151
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Cheng Y, Borum RM, Clark AE, Jin Z, Moore C, Fajtová P, O'Donoghue AJ, Carlin AF, Jokerst JV. A Dual-Color Fluorescent Probe Allows Simultaneous Imaging of Main and Papain-like Proteases of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Cells for Accurate Detection and Rapid Inhibitor Screening. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202113617. [PMID: 34889013 PMCID: PMC8854376 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro ) and papain-like protease (PLpro ) play critical roles in SARS-CoV-2 replication and are promising targets for antiviral inhibitors. The simultaneous visualization of Mpro and PLpro is extremely valuable for SARS-CoV-2 detection and rapid inhibitor screening. However, such a crucial investigation has remained challenging because of the lack of suitable probes. We have now developed a dual-color probe (3MBP5) for the simultaneous detection of Mpro and PLpro by fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET). This probe produces fluorescence from both the Cy3 and Cy5 fluorophores that are cleaved by Mpro and PLpro . 3MBP5-activatable specificity was demonstrated with recombinant proteins, inhibitors, plasmid-transfected HEK 293T cells, and SARS-CoV-2-infected TMPRSS2-Vero cells. Results from the dual-color probe first verified the simultaneous detection and intracellular distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro . This is a powerful tool for the simultaneous detection of different proteases with value for the rapid screening of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cheng
- Department of NanoEngineeringUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Raina M. Borum
- Department of NanoEngineeringUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Alex E. Clark
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Zhicheng Jin
- Department of NanoEngineeringUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Colman Moore
- Department of NanoEngineeringUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Anthony J. O'Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Aaron F. Carlin
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
| | - Jesse V. Jokerst
- Department of NanoEngineeringUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA 92093USA
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152
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Biswas M, Sawajan N, Rungrotmongkol T, Sanachai K, Ershadian M, Sukasem C. Pharmacogenetics and Precision Medicine Approaches for the Improvement of COVID-19 Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835136. [PMID: 35250581 PMCID: PMC8894812 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Many drugs are being administered to tackle coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situations without establishing clinical effectiveness or tailoring safety. A repurposing strategy might be more effective and successful if pharmacogenetic interventions are being considered in future clinical studies/trials. Although it is very unlikely that there are almost no pharmacogenetic data for COVID-19 drugs, however, from inferring the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic(PD) properties and some pharmacogenetic evidence in other diseases/clinical conditions, it is highly likely that pharmacogenetic associations are also feasible in at least some COVID-19 drugs. We strongly mandate to undertake a pharmacogenetic assessment for at least these drug-gene pairs (atazanavir-UGT1A1, ABCB1, SLCO1B1, APOA5; efavirenz-CYP2B6; nevirapine-HLA, CYP2B6, ABCB1; lopinavir-SLCO1B3, ABCC2; ribavirin-SLC28A2; tocilizumab-FCGR3A; ivermectin-ABCB1; oseltamivir-CES1, ABCB1; clopidogrel-CYP2C19, ABCB1, warfarin-CYP2C9, VKORC1; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-CYP2C9) in COVID-19 patients for advancing precision medicine. Molecular docking and computational studies are promising to achieve new therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current situation in the discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents at four important targets from in silico studies has been described and summarized in this review. Although natural occurring compounds from different herbs against SARS-CoV-2 infection are favorable, however, accurate experimental investigation of these compounds is warranted to provide insightful information. Moreover, clinical considerations of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and drug-herb interactions (DHIs) of the existing repurposed drugs along with pharmacogenetic (e.g., efavirenz and CYP2B6) and herbogenetic (e.g., andrographolide and CYP2C9) interventions, collectively called multifactorial drug-gene interactions (DGIs), may further accelerate the development of precision COVID-19 therapies in the real-world clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohitosh Biswas
- Division of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory for Pharmacogenomics, Somdech Phra Debaratana Medical Center (SDMC), Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Nares Sawajan
- Division of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory for Pharmacogenomics, Somdech Phra Debaratana Medical Center (SDMC), Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Structural and Computational Biology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kamonpan Sanachai
- Structural and Computational Biology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maliheh Ershadian
- Division of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory for Pharmacogenomics, Somdech Phra Debaratana Medical Center (SDMC), Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chonlaphat Sukasem
- Division of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory for Pharmacogenomics, Somdech Phra Debaratana Medical Center (SDMC), Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, The Preventive Genomics and Family Check-up Services Center, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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153
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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Ververis K, Guallar V, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Investigation of small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease by all-atom microsecond modelling, PELE Monte Carlo simulations, and in vitro activity inhibition. Chem Phys Lett 2022; 788:139294. [PMID: 34961797 PMCID: PMC8693950 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2021.139294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like (PLpro) protease is essential for viral replication. We investigated potential antiviral effects of hypericin relative to the well-known noncovalent PLpro inhibitor GRL-0617. Molecular dynamics and PELE Monte Carlo simulations highlight favourable binding of hypericin and GRL-0617 to the naphthalene binding pocket of PLpro. Although not potent as GRL-0617 (45.8 vs 1.6 µM for protease activity, respectively), in vitro fluorogenic enzymatic assays with hypericin show concentration-dependent inhibition of both PLpro protease and deubiquitinating activities. Given its use in supplementations and the FDA conditional approval of a synthetic version, further evaluation of hypericin as a potential SARS-CoV-2 antiviral is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J. Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Katherine Ververis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Victor Guallar
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Jordi Girona 29, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain,ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C. Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Corresponding author at: Head Epigenomic Medicine Program, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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154
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Zhan Y, Yin H, Yin JY. B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant of SARS-CoV-2: features, transmission and potential strategies. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:1844-1851. [PMID: 35342345 PMCID: PMC8935235 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.66881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a pandemic. With the continuous evolution of the viral genome, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved many variants. B.1.617.2, also called Delta, is one of the most concerned variants. The Delta variant was first reported in India at the end of 2020 but has spread globally, by now, to 135 countries and is not stand still. Delta shared some mutations with other variants, and owned its special mutations on spike proteins, which may be responsible for its strong transmission and increasing virulence. Under these circumstances, a systematic summary of Delta is necessary. This review will focus on the Delta variant. We will describe all the characteristics of Delta (including biological features and clinical characteristics), analyze potential reasons for its strong transmission, and provide potential protective ways for combating Delta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, P. R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, P. R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Ye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, P. R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
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155
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Lv Z, Cano KE, Jia L, Drag M, Huang TT, Olsen SK. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Proteases for COVID-19 Antiviral Development. Front Chem 2022; 9:819165. [PMID: 35186898 PMCID: PMC8850931 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.819165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 marked the third occurrence of a highly pathogenic coronavirus in the human population since 2003. As the death toll surpasses 5 million globally and economic losses continue, designing drugs that could curtail infection and disease progression is critical. In the US, three highly effective Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized vaccines are currently available, and Remdesivir is approved for the treatment of hospitalized patients. However, moderate vaccination rates and the sustained evolution of new viral variants necessitate the ongoing search for new antivirals. Several viral proteins have been prioritized as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug targets, among them the papain-like protease (PLpro) and the main protease (Mpro). Inhibition of these proteases would target viral replication, viral maturation, and suppression of host innate immune responses. Knowledge of inhibitors and assays for viruses were quickly adopted for SARS-CoV-2 protease research. Potential candidates have been identified to show inhibitory effects against PLpro and Mpro, both in biochemical assays and viral replication in cells. These results encourage further optimizations to improve prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine the latest developments of potential small-molecule inhibitors and peptide inhibitors for PLpro and Mpro, and how structural biology greatly facilitates this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kristin E. Cano
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Lijia Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tony T. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shaun K. Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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156
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Sencanski M, Perovic V, Milicevic J, Todorovic T, Prodanovic R, Veljkovic V, Paessler S, Glisic S. Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease (PLpro) Inhibitors Using Combined Computational Approach. ChemistryOpen 2022; 11:e202100248. [PMID: 35103413 PMCID: PMC8805381 DOI: 10.1002/open.202100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current pandemic, finding an effective drug to prevent or treat the infection is the highest priority. A rapid and safe approach to counteract COVID-19 is in silico drug repurposing. The SARS-CoV-2 PLpro promotes viral replication and modulates the host immune system, resulting in inhibition of the host antiviral innate immune response, and therefore is an attractive drug target. In this study, we used a combined in silico virtual screening for candidates for SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protease inhibitors. We used the Informational spectrum method applied for Small Molecules for searching the Drugbank database followed by molecular docking. After in silico screening of drug space, we identified 44 drugs as potential SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors that we propose for further experimental testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Sencanski
- National Institute of the Republic of SerbiaUniversity of BelgradeMike Petrovica Alasa 12–1411000BelgradeSerbia
| | - Vladimir Perovic
- National Institute of the Republic of SerbiaUniversity of BelgradeMike Petrovica Alasa 12–1411000BelgradeSerbia
| | - Jelena Milicevic
- National Institute of the Republic of SerbiaUniversity of BelgradeMike Petrovica Alasa 12–1411000BelgradeSerbia
| | - Tamara Todorovic
- Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of BelgradeStudentski Trg 12–1611000BelgradeSerbia
| | - Radivoje Prodanovic
- Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of BelgradeStudentski Trg 12–1611000BelgradeSerbia
| | | | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTX 77550USA
- Institute for Human Infections and ImmunityUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTX 77555USA
| | - Sanja Glisic
- National Institute of the Republic of SerbiaUniversity of BelgradeMike Petrovica Alasa 12–1411000BelgradeSerbia
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157
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Gao S, Huang T, Song L, Xu S, Cheng Y, Cherukupalli S, Kang D, Zhao T, Sun L, Zhang J, Zhan P, Liu X. Medicinal chemistry strategies towards the development of effective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:581-599. [PMID: 34485029 PMCID: PMC8405450 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapies are urgently needed to improve global treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we briefly provide a concise report on the medicinal chemistry strategies towards the development of effective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors with representative examples in different strategies from the medicinal chemistry perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Letian Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 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, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 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, Ji'nan 250012, China,China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 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, Ji'nan 250012, China,China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Ji'nan 250012, China,Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 531 88382005 (Peng Zhan), +86 531 88380270 (Xinyong Liu).
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China,China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Ji'nan 250012, China,Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 531 88382005 (Peng Zhan), +86 531 88380270 (Xinyong Liu).
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158
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Yan W, Zheng Y, Zeng X, He B, Cheng W. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2: open the door for novel therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:26. [PMID: 35087058 PMCID: PMC8793099 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic disease COVID-19, which is so far without efficacious treatment. The discovery of therapy reagents for treating COVID-19 are urgently needed, and the structures of the potential drug-target proteins in the viral life cycle are particularly important. SARS-CoV-2, a member of the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily containing the largest RNA genome, encodes 29 proteins including nonstructural, structural and accessory proteins which are involved in viral adsorption, entry and uncoating, nucleic acid replication and transcription, assembly and release, etc. These proteins individually act as a partner of the replication machinery or involved in forming the complexes with host cellular factors to participate in the essential physiological activities. This review summarizes the representative structures and typically potential therapy agents that target SARS-CoV-2 or some critical proteins for viral pathogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying viral infection, prevention of infection, and treatment. Indeed, these studies open the door for COVID therapies, leading to ways to prevent and treat COVID-19, especially, treatment of the disease caused by the viral variants are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhu Yan
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhui Zheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaotao Zeng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
- The First People's Hospital of Longquanyi District Chengdu, 610100, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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159
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Ma C, Wang J. Validation and Invalidation of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease Inhibitors. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:102-109. [PMID: 35178512 PMCID: PMC8806001 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
![]()
SARS-CoV-2
encodes two viral cysteine proteases, the main protease
(Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLpro),
both of which are validated antiviral drug targets. PLpro is involved in the cleavage of viral polyproteins as well as immune
modulation by removing ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene product
15 (ISG15) from host proteins. Therefore, targeting PLpro might be a two-pronged approach. Several compounds including YM155,
cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone IIA,
SJB2-043, 6-thioguanine, and 6-mercaptopurine were recently identified
as SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors through high-throughput
screenings. In this study, we aim to validate/invalidate the reported
PLpro inhibitors using a combination of PLpro target-specific assays including enzymatic FRET assay, thermal shift
binding assay (TSA), and cell-based FlipGFP assay. Collectively, our
results showed that all compounds tested either did not show binding
or led to denaturation of PLpro in the TSA binding assay,
which might explain their weak enzymatic inhibition in the FRET assay.
In addition, none of the compounds showed cellular PLpro inhibition as revealed by the FlipGFP assay. Therefore, more efforts
are needed to search for potent and specific SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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160
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DrugDevCovid19: An Atlas of Anti-COVID-19 Compounds Derived by Computer-Aided Drug Design. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030683. [PMID: 35163948 PMCID: PMC8838031 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, numerous compounds against COVID-19 have been derived by computer-aided drug design (CADD) studies. They are valuable resources for the development of COVID-19 therapeutics. In this work, we reviewed these studies and analyzed 779 compounds against 16 target proteins from 181 CADD publications. We performed unified docking simulations and neck-to-neck comparison with the solved co-crystal structures. We computed their chemical features and classified these compounds, aiming to provide insights for subsequent drug design. Through detailed analyses, we recommended a batch of compounds that are worth further study. Moreover, we organized all the abundant data and constructed a freely available database, DrugDevCovid19, to facilitate the development of COVID-19 therapeutics.
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161
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Nie W, Luo Y, Deng L. Computational anti-COVID-19 drug design: progress and challenges. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbab484. [PMID: 34850817 PMCID: PMC8690229 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have made gratifying progress in preventing the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the emergence of variants, especially the latest delta variant, has brought considerable challenges to human health. Hence, the development of robust therapeutic approaches, such as anti-COVID-19 drug design, could aid in managing the pandemic more efficiently. Some drug design strategies have been successfully applied during the COVID-19 pandemic to create and validate related lead drugs. The computational drug design methods used for COVID-19 can be roughly divided into (i) structure-based approaches and (ii) artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches. Structure-based approaches investigate different molecular fragments and functional groups through lead drugs and apply relevant tools to produce antiviral drugs. AI-based approaches usually use end-to-end learning to explore a larger biochemical space to design antiviral drugs. This review provides an overview of the two design strategies of anti-COVID-19 drugs, the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies and discussions of future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxian Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University,410075, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Headquarters General Hospital, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjuan Nie
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University,410075, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Luo
- School of Science, The University of Auckland,Auckland 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lei Deng
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University,410075, Changsha, China
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Cheng Y, Borum RM, Clark AE, Jin Z, Moore C, Fajtová P, O'Donoghue AJ, Carlin AF, Jokerst JV. A Dual‐Color Fluorescent Probe Allows Simultaneous Imaging of Main and Papain‐like Proteases of SARS‐CoV‐2‐Infected Cells for Accurate Detection and Rapid Inhibitor Screening. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cheng
- Department of NanoEngineering University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Raina M. Borum
- Department of NanoEngineering University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Alex E. Clark
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Zhicheng Jin
- Department of NanoEngineering University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Colman Moore
- Department of NanoEngineering University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Anthony J. O'Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Aaron F. Carlin
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
| | - Jesse V. Jokerst
- Department of NanoEngineering University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
- Department of Radiology University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA 92093 USA
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163
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Liu N, Zhang Y, Lei Y, Wang R, Zhan M, Liu J, An Y, Zhou Y, Zhan J, Yin F, Li Z. Design and Evaluation of a Novel Peptide-Drug Conjugate Covalently Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:876-884. [PMID: 34981929 PMCID: PMC8753845 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a global health threat, was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like cysteine protease (PLpro) was recognized as a promising drug target because of multiple functions in virus maturation and antiviral immune responses. Inhibitor GRL0617 occupied the interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) C-terminus-binding pocket and showed an effective antiviral inhibition. Here, we described a novel peptide-drug conjugate (PDC), in which GRL0617 was linked to a sulfonium-tethered peptide derived from PLpro-specific substrate LRGG. The EM-C and EC-M PDCs showed a promising in vitro IC50 of 7.40 ± 0.37 and 8.63 ± 0.55 μM, respectively. EC-M could covalently label PLpro active site C111 and display anti-ISGylation activities in cellular assays. The results represent the first attempt to design PDCs composed of stabilized peptide inhibitors and GRL0617 to inhibit PLpro. These novel PDCs provide promising opportunities for antiviral drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key
Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yichi Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key
Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yingshou Lei
- Institute
for Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518032, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Meimiao Zhan
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key
Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yuhao An
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yaoqi Zhou
- Institute
for Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518032, China
| | - Jian Zhan
- Institute
for Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518032, China
| | - Feng Yin
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key
Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zigang Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key
Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
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164
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Structure-based inhibitor design and repurposing clinical drugs to target SARS-CoV-2 proteases. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:151-165. [PMID: 35015073 DOI: 10.1042/bst20211180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, encodes two proteases, 3CLpro and PLpro, two of the main antiviral research targets. Here we provide an overview of the structures and functions of 3CLpro and PLpro and examine strategies of structure-based drug designing and drug repurposing against these proteases. Rational structure-based drug design enables the generation of potent and target-specific antivirals. Drug repurposing offers an attractive prospect with an accelerated turnaround. Thus far, several protease inhibitors have been identified, and some candidates are undergoing trials that may well prove to be effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
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165
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Molecular docking and dynamics studies of Nicotinamide Riboside as a potential multi-target nutraceutical against SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication, and transcription: A new insight. J Mol Struct 2022; 1247:131394. [PMID: 34483364 PMCID: PMC8404146 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.131394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The highly contagious Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a newborn infectious member of the dangerous beta-coronaviruses (β-CoVs) following SARS and MERS‐CoVs, can be regarded as the most significant issue afflicting the whole world shortly after December 2019. Considering CoVs as RNA viruses with a single-stranded RNA genome (+ssRNA), the critical viral enzyme RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a promising therapeutic target for the potentially fatal infection COVID-19. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is a naturally occurring analogue of Niacin (vitamin B3), is expected to have therapeutic effects on COVID-19 due to its super close structural similarity to the proven RdRp inhibitors. Thus, at the first phase of the current molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies, we targeted SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. On the next phase, SARS-CoV RdRp, human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, Inosine-5’-monophosphate dehydrogenase, and the SARS-CoV-2 Structural Glycoproteins Spike, Nonstructural viral protein 3-Chymotrypsin-like protease, and Papain-like protease were targeted using the docking simulation to find other possible antiviral effects of NR serendipitously. In the current study, the resulted scores from molecular docking and dynamics simulations as the primary determinative factor as well as the observed reliable binding modes have demonstrated that Nicotinamide Riboside and its active metabolite NMN can target human ACE2 and IMPDH, along with the viral Spro, Mpro, PLpro, and on top of all, RdRp as a potential competitive inhibitor.
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166
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Santos LH, Kronenberger T, Almeida RG, Silva EB, Rocha REO, Oliveira JC, Barreto LV, Skinner D, Fajtová P, Giardini MA, Woodworth B, Bardine C, Lourenço AL, Craik CS, Poso A, Podust LM, McKerrow JH, Siqueira-Neto JL, O'Donoghue AJ, da Silva Júnior EN, Ferreira RS. Structure-based identification of naphthoquinones and derivatives as novel inhibitors of main protease Mpro and papain-like protease PLpro of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.01.05.475095. [PMID: 35018373 PMCID: PMC8750648 DOI: 10.1101/2022.01.05.475095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 urgently demands novel direct antiviral treatments. The main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are attractive drug targets among coronaviruses due to their essential role in processing the polyproteins translated from the viral RNA. In the present work, we virtually screened 688 naphthoquinoidal compounds and derivatives against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. Twenty-four derivatives were selected and evaluated in biochemical assays against Mpro using a novel fluorogenic substrate. In parallel, these compounds were also assayed with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. Four compounds inhibited Mpro with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values between 0.41 µM and 66 µM. In addition, eight compounds inhibited PLpro with IC 50 ranging from 1.7 µM to 46 µM. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest stable binding modes for Mpro inhibitors with frequent interactions with residues in the S1 and S2 pockets of the active site. For two PLpro inhibitors, interactions occur in the S3 and S4 pockets. In summary, our structure-based computational and biochemical approach identified novel naphthoquinonal scaffolds that can be further explored as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals.
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167
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Cho C, Li SG, Lalonde TJ, Yang KS, Yu G, Qiao Y, Xu S, Ray Liu W. Drug Repurposing for the SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100455. [PMID: 34423563 PMCID: PMC8653067 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As the pathogen of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 encodes two essential cysteine proteases that process the pathogen's two large polypeptide products pp1a and pp1ab in the human cell host to form 15 functionally important, mature nonstructural proteins. One of the two enzymes is papain-like protease or PLPro . It possesses deubiquitination and deISGylation activities that suppress host innate immune responses toward SARS-CoV-2 infection. To repurpose drugs for PLPro , we experimentally screened libraries of 33 deubiquitinase and 37 cysteine protease inhibitors on their inhibition of PLPro . Our results showed that 15 deubiquitinase and 1 cysteine protease inhibitors exhibit strong inhibition of PLPro at 200 μM. More comprehensive characterizations revealed seven inhibitors GRL0617, SJB2-043, TCID, DUB-IN-1, DUB-IN-3, PR-619, and S130 with an IC50 value below 40 μM and four inhibitors GRL0617, SJB2-043, TCID, and PR-619 with an IC50 value below 10 μM. Among four inhibitors with an IC50 value below 10 μM, SJB2-043 is the most unique in that it does not fully inhibit PLPro but has a noteworthy IC50 value of 0.56 μM. SJB2-043 likely binds to an allosteric site of PLPro to convene its inhibition effect, which needs to be further investigated. As a pilot study, the current work indicates that COVID-19 drug repurposing by targeting PLPro holds promise, but in-depth analysis of repurposed drugs is necessary to avoid omitting critical allosteric inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia‐Chuan Cho
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Shuhua G. Li
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Tyler J. Lalonde
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Kai S. Yang
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Ge Yu
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Yuchen Qiao
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Shiqing Xu
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- The Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical Sciences College of MedicineTexas A&M UniversityHoustonTX 77030USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine College of MedicineTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTX 77843USA
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168
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von Soosten LC, Edich M, Nolte K, Kaub J, Santoni G, Thorn A. The Swiss army knife of SARS-CoV-2: the structures and functions of NSP3. CRYSTALLOGR REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/0889311x.2022.2098281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea C. von Soosten
- Institut für Nanostruktur und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Edich
- Institut für Nanostruktur und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristopher Nolte
- Institut für Nanostruktur und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kaub
- Institut für Nanostruktur und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Thorn
- Institut für Nanostruktur und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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169
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Proteases of SARS Coronaviruses. REFERENCE MODULE IN LIFE SCIENCES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9308495 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821618-7.00111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses such as SARS and SARS-CoV-2 have established themselves as a global health concern after causing an epidemic and a pandemic in the last twenty years. Understanding the life cycle of such viruses is critical to reveal their pathogenic potential. As one of the essential viral enzymes, SARS proteases are indispensable for the processing of viral polypeptides and for the replication of the virus. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 encode for 2 viral proteases: the main protease (3CLpro) and the papain-like protease (PLPro), which are conserved among different coronaviruses and are absent in humans. This review summarizes the existing literature on the structure and function of these proteases; highlighting the similarity and differences between the enzymes of SARS and SARS-CoV-2. It also discusses the development of inhibitors to target viral proteases.
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170
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Middha SK, David A, Haldar S, Boro H, Panda P, Bajare N, Milesh L, Devaraj V, Usha T. Databases, DrugBank, and virtual screening platforms for therapeutic development. COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES FOR NOVEL THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC DESIGNING TO MITIGATE SARS-COV-2 INFECTION 2022. [PMCID: PMC9300480 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91172-6.00021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The upsurge of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has turned into a global health disaster. Many remodeled medications were suggested for treatment in the early stages of this pandemic, but these dosages afterward came across with distinct offshoots. Thus, these consequences compelled the scientists to develop new drugs using various antiviral, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and phytochemical compounds. A handful of drugs have been scrutinized in silico, in vitro, plus through human trials such as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents and made available as various databases by various scientific communities. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic databases are designed to allay difficulties associated with this scenario. Some of the popular databases are GESS (global evaluation of SARS-CoV-2/HCoV-19 sequences) which gives a thorough study of data based on tenfold of thousands of complete coverage and quality of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, CORona Drug InTERactions (CORDITE) database for SARS-CoV-2 which profoundly combines the understanding of potential drugs and make it available for scientists and medicos. SARSCOVIDB set one’s sights to merge all differential gene expression data, at mRNA and protein levels, helping to accelerate analysis and research on the molecular impact of covid-19. This chapter aims to provide a piece of complete information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus databases, potentially available drugs, and virtual screening methods. And also provides a different webserver to reach out for information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its future.
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171
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The roles of cellular protease interactions in viral infections and programmed cell death: a lesson learned from the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:1149-1165. [PMID: 35997950 PMCID: PMC9395814 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), which leads to COVID-19, is threatening global health. Over the last 2 years, we have witnessed rapid progress in research focusing on developing new antiviral vaccines and drugs, as well as in academic and clinical efforts to understand the biology and pathology of COVID-19. The roles of proteases among master regulators of SARS-CoV-2 invasion and replication and their pivotal roles in host defence against this pathogen, including programmed cell death, have not been well established. Our understanding of protease function in health and disease has increased considerably over the last two decades, with caspases, matrix metalloproteases, and transmembrane serine proteases representing the most prominent examples. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, these enzymes have been investigated as potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. Proteases that are responsible for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and replication, such as TMPRSS2, ACE2 or cathepsins, are screened with inhibitor libraries to discover lead structures for further drug design that would prevent virus multiplication. On the other hand, proteases that orchestrate programmed cell death can also be harnessed to enhance the desired demise of infected cells through apoptosis or to attenuate highly inflammatory lytic cell death that leads to undesired cytokine storms, a major hallmark of severe COVID-19. Given the prominent role of proteases in SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death, we discuss the individual roles of these enzymes and their catalytic interactions in the pathology of COVID-19 in this article. We provide a rationale for targeting proteases participating in cell death as potential COVID-19 treatments and identify knowledge gaps that might be investigated to better understand the mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death.
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172
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Genomic, proteomic and metabolomic profiling of severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2. COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES FOR NOVEL THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC DESIGNING TO MITIGATE SARS-COV-2 INFECTION 2022. [PMCID: PMC9300679 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91172-6.00019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the worst human health problems faced by humanity in recent centuries. An end to this health crisis relies on our ability to monitor viral transmission dynamics to check spread, develop therapeutics and preventatives for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and understand the pathophysiology of the disease for better management of the patients. Omics technologies have played a crucial part in understanding the different aspects of COVID-19 disease. While whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from across the globe has aided in the development of molecular diagnostic assays and informed about the viral evolution, knowledge of structure and function of viral proteome fueled the development of small molecule and biologicals therapeutics as well as vaccines. Concurrently, metabolomic profiling of samples from COVID-19 patients experiencing a varying level of disease severity has provided a snapshot of the pathophysiology of the disease helping device effective treatment regimen. This chapter deals with genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of SRAS-CoV-2.
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173
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Guo DA, Yao CL, Wei WL, Zhang JQ, Bi QR, Li JY, Khan I, Bauer R. Traditional Chinese medicines against COVID-19: A global overview. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2311-8571.353502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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174
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Oxygen and magnesium mass-independent isotopic fractionation induced by chemical reactions in plasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2114221118. [PMID: 34949641 PMCID: PMC8719873 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114221118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the physical effect and the chemical conditions at the origin of the oxygen isotope variations in the solar system have been puzzling questions for 50 y. The data reported here bring the MIF effect (the mass-independent fractionation originally identified on ozone) back to the center of the debate. Similar to Ti isotopes, we observe that the MIF effect for O and Mg is triggered by redox reactions in plasmas. These observations reinforce the idea of a universal mechanism observable in photochemical reactions when molecular collisions involving indistinguishable isotopes yield a symmetrical complex stabilized as a chemical product. Enrichment or depletion ranging from −40 to +100% in the major isotopes 16O and 24Mg were observed experimentally in solids condensed from carbonaceous plasma composed of CO2/MgCl2/Pentanol or N2O/Pentanol for O and MgCl2/Pentanol for Mg. In NanoSims imaging, isotope effects appear as micrometer-size hotspots embedded in a carbonaceous matrix showing no isotope fractionation. For Mg, these hotspots are localized in carbonaceous grains, which show positive and negative isotopic effects so that the whole grain has a standard isotope composition. For O, no specific structure was observed at hotspot locations. These results suggest that MIF (mass-independent fractionation) effects can be induced by chemical reactions taking place in plasma. The close agreement between the slopes of the linear correlations observed between δ25Mg versus δ26Mg and between δ17O versus δ18O and the slopes calculated using the empirical MIF factor η discovered in ozone [M. H. Thiemens, J. E. Heidenreich, III. Science 219, 1073–1075; C. Janssen, J. Guenther, K. Mauersberger, D. Krankowsky. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 3, 4718–4721] attests to the ubiquity of this process. Although the chemical reactants used in the present experiments cannot be directly transposed to the protosolar nebula, a similar MIF mechanism is proposed for oxygen isotopes: at high temperature, at the surface of grains, a mass-independent isotope exchange could have taken place between condensing oxides and oxygen atoms originated form the dissociation of CO or H2O gas.
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175
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Zakharova MY, Kuznetsova AA, Uvarova VI, Fomina AD, Kozlovskaya LI, Kaliberda EN, Kurbatskaia IN, Smirnov IV, Bulygin AA, Knorre VD, Fedorova OS, Varnek A, Osolodkin DI, Ishmukhametov AA, Egorov AM, Gabibov AG, Kuznetsov NA. Pre-Steady-State Kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease as a Powerful Tool for Antiviral Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:773198. [PMID: 34938188 PMCID: PMC8686763 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.773198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of effective target-specific drugs for COVID-19 treatment has become an intriguing challenge for modern science. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro, responsible for the processing of SARS-CoV-2 polyproteins and production of individual components of viral replication machinery, is an attractive candidate target for drug discovery. Specific Mpro inhibitors have turned out to be promising anticoronaviral agents. Thus, an effective platform for quantitative screening of Mpro-targeting molecules is urgently needed. Here, we propose a pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of the interaction of Mpro with inhibitors as a basis for such a platform. We examined the kinetic mechanism of peptide substrate binding and cleavage by wild-type Mpro and by its catalytically inactive mutant C145A. The enzyme induces conformational changes of the peptide during the reaction. The inhibition of Mpro by boceprevir, telaprevir, GC-376, PF-00835231, or thimerosal was investigated. Detailed pre-steady-state kinetics of the interaction of the wild-type enzyme with the most potent inhibitor, PF-00835231, revealed a two-step binding mechanism, followed by covalent complex formation. The C145A Mpro mutant interacts with PF-00835231 approximately 100-fold less effectively. Nevertheless, the binding constant of PF-00835231 toward C145A Mpro is still good enough to inhibit the enzyme. Therefore, our results suggest that even noncovalent inhibitor binding due to a fine conformational fit into the active site is sufficient for efficient inhibition. A structure-based virtual screening and a subsequent detailed assessment of inhibition efficacy allowed us to select two compounds as promising noncovalent inhibitor leads of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Yu Zakharova
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Kuznetsova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Victoria I Uvarova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia D Fomina
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov I Kozlovskaya
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena N Kaliberda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Inna N Kurbatskaia
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan V Smirnov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatoly A Bulygin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vera D Knorre
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga S Fedorova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexandre Varnek
- Laboratoire de Chémoinformatique, UMR 7140 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dmitry I Osolodkin
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aydar A Ishmukhametov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey M Egorov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander G Gabibov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita A Kuznetsov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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176
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Lin C, Tsai FJ, Hsu YM, Ho TJ, Wang GK, Chiu YJ, Ha HA, Yang JS. Study of Baicalin toward COVID-19 Treatment: In silico Target Analysis and in vitro Inhibitory Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Proteases. Biomed Hub 2021; 6:122-137. [PMID: 34934765 PMCID: PMC8647113 DOI: 10.1159/000519564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative impacts of COVID-19 on human health and economic and social activities urge scientists to develop effective treatments. Baicalin is a natural flavonoid, extracted from a traditional medicinal plant, previously reported with anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we used pharmacophore fitting and molecular docking to screen and determine docking patterns and the binding affinity of baicalin on 3 major targets of SARS-CoV-2 (3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease [3CLpro], papain-like protease [PLpro], and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase). The obtained data revealed that baicalin has high pharmacophore fitting on 3CLpro and predicted good binding affinity on PLpro. Moreover, using the enzymatic assay, we examined the inhibitory effect of baicalin in vitro on the screened enzymes. Baicalin also exhibits inhibitory effect on these proteases in vitro. Additionally, we performed pharmacophore-based screening of baicalin on human targets and conducted pathway analysis to explore the potential cytoprotective effects of baicalin in the host cell that may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. The result suggested that baicalin has multiple targets in human cell that may induce multiple pharmacological effects. The result of pathway analysis implied that these targets may be associated with baicalin-induced bioactivities that are involved with signals of pro-inflammation factors, such as cytokine and chemokine. Taken together with supportive data from the literature, the bioactivities of bailalin may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment by reducing cytokine-induced acute inflammation. In conclusion, baicalin is potentially a good candidate for developing new therapeutic to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chingju Lin
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Human Genetics Center, China Medical University Hospital 404, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Kai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Anh Ha
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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177
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Sanachai K, Mahalapbutr P, Sanghiran Lee V, Rungrotmongkol T, Hannongbua S. In Silico Elucidation of Potent Inhibitors and Rational Drug Design against SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:13644-13656. [PMID: 34904832 PMCID: PMC8691209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c07060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Global public health has been a critical problem by the sudden increase of the COVID-19 outbreak. The papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a key promising target for antiviral drug development since it plays a pivotal role in viral replication and innate immunity. Here, we employed the all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations based on MM-PB(GB)SA and SIE methods to elucidate and compare the binding behaviors of five inhibitors derived from peptidomimetic inhibitors (VIR250 and VIR251) and naphthalene-based inhibitors (GRL-0617, compound 3, and compound Y96) against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. The obtained results revealed that all inhibitors interacting within the PLpro active site are mostly driven by vdW interactions, and the hydrogen bond formation in residues G163 and G271 with peptidomimetics and the Q269 residue with naphthalene-based inhibitors was essential for stabilizing the protein-ligand complexes. Among the five studied inhibitors, VIR250 exhibited the most binding efficiency with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, and thus, it was chosen for the rational drug design. Based on the computationally designed ligand-protein complexes, the replacement of aromatic rings including heteroatoms (e.g., thiazolopyridine) at the P2 and P4 sites could help to improve the inhibitor-binding efficiency. Furthermore, the hydrophobic interactions with residues at P1-P3 sites can be increased by enlarging the nonpolar moieties (e.g., ethene) at the N-terminal of VIR250. We expect that the structural data obtained will contribute to the development of new PLpro inhibitors with more inhibitory potency for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonpan Sanachai
- Center
of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Biocatalyst
and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department
of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University
of Malaya, Kuala
Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Biocatalyst
and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Program
in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Supot Hannongbua
- Center
of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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178
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Bhowmick S, Saha A, AlFaris NA, ALTamimi JZ, ALOthman ZA, Aldayel TS, Wabaidur SM, Islam MA. Identification of potent food constituents as SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease modulators through advanced pharmacoinformatics approaches. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 111:108113. [PMID: 34959151 PMCID: PMC8688376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.108113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The current ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 urges immediate treatment measures for controlling the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 infections. The papain-like protease (PLpro), which is released from nsp3, is presently being evaluated as a significant anti-viral drug target for COVID-19 therapy development. Particularly, PLpro is implicated in the cleavage of viral polyproteins and antagonizes the host innate immune response through its deubiquitinating and deISGylating actions, thus making it a high-profile antiviral therapeutic target. The present study reports a few specific food compounds that can bind tightly with the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein identified through extensive computational screening techniques. Precisely, extensive advanced computational approaches combining target-based virtual screening, particularly employing sub-structure based similarity search, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and MM-GBSA based binding free energy calculations have been employed for the identification of the most promising food compounds with substantial functional implications as SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein inhibitors/modulators. Observations from the present research investigation also provide a deeper understanding of the binding modes of the proposed four food compounds with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein. In docking analyses, all compounds have established essential inter-molecular interaction profiles at the active site cavity of the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein. Similarly, the long-range 100 ns conventional MD simulation studies also provided an in-depth understanding of probable interactions and dynamic behaviour of the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein-food compound complexes. Binding free energies of all molecular systems revealed a strong interaction affinity of food compounds towards the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein. Moreover, clear-cut comparative analyses against the known standard inhibitor also suggest that proposed food compounds may act as potential active chemical entities for modulating the action of the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovonlal Bhowmick
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata, 700009, India
| | - Achintya Saha
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata, 700009, India.
| | - Nora Abdullah AlFaris
- Nutrition and Food Science, Department of Physical Sport Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P. O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jozaa Zaidan ALTamimi
- Nutrition and Food Science, Department of Physical Sport Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P. O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeid A ALOthman
- Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 2455, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahany Saleh Aldayel
- Nutrition and Food Science, Department of Physical Sport Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P. O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saikh Mohammad Wabaidur
- Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 2455, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Ataul Islam
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
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179
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Rehman AU, Lu S, Khan AA, Khurshid B, Rasheed S, Wadood A, Zhang J. Hidden allosteric sites and De-Novo drug design. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:283-295. [PMID: 34933653 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2017876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hidden allosteric sites are not visible in apo-crystal structures, but they may be visible in holo-structures when a certain ligand binds and maintains the ligand intended conformation. Several computational and experimental techniques have been used to investigate these hidden sites but identifying them remains a challenge. AREAS COVERED This review provides a summary of the many theoretical approaches for predicting hidden allosteric sites in disease-related proteins. Furthermore, promising cases have been thoroughly examined to reveal the hidden allosteric site and its modulator. EXPERT OPINION In the recent past, with the development in scientific techniques and bioinformatics tools, the number of drug targets for complex human diseases has significantly increased but unfortunately most of these targets are undruggable due to several reasons. Alternative strategies such as finding cryptic (hidden) allosteric sites are an attractive approach for exploitation of the discovery of new targets. These hidden sites are difficult to recognize compared to allosteric sites, mainly due to a lack of visibility in the crystal structure. In our opinion, after many years of development, MD simulations are finally becoming successful for obtaining a detailed molecular description of drug-target interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashfaq Ur Rehman
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Abdul Aziz Khan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beenish Khurshid
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Salman Rasheed
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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180
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Identification of a dual acting SARS-CoV-2 proteases inhibitor through in silico design and step-by-step biological characterization. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113863. [PMID: 34571172 PMCID: PMC8457654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic, starting from the latest 2019, and caused by SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, led to the hardest health-socio-economic disaster in the last century. Despite the tremendous scientific efforts, mainly focused on the development of vaccines, identification of potent and efficient anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics still represents an unmet need. Remdesivir, an anti-Ebola drug selected from a repurposing campaign, is the only drug approved, so far, for the treatment of the infection. Nevertheless, WHO in later 2020 has recommended against its use in COVID-19. In the present paper, we describe a step-by-step in silico design of a small library of compounds as main protease (Mpro) inhibitors. All the molecules were screened by an enzymatic assay on Mpro and, then, cellular activity was evaluated using Vero cells viral infection model. The cellular screening disclosed compounds 29 and 34 as in-vitro SARS-CoV-2 replication inhibitors at non-toxic concentrations (0.32 < EC50 < 5.98 μM). To rationalize these results, additional in-vitro assays were performed, focusing on papain like protease (PLpro) and spike protein (SP) as potential targets for the synthesized molecules. This pharmacological workflow allowed the identification of compound 29, as a dual acting SARS-CoV-2 proteases inhibitor featuring micromolar inhibitory potency versus Mpro (IC50 = 1.72 μM) and submicromolar potency versus PLpro (IC50 = 0.67 μM), and of compound 34 as a selective SP inhibitor (IC50 = 3.26 μM).
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181
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Structural modification of antineoplastic drug carmofur designed to the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: A theoretical investigation. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021; 4:100259. [PMID: 34904062 PMCID: PMC8656244 DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A coherent account of the reaction mechanistic details, structural modifications, and inhibition potentials of antineoplastic drug carmofur and its modified analogs to inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is reported. The survey is performed by integrating the density functional based tight binding (DFTB3) with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The inhibition process commences with nucleophilic attack from the sulfur atom on the carbonyl group, yielding a C-S bond formation, followed by a bond formation of the H-O9 by 2.07 Å, which results in a transition state contains a ring of six atoms. We found that although the direct addition of sulfhydryl group hydrogen to the N3 position is likely to happen, the proper position of the hydrogen to O9 decreases its accessibility. The thermodynamic stability of the complex was calculated to be highly sensitive to the substituent on the N11 position. Compounds with CH2NH2 and CH2F at N11 positions of carmofur revealed high thermodynamic stability to complexation with Mpro but induced no change in substrate-binding pocket comparable to carmofur. Replacing the N11 of carmofur with carbon (C-carmofur) was effective in terms of complexation stability at CH2CH2CH2F and CH2CH2CH2OH substitutions and occupation of S1 subsite by these structures in addition to the S2 subsite. Based on the resulted data, increasing the length of the carbon chain at introduced substitutions in N-carmofur almost decreases the complexation stability while in C-carmofur the trend is reversed. Throughout these information outputs, it was suggested that compounds d, e, i′, and k′ might be novel and more efficacious drug candidates instead of carmofur. We believe that our characterization of mechanistic details and structural modification on Mpro/carmofur complex will significantly intensify researchers' understanding of this system, and consequently help them to take advantage of results into practice and design various valuable derivatives for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease.
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182
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Zhang M, Li J, Yan H, Huang J, Wang F, Liu T, Zeng L, Zhou F. ISGylation in Innate Antiviral Immunity and Pathogen Defense Responses: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:788410. [PMID: 34901029 PMCID: PMC8662993 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.788410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The interferon-stimulating gene 15 (ISG15) protein is a ubiquitin-like protein induced by interferons or pathogens. ISG15 can exist in free form or covalently bind to the target protein through an enzymatic cascade reaction, which is called ISGylation. ISGylation has been found to play an important role in the innate immune responses induced by type I interferon, and is, thus, critical for the defense of host cells against RNA, DNA, and retroviruses. Through covalent binding with the host and viral target proteins, ISG15 inhibits the release of viral particles, hinder viral replication, and regulates the incubation period of viruses, thereby exerting strong antiviral effects. The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease, a virus-encoded deubiquitinating enzyme, has demonstrated activity on both ubiquitin and ISG15 chain conjugations, thus playing a suppressive role against the host antiviral innate immune response. Here we review the recent research progress in understanding ISG15-type ubiquitin-like modifications, with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms. We provide comprehensive references for further studies on the role of ISG15 in antiviral immunity, which may enable development of new antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingxian Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Yan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Huang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangwei Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Liu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linghui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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183
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Moradi M, Golmohammadi R, Najafi A, Moosazadeh Moghaddam M, Fasihi-Ramandi M, Mirnejad R. In Silico Analysis of Inhibiting Papain-like Protease from SARS-CoV-2 by Using Plant-Derived Peptides. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 28:24. [PMID: 34903959 PMCID: PMC8655715 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a corona virus that has been the cause for one of the deadliest pandemics of history, started since 2019. Suppressing the activity of the critical enzymes in the SARS-CoV-2 could potentially inhibit a vital step in viral life cycle. Papain-like protease (PLpro) could be regarded as a critical enzyme in viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. In this research, it was aimed to suppress the activity of PLpro enzyme by using potential plant-derived protease inhibitor peptides. For this purpose, 11 plant derived peptides that could potentially inhibit protease activity were selected from literature. The structures of the PLpro and the peptide ligands were acquired from PDB (protein data bank) and after structural optimization, were docked by using HADDOCK 2.4 program. Analyzing the results indicated that VcTI from Veronica hederifolia provides effective molecular interactions at both liable Zn site and classic active site of PLpro, making it a potential inhibitory ligand for this enzyme that could be used for halting the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Molecular dynamic assay confirmed that the selected receptor and ligand complex was stable. Future in vitro and in vivo investigations are required to verify the efficiency of this compound as a potential therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2 infection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10989-021-10331-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moradi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Golmohammadi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Najafi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirnejad
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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184
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El-Mageed HRA, Abdelrheem DA, Rafi MO, Sarker MT, Al-Khafaji K, Hossain MJ, Capasso R, Emran TB. In Silico Evaluation of Different Flavonoids from Medicinal Plants for Their Potency against SARS-CoV-2. BIOLOGICS 2021; 1:416-434. [DOI: 10.3390/biologics1030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic situation of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a global threat to both the world economy and public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover effective vaccines or drugs to fight against this virus. The flavonoids and their medicinal plant sources have already exhibited various biological effects, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. This study was designed to evaluate different flavonoids from medicinal plants as potential inhibitors against the spike protein (Sp) and main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 using various computational approaches such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics. The binding affinity and inhibitory effects of all studied flavonoids were discussed and compared with some antiviral drugs that are currently being used in COVID-19 treatment namely favipiravir, lopinavir, and hydroxychloroquine, respectively. Among all studies flavonoids and proposed antiviral drugs, luteolin and mundulinol exhibited the highest binding affinity toward Mpro and Sp. Drug-likeness and ADMET studies revealed that the chosen flavonoids are safe and non-toxic. One hundred ns-MD simulations were implemented for luteolin-Mpro, mundulinol-Mpro, luteolin-Sp, and mundulinol-Sp complexes and the results revealed strong stability of these flavonoid-protein complexes. Furthermore, MM/PBSA confirms the stability of luteolin and mundulinol interactions within the active sites of this protein. In conclusion, our findings reveal that the promising activity of luteolin and mundulinol as inhibitors against COVID-19 via inhibiting the spike protein and major protease of SARS CoV-2, and we urge further research to achieve the clinical significance of our proposed molecular-based efficacy.
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185
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Lange SM, Armstrong LA, Kulathu Y. Deubiquitinases: From mechanisms to their inhibition by small molecules. Mol Cell 2021; 82:15-29. [PMID: 34813758 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are specialized proteases that remove ubiquitin from substrates or cleave within ubiquitin chains to regulate ubiquitylation and therefore play important roles in eukaryotic biology. Dysregulation of DUBs is implicated in several human diseases, highlighting the importance of DUB function. In addition, many pathogenic bacteria and viruses encode and deploy DUBs to manipulate host immune responses and establish infectious diseases in humans and animals. Hence, therapeutic targeting of DUBs is an increasingly explored area that requires an in-depth mechanistic understanding of human and pathogenic DUBs. In this review, we summarize the multiple layers of regulation that control autoinhibition, activation, and substrate specificity of DUBs. We discuss different strategies to inhibit DUBs and the progress in developing selective small-molecule DUB inhibitors. Finally, we propose a classification system of DUB inhibitors based on their mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven M Lange
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Lee A Armstrong
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Yogesh Kulathu
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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186
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A natural product compound inhibits coronaviral replication in vitro by binding to the conserved Nsp9 SARS-CoV-2 protein. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101362. [PMID: 34756886 PMCID: PMC8553373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Nsp9 replicase is a conserved coronaviral protein that acts as an essential accessory component of the multi-subunit viral replication/transcription complex. Nsp9 is the predominant substrate for the essential nucleotidylation activity of Nsp12. Compounds specifically interfering with this viral activity would facilitate its study. Using a native mass-spectrometry-based approach to screen a natural product library for Nsp9 binders, we identified an ent-kaurane natural product, oridonin, capable of binding to purified SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9 with micromolar affinities. By determining the crystal structure of the Nsp9-oridonin complex, we showed that oridonin binds through a conserved site near Nsp9’s C-terminal GxxxG-helix. In enzymatic assays, oridonin’s binding to Nsp9 reduces its potential to act as substrate for Nsp12’s Nidovirus RdRp-Associated Nucleotidyl transferase (NiRAN) domain. We also showed using in vitro cellular assays oridonin, while cytotoxic at higher doses has broad antiviral activity, reducing viral titer following infection with either SARS-CoV-2 or, to a lesser extent, MERS-CoV. Accordingly, these preliminary findings suggest that the oridonin molecular scaffold may have the potential to be developed into an antiviral compound to inhibit the function of Nsp9 during coronaviral replication.
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187
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Alesawy MS, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk AA, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. In Silico Screening of Semi-Synthesized Compounds as Potential Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease: Pharmacophoric Features, Molecular Docking, ADMET, Toxicity and DFT Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:6593. [PMID: 34771004 PMCID: PMC8588135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Papain-like protease is an essential enzyme in the proteolytic processing required for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, such an enzyme is an important target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents which may reduce the mortality associated with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2. A set of 69 semi-synthesized molecules that exhibited the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors (PLPI) were docked against the coronavirus papain-like protease (PLpro) enzyme (PDB ID: (4OW0). Docking studies showed that derivatives 34 and 58 were better than the co-crystallized ligand while derivatives 17, 28, 31, 40, 41, 43, 47, 54, and 65 exhibited good binding modes and binding free energies. The pharmacokinetic profiling study was conducted according to the four principles of the Lipinski rules and excluded derivative 31. Furthermore, ADMET and toxicity studies showed that derivatives 28, 34, and 47 have the potential to be drugs and have been demonstrated as safe when assessed via seven toxicity models. Finally, comparing the molecular orbital energies and the molecular electrostatic potential maps of 28, 34, and 47 against the co-crystallized ligand in a DFT study indicated that 28 is the most promising candidate to interact with the target receptor (PLpro).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S. Alesawy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Almaarefa University, Ad Diriyah, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Aisha A. Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed M. Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
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188
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Costanzi E, Kuzikov M, Esposito F, Albani S, Demitri N, Giabbai B, Camasta M, Tramontano E, Rossetti G, Zaliani A, Storici P. Structural and Biochemical Analysis of the Dual Inhibition of MG-132 against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro/3CLpro) and Human Cathepsin-L. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11779. [PMID: 34769210 PMCID: PMC8583849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
After almost two years from its first evidence, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to afflict people worldwide, highlighting the need for multiple antiviral strategies. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro/3CLpro) is a recognized promising target for the development of effective drugs. Because single target inhibition might not be sufficient to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, multi enzymatic-based therapies may provide a better strategy. Here we present a structural and biochemical characterization of the binding mode of MG-132 to both the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, and to the human Cathepsin-L, suggesting thus an interesting scaffold for the development of double-inhibitors. X-ray diffraction data show that MG-132 well fits into the Mpro active site, forming a covalent bond with Cys145 independently from reducing agents and crystallization conditions. Docking of MG-132 into Cathepsin-L well-matches with a covalent binding to the catalytic cysteine. Accordingly, MG-132 inhibits Cathepsin-L with nanomolar potency and reversibly inhibits Mpro with micromolar potency, but with a prolonged residency time. We compared the apo and MG-132-inhibited structures of Mpro solved in different space groups and we identified a new apo structure that features several similarities with the inhibited ones, offering interesting perspectives for future drug design and in silico efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Costanzi
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.C.); (N.D.); (B.G.)
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 22525 Hamburg, Germany; (M.K.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (F.E.); (M.C.); (E.T.)
| | - Simone Albani
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9) and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational Biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (S.A.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicola Demitri
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.C.); (N.D.); (B.G.)
| | - Barbara Giabbai
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.C.); (N.D.); (B.G.)
| | - Marianna Camasta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (F.E.); (M.C.); (E.T.)
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (F.E.); (M.C.); (E.T.)
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9) and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational Biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (S.A.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 22525 Hamburg, Germany; (M.K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Paola Storici
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.C.); (N.D.); (B.G.)
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189
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Zhang K, Li J, Fan Z, Li H, Xu JJ. "Covalent biosensing" enables a one-step, reagent-less, low-cost and highly robust assay of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:10771-10774. [PMID: 34585685 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc03686f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have established a new protocol for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using a peptidomimetic to covalently detect a viral marker protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214063, China.,State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jinlong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, P. R. China
| | - Zhenqiang Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214063, China
| | - Hao Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, No. 106 Jiwei Road, Jinan, Shandong 250022, China.
| | - Jing-Juan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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190
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Abstract
Coronaviral papain-like proteases (PLpros) are essential enzymes that mediate not only the proteolytic processes of viral polyproteins during virus replication, but also the deubiquitination and deISGylation of cellular proteins that attenuate host innate immune responses. Therefore, PLpros are attractive targets for antiviral drug development. Here we report the crystal structure of the papain-like protease 2 (PLP2) of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in complex with ubiquitin (Ub). The X-ray structural analyses reveal that PEDV PLP2 interacts with Ub substrate mainly through the Ub core region and C-terminal tail. Mutations of Ub-interacting residues resulted in moderately or completely abolished deubiquitinylating function of PEDV PLP2. In addition, our analyses also indicate that the two residues-extended blocking loop 2 at the S4 subsite contributes to the substrate selectivity and binding affinity of PEDV PLP2. Furthermore, the PEDV PLP2 Glu99 residue, conserved in alpha-CoV PLpros, was found to govern the preference of a positively charged P4 residue of peptidyl substrates. Collectively, our data provided structure-based information for substrate binding and selectivity of PEDV PLP2. These findings may help us gain insights into the deubiquitinating and proteolytic functions of PEDV PLP2 from a structural perspective. Importance Current challenges in CoVs include a comprehensive understanding of mechanistic effects of associated enzymes, including the 3C-like and papain-like proteases. We have previously reported that the PEDV PLP2 exhibits a broader substrate preference, superior DUB function, and inferior peptidase activity. However, the structure basis for these functions remains largely unclear. Here, we show the high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of PEDV PLP2 in complex with Ub. Integrated structural and biochemical analyses revealed: (i) three Ub-core interacting residues are essential for DUB function, (ii) two-residue-elongated blocking loop 2 regulates substrate selectivity, and (iii) a conserved glutamate residue governs the substrate specificity of PEDV PLP2. Collectively, our findings provide not only the structural insights to the catalytic mechanism of PEDV PLP2 but also a model for developing antiviral strategies.
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191
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Patchett S, Lv Z, Rut W, Békés M, Drag M, Olsen SK, Huang TT. A molecular sensor determines the ubiquitin substrate specificity of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109754. [PMID: 34547223 PMCID: PMC8423903 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is a target for antiviral drug development. It is essential for processing viral polyproteins for replication and functions in host immune evasion by cleaving ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like protein (Ubl) conjugates. While highly conserved, SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV PLpro have contrasting Ub/Ubl substrate preferences. Using a combination of structural analyses and functional assays, we identify a molecular sensor within the S1 Ub-binding site of PLpro that serves as a key determinant of substrate specificity. Variations within the S1 sensor specifically alter cleavage of Ub substrates but not of the Ubl interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein (ISG15). Significantly, a variant of concern associated with immune evasion carries a mutation in the S1 sensor that enhances PLpro activity on Ub substrates. Collectively, our data identify the S1 sensor region as a potential hotspot of variability that could alter host antiviral immune responses to newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Patchett
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Wioletta Rut
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Miklos Békés
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Tony T Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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192
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Fukuzawa K, Kato K, Watanabe C, Kawashima Y, Handa Y, Yamamoto A, Watanabe K, Ohyama T, Kamisaka K, Takaya D, Honma T. Special Features of COVID-19 in the FMODB: Fragment Molecular Orbital Calculations and Interaction Energy Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-Related Proteins. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:4594-4612. [PMID: 34506132 PMCID: PMC8457332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), the virus causing the current pandemic. There are ongoing research studies to develop effective therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19 using various methods and many results have been published. The structure-based drug design of SARS-CoV-2-related proteins is promising, however, reliable information regarding the structural and intra- and intermolecular interactions is required. We have conducted studies based on the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method for calculating the electronic structures of protein complexes and analyzing their quantitative molecular interactions. This enables us to extensively analyze the molecular interactions in residues or functional group units acting inside the protein complexes. Such precise interaction data are available in the FMO database (FMODB) (https://drugdesign.riken.jp/FMODB/). Since April 2020, we have performed several FMO calculations on the structures of SARS-CoV-2-related proteins registered in the Protein Data Bank. We have published the results of 681 structures, including three structural proteins and 11 nonstructural proteins, on the COVID-19 special page (as of June 8, 2021). In this paper, we describe the entire COVID-19 special page of the FMODB and discuss the calculation results for various proteins. These data not only aid the interpretation of experimentally determined structures but also the understanding of protein functions, which is useful for rational drug design for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Fukuzawa
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate
School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-11 Aoba, Aramaki,
Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
819-0395, Japan
- Center for Molecular Systems (CMS),
Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395,
Japan
| | - Chiduru Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
- JST PRESTO, 4-1-8, Honcho,
Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawashima
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yuma Handa
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Ami Yamamoto
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871,
Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675,
Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohyama
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering
Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20,
Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kikuko Kamisaka
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
| | - Daisuke Takaya
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
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193
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Al-Wahaibi LH, Mostafa A, Mostafa YA, Abou-Ghadir OF, Abdelazeem AH, Gouda AM, Kutkat O, Abo Shama NM, Shehata M, Gomaa HAM, Abdelrahman MH, Mohamed FAM, Gu X, Ali MA, Trembleau L, Youssif BGM. Discovery of novel oxazole-based macrocycles as anti-coronaviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105363. [PMID: 34555629 PMCID: PMC8445767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We have discovered a family of synthetic oxazole-based macrocycles to be active against SARS-CoV-2. The synthesis, pharmacological properties, and docking studies of the compounds are reported in this study. The structure of the new macrocycles was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Compounds 13, 14, and 15a-c were evaluated for their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity on SARS-COV-2 (NRC-03-nhCoV) virus in Vero-E6 cells. Isopropyl triester 13 and triacid 14 demonstrated superior inhibitory activities against SARS-CoV-2 compared to carboxamides 15a-c. MTT cytotoxicity assays showed that the CC50 (50% cytotoxicity concentration) of 13, 14, and 15a-c ranged from 159.1 to 741.8 μM and their safety indices ranged from 2.50 to 39.1. Study of the viral inhibition via different mechanisms of action (viral adsorption, replication, or virucidal property) showed that 14 had mild virucidal (60%) and inhibitory effects on virus adsorption (66%) at 20 μM concentrations. Compound 13 displayed several inhibitory effects at three levels, but the potency of its action is primarily virucidal. The inhibitory activity of compounds 13, 14, and 15a-c against the enzyme SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was evaluated. Isopropyl triester 13 had a significant inhibition activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with an IC50 of 2.58 µM. Large substituents on the macrocyclic template significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of the compounds. Study of the docking of the compounds in the SARS CoV-2-Mpro active site showed that the most potent macrocycles 13 and 14 exhibited the best fit and highest affinity for the active site binding pocket. Taken together, the present study shows that the new macrocyclic compounds constitute a new family of SARS CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors that are worth being further optimized and developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamya H Al-Wahaibi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yaser A Mostafa
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ola F Abou-Ghadir
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazeem
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gouda
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Omnia Kutkat
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noura M Abo Shama
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Shehata
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hesham A M Gomaa
- Pharmacology Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafa H Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt; Chemistry Department, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
| | - Fatma A M Mohamed
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Aljouf 72341, Saudi Arabia; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21321, Egypt
| | - Xuyuan Gu
- Chemistry Department, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed A Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Laurent Trembleau
- Chemistry Department, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom.
| | - Bahaa G M Youssif
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
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194
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Wu Y, Pegan SD, Crich D, Desrochers E, Starling EB, Hansen MC, Booth C, Nicole Mullininx L, Lou L, Chang KY, Xie ZR. Polyphenols as alternative treatments of COVID-19. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5371-5380. [PMID: 34567475 PMCID: PMC8452152 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although scientists around the world have put lots of effort into the development of new treatments for COVID-19 since the outbreak, no drugs except Veklury (remdesivir) have been approved by FDA. There is an urgent need to discover some alternative antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Because polyphenols have been shown to possess antiviral activities, here we conducted a large-scale virtual screening for more than 400 polyphenols. Several lead compounds such as Petunidin 3-O-(6″-p-coumaroyl-glucoside) were identified to have promising binding affinities and convincing binding mechanisms. Analyzing the docking results and ADME properties sheds light on the potential efficacy of the top-ranked drug candidates and pinpoints the key residues on the target proteins for the future of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wu
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | - Scott D Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences., School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 92521, CA, USA
| | - David Crich
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | - Ellison Desrochers
- Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | - Edward B Starling
- Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | - Madelyn C Hansen
- Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | - Carson Booth
- Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | | | - Lei Lou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
| | - Kuan Y Chang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Zhong-Ru Xie
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, GA, USA
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195
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Technical Data of Heterologous Expression and Purification of SARS-CoV-2 Proteases Using Escherichia coli System. DATA 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/data6090099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus expresses two essential proteases: firstly, the 3Chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) or main protease (Mpro), and secondly, the papain-like protease (PLpro), both of which are considered as viable drug targets for the inhibition of viral replication. In order to perform drug discovery assays for SARS-CoV-2, it is imperative that efficient methods are established for the production and purification of 3CLpro and PLpro of SARS-CoV-2, designated as 3CLpro-CoV2 and PLpro-CoV2, respectively. This article expands the data collected in the attempts to express SARS-CoV-2 proteases under different conditions and purify them under single-step chromatography. Data showed that the use of E. coli BL21(DE3) strain was sufficient to express 3CLpro-CoV2 in a fully soluble form. Nevertheless, the single affinity chromatography step was only applicable for 3CLpro-CoV2 expressed at 18 °C, with a yield and purification fold of 92% and 49, respectively. Meanwhile, PLpro-CoV2 was successfully expressed in a fully soluble form in either BL21(DE3) or BL21-CodonPlus(DE3) strains. In contrast, the single affinity chromatography step was only applicable for PLpro-CoV2 expressed using E. coli BL21-CodonPlus(DE3) at 18 or 37 °C, with a yield and purification fold of 86% (18 °C) or 83.36% (37 °C) and 112 (18 °C) or 71 (37 °C), respectively. The findings provide a guide for optimizing the production of SARS-CoV-2 proteases of E. coli host cells.
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Abstract
All living organisms depend on tightly regulated cellular networks to control biological functions. Proteolysis is an important irreversible post-translational modification that regulates most, if not all, cellular processes. Proteases are a large family of enzymes that perform hydrolysis of protein substrates, leading to protein activation or degradation. The 473 known and 90 putative human proteases are divided into 5 main mechanistic groups: metalloproteases, serine proteases, cysteine proteases, threonine proteases, and aspartic acid proteases. Proteases are fundamental to all biological systems, and when dysregulated they profoundly influence disease progression. Inhibiting proteases has led to effective therapies for viral infections, cardiovascular disorders, and blood coagulation just to name a few. Between 5 and 10% of all pharmaceutical targets are proteases, despite limited knowledge about their biological roles. More than 50% of all human proteases have no known substrates. We present here a comprehensive list of all current known human proteases. We also present current and novel biochemical tools to characterize protease functions in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. These tools make it achievable to define both beneficial and detrimental activities of proteases in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxiang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Kimberly Main
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Henry Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Olivier Julien
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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197
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O’Donoghue SI, Schafferhans A, Sikta N, Stolte C, Kaur S, Ho BK, Anderson S, Procter JB, Dallago C, Bordin N, Adcock M, Rost B. SARS-CoV-2 structural coverage map reveals viral protein assembly, mimicry, and hijacking mechanisms. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e10079. [PMID: 34519429 PMCID: PMC8438690 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We modeled 3D structures of all SARS-CoV-2 proteins, generating 2,060 models that span 69% of the viral proteome and provide details not available elsewhere. We found that ˜6% of the proteome mimicked human proteins, while ˜7% was implicated in hijacking mechanisms that reverse post-translational modifications, block host translation, and disable host defenses; a further ˜29% self-assembled into heteromeric states that provided insight into how the viral replication and translation complex forms. To make these 3D models more accessible, we devised a structural coverage map, a novel visualization method to show what is-and is not-known about the 3D structure of the viral proteome. We integrated the coverage map into an accompanying online resource (https://aquaria.ws/covid) that can be used to find and explore models corresponding to the 79 structural states identified in this work. The resulting Aquaria-COVID resource helps scientists use emerging structural data to understand the mechanisms underlying coronavirus infection and draws attention to the 31% of the viral proteome that remains structurally unknown or dark.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral/chemistry
- Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral/genetics
- Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral/metabolism
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/chemistry
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
- Binding Sites
- COVID-19/genetics
- COVID-19/metabolism
- COVID-19/virology
- Computational Biology/methods
- Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/chemistry
- Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/genetics
- Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/metabolism
- Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/chemistry
- Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics
- Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics
- Humans
- Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins/chemistry
- Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics
- Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
- Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Mimicry
- Neuropilin-1/chemistry
- Neuropilin-1/genetics
- Neuropilin-1/metabolism
- Phosphoproteins/chemistry
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical
- Protein Conformation, beta-Strand
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Protein Interaction Mapping/methods
- Protein Multimerization
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- SARS-CoV-2/chemistry
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Viral Matrix Proteins/chemistry
- Viral Matrix Proteins/genetics
- Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism
- Viroporin Proteins/chemistry
- Viroporin Proteins/genetics
- Viroporin Proteins/metabolism
- Virus Replication
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán I O’Donoghue
- Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
- CSIRO Data61CanberraACTAustralia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Andrea Schafferhans
- Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
- Department of Bioengineering SciencesWeihenstephan‐Tr. University of Applied SciencesFreisingGermany
- Department of InformaticsBioinformatics & Computational BiologyTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Neblina Sikta
- Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
| | | | - Sandeep Kaur
- Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Bosco K Ho
- Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
| | | | | | - Christian Dallago
- Department of InformaticsBioinformatics & Computational BiologyTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Nicola Bordin
- Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Burkhard Rost
- Department of InformaticsBioinformatics & Computational BiologyTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
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198
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Yan F, Gao F. An overview of potential inhibitors targeting non-structural proteins 3 (PL pro and Mac1) and 5 (3CL pro/M pro) of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:4868-4883. [PMID: 34457214 PMCID: PMC8382591 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop effective treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global pandemic that has not only affected the daily lives of individuals but also had a significant impact on the global economy and public health. Although extensive research has been conducted to identify inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2, there are still no effective treatment strategies to combat COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 comprises two important proteolytic enzymes, namely, the papain-like proteinase, located within non-structural protein 3 (nsp3), and nsp5, both of which cleave large replicase polypeptides into multiple fragments that are required for viral replication. Moreover, a domain within nsp3, known as the macrodomain (Mac1), also plays an important role in viral replication. Inhibition of their functions should be able to significantly interfere with the replication cycle of the virus, and therefore these key proteins may serve as potential therapeutic targets. The functions of the above viral targets and their corresponding inhibitors have been summarized in the current review. This review provides comprehensive updates of nsp3 and nsp5 inhibitor development and would help advance the discovery of novel anti-viral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Yan
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
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199
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Naidoo D, Kar P, Roy A, Mutanda T, Bwapwa J, Sen A, Anandraj A. Structural Insight into the Binding of Cyanovirin-N with the Spike Glycoprotein, M pro and PL pro of SARS-CoV-2: Protein-Protein Interactions, Dynamics Simulations and Free Energy Calculations. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175114. [PMID: 34500548 PMCID: PMC8434238 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 continues to pose severe threats to global public health. The pandemic has infected over 171 million people and claimed more than 3.5 million lives to date. We investigated the binding potential of antiviral cyanobacterial proteins including cyanovirin-N, scytovirin and phycocyanin with fundamental proteins involved in attachment and replication of SARS-CoV-2. Cyanovirin-N displayed the highest binding energy scores (−16.8 ± 0.02 kcal/mol, −12.3 ± 0.03 kcal/mol and −13.4 ± 0.02 kcal/mol, respectively) with the spike protein, the main protease (Mpro) and the papainlike protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. Cyanovirin-N was observed to interact with the crucial residues involved in the attachment of the human ACE2 receptor. Analysis of the binding affinities calculated employing the molecular mechanics-Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) approach revealed that all forms of energy, except the polar solvation energy, favourably contributed to the interactions of cyanovirin-N with the viral proteins. With particular emphasis on cyanovirin-N, the current work presents evidence for the potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by cyanobacterial proteins, and offers the opportunity for in vitro and in vivo experiments to deploy the cyanobacterial proteins as valuable therapeutics against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devashan Naidoo
- Centre for Algal Biotechnology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Durban 4026, South Africa; (T.M.); (J.B.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (A.R.)
| | - Pallab Kar
- Bioinformatics Facility, Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri 734013, India; (P.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Ayan Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (A.R.)
| | - Taurai Mutanda
- Centre for Algal Biotechnology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Durban 4026, South Africa; (T.M.); (J.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Joseph Bwapwa
- Centre for Algal Biotechnology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Durban 4026, South Africa; (T.M.); (J.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Arnab Sen
- Bioinformatics Facility, Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri 734013, India; (P.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Akash Anandraj
- Centre for Algal Biotechnology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Durban 4026, South Africa; (T.M.); (J.B.); (A.A.)
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200
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Abdel-Bar HM, Abdallah IA, Fayed MAA, Moatasim Y, Mostafa A, El-Behairy MF, Elimam H, Elshaier YAMM, Abouzid KAM. Lipid polymer hybrid nanocarriers as a combinatory platform for different anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs supported by computational studies. RSC Adv 2021; 11:28876-28891. [PMID: 35478590 PMCID: PMC9038182 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra04576h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the potential of emergent pathogens to severely damage public health and global economies. As a consequence of the pandemic, millions of people have been forced into self-isolation, which has negatively affected the global economy. More efforts are needed to find new innovative approaches that could fundamentally change our understanding and management of this disaster. Herein, lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPH NPs) were utilized as a platform for the delivery of azithromycin or niclosamide in combination with piroxicam. The obtained systems were successfully loaded with both azithromycin and piroxicam (LPHAzi–Pir) with entrapment efficiencies (EE%) of 74.23 ± 8.14% and 51.52 ± 5.45%, respectively, or niclosamide and piroxicam (LPHNic–Pir) with respective EE% of 85.14 ± 3.47% and 48.75 ± 4.77%. The prepared LPH NPs had a core–shell nanostructure with particle size ≈ 125 nm and zeta potential ≈ −16.5 irrespective of drug payload. A dose-dependent cellular uptake of both LPH NPs was observed in human lung fibroblast cells. An enhanced in vitro antiviral efficacy of both LPHAzi–Pir and LPHNic–Pir was obtained over the mixed solution of the drugs. The LPH NPs of azithromycin or niclosamide with piroxicam displyed a promising capability to hinder the replication of SARS-CoV-2, with IC50 of 3.16 and 1.86 μM, respectively. These results provide a rationale for further in vivo pharmacological as well as toxicological studies to evaluate the potential activity of these drugs to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, especially the concept of combination therapy. Additionally, the molecular docking of macrolide bioactive compounds against papain-like protease (PDB ID:6wuu) was achieved. A ligand-based study, especially rapid overlay chemical structure (ROCS), was also examined to identify the general pharmacophoric features of these compounds and their similarity to reported anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Molecular dynamic simulation was also implemented. Drug repurposing approach to combat SARS-CoV-2: lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPH) for the delivery of azithromycin or niclosamide in combination with piroxicam.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Mohamed Abdel-Bar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
| | - Inas A Abdallah
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
| | - Marwa A A Fayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
| | - Yassmin Moatasim
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre Giza 12622 Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre Giza 12622 Egypt
| | - Mohammed Farrag El-Behairy
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
| | - Hanan Elimam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
| | - Yaseen A M M Elshaier
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City Menoufia 32897 Egypt
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