mahjerin Nasrin Reza
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Uzzal Hossain
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Bioinformatics Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Ashulia, Ganakbari, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahin Mahmud
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Suhami Napis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
| | - Kamal Chowdhury
- Biology Department, Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC, United States of America
| | - A. K. M. Mohiuddin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, Bangladesh
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27
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Zmudzinski M, Rut W, Olech K, Granda J, Giurg M, Burda-Grabowska M, Kaleta R, Zgarbova M, Kasprzyk R, Zhang L, Sun X, Lv Z, Nayak D, Kesik-Brodacka M, Olsen SK, Weber J, Hilgenfeld R, Jemielity J, Drag M. Ebselen derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by inhibition of its essential proteins: PL pro and M pro proteases, and nsp14 guanine N7-methyltransferase. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9161. [PMID: 37280236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35907-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteases encoded by SARS-CoV-2 constitute a promising target for new therapies against COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are responsible for viral polyprotein cleavage-a process crucial for viral survival and replication. Recently it was shown that 2-phenylbenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one (ebselen), an organoselenium anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug, is a potent, covalent inhibitor of both the proteases and its potency was evaluated in enzymatic and antiviral assays. In this study, we screened a collection of 34 ebselen and ebselen diselenide derivatives for SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and Mpro inhibitors. Our studies revealed that ebselen derivatives are potent inhibitors of both the proteases. We identified three PLpro and four Mpro inhibitors superior to ebselen. Independently, ebselen was shown to inhibit the N7-methyltransferase activity of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 protein involved in viral RNA cap modification. Hence, selected compounds were also evaluated as nsp14 inhibitors. In the second part of our work, we employed 11 ebselen analogues-bis(2-carbamoylaryl)phenyl diselenides-in biological assays to evaluate their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in Vero E6 cells. We present their antiviral and cytoprotective activity and also low cytotoxicity. Our work shows that ebselen, its derivatives, and diselenide analogues constitute a promising platform for development of new antivirals targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikolaj Zmudzinski
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Wioletta Rut
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Olech
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Granda
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Giurg
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Burda-Grabowska
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Kaleta
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michala Zgarbova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Xinyuanyuan Sun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Digant Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | | | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Kattula B, Reddi B, Jangam A, Naik L, Adimoolam BM, Vavilapalli S, Are S, Thota JR, Jadav SS, Arifuddin M, Addlagatta A. Development of 2-chloroquinoline based heterocyclic frameworks as dual inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M Pro and PL Pro. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124772. [PMID: 37172706 PMCID: PMC10171901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Evolution of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 warrant the need for the continued efforts in identifying target-oriented new drugs. Dual targeting agents against MPro and PLPro not only overcome the incomplete efficacy but also the drug resistance, which is common problem. Since both these are cysteine proteases, we designed 2-chloroquinoline based molecules with additional imine moiety in the middle as possible nucleophilic warheads. In the first round of design and synthesis, three molecules (C3, C4 and C5) inhibited (Ki < 2 μM) only MPro by binding covalently to C145 and one molecule (C10) inhibited both the proteases non-covalently (Ki < 2 μM) with negligible cytotoxicity. Further conversion of the imine in C10 to azetidinone (C11) improved the potency against both the enzymes in the nanomolar range (820 nM against MPro and 350 nM against PLPro) with no cytotoxicity. Conversion of imine to thiazolidinone (C12), reduced the inhibition by 3-5 folds against both the enzymes. Biochemical and computational studies suggest that C10-C12 bind in the substrate binding pocket of MPro and in the BL2 loop of the PLPro. Since these dual inhibitors have least cytotoxicity, they could be further explored as therapeutics against the SARS-CoV-2 and other analogous viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavita Kattula
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Bharati Reddi
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Aruna Jangam
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Lekhika Naik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, Telangana, India
| | - Bala Manikanta Adimoolam
- Analytical and Structural Chemistry Department, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Suresh Vavilapalli
- Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Sayanna Are
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Jagadeshwar Reddy Thota
- Analytical and Structural Chemistry Department, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Surender Singh Jadav
- Department of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India.
| | - Mohammed Arifuddin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500 037, Telangana, India.
| | - Anthony Addlagatta
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India.
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Beia ZC, Yu H, Wang H, Li Q, Wang B, Zhang D, Xu L, Zhao L, Dong S, Song Y. Orthogonal dual reporter-based gain-of-signal assay for probing SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease activity in living cells: inhibitor identification and mutation investigation. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2211688. [PMID: 37144395 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2211688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The main protease (3-chymotrypsin-like protease, 3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 has become a focus of anti-coronavirus research. Despite efforts, drug development targeting 3CLpro has been hampered by limitations in the currently available activity assays. Additionally, the emergence of 3CLpro mutations in circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about potential resistance. Both emphasize the need for a more reliable, sensitive, and facile 3CLpro assay. Here, we report an orthogonal dual reporter-based gain-of-signal assay for measuring 3CLpro activity in living cells. It builds on the finding that 3CLpro induces cytotoxicity and reporter expression suppression, which can be rescued by its inhibitor or mutation. This assay circumvents most limitations in previously reported assays, especially false positives caused by nonspecific compounds and signal interference from test compounds. It is also convenient and robust for high throughput screening of compounds and comparing the drug susceptibilities of mutants. Using this assay, we screened 1789 compounds, including natural products and protease inhibitors, with 45 compounds that have been reported to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro among them. Except for the approved drug PF-07321332, only five of these inhibit 3CLpro in our assays: GC376; PF-00835231; S-217622; Boceprevir; and Z-FA-FMK. The susceptibilities of seven 3CLpro mutants prevalent in circulating variants to PF-07321332, S-217622, and GC376 were also assessed. Three mutants were identified as being less susceptible to PF-07321322 (P132H) and S-217622 (G15S, T21I). This assay should greatly facilitate the development of novel 3CLpro-targeted drugs and the monitoring of the susceptibility of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants to 3CLpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Chun Beia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Huanhuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
- The Affiliated AnNing First Hospital, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qingyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
- Clinical laboratory, No.985 hospital, Joint Support Unit, Chinese People's Liberation Army, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Baogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Likun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Liangliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shuwei Dong
- The Affiliated AnNing First Hospital, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yabin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
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Omage FB, Madabeni A, Tucci AR, Nogara PA, Bortoli M, Rosa ADS, Neuza Dos Santos Ferreira V, Teixeira Rocha JB, Miranda MD, Orian L. Diphenyl Diselenide and SARS-CoV-2: in silico Exploration of the Mechanisms of Inhibition of Main Protease (M pro) and Papain-like Protease (PL pro). J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:2226-2239. [PMID: 36952618 PMCID: PMC10091420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has prompted global efforts to develop therapeutics. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLpro) are essential for viral replication and are key targets for therapeutic development. In this work, we investigate the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 which is an archetypal model of diselenides and a renowned potential therapeutic agent. The in vitro inhibitory concentration of (PhSe)2 against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells falls in the low micromolar range. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations [level of theory: SMD-B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311G(d,p), cc-pVTZ] are used to inspect non-covalent inhibition modes of both proteases via π-stacking and the mechanism of covalent (PhSe)2 + Mpro product formation involving the catalytic residue C145, respectively. The in vitro CC50 (24.61 μM) and EC50 (2.39 μM) data indicate that (PhSe)2 is a good inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in a cell culture model. The in silico findings indicate potential mechanisms of proteases' inhibition by (PhSe)2; in particular, the results of the covalent inhibition here discussed for Mpro, whose thermodynamics is approximatively isoergonic, prompt further investigation in the design of antiviral organodiselenides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folorunsho Bright Omage
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Andrea Madabeni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università Degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo 1, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Amanda Resende Tucci
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Pablo Andrei Nogara
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Marco Bortoli
- Institute of Computational Chemistry and Catalysis (IQCC) and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/M. A. Capmany 69, Girona 17003, Spain
| | - Alice Dos Santos Rosa
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Vivian Neuza Dos Santos Ferreira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Milene Dias Miranda
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Laura Orian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università Degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo 1, Padova 35131, Italy
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Identifying Drug Candidates for COVID-19 with Large-Scale Drug Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054397. [PMID: 36901828 PMCID: PMC10002104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Papain-like protease (PLpro) is critical to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is a significant target protein for drug development. We virtually screened a 26,193 compound library against the PLpro of SARS-CoV-2 and identified several drug candidates with convincing binding affinities. The three best compounds all had better estimated binding energy than those of the drug candidates proposed in previous studies. By analyzing the docking results for the drug candidates identified in this and previous studies, we demonstrate that the critical interactions between the compounds and PLpro proposed by the computational approaches are consistent with those proposed by the biological experiments. In addition, the predicted binding energies of the compounds in the dataset showed a similar trend as their IC50 values. The predicted ADME and drug-likeness properties also suggested that these identified compounds can be used for COVID-19 treatment.
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32
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Pauly I, Kumar Singh A, Kumar A, Singh Y, Thareja S, Kamal MA, Verma A, Kumar P. Current Insights and Molecular Docking Studies of the Drugs under Clinical Trial as RdRp Inhibitors in COVID-19 Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 28:3677-3705. [PMID: 36345244 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666221107123841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Study Background & Objective: After the influenza pandemic (1918), COVID-19 was declared a Vth pandemic by the WHO in 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA-enveloped single-stranded virus. Based on the structure and life cycle, Protease (3CLpro), RdRp, ACE2, IL-6, and TMPRSS2 are the major targets for drug development against COVID-19. Pre-existing several drugs (FDA-approved) are used to inhibit the above targets in different diseases. In coronavirus treatment, these drugs are also in different clinical trial stages. Remdesivir (RdRp inhibitor) is the only FDA-approved medicine for coronavirus treatment. In the present study, by using the drug repurposing strategy, 70 preexisting clinical or under clinical trial molecules were used in scrutiny for RdRp inhibitor potent molecules in coronavirus treatment being surveyed via docking studies. Molecular simulation studies further confirmed the binding mechanism and stability of the most potent compounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS Docking studies were performed using the Maestro 12.9 module of Schrodinger software over 70 molecules with RdRp as the target and remdesivir as the standard drug and further confirmed by simulation studies. RESULTS The docking studies showed that many HIV protease inhibitors demonstrated remarkable binding interactions with the target RdRp. Protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir are effective. Along with these, AT-527, ledipasvir, bicalutamide, and cobicistat showed improved docking scores. RMSD and RMSF were further analyzed for potent ledipasvir and ritonavir by simulation studies and were identified as potential candidates for corona disease. CONCLUSION The drug repurposing approach provides a new avenue in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irine Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Ankit Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jaddah, Saudi Arabia.,Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia.,Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Australia Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Australia
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
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Musalov MV, Potapov VA. Click Chemistry of Selenium Dihalides: Novel Bicyclic Organoselenium Compounds Based on Selenenylation/Bis-Functionalization Reactions and Evaluation of Glutathione Peroxidase-like Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415629. [PMID: 36555274 PMCID: PMC9779772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of highly efficient methods for the preparation of novel derivatives of 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane in high yields based on selenium dibromide and cis,cis-1,5-cyclooctadiene are reported. The one-pot syntheses of 2,6-diorganyloxy-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes using various O-nucleophiles including alkanols, phenols, benzyl, allyl, and propargyl alcohols were developed. New 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes were obtained by the copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2,6-diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane with unsubstituted gaseous acetylene and propargyl alcohol. The synthesis of 2,6-bis(vinylsulfanyl)-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, based on the generation of corresponding dithiolate anion from bis[amino(iminio)methylsulfanyl]-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane dibromide, followed by the nucleophilic addition of the dithiolate anion to unsubstituted acetylene, was developed. The glutathione peroxidase-like activity of the obtained water-soluble products was estimated and compounds with high activity were found. Overall, 2,6-Diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane exhibits the highest activity among the obtained compounds.
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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Chaves OA, Lima CR, Fintelman-Rodrigues N, Sacramento CQ, de Freitas CS, Vazquez L, Temerozo JR, Rocha ME, Dias SS, Carels N, Bozza PT, Castro-Faria-Neto HC, Souza TML. Agathisflavone, a natural biflavonoid that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting its proteases. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1015-1026. [PMID: 36183752 PMCID: PMC9525951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fast development of vaccines, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still circulates through variants of concern (VoC) and escape the humoral immune response. SARS-CoV-2 has provoked over 200,000 deaths/months since its emergence and only a few antiviral drugs showed clinical benefit up to this moment. Thus, chemical structures endowed with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity are important for continuous antiviral development and natural products represent a fruitful source of substances with biological activity. In the present study, agathisflavone (AGT), a biflavonoid from Anacardium occidentale was investigated as a candidate anti-SARS-CoV-2 compound. In silico and enzymatic analysis indicated that AGT may target mainly the viral main protease (Mpro) and not the papain-like protease (PLpro) in a non-competitive way. Cell-based assays in type II pneumocytes cell lineage (Calu-3) showed that SARS-CoV-2 is more susceptible to AGT than to apigenin (APG, monomer of AGT), in a dose-dependent manner, with an EC50 of 4.23 ± 0.21 μM and CC50 of 61.3 ± 0.1 μM and with a capacity to inhibit the level of pro-inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These results configure AGT as an interesting chemical scaffold for the development of novel semisynthetic antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
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Extended Applications of Small-Molecule Covalent Inhibitors toward Novel Therapeutic Targets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121478. [PMID: 36558928 PMCID: PMC9786830 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, small-molecule covalent inhibitors have been accepted as a practical tool for targeting previously "undruggable" proteins. The high target selectivity of modern covalent inhibitors is now alleviating toxicity concerns regarding the covalent modifications of proteins. However, despite the tremendous clinical success of current covalent inhibitors, there are still unmet medical needs that covalent inhibitors have not yet addressed. This review categorized representative covalent inhibitors based on their mechanism of covalent inhibition: conventional covalent inhibitors, targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), and expanded TCIs. By reviewing both Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and drug candidates from recent literature, we provide insight into the future direction of covalent inhibitor development.
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Esposito R, Mirra D, Sportiello L, Spaziano G, D’Agostino B. Overview of Antiviral Drug Therapy for COVID-19: Where Do We Stand? Biomedicines 2022; 10:2815. [PMID: 36359334 PMCID: PMC9687182 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The vaccine weapon has resulted in being essential in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, but it is not fully preventing infection due to an alarming spreading of several identified variants of concern. In fact, the recent emergence of variants has pointed out how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a global health threat. Moreover, oral antivirals also develop resistance, supporting the need to find new targets as therapeutic tools. However, cocktail therapy is useful to reduce drug resistance and maximize vaccination efficacy. Natural products and metal-drug-based treatments have also shown interesting antiviral activity, representing a valid contribution to counter COVID-19 outbreak. This report summarizes the available evidence which supports the use of approved drugs and further focuses on significant clinical trials that have investigated the safety and efficacy of repurposing drugs and new molecules in different COVID-19 phenotypes. To date, there are many individuals vulnerable to COVID-19 exhibiting severe symptoms, thus characterizing valid therapeutic strategies for better management of the disease is still a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Esposito
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Davida Mirra
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Liberata Sportiello
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine—Section of Pharmacology “L. Donatelli”, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spaziano
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Bruno D’Agostino
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Micaelli M, Dalle Vedove A, Cerofolini L, Vigna J, Sighel D, Zaccara S, Bonomo I, Poulentzas G, Rosatti EF, Cazzanelli G, Alunno L, Belli R, Peroni D, Dassi E, Murakami S, Jaffrey SR, Fragai M, Mancini I, Lolli G, Quattrone A, Provenzani A. Small-Molecule Ebselen Binds to YTHDF Proteins Interfering with the Recognition of N 6-Methyladenosine-Modified RNAs. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:872-891. [PMID: 36268123 PMCID: PMC9578143 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
YTHDF proteins bind the N 6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified mRNAs, influencing their processing, stability, and translation. Therefore, the members of this protein family play crucial roles in gene regulation and several physiological and pathophysiological conditions. YTHDF proteins contain a hydrophobic pocket that accommodates the m6A embedded in the RRACH consensus sequence on mRNAs. We exploited the presence of this cage to set up an m6A-competitive assay and performed a high-throughput screen aimed at identifying ligands binding in the m6A pocket. We report the organoselenium compound ebselen as the first-in-class inhibitor of the YTHDF m6A-binding domain. Ebselen, whose interaction with YTHDF proteins was validated via orthogonal assays, cannot discriminate between the binding domains of the three YTHDF paralogs but can disrupt the interaction of the YTHDF m6A domain with the m6A-decorated mRNA targets. X-ray, mass spectrometry, and NMR studies indicate that in YTHDF1 ebselen binds close to the m6A cage, covalently to the Cys412 cysteine, or interacts reversibly depending on the reducing environment. We also showed that ebselen engages YTHDF proteins within cells, interfering with their mRNA binding. Finally, we produced a series of ebselen structural analogs that can interact with the YTHDF m6A domain, proving that ebselen expansion is amenable for developing new inhibitors. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of drugging the YTH domain in YTHDF proteins and opens new avenues for the development of disruptors of m6A recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Dalle Vedove
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM)—Department of Chemistry “Ugo
Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019Florence, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (CIRMMP), 50019Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vigna
- Department
of Physics, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Denise Sighel
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Sara Zaccara
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Georgios Poulentzas
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Emanuele Filiberto Rosatti
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Cazzanelli
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Laura Alunno
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Romina Belli
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, Mass Spectrometry
Facility, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Peroni
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, Mass Spectrometry
Facility, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Erik Dassi
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Shino Murakami
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department
of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York10065, United States
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM)—Department of Chemistry “Ugo
Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019Florence, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (CIRMMP), 50019Florence, Italy
| | - Ines Mancini
- Department
of Physics, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Graziano Lolli
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department
of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123Trento, Italy
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39
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Nogara PA, Omage FB, Bolzan GR, Delgado CP, Orian L, Rocha JBT. Reactivity and binding mode of disulfiram, its metabolites, and derivatives in SARS-CoV-2 PL pro: insights from computational chemistry studies. J Mol Model 2022; 28:354. [PMID: 36222962 PMCID: PMC9554863 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The papain-like protease (PLpro) from SARS-CoV-2 is an important target for the development of antivirals against COVID-19. The safe drug disulfiram (DSF) presents antiviral activity inhibiting PLpro in vitro, and it is under clinical trial studies, indicating to be a promising anti-COVID-19 drug. In this work, we aimed to understand the mechanism of PLpro inhibition by DSF and verify if DSF metabolites and derivatives could be potential inhibitors too. Molecular docking, DFT, and ADMET techniques were applied. The carbamoylation of the active site cysteine residue by DSF metabolite (DETC-MeSO) is kinetically and thermodynamically favorable (ΔG‡ = 3.15 and ΔG = - 12.10 kcal mol-1, respectively). Our results strongly suggest that the sulfoxide metabolites from DSF are promising covalent inhibitors of PLpro and should be tested in in vitro and in vivo assays to confirm their antiviral action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Andrei Nogara
- Departamento de Bioquímica E Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência E Tecnologia Farroupilha (IFFar), Rua Fabio João Andolhe 1100, Santo Augusto, RS, 98590-000, Brazil.
| | - Folorunsho Bright Omage
- Departamento de Bioquímica E Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Roni Bolzan
- Departamento de Bioquímica E Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Cássia Pereira Delgado
- Departamento de Bioquímica E Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Laura Orian
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Chimiche, Università Degli Studi Di Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - João Batista Teixeira Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica E Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
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40
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Ullrich S, Nitsche C. SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease: Structure, Function and Inhibition. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200327. [PMID: 35993805 PMCID: PMC9538446 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and potential novel epidemic coronaviruses underline the importance of investigating various viral proteins as potential drug targets. The papain-like protease of coronaviruses has been less explored than other viral proteins; however, its substantive role in viral replication and impact on the host immune response make it a suitable target to study. This review article focuses on the structure and function of the papain-like protease (PLpro ) of SARS-CoV-2, including variants of concern, and compares it to those of other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. The protease's recognition motif is mirrored in ubiquitin and ISG15, which are involved in the antiviral immune response. Inhibitors, including GRL0617 derivatives, and their prospects as potential future antiviral agents are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Research School of ChemistryAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT 2601Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of ChemistryAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT 2601Australia
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41
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Zhong L, Zhao Z, Peng X, Zou J, Yang S. Recent advances in small-molecular therapeutics for COVID-19. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 5:pbac024. [PMID: 36268466 PMCID: PMC9579963 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a fundamental challenge to global health. Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, great efforts have been made to identify antiviral strategies and develop therapeutic drugs to combat the disease. There are different strategies for developing small molecular anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, including targeting coronavirus structural proteins (e.g. spike protein), non-structural proteins (nsp) (e.g. RdRp, Mpro, PLpro, helicase, nsp14, and nsp16), host proteases (e.g. TMPRSS2, cathepsin, and furin) and the pivotal proteins mediating endocytosis (e.g. PIKfyve), as well as developing endosome acidification agents and immune response modulators. Favipiravir and chloroquine are the anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents that were identified earlier in this epidemic and repurposed for COVID-19 clinical therapy based on these strategies. However, their efficacies are controversial. Currently, three small molecular anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and Paxlovid (PF-07321332 plus ritonavir), have been granted emergency use authorization or approved for COVID-19 therapy in many countries due to their significant curative effects in phase III trials. Meanwhile, a large number of promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates have entered clinical evaluation. The development of these drugs brings hope for us to finally conquer COVID-19. In this account, we conducted a comprehensive review of the recent advances in small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents according to the target classification. Here we present all the approved drugs and most of the important drug candidates for each target, and discuss the challenges and perspectives for the future research and development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xuerun Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | | | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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42
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Triple-Click Chemistry of Selenium Dihalides: Catalytic Regioselective and Highly Efficient Synthesis of Bis-1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of 9-Selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12091032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The catalytic regioselective and highly efficient synthesis of bis-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was developed. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2,6-diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane with a variety of terminal acetylenes catalyzed by a copper acetate/sodium ascorbate system proceeded in a regioselective fashion, affording 2,6-bis(4-organyl-1,2,3-triazole)-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes in high yields (93–98%). The reaction of 2,6-diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane with dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylates was carried out as thermal 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition giving the corresponding 4,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives of 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane in high yields. The obtained products are potentially bioactive compounds and first representatives of selenium heterocycles combined with two 1,2,3-triazole moieties. 2.6-Diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was obtained in quantitative yield via the reaction of sodium azide with 2,6-dibromo-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane at room temperature. The latter compound was synthesized by stereoselective transannular addition of selenium dibromide to cis, cis-1,5-cyclooctadiene.
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43
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Regioselective Synthesis of Novel Functionalized Dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylsufanyl Derivatives under Phase Transfer Catalysis. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12080889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The regioselective one-pot synthesis of novel functionalized 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylsufanyl derivatives in high yields based on 2-bromomethyl-1,3-thiaselenole and activated alkenes was developed under phase transfer catalysis conditions. The reactions proceed under mild conditions at room temperature in a regioselective manner with the addition of sodium dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylthiolate exclusively at the terminal carbon atom of the double bond of vinyl methyl ketone, alkylacrylates, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, divinyl sulfone, and divinyl sulfoxide. The sodium dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylthiolate was generated from 2-[amino(imino)methyl]sulfanyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenine hydrobromide. The latter compound was obtained by the reaction of 2-bromomethyl-1,3-thiaselenole with thiourea, which was accompanied by a rearrangement with ring expansion to the six-membered heterocycle. The obtained 2,3-dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylsufanyl derivatives are a novel family of compounds with putative biological activity. The addition products of sodium dihydro-1,4-thiaselenin-2-ylthiolate at one double bond of divinyl sulfone and divinyl sulfoxide, containing vinylsulfonyl and vinylsulfinyl groups, are capable of further addition reactions. A possibility to obtain corresponding alcohol derivatives was shown in the reaction with vinyl methyl ketone.
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44
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Srinivasan V, Brognaro H, Prabhu PR, de Souza EE, Günther S, Reinke PYA, Lane TJ, Ginn H, Han H, Ewert W, Sprenger J, Koua FHM, Falke S, Werner N, Andaleeb H, Ullah N, Franca BA, Wang M, Barra ALC, Perbandt M, Schwinzer M, Schmidt C, Brings L, Lorenzen K, Schubert R, Machado RRG, Candido ED, Oliveira DBL, Durigon EL, Niebling S, Garcia AS, Yefanov O, Lieske J, Gelisio L, Domaracky M, Middendorf P, Groessler M, Trost F, Galchenkova M, Mashhour AR, Saouane S, Hakanpää J, Wolf M, Alai MG, Turk D, Pearson AR, Chapman HN, Hinrichs W, Wrenger C, Meents A, Betzel C. Antiviral activity of natural phenolic compounds in complex at an allosteric site of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease. Commun Biol 2022; 5:805. [PMID: 35953531 PMCID: PMC9366811 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) covers multiple functions. Beside the cysteine-protease activity, facilitating cleavage of the viral polypeptide chain, PLpro has the additional and vital function of removing ubiquitin and ISG15 (Interferon-stimulated gene 15) from host-cell proteins to support coronaviruses in evading the host's innate immune responses. We identified three phenolic compounds bound to PLpro, preventing essential molecular interactions to ISG15 by screening a natural compound library. The compounds identified by X-ray screening and complexed to PLpro demonstrate clear inhibition of PLpro in a deISGylation activity assay. Two compounds exhibit distinct antiviral activity in Vero cell line assays and one inhibited a cytopathic effect in non-cytotoxic concentration ranges. In the context of increasing PLpro mutations in the evolving new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the natural compounds we identified may also reinstate the antiviral immune response processes of the host that are down-regulated in COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasundara Srinivasan
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Hévila Brognaro
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Prince R Prabhu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edmarcia Elisa de Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastian Günther
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Y A Reinke
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J Lane
- Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helen Ginn
- Diamond Light Source Ltd. Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Huijong Han
- European XFEL GmbH. Holzkoppel 4, 22869, Schenefeld, Germany
| | - Wiebke Ewert
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janina Sprenger
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Faisal H M Koua
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Falke
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Werner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hina Andaleeb
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan-, 60800, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan-, 60800, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Bruno Alves Franca
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mengying Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angélica Luana C Barra
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Pólo TerRa, São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Markus Perbandt
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schwinzer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Lea Brings
- European XFEL GmbH. Holzkoppel 4, 22869, Schenefeld, Germany
| | | | - Robin Schubert
- European XFEL GmbH. Holzkoppel 4, 22869, Schenefeld, Germany
| | | | - Erika Donizette Candido
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle Bruna Leal Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edison Luiz Durigon
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Scientific Platform Pasteur USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephan Niebling
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelica Struve Garcia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Yefanov
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Lieske
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gelisio
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Domaracky
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Middendorf
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Groessler
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Trost
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marina Galchenkova
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aida Rahmani Mashhour
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sofiane Saouane
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Hakanpää
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wolf
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee114, 22525, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Garcia Alai
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dusan Turk
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular & Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1 000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Centre of excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins (CIPKEBIP), Jamova 39, 1 000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Arwen R Pearson
- Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Institut für Nanostruktur- und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henry N Chapman
- Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Physics, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Hinrichs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alke Meents
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Betzel
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Build. 22a, c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany. .,Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany.
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45
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Ton AT, Pandey M, Smith JR, Ban F, Fernandez M, Cherkasov A. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease in the Post-Vaccine Era. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:906-919. [PMID: 36114026 PMCID: PMC9399131 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While vaccines remain at the forefront of global healthcare responses, pioneering therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 are expected to fill the gaps for waning immunity. Rapid development and approval of orally available direct-acting antivirals targeting crucial SARS-CoV-2 proteins marked the beginning of the era of small-molecule drugs for COVID-19. In that regard, the papain-like protease (PLpro) can be considered a major SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic target due to its dual biological role in suppressing host innate immune responses and in ensuring viral replication. Here, we summarize the challenges of targeting PLpro and innovative early-stage PLpro-specific small molecules. We propose that state-of-the-art computer-aided drug design (CADD) methodologies will play a critical role in the discovery of PLpro compounds as a novel class of COVID-19 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh-Tien Ton
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohit Pandey
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason R Smith
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Fernandez
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Li H, Yuan S, Wei X, Sun H. Metal-based strategies for the fight against COVID-19. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:7466-7482. [PMID: 35730442 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc01772e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The emerging COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed over six million lives globally to date. Despite the availability of vaccines, the pandemic still cannot be fully controlled owing to rapid mutation of the virus that renders enhanced transmissibility and antibody evasion. This is thus an unmet need to develop safe and effective therapeutic options for COVID-19, in particular, remedies that can be used at home. Considering the great success of multi-targeted cocktail therapy for the treatment of viral infections, metal-based drugs might represent a unique and new source of antivirals that resemble a cocktail therapy in terms of their mode of actions. In this review, we first summarize the role that metal ions played in SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and pathogenesis, then highlight the chemistry of metal-based strategies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection, including both metal displacement and chelation based approaches. Finally, we outline a perspective and direction on how to design and develop metal-based antivirals for the fight against the current or future coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Li
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueying Wei
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Department of Microbiology and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hongzhe Sun
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Ahmed F, Lee JW, Samantasinghar A, Kim YS, Kim KH, Kang IS, Memon FH, Lim JH, Choi KH. SperoPredictor: An Integrated Machine Learning and Molecular Docking-Based Drug Repurposing Framework With Use Case of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2022; 10:902123. [PMID: 35784208 PMCID: PMC9244710 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.902123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of the SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), its manifestation in human hosts as a contagious disease, and its variants have induced a pandemic resulting in the deaths of over 6,000,000 people. Extensive efforts have been devoted to drug research to cure and refrain the spread of COVID-19, but only one drug has received FDA approval yet. Traditional drug discovery is inefficient, costly, and unable to react to pandemic threats. Drug repurposing represents an effective strategy for drug discovery and reduces the time and cost compared to de novo drug discovery. In this study, a generic drug repurposing framework (SperoPredictor) has been developed which systematically integrates the various types of drugs and disease data and takes the advantage of machine learning (Random Forest, Tree Ensemble, and Gradient Boosted Trees) to repurpose potential drug candidates against any disease of interest. Drug and disease data for FDA-approved drugs (n = 2,865), containing four drug features and three disease features, were collected from chemical and biological databases and integrated with the form of drug-disease association tables. The resulting dataset was split into 70% for training, 15% for testing, and the remaining 15% for validation. The testing and validation accuracies of the models were 99.3% for Random Forest and 99.03% for Tree Ensemble. In practice, SperoPredictor identified 25 potential drug candidates against 6 human host-target proteomes identified from a systematic review of journals. Literature-based validation indicated 12 of 25 predicted drugs (48%) have been already used for COVID-19 followed by molecular docking and re-docking which indicated 4 of 13 drugs (30%) as potential candidates against COVID-19 to be pre-clinically and clinically validated. Finally, SperoPredictor results illustrated the ability of the platform to be rapidly deployed to repurpose the drugs as a rapid response to emergent situations (like COVID-19 and other pandemics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Ahmed
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Jae Wook Lee
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
- BioSpero, Inc., Jeju, South Korea
| | | | | | - Kyung Hwan Kim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - In Suk Kang
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Fida Hussain Memon
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Lim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
- BioSpero, Inc., Jeju, South Korea
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48
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Tan H, Hu Y, Jadhav P, Tan B, Wang J. Progress and Challenges in Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7561-7580. [PMID: 35620927 PMCID: PMC9159073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The approval of vaccines and small-molecule antivirals is vital in combating the pandemic. The viral polymerase inhibitors remdesivir and molnupiravir and the viral main protease inhibitor nirmatrelvir/ritonavir have been approved by the U.S. FDA. However, the emergence of variants of concern/interest calls for additional antivirals with novel mechanisms of action. The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) mediates the cleavage of viral polyprotein and modulates the host's innate immune response upon viral infection, rendering it a promising antiviral drug target. This Perspective highlights major achievements in structure-based design and high-throughput screening of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors since the beginning of the pandemic. Encouraging progress includes the design of non-covalent PLpro inhibitors with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and the first-in-class covalent PLpro inhibitors. In addition, we offer our opinion on the knowledge gaps that need to be filled to advance PLpro inhibitors to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Prakash Jadhav
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
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Musalov MV, Zhivet’eva SA, Shkurchenko IV, Amosova SV, Potapov VA. Synthesis of 2,6-Dibromo-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-Based Pyridinium Salts Containing Acetal Groups. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9156833 DOI: 10.1134/s1070428022040236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
An efficient one-pot procedure has been developed for the synthesis of previously unknown 1,1′-(9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diyl)dipyridinium dibromides containing acetal moieties via transannular addition of selenium dibromide to Z,Z-cycloocta-1,5-diene, followed by reaction with pyridine-3- and 4-carbaldehyde acetals. The yields of the target products range from 80 to 97%.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. V. Musalov
- Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S. A. Zhivet’eva
- Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
| | - I. V. Shkurchenko
- Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
- Irkutsk State University, 664003 Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S. V. Amosova
- Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
| | - V. A. Potapov
- Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
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50
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Hognon C, Marazzi M, García-Iriepa C. Atomistic-Level Description of the Covalent Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5855. [PMID: 35628665 PMCID: PMC9143025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to be a successful target to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus in the infected body. In this regard, covalent inhibitors, such as the recently proposed VIR251 ligand, can irreversibly inactivate PLpro by forming a covalent bond with a specific residue of the catalytic site (Cys111), through a Michael addition reaction. An inhibition mechanism can therefore be proposed, including four steps: (i) ligand entry into the protease pocket; (ii) Cys111 deprotonation of the thiol group by a Brønsted-Lowry base; (iii) Cys111-S- addition to the ligand; and (iv) proton transfer from the protonated base to the covalently bound ligand. Evaluating the energetics and PLpro conformational changes at each of these steps could aid the design of more efficient and selective covalent inhibitors. For this aim, we have studied by means of MD simulations and QM/MM calculations the whole mechanism. Regarding the first step, we show that the inhibitor entry in the PLpro pocket is thermodynamically favorable only when considering the neutral Cys111, that is, prior to the Cys111 deprotonation. For the second step, MD simulations revealed that His272 would deprotonate Cys111 after overcoming an energy barrier of ca. 32 kcal/mol (at the QM/MM level), but implying a decrease of the inhibitor stability inside the protease pocket. This information points to a reversible Cys111 deprotonation, whose equilibrium is largely shifted toward the neutral Cys111 form. Although thermodynamically disfavored, if Cys111 is deprotonated in close proximity to the vinylic carbon of the ligand, then covalent binding takes place in an irreversible way (third step) to form the enolate intermediate. Finally, due to Cys111-S- negative charge redistribution over the bound ligand, proton transfer from the initially protonated His272 is favored, finally leading to an irreversibly modified Cys111 and a restored His272. These results elucidate the selectivity of Cys111 to enable formation of a covalent bond, even if a weak proton acceptor is available, as His272.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécilia Hognon
- Grupo de Reactividad y Estructura Molecular (RESMOL), Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marco Marazzi
- Grupo de Reactividad y Estructura Molecular (RESMOL), Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Iriepa
- Grupo de Reactividad y Estructura Molecular (RESMOL), Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
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