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Lubinski B, Whittaker GR. Host Cell Proteases Involved in Human Respiratory Viral Infections and Their Inhibitors: A Review. Viruses 2024; 16:984. [PMID: 38932275 PMCID: PMC11209347 DOI: 10.3390/v16060984] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral tropism is most commonly linked to receptor use, but host cell protease use can be a notable factor in susceptibility to infection. Here we review the use of host cell proteases by human viruses, focusing on those with primarily respiratory tropism, particularly SARS-CoV-2. We first describe the various classes of proteases present in the respiratory tract, as well as elsewhere in the body, and incorporate the targeting of these proteases as therapeutic drugs for use in humans. Host cell proteases are also linked to the systemic spread of viruses and play important roles outside of the respiratory tract; therefore, we address how proteases affect viruses across the spectrum of infections that can occur in humans, intending to understand the extrapulmonary spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Lubinski
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA;
| | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Public & Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Elgedawy GA, Elabd NS, Salem RH, Awad SM, Amer AA, Torayah MM, El-Koa AA, Abozeid M, Montaser BA, Aboshabaan HS, Abdelkreem M, Helal ML. FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 gene polymorphisms in relation to COVID-19 severity: a case-control study in Egyptian patients. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02266-1. [PMID: 38703289 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02266-1] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM A wide range of clinical manifestations and outcomes, including liver injury, have been reported in COVID-19 patients. We investigated the association of three substantial gene polymorphisms (FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2) with COVID-19 disease susceptibility and severity to help predict prognosis. METHODS 150 adult COVID-19-assured cases were categorized as follows: 78 patients with a non-severe presentation, 39 patients with severe disease, and 33 critically ill patients. In addition, 74 healthy controls were included. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were carried out, including complete and differential blood counts, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, ferritin, interleukin-6 (Il-6), and liver and kidney functions. FURIN (rs6226), IFNL4 (rs12979860), and TLR2 (rs3804099) genotyping allelic discrimination assays were conducted using real-time PCR. RESULTS The FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 genotypes and their alleles differed significantly between COVID-19 patients and controls, as well as between patients with severe or critical illness and those with a non-severe presentation. According to a multivariable regression analysis, FURIN (C/T + T/T) and TLR2 (T/C + C/C) mutants were associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, with odds ratios of 3.293 and 2.839, respectively. FURIN C/C and IFNL4 T/T mutants were significantly linked to severe and critical illnesses. Multivariate regression analysis showed that FURIN (G/C + C/C) genotypes and IFNL4 T/T homozygosity were independent risk factors associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 gene variants are associated with the risk of COVID-19 occurrence as well as increased severity and poor outcomes in Egyptian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamalat A Elgedawy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Naglaa S Elabd
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Tropical Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt.
| | - Radwa H Salem
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Samah M Awad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Amany A Amer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Tropical Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Mohammad M Torayah
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Amal A El-Koa
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, Menoufia University, Shebin El‑Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mai Abozeid
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt.
| | - Belal A Montaser
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Pathology, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Hind S Aboshabaan
- Ph.D. of Biochemistry, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mervat Abdelkreem
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, 32511, Egypt
| | - Marwa L Helal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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Angulo-Aguado M, Carrillo-Martinez JC, Contreras-Bravo NC, Morel A, Parra-Abaunza K, Usaquén W, Fonseca-Mendoza DJ, Ortega-Recalde O. Next-generation sequencing of host genetics risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID in Colombian population. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8497. [PMID: 38605121 PMCID: PMC11009356 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57982-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was considered a major public health burden worldwide. Multiple studies have shown that susceptibility to severe infections and the development of long-term symptoms is significantly influenced by viral and host factors. These findings have highlighted the potential of host genetic markers to identify high-risk individuals and develop target interventions to reduce morbimortality. Despite its importance, genetic host factors remain largely understudied in Latin-American populations. Using a case-control design and a custom next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel encompassing 81 genetic variants and 74 genes previously associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID, we analyzed 56 individuals with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and 56 severe and critical cases. In agreement with previous studies, our results support the association between several clinical variables, including male sex, obesity and common symptoms like cough and dyspnea, and severe COVID-19. Remarkably, thirteen genetic variants showed an association with COVID-19 severity. Among these variants, rs11385942 (p < 0.01; OR = 10.88; 95% CI = 1.36-86.51) located in the LZTFL1 gene, and rs35775079 (p = 0.02; OR = 8.53; 95% CI = 1.05-69.45) located in CCR3 showed the strongest associations. Various respiratory and systemic symptoms, along with the rs8178521 variant (p < 0.01; OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.27-4.94) in the IL10RB gene, were significantly associated with the presence of long-COVID. The results of the predictive model comparison showed that the mixed model, which incorporates genetic and non-genetic variables, outperforms clinical and genetic models. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Colombia and Latin-America proposing a predictive model for COVID-19 severity and long-COVID based on genomic analysis. Our study highlights the usefulness of genomic approaches to studying host genetic risk factors in specific populations. The methodology used allowed us to validate several genetic variants previously associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID. Finally, the integrated model illustrates the importance of considering genetic factors in precision medicine of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angulo-Aguado
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Juan Camilo Carrillo-Martinez
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Nora Constanza Contreras-Bravo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Adrien Morel
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | | | - William Usaquén
- Populations Genetics and Identification Group, Institute of Genetics, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Dora Janeth Fonseca-Mendoza
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Oscar Ortega-Recalde
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Universidad Del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia.
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina e Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia.
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Marafie SK, Al-Mulla F. An Overview of the Role of Furin in Type 2 Diabetes. Cells 2023; 12:2407. [PMID: 37830621 PMCID: PMC10571965 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play important roles in regulating several human diseases, like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders. Investigating PTMs' contribution to protein functions is critical for modern biology and medicine. Proprotein convertases (PCs) are irreversible post-translational modifiers that have been extensively studied and are considered as key targets for novel therapeutics. They cleave proteins at specific sites causing conformational changes affecting their functions. Furin is considered as a PC model in regulating growth factors and is involved in regulating many pro-proteins. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is another key player in regulating cellular processes and its dysregulation is linked to several diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of furin in the context of diabetes has been rarely explored and is currently lacking. Moreover, furin variants have altered activity that could have implications on overall health. In this review, we aim to highlight the role of furin in T2D in relation to mTOR signaling. We will also address furin genetic variants and their potential effect on T2D and β-cell functions. Understanding the role of furin in prediabetes and dissecting it from other confounding factors like obesity is crucial for future therapeutic interventions in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman K. Marafie
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
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Host Genetic Variants Linked to COVID-19 Neurological Complications and Susceptibility in Young Adults-A Preliminary Analysis. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010123. [PMID: 36675784 PMCID: PMC9860613 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, multiple efforts have been made to use genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to untangle the genetic basis for SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and severe COVID-19. However, data on the genetic-related effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the presence of accompanying and long-term post-COVID-19 neurological symptoms in younger individuals remain absent. We aimed to examine the possible association between SNPs found in a GWAS of COVID-19 outcomes and three phenotypes: SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurological complications during disease progression, and long-term neurological complications in young adults with a mild-to-moderate disease course. University students (N = 336, age 18-25 years, European ancestry) with or without COVID-19 and neurological symptoms in anamnesis comprised the study sample. Logistic regression was performed with COVID-19-related phenotypes as outcomes, and the top 25 SNPs from GWAS meta-analyses and an MR study linking COVID-19 and cognitive deficits were found. We replicated previously reported associations of the FURIN and SLC6A20 gene variants (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.31-4.24) and OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.08-3.49, respectively) and remaining neurological complications (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.10-4.35 for SLC6A20), while NR1H2 (OR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.39-6.69) and TMPRSS2 (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.19-3.50) SNPs were associated with neurological symptoms accompanying COVID-19. Our findings indicate that genetic variants related to a severe COVID-19 course in adults may contribute to the occurrence of neurological repercussions in individuals at a young age.
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Gupta K, Kaur G, Pathak T, Banerjee I. Systematic review and meta-analysis of human genetic variants contributing to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Gene 2022; 844:146790. [PMID: 35987511 PMCID: PMC9384365 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned global health crisis of unprecedented magnitude, claiming millions of lives and pushing healthcare systems in many countries to the brink. Among several factors that contribute to an increased risk of COVID-19 and progression to exacerbated manifestations, host genetic landscape is increasingly being recognized as a critical determinant of susceptibility/resistance to infection and a prognosticator of clinical outcomes in infected individuals. Recently, several case-control association studies investigated the influence of human gene variants on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity to identify the culpable mutations. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the recent advances in COVID-19 host genetics research was lacking, and the inconsistent findings of the association studies required reliable evaluation of the strength of association with greater statistical power. In this study, we embarked on a systematic search of all possible reports of genetic association with COVID-19 till April 07, 2022, and performed meta-analyses of all the genetic polymorphisms that were examined in at least three studies. After identifying a total of 84 studies that investigated the association of 130 polymorphisms in 61 genes, we performed meta-analyses of all the eligible studies. Seven genetic polymorphisms involving 15,550 cases and 444,007 controls were explored for association with COVID-19 susceptibility, of which, ACE1 I/D rs4646994/rs1799752, APOE rs429358, CCR5 rs333, and IFITM3 rs12252 showed increased risk of infection. Meta-analyses of 11 gene variants involving 6702 patients with severe COVID-19 and 8640 infected individuals with non-severe manifestations revealed statistically significant association of ACE2 rs2285666, ACE2 rs2106809, ACE2 rs2074192, AGTR1 rs5186, and TNFA rs1800629 with COVID-19 severity. Overall, our study presents a synthesis of evidence on all the genetic determinants implicated in COVID-19 to date, and provides evidence of correlation between the above polymorphisms with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Indranil Banerjee
- Cellular Virology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali (IISER Mohali), Sector 81, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali 140306, India.
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