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Strong MJ, McLellan C, Kaplanis B, Droppelmann CA, Junop M. Phase Separation of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein with TDP-43 Is Dependent on C-Terminus Domains. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8779. [PMID: 39201466 PMCID: PMC11354357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is critical in viral replication by undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation to seed the formation of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex to drive viral genomic RNA (gRNA) translation and in suppressing both stress granules and processing bodies, which is postulated to increase uncoated gRNA availability. The N protein can also form biomolecular condensates with a broad range of host endogenous proteins including RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Amongst these RBPs are proteins that are associated with pathological, neuronal, and glial cytoplasmic inclusions across several adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders, including TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) which forms pathological inclusions in over 95% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. In this study, we demonstrate that the N protein can form biomolecular condensates with TDP-43 and that this is dependent on the N protein C-terminus domain (N-CTD) and the intrinsically disordered C-terminus domain of TDP-43. This process is markedly accelerated in the presence of RNA. In silico modeling suggests that the biomolecular condensate that forms in the presence of RNA is composed of an N protein quadriplex in which the intrinsically disordered TDP-43 C terminus domain is incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.M.); (C.A.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Crystal McLellan
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.M.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Brianna Kaplanis
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (B.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Cristian A. Droppelmann
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.M.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Murray Junop
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (B.K.); (M.J.)
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2
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Wang Y, Zhou L, Wu X, Yang S, Wang X, Shen Q, Liu Y, Zhang W, Ji L. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Antiviral Strategies of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation during Coronavirus Infection. Biomolecules 2024; 14:748. [PMID: 39062463 PMCID: PMC11274562 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic coronaviruses have caused significant outbreaks in humans and animals, posing a serious threat to public health. The rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in millions of infections and deaths. However, the mechanisms through which coronaviruses evade a host's antiviral immune system are not well understood. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a recently discovered mechanism that can selectively isolate cellular components to regulate biological processes, including host antiviral innate immune signal transduction pathways. This review focuses on the mechanism of coronavirus-induced LLPS and strategies for utilizing LLPS to evade the host antiviral innate immune response, along with potential antiviral therapeutic drugs and methods. It aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding and novel insights for researchers studying LLPS induced by pandemic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.); (X.W.); (S.Y.); (X.W.); (Q.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Likai Ji
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.); (X.W.); (S.Y.); (X.W.); (Q.S.); (Y.L.)
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Mendoza-Ramírez NJ, García-Cordero J, Shrivastava G, Cedillo-Barrón L. The Key to Increase Immunogenicity of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccines Lies in the Inclusion of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:9313267. [PMID: 38939745 PMCID: PMC11208798 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9313267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic public health interventions for the prevention of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Considering the ongoing need for new COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to modify our approach and incorporate more conserved regions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to effectively address emerging viral variants. The nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 that is involved in replication and immune responses. Furthermore, this protein offers significant advantages owing to the minimal accumulation of mutations over time and the inclusion of key T-cell epitopes critical for SARS-CoV-2 immunity. A novel strategy that may be suitable for the new generation of vaccines against COVID-19 is to use a combination of antigens, including the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, to elicit robust humoral and potent cellular immune responses, along with long-lasting immunity. The strategic use of multiple antigens aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection against viruses, including their variants. The immune response against the nucleocapsid protein from other coronavirus is long-lasting, and it can persist up to 11 years post-infection. Thus, the incorporation of nucleocapsids (N) into vaccine design adds an important dimension to vaccination efforts and holds promise for bolstering the ability to combat COVID-19 effectively. In this review, we summarize the preclinical studies that evaluated the use of the nucleocapsid protein as antigen. This study discusses the use of nucleocapsid alone and its combination with spike protein or other proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe Juvenal Mendoza-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Gaurav Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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4
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Eltayeb A, Al-Sarraj F, Alharbi M, Albiheyri R, Mattar EH, Abu Zeid IM, Bouback TA, Bamagoos A, Uversky VN, Rubio-Casillas A, Redwan EM. Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: IV. Hypothetical roles of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and its liquid-liquid phase separation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30530. [PMID: 38349116 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
When the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects humans, it leads to a condition called COVID-19 that has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from no symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The virus initiates damage by attaching to the ACE-2 protein on the surface of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels and using these cells as hosts for replication. Reactive oxygen species levels are increased during viral replication, which leads to oxidative stress. About three-fifths (~60%) of the people who get infected with the virus eradicate it from their body after 28 days and recover their normal activity. However, a large fraction (~40%) of the people who are infected with the virus suffer from various symptoms (anosmia and/or ageusia, fatigue, cough, myalgia, cognitive impairment, insomnia, dyspnea, and tachycardia) beyond 12 weeks and are diagnosed with a syndrome called long COVID. Long-term clinical studies in a group of people who contracted SARS-CoV-2 have been contrasted with a noninfected matched group of people. A subset of infected people can be distinguished by a set of cytokine markers to have persistent, low-grade inflammation and often self-report two or more bothersome symptoms. No medication can alleviate their symptoms efficiently. Coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been investigated extensively as potential drug targets due to their key roles in virus replication, among which is their ability to bind their respective genomic RNAs for incorporation into emerging virions. This review highlights basic studies of the nucleocapsid protein and its ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. We hypothesize that this ability of the nucleocapsid protein for phase separation may contribute to long COVID. This hypothesis unlocks new investigation angles and could potentially open novel avenues for a better understanding of long COVID and treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eltayeb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Al-Sarraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Albiheyri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab H Mattar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam M Abu Zeid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A Bouback
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif Bamagoos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Yu H, Guan F, Miller H, Lei J, Liu C. The role of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in antiviral immunity and vaccine development. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2164219. [PMID: 36583642 PMCID: PMC9980416 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2164219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused enormous health risks and global economic disruption. This disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein involved in viral replication and assembly. There is accumulating evidence indicating that the nucleocapsid protein is multi-functional, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarize its potential application in the prevention of COVID-19, which is based on its role in inflammation, cell death, antiviral innate immunity, and antiviral adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heather Miller
- Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Chaohong Liu
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6
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Figiel M, Górka AK, Górecki A. Zinc Ions Modulate YY1 Activity: Relevance in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4338. [PMID: 37686614 PMCID: PMC10487186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
YY1 is widely recognized as an intrinsically disordered transcription factor that plays a role in development of many cancers. In most cases, its overexpression is correlated with tumor progression and unfavorable patient outcomes. Our latest research focusing on the role of zinc ions in modulating YY1's interaction with DNA demonstrated that zinc enhances the protein's multimeric state and affinity to its operator. In light of these findings, changes in protein concentration appear to be just one element relevant to modulating YY1-dependent processes. Thus, alterations in zinc ion concentration can directly and specifically impact the regulation of gene expression by YY1, in line with reports indicating a correlation between zinc ion levels and advancement of certain tumors. This review concentrates on other potential consequences of YY1 interaction with zinc ions that may act by altering charge distribution, conformational state distribution, or oligomerization to influence its interactions with molecular partners that can disrupt gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrzej Górecki
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (M.F.); (A.K.G.)
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7
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LeBlanc K, Lynch J, Layne C, Vendramelli R, Sloan A, Tailor N, Deschambault Y, Zhang F, Kobasa D, Safronetz D, Xiang Y, Cao J. The Nucleocapsid Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Close Relative Bat Coronavirus RaTG13 Are Capable of Inhibiting PKR- and RNase L-Mediated Antiviral Pathways. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0099423. [PMID: 37154717 PMCID: PMC10269842 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00994-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), including severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2, produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that activates antiviral pathways such as PKR and OAS/RNase L. To successfully replicate in hosts, viruses must evade such antiviral pathways. Currently, the mechanism of how SARS-CoV-2 antagonizes dsRNA-activated antiviral pathways is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein, the most abundant viral structural protein, is capable of binding to dsRNA and phosphorylated PKR, inhibiting both the PKR and OAS/RNase L pathways. The N protein of the bat coronavirus (bat-CoV) RaTG13, the closest relative of SARS-CoV-2, has a similar ability to inhibit the human PKR and RNase L antiviral pathways. Via mutagenic analysis, we found that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the N protein is sufficient for binding dsRNA and inhibiting RNase L activity. Interestingly, while the CTD is also sufficient for binding phosphorylated PKR, the inhibition of PKR antiviral activity requires not only the CTD but also the central linker region (LKR). Thus, our findings demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein is capable of antagonizing the two critical antiviral pathways activated by viral dsRNA and that its inhibition of PKR activities requires more than dsRNA binding mediated by the CTD. IMPORTANCE The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is an important viral factor defining the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To transmit efficiently, SARS-CoV-2 must be capable of disarming the innate immune response of its host efficiently. Here, we describe that the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is capable of inhibiting two critical innate antiviral pathways, PKR and OAS/RNase L. Moreover, the counterpart of the closest animal coronavirus relative of SARS-CoV-2, bat-CoV RaTG13, can also inhibit human PKR and OAS/RNase L antiviral activities. Thus, the importance of our discovery for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic is 2-fold. First, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 N to inhibit innate antiviral activity is likely a factor contributing to the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus. Second, the bat relative of SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to inhibit human innate immunity, which thus likely contributed to the establishment of infection in humans. The findings described in this study are valuable for developing novel antivirals and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle LeBlanc
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jessie Lynch
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christine Layne
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert Vendramelli
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Angela Sloan
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikesh Tailor
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yvon Deschambault
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Fushun Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Safronetz
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jingxin Cao
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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8
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Zhao M, Zhang M, Yang Z, Zhou Z, Huang J, Zhao B. Role of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1217383. [PMID: 37360529 PMCID: PMC10288995 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1217383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ever since its emergence in 2019, COVID-19 has rapidly disseminated worldwide, engendering a pervasive pandemic that has profoundly impacted healthcare systems and the socio-economic milieu. A plethora of studies has been conducted targeting its pathogenic virus, SARS-CoV-2, to find ways to combat COVID-19. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is widely recognized as a crucial mechanism that regulates human biological activities by maintaining protein homeostasis. Within the UPS, the ubiquitination and deubiquitination, two reversible modifications, of substrate proteins have been extensively studied and implicated in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. The regulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs(Deubiquitinating enzymes), which are key enzymes involved in the two modification processes, determines the fate of substrate proteins. Proteins associated with the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 may be retained, degraded, or even activated, thus affecting the ultimate outcome of the confrontation between SARS-CoV-2 and the host. In other words, the clash between SARS-CoV-2 and the host can be viewed as a battle for dominance over E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs, from the standpoint of ubiquitin modification regulation. This review primarily aims to clarify the mechanisms by which the virus utilizes host E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs, along with its own viral proteins that have similar enzyme activities, to facilitate invasion, replication, escape, and inflammation. We believe that gaining a better understanding of the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs in COVID-19 can offer novel and valuable insights for developing antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjiu Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Laboratory, Central South University, Changsha, China
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9
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Guan Y, Wang Y, Fu X, Bai G, Li X, Mao J, Yan Y, Hu L. Multiple functions of stress granules in viral infection at a glance. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1138864. [PMID: 36937261 PMCID: PMC10014870 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1138864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are distinct RNA granules induced by various stresses, which are evolutionarily conserved across species. In general, SGs act as a conservative and essential self-protection mechanism during stress responses. Viruses have a long evolutionary history and viral infections can trigger a series of cellular stress responses, which may interact with SG formation. Targeting SGs is believed as one of the critical and conservative measures for viruses to tackle the inhibition of host cells. In this systematic review, we have summarized the role of SGs in viral infection and categorized their relationships into three tables, with a particular focus on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Moreover, we have outlined several kinds of drugs targeting SGs according to different pathways, most of which are potentially effective against SARS-CoV-2. We believe this review would offer a new view for the researchers and clinicians to attempt to develop more efficacious treatments for virus infection, particularly for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Guan
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Fu
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guannan Bai
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongbin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yongbin Yan,
| | - Lidan Hu
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Lidan Hu,
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10
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Dou R, Huang Q, Hu T, Yu F, Hu H, Wang Y, Zhou X, Qian Y. Molecular Variation and Genomic Function of Citrus Vein Enation Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010412. [PMID: 36613855 PMCID: PMC9820537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we identified a new citrus vein enation virus (CVEV) isolate (named CVEV-DT1) through sRNA high-throughput sequencing and traditional sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome sequences of all known CVEV isolates revealed that CVEV-DT1 was in an evolutionary branch with other isolates from China. Molecular variation analysis showed that the single nucleotide variability along CVEV full-length sequences was less than 8%, with more transitions (60.55%) than transversions (39.43%), indicating a genetically homogeneous CVEV population. In addition, non-synonymous nucleotide mutations mainly occurred in ORF1 and ORF2. Based on disorder analysis of all encoded ORF by CVEV-DT1, we identified that the CVEV-DT1 coat protein (CP) formed spherical granules, mainly in the cell nucleus and partly throughout the cytoplasm, with liquid properties through subcellular localization and photobleaching assay. Furthermore, we also confirmed that the CVEV P0 protein has weak post-transcriptional RNA-silencing suppressor activity and could elicit a strong hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants. Collectively, to the best of our knowledge, our study was the first to profile the genomic variation in all the reported CVEV isolates and reveal the functions of CVEV-DT1-encoded proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqiu Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fengzhe Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongxia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xueping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yajuan Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-571-88982677
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11
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Wang L, Guzmán M, Sola I, Enjuanes L, Zuñiga S. Cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes, RNA helicases and coronavirus infection. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2022.1078454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA metabolism in the eukaryotic cell includes the formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) that, depending on their protein components, have a different function. Cytoplasmic RNPs, such as stress granules (SGs) or P-bodies (PBs) are quite relevant during infections modulating viral and cellular RNA expression and as key players in the host cell antiviral response. RNA helicases are abundant components of RNPs and could have a significant effect on viral infection. This review focuses in the role that RNPs and RNA helicases have during coronavirus (CoVs) infection. CoVs are emerging highly pathogenic viruses with a large single-stranded RNA genome. During CoV infection, a complex network of RNA-protein interactions in different RNP structures is established. In general, RNA helicases and RNPs have an antiviral function, but there is limited knowledge on whether the viral protein interactions with cell components are mediators of this antiviral effect or are part of the CoV antiviral counteraction mechanism. Additional data is needed to elucidate the role of these RNA-protein interactions during CoV infection and their potential contribution to viral replication or pathogenesis.
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12
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Jain S, Rego S, Park S, Liu Y, Parn S, Savsani K, Perlin DS, Dakshanamurthy S. RNASeq profiling of COVID19-infected patients identified an EIF2AK2 inhibitor as a potent SARS-CoV-2 antiviral. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1098. [PMID: 36321336 PMCID: PMC9627224 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Jain
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashington DCDistrict of Columbia20057USA,Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown UniversityWashington DCDistrict of Columbia20057USA
| | - Samantha Rego
- Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown UniversityWashington DCDistrict of Columbia20057USA
| | - Steven Park
- Center for Discovery and InnovationHackensack Meridian HealthNew Jersey07110USA
| | - Yiran Liu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashington DCDistrict of Columbia20057USA
| | - Simone Parn
- College of Arts & ScienceUniversity of the District of ColumbiaWashington DCDistrict of Columbia20008USA
| | - Kush Savsani
- College of Humanities and SciencesVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginia23284USA
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and InnovationHackensack Meridian HealthNew Jersey07110USA
| | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashington DCDistrict of Columbia20057USA
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13
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Fan S, Sun W, Fan L, Wu N, Sun W, Ma H, Chen S, Li Z, Li Y, Zhang J, Yan J. The highly conserved RNA-binding specificity of nucleocapsid protein facilitates the identification of drugs with broad anti-coronavirus activity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5040-5044. [PMID: 36097552 PMCID: PMC9454191 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The binding of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein to both the 5'- and 3'-ends of genomic RNA has different implications arising from its binding to the central region during virion assembly. However, the mechanism underlying selective binding remains unknown. Herein, we performed the high-throughput RNA-SELEX (HTR-SELEX) to determine the RNA-binding specificity of the N proteins of various SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other β-coronaviruses and showed that N proteins could bind two unrelated sequences, both of which were highly conserved across all variants and species. Interestingly, both sequences are virtually absent from the human transcriptome; however, they exhibit a highly enriched, mutually complementary distribution in the coronavirus genome, highlighting their varied functions in genome packaging. Our results provide mechanistic insights into viral genome packaging, thereby increasing the feasibility of developing drugs with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity by targeting RNA binding by N proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaorong Fan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wenju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ligang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, The City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haiqian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Zitong Li
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jilin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jian Yan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, The City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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Tsermpini EE, Glamočlija U, Ulucan-Karnak F, Redenšek Trampuž S, Dolžan V. Molecular Mechanisms Related to Responses to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapies in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1609. [PMID: 36009328 PMCID: PMC9405444 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a leading global health and economic challenge. What defines the disease's progression is not entirely understood, but there are strong indications that oxidative stress and the defense against reactive oxygen species are crucial players. A big influx of immune cells to the site of infection is marked by the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Our article aims to highlight the critical role of oxidative stress in the emergence and severity of COVID-19 and, more importantly, to shed light on the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. We have reviewed the available literature and clinical trials to extract the relevant genetic variants within the oxidative stress pathway associated with COVID-19 and the anti-oxidative therapies currently evaluated in the clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, in particular clinical trials on glutathione and N-acetylcysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Eirini Tsermpini
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Una Glamočlija
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sara Redenšek Trampuž
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Viral Phase Separation and Epitranscriptomics in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8122. [PMID: 35897696 PMCID: PMC9368024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The relentless, protracted evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus imposes tremendous pressure on herd immunity and demands versatile adaptations by the human host genome to counter transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic alterations associated with a wide range of short- and long-term manifestations during acute infection and post-acute recovery, respectively. To promote viral replication during active infection and viral persistence, the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein regulates host cell microenvironment including pH and ion concentrations to maintain a high oxidative environment that supports template switching, causing extensive mitochondrial damage and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling cascades. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial distress induce dynamic changes to both the host and viral RNA m6A methylome, and can trigger the derepression of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1), resulting in global hypomethylation, epigenetic changes, and genomic instability. The timely application of melatonin during early infection enhances host innate antiviral immune responses by preventing the formation of "viral factories" by nucleocapsid liquid-liquid phase separation that effectively blockades viral genome transcription and packaging, the disassembly of stress granules, and the sequestration of DEAD-box RNA helicases, including DDX3X, vital to immune signaling. Melatonin prevents membrane depolarization and protects cristae morphology to suppress glycolysis via antioxidant-dependent and -independent mechanisms. By restraining the derepression of LINE1 via multifaceted strategies, and maintaining the balance in m6A RNA modifications, melatonin could be the quintessential ancient molecule that significantly influences the outcome of the constant struggle between virus and host to gain transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic dominance over the host genome during acute infection and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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16
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Wang W, Chen J, Yu X, Lan HY. Signaling mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein in viral infection, cell death and inflammation. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4704-4713. [PMID: 35874957 PMCID: PMC9305276 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a worldwide pandemic and a major global public health threat. SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid (N) protein plays a critical role in multiple steps of the viral life cycle and participates in viral replication, transcription, and assembly. The primary roles of N protein are to assemble with genomic RNA into the viral RNA-protein (vRNP) complex and to localize to the replication transcription complexes (RTCs) to enhance viral replication and transcription. N protein can also undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with viral genome RNA and inhibit stress granules to facilitate viral replication and assembly. Besides the function in viral life cycle, N protein can bind GSDMD to antagonize pyroptosis but promotes cell death via the Smad3-dependent G1 cell cycle arrest mechanism. In innate immune system, N protein inhibits IFN-β production and RNAi pathway for virus survival. However, it can induce expression of proinflammatory cytokines by activating NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in cytokine storms. In this review article, we are focusing on the signaling mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 N protein in viral replication, cell death and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbiao Wang
- Medical Research Center and Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzhe Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Departments of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Medical Research Center and Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Departments of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Guangdong Academy of Sciences/Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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17
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Liu Y, Yang X, Gan J, Chen S, Xiao ZX, Cao Y. CB-Dock2: improved protein-ligand blind docking by integrating cavity detection, docking and homologous template fitting. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:W159-W164. [PMID: 35609983 PMCID: PMC9252749 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-ligand blind docking is a powerful method for exploring the binding sites of receptors and the corresponding binding poses of ligands. It has seen wide applications in pharmaceutical and biological researches. Previously, we proposed a blind docking server, CB-Dock, which has been under heavy use (over 200 submissions per day) by researchers worldwide since 2019. Here, we substantially improved the docking method by combining CB-Dock with our template-based docking engine to enhance the accuracy in binding site identification and binding pose prediction. In the benchmark tests, it yielded the success rate of ∼85% for binding pose prediction (RMSD < 2.0 Å), which outperformed original CB-Dock and most popular blind docking tools. This updated docking server, named CB-Dock2, reconfigured the input and output web interfaces, together with a highly automatic docking pipeline, making it a particularly efficient and easy-to-use tool for the bioinformatics and cheminformatics communities. The web server is freely available at https://cadd.labshare.cn/cb-dock2/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaocong Yang
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianhong Gan
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Xiao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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18
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Cascarina SM, Ross ED. Phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: Consensus and open questions. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101677. [PMID: 35131265 PMCID: PMC8813722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a number of labs across the world have reallocated their time and resources to better our understanding of the virus. For some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, viral proteins can undergo phase separation: a biophysical process often related to the partitioning of protein and RNA into membraneless organelles in vivo. In this review, we discuss emerging observations of phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein-an essential viral protein required for viral replication-and the possible in vivo functions that have been proposed for N-protein phase separation, including viral replication, viral genomic RNA packaging, and modulation of host-cell response to infection. Additionally, since a relatively large number of studies examining SARS-CoV-2 N-protein phase separation have been published in a short span of time, we take advantage of this situation to compare results from similar experiments across studies. Our evaluation highlights potential strengths and pitfalls of drawing conclusions from a single set of experiments, as well as the value of publishing overlapping scientific observations performed simultaneously by multiple labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Cascarina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric D Ross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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