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Li J, Zhong X, Li H, Yu Z, Li J, Duan Q, Li Y, Chen F, Wang Y, Wu Z, Liu Y, Peng Z, Song D. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of biaryl amide derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 with dual-target mechanism. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115978. [PMID: 38061229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need to develop effective small-molecule antivirals. Thirty-three novel biaryl amide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-coronaviral activity. Some significant SARs were uncovered and the intensive structure modifications led to the most active compounds 8b and 8h. The broad-spectrum anti-coronaviral effects of 8h were validated at RNA and protein levels. 8h inhibits coronavirus replication at multiple stages, from virus entry to virus dsRNA synthesis. The mechanism of action showed that 8h may simultaneously act on 3CLpro and TMPRSS2 to display anti-coronaviral effects. 8h combined with RdRp inhibitor showed synergistic inhibitory activity against coronavirus. This study confirmed that biaryl amide derivatives may be a new class of potential therapeutic agents against coronavirus with multiple target effect, worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiuli Zhong
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongying Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhihui Yu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jianrui Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Qionglu Duan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Fenbei Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yanxiang Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhiyun Wu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yonghua Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zonggen Peng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Danqing Song
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Mali SS, Silva R, Gong Z, Cronce M, Vo U, Vuong C, Moayedi Y, Cox JS, Bautista DM. SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease activates nociceptors to drive sneeze and pain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575114. [PMID: 38260476 PMCID: PMC10802627 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, triggers symptoms such as sneezing, aches and pain.1 These symptoms are mediated by a subset of sensory neurons, known as nociceptors, that detect noxious stimuli, densely innervate the airway epithelium, and interact with airway resident epithelial and immune cells.2-6 However, the mechanisms by which viral infection activates these neurons to trigger pain and airway reflexes are unknown. Here, we show that the coronavirus papain-like protease (PLpro) directly activates airway-innervating trigeminal and vagal nociceptors in mice and human iPSC-derived nociceptors. PLpro elicits sneezing and acute pain in mice and triggers the release of neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from airway afferents. We find that PLpro-induced sneeze and pain requires the host TRPA1 ion channel that has been previously demonstrated to mediate pain, cough, and airway inflammation.7-9 Our findings are the first demonstration of a viral product that directly activates sensory neurons to trigger pain and airway reflexes and highlight a new role for PLpro and nociceptors in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali S. Mali
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Ricardo Silva
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Zhongyan Gong
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Michael Cronce
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Uyen Vo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - Cliff Vuong
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Yalda Moayedi
- Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY
| | - Jeffery S. Cox
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Diana M. Bautista
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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Davies JP, Sivadas A, Keller KR, Roman BK, Wojcikiewicz RJH, Plate L. Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural Proteins 3 and 4 Can Tune the Unfolded Protein Response in Cell Culture. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:356-367. [PMID: 38038604 PMCID: PMC11063930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoV), including SARS-CoV-2, modulate host proteostasis through the activation of stress-responsive signaling pathways such as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which remedies misfolded protein accumulation by attenuating translation and increasing protein folding capacity. While CoV nonstructural proteins (nsps) are essential for infection, little is known about the role of nsps in modulating the UPR. We characterized the impact of overexpression of SARS-CoV-2 nsp4, a key driver of replication, on the UPR in cell culture using quantitative proteomics to sensitively detect pathway-wide upregulation of effector proteins. We find that nsp4 preferentially activates the ATF6 and PERK branches of the UPR. Previously, we found that an N-terminal truncation of nsp3 (nsp3.1) can suppress pharmacological ATF6 activation. To determine how nsp3.1 and nsp4 tune the UPR, their coexpression demonstrated that nsp3.1 suppresses nsp4-mediated PERK, but not ATF6 activation. Reanalysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection proteomics data revealed time-dependent activation of PERK targets early in infection, which subsequently fades. This temporal regulation suggests a role for nsp3 and nsp4 in tuning the PERK pathway to attenuate host translation beneficial for viral replication while avoiding later apoptotic signaling caused by chronic activation. This work furthers our understanding of CoV-host proteostasis interactions and highlights the power of proteomic methods for systems-level analysis of the UPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Davies
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Athira Sivadas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Katherine R Keller
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 12310, United States
| | - Brynn K Roman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Richard J H Wojcikiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 12310, United States
| | - Lars Plate
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
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Song L, Gao S, Ye B, Yang M, Cheng Y, Kang D, Yi F, Sun JP, Menéndez-Arias L, Neyts J, Liu X, Zhan P. Medicinal chemistry strategies towards the development of non-covalent SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:87-109. [PMID: 38239241 PMCID: PMC10792984 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an attractive target in anti-COVID-19 therapy for its high conservation and major role in the virus life cycle. The covalent Mpro inhibitor nirmatrelvir (in combination with ritonavir, a pharmacokinetic enhancer) and the non-covalent inhibitor ensitrelvir have shown efficacy in clinical trials and have been approved for therapeutic use. Effective antiviral drugs are needed to fight the pandemic, while non-covalent Mpro inhibitors could be promising alternatives due to their high selectivity and favorable druggability. Numerous non-covalent Mpro inhibitors with desirable properties have been developed based on available crystal structures of Mpro. In this article, we describe medicinal chemistry strategies applied for the discovery and optimization of non-covalent Mpro inhibitors, followed by a general overview and critical analysis of the available information. Prospective viewpoints and insights into current strategies for the development of non-covalent Mpro inhibitors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shenghua Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Bing Ye
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mianling Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yusen Cheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fan Yi
- The Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Autonomous University of Madrid), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Herzog AM, Göbel K, Marongiu L, Ruetalo N, Alonso MC, Leischner C, Busch C, Burkard M, Lauer UM, Geurink PP, Knobeloch KP, Schindler M, Fritz G, Venturelli S. Compounds derived from Humulus lupulus inhibit SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and virus replication. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155176. [PMID: 37976697 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selected natural compounds exhibit very good antiviral properties. Especially, the medicinal plant Humulus lupulus (hop) contains several secondary plant metabolites some of which have previously shown antiviral activities. Among them, the prenylated chalcone xanthohumol (XN) demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro). HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE Following the finding that xanthohumol (XN) is a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, the effect of XN and its major derivatives isoxanthohumol (IXN), 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN), and 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) from hops on SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) were investigated. STUDY DESIGN The modulatory effect of the hop compounds on PLpro were studied first in silico and then in vitro. In addition, the actual effect of hop compounds on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells was investigated. METHODS In silico docking analysis was used to predict the binding affinity of hop compounds to the active site of PLpro. A recombinant PLpro was cloned, purified, characterized, and analyzed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), deISGylation assays, and kinetic analyses. Antiviral activity of hop compounds was assessed using the fluorescently labeled wildtype SARS-CoV-2 (icSARS-CoV-2-mNG) in Caco-2 host cells. RESULTS Our in silico docking suggests that the purified hop compounds bind to the active site of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro blocking the access of its natural substrates. The hop-derived compounds inhibit SARS-CoV-2 PLpro with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 59-162 µM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that XN and 6-PN, in particular, impede viral replication with IC50 values of 3.3 µM and 7.3 µM, respectively. CONCLUSION In addition to the already known inhibition of Mpro by XN, our results show, for the first time, that hop-derived compounds target also SARS-CoV-2 PLpro which is a promising therapeutic target as it contributes to both viral replication and modulation of the immune system. These findings support the possibility to develop new hop-derived antiviral drugs targeting human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Herzog
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katharina Göbel
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Luigi Marongiu
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Natalia Ruetalo
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marta Campos Alonso
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Leischner
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Markus Burkard
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Paul P Geurink
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Knobeloch
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schindler
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Günter Fritz
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Physiology, Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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56
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Kiba Y, Tanikawa T, Kitamura M. Ciclesonide Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease in Vitro. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:965-966. [PMID: 38763750 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel identified pneumonia resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has significantly impacted and posed significant challenges to human society. The papain-like protease (PLpro) found in the nonstructural protein 3 of SARS-CoV-2 plays a vital role in viral replication. Moreover, PLpro disrupts the host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene 15 from host proteins. Consequently, PLpro has emerged as a promising drug target against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Computational studies have reported that ciclesonide can bind to SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. However, the inhibitory effects of ciclenoside on the PLpro have not been experimentally evaluated. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs), including ciclesonide, on SARS-CoV-2 PLpro in vitro assay. Ciclesonide significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of PLpro, compared with other sGCs and its IC50 was 18.4 ± 1.89 µM. These findings provide insights into the development of PLpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kiba
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Masashi Kitamura
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
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Li X, Song Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3: Function, structure, inhibition, and perspective in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103832. [PMID: 37977285 PMCID: PMC10872262 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
As a highly contagious human pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected billions of people worldwide with more than 6 million deaths. With several effective vaccines and antiviral drugs now available, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic been brought under control. However, a new pathogenic coronavirus could emerge in the future, given the zoonotic nature of this virus. Natural evolution and drug-induced mutations of SARS-CoV-2 also require continued efforts for new anti-coronavirus drugs. Nonstructural protein (nsp) 3 of CoVs is a large, multifunctional protein, containing a papain-like protease (PLpro) and a macrodomain (Mac1), which are essential for viral replication. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the function, structure, and inhibition of SARS-CoV/-CoV-2 PLpro and Mac1. We also discuss advances in, and challenges to, the discovery of drugs against these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Xu Z, Tian M, Tan Q, Hao P, Gao Z, Li C, Jin N. FHL2 Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Enhancing IFN-β Expression through Regulating IRF-3. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:353. [PMID: 38203523 PMCID: PMC10778585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 triggered the global COVID-19 pandemic, posing a severe threat to public health worldwide. The innate immune response in cells infected by SARS-CoV-2 is primarily orchestrated by type I interferon (IFN), with IFN-β exhibiting a notable inhibitory impact on SARS-CoV-2 replication. FHL2, acting as a docking site, facilitates the assembly of multiprotein complexes and regulates the transcription of diverse genes. However, the association between SARS-CoV-2 and FHL2 remains unclear. In this study, we report for the first time that SARS-CoV-2 infection in Caco2 cells results in the upregulation of FHL2 expression, while the virus's N proteins can enhance FHL2 expression. Notably, the knockdown of FHL2 significantly amplifies SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Conversely, the overexpression of FHL2 leads to a marked reduction in SARS-CoV-2 replication, with the antiviral property of FHL2 being independent of the cell or virus type. Subsequent experiments reveal that FHL2 supports IFN-β transcription by upregulating the expression and phosphorylation of IRF-3, thereby impeding SARS-CoV-2 replication in cells. These findings highlight FHL2 as a potential antiviral target for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xu
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (Z.X.)
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
| | - Mingyao Tian
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
| | - Qihan Tan
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (Z.X.)
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
| | - Pengfei Hao
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
| | - Zihan Gao
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
| | - Chang Li
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Agricultural College, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (Z.X.)
- Research Unit of Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Virus Zoonoses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China; (M.T.)
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Spano D, Catara G. Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and Recent Advances in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2023; 13:29. [PMID: 38201233 PMCID: PMC10778545 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a reversible post-translational modification based on the chemical addition of ubiquitin to proteins with regulatory effects on various signaling pathways. Ubiquitination can alter the molecular functions of tagged substrates with respect to protein turnover, biological activity, subcellular localization or protein-protein interaction. As a result, a wide variety of cellular processes are under ubiquitination-mediated control, contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. It follows that the dysregulation of ubiquitination reactions plays a relevant role in the pathogenic states of human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, immune-related pathologies and cancer. In recent decades, the enzymes of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), including E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), have attracted attention as novel druggable targets for the development of new anticancer therapeutic approaches. This perspective article summarizes the peculiarities shared by the enzymes involved in the ubiquitination reaction which, when deregulated, can lead to tumorigenesis. Accordingly, an overview of the main pharmacological interventions based on targeting the UPS that are in clinical use or still in clinical trials is provided, also highlighting the limitations of the therapeutic efficacy of these approaches. Therefore, various attempts to circumvent drug resistance and side effects as well as UPS-related emerging technologies in anticancer therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Spano
- Institute for Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Catara
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Ao D, He X, Liu J, Xu L. Strategies for the development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics in the post-pandemic period. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:466. [PMID: 38129394 PMCID: PMC10739883 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01724-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in significant casualties and put immense strain on public health systems worldwide, leading to economic recession and social unrest. In response, various prevention and control strategies have been implemented globally, including vaccine and drug development and the promotion of preventive measures. Implementing these strategies has effectively curbed the transmission of the virus, reduced infection rates, and gradually restored normal social and economic activities. However, the mutations of SARS-CoV-2 have led to inevitable infections and reinfections, and the number of deaths continues to rise. Therefore, there is still a need to improve existing prevention and control strategies, mainly focusing on developing novel vaccines and drugs, expediting medical authorization processes, and keeping epidemic surveillance. These measures are crucial to combat the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and achieve sustained, long-term prevention, management, and disease control. Here, we summarized the characteristics of existing COVID-19 vaccines and drugs and suggested potential future directions for their development. Furthermore, we discussed the COVID-19-related policies implemented over the past years and presented some strategies for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyi Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Freiberger MI, Ruiz-Serra V, Pontes C, Romero-Durana M, Galaz-Davison P, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Schuster CD, Marti MA, Wolynes PG, Ferreiro DU, Parra RG, Valencia A. Local energetic frustration conservation in protein families and superfamilies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8379. [PMID: 38104123 PMCID: PMC10725452 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Energetic local frustration offers a biophysical perspective to interpret the effects of sequence variability on protein families. Here we present a methodology to analyze local frustration patterns within protein families and superfamilies that allows us to uncover constraints related to stability and function, and identify differential frustration patterns in families with a common ancestry. We analyze these signals in very well studied protein families such as PDZ, SH3, ɑ and β globins and RAS families. Recent advances in protein structure prediction make it possible to analyze a vast majority of the protein space. An automatic and unsupervised proteome-wide analysis on the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrates the potential of our approach to enhance our understanding of the natural phenotypic diversity of protein families beyond single protein instances. We apply our method to modify biophysical properties of natural proteins based on their family properties, as well as perform unsupervised analysis of large datasets to shed light on the physicochemical signatures of poorly characterized proteins such as the ones belonging to emergent pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Freiberger
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Proteínas, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Victoria Ruiz-Serra
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Camila Pontes
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Romero-Durana
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Galaz-Davison
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 7820436, Chile
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Cesar A Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 7820436, Chile
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Claudio D Schuster
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo A Marti
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter G Wolynes
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Diego U Ferreiro
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Proteínas, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - R Gonzalo Parra
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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62
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Hung TI, Hsieh YJ, Lu WL, Wu KP, Chang CEA. What Strengthens Protein-Protein Interactions: Analysis and Applications of Residue Correlation Networks. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168337. [PMID: 37918563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Identifying residues critical to protein-protein binding and efficient design of stable and specific protein binders are challenging tasks. Extending beyond the direct contacts in a protein-protein binding interface, our study employs computational modeling to reveal the essential network of residue interactions and dihedral angle correlations critical in protein-protein recognition. We hypothesized that mutating residues exhibiting highly correlated dynamic motion within the interaction network could efficiently optimize protein-protein interactions to create tight and selective protein binders. We tested this hypothesis using the ubiquitin (Ub) and MERS coronaviral papain-like protease (PLpro) complex, since Ub is a central player in multiple cellular functions and PLpro is an antiviral drug target. Our designed ubiquitin variant (UbV) hosting three mutated residues displayed a ∼3,500-fold increase in functional inhibition relative to wild-type Ub. Further optimization of two C-terminal residues within the Ub network resulted in a KD of 1.5 nM and IC50 of 9.7 nM for the five-point Ub mutant, eliciting 27,500-fold and 5,500-fold enhancements in affinity and potency, respectively, as well as improved selectivity, without destabilizing the UbV structure. Our study highlights residue correlation and interaction networks in protein-protein interactions, and introduces an effective approach to design high-affinity protein binders for cell biology research and future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta I Hung
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, United States
| | - Yun-Jung Hsieh
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lin Lu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Phon Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-En A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, United States.
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63
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Liu W, Mu G, Jia Y, Yu M, Zhang S, Wang Z, Fang S. The role of IBV PL1pro in virus replication and suppression of host innate immune responses. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:270. [PMID: 38087313 PMCID: PMC10717896 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus papain-like proteases (PLpros) play a crucial role in virus replication and the evasion of the host immune response. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) encodes a proteolytically defective remnant of PL1pro and an active PL2pro. However, the function of PL1pro in IBV remains largely unknown. This study aims to explore the effect of PL1pro on virus replication and underlying mechanisms. RESULTS The recombinant viruses rIBV-ΔPL1pro and rIBV-ΔPL1pro-N were obtained using reverse genetic techniques through the deletion of the IBV PL1pro domain and the N-terminal conserved sequence of PL1pro (PL1pro-N). We observed significantly lower replication of rIBV-ΔPL1pro and rIBV-ΔPL1pro-N than wild-type IBV. Further investigation revealed that the lack of PL1pro-N in IBV decreased virus resistance to interferon (IFN) while also inducing host immune response by enhancing the production of IFN-β and activating the downstream STAT1 signaling pathway of IFNs. In addition, the overexpression of PL1pro-N significantly suppressed type I IFN response by down-regulating the expressions of genes in the IFN pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that IBV PL1pro plays a crucial role in IBV replication and the suppression of host innate immune responses, suggesting that IBV PL1pro could serve as a promising molecular target for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weirong Liu
- Yangtze University Health Science Center, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ge Mu
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434025, China
| | - Yiquan Jia
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434025, China
| | - Mengting Yu
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434025, China
| | - Songbai Zhang
- MARA Key Laboratory of Sustainable Crop Production in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Yangtze University Health Science Center, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shouguo Fang
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, No.88, Jingmi Road, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434025, China.
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64
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Dang F, Bai L, Dong J, Hu X, Wang J, Paulo JA, Xiong Y, Liang X, Sun Y, Chen Y, Guo M, Wang X, Huang Z, Inuzuka H, Chen L, Chu C, Liu J, Zhang T, Rezaeian AH, Liu J, Kaniskan HÜ, Zhong B, Zhang J, Letko M, Jin J, Lan K, Wei W. USP2 inhibition prevents infection with ACE2-dependent coronaviruses in vitro and is protective against SARS-CoV-2 in mice. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh7668. [PMID: 38055802 PMCID: PMC10787358 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh7668] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) represents a promising and effective approach to combat not only the COVID-19 pandemic but also potential future pandemics arising from coronaviruses that depend on ACE2 for infection. Here, we report ubiquitin specific peptidase 2 (USP2) as a host-directed antiviral target; we further describe the development of MS102, an orally available USP2 inhibitor with viable antiviral activity against ACE2-dependent coronaviruses. Mechanistically, USP2 serves as a physiological deubiquitinase of ACE2, and targeted inhibition with specific small-molecule inhibitor ML364 leads to a marked and reversible reduction in ACE2 protein abundance, thereby blocking various ACE2-dependent coronaviruses tested. Using human ACE2 transgenic mouse models, we further demonstrate that ML364 efficiently controls disease caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as evidenced by reduced viral loads and ameliorated lung inflammation. Furthermore, we improved the in vivo performance of ML364 in terms of both pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity. The resulting lead compound, MS102, holds promise as an oral therapeutic option for treating infections with coronaviruses that are reliant on ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabin Dang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jiazhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jingchao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Joao A. Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xiaowei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yishuang Sun
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuncai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhixiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Chen Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jianping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Abdol-Hossein Rezaeian
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Husnu Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bo Zhong
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Michael Letko
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163 USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Zhang C, Liu J, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. In silico drug repurposing carvedilol and its metabolites against SARS-CoV-2 infection using molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation approaches. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21404. [PMID: 38049492 PMCID: PMC10696093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48398-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a significant impact on the economy and public health worldwide. Therapeutic options such as drugs and vaccines for this newly emerged disease are eagerly desired due to the high mortality. Using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs to treat a new disease or entirely different diseases, in terms of drug repurposing, minimizes the time and cost of drug development compared to the de novo design of a new drug. Drug repurposing also has some other advantages such as reducing safety evaluation to accelerate drug application on time. Carvedilol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker originally designed to treat high blood pressure and manage heart disease, has been shown to impact SARS-CoV-2 infection in clinical observation and basic studies. Here, we applied computer-aided approaches to investigate the possibility of repurposing carvedilol to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The molecular mechanisms and potential molecular targets of carvedilol were identified by evaluating the interactions of carvedilol with viral proteins. Additionally, the binding affinities of in vivo metabolites of carvedilol with selected targets were evaluated. The docking scores for carvedilol and its metabolites with RdRp were - 10.0 kcal/mol, - 9.8 kcal/mol (1-hydroxyl carvedilol), - 9.7 kcal/mol (3-hydroxyl carvedilol), - 9.8 kcal/mol (4-hydroxyl carvedilol), - 9.7 kcal/mol (5-hydroxyl carvedilol), - 10.0 kcal/mol (8-hydroxyl carvedilol), and - 10.1 kcal/mol (O-desmethyl carvedilol), respectively. Using the molecular dynamics simulation (100 ns) method, we further confirmed the stability of formed complexes of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and carvedilol or its metabolites. Finally, the drug-target interaction mechanisms that contribute to the complex were investigated. Overall, this study provides the molecular targets and mechanisms of carvedilol and its metabolites as repurposed drugs to fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Jiazheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
- NextGen Precision Health Institution, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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66
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Tan B, Zhang X, Ansari A, Jadhav P, Tan H, Li K, Chopra A, Ford A, Chi X, Ruiz FX, Arnold E, Deng X, Wang J. Design of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitor with antiviral efficacy in a mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.01.569653. [PMID: 38076941 PMCID: PMC10705561 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569653] [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: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and drug-resistant mutants calls for additional oral antivirals. The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is a promising but challenging drug target. In this study, we designed and synthesized 85 noncovalent PLpro inhibitors that bind to the newly discovered Val70Ub site and the known BL2 groove pocket. Potent compounds inhibited PLpro with inhibitory constant Ki values from 13.2 to 88.2 nM. The co-crystal structures of PLpro with eight leads revealed their interaction modes. The in vivo lead Jun12682 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including nirmatrelvir-resistant strains with EC50 from 0.44 to 2.02 μM. Oral treatment with Jun12682 significantly improved survival and reduced lung viral loads and lesions in a SARS-CoV-2 infection mouse model, suggesting PLpro inhibitors are promising oral SARS-CoV-2 antiviral candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Ahmadullah Ansari
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Prakash Jadhav
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ashima Chopra
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alexandra Ford
- Deprtment of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Xiang Chi
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Francesc Xavier Ruiz
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Eddy Arnold
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xufang Deng
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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Wallace I, Baek K, Prabu JR, Vollrath R, von Gronau S, Schulman BA, Swatek KN. Insights into the ISG15 transfer cascade by the UBE1L activating enzyme. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7970. [PMID: 38042859 PMCID: PMC10693564 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 to substrates by specific E1-E2-E3 enzymes is a well-established signalling mechanism of the innate immune response. Here, we present a 3.45 Å cryo-EM structure of a chemically trapped UBE1L-UBE2L6 complex bound to activated ISG15. This structure reveals the details of the first steps of ISG15 recognition and UBE2L6 recruitment by UBE1L (also known as UBA7). Taking advantage of viral effector proteins from severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza B virus (IBV), we validate the structure and confirm the importance of the ISG15 C-terminal ubiquitin-like domain in the adenylation reaction. Moreover, biochemical characterization of the UBE1L-ISG15 and UBE1L-UBE2L6 interactions enables the design of ISG15 and UBE2L6 mutants with altered selectively for the ISG15 and ubiquitin conjugation pathways. Together, our study helps to define the molecular basis of these interactions and the specificity determinants that ensure the fidelity of ISG15 signalling during the antiviral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iona Wallace
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Kheewoong Baek
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - J Rajan Prabu
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ronnald Vollrath
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Susanne von Gronau
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Brenda A Schulman
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Kirby N Swatek
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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68
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Zheng Y, Yang H, Zhang X, Gao C. Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral innate immunity by ubiquitination and ubiquitin-like conjugation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194984. [PMID: 37717938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
A global pandemic COVID-19 resulting from SARS-CoV-2 has affected a significant portion of the human population. Antiviral innate immunity is critical for controlling and eliminating the viral infection. Ubiquitination is extensively involved in antiviral signaling, and recent studies suggest that ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) modifications also participate in innate antiviral pathways such as RLR and cGAS-STING pathways. Notably, virus infection harnesses ubiquitination and Ubls modifications to facilitate viral replication and counteract innate antiviral immunity. These observations indicate that ubiquitination and Ubls modifications are critical checkpoints for the tug-of-war between virus and host. This review discusses the current progress regarding the modulation of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and antiviral innate immune pathways by ubiquitination and Ubls modifications. This paper emphasizes the arising concept that ubiquitination and Ubls modifications are powerful modulators of virus and host interaction and potential drug targets for treating the infection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Huiyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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69
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Ren J, Yu P, Liu S, Li R, Niu X, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Zhou F, Zhang L. Deubiquitylating Enzymes in Cancer and Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303807. [PMID: 37888853 PMCID: PMC10754134 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) maintain relative homeostasis of the cellular ubiquitome by removing the post-translational modification ubiquitin moiety from substrates. Numerous DUBs have been demonstrated specificity for cleaving a certain type of ubiquitin linkage or positions within ubiquitin chains. Moreover, several DUBs perform functions through specific protein-protein interactions in a catalytically independent manner, which further expands the versatility and complexity of DUBs' functions. Dysregulation of DUBs disrupts the dynamic equilibrium of ubiquitome and causes various diseases, especially cancer and immune disorders. This review summarizes the Janus-faced roles of DUBs in cancer including proteasomal degradation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and tumor metastasis, as well as in immunity involving innate immune receptor signaling and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The prospects and challenges for the clinical development of DUB inhibitors are further discussed. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faced roles of DUBs in cancer and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Peng Yu
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug DiscoveryShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesZhongshanGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Sijia Liu
- International Biomed‐X Research CenterSecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310058China
| | - Ran Li
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Xin Niu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
- International Biomed‐X Research CenterSecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouP. R. China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
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Forrestall K, Pringle ES, Sands D, Duguay BA, Farewell B, Woldemariam T, Falzarano D, Pottie I, McCormick C, Darvesh S. A phenothiazine urea derivative broadly inhibits coronavirus replication via viral protease inhibition. Antiviral Res 2023; 220:105758. [PMID: 38008194 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus (CoV) replication requires efficient cleavage of viral polyproteins into an array of non-structural proteins involved in viral replication, organelle formation, viral RNA synthesis, and host shutoff. Human CoVs (HCoVs) encode two viral cysteine proteases, main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro), that mediate polyprotein cleavage. Using a structure-guided approach, a phenothiazine urea derivative that inhibits both SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro protease activity was identified. In silico docking studies also predicted the binding of the phenothiazine urea to the active sites of structurally similar Mpro and PLpro proteases from distantly related alphacoronavirus, HCoV-229 E (229 E), and the betacoronavirus, HCoV-OC43 (OC43). The lead phenothiazine urea derivative displayed broad antiviral activity against all three HCoVs tested in cellulo. It was further demonstrated that the compound inhibited 229 E and OC43 at an early stage of viral replication, with diminished formation of viral replication organelles, and the RNAs that are made within them, as expected following viral protease inhibition. These observations suggest that the phenothiazine urea derivative readily inhibits viral replication and may broadly inhibit proteases of diverse coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Forrestall
- Department of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine and Neurology) and Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2
| | - Eric S Pringle
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2
| | - Dane Sands
- Department of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine and Neurology) and Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2
| | - Brett A Duguay
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2
| | - Brett Farewell
- Department of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine and Neurology) and Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2
| | | | - Darryl Falzarano
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5E3; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5B4
| | - Ian Pottie
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3M 2J6; Department of Chemistry, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robbie Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 3C3
| | - Craig McCormick
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2
| | - Sultan Darvesh
- Department of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine and Neurology) and Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4R2; Department of Chemistry & Physics, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3M 2J6.
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71
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Sarkar L, Liu G, Gack MU. ISG15: its roles in SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:1262-1275. [PMID: 37573184 PMCID: PMC10840963 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin-like pleiotropic protein and one of the most abundant ISGs, has been studied extensively; however, its roles in SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections have just begun to be elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests that ISG15 - either in its conjugated or unconjugated 'free' form - acts both intracellularly and extracellularly, and exerts anti- or pro-viral effects. To counteract ISG15's antiviral roles, viruses have evolved sophisticated tactics. Here, we discuss recent advances in ISG15's physiological functions as a post-translational modifier or 'cytokine-like' molecule during SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections. Furthermore, we highlight the detailed mechanisms viruses use to block ISG15-dependent antiviral defenses. A comprehensive understanding of ISG15 biology in the context of virus infection may spur new therapeutic approaches for a range of viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucky Sarkar
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - GuanQun Liu
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Michaela U Gack
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.
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72
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Moghadasi SA, Moraes SN, Harris RS. Cellular Assays for Dynamic Quantification of Deubiquitinase Activity and Inhibition. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168316. [PMID: 37858708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are proteolytic enzymes that catalyze the removal of ubiquitin from protein substrates. The critical role of DUBs in regulating protein ubiquitination makes them attractive drug targets in oncology, neurodegenerative disease, and antiviral development. Biochemical assays for quantifying DUB activity have enabled characterization of substrate preferences and discovery of small molecule inhibitors. However, assessing the efficacy of these inhibitors in cellular contexts to support clinical drug development has been limited by a lack of tractable cell-based assays. To address this gap, we developed a two-color flow cytometry-based assay that allows for sensitive quantification of DUB activity and inhibition in living cells. The utility of this system was demonstrated by quantifying the potency of GRL0617 against the viral DUB SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, identifying potential GRL0617 resistance mutations, and performing structure-function analysis of the vOTU domain from the recently emerged Yezo virus. In addition, the system was optimized for cellular DUBs by modifying a GFP-targeting nanobody to recruit USP7 and USP28 to benchmark a panel of reported inhibitors and assess inhibition kinetics. Together, these results demonstrate the utility of these assays for studying DUB biology in a cellular context with potential to aid in inhibitor discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Arad Moghadasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sofia N Moraes
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Reuben S Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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73
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Saksena NK, Reddy SB, Miranda-Saksena M, Cardoso THS, Silva EMA, Ferreira JC, Rabeh WM. SARS-CoV-2 variants, its recombinants and epigenomic exploitation of host defenses. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166836. [PMID: 37549720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Since 2003, we have seen the emergence of novel viruses, such as SARS-CoV-1, MERS, ZIKA, swine flu virus H1N1, Marburg, Monkeypox, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2, but none of them gained pandemic proportions similar to SARS-CoV-2. This could be attributed to unique viral traits, allowing its rapid global dissemination following its emergence in October 2019 in Wuhan, China, which appears to be primarily driven by the emergence of highly transmissible and virulent variants that also associate, in some cases, with severe disease and considerable mortality caused by fatal pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infected individuals. Mechanistically, several factors are involved in viral pathogenesis, and epigenetic alterations take the front seat in host-virus interactions. The molecular basis of all viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, tightly hinges on the transitory silencing of the host gene machinery via epigenetic modulation. SARS-CoV-2 also hijacks and subdues the host gene machinery, leading to epigenetic modulation of the critical host elements responsible for antiviral immunity. Epigenomics is a powerful, unexplored avenue that can provide a profound understanding of virus-host interactions and lead to the development of epigenome-based therapies and vaccines to counter viruses. This review discusses current developments in SARS-CoV-2 variation and its role in epigenetic modulation in infected hosts. This review provides an overview, especially in the context of emerging viral strains, their recombinants, and their possible roles in the epigenetic exploitation of host defense and viral pathogenesis. It provides insights into host-virus interactions at the molecular, genomic, and immunological levels and sheds light on the future of epigenomics-based therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin K Saksena
- Victoria University, Footscray Campus, Melbourne, VIC. Australia.
| | - Srinivasa Bonam Reddy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Thyago H S Cardoso
- OMICS Centre of Excellence, G42 Healthcare, Mazdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Edson M A Silva
- Science Division, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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74
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Yang M, Mariano J, Su R, Smith CE, Das S, Gill C, Andresson T, Loncarek J, Tsai YC, Weissman AM. SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease plays multiple roles in regulating cellular proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105346. [PMID: 37838170 PMCID: PMC10692909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nsp3s are the largest nonstructural proteins of coronaviruses. These transmembrane proteins include papain-like proteases (PLpro) that play essential roles in cleaving viral polyproteins into their mature units. The PLpro of SARS-CoV viruses also have deubiquitinating and deISGylating activities. As Nsp3 is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized protein, we asked if the deubiquitinating activity of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro affects proteins that are substrates for ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Using full-length Nsp3 as well as a truncated transmembrane form we interrogated, by coexpression, three potential ERAD substrates, all of which play roles in regulating lipid biosynthesis. Transmembrane PLpro increases the level of INSIG-1 and decreases its ubiquitination. However, different effects were seen with SREBP-1 and SREBP-2. Transmembrane PLpro cleaves SREBP-1 at three sites, including two noncanonical sites in the N-terminal half of the protein, resulting in a decrease in precursors of the active transcription factor. Conversely, cleavage of SREBP-2 occurs at a single canonical site that disrupts a C-terminal degron, resulting in increased SREBP-2 levels. When this site is mutated and the degron can no longer be interrupted, SREBP-2 is still stabilized by transmembrane PLpro, which correlates with a decrease in SREBP-2 ubiquitination. All of these observations are dependent on PLpro catalytic activity. Our findings demonstrate that, when anchored to the ER membrane, SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 PLpro can function as a deubiquitinating enzyme to stabilize ERAD substrates. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 PLpro can cleave ER-resident proteins, including at sites that could escape analyses based on the established consensus sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Mariano
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Su
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher E Smith
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Sudipto Das
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Gill
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Thorkell Andresson
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jadranka Loncarek
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Yien Che Tsai
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Allan M Weissman
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
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75
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Lin C, Kuffour EO, Fuchs NV, Gertzen CGW, Kaiser J, Hirschenberger M, Tang X, Xu HC, Michel O, Tao R, Haase A, Martin U, Kurz T, Drexler I, Görg B, Lang PA, Luedde T, Sparrer KMJ, Gohlke H, König R, Münk C. Regulation of STING activity in DNA sensing by ISG15 modification. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113277. [PMID: 37864791 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA is mediated by the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling axis. Signal transduction and regulation of this cascade is achieved by post-translational modifications. Here we show that cGAS-STING-dependent HIV-1 sensing requires interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). ISG15 deficiency inhibits STING-dependent sensing of HIV-1 and STING agonist-induced antiviral response. Upon external stimuli, STING undergoes ISGylation at residues K224, K236, K289, K347, K338, and K370. Inhibition of STING ISGylation at K289 suppresses STING-mediated type Ⅰ interferon induction by inhibiting its oligomerization. Of note, removal of STING ISGylation alleviates gain-of-function phenotype in STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI). Molecular modeling suggests that ISGylation of K289 is an important regulator of oligomerization. Taken together, our data demonstrate that ISGylation at K289 is crucial for STING activation and represents an important regulatory step in DNA sensing of viruses and autoimmune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohui Lin
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Edmund Osei Kuffour
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nina V Fuchs
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Christoph G W Gertzen
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Center for Structural Studies (CSS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jesko Kaiser
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Xiao Tang
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Haifeng C Xu
- Department of Molecular Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Oliver Michel
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ronny Tao
- Institute for Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Haase
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery (HTTG), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ingo Drexler
- Institute for Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Boris Görg
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp A Lang
- Department of Molecular Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Renate König
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Carsten Münk
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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76
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Teo QW, Wong HH, Heunis T, Stancheva V, Hachim A, Lv H, Siu L, Ho J, Lan Y, Mok CKP, Ulferts R, Sanyal S. Usp25-Erlin1/2 activity limits cholesterol flux to restrict virus infection. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2495-2509.e6. [PMID: 37683630 PMCID: PMC10914638 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Reprogramming lipid metabolic pathways is a critical feature of activating immune responses to infection. However, how these reconfigurations occur is poorly understood. Our previous screen to identify cellular deubiquitylases (DUBs) activated during influenza virus infection revealed Usp25 as a prominent hit. Here, we show that Usp25-deleted human lung epithelial A549 cells display a >10-fold increase in pathogenic influenza virus production, which was rescued upon reconstitution with the wild type but not the catalytically deficient (C178S) variant. Proteomic analysis of Usp25 interactors revealed a strong association with Erlin1/2, which we confirmed as its substrate. Newly synthesized Erlin1/2 were degraded in Usp25-/- or Usp25C178S cells, activating Srebp2, with increased cholesterol flux and attenuated TLR3-dependent responses. Our study therefore defines the function of a deubiquitylase that serves to restrict a range of viruses by reprogramming lipid biosynthetic flux to install appropriate inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wen Teo
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ho Him Wong
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tiaan Heunis
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Viktoriya Stancheva
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Asmaa Hachim
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Huibin Lv
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lewis Siu
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julian Ho
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yun Lan
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chris Ka Pun Mok
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Sumana Sanyal
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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77
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Meng H, Zhou J, Wang M, Zheng M, Xing Y, Wang Y. SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease Negatively Regulates the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway and Pyroptosis by Reducing the Oligomerization and Ubiquitination of ASC. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2799. [PMID: 38004809 PMCID: PMC10673202 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of viruses with hosts is complex, especially so with the antiviral immune systems of hosts, and the underlying mechanisms remain perplexing. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may result in cytokine syndrome in the later stages, reflecting the activation of the antiviral immune response. However, viruses also encode molecules to negatively regulate the antiviral immune systems of hosts to achieve immune evasion and benefit viral replication during the early stage of infection. It has been observed that the papain-like protease (PLP) encoded by coronavirus could negatively regulate the host's IFNβ innate immunity. In this study, we first found that eight inflammasome-related genes were downregulated in CD14+ monocytes from COVID-19 patients. Subsequently, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 PLP negatively regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, and decreased the caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis of human monocytes. The mechanisms for this may arise because PLP coimmunoprecipitates with ASC, reduces ASC ubiquitination, and inhibits ASC oligomerization and the formation of ASC specks. These findings suggest that PLP may inhibit strong immune defenses and provide the maximum advantage for viral replication. This research may allow us to better understand the flex function of CoV-encoding proteases and provide a new perspective on the innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jianglin Zhou
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mei Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Yaling Xing
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China
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78
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Ghosh AK, Shahabi D, Imhoff MEC, Kovela S, Sharma A, Hattori SI, Higashi-Kuwata N, Mitsuya H, Mesecar AD. SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) inhibitory and antiviral activity of small molecule derivatives for drug leads. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 96:129489. [PMID: 37770002 PMCID: PMC10842477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
We report here the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of small molecule SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors. We compared the activity of selected compounds in both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitory and antiviral assays. We have synthesized and evaluated several new structural variants of previous leads against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. The replacement of the carboxamide functionality with sulfonamide derivatives resulted in PLpro inhibitors with potent PLpro inhibitory and antiviral activity in VeroE6 cells similar to GRL0617. To obtain molecular insight, we created an optimized model of a potent sulfonamide derivative in the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA.
| | - Dana Shahabi
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | | | - Satish Kovela
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hattori
- Department of Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655 Japan
| | - Nobuyo Higashi-Kuwata
- Department of Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- Department of Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655 Japan; Department of Clinical Sciences, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto 860-8556 Japan; Experimental Retrovirology Section, HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Andrew D Mesecar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
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79
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Brewitz L, Henry Chan HT, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Walsh MA, Duarte F, Schofield CJ. Mass spectrometric assays monitoring the deubiquitinase activity of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inform on the basis of substrate selectivity and have utility for substrate identification. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 95:117498. [PMID: 37857256 PMCID: PMC10933793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) and main protease (Mpro) are nucleophilic cysteine enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis of the viral polyproteins pp1a/1ab. By contrast with Mpro, PLpro is also a deubiquitinase (DUB) that accepts post-translationally modified human proteins as substrates. Here we report studies on the DUB activity of PLpro using synthetic Nε-lysine-branched oligopeptides as substrates that mimic post-translational protein modifications by ubiquitin (Ub) or Ub-like modifiers (UBLs), such as interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). Mass spectrometry (MS)-based assays confirm the DUB activity of isolated recombinant PLpro. They reveal that the sequence of both the peptide fragment derived from the post-translationally modified protein and that derived from the UBL affects PLpro catalysis; the nature of substrate binding in the S sites appears to be more important for catalytic efficiency than binding in the S' sites. Importantly, the results reflect the reported cellular substrate selectivity of PLpro, i.e. human proteins conjugated to ISG15 are better substrates than those conjugated to Ub or other UBLs. The combined experimental and modelling results imply that PLpro catalysis is affected not only by the identity of the substrate residues binding in the S and S' sites, but also by the substrate fold and the conformational dynamics of the blocking loop 2 of the PLpro:substrate complex. Nε-Lysine-branched oligopeptides thus have potential to help the identification of PLpro substrates. More generally, the results imply that MS-based assays with Nε-lysine-branched oligopeptides have potential to monitor catalysis by human DUBs and hence to inform on their substrate preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom; The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - H T Henry Chan
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A Walsh
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Fernanda Duarte
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom; The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom.
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80
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Sakamaki JI, Mizushima N. Ubiquitination of non-protein substrates. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:991-1003. [PMID: 37120410 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The covalent attachment of ubiquitin is a common regulatory mechanism in various proteins. Although it has long been thought that the substrates of ubiquitination are limited to proteins, recent studies have changed this view: ubiquitin can be conjugated to lipids, sugars, and nucleotides. Ubiquitin is linked to these substrates by the action of different classes of ubiquitin ligases that have distinct catalytic mechanisms. Ubiquitination of non-protein substrates likely serves as a signal for the recruitment of other proteins to bring about specific effects. These discoveries have expanded the concept of ubiquitination and have advanced our insight into the biology and chemistry of this well-established modification process. In this review we describe the molecular mechanisms and roles of non-protein ubiquitination and discuss the current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ichi Sakamaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Noboru Mizushima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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81
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O'Dea R, Kazi N, Hoffmann-Benito A, Zhao Z, Recknagel S, Wendrich K, Janning P, Gersch M. Molecular basis for ubiquitin/Fubi cross-reactivity in USP16 and USP36. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1394-1405. [PMID: 37443395 PMCID: PMC10611586 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins typically use distinct machineries to facilitate diverse functions. The immunosuppressive ubiquitin-like protein Fubi is synthesized as an N-terminal fusion to a ribosomal protein (Fubi-S30). Its proteolytic maturation by the nucleolar deubiquitinase USP36 is strictly required for translationally competent ribosomes. What endows USP36 with this activity, how Fubi is recognized and whether other Fubi proteases exist are unclear. Here, we report a chemical tool kit that facilitated the discovery of dual ubiquitin/Fubi cleavage activity in USP16 in addition to USP36 by chemoproteomics. Crystal structures of USP36 complexed with Fubi and ubiquitin uncover its substrate recognition mechanism and explain how other deubiquitinases are restricted from Fubi. Furthermore, we introduce Fubi C-terminal hydrolase measurements and reveal a synergistic role of USP16 in Fubi-S30 maturation. Our data highlight how ubiquitin/Fubi specificity is achieved in a subset of human deubiquitinases and open the door to a systematic investigation of the Fubi system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel O'Dea
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nafizul Kazi
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alicia Hoffmann-Benito
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Zhou Zhao
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sarah Recknagel
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kim Wendrich
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Petra Janning
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Malte Gersch
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany.
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82
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Sayaf AM, Ahmad H, Aslam MA, Ghani SA, Bano S, Yousafi Q, Suleman M, Khan A, Yeoh KK, Wei DQ. Pharmacotherapeutic Potential of Natural Products to Target the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Using Molecular Screening and Simulation Approaches. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:6959-6978. [PMID: 36961512 PMCID: PMC10037394 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Because of the essential role of PLpro in the regulation of replication and dysregulation of the host immune sensing, it is considered a therapeutic target for novel drug development. To reduce the risk of immune evasion and vaccine effectiveness, small molecular therapeutics are the best complementary approach. Hence, we used a structure-based drug-designing approach to identify potential small molecular inhibitors for PLpro of SARS-CoV-2. Initial scoring and re-scoring of the best hits revealed that three compounds NPC320891 (2,2-Dihydroxyindene-1,3-Dione), NPC474594 (Isonarciclasine), and NPC474595 (7-Deoxyisonarciclasine) exhibit higher docking scores than the control GRL0617. Investigation of the binding modes revealed that alongside the essential contacts, i.e., Asp164, Glu167, Tyr264, and Gln269, these molecules also target Lys157 and Tyr268 residues in the active site. Moreover, molecular simulation demonstrated that the reported top hits also possess stable dynamics and structural packing. Furthermore, the residues' flexibility revealed that all the complexes demonstrated higher flexibility in the regions 120-140, 160-180, and 205-215. The 120-140 and 160-180 lie in the finger region of PLpro, which may open/close during the simulation to cover the active site and push the ligand inside. In addition, the total binding free energy was reported to be - 32.65 ± 0.17 kcal/mol for the GRL0617-PLpro, for the NPC320891-PLpro complex, the TBE was - 35.58 ± 0.14 kcal/mol, for the NPC474594-PLpro, the TBE was - 43.72 ± 0.22 kcal/mol, while for NPC474595-PLpro complex, the TBE was calculated to be - 41.61 ± 0.20 kcal/mol, respectively. Clustering of the protein's motion and FEL further revealed that in NPC474594 and NPC474595 complexes, the drug was seen to have moved inside the binding cavity along with the loop in the palm region harboring the catalytic triad, thus justifying the higher binding of these two molecules particularly. In conclusion, the overall results reflect favorable binding of the identified hits strongly than the control drug, thus demanding in vitro and in vivo validation for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Mohammad Sayaf
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM George Town, Penang Malaysia
| | - Hassaan Ahmad
- Rawalpindi Medical University, Chamanzar Colony, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ammar Aslam
- Rawalpindi Medical University, Chamanzar Colony, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan
| | | | - Saira Bano
- Department of Botany, University of Okara, Okara, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Qudsia Yousafi
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad-Sahiwal Campus, Sahiwal, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 People’s Republic of China
- Zhongjing Research and Industrialization, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Meixi, Nanyang, Henan 473006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kar Kheng Yeoh
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM George Town, Penang Malaysia
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 People’s Republic of China
- Zhongjing Research and Industrialization, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Meixi, Nanyang, Henan 473006 People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center On Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 People’s Republic of China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 People’s Republic of China
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83
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Naz F, Khan I, Baammi S, Islam A. Investigation of the interactions of HSA and SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease against eugenol for novel COVID-19 drug discovery: spectroscopic and insilico study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10161-10170. [PMID: 36636828 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2164062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus family consist of a member known as SARS-CoV-2, spread drastically in 2019 (Covid-19), affecting millions of people worldwide. Till date there is no clear-clinical therapy or drug, targeted to cure this serious disease. Researches are going on to prevent this corona virus. Here, we tried to explore a novel SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease as a potential inhibitor. Finally, eugenol was docked with this protease to find prime SARS-inhibitors. In silico studies revealed that eugenol binds to the active site of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease with appropriate binding. Moreover, the MD simulation for 100 ns and MMPBSA calculation reveals that eugenol possess potential phytotherapeutic properties against COVID-19. The interaction of eugenol with human serum albumin has been examined by using fluorescence, UV-vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism as well as computational techniques such as molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation and MMPBSA calculation. Overall investigation shows eugenol having good affinity for HSA Ka 6.80 × 106 M-1.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheen Naz
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Computer Science, Deanship of Educational Services, Qassim University, Buraidah, Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soukayna Baammi
- African Genome Centre (AGC), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir, Morocco
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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84
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Liu W, Wang J, Wang S, Yue K, Hu Y, Liu X, Wang L, Wan S, Xu X. Discovery of new non-covalent and covalent inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and main protease. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106830. [PMID: 37683544 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still threatens human health and public safety, and the development of effective antiviral agent is urgently needed. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are vital proteins in viral replication and promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, PLpro also modulates host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15) from ISGylated host proteins. In this report, we identified [1,2]selenazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3(2H)-one and benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one as attractive scaffolds of PLpro and Mpro inhibitors. The representative compounds 6c and 7e exhibited excellent PLpro inhibition with percent inhibition of 42.9% and 44.9% at 50 nM, respectively. The preliminary enzyme kinetics experiment and fluorescent labelling experiment results determined that 6c was identified as a covalent PLpro inhibitor, while 7e was a non-covalent inhibitor. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that 6c and 7e bound to Zn-finger domain of PLpro. Compounds 6c and 7e were also identified to potent Mpro inhibitors, and they exhibited potent antiviral activities in SARS-CoV-2 infected Vero E6 cells, with EC50 value of 3.9 μM and 7.4 μM, respectively. In addition, the rat liver homogenate half-life of 6c and 7e exceeded 24 h. These findings suggest that 6c and 7e are promising led compounds for further development of PLpro/Mpro dual-target antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandong Liu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Suyun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Kairui Yue
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Lihao Wang
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Shengbiao Wan
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China.
| | - Ximing Xu
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China.
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85
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Sokouti B. A review on in silico virtual screening methods in COVID-19 using anticancer drugs and other natural/chemical inhibitors. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:994-1026. [PMID: 38023988 PMCID: PMC10651357 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00177] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic scenario has posed a difficulty for cancer treatment. Even under ideal conditions, malignancies like small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are challenging to treat because of their fast development and early metastases. The treatment of these patients must not be jeopardized, and they must be protected as much as possible from the continuous spread of the COVID-19 infection. Initially identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the contagious coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Finding inhibitors against the druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2 has been a significant focus of research efforts across the globe. The primary motivation for using molecular modeling tools against SARS-CoV-2 was to identify candidates for use as therapeutic targets from a pharmacological database. In the published study, scientists used a combination of medication repurposing and virtual drug screening methodologies to target many structures of SARS-CoV-2. This virus plays an essential part in the maturation and replication of other viruses. In addition, the total binding free energy and molecular dynamics (MD) modeling findings showed that the dynamics of various medications and substances were stable; some of them have been tested experimentally against SARS-CoV-2. Different virtual screening (VS) methods have been discussed as potential means by which the evaluated medications that show strong binding to the active site might be repurposed for use against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Sokouti
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665813, Iran
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86
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D'Anna L, Miclot T, Bignon E, Perricone U, Barone G, Monari A, Terenzi A. Resolving a guanine-quadruplex structure in the SARS-CoV-2 genome through circular dichroism and multiscale molecular modeling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11332-11339. [PMID: 37886086 PMCID: PMC10599604 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04004f] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is made up of a single-stranded RNA fragment that can assume a specific secondary structure, whose stability can influence the virus's ability to reproduce. Recent studies have identified putative guanine quadruplex sequences in SARS-CoV-2 genome fragments that are involved in coding for both structural and non-structural proteins. In this contribution, we focus on a specific G-rich sequence referred to as RG-2, which codes for the non-structural protein 10 (Nsp10) and assumes a guanine-quadruplex (G4) arrangement. We provide the secondary structure of RG-2 G4 at atomistic resolution by molecular modeling and simulation, validated by the superposition of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Through both experimental and simulation approaches, we have demonstrated that pyridostatin (PDS), a widely recognized G4 binder, can bind to and stabilize RG-2 G4 more strongly than RG-1, another G4 forming sequence that was previously proposed as a potential target for antiviral drug candidates. Overall, this study highlights RG-2 as a valuable target to inhibit the translation and replication of SARS-CoV-2, paving the way towards original therapeutic approaches against emerging RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa D'Anna
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Tom Miclot
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS UMR 7019 LPCT F-54000 Nancy France
| | | | - Ugo Perricone
- Fondazione Ri.MED Via Filippo Marini 14 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS F-75006 Paris France
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
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87
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Liu M, Li J, Liu W, Yang Y, Zhang M, Ye Y, Zhu W, Zhou C, Zhai H, Xu Z, Zhang G, Huang H. The S1'-S3' Pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Is Critical for Substrate Selectivity and Can Be Targeted with Covalent Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309657. [PMID: 37609788 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro ) of SARS-CoV-2 is a well-characterized target for antiviral drug discovery. To date, most antiviral drug discovery efforts have focused on the S4-S1' pocket of Mpro ; however, it is still unclear whether the S1'-S3' pocket per se can serve as a new site for drug discovery. In this study, the S1'-S3' pocket of Mpro was found to differentially recognize viral peptidyl substrates. For instance, S3' in Mpro strongly favors Phe or Trp, and S1' favors Ala. The peptidyl inhibitor D-4-77, which possesses an α-bromoacetamide warhead, was discovered to be a promising inhibitor of Mpro , with an IC50 of 0.95 μM and an antiviral EC50 of 0.49 μM. The Mpro /inhibitor co-crystal structure confirmed the binding mode of the inhibitor to the S1'-S3' pocket and revealed a covalent mechanism. In addition, D-4-77 functions as an immune protectant and suppresses SARS-CoV-2 Mpro -induced antagonism of the host NF-κB innate immune response. These findings indicate that the S1'-S3' pocket of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro is druggable, and that inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro can simultaneously protect human innate immunity and inhibit virion assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Jihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518112, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Manman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yuxin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Wenning Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Cuiyan Zhou
- National Protein Science Facility, School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hongbin Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Zhengshuang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518112, China
| | - Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Laboratory of Ubiquitination and Targeted Therapy, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518132, China
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88
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Sunshine S, Puschnik AS, Replogle JM, Laurie MT, Liu J, Zha BS, Nuñez JK, Byrum JR, McMorrow AH, Frieman MB, Winkler J, Qiu X, Rosenberg OS, Leonetti MD, Ye CJ, Weissman JS, DeRisi JL, Hein MY. Systematic functional interrogation of SARS-CoV-2 host factors using Perturb-seq. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6245. [PMID: 37803001 PMCID: PMC10558542 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic and proteomic screens have identified numerous host factors of SARS-CoV-2, but efficient delineation of their molecular roles during infection remains a challenge. Here we use Perturb-seq, combining genetic perturbations with a single-cell readout, to investigate how inactivation of host factors changes the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the host response in human lung epithelial cells. Our high-dimensional data resolve complex phenotypes such as shifts in the stages of infection and modulations of the interferon response. However, only a small percentage of host factors showed such phenotypes upon perturbation. We further identified the NF-κB inhibitor IκBα (NFKBIA), as well as the translation factors EIF4E2 and EIF4H as strong host dependency factors acting early in infection. Overall, our study provides massively parallel functional characterization of host factors of SARS-CoV-2 and quantitatively defines their roles both in virus-infected and bystander cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sunshine
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Joseph M Replogle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew T Laurie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jamin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, Berkeley-UCSF Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Beth Shoshana Zha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James K Nuñez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Janie R Byrum
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Matthew B Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Pathogen Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juliane Winkler
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xiaojie Qiu
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Oren S Rosenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Chun Jimmie Ye
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan S Weissman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Joseph L DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Marco Y Hein
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Vienna, Austria.
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89
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Schneider T, Sawade K, Berner F, Peter C, Kovermann M. Specifying conformational heterogeneity of multi-domain proteins at atomic resolution. Structure 2023; 31:1259-1274.e10. [PMID: 37557171 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The conformational landscape of multi-domain proteins is inherently linked to their specific functions. This also holds for polyubiquitin chains that are assembled by two or more ubiquitin domains connected by a flexible linker thus showing a large interdomain mobility. However, molecular recognition and signal transduction are associated with particular conformational substates that are populated in solution. Here, we apply high-resolution NMR spectroscopy in combination with dual-scale MD simulations to explore the conformational space of K6-, K29-, and K33-linked diubiquitin molecules. The conformational ensembles are evaluated utilizing a paramagnetic cosolute reporting on solvent exposure plus a set of complementary NMR parameters. This approach unravels a conformational heterogeneity of diubiquitins and explains the diversity of structural models that have been determined for K6-, K29-, and K33-linked diubiquitins in free and ligand-bound states so far. We propose a general application of the approach developed here to demystify multi-domain proteins occurring in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kevin Sawade
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Graduate School Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Frederic Berner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Christine Peter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Kovermann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
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90
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Duan L, Tang B, Luo S, Xiong D, Wang Q, Xu X, Zhang JZH. Entropy driven cooperativity effect in multi-site drug optimization targeting SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:313. [PMID: 37796323 PMCID: PMC11072831 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Papain-like protease (PLpro), a non-structural protein encoded by SARS-CoV-2, is an important therapeutic target. Regions 1 and 5 of an existing drug, GRL0617, can be optimized to produce cooperativity with PLpro binding, resulting in stronger binding affinity. This work investigated the origin of the cooperativity using molecular dynamics simulations combined with the interaction entropy (IE) method. The regions' improvement exhibits cooperativity by calculating the binding free energies between the complex of PLpro-inhibitor. The thermodynamic integration method further verified the cooperativity generated in the drug improvement. To further determine the specific source of cooperativity, enthalpy and entropy in the complexes were calculated using molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area and IE. The results show that the entropic change is an important contributor to the cooperativity. Our study also identified residues P248, Q269, and T301 that play a significant role in cooperativity. The optimization of the inhibitor stabilizes these residues and minimizes the entropic loss, and the cooperativity observed in the binding free energy can be attributed to the change in the entropic contribution of these residues. Based on our research, the application of cooperativity can facilitate drug optimization, and provide theoretical ideas for drug development that leverage cooperativity by reducing the contribution of entropy through multi-locus binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Duan
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Bolin Tang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Song Luo
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Danyang Xiong
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Qihang Wang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xiaole Xu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - John Z H Zhang
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology and Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, 200062, China.
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
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91
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Zhao Z, O’Dea R, Wendrich K, Kazi N, Gersch M. Native Semisynthesis of Isopeptide-Linked Substrates for Specificity Analysis of Deubiquitinases and Ubl Proteases. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20801-20812. [PMID: 37712884 PMCID: PMC10540217 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications with ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are regulated by isopeptidases termed deubiquitinases (DUBs) and Ubl proteases. Here, we describe a mild chemical method for the preparation of fluorescence polarization substrates for these enzymes that is based on the activation of C-terminal Ub/Ubl hydrazides to acyl azides and their subsequent functionalization to isopeptides. The procedure is complemented by native purification routes and thus circumvents the previous need for desulfurization and refolding. Its broad applicability was demonstrated by the generation of fully cleavable substrates for Ub, SUMO1, SUMO2, NEDD8, ISG15, and Fubi. We employed these reagents for the investigation of substrate specificities of human UCHL3, USPL1, USP2, USP7, USP16, USP18, and USP36. Pronounced selectivity of USPL1 for SUMO2/3 over SUMO1 was observed, which we rationalize with crystal structures and biochemical assays, revealing a SUMO paralogue specificity mechanism distinct from SENP family deSUMOylases. Moreover, we investigated the recently identified Fubi proteases USP16 and USP36 and found both to act as bona fide deFubiylases, harboring catalytic activity against isopeptide-linked Fubi. Surprisingly, we also noticed the activity of both enzymes toward ISG15, previously not identified in chemoproteomics, which makes USP16 and USP36 the first human DUBs with specific isopeptidase activity toward three distinct modifiers. The methods described here for the preparation of isopeptide-linked, fully folded substrates will aid in the characterization of further DUBs/Ubl proteases. More broadly, our findings highlight possible limitations associated with fluorogenic substrates and Ubl activity-based probes and stress the importance of isopeptide-containing reagents for validating isopeptidase activities and quantifying substrate specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhao
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str.
15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rachel O’Dea
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str.
15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kim Wendrich
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str.
15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nafizul Kazi
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str.
15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Malte Gersch
- Chemical
Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str.
15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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92
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Bialek W, Collawn JF, Bartoszewski R. Ubiquitin-Dependent and Independent Proteasomal Degradation in Host-Pathogen Interactions. Molecules 2023; 28:6740. [PMID: 37764516 PMCID: PMC10536765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186740] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin, a small protein, is well known for tagging target proteins through a cascade of enzymatic reactions that lead to protein degradation. The ubiquitin tag, apart from its signaling role, is paramount in destabilizing the modified protein. Here, we explore the complex role of ubiquitin-mediated protein destabilization in the intricate proteolysis process by the 26S proteasome. In addition, the significance of the so-called ubiquitin-independent pathway and the role of the 20S proteasome are considered. Next, we discuss the ubiquitin-proteasome system's interplay with pathogenic microorganisms and how the microorganisms manipulate this system to establish infection by a range of elaborate pathways to evade or counteract host responses. Finally, we focus on the mechanisms that rely either on (i) hijacking the host and on delivering pathogenic E3 ligases and deubiquitinases that promote the degradation of host proteins, or (ii) counteracting host responses through the stabilization of pathogenic effector proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Bialek
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - James F. Collawn
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - Rafal Bartoszewski
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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93
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Justo Arevalo S, Castillo-Chávez A, Uribe Calampa CS, Zapata Sifuentes D, Huallpa CJ, Landa Bianchi G, Garavito-Salini Casas R, Quiñones Aguilar M, Pineda Chavarría R. What do we know about the function of SARS-CoV-2 proteins? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1249607. [PMID: 37790934 PMCID: PMC10544941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1249607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance in the understanding of the biology of SARS-CoV-2. After more than two years since the first report of COVID-19, it remains crucial to continue studying how SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with the host metabolism to cause COVID-19. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding the functions of the 16 non-structural, 6 accessory and 4 structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins. We place less emphasis on the spike protein, which has been the subject of several recent reviews. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews about COVID-19 therapeutic have been also published. Therefore, we do not delve into details on these topics; instead we direct the readers to those other reviews. To avoid confusions with what we know about proteins from other coronaviruses, we exclusively report findings that have been experimentally confirmed in SARS-CoV-2. We have identified host mechanisms that appear to be the primary targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including gene expression and immune response pathways such as ribosome translation, JAK/STAT, RIG-1/MDA5 and NF-kβ pathways. Additionally, we emphasize the multiple functions exhibited by SARS-CoV-2 proteins, along with the limited information available for some of these proteins. Our aim with this review is to assist researchers and contribute to the ongoing comprehension of SARS-CoV-2's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Justo Arevalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniela Zapata Sifuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - César J. Huallpa
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
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94
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D′Oliviera A, Dai X, Mottaghinia S, Geissler EP, Etienne L, Zhang Y, Mugridge JS. Recognition and Cleavage of Human tRNA Methyltransferase TRMT1 by the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.20.529306. [PMID: 36865253 PMCID: PMC9980103 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.20.529306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is critical for the production of functional viral proteins during infection and, like many viral proteases, can also target host proteins to subvert their cellular functions. Here, we show that the human tRNA methyltransferase TRMT1 can be recognized and cleaved by SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. TRMT1 installs the N2,N2-dimethylguanosine (m2,2G) modification on mammalian tRNAs, which promotes global protein synthesis and cellular redox homeostasis. We find that Mpro can cleave endogenous TRMT1 in human cell lysate, resulting in removal of the TRMT1 zinc finger domain required for tRNA modification activity in cells. Evolutionary analysis shows that the TRMT1 cleavage site is highly conserved in mammals, except in Muroidea, where TRMT1 may be resistant to cleavage. In primates, regions outside the cleavage site with rapid evolution could indicate adaptation to ancient viral pathogens. We determined the structure of a TRMT1 peptide in complex with Mpro, revealing a substrate binding conformation distinct from the majority of available Mpro-peptide complexes. Kinetic parameters for peptide cleavage showed that the TRMT1(526-536) sequence is cleaved with comparable efficiency to the Mpro-targeted nsp8/9 viral cleavage site. Mutagenesis studies and molecular dynamics simulations together indicate that kinetic discrimination occurs during a later step of Mpro-mediated proteolysis that follows substrate binding. Our results provide new information about the structural basis for Mpro substrate recognition and cleavage that could help inform future therapeutic design and raise the possibility that proteolysis of human TRMT1 during SARS-CoV-2 infection suppresses protein translation and oxidative stress response to impact viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel D′Oliviera
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Xuhang Dai
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Saba Mottaghinia
- CIRI (Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Evan P. Geissler
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Lucie Etienne
- CIRI (Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Yingkai Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003
- Simons Center for Computational Physical Chemistry at New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Jeffrey S. Mugridge
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
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95
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Yang L, Wang Z. Bench-to-bedside: Innovation of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs in China. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115503. [PMID: 37229831 PMCID: PMC10193775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, highlighting the need to develop potent prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Small molecule inhibitors (remdesivir, Paxlovid, and molnupiravir) are essential complements to vaccines and play important roles in clinical treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Many advances have been made in development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in China, but progress in discovery and characterization of pharmacological activity, antiviral mechanisms, and clinical efficacy are limited. We review development of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs (azvudine [approved by the NMPA of China on July 25, 2022], VV116 [approved by the NMPA of China on January 29, 2023], FB2001, WPV01, pentarlandir, and cepharanthine) in China and summarize their pharmacological activity, potential mechanisms of action, clinical trials and use, and important milestones in their discovery. The role of structural biology in drug development is also reviewed. Future studies should focus on development of diverse second-generation inhibitors with excellent oral bioavailability, superior plasma half-life, increased antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, high target specificity, minimal side effects, reduced drug-drug interactions, and improved lung histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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96
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Wells EW, Parker MT. Regulating Select Agent Chimeras: Defining the Problem(s) Through the Lens of SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2 Chimeric Viruses. Health Secur 2023; 21:392-406. [PMID: 37703547 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In late 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted an interim final rule (86 FR 64075) to the federal register regulating the possession, use, and transfer of SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2 chimeric viruses. In doing so, the CDC provided the reasoning that viral chimeras combining the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 with the pathogenicity and lethality of SARS-CoV-1 pose a significant risk to public health and should thus be placed on the select agents and toxins list. However, 86 FR 64075 lacked clarity in its definitions and scope, some of which the CDC addressed in response to public comments in the final rule, 88 FR 13322, in early 2023. To evaluate these regulatory actions, we reviewed the existing select agent regulations to understand the landscape of chimeric virus regulation. Based on our findings, we first present clear definitions for the terms "chimeric virus," "viral chimera," and "virulence factor" and provide a list of SARS-CoV-1 virulence factors in an effort to aid researchers and federal rulemaking for these agents moving forward. We then provide suggestions for a combination of similarity and functional characteristic cutoffs that the government could use to enable researchers to distinguish between regulated and nonregulated chimeras. Finally, we discuss current select agent regulations and their overlaps with 86 FR 64075 and 88 FR 13322 and make suggestions for how to address chimera concerns within and/or without these regulations. Collectively, we believe that our findings fill important gaps in current federal regulations and provide forward-looking philosophical and practical analysis that can guide future decisionmaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Wells
- Elizabeth W. Wells is a Student, Department of Biology, Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Michael T Parker
- Michael T. Parker, PhD, is Assistant Dean, Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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97
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Leonard RA, Rao VN, Bartlett A, Froggatt HM, Luftig MA, Heaton BE, Heaton NS. A low-background, fluorescent assay to evaluate inhibitors of diverse viral proteases. J Virol 2023; 97:e0059723. [PMID: 37578235 PMCID: PMC10506478 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00597-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple coronaviruses (CoVs) can cause respiratory diseases in humans. While prophylactic vaccines designed to prevent infection are available for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), incomplete vaccine efficacy, vaccine hesitancy, and the threat of other pathogenic CoVs for which vaccines do not exist have highlighted the need for effective antiviral therapies. While antiviral compounds targeting the viral polymerase and protease are already in clinical use, their sensitivity to potential resistance mutations as well as their breadth against the full range of human and preemergent CoVs remain incompletely defined. To begin to fill that gap in knowledge, we report here the development of an improved, noninfectious, cell-based fluorescent assay with high sensitivity and low background that reports on the activity of viral proteases, which are key drug targets. We demonstrate that the assay is compatible with not only the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro protein but also orthologues from a range of human and nonhuman CoVs as well as clinically reported SARS-CoV-2 drug-resistant Mpro variants. We then use this assay to define the breadth of activity of two clinically used protease inhibitors, nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir. Continued use of this assay will help define the strengths and limitations of current therapies and may also facilitate the development of next-generation protease inhibitors that are broadly active against both currently circulating and preemergent CoVs. IMPORTANCE Coronaviruses (CoVs) are important human pathogens with the ability to cause global pandemics. Working in concert with vaccines, antivirals specifically limit viral disease in people who are actively infected. Antiviral compounds that target CoV proteases are already in clinical use; their efficacy against variant proteases and preemergent zoonotic CoVs, however, remains incompletely defined. Here, we report an improved, noninfectious, and highly sensitive fluorescent method of defining the sensitivity of CoV proteases to small molecule inhibitors. We use this approach to assay the activity of current antiviral therapies against clinically reported SARS-CoV-2 protease mutants and a panel of highly diverse CoV proteases. Additionally, we show this system is adaptable to other structurally nonrelated viral proteases. In the future, this assay can be used to not only better define the strengths and limitations of current therapies but also help develop new, broadly acting inhibitors that more broadly target viral families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Leonard
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vishwas N. Rao
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandria Bartlett
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heather M. Froggatt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Micah A. Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Center for Virology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brook E. Heaton
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas S. Heaton
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Center for Virology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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98
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Bagdonas M, Čerepenkaitė K, Mickevičiūtė A, Kananavičiūtė R, Grybaitė B, Anusevičius K, Rukšėnaitė A, Kojis T, Gedgaudas M, Mickevičius V, Matulis D, Zubrienė A, Matulienė J. Screening, Synthesis and Biochemical Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Protease Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13491. [PMID: 37686295 PMCID: PMC10488051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-causing coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) papain-like protease (PLpro) and main protease (Mpro) play an important role in viral replication events and are important targets for anti-coronavirus drug discovery. In search of these protease inhibitors, we screened a library of 1300 compounds using a fluorescence thermal shift assay (FTSA) and identified 53 hits that thermally stabilized or destabilized PLpro. The hit compounds structurally belonged to two classes of small molecules: thiazole derivatives and symmetrical disulfide compounds. Compound dissociation constants (Kd) were determined using an enzymatic inhibition method. Seven aromatic disulfide compounds were identified as efficient PLpro inhibitors with Kd values in the micromolar range. Two disulfides displayed six-fold higher potency for PLpro (Kd = 0.5 µM) than for Mpro. The disulfide derivatives bound covalently to both proteases, as confirmed through mass spectrometry. The identified compounds can serve as lead compounds for further chemical optimization toward anti-COVID-19 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martynas Bagdonas
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Kamilė Čerepenkaitė
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Aurelija Mickevičiūtė
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Rūta Kananavičiūtė
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Birutė Grybaitė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenų pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.G.); (K.A.); (V.M.)
| | - Kazimieras Anusevičius
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenų pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.G.); (K.A.); (V.M.)
| | - Audronė Rukšėnaitė
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Tautvydas Kojis
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Marius Gedgaudas
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Vytautas Mickevičius
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenų pl. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.G.); (K.A.); (V.M.)
| | - Daumantas Matulis
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Asta Zubrienė
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
| | - Jurgita Matulienė
- Department of Biothermodynamics and Drug Design, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (M.B.); (K.Č.); (A.M.); (T.K.); (M.G.); (D.M.)
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99
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Eberle RJ, Coronado MA, Gering I, Sommerhage S, Korostov K, Stefanski A, Stühler K, Kraemer-Schulien V, Blömeke L, Bannach O, Willbold D. Tau protein aggregation associated with SARS-CoV-2 main protease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288138. [PMID: 37603556 PMCID: PMC10441795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288138] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary function of virus proteases is the proteolytic processing of the viral polyprotein. These enzymes can also cleave host cell proteins, which is important for viral pathogenicity, modulation of cellular processes, viral replication, the defeat of antiviral responses and modulation of the immune response. It is known that COVID-19 can influence multiple tissues or organs and that infection can damage the functionality of the brain in multiple ways. After COVID-19 infections, amyloid-β, neurogranin, tau and phosphorylated tau were detected extracellularly, implicating possible neurodegenerative processes. The present study describes the possible induction of tau aggregation by the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease (3CLpro) possibly relevant in neuropathology. Further investigations demonstrated that tau was proteolytically cleaved by the viral protease 3CL and, consequently, generated aggregates. However, more evidence is needed to confirm that COVID-19 is able to trigger neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Josef Eberle
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mônika Aparecida Coronado
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ian Gering
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Simon Sommerhage
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Karolina Korostov
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), BMFZ, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), BMFZ, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Victoria Kraemer-Schulien
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Lara Blömeke
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Oliver Bannach
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- attyloid GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- JuStruct: Jülich Centre for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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100
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Tam D, Lorenzo-Leal AC, Hernández LR, Bach H. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13002. [PMID: 37629182 PMCID: PMC10455537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped respiratory β coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), leading to a deadly pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 genome also codes for non-structural proteins (NSPs). These NSPs are found within open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and encode NSP1 to NSP11 and NSP12 to NSP16, respectively. This study aimed to collect the available literature regarding NSP inhibitors. In addition, we searched the natural product database looking for similar structures. The results showed that similar structures could be tested as potential inhibitors of the NSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Tam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Ana C. Lorenzo-Leal
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Luis Ricardo Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación Fitoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex Hacienda Sta. Catarina Mártir S/N, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
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