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Ridgway H, Moore GJ, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Hoffmann W, Węgrzyn K, Vassilaki N, Mpekoulis G, Zouridakis M, Giastas P, Vidali VP, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas MT, Dimitriou M, Mavromoustakos T, Tsiodras S, Gorgoulis VG, Karakasiliotis I, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Novel benzimidazole angiotensin receptor blockers with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity equipotent to that of nirmatrelvir: computational and enzymatic studies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:437-459. [PMID: 38828744 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2362675] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension worsens outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Sartans, a type of antihypertensive angiotensin receptor blocker-(ARB), reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality by targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral and antihypertensive effects of nirmatrelvir, commercial sartans (candesartan, losartan, and losartan carboxylic (Exp3174)), and newly synthesized sartans (benzimidazole-N-biphenyl carboxyl (ACC519C) and benzimidazole-N-biphenyl tetrazole (ACC519T)), compared to nirmatrelvir, the antiviral component of Paxlovid. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzymatic studies assessed drug effects on ACE2. Antiviral abilities were tested with SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells, and antihypertensive effects were evaluated using angiotensin II-contracted rabbit iliac arteries. RESULTS Benzimidazole-based candesartan and ACC519C showed antiviral activity comparable to nirmatrelvir (95% inhibition). Imidazole-based losartan, Exp3174, and ACC519T were less potent (75%-80% and 50%, respectively), with Exp3174 being the least effective. SPR analysis indicated high sartans-ACE2 binding affinity. Candesartan and nirmatrelvir combined had greater inhibitory and cytopathic effects (3.96%) than individually (6.10% and 5.08%). ACE2 enzymatic assays showed varying effects of novel sartans on ACE2. ACC519T significantly reduced angiotensin II-mediated contraction, unlike nirmatrelvir and ACC519T(2). CONCLUSION This study reports the discovery of a new class of benzimidazole-based sartans that significantly inhibit SARS-CoV-2, likely due to their interaction with ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM, USA
| | - Graham J Moore
- Pepmetics Inc, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Weronika Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Zouridakis
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Giastas
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Natural Products and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Marios Dimitriou
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Faculty of Medicine, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Gorgoulis
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - John M Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Tungkijanansin N, Phusrisom S, Chatdarong K, Torvorapanit P, Sirinara P, Nhujak T, Kulsing C. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detector for sweat based COVID-19 screening. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1280:341878. [PMID: 37858543 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Simple approach for rapid screening of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been developed. This applied gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analyzing the potential compound marker in sweat samples obtained from COVID-19 positive and negative volunteers in Bangkok, Thailand. The samples were collected by using cotton rods for 15 min, heated at 90 °C for 5 min, and the volatile compounds in the headspace (HS) were injected (5.00 mL) at 150 °C and separated within 13.7 min. The marker peak was tentatively identified as p-cymene by the authentic standard injection and comparison with the GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC × GC)-MS analysis. Possible mechanisms for the presence of p-cymene were proposed. The marker peak area thresholds were then varied and optimized via construction of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. With the optimum threshold, the established method offered the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 96 %. This method was insignificantly affected (p-value >0.05) by genders, body mass indices, ages, and use of deodorants as well as the p-cymene containing food. However, the performance could be affected by the population with personal hygiene or experiencing the microbiomes producing p-cymene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttanee Tungkijanansin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Sorachar Phusrisom
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattama Torvorapanit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patthrarawalai Sirinara
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Thumnoon Nhujak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Chadin Kulsing
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Electrochemistry and Optical Spectroscopy Center of Excellence (EOSCE), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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3
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Rasekh P, Kameli A, Khoradmehr A, Baghban N, Mohebbi G, Barmak A, Nabipour I, Azari H, Heidari Y, Daneshi A, Bargahi A, Khodabandeh Z, Zare S, Afshar A, Shirazi R, Almasi-Turk S, Tamadon A. Proliferative Effect of Aqueous Extract of Sea Cucumber ( Holothuria parva) Body Wall on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050267. [PMID: 37233461 DOI: 10.3390/md21050267] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea cucumber extracts and their bioactive compounds have the potential for stem cell proliferation induction and for their beneficial therapeutic properties. In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were exposed to an aqueous extract of Holothuria parva body walls. Proliferative molecules were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in an aqueous extract of H. parva. The aqueous extract concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µg/mL and 10 and 20 ng/mL of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) as positive controls were treated on hUC-MSCs. MTT, cell count, viability, and cell cycle assays were performed. Using Western blot analysis, the effects of extracts of H. parva and EGF on cell proliferation markers were detected. Computational modeling was done to detect effective proliferative compounds in the aqueous extract of H. parva. A MTT assay showed that the 10, 20, and 40 µg/mL aqueous extract of H. parva had a proliferative effect on hUC-MSCs. The cell count, which was treated with a 20 µg/mL concentration, increased faster and higher than the control group (p < 0.05). This concentration of the extract did not have a significant effect on hUC-MSCs' viability. The cell cycle assay of hUC-MSCs showed that the percentage of cells in the G2 stage of the extract was biologically higher than the control group. Expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, cyclin E, HIF-1α, and TERT was increased compared with the control group. Moreover, expression of p21 and PCNA decreased after treating hUC-MSCs with the extract. However, CDC-2/cdk-1 and ERK1/2 had almost the same expression as the control group. The expression of CDK-4 and CDK-6 decreased after treatment. Between the detected compounds, 1-methyl-4-(1-methyl phenyl)-benzene showed better affinity to CDK-4 and p21 than tetradecanoic acid. The H. parva aqueous extract showed proliferative potential on hUC-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poorya Rasekh
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Ali Kameli
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Arezoo Khoradmehr
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Neda Baghban
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Mohebbi
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Alireza Barmak
- Food Lab, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7518759577, Iran
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Hossein Azari
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Yaser Heidari
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Adel Daneshi
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Afshar Bargahi
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Zahra Khodabandeh
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Zare
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Alireza Afshar
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Reza Shirazi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 3052, Australia
| | - Sahar Almasi-Turk
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633196, Iran
| | - Amin Tamadon
- PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz 7167683745, Iran
- Department for Scientific Work, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030012, Kazakhstan
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4
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Vassiliou E, Awoleye O, Davis A, Mishra S. Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of Thyme Oil and Its Main Constituents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086936. [PMID: 37108100 PMCID: PMC10138399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyme oil (TO) is derived from the flowers of various plants belonging to the genus Thymus. It has been used as a therapeutic agent since ancient times. Thymus comprises numerous molecular species exhibiting diverse therapeutic properties that are dependent on their biologically active concentrations in the extracted oil. It is therefore not surprising that oils extracted from different thyme plants present different therapeutic properties. Furthermore, the phenophase of the same plant species has been shown to yield different anti-inflammatory properties. Given the proven efficacy of TO and the diversity of its constituents, a better understanding of the interactions of the various components is warranted. The aim of this review is to gather the latest research findings regarding TO and its components with respect to their immunomodulatory properties. An optimization of the various components has the potential to yield more effective thyme formulations with increased potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evros Vassiliou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Oreoluwa Awoleye
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Amanda Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Sasmita Mishra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
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5
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Mahnam K, Rajaee SM. A theoretical survey to find potential natural compound for inhibition of binding the RBD domain to ACE2 receptor based on plant antivirals. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14540-14565. [PMID: 36974837 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2183033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The spike protein of coronavirus is crucial in binding and arrival of the virus to the human cell via binding to the human ACE2 receptor. In this study, at first 25 antiviral phytochemicals were docked into the RBD domain of spike protein, and then all complexes and free RBD domains were separately subjected to molecular dynamics simulation for 100 ns and MM/PBSA binding free energy calculation. In this phase, four ligands were chosen as hit compounds and a natural compound database (NPASS) was screened based on high similarity with these ligands, and 367 ligands were found. Then the same previous procedure was repeated for these ligands and ADME properties were investigated. Finally, virtual screening and 4400 ns MD simulation and MM/PBSA calculation revealed that new ligands including NPC67959, NPC157855, NPC248793, and NPC216361 can inhibit the RBD domain of spike protein and we propose them as potential drugs for experimental studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mahnam
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
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6
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Cozzi L, Vicenza T, Battistini R, Masotti C, Suffredini E, Di Pasquale S, Fauconnier ML, Ercolini C, Serracca L. Effects of Essential Oils and Hydrolates on the Infectivity of Murine Norovirus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030682. [PMID: 36992391 PMCID: PMC10055854 DOI: 10.3390/v15030682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of natural substances with antiviral properties might reduce foodborne viral diseases. In this study, we evaluated the virucidal effect of Citrus limon and Thymus serpyllum essential oils (EOs) and of Citrus Limon, Thymus serpyllum and Thymus vulgaris hydrolates on murine norovirus (MNV), a human norovirus surrogate. To assess the virucidal effect of these natural substances, the reduction in viral infectivity was estimated by comparing the TCID50/mL of untreated viral suspension and the viral suspension treated with hydrolates and EOs at different concentrations. The results showed a natural loss of infectivity of the untreated virus after 24 h of approx. 1 log. The EO (1%) of T. serpyllum, and hydrolates (1% and 2%) of T. serpyllum and T. vulgaris immediately caused a reduction in MNV infectivity of about 2 log but did not provide a further significant decrease after 24 h. Instead, the EO (1%) and hydrolate (1% and 2%) of C. limon exerted an immediate reduction in the viral infectivity of about 1.3 log and 1 log, respectively, followed by a further reduction in infectivity of 1 log after 24 h for the hydrolate. These results will allow for the implementation of a depuration treatment based on the use of these natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cozzi
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Vicenza
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Battistini
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Masotti
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Di Pasquale
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Laure Fauconnier
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Carlo Ercolini
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Laura Serracca
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
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Henri J, Minder L, Mohanasundaram K, Dilly S, Goupil-Lamy A, Di Primo C, Slama Schwok A. Neuropeptides, New Ligands of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein, a Potential Link between Replication, Inflammation and Neurotransmission. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27228094. [PMID: 36432196 PMCID: PMC9698730 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This work identifies new ligands of the nucleoprotein N of SARS-CoV-2 by in silico screening, which used a new model of N, built from an Alphafold model refined by molecular dynamic simulations. The ligands were neuropeptides, such as substance P (1-7) and enkephalin, bound at a large site of the C-terminal or associated with the N-terminal β-sheet. The BA4 and BA5 Omicron variants of N also exhibited a large site as in wt N, and an increased flexibility of the BA5 variant, enabling substance P binding. The binding sites of some ligands deduced from modeling in wt N were assessed by mutation studies in surface plasmon resonance experiments. Dynamic light scattering showed that the ligands impeded RNA binding to N, which likely inhibited replication. We suggest that the physiological role of these neuropeptides in neurotransmission, pain and vasodilation for cholecystokinin and substance P could be altered by binding to N. We speculate that N may link between viral replication and multiple pathways leading to long COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, N may constitute a "danger hub" that needs to be inhibited, even at high cost for the host. Antivirals targeted to N may therefore reduce the risk of brain fog and stroke, and improve patients' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Henri
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, UMR-CNRS 7238, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Minder
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB), CNRS, INSERM UAR 3033, US001, Univ. Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Kevin Mohanasundaram
- Saint Antoine Hospital, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Biology and Cancer Therapeutics, INSERM U938, F-75231 Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Dilly
- Saint Antoine Hospital, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Biology and Cancer Therapeutics, INSERM U938, F-75231 Paris, France
| | - Anne Goupil-Lamy
- Biovia, Dassault Systèmes, 10 Rue Marcel Dassault, CS40501, CEDEX, F-78946 Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
| | - Carmelo Di Primo
- CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, IECB, Univ. Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Anny Slama Schwok
- Saint Antoine Hospital, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Biology and Cancer Therapeutics, INSERM U938, F-75231 Paris, France
- Correspondence: or
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Agrawal S, Pathak E, Mishra R, Mishra V, Parveen A, Mishra SK, Byadgi PS, Dubey SK, Chaudhary AK, Singh V, Chaurasia RN, Atri N. Computational exploration of the dual role of the phytochemical fortunellin: Antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 and immunomodulatory abilities against the host. Comput Biol Med 2022; 149:106049. [PMID: 36103744 PMCID: PMC9452420 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106049] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections generate approximately one million virions per day, and the majority of available antivirals are ineffective against it due to the virus's inherent genetic mutability. This necessitates the investigation of concurrent inhibition of multiple SARS-CoV-2 targets. We show that fortunellin (acacetin 7-O-neohesperidoside), a phytochemical, is a promising candidate for preventing and treating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by targeting multiple key viral target proteins. Fortunellin supports protective immunity while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis pathways and protecting against tissue damage. Fortunellin is a phytochemical found in Gojihwadi kwath, an Indian traditional Ayurvedic formulation with an antiviral activity that is effective in COVID-19 patients. The mechanistic action of its antiviral activity, however, is unknown. The current study comprehensively evaluates the potential therapeutic mechanisms of fortunellin in preventing and treating COVID-19. We have used molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, free-energy calculations, host target mining of fortunellin, gene ontology enrichment, pathway analyses, and protein-protein interaction analysis. We discovered that fortunellin reliably binds to key targets that are necessary for viral replication, growth, invasion, and infectivity including Nucleocapsid (N-CTD) (-54.62 kcal/mol), Replicase-monomer at NSP-8 binding site (-34.48 kcal/mol), Replicase-dimer interface (-31.29 kcal/mol), Helicase (-30.02 kcal/mol), Papain-like-protease (-28.12 kcal/mol), 2'-O-methyltransferase (-23.17 kcal/mol), Main-protease (-21.63 kcal/mol), Replicase-monomer at dimer interface (-22.04 kcal/mol), RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (-19.98 kcal/mol), Nucleocapsid-NTD (-16.92 kcal/mol), and Endoribonuclease (-16.81 kcal/mol). Furthermore, we identify and evaluate the potential human targets of fortunellin and its effect on the SARS-CoV-2 infected tissues, including normal-human-bronchial-epithelium (NHBE) and lung cells and organoids such as pancreatic, colon, liver, and cornea using a network pharmacology approach. Thus, our findings indicate that fortunellin has a dual role; multi-target antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 and immunomodulatory capabilities against the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi Agrawal
- Bioinformatics, MMV, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Ekta Pathak
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Rajeev Mishra
- Bioinformatics, MMV, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India.
| | - Vibha Mishra
- Bioinformatics, MMV, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Afifa Parveen
- Bioinformatics, MMV, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | | | | | - Sushil Kumar Dubey
- Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | | | | | | | - Neelam Atri
- Department of Botany, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, India
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Daskalakis V. Deciphering the QR Code of the CRISPR-Cas9 System: Synergy between Gln768 (Q) and Arg976 (R). ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2022; 2:496-505. [PMID: 36855610 PMCID: PMC9955204 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.2c00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Markov state models (MSMs) and machine learning (ML) algorithms can extrapolate the long-time-scale behavior of large biomolecules from molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories. In this study, an MD-MSM-ML scheme has been applied to probe the large endonuclease (Cas9) in the bacterial adaptive immunity CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR has become a programmable and state-of-the-art powerful genome editing tool that has already revolutionized life sciences. CRISPR-Cas9 is programmed to process specific DNA sequences in the genome. However, human/biomedical applications are compromised by off-target DNA damage. Characterization of Cas9 at the structural and biophysical levels is a prerequisite for the development of efficient and high-fidelity Cas9 variants. The Cas9 wild type and two variants (R63A-R66A-R70A, R69A-R71A-R74A-R78A) are studied herein. The configurational space of Cas9 is provided with a focus on the conformations of the side chains of two residues (Gln768 and Arg976). A model for the synergy between those two residues is proposed. The results are discussed within the context of experimental literature. The results and methodology can be exploited for the study of large biomolecules in general and for the engineering of more efficient and safer Cas9 variants for applications.
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Pirintsos S, Panagiotopoulos A, Bariotakis M, Daskalakis V, Lionis C, Sourvinos G, Karakasiliotis I, Kampa M, Castanas E. From Traditional Ethnopharmacology to Modern Natural Drug Discovery: A Methodology Discussion and Specific Examples. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134060. [PMID: 35807306 PMCID: PMC9268545 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacology, through the description of the beneficial effects of plants, has provided an early framework for the therapeutic use of natural compounds. Natural products, either in their native form or after crude extraction of their active ingredients, have long been used by different populations and explored as invaluable sources for drug design. The transition from traditional ethnopharmacology to drug discovery has followed a straightforward path, assisted by the evolution of isolation and characterization methods, the increase in computational power, and the development of specific chemoinformatic methods. The deriving extensive exploitation of the natural product chemical space has led to the discovery of novel compounds with pharmaceutical properties, although this was not followed by an analogous increase in novel drugs. In this work, we discuss the evolution of ideas and methods, from traditional ethnopharmacology to in silico drug discovery, applied to natural products. We point out that, in the past, the starting point was the plant itself, identified by sustained ethnopharmacological research, with the active compound deriving after extensive analysis and testing. In contrast, in recent years, the active substance has been pinpointed by computational methods (in silico docking and molecular dynamics, network pharmacology), followed by the identification of the plant(s) containing the active ingredient, identified by existing or putative ethnopharmacological information. We further stress the potential pitfalls of recent in silico methods and discuss the absolute need for in vitro and in vivo validation as an absolute requirement. Finally, we present our contribution to natural products’ drug discovery by discussing specific examples, applying the whole continuum of this rapidly evolving field. In detail, we report the isolation of novel antiviral compounds, based on natural products active against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and novel substances active on a specific GPCR, OXER1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Athanasios Panagiotopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Michalis Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Vangelis Daskalakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3603, Cyprus;
| | - Christos Lionis
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Elias Castanas
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (E.C.)
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11
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Caruso IP, dos Santos Almeida V, do Amaral MJ, de Andrade GC, de Araújo GR, de Araújo TS, de Azevedo JM, Barbosa GM, Bartkevihi L, Bezerra PR, dos Santos Cabral KM, de Lourenço IO, Malizia-Motta CL, de Luna Marques A, Mebus-Antunes NC, Neves-Martins TC, de Sá JM, Sanches K, Santana-Silva MC, Vasconcelos AA, da Silva Almeida M, de Amorim GC, Anobom CD, Da Poian AT, Gomes-Neto F, Pinheiro AS, Almeida FC. Insights into the specificity for the interaction of the promiscuous SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain with deoxyribonucleic acids. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 203:466-480. [PMID: 35077748 PMCID: PMC8783401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N) is a multifunctional promiscuous nucleic acid-binding protein, which plays a major role in nucleocapsid assembly and discontinuous RNA transcription, facilitating the template switch of transcriptional regulatory sequences (TRS). Here, we dissect the structural features of the N protein N-terminal domain (N-NTD) and N-NTD plus the SR-rich motif (N-NTD-SR) upon binding to single and double-stranded TRS DNA, as well as their activities for dsTRS melting and TRS-induced liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Our study gives insights on the specificity for N-NTD(-SR) interaction with TRS. We observed an approximation of the triple-thymidine (TTT) motif of the TRS to β-sheet II, giving rise to an orientation difference of ~25° between dsTRS and non-specific sequence (dsNS). It led to a local unfavorable energetic contribution that might trigger the melting activity. The thermodynamic parameters of binding of ssTRSs and dsTRS suggested that the duplex dissociation of the dsTRS in the binding cleft is entropically favorable. We showed a preference for TRS in the formation of liquid condensates when compared to NS. Moreover, our results on DNA binding may serve as a starting point for the design of inhibitors, including aptamers, against N, a possible therapeutic target essential for the virus infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Icaro Putinhon Caruso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil; Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Vitor dos Santos Almeida
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Juliani do Amaral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Caldas de Andrade
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Rocha de Araújo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Talita Stelling de Araújo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Moreira de Azevedo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glauce Moreno Barbosa
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Bartkevihi
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Peter Reis Bezerra
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katia Maria dos Santos Cabral
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabella Otênio de Lourenço
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara L.F. Malizia-Motta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline de Luna Marques
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Multidisciplinary Center for Research in Biology (NUMPEX), Campus Duque de Caxias Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathane Cunha Mebus-Antunes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Cristtina Neves-Martins
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Maróstica de Sá
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karoline Sanches
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Caique Santana-Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Multidisciplinary Center for Research in Biology (NUMPEX), Campus Duque de Caxias Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ariana Azevedo Vasconcelos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcius da Silva Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisele Cardoso de Amorim
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Multidisciplinary Center for Research in Biology (NUMPEX), Campus Duque de Caxias Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Dinis Anobom
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea T. Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco Gomes-Neto
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anderson S. Pinheiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio C.L. Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Correspondence to: F.C.L. Almeida, National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Discovery of a new generation of angiotensin receptor blocking drugs: receptor mechanisms and in silico binding to enzymes relevant to covid-19. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2091-2111. [PMID: 35432786 PMCID: PMC8994259 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and facile synthesis of a new class of sartan-like arterial antihypertensive drugs (angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]), subsequently referred to as “bisartans” is reported. In vivo results and complementary molecular modelling presented in this communication indicate bisartans may be beneficial for the treatment of not only heart disease, diabetes, renal dysfunction, and related illnesses, but possibly COVID-19. Bisartans are novel bis-alkylated imidazole sartan derivatives bearing dual symmetric anionic biphenyl tetrazole moieties. In silico docking and molecular dynamics studies revealed bisartans exhibited higher binding affinities for the ACE2/spike protein complex (PDB 6LZG) compared to all other known sartans. They also underwent stable docking to the Zn2+ domain of the ACE2 catalytic site as well as the critical interfacial region between ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain. Additionally, semi-stable docking of bisartans at the arginine-rich furin-cleavage site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (residues 681–686) required for virus entry into host cells, suggest bisartans may inhibit furin action thereby retarding viral entry into host cells. Bisartan tetrazole groups surpass nitrile, the pharmacophoric “warhead” of PF-07321332, in its ability to disrupt the cysteine charge relay system of 3CLpro. However, despite the apparent targeting of multifunctional sites, bisartans do not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in bioassays as effectively as PF-07321332 (Paxlovid).
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13
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Panagiotopoulos AA, Karakasiliotis I, Kotzampasi DM, Dimitriou M, Sourvinos G, Kampa M, Pirintsos S, Castanas E, Daskalakis V. Natural Polyphenols Inhibit the Dimerization of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: The Case of Fortunellin and Its Structural Analogs. Molecules 2021; 26:6068. [PMID: 34641612 PMCID: PMC8512273 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
3CL-Pro is the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro). It acts as a homodimer to cleave the large polyprotein 1ab transcript into proteins that are necessary for viral growth and replication. 3CL-Pro has been one of the most studied SARS-CoV-2 proteins and a main target of therapeutics. A number of drug candidates have been reported, including natural products. Here, we employ elaborate computational methods to explore the dimerization of the 3CL-Pro protein, and we formulate a computational context to identify potential inhibitors of this process. We report that fortunellin (acacetin 7-O-neohesperidoside), a natural flavonoid O-glycoside, and its structural analogs are potent inhibitors of 3CL-Pro dimerization, inhibiting viral plaque formation in vitro. We thus propose a novel basis for the search of pharmaceuticals as well as dietary supplements in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios A. Panagiotopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.A.P.); (D.-M.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Danai-Maria Kotzampasi
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.A.P.); (D.-M.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Marios Dimitriou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.A.P.); (D.-M.K.); (M.K.)
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Stergios Pirintsos
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece;
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (A.A.P.); (D.-M.K.); (M.K.)
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Vangelis Daskalakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 3603 Limassol, Cyprus
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