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A computational analysis of molecular evolution for virulence genes of zoonotic novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Comput Biol Chem 2021; 93:107532. [PMID: 34171504 PMCID: PMC8213524 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly pathogenic and transmissible considered as emerging pandemic disease. The virus belongs from a large virus Coronaviridae family affect respiratory tract of animal and human likely originated from bat and homology to SARA-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus consists of single-stranded positive genomic RNA coated by nucleocapsid protein. The rate of mutation in any virulence gene may influence the phenomenon of host radiation. We have studied the molecular evolution of selected virulence genes (HA, N, RdRP and S) of novel COVID-19. We used a site-specific comparison of synonymous (silent) and non-synonymous (amino acid altering) nucleotide substitutions. Maximum Likelihood genealogies based on differential gamma distribution rates were used for the analysis of null and alternate hypothesis. The null hypothesis was found more suitable for the analysis using Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT) method, confirming higher rate of substitution. The analysis revealed that RdRP gene had the fastest rate evolution followed by HA gene. We have also reported the new motifs for different virulence genes, which are further useful to design new detection and diagnosis kit for COVID -19.
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152
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Gorkhali R, Koirala P, Rijal S, Mainali A, Baral A, Bhattarai HK. Structure and Function of Major SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV Proteins. Bioinform Biol Insights 2021; 15:11779322211025876. [PMID: 34220199 PMCID: PMC8221690 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211025876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic, has a genomic organization consisting of 16 nonstructural proteins (nsps), 4 structural proteins, and 9 accessory proteins. Relative of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, has genomic organization, which is very similar. In this article, the function and structure of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are described in great detail. The nsps are expressed as a single or two polyproteins, which are then cleaved into individual proteins using two proteases of the virus, a chymotrypsin-like protease and a papain-like protease. The released proteins serve as centers of virus replication and transcription. Some of these nsps modulate the host’s translation and immune systems, while others help the virus evade the host immune system. Some of the nsps help form replication-transcription complex at double-membrane vesicles. Others, including one RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and one exonuclease, help in the polymerization of newly synthesized RNA of the virus and help minimize the mutation rate by proofreading. After synthesis of the viral RNA, it gets capped. The capping consists of adding GMP and a methylation mark, called cap 0 and additionally adding a methyl group to the terminal ribose called cap1. Capping is accomplished with the help of a helicase, which also helps remove a phosphate, two methyltransferases, and a scaffolding factor. Among the structural proteins, S protein forms the receptor of the virus, which latches on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the host and N protein binds and protects the genomic RNA of the virus. The accessory proteins found in these viruses are small proteins with immune modulatory roles. Besides functions of these proteins, solved X-ray and cryogenic electron microscopy structures related to the function of the proteins along with comparisons to other coronavirus homologs have been described in the article. Finally, the rate of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 residues of the proteome during the 2020 pandemic has been described. Some proteins are mutated more often than other proteins, but the significance of these mutation rates is not fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Gorkhali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | - Sadikshya Rijal
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Ashmita Mainali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Adesh Baral
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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153
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Miljanovic D, Milicevic O, Loncar A, Abazovic D, Despot D, Banko A. The First Molecular Characterization of Serbian SARS-CoV-2 Isolates From a Unique Early Second Wave in Europe. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:691154. [PMID: 34220784 PMCID: PMC8250835 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.691154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
March 6, 2020 is considered as the official date of the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Serbia. In late spring and early summer 2020, Europe recorded a decline in the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsiding of the first wave. This trend lasted until the fall, when the second wave of the epidemic began to appear. Unlike the rest of Europe, Serbia was hit by the second wave of the epidemic a few months earlier. Already in June 2020, newly confirmed cases had risen exponentially. As the COVID-19 pandemic is the first pandemic in which there has been instant sharing of genomic information on isolates around the world, the aim of this study was to analyze whole SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from Serbia, to identify circulating variants/clade/lineages, and to explore site-specific mutational patterns in the unique early second wave of the European epidemic. This analysis of Serbian isolates represents the first publication from Balkan countries, which demonstrates the importance of specificities of local transmission especially when preventive measures differ among countries. One hundred forty-eight different genome variants among 41 Serbian isolates were detected in this study. One unique and seven extremely rare mutations were identified, with locally specific continuous dominance of the 20D clade. At the same time, amino acid substitutions of newly identified variants of concern were found in our isolates from October 2020. Future research should be focused on functional characterization of novel mutations in order to understand the exact role of these variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Miljanovic
- Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ognjen Milicevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Loncar
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dzihan Abazovic
- Biocell Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia
- Emergency Medical Centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Dragana Despot
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Banko
- Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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154
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Bai Z, Cao Y, Liu W, Li J. The SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Its Role in Viral Structure, Biological Functions, and a Potential Target for Drug or Vaccine Mitigation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061115. [PMID: 34200602 PMCID: PMC8227405 DOI: 10.3390/v13061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the world is still expanding. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand this novel virus and find a way to control its spread. Like other coronaviruses, the nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the most crucial structural components of SARS-CoV-2. This protein shares 90% homology with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus N protein, implying functional significance. Based on the evolutionary conservation of the N protein in coronavirus, we reviewed the currently available knowledge regarding the SARS-CoV-2 N protein in terms of structure, biological functions, and clinical application as a drug target or vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.B.); (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.B.); (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.B.); (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (Z.B.); (Y.C.); (W.L.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence:
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155
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SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variability and Non-Specific Immunity Associated with the Use of Different BCG Strains-A Molecular and Clinical Approach. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060639. [PMID: 34200951 PMCID: PMC8230610 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of BCG vaccination against tuberculosis on the reduction in COVID-19 infection is related to the effect of the BCG vaccine on the immunomodulation of non-specific immunity. In the early stages of the pandemic, countries with universal BCG vaccination programs registered a low number of new cases of COVID-19, with the situation now reversed, as exemplified by India. The high genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2, a known characteristic of RNA viruses, causing the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 variants may have led to the virus adapting to overcome the initial immune protection. The strains from the United Kingdom (B1.1.7), Brazil (B1.1.28 and B1.1.33), South Africa (B.1.351), and India (B.1.617) are characterized by a greater ability to spread in the environment, in comparison with the original infectious agent of SARS-CoV-2. It should be remembered that the large variation in the genetic makeup of SARS-CoV-2 may result in future changes in its pathogenicity, immunogenicity and antigenicity, and therefore it is necessary to carefully study the mutations occurring within the virus to determine whether the current vaccines will remain effective. However, most studies show that monoclonal antibodies produced after vaccination against COVID-19 are effective against the newly developed variants.
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156
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Heggestad JT, Kinnamon DS, Olson LB, Liu J, Kelly G, Wall SA, Oshabaheebwa S, Quinn Z, Fontes CM, Joh DY, Hucknall AM, Pieper C, Anderson JG, Naqvi IA, Chen L, Que LG, Oguin T, Nair SK, Sullenger BA, Woods CW, Burke TW, Sempowski GD, Kraft BD, Chilkoti A. Multiplexed, quantitative serological profiling of COVID-19 from blood by a point-of-care test. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg4901. [PMID: 34172447 PMCID: PMC8232907 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg4901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Highly sensitive, specific, and point-of-care (POC) serological assays are an essential tool to manage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we report on a microfluidic POC test that can profile the antibody response against multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens-spike S1 (S1), nucleocapsid (N), and the receptor binding domain (RBD)-simultaneously from 60 μl of blood, plasma, or serum. We assessed the levels of antibodies in plasma samples from 31 individuals (with longitudinal sampling) with severe COVID-19, 41 healthy individuals, and 18 individuals with seasonal coronavirus infections. This POC assay achieved high sensitivity and specificity, tracked seroconversion, and showed good concordance with a live virus microneutralization assay. We can also detect a prognostic biomarker of severity, IP-10 (interferon-γ-induced protein 10), on the same chip. Because our test requires minimal user intervention and is read by a handheld detector, it can be globally deployed to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T Heggestad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - David S Kinnamon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Lyra B Olson
- Duke Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jason Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Garrett Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Simone A Wall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Solomon Oshabaheebwa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Zachary Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Cassio M Fontes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Daniel Y Joh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Angus M Hucknall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Carl Pieper
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jack G Anderson
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ibtehaj A Naqvi
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lingye Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Loretta G Que
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Thomas Oguin
- Department of Medicine and Duke Human Vaccine Institute, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bruce A Sullenger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christopher W Woods
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine and Duke Human Vaccine Institute, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Thomas W Burke
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gregory D Sempowski
- Department of Medicine and Duke Human Vaccine Institute, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bryan D Kraft
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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157
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Das A, Ahmed R, Akhtar S, Begum K, Banu S. An overview of basic molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 and current COVID-19 prevention strategies. GENE REPORTS 2021; 23:101122. [PMID: 33821222 PMCID: PMC8012276 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifests as extreme acute respiratory conditions caused by a novel beta coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is reported to be the seventh coronavirus to infect humans. Like other SARS-CoVs it has a large positive-stranded RNA genome. But, specific furin site in the spike protein, mutation prone and phylogenetically mess open reading frame1ab (Orf1ab) separates SARS-CoV-2 from other RNA viruses. Since the outbreak (February-March 2020), researchers, scientists, and medical professionals are inspecting all possible facts and aspects including its replication, detection, and prevention strategies. This led to the prompt identification of its basic biology, genome characterization, structural and expression based functional information of proteins, and utilization of this information in optimizing strategies to prevent its spread. This review summarizes the recent updates on the basic molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 and prevention strategies undertaken worldwide to tackle COVID-19. This recent information can be implemented for the development and designing of therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
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Key Words
- AEC2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- CD4 and CD8, cluster of differentiation
- CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- COVID-19, Coronavirus Diseases 2019
- GM-CSF, macrophage colony-stimulating factor
- Genome organization and expression
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HIV, human immune deficiency virus
- LAMP, loop mediated isothermal amplification
- MARS-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
- Prevention strategies
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- WHO, World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Das
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam 781014, India
| | - Raja Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam 781014, India
| | - Suraiya Akhtar
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam 781014, India
| | - Khaleda Begum
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam 781014, India
| | - Sofia Banu
- Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam 781014, India
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158
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Kumar S, Sarma P, Kaur H, Prajapat M, Bhattacharyya A, Avti P, Sehkhar N, Kaur H, Bansal S, Mahendiratta S, Mahalmani VM, Singh H, Prakash A, Kuhad A, Medhi B. Clinically relevant cell culture models and their significance in isolation, pathogenesis, vaccine development, repurposing and screening of new drugs for SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review. Tissue Cell 2021; 70:101497. [PMID: 33550034 PMCID: PMC7836970 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-Vitro/Cellular evidence is the backbone and vital proof of concept during the development of novel therapeutics as well as drugs repurposing against COVID-19. Choosing an ideal in-vitro model is vital as the virus entry is through ACE2, CD147, and TMPRSS2 dependant and very specific. In this regard, this is the first systematic review addressing the importance of specific cell lines used as potential in-vitro models in the isolation, pathogenesis, and therapeutics for SARS-COV-2. METHODS We searched 17 literature databases with appropriate keywords, and identified 1173 non-duplicate studies. In the present study, 71 articles are included after a careful, thorough screening of the titles and their abstracts for possible inclusion using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria (PRISMA Guidelines). RESULTS In the current study, we compiled cell culture-based studies for SARS-CoV-2 and found the best compatible In-Vitro models for SARS-CoV-2 (Vero, VeroE6, HEK293 as well as its variants, Huh-7, Calu-3 2B4, and Caco2). Among other essential cell lines used include LLC-MK2, MDCKII, BHK-21, HepG2, A549,T cell leukemia (MT-2), stems cells based cell line DYR0100for differentiation assays, and embryo-specific NIH3T3 cell line for vaccine production. CONCLUSION The Present study provides a detailed summary of all the drugs/compounds screened for drug repurposing and discovery purpose using the in-vitro models for SARS-CoV-2 along with isolation, pathogenesis and vaccine production. This study also suggests that after careful evaluation of all the cell line based studies, Kidney cells (VeroE6, HEK293 along with their clones), liver Huh-7cells, respiratory Calu-3 cells, and intestinal Caco-2 are the most widely used in-vitro models for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Phulen Sarma
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Hardeep Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | | | | | - Pramod Avti
- Department of Biophysics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | | | | | - Seema Bansal
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | | | | | | | - Ajay Prakash
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS). Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
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159
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Alfego D, Sullivan A, Poirier B, Williams J, Adcock D, Letovsky S. A population-based analysis of the longevity of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity in the United States. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 36:100902. [PMID: 34056568 PMCID: PMC8143650 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This cross-sectional study aimed to track population-based SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity duration across the United States using observational data from a national clinical laboratory registry of patients tested by nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) and serologic assays. Knowledge of antibody seropositivity and its duration may help dictate post-pandemic planning. METHODS Using assays to detect antibodies to either nucleocapsid (N) or spike (S) proteins performed on specimens from 39,086 individuals with confirmed positive COVID-19 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from March 2020 to January 2021, we analyzed nationwide seropositivity rates of IgG up to 300 days following patients' initial positive NAAT test. Linear regression identified trends in seropositivity rates and logistic regression tested positive predictability by age, sex, assay type and days post-infection. FINDINGS Seropositivity of IgG antibodies to both SARS-CoV-2 S and N-proteins followed a linear trend reaching approximately 90% positivity at 21 days post-index. The rate of N-protein seropositivity declined at a sharper rate, decaying to 68·2% [95% CI: 63·1-70·8%] after 293 days, while S-antibody seropositivity maintained a rate of 87·8% [95% CI: 86·3-89·1%] through 300 days. In addition to antigen type and the number of days post-positive PCR, age and gender were also significant factors in seropositivity prediction, with those under 65 years of age showing a more sustained seropositivity rate. INTERPRETATION Observational data from a national clinical laboratory, though limited by an epidemiological view of the U.S. population, offer an encouraging timeline for the development and sustainability of antibodies up to ten months from natural infection and could inform post-pandemic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alfego
- Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, 3595 Johns Hopkins Court, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Adam Sullivan
- Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, Burlington, NC, United States
| | - Brian Poirier
- Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, Burlington, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, Burlington, NC, United States
| | - Dorothy Adcock
- Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, Burlington, NC, United States
| | - Stanley Letovsky
- Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, Burlington, NC, United States
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160
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Comparative Transcriptomic and Molecular Pathway Analyses of HL-CZ Human Pro-Monocytic Cells Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1, S2, NP, NSP15 and NSP16 Genes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061193. [PMID: 34073047 PMCID: PMC8228226 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061193] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a clear and present threat to global public health. Research into how the causative SARS-CoV-2 virus together with its individual constituent genes and proteins interact with target host cells can facilitate the development of improved strategies to manage the acute and long-term complications of COVID-19. In this study, to better understand the biological roles of critical SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we determined and compared the host transcriptomic responses of the HL-CZ human pro-monocytic cell line upon transfection with key viral genes encoding the spike S1 subunit, S2 subunit, nucleocapsid protein (NP), NSP15 (endoribonuclease), and NSP16 (2′-O-ribose-methyltransferase). RNA sequencing followed by gene set enrichment analysis and other bioinformatics tools revealed that host genes associated with topologically incorrect protein, virus receptor activity, heat shock protein binding, endoplasmic reticulum stress, antigen processing and presentation were up-regulated in the presence of viral spike S1 expression. With spike S2 expression, pro-monocytic genes associated with the interferon-gamma-mediated signaling pathway, regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, adipocytokine signaling pathway, and insulin signaling pathway were down-regulated, whereas those associated with cytokine-mediated signaling were up-regulated. The expression of NSP15 induced the up-regulation of genes associated with neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil-mediated immunity, oxidative phosphorylation, prion disease, and pathways of neurodegeneration. The expression of NSP16 resulted in the down-regulation of genes associated with S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase activity. The expression of NP down-regulated genes associated with positive regulation of neurogenesis, nervous system development, and heart development. Taken together, the complex transcriptomic alterations arising from these viral-host gene interactions offer useful insights into host genes and their pathways that potentially contribute to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
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161
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Tascioglu D, Akkaya E, Genc S. The understanding of the immunopathology in COVID-19 infection. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2021; 81:255-263. [PMID: 34032527 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2021.1892817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses belonging to the Coronaviridae family are single-stranded RNA viruses. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 is accomplished via ACE-2 receptors. SARS-CoV-2 infection coactivates both innate and adaptive immune responses. Although SARS-CoV-2 stimulates antibody production with a typical pattern of IgM/IgG, cellular immunity is also impaired. In severe cases, low CD4 + and CD8 + T cell counts are associated with impaired immune functions, and high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios accompanying low lymphocyte subsets have been demonstrated. Recently, high IFN -α/γ ratios with impaired T cell responses, and increased IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IP-10, IL-4, IL-10 have been reported in COVID-19 infection. Increased proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in patients with severe COVID-19 may cause the suppression of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and regulatory T cells, causing excessive inflammatory responses and fatal cytokine storm with tissue and organ damage. Consequently, novel therapeutics to be developed against host immune system, including blockade of cytokines (IL-6, IL-1, IFN) themselves, their receptors or signaling pathways- JAK inhibitors- could be effective as potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Tascioglu
- Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Liv Hospital, Istinye University, Esenyurt, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emre Akkaya
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Genc
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
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162
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Mardian Y, Kosasih H, Karyana M, Neal A, Lau CY. Review of Current COVID-19 Diagnostics and Opportunities for Further Development. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:615099. [PMID: 34026773 PMCID: PMC8138031 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.615099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic testing plays a critical role in addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Rapid and accurate diagnostic tests are imperative for identifying and managing infected individuals, contact tracing, epidemiologic characterization, and public health decision making. Laboratory testing may be performed based on symptomatic presentation or for screening of asymptomatic people. Confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection is typically by nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), which requires specialized equipment and training and may be particularly challenging in resource-limited settings. NAAT may give false-negative results due to timing of sample collection relative to infection, improper sampling of respiratory specimens, inadequate preservation of samples, and technical limitations; false-positives may occur due to technical errors, particularly contamination during the manual real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) process. Thus, clinical presentation, contact history and contemporary phyloepidemiology must be considered when interpreting results. Several sample-to-answer platforms, including high-throughput systems and Point of Care (PoC) assays, have been developed to increase testing capacity and decrease technical errors. Alternatives to RT-PCR assay, such as other RNA detection methods and antigen tests may be appropriate for certain situations, such as resource-limited settings. While sequencing is important to monitor on-going evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, antibody assays are useful for epidemiologic purposes. The ever-expanding assortment of tests, with varying clinical utility, performance requirements, and limitations, merits comparative evaluation. We herein provide a comprehensive review of currently available COVID-19 diagnostics, exploring their pros and cons as well as appropriate indications. Strategies to further optimize safety, speed, and ease of SARS-CoV-2 testing without compromising accuracy are suggested. Access to scalable diagnostic tools and continued technologic advances, including machine learning and smartphone integration, will facilitate control of the current pandemic as well as preparedness for the next one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Mardian
- Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease (INA-RESPOND), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Herman Kosasih
- Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease (INA-RESPOND), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Karyana
- Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease (INA-RESPOND), Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Aaron Neal
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chuen-Yen Lau
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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163
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Hong SH, Oh H, Park YW, Kwak HW, Oh EY, Park HJ, Kang KW, Kim G, Koo BS, Hwang EH, Baek SH, Park HJ, Lee YS, Bang YJ, Kim JY, Bae SH, Lee SJ, Seo KW, Kim H, Kwon T, Kim JH, Lee S, Kim E, Kim Y, Park JH, Park SI, Gonçalves M, Weon BM, Jeong H, Nam KT, Hwang KA, Kim J, Kim H, Lee SM, Hong JJ, Nam JH. Immunization with RBD-P2 and N protects against SARS-CoV-2 in nonhuman primates. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/22/eabg7156. [PMID: 34049881 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg7156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), various vaccines are being developed, with most vaccine candidates focusing on the viral spike protein. Here, we developed a previously unknown subunit vaccine comprising the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein fused with the tetanus toxoid epitope P2 (RBD-P2) and tested its efficacy in rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs). We also investigated whether the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N) could increase vaccine efficacy. Immunization with N and RBD-P2 (RBDP2/N) + alum increased T cell responses in mice and neutralizing antibody levels in rats compared with those obtained using RBD-P2 + alum. Furthermore, in NHPs, RBD-P2/N + alum induced slightly faster SARS-CoV-2 clearance than that induced by RBD-P2 + alum, albeit without statistical significance. Our study supports further development of RBD-P2 as a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2. Also, it provides insights regarding the use of N in protein-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Hee Hong
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanseul Oh
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Wook Park
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Kwak
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Oh
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresources, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Park
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kang
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresources, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Green Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon-Sang Koo
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ha Hwang
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ho Baek
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong-Jun Park
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Sun Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Bang
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Kim
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyeon Bae
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jeen Lee
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Weon Seo
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewoo Kwon
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hwan Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghwan Lee
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsom Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhwa Kim
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresources, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hak Park
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-In Park
- Scripps Korea Antibody Institute, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Marta Gonçalves
- Soft Matter Physics Laboratory, School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Mook Weon
- Soft Matter Physics Laboratory, School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Haengdueng Jeong
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Taek Nam
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Hwang
- Department of Research and Development, SML Genetree, Baumero 225, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06740, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SK Bioscience, Pangyoro 332, Bundang-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Myeong Lee
- Present address: College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Joo Hong
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Hwan Nam
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea.
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164
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Hasan A, Paray BA, Hussain A, Qadir FA, Attar F, Aziz FM, Sharifi M, Derakhshankhah H, Rasti B, Mehrabi M, Shahpasand K, Saboury AA, Falahati M. A review on the cleavage priming of the spike protein on coronavirus by angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and furin. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 39:3025-3033. [PMID: 32274964 PMCID: PMC7189411 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1754293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The widespread antigenic changes lead to the emergence of a new type of coronavirus (CoV) called as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 that is immunologically different from the previous circulating species. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) is one of the most important receptors on the cell membrane of the host cells (HCs) which its interaction with spike protein (SP) with a furin-cleavage site results in the SARS-CoV-2 invasion. Hence, in this review, we presented an overview on the interaction of ACE-2 and furin with SP. As several kinds of CoVs, from various genera, have at their S1/S2 binding site a preserved site, we further surveyed the role of furin cleavage site (FCS) on the life cycle of the CoV. Furthermore, we discussed that the small molecular inhibitors can limit the interaction of ACE-2 and furin with SP and can be used as potential therapeutic platforms to combat the spreading CoV epidemic. Finally, some ongoing challenges and future prospects for the development of potential drugs to promote targeting specific activities of the CoV were reviewed. In conclusion, this review may pave the way for providing useful information about different compounds involved in improving the effectiveness of CoV vaccine or drugs with minimum toxicity against human health.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Ahamad Paray
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fikry Ali Qadir
- Department of Biology, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Farnoosh Attar
- Faculty of Food Industry and Agriculture, Department of Biology, Standard Research Institute (SRI), Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Majid Sharifi
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran;
| | - Hossein Derakhshankhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behnam Rasti
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Mehrabi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology (RI-SCBT), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran;
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165
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Perna F, Bruzzaniti S, Piemonte E, Maddaloni V, Atripaldi L, Sale S, Sanduzzi A, Nicastro C, Pepe N, Bifulco M, Matarese G, Galgani M, Atripaldi L. Serum levels of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen associate with inflammatory status and disease severity in COVID-19 patients. Clin Immunol 2021; 226:108720. [PMID: 33819577 PMCID: PMC8017913 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Perna
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - Sara Bruzzaniti
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy,Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Erica Piemonte
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maddaloni
- UOC Biochimica Clinica, AORN Ospedale dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, Naples, Italy
| | - Lidia Atripaldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi della Campania “Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Sale
- UOC Biochimica Clinica, AORN Ospedale dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sanduzzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicastro
- UOC Biochimica Clinica, AORN Ospedale dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Pepe
- UOC Biochimica Clinica, AORN Ospedale dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Galgani
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy,Corresponding author at: Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy
| | - Luigi Atripaldi
- UOC Biochimica Clinica, AORN Ospedale dei Colli, Ospedale Monaldi, Naples, Italy
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166
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Abstract
More than a year after its emergence, COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, continues to plague the world and dominate our daily lives. Even with the development of effective vaccines, this coronavirus pandemic continues to cause a fervor with the identification of major new variants hailing from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and California. Coupled with worries over a distinct mink strain that has caused human infections and potential for further mutations, SARS-CoV-2 variants bring concerns for increased spread and escape from both vaccine and natural infection immunity. Here, we outline factors driving SARS-CoV-2 variant evolution, explore the potential impact of specific mutations, examine the risk of further mutations, and consider the experimental studies needed to understand the threat these variants pose. In this review, Plante et al. examine SARS-CoV-2 variants including B.1.1.7 (UK), B.1.351 (RSA), P.1 (Brazil), and B.1.429 (California). They focus on what factors contribute to variant emergence, mutations in and outside the spike protein, and studies needed to understand the impact of variants on infection, transmission, and vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Brooke M Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kari Debbink
- Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University, Bowie, MD, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Vineet D Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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167
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Reduced Nucleoprotein Availability Impairs Negative-Sense RNA Virus Replication and Promotes Host Recognition. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02274-20. [PMID: 33568513 PMCID: PMC8104106 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02274-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative-sense RNA viruses (NSVs) rely on prepackaged viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) to replicate and transcribe their viral genomes. Their replication machinery consists of an RdRp bound to viral RNA which is wound around a nucleoprotein (NP) scaffold, forming a viral ribonucleoprotein complex. NSV NP is known to regulate transcription and replication of genomic RNA; however, its role in maintaining and protecting the viral genetic material is unknown. Here, we exploited host microRNA expression to target NP of influenza A virus and Sendai virus to ascertain how this would impact genomic levels and the host response to infection. We find that in addition to inducing a drastic decrease in genome replication, the antiviral host response in the absence of NP is dramatically enhanced. Additionally, our data show that insufficient levels of NP prevent the replication machinery of these NSVs to process full-length genomes, resulting in aberrant replication products which form pathogen-associated molecular patterns in the process. These dynamics facilitate immune recognition by cellular pattern recognition receptors leading to a strong host antiviral response. Moreover, we observe that the consequences of limiting NP levels are universal among NSVs, including Ebola virus, Lassa virus, and measles virus. Overall, these results provide new insights into viral genome replication of negative-sense RNA viruses and highlight novel avenues for developing effective antiviral strategies, adjuvants, and/or live-attenuated vaccines.IMPORTANCE Negative-sense RNA viruses comprise some of the most important known human pathogens, including influenza A virus, measles virus, and Ebola virus. These viruses possess RNA genomes that are unreadable to the host, as they require specific viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases in conjunction with other viral proteins, such as nucleoprotein, to be replicated and transcribed. As this process generates a significant amount of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, this phylum of viruses can result in a robust induction of the intrinsic host cellular response. To circumvent these defenses, these viruses form tightly regulated ribonucleoprotein replication complexes in order to protect their genomes from detection and to prevent excessive aberrant replication. Here, we demonstrate the balance that negative-sense RNA viruses must achieve both to replicate efficiently and to avoid induction of the host defenses.
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168
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Kiss A, Ryan PM, Mondal T. Management of COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: A comprehensive literature review. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2021; 63:101381. [PMID: 33850412 PMCID: PMC8032479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2021.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The prevalence and severity of COVID-19 are greatly reduced in children, yet some pediatric patients develop a syndrome resembling Kawasaki Disease (KD), termed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). With an estimated incidence of 2/100,000 children, MIS-C is relatively rare but can be fatal. Clinical features can include fever, hyperinflammatory state, gastrointestinal symptoms, myocardial dysfunction, and shock. The pathogenesis of MIS-C, although yet to be completely elucidated, appears to be distinct from KD in terms of epidemiology, severity, and biochemical signature. Aim of Review Although efficacy of treatments for MIS-C have largely not yet been investigated, we aim to conduct a comprehensive literature search of numerous medical databases (AMED, EBM Reviews, Embase, Healthstar, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Cochrane) to highlight treatments used around the world, their rationale, and outcomes to better inform guidelines in the future. Using the findings, an approach to MIS-C management will be outlined. Key Scientific Concepts of Review MIS-C appears to be a SARS-CoV-2 related post-infection phenomenon that is distinct from Kawasaki disease. Although outcomes are largely favorable, there is significant variation in MIS-C treatment. Most management regimens reported to date mirror that of KD; however, targeted therapy based on specific MIS-C phenotypes may have the potential to improve outcomes. We recommend close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team, symptomatic treatment (e.g., intravenous immunoglobulin for KD-like symptoms, steroids/immunotherapy for multisystem inflammation), and long-term follow-up. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of current MIS-C treatments and to determine more refined therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Kiss
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paul MacDaragh Ryan
- Brookfield School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tapas Mondal
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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169
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Mohammed MEA. The percentages of SARS-CoV-2 protein similarity and identity with SARS-CoV and BatCoV RaTG13 proteins can be used as indicators of virus origin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 12:81-91. [PMID: 33850392 PMCID: PMC8033097 DOI: 10.1007/s42485-021-00060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There are three types of proteins in coronaviruses: nonstructural, structural, and accessory proteins. Coronavirus proteins are essential for viral replication and for the binding and invasion of hosts and the regulation of host cell metabolism and immunity. This study investigated the amino acid sequence similarity and identity percentages of 10 proteins in SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and the Rhinolophus affinis bat coronavirus (BatCoV RaTG13). The investigated proteins were the 1ab polyprotein, spike protein, orf3a, the envelope protein, the membrane protein, orf6, orf7a, orf7b, orf8, and the nucleocapsid protein. The online sequence alignment service of The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite (EMBOSS) was used to determine the percentages of protein similarity and identity in the three viruses. The results showed that the similarity and identity percentages of the SARS-CoV-2 and BatCoV RaTG13 proteins were both greater than 95%, while the identity and similarity percentages of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV were both greater than 38%. The proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and BatCoV RaTG13 have high identity and similarity compared to those of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Elimam Ahamed Mohammed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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170
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Noor FA, Safain KS, Hossain MW, Arafath K, Mannoor K, Kabir M. Development and performance evaluation of the first in-house multiplex rRT-PCR assay in Bangladesh for highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. J Virol Methods 2021; 293:114147. [PMID: 33812943 PMCID: PMC8015390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is posing a great threat to global health and economy. Due to the lack of broad diagnostic setup, consistent reagent supply lines, and access to laboratory instruments and equipment, it is undoubtedly an enormous burden for developing countries to face the crisis. Objectives To develop a cost-effective, reliable and sensitive multiplex assay for SARS-CoV-2 screening which would expand the testing capacities of a developing and low-income country like Bangladesh. Study design Initially a singleplex and then a multiplex real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR assays were developed targeting 2 nucleocapsid genes of SARS-CoV-2, and the human RNase P gene as an internal control using laboratory-made mastermixes. Three sets of primer- probes were designed for each of the target genes and one set was optimized for the final reaction set-up. Limit of detection, cross-reactivity and reproducibility were checked in order to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the assays, and validation was done using clinical specimens. Results Clinical evaluation of the new assays using 240 nasopharyngeal swabs showed 100 % sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in human. Equal efficiency and concordant results were observed between the singleplex and multiplex approaches. Notably, the kit was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA at very low concentration upto 5 copies/reaction. Conclusion This is the first locally developed multiplex rRT-PCR kit in Bangladesh providing rapid and low-cost screening of COVID-19 which would be valuable for infection prevention and clinical management in the perspective of Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Akther Noor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Tejgaon College, Tejgaon, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Sarjana Safain
- Molecular Division, OMC Healthcare (Pvt.) Ltd, Rupnagar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Walid Hossain
- Molecular Division, OMC Healthcare (Pvt.) Ltd, Rupnagar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Khalid Arafath
- Molecular Division, OMC Healthcare (Pvt.) Ltd, Rupnagar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Kaiissar Mannoor
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mazbahul Kabir
- Molecular Division, OMC Healthcare (Pvt.) Ltd, Rupnagar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
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171
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Wehbe Z, Wehbe M, Iratni R, Pintus G, Zaraket H, Yassine HM, Eid AH. Repurposing Ivermectin for COVID-19: Molecular Aspects and Therapeutic Possibilities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663586. [PMID: 33859652 PMCID: PMC8043070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As of January 2021, SARS-CoV-2 has killed over 2 million individuals across the world. As such, there is an urgent need for vaccines and therapeutics to reduce the burden of COVID-19. Several vaccines, including mRNA, vector-based vaccines, and inactivated vaccines, have been approved for emergency use in various countries. However, the slow roll-out of vaccines and insufficient global supply remains a challenge to turn the tide of the pandemic. Moreover, vaccines are important tools for preventing the disease but therapeutic tools to treat patients are also needed. As such, since the beginning of the pandemic, repurposed FDA-approved drugs have been sought as potential therapeutic options for COVID-19 due to their known safety profiles and potential anti-viral effects. One of these drugs is ivermectin (IVM), an antiparasitic drug created in the 1970s. IVM later exerted antiviral activity against various viruses including SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we delineate the story of how this antiparasitic drug was eventually identified as a potential treatment option for COVID-19. We review SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle, the role of the nucleocapsid protein, the turning points in past research that provided initial 'hints' for IVM's antiviral activity and its molecular mechanism of action- and finally, we culminate with the current clinical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zena Wehbe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Wehbe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Q.U. Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Q.U. Health. Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, Q.U. Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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172
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Jack A, Ferro LS, Trnka MJ, Wehri E, Nadgir A, Nguyenla X, Costa K, Stanley S, Schaletzky J, Yildiz A. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein forms condensates with viral genomic RNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2020.09.14.295824. [PMID: 32995779 PMCID: PMC7523105 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.14.295824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes COVID-19, a pandemic that seriously threatens global health. SARS-CoV-2 propagates by packaging its RNA genome into membrane enclosures in host cells. The packaging of the viral genome into the nascent virion is mediated by the nucleocapsid (N) protein, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that the N protein forms biomolecular condensates with viral genomic RNA both in vitro and in mammalian cells. Phase separation is driven, in part, by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. While the N protein forms spherical assemblies with unstructured RNA, it forms asymmetric condensates with viral RNA strands that contain secondary structure elements. Cross-linking mass spectrometry identified a region that forms interactions between N proteins in condensates, and truncation of this region disrupts phase separation. We also identified small molecules that alter the formation of N protein condensates. These results suggest that the N protein may utilize biomolecular condensation to package the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome into a viral particle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Jack
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley CA
| | - Luke S. Ferro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA
| | - Michael J. Trnka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco CA
| | - Eddie Wehri
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, University of California, Berkeley CA
| | - Amrut Nadgir
- Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley CA
| | - Xammy Nguyenla
- School of Public Health, Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | | | - Sarah Stanley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA
- School of Public Health, Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, University of California, Berkeley CA
| | - Ahmet Yildiz
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley CA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA
- Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley CA
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173
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Zhang Y, Li D, Zhao H, Wang L, Liao Y, Li X, Mou T, Li Q. The role of multiple SARS-CoV-2 viral antigens in a vaccine-induced integrated immune response. Vaccine 2021; 39:2500-2503. [PMID: 33814228 PMCID: PMC7983451 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Lichun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yun Liao
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xueqi Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Tangwei Mou
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Qihan Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development for Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China.
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174
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Khan MT, Ali S, Khan AS, Muhammad N, Khalil F, Ishfaq M, Irfan M, Al-Sehemi AG, Muhammad S, Malik A, Khan TA, Wei DQ. SARS-CoV-2 Genome from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:6588-6599. [PMID: 33748571 PMCID: PMC7944396 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Among viral outbreaks, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the deadliest ones, and it has triggered the global COVID-19 pandemic. In Pakistan, until 5th September 2020, a total of 6342 deaths have been reported, of which 1255 were from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. To understand the disease progression and control and also to produce vaccines and therapeutic efforts, whole genome sequence analysis is important. In the current investigation, we sequenced a single sample of SARS-CoV-2 genomes (accession no. MT879619) from a male suspect from Peshawar, the KPK capital city, during the first wave of infection. The local SARS-CoV-2 strain shows some unique characteristics compared to neighboring Iranian and Chinese isolates in phylogenetic tree and mutations. The circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2 represent an intermediate evolution from China and Iran. Furthermore, eight complete whole genome sequences, including the current Pakistani isolates which have been submitted to Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GSAID), were also investigated for specific mutations and characters. Some novel mutations [NSP2 (D268del), NSP5 (N228K), and NS3 (F105S)] and specific characters have been detected in the coding regions, which may affect viral transmission, epidemiology, and disease severity. The computational modeling revealed that a majority of these mutations may have a stabilizing effect on the viral protein structure. In conclusion, the genome sequencing of local strains is important for better understanding the pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and epidemiology of causative agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Khan
- Institute of Molecular
Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University
of Lahore, KM Defence Road, Lahore 58810, Pakistan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism,
Shanghai−Islamabad−Belgrade Joint Innovation Center
on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Research Laboratory
of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences and School of Life Sciences
and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P. R. China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Sajid Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Sheed Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Bannu Road, Near Jarma Bridge, Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Noor Muhammad
- Department of Microbiology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Bannu Road, Near Jarma Bridge, Kohat 26000, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry, Khyber Medical
College, Peshawar 25160, Pakistan
- University
of Peshawar, Road No.
2, Rahat Abad, Peshawar 25120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ishfaq
- Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia
College Peshawar. Grand Trunk Road, Rahat Abad, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department
of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University
of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Abdullah G. Al-Sehemi
- Research Center for Advanced Materials
Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shabbir Muhammad
- Research Center for Advanced Materials
Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism,
Shanghai−Islamabad−Belgrade Joint Innovation Center
on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Research Laboratory
of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences and School of Life Sciences
and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P. R. China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Arif Malik
- Institute of Molecular
Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University
of Lahore, KM Defence Road, Lahore 58810, Pakistan
| | - Taj Ali Khan
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Phase V, Hayatabad, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 25000, Pakistan
| | - Dong Qing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism,
Shanghai−Islamabad−Belgrade Joint Innovation Center
on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Research Laboratory
of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences and School of Life Sciences
and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P. R. China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
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175
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Evaluation of kinetics and thermodynamics of interaction between immobilized SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and specific antibodies by total internal reflection ellipsometry. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 594:195-203. [PMID: 33761394 PMCID: PMC7943374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.02.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During the pandemic, different methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection and COVID-19 diagnostics were developed, including antibody and antigen tests. For a better understanding of the interaction mechanism between SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins and specific antibodies, total internal reflection ellipsometry based evaluation of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (SCoV2-rN) and anti-SCoV2-rN antibodies was performed. Results show that the appropriate mathematical model, which takes into account the formation of an intermediate complex, can be applied for the evaluation of SCoV2-rN/anti-SCoV2-rN complex formation kinetics. The calculated steric factor indicated that SCoV2-rN/anti-SCoV2-rN complex formation has very strict steric requirements. Estimated Gibbs free energy (ΔGAssoc) for SCoV-rN and anti-SCoV-rN binding was determined as −34 kJ/mol. The reported findings are useful for the design of new analytical systems for the determination of anti-SCoV2-rN antibodies and for the development of new anti-SARS-CoV-2 medications.
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176
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Toh YH, Huang YW, Chang YC, Chen YT, Hsu YT, Lin GH. Reactivity of human antisera to codon optimized SARS-CoV2 viral proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. Tzu Chi Med J 2021; 33:146-153. [PMID: 33912411 PMCID: PMC8059472 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_189_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health worldwide. The development of rapid diagnostic kits can assist the Tzu Chi Foundation in supporting global volunteers working to provide relief during the current pandemic. Materials and Methods In this study, nucleotide sequences derived from publicly available viral genome data for several domains of the SARS-CoV2 spike and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were chemically synthesized, with codon optimization for Escherichia coli protein expression. No actual viral particles were involved in these experiments. The synthesized sequences were cloned into an E. coli expression system based on pQE80L, and expressed viral proteins were subsequently purified using Ni-affinity chromatography. Western blotting was conducted using human antiviral sera to assess the response of codon-modified viral proteins to COVID-19 patient sera. Results N protein was expressed in amounts large enough to support large-scale production. The N-terminal domain, receptor-binding domain (RBD), Region 3, and the S2 domain were expressed in small but sufficient amounts for experiments. Immunoblotting results showed that anti-N IgG and anti-N IgM antibodies were detected in most patient sera, but only 60% of samples reacted with the recombinant RBD and S2 domain expressed by E. coli. Conclusion The results indicated that codon-optimized SARS-CoV2 viral proteins can be expressed in E. coli and purified for rapid antibody detection kit preparation, with the codon-optimized N protein, RBD, and S2 protein demonstrating the most potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee-Huan Toh
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Weng Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yo-Chen Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Hsu
- Master Program in Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guang-Huey Lin
- Master Program in Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,International College, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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177
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Oh SJ, Shin OS. SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Targets RIG-I-Like Receptor Pathways to Inhibit the Induction of Interferon Response. Cells 2021; 10:530. [PMID: 33801464 PMCID: PMC7999926 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has resulted in the current pandemic. The lack of highly efficacious antiviral drugs that can manage this ongoing global emergency gives urgency to establishing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. We characterized the role of the nucleocapsid protein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 in modulating antiviral immunity. Overexpression of SARS-CoV-2 N resulted in the attenuation of retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptor-mediated interferon (IFN) production and IFN-induced gene expression. Similar to the SARS-CoV-1 N protein, SARS-CoV-2 N suppressed the interaction between tripartate motif protein 25 (TRIM25) and RIG-I. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 N inhibited polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]-mediated IFN signaling at the level of Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interfered with the association between TBK1 and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), subsequently preventing the nuclear translocation of IRF3. We further found that both type I and III IFN production induced by either the influenza virus lacking the nonstructural protein 1 or the Zika virus were suppressed by the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Our findings provide insights into the molecular function of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein with respect to counteracting the host antiviral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ok Sarah Shin
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul
08308, Korea;
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178
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Kaur M, Sharma A, Kumar S, Singh G, Barnwal RP. SARS-CoV-2: Insights into its structural intricacies and functional aspects for drug and vaccine development. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 179:45-60. [PMID: 33662418 PMCID: PMC7919520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Globally, SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as threat to life and economy. Researchers are trying to find a cure against this pathogen but without much success. Several attempts have been made to understand the atomic level details of SARS-CoV-2 in the past few months. However, one review with all structural details for drug and vaccine development has been missing. Hence, this review aims to summarize key functional roles played by various domains of SARS-CoV-2 genome during its entry into the host, replication, repression of host immune response and overall viral life cycle. Additionally, various proteins of SARS-CoV-2 for finding a potent inhibitor have also been highlighted. To mitigate this deadly virus, an understanding of atomic level information, pathogenicity mechanisms and functions of different proteins in causing the infection is imperative. Thus, these structural details would finally pave the way for development of a potential drug/vaccine against the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India; UIPS, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- UIPS, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Ravi P Barnwal
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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179
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Pushparajah D, Jimenez S, Wong S, Alattas H, Nafissi N, Slavcev RA. Advances in gene-based vaccine platforms to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:113-141. [PMID: 33422546 PMCID: PMC7789827 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel betacoronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), has spread across the globe at an unprecedented rate since its first emergence in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. Scientific communities around the world have been rigorously working to develop a potent vaccine to combat COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), employing conventional and novel vaccine strategies. Gene-based vaccine platforms based on viral vectors, DNA, and RNA, have shown promising results encompassing both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in previous studies, supporting their implementation for COVID-19 vaccine development. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the emergency use of two RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. We review current gene-based vaccine candidates proceeding through clinical trials, including their antigenic targets, delivery vehicles, and route of administration. Important features of previous gene-based vaccine developments against other infectious diseases are discussed in guiding the design and development of effective vaccines against COVID-19 and future derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Pushparajah
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Salma Jimenez
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada; Theraphage, 151 Charles St W Suite # 199, Kitchener, ON, N2G 1H6, Canada
| | - Shirley Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Hibah Alattas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Nafiseh Nafissi
- Mediphage Bioceuticals, 661 University Avenue, Suite 1300, Toronto, ON, M5G 0B7, Canada
| | - Roderick A Slavcev
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada; Mediphage Bioceuticals, 661 University Avenue, Suite 1300, Toronto, ON, M5G 0B7, Canada; Theraphage, 151 Charles St W Suite # 199, Kitchener, ON, N2G 1H6, Canada.
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180
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Hu X, Zhou Z, Li F, Xiao Y, Wang Z, Xu J, Dong F, Zheng H, Yu R. The study of antiviral drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins through large-scale compound repurposing. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06387. [PMID: 33688584 PMCID: PMC7919521 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Contributing to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) clinical treatment, a drug library encompassing approximately 3,142 clinical-stage or FDA-approved small molecules is profiled to identify the candidate therapeutic inhibitors targeting nucleocapsid protein (N) and spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2. 16 screened candidates with higher binding affinity are evaluated via virtual screening. Comparing to those under trial/temporarily used antivirus drugs (i.e., umifenovir, lopinavir), ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and cefuroxime show higher binding affinities to the N-terminal domain of N protein (N-NTD), C-terminal domain of N protein (N-CTD), and receptor-binding domain of S protein (S-RBD). Cefotaxime and cefuroxime have high binding affinities towards S-RBD with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) complex via influence the critical interface sites at the interface of S-RBD (Arg403, Tyr453, Trp495, Gly496, Phe497, Asn501and Tyr505) and ACE2 (Asn33, His34, Glu37, Asp38, Lys353, Ala386, Ala387, Gln388, Pro389, Phe390 and Arg393) complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqiao Hu
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenru Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Fei Li
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, SZ University Town, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, SZ University Town, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Fajin Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Hairong Zheng
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, SZ University Town, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Rongmin Yu
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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181
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Mohammed MEA. SARS-CoV-2 proteins: Are they useful as targets for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines? Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:50-66. [PMID: 33622224 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666210223143243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The proteins of coronavirus are classified to nonstructural, structural, and accessory. There are 16 nonstructural viral proteins beside their precursors (1a and 1ab polyproteins). The nonstructural proteins are named as nsp1 to nsp16 and they act as enzymes, coenzymes, and binding proteins to facilitate the replication, transcription, and translation of the virus. The structural proteins are bound to the RNA in the nucleocapsid (N- protein) or to the lipid bilayer membrane of the viral envelope. The lipid bilayer proteins include the membrane protein (M), envelope protein (E), and spike protein (S). Beside their role as structural proteins, they are essential for the host cells binding and invasion. The SARS-CoV-2 contains six accessory proteins which participates in the viral replication, assembly and virus- host interactions. The SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins are orf3a, orf6, orf7a, orf7b, orf8, and orf10. The functions of the SARS-CoV-2 are not well known, while the functions of their corresponding proteins in SARS-CoV are either well known or poorly studied. Recently, the Oxford University and Pfizer and BioNTech made SARS-CoV-2 vaccines through targeting the spike protein gene. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the health authorities of the United Kingdom approved and started vaccination using the Pfizer and BioNTech mRNA vaccine. Also, The FDA of USA approved the treatment of COVID-19 using two monoclonal antibodies produced by Regeneron pharmaceuticals to target the spike protein. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins can be used for the diagnosis, as drug targets and in vaccination trials for COVID-19. For future COVID-19 research, more efforts should be done to elaborate the functions and structure of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins so as to use them as targets for COVID-19 drug and vaccines. Special attention should be drawn to extensive research on the SARS-CoV-2 nsp3, orf8, and orf10.
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182
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Gao T, Gao Y, Liu X, Nie Z, Sun H, Lin K, Peng H, Wang S. Identification and functional analysis of the SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid protein. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:58. [PMID: 33618668 PMCID: PMC7898026 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A severe form of pneumonia, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization is widespread on the whole world. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was proved to be the main agent of COVID-19. In the present study, we conducted an in depth analysis of the SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid to identify potential targets that may allow identification of therapeutic targets. METHODS The SARS-COV-2 N protein subcellular localization and physicochemical property was analyzed by PSORT II Prediction and ProtParam tool. Then SOPMA tool and swiss-model was applied to analyze the structure of N protein. Next, the biological function was explored by mass spectrometry analysis and flow cytometry. At last, its potential phosphorylation sites were analyzed by NetPhos3.1 Server and PROVEAN PROTEIN. RESULTS SARS-COV-2 N protein composed of 419 aa, is a 45.6 kDa positively charged unstable hydrophobic protein. It has 91 and 49% similarity to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and is predicted to be predominantly a nuclear protein. It mainly contains random coil (55.13%) of which the tertiary structure was further determined with high reliability (95.76%). Cells transfected with SARS-COV-2 N protein usually show a G1/S phase block company with an increased expression of TUBA1C, TUBB6. At last, our analysis of SARS-COV-2 N protein predicted a total number of 12 phosphorylated sites and 9 potential protein kinases which would significantly affect SARS-COV-2 N protein function. CONCLUSION In this study, we report the physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, and biological function of SARS-COV-2 N protein. The 12 phosphorylated sites and 9 potential protein kinase sites in SARS-COV-2 N protein may serve as promising targets for drug discovery and development for of a recombinant virus vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Gao
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingdong Gao
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangxiang Liu
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenlin Nie
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilin Sun
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kang Lin
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxin Peng
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shukui Wang
- Department of clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China. .,Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China. .,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center on Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China.
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183
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Gorgulla C, Padmanabha Das KM, Leigh KE, Cespugli M, Fischer PD, Wang ZF, Tesseyre G, Pandita S, Shnapir A, Calderaio A, Gechev M, Rose A, Lewis N, Hutcheson C, Yaffe E, Luxenburg R, Herce HD, Durmaz V, Halazonetis TD, Fackeldey K, Patten J, Chuprina A, Dziuba I, Plekhova A, Moroz Y, Radchenko D, Tarkhanova O, Yavnyuk I, Gruber C, Yust R, Payne D, Näär AM, Namchuk MN, Davey RA, Wagner G, Kinney J, Arthanari H. A multi-pronged approach targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins using ultra-large virtual screening. iScience 2021; 24:102021. [PMID: 33426509 PMCID: PMC7783459 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The unparalleled global effort to combat the continuing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic over the last year has resulted in promising prophylactic measures. However, a need still exists for cheap, effective therapeutics, and targeting multiple points in the viral life cycle could help tackle the current, as well as future, coronaviruses. Here, we leverage our recently developed, ultra-large-scale in silico screening platform, VirtualFlow, to search for inhibitors that target SARS-CoV-2. In this unprecedented structure-based virtual campaign, we screened roughly 1 billion molecules against each of 40 different target sites on 17 different potential viral and host targets. In addition to targeting the active sites of viral enzymes, we also targeted critical auxiliary sites such as functionally important protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gorgulla
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Krishna M. Padmanabha Das
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kendra E. Leigh
- Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen 60438, Germany
| | | | - Patrick D. Fischer
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Saarland 66123, Germany
| | - Zi-Fu Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Calderaio
- VirtualFlow Organization, https://virtual-flow.org/, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Alexander Rose
- Mol∗ Consortium, https://molstar.org, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Henry D. Herce
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | - Konstantin Fackeldey
- Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), Berlin 14195, Germany
- Institute of Mathematics, Technical University Berlin, Berlin 10587, Germany
| | - J.J. Patten
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University Medical School, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yurii Moroz
- Chemspace, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Radchenko
- Enamine, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Christian Gruber
- Innophore GmbH, Graz 8010, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Ryan Yust
- Google, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | | | - Anders M. Näär
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mark N. Namchuk
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert A. Davey
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University Medical School, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Gerhard Wagner
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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184
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Ahmad S, Waheed Y, Ismail S, Abbasi SW, Najmi MH. A computational study to disclose potential drugs and vaccine ensemble for COVID-19 conundrum. J Mol Liq 2021; 324:114734. [PMID: 33199930 PMCID: PMC7654302 DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-COV-2, a virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, is considered a potential candidate for the design of new drugs and vaccines. The protein is central to several critical events in virus production, with its highly druggable nature and rich antigenic determinants making it an excellent anti-viral biomolecule. Docking-based virtual screening using the Asinex anti-viral library identified binding of drug molecules at three specific positions: loop 1 region, loop 2 region and β-sheet core pockets, the loop 2 region being the most common binding and stable site for the bulk of the molecules. In parallel, the protein was characterized by vaccine design perspective and harboured three potential B cell-derived T cell epitopes: PINTNSSPD, GVPINTNSS, and DHIGTRNPA. The epitopes are highly antigenic, virulent, non-allergic, non-toxic, bind with good affinity to the highly prevalent DRB*0101 allele and show an average population coverage of 95.04%. A multi-epitope vaccine ensemble which was 83 amino acids long was created. This was highly immunogenic, robust in generating both humoral and cellular immune responses, thermally stable, and had good physicochemical properties that could be easily analyzed in in vivo and in vitro studies. Conformational dynamics of both drug and vaccine ensemble with respect to the receptors are energetically stable, shedding light on favourable conformation and chemical interactions. These facts were validated by subjecting the complexes to relative and absolute binding free energy methods of MMGB/PBSA and WaterSwap. A strong agreement on the system stability was disclosed that supported ligand high affinity potential for the receptors. Collectively, this work sought to provide preliminary experimental data of existing anti-viral drugs as a possible therapy for COVID-19 infections and a new peptide-based vaccine for protection against this pandemic virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ahmad
- Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, DHA-I, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, DHA-I, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Saba Ismail
- Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, DHA-I, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sumra Wajid Abbasi
- NUMS Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Abid Majeed Rd, The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muzammil Hasan Najmi
- Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, DHA-I, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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185
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Khan S, Hussain Z, Safdar M, Khan A, Wei DQ. Targeting the N-terminal domain of the RNA-binding protein of the SARS-CoV-2 with high affinity natural compounds to abrogate the protein-RNA interaction: a molecular dynamics study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6286-6294. [PMID: 33554747 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1882337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 took the world by shock in December 2019, starting from Wuhan, China and swiftly spreading across the globe. The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise which is a global burden on the health care system worldwide. Efforts are continuing to come up with a solution either to develop a small molecular inhibitor or vaccine, but still no success. In the fight against SARS-CoV-2, targeting a different protein of the SARS-CoV-2 is the need of the hour to impede and relinquish the current pandemic. Therefore, in this study, computational modelling and simulation approaches are used to target the N-terminal domain of the phosphor-nucleoprotein (RNA binding protein), which is primarily responsible for binding and packing the viral genome to get ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). Our multi-step drug screening approach shortlisted potential drugs. These top hits were confirmed by re-docking which revealed that the interacting molecules block the key residues i.e. Thr57, His59, Ser105, Arg107, and Arg177 and thus ultimately block the NTD from RNA recognition. Furthermore, the activity of the top four hits was also confirmed by using molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation. Our analysis suggests that these top hits possess strong inhibitory properties and should be tested experimentally. In conclusion, we hope these top hits would abrogate the binding of RNA and the NTD of the SARS-CoV-2, which might be helpful to combat COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Khan
- Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Mingora, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Safdar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Khan
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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186
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Sil BK, Jahan N, Haq MA, Oishee MJ, Ali T, Khandker SS, Kobatake E, Mie M, Khondoker MU, Jamiruddin MR, Adnan N. Development and performance evaluation of a rapid in-house ELISA for retrospective serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246346. [PMID: 33529223 PMCID: PMC7853452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the ongoing pandemic situation of COVID-19, serological tests can complement the molecular diagnostic methods, and can be one of the important tools of sero-surveillance and vaccine evaluation. AIM To develop and evaluate a rapid SARS-CoV-2 specific ELISA for detection of anti-SARS-CoV2 IgG from patients' biological samples. METHODS In order to develop this ELISA, three panels of samples (n = 184) have been used: panel 1 (n = 19) and panel 2 (n = 60) were collected from RT-PCR positive patients within 14 and after 14 days of onset of clinical symptoms, respectively; whereas panel 3 consisted of negative samples (n = 105) collected either from healthy donors or pre-pandemic dengue patients. As a capturing agent full-length SARS-CoV2 specific recombinant nucleocapsid was immobilized. Commercial SARS-CoV2 IgG kit based on chemiluminescent assay was used for the selection of samples and optimization of the assay. The threshold cut-off point, inter-assay and intra-assay variations were determined. RESULTS The incubation/reaction time was set at a total of 30 minutes with the sensitivity of 84% (95% confidence interval, CI, 60.4%, 96.6%) and 98% (95% CI, 91.1%, 100.0%), for panel 1 and 2, respectively; with overall 94.9% sensitivity (95% CI 87.5%, 98.6%). Moreover, the clinical specificity was 97.1% (95% CI, 91.9%, 99.4%) with no cross reaction with dengue samples. The overall positive and negative predictive values are 96.2% (95% CI 89.2%, 99.2%) and 96.2% (95% CI, 90.6% 99.0%), respectively. In-house ELISA demonstrated 100% positive and negative percent agreement with Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2, with Cohen's kappa value of 1.00 (very strong agreement), while comparing 13 positive and 17 negative confirmed cases. CONCLUSION The assay is rapid and can be applied as one of the early and retrospective sero-monitoring tools in all over the affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijon Kumar Sil
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nowshin Jahan
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ahsanul Haq
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mumtarin Jannat Oishee
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tamanna Ali
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahad Saif Khandker
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Eiry Kobatake
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masayasu Mie
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mohib Ullah Khondoker
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohd. Raeed Jamiruddin
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nihad Adnan
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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187
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Suchita W, Tilotma S, Saurabh S, Abhishek K, Sagar S, Lokesh K. Molecular Elucidation and Therapeutic Targeting for combating COVID19: Current Scenario and Future Prospective. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:894-907. [PMID: 33535951 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666210203113849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease which is caused by a novel corona virus. Human corona virus (HCoV) recognized as one of the most rapidly evolving viruses owing to its high genomic nucleotide substitution rates and recombination. Among the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19 has spread more rapidly and increased the level of globalization and adaptation of the virus in every environmental condition due to their high rate of molecular diversity. The whole article highlights the general characteristics of corona virus, their molecular diversity, and molecular protein targeting against COVID-19 with their newer approaches. Through this review, an attempt has made to critically evaluate the recent advances and future aspects helpful to the treatment of COVID-19 based on the present understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infections, which may help offer new insights and potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamankar Suchita
- ShriRawatpura Sarkar Institute of Pharmacy, Kumhari, Durg,490042,Chhattisgarh. India
| | - Sahu Tilotma
- ShriRawatpura Sarkar Institute of Pharmacy, Kumhari, Durg,490042,Chhattisgarh. India
| | - Shrivastava Saurabh
- ShriRawatpura Sarkar Institute of Pharmacy, Kumhari, Durg,490042,Chhattisgarh. India
| | - Kumar Abhishek
- Division of Pharmacology,KIET School of Pharmacy,KIET Group ofInstitutions,Delhi-NCR,Ghaziabad,201206,Uttar Pradesh. India
| | - Sahu Sagar
- Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Tekari, Raipur, 493111, Chhattisgarh. India
| | - Kumar Lokesh
- Siddhi Vinayaka Institute of Technology & Sciences (College of Pharmacy), Bilaspur,495001, Chhattisgarh. India
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188
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Wong NA, Saier MH. The SARS-Coronavirus Infection Cycle: A Survey of Viral Membrane Proteins, Their Functional Interactions and Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1308. [PMID: 33525632 PMCID: PMC7865831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel epidemic strain of Betacoronavirus that is responsible for the current viral pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global health crisis. Other epidemic Betacoronaviruses include the 2003 SARS-CoV-1 and the 2009 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the genomes of which, particularly that of SARS-CoV-1, are similar to that of the 2019 SARS-CoV-2. In this extensive review, we document the most recent information on Coronavirus proteins, with emphasis on the membrane proteins in the Coronaviridae family. We include information on their structures, functions, and participation in pathogenesis. While the shared proteins among the different coronaviruses may vary in structure and function, they all seem to be multifunctional, a common theme interconnecting these viruses. Many transmembrane proteins encoded within the SARS-CoV-2 genome play important roles in the infection cycle while others have functions yet to be understood. We compare the various structural and nonstructural proteins within the Coronaviridae family to elucidate potential overlaps and parallels in function, focusing primarily on the transmembrane proteins and their influences on host membrane arrangements, secretory pathways, cellular growth inhibition, cell death and immune responses during the viral replication cycle. We also offer bioinformatic analyses of potential viroporin activities of the membrane proteins and their sequence similarities to the Envelope (E) protein. In the last major part of the review, we discuss complement, stimulation of inflammation, and immune evasion/suppression that leads to CoV-derived severe disease and mortality. The overall pathogenesis and disease progression of CoVs is put into perspective by indicating several stages in the resulting infection process in which both host and antiviral therapies could be targeted to block the viral cycle. Lastly, we discuss the development of adaptive immunity against various structural proteins, indicating specific vulnerable regions in the proteins. We discuss current CoV vaccine development approaches with purified proteins, attenuated viruses and DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Wong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA
| | - Milton H. Saier
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA
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189
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Abstract
In less than two decades, three deadly zoonotic coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2, have emerged in humans, causing SARS, MERS, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), respectively. The current COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented crisis in health care and social and economic development. It reinforces the cruel fact that CoVs are constantly evolving, possessing the genetic malleability to become highly pathogenic in humans. In this review, we start with an overview of CoV diseases and the molecular virology of CoVs, focusing on similarities and differences between SARS-CoV-2 and its highly pathogenic as well as low-pathogenic counterparts. We then discuss mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and virus-host interactions of SARS-CoV-2 and other CoVs, emphasizing the host immune response. Finally, we summarize strategies adopted for the prevention and treatment of CoV diseases and discuss approaches to develop effective antivirals and vaccines. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- To Sing Fung
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control and Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Ding Xiang Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control and Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
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190
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Mistry J, Chuguransky S, Williams L, Qureshi M, Salazar GA, Sonnhammer ELL, Tosatto SCE, Paladin L, Raj S, Richardson LJ, Finn RD, Bateman A. Pfam: The protein families database in 2021. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D412-D419. [PMID: 33125078 PMCID: PMC7779014 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2729] [Impact Index Per Article: 909.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pfam database is a widely used resource for classifying protein sequences into families and domains. Since Pfam was last described in this journal, over 350 new families have been added in Pfam 33.1 and numerous improvements have been made to existing entries. To facilitate research on COVID-19, we have revised the Pfam entries that cover the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, and built new entries for regions that were not covered by Pfam. We have reintroduced Pfam-B which provides an automatically generated supplement to Pfam and contains 136 730 novel clusters of sequences that are not yet matched by a Pfam family. The new Pfam-B is based on a clustering by the MMseqs2 software. We have compared all of the regions in the RepeatsDB to those in Pfam and have started to use the results to build and refine Pfam repeat families. Pfam is freely available for browsing and download at http://pfam.xfam.org/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaina Mistry
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Sara Chuguransky
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Lowri Williams
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Matloob Qureshi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Gustavo A Salazar
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Erik L L Sonnhammer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Box 1031, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Silvio C E Tosatto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lisanna Paladin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Shriya Raj
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Lorna J Richardson
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Robert D Finn
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Alex Bateman
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
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191
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Lu S, Ye Q, Singh D, Cao Y, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Villa E, Cleveland DW, Corbett KD. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein forms mutually exclusive condensates with RNA and the membrane-associated M protein. Nat Commun 2021; 12:502. [PMID: 33479198 PMCID: PMC7820290 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The multifunctional nucleocapsid (N) protein in SARS-CoV-2 binds the ~30 kb viral RNA genome to aid its packaging into the 80-90 nm membrane-enveloped virion. The N protein is composed of N-terminal RNA-binding and C-terminal dimerization domains that are flanked by three intrinsically disordered regions. Here we demonstrate that the N protein's central disordered domain drives phase separation with RNA, and that phosphorylation of an adjacent serine/arginine rich region modulates the physical properties of the resulting condensates. In cells, N forms condensates that recruit the stress granule protein G3BP1, highlighting a potential role for N in G3BP1 sequestration and stress granule inhibition. The SARS-CoV-2 membrane (M) protein independently induces N protein phase separation, and three-component mixtures of N + M + RNA form condensates with mutually exclusive compartments containing N + M or N + RNA, including annular structures in which the M protein coats the outside of an N + RNA condensate. These findings support a model in which phase separation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein contributes both to suppression of the G3BP1-dependent host immune response and to packaging genomic RNA during virion assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Qiaozhen Ye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Digvijay Singh
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yong Cao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | | | - John R Yates
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Elizabeth Villa
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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192
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Khan MT, Irfan M, Ahsan H, Ahmed A, Kaushik AC, Khan AS, Chinnasamy S, Ali A, Wei DQ. Structures of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Binding Proteins and Therapeutic Targets. Intervirology 2021; 64:55-68. [PMID: 33454715 PMCID: PMC7900486 DOI: 10.1159/000513686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has resulted in thousands of infections and deaths worldwide. Several therapies are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the development of new drugs and the repositioning of existing drugs can only be achieved after the identification of potential therapeutic targets within structures, as this strategy provides the most precise solution for developing treatments for sudden epidemic infectious diseases. Summary In the current investigation, crystal and cryo-electron microscopy structures encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome were systematically examined for the identification of potential drug targets. These structures include nonstructural proteins (Nsp-9; Nsp-12; and Nsp-15), nucleocapsid (N) proteins, and the main protease (Mpro). Key Message The structural information reveals the presence of many potential alternative therapeutic targets, primarily involved in interaction between N protein and Nsp3, forming replication-transcription complexes (RTCs) which might be a potential drug target for effective control of current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. RTCs consist of 16 nonstructural proteins (Nsp1-16) that play the most essential role in the synthesis of viral RNA. Targeting the physical linkage between the envelope and single-stranded positive RNA, a process facilitated by matrix proteins may provide a good alternative strategy. Our current study provides useful information for the development of new lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.,School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Hina Ahsan
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abrar Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Anwar Sheed Khan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Sathishkumar Chinnasamy
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Arif Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, .,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China,
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193
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Balmeh N, Mahmoudi S, Fard NA. Manipulated bio antimicrobial peptides from probiotic bacteria as proposed drugs for COVID-19 disease. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 23:100515. [PMID: 33521241 PMCID: PMC7832255 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is the latest pandemic resulted from the coronavirus family. Due to the high prevalence of this disease, its high mortality rate, and the lack of effective treatment, the need for affordable and accessible drugs is one of the main challenges in this regard. It has been proved that RdRp, 3CL, Spike, and Nucleocapsid are the most important viral proteins playing vital roles in the processes of proliferation and infection. Therefore, we started studying a wide range of bio-peptides and then conducted molecular docking analyses to investigate their binding affinity for the inhibition of these proteins. After obtaining the best bio-peptides with the highest affinity scores, they were examined for further study and then manipulated to eliminate their side effects. Additionally, the molecular dynamic simulation was performed to validate the structure and interaction stability. The results of this study reveal that glycocin F from Lactococcus lactis and lactococcine G from Lactobacillus plantarum had the high affinities to bind to the viral proteins, and the manipulation of their sequence also led to the side effects' elimination. In addition, in some cases, their affinities to attach the SARS-CoV-2 proteins have increased. It seems that these two drugs which were discovered and designed, are optimal for treating the COVID-19 infection. However, experimental and pre-clinical studies are necessary to assay their therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Balmeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Nour Danesh Institution of Higher Education, Meymeh, Iran
| | - Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najaf Allahyari Fard
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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194
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Mistry J, Chuguransky S, Williams L, Qureshi M, Salazar GA, Sonnhammer ELL, Tosatto SCE, Paladin L, Raj S, Richardson LJ, Finn RD, Bateman A. Pfam: The protein families database in 2021. Nucleic Acids Res 2021. [PMID: 33125078 DOI: 10.6019/tol.pfam_fams-t.2018.00001.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pfam database is a widely used resource for classifying protein sequences into families and domains. Since Pfam was last described in this journal, over 350 new families have been added in Pfam 33.1 and numerous improvements have been made to existing entries. To facilitate research on COVID-19, we have revised the Pfam entries that cover the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, and built new entries for regions that were not covered by Pfam. We have reintroduced Pfam-B which provides an automatically generated supplement to Pfam and contains 136 730 novel clusters of sequences that are not yet matched by a Pfam family. The new Pfam-B is based on a clustering by the MMseqs2 software. We have compared all of the regions in the RepeatsDB to those in Pfam and have started to use the results to build and refine Pfam repeat families. Pfam is freely available for browsing and download at http://pfam.xfam.org/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaina Mistry
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Sara Chuguransky
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Lowri Williams
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Matloob Qureshi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Gustavo A Salazar
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Erik L L Sonnhammer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Box 1031, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Silvio C E Tosatto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lisanna Paladin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Shriya Raj
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Lorna J Richardson
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Robert D Finn
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Alex Bateman
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SD, UK
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195
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Azad GK. Identification and molecular characterization of mutations in nucleocapsid phosphoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10666. [PMID: 33505806 PMCID: PMC7789862 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes four structural proteins that include the spike glycoprotein, membrane protein, envelope protein and nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N-protein). The N-protein interacts with viral genomic RNA and helps in packaging. As SARS-CoV-2 spread to almost all countries worldwide within 2-3 months, it also acquired mutations in its RNA genome. Therefore, this study was conducted with an aim to identify the variations present in N-protein of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we analysed 4,163 reported sequence of N-protein from United States of America (USA) and compared them with the first reported sequence from Wuhan, China. Our study identified 107 mutations that reside all over the N-protein. Further, we show the high rate of mutations in intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of N-protein. Our study show 45% residues of IDR2 harbour mutations. The RNA-binding domain (RBD) and dimerization domain of N-protein also have mutations at key residues. We further measured the effect of these mutations on N-protein stability and dynamicity and our data reveals that multiple mutations can cause considerable alterations. Altogether, our data strongly suggests that N-protein is one of the mutational hotspot proteins of SARS-CoV-2 that is changing rapidly and these mutations can potentially interferes with various aspects of N-protein functions including its interaction with RNA, oligomerization and signalling events.
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196
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Yu CY, Chan KG, Yean CY, Ang GY. Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostic Tests for the Detection SARS-CoV-2: An Update. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:53. [PMID: 33401392 PMCID: PMC7823986 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began as a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China before spreading to over 200 countries and territories on six continents in less than six months. Despite rigorous global containment and quarantine efforts to limit the transmission of the virus, COVID-19 cases and deaths have continued to increase, leaving devastating impacts on the lives of many with far-reaching effects on the global society, economy and healthcare system. With over 43 million cases and 1.1 million deaths recorded worldwide, accurate and rapid diagnosis continues to be a cornerstone of pandemic control. In this review, we aim to present an objective overview of the latest nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 that have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under emergency use authorization (EUA) as of 31 October 2020. We systematically summarize and compare the principles, technologies, protocols and performance characteristics of amplification- and sequencing-based tests that have become alternatives to the CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel. We highlight the notable features of the tests including authorized settings, along with the advantages and disadvantages of the tests. We conclude with a brief discussion on the current challenges and future perspectives of COVID-19 diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choo Yee Yu
- Independent Researcher, Kuala Lumpur 51200, Malaysia;
| | - Kok Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Chan Yean Yean
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
| | - Geik Yong Ang
- Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
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197
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Abedi F, Rezaee R, Hayes AW, Nasiripour S, Karimi G. MicroRNAs and SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, pathogenesis, and mutations: biomarkers or therapeutic agents? Cell Cycle 2021; 20:143-153. [PMID: 33382348 PMCID: PMC7889196 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1867792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, proposed therapies and antiviral drugs have been failed to cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, at least two drug companies have applied for emergency use authorization with the United States Food and Drug Administration for their coronavirus vaccine candidates and several other vaccines are in various stages of development to determine safety and efficacy. Recently, some studies have shown the role of different human and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. miRNAs are non-coding single-stranded RNAs, which are involved in several physiological and pathological conditions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. They act as negative regulators of protein synthesis through binding to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the complementary target mRNA, leading to mRNA degradation or inhibition. The databases of Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for literature regarding the importance of miRNAs in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, pathogenesis, and genomic mutations. Furthermore, promising miRNAs as a biomarker or antiviral agent in COVID-19 therapy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Abedi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A. Wallace Hayes
- University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Somayyeh Nasiripour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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198
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Dimonaco NJ, Salavati M, Shih BB. Computational Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-Like Coronavirus Diversity in Human, Bat and Pangolin Populations. Viruses 2020; 13:E49. [PMID: 33396801 PMCID: PMC7823979 DOI: 10.3390/v13010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2/nCoV-19, emerged in Wuhan, China, and has been responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. The evolutionary origins of the virus remain elusive and understanding its complex mutational signatures could guide vaccine design and development. As part of the international "CoronaHack" in April 2020, we employed a collection of contemporary methodologies to compare the genomic sequences of coronaviruses isolated from human (SARS-CoV-2; n = 163), bat (bat-CoV; n = 215) and pangolin (pangolin-CoV; n = 7) available in public repositories. We have also noted the pangolin-CoV isolate MP789 to bare stronger resemblance to SARS-CoV-2 than other pangolin-CoV. Following de novo gene annotation prediction, analyses of gene-gene similarity network, codon usage bias and variant discovery were undertaken. Strong host-associated divergences were noted in ORF3a, ORF6, ORF7a, ORF8 and S, and in codon usage bias profiles. Last, we have characterised several high impact variants (in-frame insertion/deletion or stop gain) in bat-CoV and pangolin-CoV populations, some of which are found in the same amino acid position and may be highlighting loci of potential functional relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Dimonaco
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales SY3 3FL, UK
| | - Mazdak Salavati
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Barbara B. Shih
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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199
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Mariano G, Farthing RJ, Lale-Farjat SLM, Bergeron JRC. Structural Characterization of SARS-CoV-2: Where We Are, and Where We Need to Be. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:605236. [PMID: 33392262 PMCID: PMC7773825 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.605236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread in humans in almost every country, causing the disease COVID-19. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, research efforts have been strongly directed towards obtaining a full understanding of the biology of the viral infection, in order to develop a vaccine and therapeutic approaches. In particular, structural studies have allowed to comprehend the molecular basis underlying the role of many of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, and to make rapid progress towards treatment and preventive therapeutics. Despite the great advances that have been provided by these studies, many knowledge gaps on the biology and molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection still remain. Filling these gaps will be the key to tackle this pandemic, through development of effective treatments and specific vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Mariano
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Farthing
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julien R. C. Bergeron
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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200
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Carlson CR, Asfaha JB, Ghent CM, Howard CJ, Hartooni N, Safari M, Frankel AD, Morgan DO. Phosphoregulation of Phase Separation by the SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Suggests a Biophysical Basis for its Dual Functions. Mol Cell 2020; 80:1092-1103.e4. [PMID: 33248025 PMCID: PMC7677695 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of coronaviruses serves two major functions: compaction of the RNA genome in the virion and regulation of viral gene transcription. It is not clear how the N protein mediates such distinct functions. The N protein contains two RNA-binding domains surrounded by regions of intrinsic disorder. Phosphorylation of the central disordered region promotes the protein's transcriptional function, but the underlying mechanism is not known. Here, we show that the N protein of SARS-CoV-2, together with viral RNA, forms biomolecular condensates. Unmodified N protein forms partially ordered gel-like condensates and discrete 15-nm particles based on multivalent RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. Phosphorylation reduces these interactions, generating a more liquid-like droplet. We propose that distinct oligomeric states support the two functions of the N protein: unmodified protein forms a structured oligomer that is suited for nucleocapsid assembly, and phosphorylated protein forms a liquid-like compartment for viral genome processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Carlson
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jonathan B Asfaha
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Chloe M Ghent
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Conor J Howard
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nairi Hartooni
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Maliheh Safari
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alan D Frankel
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David O Morgan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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