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von Delft A, Hall MD, Kwong AD, Purcell LA, Saikatendu KS, Schmitz U, Tallarico JA, Lee AA. Accelerating antiviral drug discovery: lessons from COVID-19. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:585-603. [PMID: 37173515 PMCID: PMC10176316 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a wave of rapid and collaborative drug discovery efforts took place in academia and industry, culminating in several therapeutics being discovered, approved and deployed in a 2-year time frame. This article summarizes the collective experience of several pharmaceutical companies and academic collaborations that were active in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antiviral discovery. We outline our opinions and experiences on key stages in the small-molecule drug discovery process: target selection, medicinal chemistry, antiviral assays, animal efficacy and attempts to pre-empt resistance. We propose strategies that could accelerate future efforts and argue that a key bottleneck is the lack of quality chemical probes around understudied viral targets, which would serve as a starting point for drug discovery. Considering the small size of the viral proteome, comprehensively building an arsenal of probes for proteins in viruses of pandemic concern is a worthwhile and tractable challenge for the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette von Delft
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew D Hall
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alpha A Lee
- PostEra, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Slanina H, Madhugiri R, Wenk K, Reinke T, Schultheiß K, Schultheis J, Karl N, Linne U, Ziebuhr J. Conserved Characteristics of NMPylation Activities of Alpha- and Betacoronavirus NiRAN Domains. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046523. [PMID: 37199624 PMCID: PMC10308930 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00465-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus genome replication and expression are mediated by the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC) which is assembled from multiple nonstructural proteins (nsp). Among these, nsp12 represents the central functional subunit. It harbors the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain and contains, at its N terminus, an additional domain called NiRAN which is widely conserved in coronaviruses and other nidoviruses. In this study, we produced bacterially expressed coronavirus nsp12s to investigate and compare NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities from representative alpha- and betacoronaviruses. We found that the four coronavirus NiRAN domains characterized to date have a number of conserved properties, including (i) robust nsp9-specific NMPylation activities that appear to operate largely independently of the C-terminal RdRp domain, (ii) nucleotide substrate preference for UTP followed by ATP and other nucleotides, (iii) dependence on divalent metal ions, with Mn2+ being preferred over Mg2+, and (iv) a key role of N-terminal residues (particularly Asn2) of nsp9 for efficient formation of a covalent phosphoramidate bond between NMP and the N-terminal amino group of nsp9. In this context, a mutational analysis confirmed the conservation and critical role of Asn2 across different subfamilies of the family Coronaviridae, as shown by studies using chimeric coronavirus nsp9 variants in which six N-terminal residues were replaced with those from other corona-, pito- and letovirus nsp9 homologs. The combined data of this and previous studies reveal a remarkable degree of conservation among coronavirus NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, supporting a key role of this enzymatic activity in viral RNA synthesis and processing. IMPORTANCE There is strong evidence that coronaviruses and other large nidoviruses evolved a number of unique enzymatic activities, including an additional RdRp-associated NiRAN domain, that are conserved in nidoviruses but not in most other RNA viruses. Previous studies of the NiRAN domain mainly focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and suggested different functions for this domain, such as NMPylation/RNAylation of nsp9, RNA guanylyltransferase activities involved in canonical and/or unconventional RNA capping pathways, and other functions. To help resolve partly conflicting information on substrate specificities and metal ion requirements reported previously for the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN NMPylation activity, we extended these earlier studies by characterizing representative alpha- and betacoronavirus NiRAN domains. The study revealed that key features of NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, such as protein and nucleotide specificity and metal ion requirements, are very well conserved among genetically divergent coronaviruses, suggesting potential avenues for future antiviral drug development targeting this essential viral enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Slanina
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Kai Wenk
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tess Reinke
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin Schultheiß
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Schultheis
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadja Karl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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53
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Martinez DR, Moreira FR, Zweigart MR, Gully KL, De la Cruz G, Brown AJ, Adams LE, Catanzaro N, Yount B, Baric TJ, Mallory ML, Conrad H, May SR, Dong S, Scobey DT, Montgomery SA, Perry J, Babusis D, Barrett KT, Nguyen AH, Nguyen AQ, Kalla R, Bannister R, Bilello JP, Feng JY, Cihlar T, Baric RS, Mackman RL, Schäfer A, Sheahan TP. Efficacy of the oral nucleoside prodrug GS-5245 (Obeldesivir) against SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses with pandemic potential. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546784. [PMID: 37425890 PMCID: PMC10327034 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the wide availability of several safe and effective vaccines that can prevent severe COVID-19 disease, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) that can partially evade vaccine immunity remains a global health concern. In addition, the emergence of highly mutated and neutralization-resistant SARS-CoV-2 VOCs such as BA.1 and BA.5 that can partially or fully evade (1) many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in clinical use underlines the need for additional effective treatment strategies. Here, we characterize the antiviral activity of GS-5245, Obeldesivir (ODV), an oral prodrug of the parent nucleoside GS-441524, which targets the highly conserved RNA-dependent viral RNA polymerase (RdRp). Importantly, we show that GS-5245 is broadly potent in vitro against alphacoronavirus HCoV-NL63, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), SARS-CoV-related Bat-CoV RsSHC014, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 WA/1, and the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 Omicron variant in vitro and highly effective as antiviral therapy in mouse models of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (WA/1), MERS-CoV and Bat-CoV RsSHC014 pathogenesis. In all these models of divergent coronaviruses, we observed protection and/or significant reduction of disease metrics such as weight loss, lung viral replication, acute lung injury, and degradation in pulmonary function in GS-5245-treated mice compared to vehicle controls. Finally, we demonstrate that GS-5245 in combination with the main protease (Mpro) inhibitor nirmatrelvir had increased efficacy in vivo against SARS-CoV-2 compared to each single agent. Altogether, our data supports the continuing clinical evaluation of GS-5245 in humans infected with COVID-19, including as part of a combination antiviral therapy, especially in populations with the most urgent need for more efficacious and durable interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Martinez
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Yale Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Fernando R. Moreira
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark R. Zweigart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kendra L. Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabriela De la Cruz
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ariane J. Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lily E. Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Catanzaro
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Boyd Yount
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas J. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael L. Mallory
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Helen Conrad
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samantha R. May
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - D. Trevor Scobey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rao Kalla
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy P. Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Li G, Hilgenfeld R, Whitley R, De Clercq E. Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19: progress and lessons learned. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:449-475. [PMID: 37076602 PMCID: PMC10113999 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 146.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated tremendous efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or human proteins to control viral infection, encompassing hundreds of potential drugs and thousands of patients in clinical trials. So far, a few small-molecule antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, remdesivir and molnupiravir) and 11 monoclonal antibodies have been marketed for the treatment of COVID-19, mostly requiring administration within 10 days of symptom onset. In addition, hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19 may benefit from treatment with previously approved immunomodulatory drugs, including glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, cytokine antagonists such as tocilizumab and Janus kinase inhibitors such as baricitinib. Here, we summarize progress with COVID-19 drug discovery, based on accumulated findings since the pandemic began and a comprehensive list of clinical and preclinical inhibitors with anti-coronavirus activities. We also discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with regard to drug repurposing strategies, pan-coronavirus drug targets, in vitro assays and animal models, and platform trial design for the development of therapeutics to tackle COVID-19, long COVID and pathogenic coronaviruses in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University; Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Richard Whitley
- Department of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Gupta Y, Savytskyi OV, Coban M, Venugopal A, Pleqi V, Weber CA, Chitale R, Durvasula R, Hopkins C, Kempaiah P, Caulfield TR. Protein structure-based in-silico approaches to drug discovery: Guide to COVID-19 therapeutics. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 91:101151. [PMID: 36371228 PMCID: PMC9613808 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With more than 5 million fatalities and close to 300 million reported cases, COVID-19 is the first documented pandemic due to a coronavirus that continues to be a major health challenge. Despite being rapid, uncontrollable, and highly infectious in its spread, it also created incentives for technology development and redefined public health needs and research agendas to fast-track innovations to be translated. Breakthroughs in computational biology peaked during the pandemic with renewed attention to making all cutting-edge technology deliver agents to combat the disease. The demand to develop effective treatments yielded surprising collaborations from previously segregated fields of science and technology. The long-standing pharmaceutical industry's aversion to repurposing existing drugs due to a lack of exponential financial gain was overrun by the health crisis and pressures created by front-line researchers and providers. Effective vaccine development even at an unprecedented pace took more than a year to develop and commence trials. Now the emergence of variants and waning protections during the booster shots is resulting in breakthrough infections that continue to strain health care systems. As of now, every protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been structurally characterized and related host pathways have been extensively mapped out. The research community has addressed the druggability of a multitude of possible targets. This has been made possible due to existing technology for virtual computer-assisted drug development as well as new tools and technologies such as artificial intelligence to deliver new leads. Here in this article, we are discussing advances in the drug discovery field related to target-based drug discovery and exploring the implications of known target-specific agents on COVID-19 therapeutic management. The current scenario calls for more personalized medicine efforts and stratifying patient populations early on for their need for different combinations of prognosis-specific therapeutics. We intend to highlight target hotspots and their potential agents, with the ultimate goal of using rational design of new therapeutics to not only end this pandemic but also uncover a generalizable platform for use in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Oleksandr V Savytskyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; In Vivo Biosystems, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Matt Coban
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Vasili Pleqi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Caleb A Weber
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rohit Chitale
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Council on Strategic Risks, 1025 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ravi Durvasula
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Prakasha Kempaiah
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas R Caulfield
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of QHS Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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Patel S, Hasan H, Umraliya D, Sanapalli BKR, Yele V. Marine drugs as putative inhibitors against non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2: an in silico study. J Mol Model 2023; 29:176. [PMID: 37171714 PMCID: PMC10176293 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05574-9] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an unprecedented pandemic, threatening human health worldwide. The need to produce novel small-molecule inhibitors against the ongoing pandemic has resulted in the use of drugs such as chloroquine, azithromycin, dexamethasone, favipiravir, ribavirin, remdesivir and azithromycin. Moreover, the reports of the clinical trials of these drugs proved to produce detrimental effects on patients with side effects like nephrotoxicity, retinopathy, cardiotoxicity and cardiomyopathy. Recognizing the need for effective and non-harmful therapeutic candidates to combat COVID-19, we aimed to develop promising drugs against SARS-COV-2. DISCUSSION In the current investigation, high-throughput virtual screening was performed using the Comprehensive Marine Natural Products Database against five non-structural proteins: Nsp3, Nsp5, Nsp12, Nsp13 and Nsp15. Furthermore, standard precision (SP) docking, extra precision (XP) docking, binding free energy calculation and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies were performed using the Schrӧdinger suite. The top-ranked 5 hits obtained by computational studies exhibited to possess a greater binding affinity with the selected non-structural proteins. Amongst the five hits, CMNPD5804, CMNPD20924 and CMNPD1598 hits were utilized to design a novel molecule (D) that has the capability of interacting with all the key residues in the pocket of the selected non-structural proteins. Furthermore, 200 ns of molecular dynamics simulation studies provided insight into the binding modes of D within the catalytic pocket of selected proteins. CONCLUSION Hence, it is concluded that compound D could be a promising inhibitor against these non-structural proteins. Nevertheless, there is still a need to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India
| | - Haydara Hasan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India
| | - Divyesh Umraliya
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India
| | - Bharat Kumar Reddy Sanapalli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MB University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517102, India.
| | - Vidyasrilekha Yele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360003, India.
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Szpotkowski K, Wójcik K, Kurzyńska-Kokorniak A. Structural studies of protein-nucleic acid complexes: A brief overview of the selected techniques. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2858-2872. [PMID: 37216015 PMCID: PMC10195699 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-nucleic acid complexes are involved in all vital processes, including replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression and cell metabolism. Knowledge of the biological functions and molecular mechanisms beyond the activity of the macromolecular complexes can be determined from their tertiary structures. Undoubtably, performing structural studies of protein-nucleic acid complexes is challenging, mainly because these types of complexes are often unstable. In addition, their individual components may display extremely different surface charges, causing the complexes to precipitate at higher concentrations used in many structural studies. Due to the variety of protein-nucleic acid complexes and their different biophysical properties, no simple and universal guideline exists that helps scientists chose a method to successfully determine the structure of a specific protein-nucleic acid complex. In this review, we provide a summary of the following experimental methods, which can be applied to study the structures of protein-nucleic acid complexes: X-ray and neutron crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), small angle scattering (SAS) methods, circular dichroism (CD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Each method is discussed regarding its historical context, advancements over the past decades and recent years, and weaknesses and strengths. When a single method does not provide satisfactory data on the selected protein-nucleic acid complex, a combination of several methods should be considered as a hybrid approach; thus, specific structural problems can be solved when studying protein-nucleic acid complexes.
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Gu Y, Liu M, Staker BL, Buchko GW, Quinn RJ. Drug-Repurposing Screening Identifies a Gallic Acid Binding Site on SARS-CoV-2 Non-structural Protein 7. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:578-586. [PMID: 37082753 PMCID: PMC10111621 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the agent responsible for acute respiratory disease COVID-19 and the global pandemic initiated in early 2020. While the record-breaking development of vaccines has assisted the control of COVID-19, there is still a pressing global demand for antiviral drugs to halt the destructive impact of this disease. Repurposing clinically approved drugs provides an opportunity to expediate SARS-CoV-2 treatments into the clinic. In an effort to facilitate drug repurposing, an FDA-approved drug library containing 2400 compounds was screened against the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 7 (nsp7) using a native mass spectrometry-based assay. Nsp7 is one of the components of the SARS-CoV-2 replication/transcription complex essential for optimal viral replication, perhaps serving to off-load RNA from nsp8. From this library, gallic acid was identified as a compound that bound tightly to nsp7, with an estimated K d of 15 μM. NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments were used to map the ligand-binding surface of gallic acid on nsp7, indicating that the compound bound to a surface pocket centered on one of the protein's four α-helices (α2). The identification of the gallic acid-binding site on nsp7 may allow development of a SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic via artificial-intelligence-based virtual docking and other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Gu
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Bart L. Staker
- Seattle
Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98101, United States
| | - Garry W. Buchko
- Earth
and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
- School of
Molecular Biosciences, Washington State
University, Pullman, Washington 99164, United States
| | - Ronald J. Quinn
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
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Torii S, Kim KS, Koseki J, Suzuki R, Iwanami S, Fujita Y, Jeong YD, Ito J, Asakura H, Nagashima M, Sadamasu K, Yoshimura K, Sato K, Matsuura Y, Shimamura T, Iwami S, Fukuhara T. Increased flexibility of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-binding site causes resistance to remdesivir. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011231. [PMID: 36972312 PMCID: PMC10089321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations continue to accumulate within the SARS-CoV-2 genome, and the ongoing epidemic has shown no signs of ending. It is critical to predict problematic mutations that may arise in clinical environments and assess their properties in advance to quickly implement countermeasures against future variant infections. In this study, we identified mutations resistant to remdesivir, which is widely administered to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, and discuss the cause of resistance. First, we simultaneously constructed eight recombinant viruses carrying the mutations detected in in vitro serial passages of SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of remdesivir. We confirmed that all the mutant viruses didn’t gain the virus production efficiency without remdesivir treatment. Time course analyses of cellular virus infections showed significantly higher infectious titers and infection rates in mutant viruses than wild type virus under treatment with remdesivir. Next, we developed a mathematical model in consideration of the changing dynamic of cells infected with mutant viruses with distinct propagation properties and defined that mutations detected in in vitro passages canceled the antiviral activities of remdesivir without raising virus production capacity. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations of the NSP12 protein of SARS-CoV-2 revealed that the molecular vibration around the RNA-binding site was increased by the introduction of mutations on NSP12. Taken together, we identified multiple mutations that affected the flexibility of the RNA binding site and decreased the antiviral activity of remdesivir. Our new insights will contribute to developing further antiviral measures against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Torii
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kwang Su Kim
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jun Koseki
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rigel Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shoya Iwanami
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Fujita
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yong Dam Jeong
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jumpei Ito
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mami Nagashima
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sadamasu
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kei Sato
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- * E-mail: (YM); (TS); (SI); (TF)
| | - Teppei Shimamura
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail: (YM); (TS); (SI); (TF)
| | - Shingo Iwami
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Mathematics for Industry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
- Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS), RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
- Science Groove Inc., Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail: (YM); (TS); (SI); (TF)
| | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (YM); (TS); (SI); (TF)
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Anderson TK, Hoferle PJ, Lee KW, Coon JJ, Kirchdoerfer RN. An alphacoronavirus polymerase structure reveals conserved co-factor functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532841. [PMID: 36993498 PMCID: PMC10055115 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a diverse subfamily of viruses containing pathogens of humans and animals. This subfamily of viruses replicates their RNA genomes using a core polymerase complex composed of viral non-structural proteins: nsp7, nsp8 and nsp12. Most of our understanding of coronavirus molecular biology comes from the betacoronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter of which is the causative agent of COVID-19. In contrast, members of the alphacoronavirus genus are relatively understudied despite their importance in human and animal health. Here we have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of the alphacoronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) core polymerase complex bound to RNA. Our structure shows an unexpected nsp8 stoichiometry in comparison to other published coronavirus polymerase structures. Biochemical analysis shows that the N-terminal extension of one nsp8 is not required for in vitro RNA synthesis for alpha and betacoronaviruses as previously hypothesized. Our work shows the importance of studying diverse coronaviruses to reveal aspects of coronavirus replication while also identifying areas of conservation to be targeted by antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K. Anderson
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Peter J. Hoferle
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Kenneth W. Lee
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Joshua J. Coon
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
| | - Robert N. Kirchdoerfer
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Kandwal S, Fayne D. Genetic conservation across SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins - Insights into possible targets for treatment of future viral outbreaks. Virology 2023; 581:97-115. [PMID: 36940641 PMCID: PMC9999249 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The majority of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic development work has focussed on targeting the spike protein, viral polymerase and proteases. As the pandemic progressed, many studies reported that these proteins are prone to high levels of mutation and can become drug resistant. Thus, it is necessary to not only target other viral proteins such as the non-structural proteins (NSPs) but to also target the most conserved residues of these proteins. In order to understand the level of conservation among these viruses, in this review, we have focussed on the conservation across RNA viruses, conservation across the coronaviruses and then narrowed our focus to conservation of NSPs across coronaviruses. We have also discussed the various treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection. A synergistic melding of bioinformatics, computer-aided drug-design and in vitro/vivo studies can feed into better understanding of the virus and therefore help in the development of small molecule inhibitors against the viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Kandwal
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Fayne
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
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An immunoinformatics approach to study the epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 helicase, Nsp13. VACUNAS 2023. [PMCID: PMC9977615 DOI: 10.1016/j.vacun.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction and objective. Vaccines are administered worldwide to control on-going coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Vaccine efficacy is largely contributed by the epitopes present on the viral proteins and their alteration might help emerging variants to escape host immune surveillance. Therefore, this study was designed to study SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 protein, its epitopes and evolution. Methods Clustal Omega was used to identify mutations in Nsp13 protein. Secondary structure and disorder score was predicted by CFSSP and PONDR-VSL2 webservers. Protein stability was predicted by DynaMut webserver. B cell epitopes were predicted by IEDB DiscoTope 2.0 tools and their 3D structures were represented by discovery studio. Antigenicity and allergenicity of epitopes were predicted by Vaxijen2.0 and AllergenFPv.1.0. Physiochemical properties of epitopes were predicted by Toxinpred, HLP webserver tool. Results Our data revealed 182 mutations in Nsp13 among Indian SARS-CoV-2 isolates, which were characterised by secondary structure and per-residue disorderness, stability and dynamicity predictions. To correlate the functional impact of these mutations, we characterised the most prominent B cell and T cell epitopes contributed by Nsp13. Our data revealed twenty-one epitopes, which exhibited antigenicity, stability and interactions with MHC class-I and class-II molecules. Subsequently, the physiochemical properties of these epitopes were analysed. Furthermore, eighteen mutations reside in these Nsp13 epitopes. Conclusions We report appearance of eighteen mutations in the predicted twenty-one epitopes of Nsp13. Among these, at least seven epitopes closely matches with the functionally validated epitopes. Altogether, our study shows the pattern of evolution of Nsp13 epitopes and their probable implications.
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Miropolskaya N, Kozlov M, Petushkov I, Prostova M, Pupov D, Esyunina D, Kochetkov S, Kulbachinskiy A. Effects of natural polymorphisms in SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase on its activity and sensitivity to inhibitors in vitro. Biochimie 2023; 206:81-88. [PMID: 36252889 PMCID: PMC9568283 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is the key enzyme required for viral replication and mRNA synthesis. RdRp is one of the most conserved viral proteins and a promising target for antiviral drugs and inhibitors. At the same time, analysis of public databases reveals multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 genomes with substitutions in the catalytic RdRp subunit nsp12. Structural mapping of these mutations suggests that some of them may affect the interactions of nsp12 with its cofactors nsp7/nsp8 as well as with RNA substrates. We have obtained several mutations of these types and demonstrated that some of them decrease specific activity of RdRp in vitro, possibly by changing RdRp assembly and/or its interactions with RNA. Therefore, natural polymorphisms in RdRp may potentially affect viral replication. Furthermore, we have synthesized a series of polyphenol and diketoacid derivatives based on previously studied inhibitors of hepatitis C virus RdRp and found that several of them can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Tested mutations in RdRp do not have strong effects on the efficiency of inhibition. Further development of more efficient non-nucleoside inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp should take into account the existence of multiple polymorphic variants of RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Miropolskaya
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Maxim Kozlov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Maria Prostova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Danil Pupov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Sergey Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Russia.
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Abbasian MH, Mahmanzar M, Rahimian K, Mahdavi B, Tokhanbigli S, Moradi B, Sisakht MM, Deng Y. Global landscape of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and conserved regions. J Transl Med 2023; 21:152. [PMID: 36841805 PMCID: PMC9958328 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03996-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the end of December 2019, a novel strain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) has been identified in Wuhan, a central city in China, and then spread to every corner of the globe. As of October 8, 2022, the total number of COVID-19 cases had reached over 621 million worldwide, with more than 6.56 million confirmed deaths. Since SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences change due to mutation and recombination, it is pivotal to surveil emerging variants and monitor changes for improving pandemic management. METHODS 10,287,271 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence samples were downloaded in FASTA format from the GISAID databases from February 24, 2020, to April 2022. Python programming language (version 3.8.0) software was utilized to process FASTA files to identify variants and sequence conservation. The NCBI RefSeq SARS-CoV-2 genome (accession no. NC_045512.2) was considered as the reference sequence. RESULTS Six mutations had more than 50% frequency in global SARS-CoV-2. These mutations include the P323L (99.3%) in NSP12, D614G (97.6) in S, the T492I (70.4) in NSP4, R203M (62.8%) in N, T60A (61.4%) in Orf9b, and P1228L (50.0%) in NSP3. In the SARS-CoV-2 genome, no mutation was observed in more than 90% of nsp11, nsp7, nsp10, nsp9, nsp8, and nsp16 regions. On the other hand, N, nsp3, S, nsp4, nsp12, and M had the maximum rate of mutations. In the S protein, the highest mutation frequency was observed in aa 508-635(0.77%) and aa 381-508 (0.43%). The highest frequency of mutation was observed in aa 66-88 (2.19%), aa 7-14, and aa 164-246 (2.92%) in M, E, and N proteins, respectively. CONCLUSION Therefore, monitoring SARS-CoV-2 proteomic changes and detecting hot spots mutations and conserved regions could be applied to improve the SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic efficiency and design safe and effective vaccines against emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Abbasian
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Mahmanzar
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Karim Rahimian
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Mahdavi
- Department of Computer Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bahman Moradi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mollapour Sisakht
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Youping Deng
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
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Lessons Learnt from COVID-19: Computational Strategies for Facing Present and Future Pandemics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054401. [PMID: 36901832 PMCID: PMC10003049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054401] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its outbreak in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of more than 6.5 million people around the world. The high transmissibility of its causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, coupled with its potentially lethal outcome, provoked a profound global economic and social crisis. The urgency of finding suitable pharmacological tools to tame the pandemic shed light on the ever-increasing importance of computer simulations in rationalizing and speeding up the design of new drugs, further stressing the need for developing quick and reliable methods to identify novel active molecules and characterize their mechanism of action. In the present work, we aim at providing the reader with a general overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing the hallmarks in its management, from the initial attempts at drug repurposing to the commercialization of Paxlovid, the first orally available COVID-19 drug. Furthermore, we analyze and discuss the role of computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) techniques, especially those that fall in the structure-based drug design (SBDD) category, in facing present and future pandemics, by showcasing several successful examples of drug discovery campaigns where commonly used methods such as docking and molecular dynamics have been employed in the rational design of effective therapeutic entities against COVID-19.
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Ghelichkhani F, Gonzalez FA, Kapitonova MA, Rozovsky S. Selenoprotein S Interacts with the Replication and Transcription Complex of SARS-CoV-2 by Binding nsp7. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168008. [PMID: 36773692 PMCID: PMC9911985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) replicates and evades detection using ER membranes and their associated protein machinery. Among these hijacked human proteins is selenoprotein S (selenos). This selenoprotein takes part in the protein quality control, signaling, and the regulation of cytokine secretion. While the role of selenos in the viral life cycle is not yet known, it has been reported to interact with SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 7 (nsp7), a viral protein essential for the replication of the virus. We set to study whether selenos and nsp7 interact directly and if they can still bind when nsp7 is bound to the replication and transcription complex of the virus. Using biochemical assays, we show that selenos binds directly to nsp7. In addition, we found that selenos can bind to nsp7 when it is in a complex with the coronavirus's minimal replication and transcription complex, comprised of nsp7, nsp8, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase nsp12. In addition, through crosslinking experiments, we mapped the interaction sites of selenos and nsp7 in the replication complex and showed that the hydrophobic segment of selenos is essential for binding to nsp7. This arrangement leaves an extended helix and the intrinsically disordered segment of selenos-including the reactive selenocysteine-exposed and free to potentially recruit additional proteins to the replication and transcription complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Ghelichkhani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Fabio A Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Mariia A Kapitonova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Sharon Rozovsky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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Sommers JA, Loftus LN, Jones MP, Lee RA, Haren CE, Dumm AJ, Brosh RM. Biochemical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 helicase implicated in COVID-19 and factors that regulate its catalytic functions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102980. [PMID: 36739951 PMCID: PMC9897874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102980] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Replication of the 30-kilobase genome of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, is a key step in the coronavirus life cycle that requires a set of virally encoded nonstructural proteins such as the highly conserved Nsp13 helicase. However, the features that contribute to catalytic properties of Nsp13 are not well established. Here, we biochemically characterized the purified recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 helicase protein, focusing on its catalytic functions, nucleic acid substrate specificity, nucleotide/metal cofactor requirements, and displacement of proteins from RNA molecules proposed to be important for its proofreading role during coronavirus replication. We determined that Nsp13 preferentially interacts with single-stranded DNA compared with single-stranded RNA to unwind a partial duplex helicase substrate. We present evidence for functional cooperativity as a function of Nsp13 concentration, which suggests that oligomerization is important for optimal activity. In addition, under single-turnover conditions, Nsp13 unwound partial duplex RNA substrates of increasing double-stranded regions (16-30 base pairs) with similar efficiency, suggesting the enzyme unwinds processively in this range. We also show Nsp13-catalyzed RNA unwinding is abolished by a site-specific neutralizing linkage in the sugar-phosphate backbone, demonstrating continuity in the helicase-translocating strand is essential for unwinding the partial duplex substrate. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that coronavirus helicase Nsp13 disrupts a high-affinity RNA-protein interaction in a unidirectional and ATP-dependent manner. Furthermore, sensitivity of Nsp13 catalytic functions to Mg2+ concentration suggests a regulatory mechanism for ATP hydrolysis, duplex unwinding, and RNA protein remodeling, processes implicated in SARS-CoV-2 replication and proofreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Sommers
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorin N Loftus
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martin P Jones
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca A Lee
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caitlin E Haren
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adaira J Dumm
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Shannon A, Canard B. Kill or corrupt: Mechanisms of action and drug-resistance of nucleotide analogues against SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105501. [PMID: 36567022 PMCID: PMC9773703 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside/tide analogues (NAs) have long been used in the fight against viral diseases, and now present a promising option for the treatment of COVID-19. Once activated to the 5'-triphosphate state, NAs act by targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase for incorporation into the viral RNA genome. Incorporated analogues can either 'kill' (terminate) synthesis, or 'corrupt' (genetically or chemically) the RNA. Against coronaviruses, the use of NAs has been further complicated by the presence of a virally encoded exonuclease domain (nsp14) with proofreading and repair capacities. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of four promising anti-COVID-19 NAs; remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir and bemnifosbuvir. Their distinct mechanisms of action best exemplify the concept of 'killers' and 'corruptors'. We review available data regarding their ability to be incorporated and excised, and discuss the specific structural features that dictate their overall potency, toxicity, and mutagenic potential. This should guide the synthesis of novel analogues, lend insight into the potential for resistance mutations, and provide a rational basis for upcoming combinations therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, Cedex 09, France.
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Malone BF, Perry JK, Olinares PDB, Lee HW, Chen J, Appleby TC, Feng JY, Bilello JP, Ng H, Sotiris J, Ebrahim M, Chua EYD, Mendez JH, Eng ET, Landick R, Götte M, Chait BT, Campbell EA, Darst SA. Structural basis for substrate selection by the SARS-CoV-2 replicase. Nature 2023; 614:781-787. [PMID: 36725929 PMCID: PMC9891196 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase coordinates viral RNA synthesis as part of an assembly known as the replication-transcription complex (RTC)1. Accordingly, the RTC is a target for clinically approved antiviral nucleoside analogues, including remdesivir2. Faithful synthesis of viral RNAs by the RTC requires recognition of the correct nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) for incorporation into the nascent RNA. To be effective inhibitors, antiviral nucleoside analogues must compete with the natural NTPs for incorporation. How the SARS-CoV-2 RTC discriminates between the natural NTPs, and how antiviral nucleoside analogues compete, has not been discerned in detail. Here, we use cryogenic-electron microscopy to visualize the RTC bound to each of the natural NTPs in states poised for incorporation. Furthermore, we investigate the RTC with the active metabolite of remdesivir, remdesivir triphosphate (RDV-TP), highlighting the structural basis for the selective incorporation of RDV-TP over its natural counterpart adenosine triphosphate3,4. Our results explain the suite of interactions required for NTP recognition, informing the rational design of antivirals. Our analysis also yields insights into nucleotide recognition by the nsp12 NiRAN (nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase), an enigmatic catalytic domain essential for viral propagation5. The NiRAN selectively binds guanosine triphosphate, strengthening proposals for the role of this domain in the formation of the 5' RNA cap6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon F Malone
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hery W Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | - Honkit Ng
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johanna Sotiris
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Ebrahim
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene Y D Chua
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua H Mendez
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ed T Eng
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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Chinthapatla R, Sotoudegan M, Srivastava P, Anderson TK, Moustafa I, Passow K, Kennelly S, Moorthy R, Dulin D, Feng J, Harki D, Kirchdoerfer R, Cameron C, Arnold J. Interfering with nucleotide excision by the coronavirus 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:315-336. [PMID: 36546762 PMCID: PMC9841423 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Some of the most efficacious antiviral therapeutics are ribonucleos(t)ide analogs. The presence of a 3'-to-5' proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN) in coronaviruses diminishes the potency of many ribonucleotide analogs. The ability to interfere with ExoN activity will create new possibilities for control of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ExoN is formed by a 1:1 complex of nsp14 and nsp10 proteins. We have purified and characterized ExoN using a robust, quantitative system that reveals determinants of specificity and efficiency of hydrolysis. Double-stranded RNA is preferred over single-stranded RNA. Nucleotide excision is distributive, with only one or two nucleotides hydrolyzed in a single binding event. The composition of the terminal basepair modulates excision. A stalled SARS-CoV-2 replicase in complex with either correctly or incorrectly terminated products prevents excision, suggesting that a mispaired end is insufficient to displace the replicase. Finally, we have discovered several modifications to the 3'-RNA terminus that interfere with or block ExoN-catalyzed excision. While a 3'-OH facilitates hydrolysis of a nucleotide with a normal ribose configuration, this substituent is not required for a nucleotide with a planar ribose configuration such as that present in the antiviral nucleotide produced by viperin. Design of ExoN-resistant, antiviral ribonucleotides should be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukesh Chinthapatla
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mohamad Sotoudegan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Pankaj Srivastava
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thomas K Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ibrahim M Moustafa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kellan T Passow
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Samantha A Kennelly
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ramkumar Moorthy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Dulin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Daniel A Harki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Robert N Kirchdoerfer
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Craig E Cameron
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jamie J Arnold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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71
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Jahirul Islam M, Nawal Islam N, Siddik Alom M, Kabir M, Halim MA. A review on structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins of SARS-CoV-2: Highlighting drug target sites. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152302. [PMID: 36434912 PMCID: PMC9663145 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, is a highly transmittable and pathogenic human coronavirus that first emerged in China in December 2019. The unprecedented outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 devastated human health within a short time leading to a global public health emergency. A detailed understanding of the viral proteins including their structural characteristics and virulence mechanism on human health is very crucial for developing vaccines and therapeutics. To date, over 1800 structures of non-structural, structural, and accessory proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are determined by cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and NMR spectroscopy. Designing therapeutics to target the viral proteins has several benefits since they could be highly specific against the virus while maintaining minimal detrimental effects on humans. However, for ongoing and future research on SARS-CoV-2, summarizing all the viral proteins and their detailed structural information is crucial. In this review, we compile comprehensive information on viral structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins structures with their binding and catalytic sites, different domain and motifs, and potential drug target sites to assist chemists, biologists, and clinicians finding necessary details for fundamental and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Jahirul Islam
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, 16 Tejkunipara, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Nawal Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Siddik Alom
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mahmuda Kabir
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad A. Halim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw State University, 370 Paulding Avenue NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA,Corresponding author
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72
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Machitani M, Takei J, Kaneko MK, Ueki S, Ohashi H, Watashi K, Kato Y, Masutomi K. Development of novel monoclonal antibodies against nsp12 of SARS-CoV-2. Virol J 2022; 19:213. [PMID: 36496472 PMCID: PMC9736705 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01948-2] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 19. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, use RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) for viral replication and transcription. Since RdRP is a promising therapeutic target for infection of SARS-CoV-2, it would be beneficial to develop new experimental tools for analysis of the RdRP reaction of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we succeeded to develop novel mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, catalytic subunit of the RdRP. These anti-nsp12 mAbs, RdMab-2, -13, and -20, specifically recognize SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 by western blotting analysis, while they exhibit less or no cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV nsp12. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 was successfully immunoprecipitated using RdMab-2 from lysates of cells overexpressing SARS-CoV-2 nsp12. RdMab-2 was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 transiently expressed in established culture cells such as HEK293T cells by indirect immunofluorescence technique. These novel mAbs against SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 are useful to elucidate the RdRP reaction of SARS-CoV-2 and biological cell response against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Machitani
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan
| | - Junko Takei
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575 Japan
| | - Mika K. Kaneko
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575 Japan
| | - Saori Ueki
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ohashi
- grid.410795.e0000 0001 2220 1880Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640 Japan ,grid.410795.e0000 0001 2220 1880Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640 Japan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- grid.410795.e0000 0001 2220 1880Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640 Japan ,grid.410795.e0000 0001 2220 1880Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640 Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575 Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575 Japan
| | - Kenkichi Masutomi
- grid.272242.30000 0001 2168 5385Division of Cancer Stem Cell, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan
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73
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Arumugam GS, Damodharan K, Doble M, Thennarasu S. Significant perspectives on various viral infections targeted antiviral drugs and vaccines including COVID-19 pandemicity. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:21. [PMID: 35838929 PMCID: PMC9283561 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A virus enters a living organism and recruits host metabolism to reproduce its own genome and proteins. The viral infections are intricate and cannot be completely removed through existing antiviral drugs. For example, the herpes, influenza, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses are a few dreadful ones amongst them. Significant studies are needed to understand the viral entry and their growth in host cells to design effective antivirals. This review emphasizes the range of therapeutical antiviral drugs, inhibitors along with vaccines to fight against viral pathogens, especially for combating COVID-19. Moreover, we have provided the basic and in depth information about viral targets, drugs availability, their mechanisms of action, method of prevention of viral diseases and highlighted the significances of anticoagulants, convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment, scientific details of airborne transmission, characteristics of antiviral drug delivery using nanoparticles/carriers, nanoemulsions, nanogels, metal based nanoparticles, alike the future nanosystems through nanobubbles, nanofibers, nanodiamonds, nanotraps, nanorobots and eventually, the therapeutic applications of micro- and nanoparticulates, current status for clinical development against COVID-19 together with environmental implications of antivirals, gene therapy etc., which may be useful for repurposing and designing of novel antiviral drugs against various dreadful diseases, especially the SARS-CoV-2 and other associated variants.
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74
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El Hassab MA, Eldehna WM, Al-Rashood ST, Alharbi A, Eskandrani RO, Alkahtani HM, Elkaeed EB, Abou-Seri SM. Multi-stage structure-based virtual screening approach towards identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 helicase inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:563-572. [PMID: 35012384 PMCID: PMC8757614 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.2022659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
On account of its crucial role in the virus life cycle, SARS-COV-2 NSP13 helicase enzyme was exploited as a promising target to identify a novel potential inhibitor using multi-stage structure-based drug discovery approaches. Firstly, a 3D pharmacophore was generated based on the collected data from a protein-ligand interaction fingerprint (PLIF) study using key interactions between co-crystallised fragments and the NSP13 helicase active site. The ZINC database was screened through the generated 3D-pharmacophore retrieving 13 potential hits. All the retrieved hits exceeded the benchmark score of the co-crystallised fragments at the molecular docking step and the best five-hit compounds were selected for further analysis. Finally, a combination between molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA based binding free energy calculations was conducted on the best hit (compound FWM-1) bound to NSP13 helicase enzyme, which identified FWM-1 as a potential potent NSP13 helicase inhibitor with binding free energy equals -328.6 ± 9.2 kcal/mol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A. El Hassab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Salman International University (KSIU), Ras Sudr, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M. Eldehna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Sara T. Al-Rashood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan O. Eskandrani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad M. Alkahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar M. Abou-Seri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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75
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Wang J, Liu J, Gisriel CJ, Wu S, Maschietto F, Flesher DA, Lolis E, Lisi GP, Brudvig GW, Xiong Y, Batista VS. How to correct relative voxel scale factors for calculations of vector-difference Fourier maps in cryo-EM. J Struct Biol 2022; 214:107902. [PMID: 36202310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2022.107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The atomic coordinates derived from cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps can be inaccurate when the voxel scaling factors are not properly calibrated. Here, we describe a method for correcting relative voxel scaling factors between pairs of cryo-EM maps for the same or similar structures that are expanded or contracted relative to each other. We find that the correction of scaling factors reduces the amplitude differences of Fourier-inverted structure factors from voxel-rescaled maps by up to 20-30%, as shown by two cryo-EM maps of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein measured at pH 4.0 and pH 8.0. This allows for the calculation of the difference map after properly scaling, revealing differences between the two structures for individual amino acid residues. Unexpectedly, the analysis uncovers two previously overlooked differences of amino acid residues in structures and their local structural changes. Furthermore, we demonstrate the method as applied to two cryo-EM maps of monomeric apo-photosystem II from the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Thermosynechococcus elongatus. The resulting difference maps reveal many changes in the peripheral transmembrane PsbX subunit between the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Wang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.
| | - Jinchan Liu
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | | | - Shenping Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
| | | | - David A Flesher
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Elias Lolis
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
| | - George P Lisi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Gary W Brudvig
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06536, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511-8499, USA
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Victor S Batista
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511-8499, USA
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76
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Focus on Marine Animal Safety and Marine Bioresources in Response to the SARS-CoV-2 Crisis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315136. [PMID: 36499463 PMCID: PMC9737530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315136] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 as a zoonotic virus has significantly affected daily life and social behavior since its outbreak in late 2019. The concerns over its transmission through different media directly or indirectly have evoked great attention about the survival of SARS-CoV-2 virions in the environment and its potential infection of other animals. To evaluate the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and to counteract the COVID-19 disease, extensive studies have been performed to understand SARS-CoV-2 biogenesis and its pathogenesis. This review mainly focuses on the molecular architecture of SARS-CoV-2, its potential for infecting marine animals, and the prospect of drug discovery using marine natural products to combat SARS-CoV-2. The main purposes of this review are to piece together progress in SARS-CoV-2 functional genomic studies and antiviral drug development, and to raise our awareness of marine animal safety on exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
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77
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Di Matteo F, Frumenzio G, Chandramouli B, Grottesi A, Emerson A, Musiani F. Computational Study of Helicase from SARS-CoV-2 in RNA-Free and Engaged Form. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314721. [PMID: 36499049 PMCID: PMC9738952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic that broke out in 2020 and continues to be the cause of massive global upheaval. Coronaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses with a genome of ~30 kb. The genome is replicated and transcribed by RNA-dependent RNA polymerase together with accessory factors. One of the latter is the protein helicase (NSP13), which is essential for viral replication. The recently solved helicase structure revealed a tertiary structure composed of five domains. Here, we investigated NSP13 from a structural point of view, comparing its RNA-free form with the RNA-engaged form by using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the microsecond timescale. Structural analyses revealed conformational changes that provide insights into the contribution of the different domains, identifying the residues responsible for domain-domain interactions in both observed forms. The RNA-free system appears to be more flexible than the RNA-engaged form. This result underlies the stabilizing role of the nucleic acid and the functional core role of these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Matteo
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Frumenzio
- Super Computing Applications and Innovation, Department HPC, CINECA, via Magnanelli 6/3, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno, Italy
| | - Balasubramanian Chandramouli
- Super Computing Applications and Innovation, Department HPC, CINECA, via Magnanelli 6/3, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno, Italy
| | | | - Andrew Emerson
- Super Computing Applications and Innovation, Department HPC, CINECA, via Magnanelli 6/3, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
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A mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and its inhibition by nucleotide analog inhibitors. Cell 2022; 185:4347-4360.e17. [PMID: 36335936 PMCID: PMC9531661 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Decoration of cap on viral RNA plays essential roles in SARS-CoV-2 proliferation. Here, we report a mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and document structural details at atomic resolution. The NiRAN domain in polymerase catalyzes the covalent link of RNA 5' end to the first residue of nsp9 (termed as RNAylation), thus being an intermediate to form cap core (GpppA) with GTP catalyzed again by NiRAN. We also reveal that triphosphorylated nucleotide analog inhibitors can be bonded to nsp9 and fit into a previously unknown "Nuc-pocket" in NiRAN, thus inhibiting nsp9 RNAylation and formation of GpppA. S-loop (residues 50-KTN-52) in NiRAN presents a remarkable conformational shift observed in RTC bound with sofosbuvir monophosphate, reasoning an "induce-and-lock" mechanism to design inhibitors. These findings not only improve the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and the mode of action of NAIs but also provide a strategy to design antiviral drugs.
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79
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Romeo I, Ambrosio FA, Costa G, Corona A, Alkhatib M, Salpini R, Lemme S, Vergni D, Svicher V, Santoro MM, Tramontano E, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Artese A, Alcaro S. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 Helicase and Assessment of Druggability Pockets: Identification of Two Potent Inhibitors by a Multi-Site In Silico Drug Repurposing Approach. Molecules 2022; 27:7522. [PMID: 36364347 PMCID: PMC9654784 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) helicase is an essential enzyme for viral replication and has been identified as an attractive target for the development of new antiviral drugs. In detail, the helicase catalyzes the unwinding of double-stranded DNA or RNA in a 5' to 3' direction and acts in concert with the replication-transcription complex (nsp7/nsp8/nsp12). In this work, bioinformatics and computational tools allowed us to perform a detailed conservation analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase genome and to further predict the druggable enzyme's binding pockets. Thus, a structure-based virtual screening was used to identify valuable compounds that are capable of recognizing multiple nsp13 pockets. Starting from a database of around 4000 drugs already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we chose 14 shared compounds capable of recognizing three out of four sites. Finally, by means of visual inspection analysis and based on their commercial availability, five promising compounds were submitted to in vitro assays. Among them, PF-03715455 was able to block both the unwinding and NTPase activities of nsp13 in a micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mohammad Alkhatib
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Saverio Lemme
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Vergni
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo “Mauro Picone”-CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Mercedes Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Anna Artese
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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80
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Trifan A, Gorgun D, Salim M, Li Z, Brace A, Zvyagin M, Ma H, Clyde A, Clark D, Hardy DJ, Burnley T, Huang L, McCalpin J, Emani M, Yoo H, Yin J, Tsaris A, Subbiah V, Raza T, Liu J, Trebesch N, Wells G, Mysore V, Gibbs T, Phillips J, Chennubhotla SC, Foster I, Stevens R, Anandkumar A, Vishwanath V, Stone JE, Tajkhorshid E, A. Harris S, Ramanathan A. Intelligent resolution: Integrating Cryo-EM with AI-driven multi-resolution simulations to observe the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 replication-transcription machinery in action. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING APPLICATIONS 2022; 36:603-623. [PMID: 38464362 PMCID: PMC10923581 DOI: 10.1177/10943420221113513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication transcription complex (RTC) is a multi-domain protein responsible for replicating and transcribing the viral mRNA inside a human cell. Attacking RTC function with pharmaceutical compounds is a pathway to treating COVID-19. Conventional tools, e.g., cryo-electron microscopy and all-atom molecular dynamics (AAMD), do not provide sufficiently high resolution or timescale to capture important dynamics of this molecular machine. Consequently, we develop an innovative workflow that bridges the gap between these resolutions, using mesoscale fluctuating finite element analysis (FFEA) continuum simulations and a hierarchy of AI-methods that continually learn and infer features for maintaining consistency between AAMD and FFEA simulations. We leverage a multi-site distributed workflow manager to orchestrate AI, FFEA, and AAMD jobs, providing optimal resource utilization across HPC centers. Our study provides unprecedented access to study the SARS-CoV-2 RTC machinery, while providing general capability for AI-enabled multi-resolution simulations at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anda Trifan
- Argonne National Laboratory
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | - Defne Gorgun
- Argonne National Laboratory
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Austin Clyde
- Argonne National Laboratory
- University of Chicago
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian Foster
- Argonne National Laboratory
- University of Chicago
| | - Rick Stevens
- Argonne National Laboratory
- University of Chicago
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81
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Sheikh A, Huang H, Parvin S, Badruzzaman M, Ahamed T, Hossain E, Baran IS, Saud ZA. A multi-population-based genomic analysis uncovers unique haplotype variants and crucial mutant genes in SARS-CoV-2. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:149. [PMID: 36318347 PMCID: PMC9626712 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00431-3] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Rigorous detection and treatment strategies against SARS-CoV-2 have become very challenging due to continuous evolutions to the viral genome. Therefore, careful genomic analysis is sorely needed to understand transmission, the cellular mechanism of pathogenicity, and the development of vaccines or drugs. Objective In this study, we intended to identify SARS-CoV-2 genome variants that may help understand the cellular and molecular foundation of coronavirus infections required to develop effective intervention strategies. Methods SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were downloaded from an open-source public database, processed, and analyzed for variants in target detection sites and genes. Results We have identified six unique variants, G---AAC, T---AAC---T, AAC---T, AAC--------T, C----------T, and C--------C, at the nucleocapsid region and eleven major hotspot mutant genes: nsp3, surface glycoprotein, nucleocapsid phosphoprotein, ORF8, nsp6, nsp2, nsp4, helicase, membrane glycoprotein, 3′-5′ exonuclease, and 2′-O-ribose methyltransferases. In addition, we have identified eleven major mutant genes that may have a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Conclusion Studying haplotype variants and 11 major mutant genes to understand the mechanism of action of fatal pathogenicity and inter-individual variations in immune responses is inevitable for managing target patient groups with identified variants and developing effective anti-viral drugs and vaccines. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43141-022-00431-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Sheikh
- grid.443108.a0000 0000 8550 5526Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Dhaka 1706 Bangladesh
| | - He Huang
- Research and Development Department, Bioengineering Lab. Co., Ltd, 657 Nagatake Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa-ken 252-0154 Japan
| | - Sultana Parvin
- grid.263023.60000 0001 0703 3735Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mohammad Badruzzaman
- grid.443108.a0000 0000 8550 5526Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Dhaka 1706 Bangladesh
| | - Tofayel Ahamed
- grid.443108.a0000 0000 8550 5526Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Dhaka 1706 Bangladesh
| | - Ekhtear Hossain
- grid.263880.70000 0004 0386 0655Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Southern University and A&M College, 244 William James Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70813 USA
| | - Iri Sato Baran
- Genesis Institute of Genetic Research, Genesis Healthcare Corporation, Yebisu Garden Place Tower 15F/26F 4-20-3 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zahangir Alam Saud
- grid.412656.20000 0004 0451 7306Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205 Bangladesh
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82
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Dagotto G, Ventura JD, Martinez DR, Anioke T, Chung BS, Siamatu M, Barrett J, Miller J, Schäfer A, Yu J, Tostanoski LH, Wagh K, Baric RS, Korber B, Barouch DH. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a rhesus adenoviral vaccine targeting conserved COVID-19 replication transcription complex. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:125. [PMID: 36302778 PMCID: PMC9610341 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00553-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic marks the third coronavirus pandemic this century (SARS-CoV-1, MERS, SARS-CoV-2), emphasizing the need to identify and evaluate conserved immunogens for a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine. Here we investigate the potential utility of a T-cell vaccine strategy targeting conserved regions of the sarbecovirus proteome. We identified the most conserved regions of the sarbecovirus proteome as portions of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and Helicase proteins, both of which are part of the coronavirus replication transcription complex (RTC). Fitness constraints suggest that as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve these regions may better preserve cross-reactive potential of T-cell responses than Spike, Nucleocapsid, or Membrane proteins. We sought to determine if vaccine-elicited T-cell responses to the highly conserved regions of the RTC would reduce viral loads following challenge with SARS-CoV-2 in mice using a rhesus adenovirus serotype 52 (RhAd52) vector. The RhAd52.CoV.Consv vaccine generated robust cellular immunity in mice and led to significant reductions in viral loads in the nasal turbinates following challenge with a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2. These data suggest the potential utility of T-cell targeting of conserved regions for a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Dagotto
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Ventura
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - David R Martinez
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tochi Anioke
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin S Chung
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mazuba Siamatu
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia Barrett
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Miller
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jingyou Yu
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa H Tostanoski
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kshitij Wagh
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- The New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bette Korber
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- The New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Dan H Barouch
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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83
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A Review of Potential Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112346. [PMID: 36366444 PMCID: PMC9696587 DOI: 10.3390/v14112346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 is a rather heterogeneous disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The ongoing pandemic is a global threat with increasing death tolls worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to lineage B β-CoV, a subgroup of Sarbecovirus. These enveloped, large, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses are easily spread among individuals, mainly via the respiratory system and droplets. Although the disease has been gradually controlled in many countries, once social restrictions are relaxed the virus may rebound, leading to a more severe and uncontrollable situation again, as occurred in Shanghai, China, in 2022. The current global health threat calls for the urgent development of effective therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This systematic overview of possible SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic strategies from 2019 to 2022 indicates three potential targets: virus entry, virus replication, and the immune system. The information provided in this review will aid the development of more potent and specific antiviral compounds.
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84
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Shi Y, Wang J, Batista VS. Translocation pause of remdesivir-containing primer/template RNA duplex within SARS-CoV-2’s RNA polymerase complexes. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:999291. [PMID: 36387272 PMCID: PMC9640752 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.999291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of remdesivir incorporation into the RNA primer by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains to be fully established at the molecular level. Here, we compare molecular dynamics (MD) simulations after incorporation of either remdesivir monophosphate (RMP) or adenosine monophosphate (AMP). We find that the Mg2+-pyrophosphate (PPi) binds more tightly to the polymerase when the added RMP is at the third primer position than in the AMP added complex. The increased affinity of Mg2+-PPi to the RMP-added primer/template (P/T) RNA duplex complex introduces a new hydrogen bond of a substituted cyano group in RMP with the K593 sidechain. The new interactions disrupt a switching mechanism of a hydrogen bond network that is essential for translocation of the P/T duplex product and for opening of a vacant NTP-binding site necessary for next primer extension. Furthermore, steric interactions between the sidechain of S861 and the 1′-cyano group of RMP at position i+3 hinders translocation of RMP to the i + 4 position, where i labels the insertion site. These findings are particularly valuable to guide the design of more effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jimin Wang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Jimin Wang, ; Victor S. Batista,
| | - Victor S. Batista
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Jimin Wang, ; Victor S. Batista,
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85
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Hao Y, Wang Y, Wang M, Zhou L, Shi J, Cao J, Wang D. The origins of COVID-19 pandemic: A brief overview. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3181-3197. [PMID: 36218169 PMCID: PMC9874793 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak that emerged at the end of 2019 has now swept the world for more than 2 years, causing immeasurable damage to the lives and economies of the world. It has drawn so much attention to discovering how the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originated and entered the human body. The current argument revolves around two contradictory theories: a scenario of laboratory spillover events and human contact with zoonotic diseases. Here, we reviewed the transmission, pathogenesis, possible hosts, as well as the genome and protein structure of SARS-CoV-2, which play key roles in the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe the coronavirus was originally transmitted to human by animals rather than by a laboratory leak. However, there still needs more investigations to determine the source of the pandemic. Understanding how COVID-19 emerged is vital to developing global strategies for mitigating future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying‐Jian Hao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Yu‐Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Mei‐Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Lan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jian‐Yun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Ji‐Min Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - De‐Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Department of PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
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86
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Pourfarjam Y, Ma Z, Kim IK. ATP enhances the error-prone ribonucleotide incorporation by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 625:53-59. [PMID: 35947915 PMCID: PMC9344795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is replicated by a conserved "core" replication-transcription complex (RTC) containing an error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase holoenzyme (holo-RdRp, nsp12-nsp7-nsp8) and a RNA proofreading nuclease (nsp14-nsp10). Although structures and functions of SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp have been extensively studied and ribonucleotide-analog inhibitors, such as Remdesivir, have been treated for COVID-19 patients, the substrate and nucleotide specificity of SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp remain unknown. Here, our biochemical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp reveals that it has a robust DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, in addition to its intrinsic RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity. Strikingly, SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp fully extends RNAs with a low-fidelity even when only ATP and pyrimidine nucleotides, in particular CTP, are provided. This ATP-dependent error-prone ribonucleotide incorporation by SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp resists excision by the RNA proofreading nuclease in vitro. Our collective results suggest that a physiological concentration of ATP likely contributes to promoting the error-prone incorporation of ribonucleotides and ribonucleotide-analogs by SARS-CoV-2 holo-RdRp and provide a useful foundation to develop ribonucleotide analogs as an effective therapeutic strategy to combat coronavirus-mediated outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Pourfarjam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 301 Clifton Ct, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Zhijun Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 301 Clifton Ct, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - In-Kwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 301 Clifton Ct, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA.
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87
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Upadhyay M, Gupta S. Endoplasmic reticulum secretory pathway: Potential target against SARS-CoV-2. Virus Res 2022; 320:198897. [PMID: 35988898 PMCID: PMC9387115 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently emerged throughout the world, resulting in more than 400 million cases and over 6 million deaths worldwide as of January 2022. Coronaviruses subvert or use certain aspects of the unfolded protein response in the endoplasmic reticulum to overcome protein translation shutdown to benefit their replication. New virions use the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment to assemble and gain transportation to the cell membrane. Extensive remodeling of the ER has been demonstrated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review article, we discuss the role of the endoplasmic reticulum secretory pathway in the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Currently, there is a dearth of therapeutic options for intervening with SARS-CoV-2 infection. To accelerate drug development, efforts around the globe have been focusing on repurposing drugs that have already been approved for clinical use by regulatory agencies. Targeting the ERS pathway is reasonable, as prior work has shown that SARS-CoV-2 egress is dependent on this pathway. Here we discuss the feasibility of off-patent, FDA-approved, pharmacological inhibitors of the ERS pathway to suppress the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle, a promising approach that warrants investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarisha Upadhyay
- Discipline of Pathology, Cancer Progression and Treatment Research Group, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland-Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanjeev Gupta
- Discipline of Pathology, Cancer Progression and Treatment Research Group, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland-Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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88
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Marx SK, Mickolajczyk KJ, Craig JM, Thomas CA, Pfeffer AM, Abell SJ, Carrasco JD, Franzi MC, Huang JR, Kim HC, Brinkerhoff HD, Kapoor TM, Gundlach JH, Laszlo AH. Inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase at single-nucleotide resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.10.07.511351. [PMID: 36238723 PMCID: PMC9558434 DOI: 10.1101/2022.10.07.511351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The genome of SARS-CoV-2 encodes for a helicase called nsp13 that is essential for viral replication and highly conserved across related viruses, making it an attractive antiviral target. Here we use nanopore tweezers, a high-resolution single-molecule technique, to gain detailed insight into how nsp13 turns ATP-hydrolysis into directed motion along nucleic acid strands. We measured nsp13 both as it translocates along single-stranded DNA or unwinds short DNA duplexes. Our data confirm that nsp13 uses the inchworm mechanism to move along the DNA in single-nucleotide steps, translocating at ~1000 nt/s or unwinding at ~100 bp/s. Nanopore tweezers' high spatio-temporal resolution enables observation of the fundamental physical steps taken by nsp13 even as it translocates at speeds in excess of 1000 nucleotides per second enabling detailed kinetic analysis of nsp13 motion. As a proof-of-principle for inhibition studies, we observed nsp13's motion in the presence of the ATPase inhibitor ATPγS. Our data reveals that ATPγS interferes with nsp13's action by affecting several different kinetic processes. The dominant mechanism of inhibition differs depending on the application of assisting force. These advances demonstrate that nanopore tweezers are a powerful method for studying viral helicase mechanism and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinduja K Marx
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Keith J Mickolajczyk
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jonathan M Craig
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | | | - Akira M Pfeffer
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Sarah J Abell
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | | | | | - Jesse R Huang
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Hwanhee C Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | | | - Tarun M Kapoor
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Jens H Gundlach
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Andrew H Laszlo
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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89
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Revisiting Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases: Insights from Recent Structural Studies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102200. [PMID: 36298755 PMCID: PMC9612308 DOI: 10.3390/v14102200] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) represent a distinctive yet versatile class of nucleic acid polymerases encoded by RNA viruses for the replication and transcription of their genome. The structure of the RdRP is comparable to that of a cupped right hand consisting of fingers, palm, and thumb subdomains. Despite the presence of a common structural core, the RdRPs differ significantly in the mechanistic details of RNA binding and polymerization. The present review aims at exploring these incongruities in light of recent structural studies of RdRP complexes with diverse cofactors, RNA moieties, analogs, and inhibitors.
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90
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Duan X, Lacko LA, Chen S. Druggable targets and therapeutic development for COVID-19. Front Chem 2022; 10:963701. [PMID: 36277347 PMCID: PMC9581228 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.963701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is the biggest challenge to the global public health and economy in recent years. Until now, only limited therapeutic regimens have been available for COVID-19 patients, sparking unprecedented efforts to study coronavirus biology. The genome of SARS-CoV-2 encodes 16 non-structural, four structural, and nine accessory proteins, which mediate the viral life cycle, including viral entry, RNA replication and transcription, virion assembly and release. These processes depend on the interactions between viral polypeptides and host proteins, both of which could be potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19. Here, we will discuss the potential medicinal value of essential proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and key host factors. We summarize the most updated therapeutic interventions for COVID-19 patients, including those approved clinically or in clinical trials.
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91
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Engin AB, Engin ED, Engin A. Can iron, zinc, copper and selenium status be a prognostic determinant in COVID-19 patients? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:103937. [PMID: 35882309 PMCID: PMC9307469 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In severe COVID-19, the levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), do not only regulate host immune responses, but modify the viral genome, as well. While low serum Fe concentration is an independent risk factor for the increased death rate, Zn controls oxidative stress, synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and viral replication. Therefore, Zn deficiency associates with a worse prognosis. Although Cu exposure inactivates the viral genome and exhibits spike protein dispersal, increase in Cu/Zn due to high serum Cu levels, are correlated with enhanced risk of infections. Se levels are significantly higher in surviving COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, both Zn and Se suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Since the balance between the deficiency and oversupply of these metals due to a reciprocal relationship, has decisive effect on the prognosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, monitoring their concentrations may facilitate improved outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Evren Doruk Engin
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Gumusdere Campus, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atilla Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Ankara, Turkey
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92
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Sheetz JB, Lemmon MA. Looking lively: emerging principles of pseudokinase signaling. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:875-891. [PMID: 35585008 PMCID: PMC9464697 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Progress towards understanding catalytically 'dead' protein kinases - pseudokinases - in biology and disease has hastened over the past decade. An especially lively area for structural biology, pseudokinases appear to be strikingly similar to their kinase relatives, despite lacking key catalytic residues. Distinct active- and inactive-like conformation states, which are crucial for regulating bona fide protein kinases, are conserved in pseudokinases and appear to be essential for function. We discuss recent structural data on conformational transitions and nucleotide binding by pseudokinases, from which some common principles emerge. In both pseudokinases and bona fide kinases, a conformational toggle appears to control the ability to interact with signaling effectors. We also discuss how biasing this conformational toggle may provide opportunities to target pseudokinases pharmacologically in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Sheetz
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06505, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
| | - Mark A Lemmon
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06505, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
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93
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Zeng HL, Liu Y, Dichio V, Aurell E. Temporal epistasis inference from more than 3 500 000 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:044409. [PMID: 36397507 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.044409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We use direct coupling analysis (DCA) to determine epistatic interactions between loci of variability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, segmenting genomes by month of sampling. We use full-length, high-quality genomes from the GISAID repository up to October 2021 for a total of over 3 500 000 genomes. We find that DCA terms are more stable over time than correlations but nevertheless change over time as mutations disappear from the global population or reach fixation. Correlations are enriched for phylogenetic effects, and in particularly statistical dependencies at short genomic distances, while DCA brings out links at longer genomic distance. We discuss the validity of a DCA analysis under these conditions in terms of a transient auasilinkage equilibrium state. We identify putative epistatic interaction mutations involving loci in spike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Li Zeng
- School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Vito Dichio
- Inria Paris, Aramis Project Team, Paris 75013, France
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Erik Aurell
- Department of Computational Science and Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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94
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Kim SM, Kim EH, Casel MAB, Kim YI, Sun R, Kwack MJ, Yoo JS, Yu MA, Yu KM, Jang SG, Rollon R, Choi JH, Gil J, Eun K, Kim H, Ensser A, Hwang J, Song MS, Kim MH, Jung JU, Choi YK. SARS-CoV-2 variants show temperature-dependent enhanced polymerase activity in the upper respiratory tract and high transmissibility. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.09.27.509689. [PMID: 36203545 PMCID: PMC9536035 DOI: 10.1101/2022.09.27.509689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With the convergent global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC), a precise comparison study of viral fitness and transmission characteristics is necessary for the prediction of dominant VOCs and the development of suitable countermeasures. While airway temperature plays important roles in the fitness and transmissibility of respiratory tract viruses, it has not been well studied with SARS-CoV-2. Here we demonstrate that natural temperature differences between the upper (33°C) and lower (37°C) respiratory tract have profound effects on SARS-CoV-2 replication and transmission. Specifically, SARS-COV-2 variants containing the P323L or P323L/G671S mutation in the NSP12 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) exhibited enhanced RdRp enzymatic activity at 33°C compared to 37°C and high transmissibility in ferrets. MicroScale Thermophoresis demonstrated that the NSP12 P323L or P323L/G671S mutation stabilized the NSP12-NSP7-NSP8 complex interaction. Furthermore, reverse genetics-derived SARS-CoV-2 variants containing the NSP12 P323L or P323L/G671S mutation displayed enhanced replication at 33°C, and high transmission in ferrets. This suggests that the evolutionarily forced NSP12 P323L and P323L/G671S mutations of recent SARS-CoV-2 VOC strains are associated with increases of the RdRp complex stability and enzymatic activity, promoting the high transmissibility.
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95
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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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96
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Wang J, Shi Y, Reiss K, Maschietto F, Lolis E, Konigsberg WH, Lisi GP, Batista VS. Structural Insights into Binding of Remdesivir Triphosphate within the Replication-Transcription Complex of SARS-CoV-2. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1966-1973. [PMID: 36044776 PMCID: PMC9469760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Remdesivir is an adenosine analogue that has a cyano substitution in the C1' position of the ribosyl moiety and a modified base structure to stabilize the linkage of the base to the C1' atom with its strong electron-withdrawing cyano group. Within the replication-transcription complex (RTC) of SARS-CoV-2, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase nsp12 selects remdesivir monophosphate (RMP) over adenosine monophosphate (AMP) for nucleotide incorporation but noticeably slows primer extension after the added RMP of the RNA duplex product is translocated by three base pairs. Cryo-EM structures have been determined for the RTC with RMP at the nucleotide-insertion (i) site or at the i + 1, i + 2, or i + 3 sites after product translocation to provide a structural basis for a delayed-inhibition mechanism by remdesivir. In this study, we applied molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to extend the resolution of structures to the measurable maximum that is intrinsically limited by MD properties of these complexes. Our MD simulations provide (i) a structural basis for nucleotide selectivity of the incoming substrates of remdesivir triphosphate over adenosine triphosphate and of ribonucleotide over deoxyribonucleotide, (ii) new detailed information on hydrogen atoms involved in H-bonding interactions between the enzyme and remdesivir, and (iii) direct information on the catalytically active complex that is not easily captured by experimental methods. Our improved resolution of interatomic interactions at the nucleotide-binding pocket between remedesivir and the polymerase could help to design a new class of anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Wang
- Department
of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, United States
| | - Yuanjun Shi
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8499, United States
| | - Krystle Reiss
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8499, United States
| | - Federica Maschietto
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8499, United States
| | - Elias Lolis
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8066, United States
| | - William H. Konigsberg
- Department
of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, United States
| | - George P. Lisi
- Department
of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Victor S. Batista
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8499, United States
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97
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Tolbatov I, Storchi L, Marrone A. Structural Reshaping of the Zinc-Finger Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 Protein Using Bismuth(III) Ions: A Multilevel Computational Study. Inorg Chem 2022; 61:15664-15677. [PMID: 36125417 PMCID: PMC9514052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c02685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The identification of novel therapeutics against the
pandemic SARS-CoV-2
infection is an indispensable new address of current scientific research.
In the search for anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents as alternatives to the vaccine
or immune therapeutics whose efficacy naturally degrades with the
occurrence of new variants, the salts of Bi3+ have been
found to decrease the activity of the Zn2+-dependent non-structural
protein 13 (nsp13) helicase, a key component of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular
tool kit. Here, we present a multilevel computational investigation
based on the articulation of DFT calculations, classical MD simulations,
and MIF analyses, focused on the examination of the effects of Bi3+/Zn2+ exchange on the structure and molecular
interaction features of the nsp13 protein. Our calculations confirmed
that Bi3+ ions can replace Zn2+ in the zinc-finger
metal centers and cause slight but appreciable structural modifications
in the zinc-binding domain of nsp13. Nevertheless, by employing an
in-house-developed ATOMIF tool, we evidenced that such a Bi3+/Zn2+ exchange may decrease the extension of a specific
hydrophobic portion of nsp13, responsible for the interaction with
the nsp12 protein. The present study provides for a detailed, atomistic
insight into the potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Bi3+ and, more generally, evidences the hampering of the nsp13–nsp12
interaction as a plausible therapeutic strategy. The Zn2+/Bi3+ exchange
in the zinc
finger domains of SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 hampers the viral machinery
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de L'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Avenue Alain Savary 9, Dijon 21000, France
| | - Loriano Storchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università"G D'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini 31, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università"G D'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini 31, Chieti 66100, Italy
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98
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Zhai LY, Su AM, Liu JF, Zhao JJ, Xi XG, Hou XM. Recent advances in applying G-quadruplex for SARS-CoV-2 targeting and diagnosis: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:1476-1490. [PMID: 36130641 PMCID: PMC9482720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a health care crisis all over the world since the end of 2019. Although vaccines and neutralizing antibodies have been developed, rapidly emerging variants usually display stronger immune escape ability and can better surpass vaccine protection. Therefore, it is still vital to find proper treatment strategies. To date, antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 have mainly focused on proteases or polymerases. Notably, noncanonical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified in many viruses in recent years, and numerous G4 ligands have been developed. During this pandemic, literature on SARS-CoV-2 G4s is rapidly accumulating. Here, we first summarize the recent progress in the identification of SARS-CoV-2 G4s and their intervention by ligands. We then introduce the potential interacting proteins of SARS-CoV-2 G4s from both the virus and the host that may regulate G4 functions. The innovative strategy to use G4s as a diagnostic tool in SARS-CoV-2 detection is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss some key questions to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ai-Min Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jing-Fan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jian-Jin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR8113, IDA FR3242, Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology (LBPA), 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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99
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Tanimoto S, Itoh SG, Okumura H. State-of-the-Art Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810358. [PMID: 36142270 PMCID: PMC9499461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are powerful theoretical methods that can reveal biomolecular properties, such as structure, fluctuations, and ligand binding, at the level of atomic detail. In this review article, recent MD simulation studies on these biomolecular properties of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is a multidomain protein, of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are presented. Although the tertiary structures of RdRps in SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are almost identical, the RNA synthesis activity of RdRp of SARS-CoV is higher than SARS-CoV-2. Recent MD simulations observed a difference in the dynamic properties of the two RdRps, which may cause activity differences. RdRp is also a drug target for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nucleotide analogs, such as remdesivir and favipiravir, are considered to be taken up by RdRp and inhibit RNA replication. Recent MD simulations revealed the recognition mechanism of RdRp for these drug molecules and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The ligand-recognition ability of RdRp decreases in the order of remdesivir, favipiravir, and ATP. As a typical recognition process, it was found that several lysine residues of RdRp transfer these ligand molecules to the binding site such as a “bucket brigade.” This finding will contribute to understanding the mechanism of the efficient ligand recognition by RdRp. In addition, various simulation studies on the complexes of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with several nucleotide analogs are reviewed, and the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds inhibit the function of RdRp are discussed. The simulation studies presented in this review will provide useful insights into how nucleotide analogs are recognized by RdRp and inhibit the RNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Tanimoto
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoru G. Itoh
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Okumura
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Correspondence:
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100
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Shi FS, Yu Y, Li YL, Cui L, Zhao Z, Wang M, Wang B, Zhang R, Huang YW. Expression Profile and Localization of SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural Replicase Proteins in Infected Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0074422. [PMID: 35730969 PMCID: PMC9431475 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00744-22] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused unprecedented loss of life and economic trouble all over the world, though the mechanism of its replication remains poorly understood. In this study, antibodies were generated and used to systematically determine the expression profile and subcellular distribution of 11 SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural replicase proteins (nsp1, nsp2, nsp3, nsp5, nsp7, nsp8, nsp9, nsp10, nsp13, nsp14, and nsp15) by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Nsp3, nsp5, and nsp8 were detected in perinuclear foci at different time points, with diffusion and stronger fluorescence observed over time. In particular, colocalization of nsp8 and nsp13 with different replicase proteins suggested viral protein-protein interaction, which may be key to understanding their functions and potential molecular mechanisms. Viral intermediate dsRNA was detected in perinuclear foci as early as 2-h postinfection, indicating the initiation of virus replication. With the passage of time, these perinuclear dsRNA foci became larger and brighter, and nearly all colocalized with N protein, consistent with viral growth over time. Thus, the development of these anti-nsp antibodies provides basic tools for the further study of replication and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE The intracellular localization of SARS-CoV-2 replicase nonstructural proteins (nsp) during infection has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we systematically analyzed the expression and subcellular localization of 11 distinct viral nsp and dsRNA over time in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells by using individual antibody against these replicase proteins. The data indicated that nsp gene expression is highly regulated in space and time, which could be useful to understand the function of viral replicases and future development of diagnostics and potential antiviral strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Shu Shi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, China
| | - Ya-Li Li
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lilan Cui
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zhao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, China
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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