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AlMalki WH, Shahid I, Abdalla AN, Johargy AK, Ahmed M, Hassan S. Consensus small interfering RNA targeted to stem-loops II and III of IRES structure of 5' UTR effectively inhibits virus replication and translation of HCV sub-genotype 4a isolates from Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1109-1122. [PMID: 33424405 PMCID: PMC7785429 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Being the most conserved region of all hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and sub-genotypes, the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of HCV genome signifies it’s importance as a potential target for anti-mRNA based treatment strategies like RNA interference. The advent and approval of first small interference RNA (siRNA) -based treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis for clinical use has raised the hopes to test this approach against highly susceptible viruses like HCV. We investigated the antiviral potential of consensus siRNAs targeted to stem-loops (SLs) II and III nucleotide motifs of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) structure within 5′ UTR of HCV sub-genotype 4a isolates from the Saudi population. siRNA inhibitory effects on viral replication and translation of full-length HCV genome were determined in a competent, persistent, and reproducible Huh-7 cell culture system maintained for one month. Maximal inhibition of RNA transcript levels of HCV-IRES clones and silencing of viral replication and translation of full-length virus genome was demonstrated by siRNAs targeted to SL-III nucleotide motifs of IRES in Huh-7 cells. siRNA Usi-169 decreased 5′ UTR RNA transcript levels of HCV-IRES clones up to 75% (P < 0.001) at 24 h post-transfection and 80% (P < 0.001) at 48 h treatment in Huh-7 cells. 5′ UTR-tagged GFP protein expression was significantly decreased from 70 to 80% in Huh-7 cells co-transfected with constructed vectors (i.e. pCR3.1/GFP/5′ UTR) and siRNA Usi-169 at 24 h and 48 h time-span. Viral replication was inhibited by more than 90% (P < 0.001) and HCV core (C) and hypervariable envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2) expression was also significantly degraded by intracytoplasmic siRNA Usi-169 activity in persistent Huh-7 cell culture system. The findings unveil that siRNAs targeted to 5′ UTR-IRES of HCV sub-genotype 4a Saudi isolates show potent silencing of HCV replication and blocking of viral translation in a persistent in-vitro Huh-7 tissue culture system. Furthermore, we also elucidated that siRNA silencing of viral mRNA not only inhibits viral replication but also blocks viral translation. The results suggest that siRNA potent antiviral activity should be considered as an effective anti-mRNA based treatment strategies for further in-vivo investigations against less studied and harder-to-treat HCV sub-genotype 4a isolates in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed H AlMalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Postal Code 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Shahid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Postal Code 21955, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah Postal Code 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Postal Code 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman K Johargy
- Medical Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah Postal Code 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O. Box 13578, Postal Code 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajida Hassan
- Viral Hepatitis Program, Laboratory of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Elbadawy HM, Mohammed Abdul MI, Aljuhani N, Vitiello A, Ciccarese F, Shaker MA, Eltahir HM, Palù G, Di Antonio V, Ghassabian H, Del Vecchio C, Salata C, Franchin E, Ponterio E, Bahashwan S, Thabet K, Abouzied MM, Shehata AM, Parolin C, Calistri A, Alvisi G. Generation of Combinatorial Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Multiple Anti-Hepatitis C Virus shRNAs and Their Validation on a Novel HCV Replicon Double Reporter Cell Line. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091044. [PMID: 32962117 PMCID: PMC7551853 DOI: 10.3390/v12091044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the introduction of directly acting antivirals (DAAs), for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, their cost, patient compliance, and viral resistance are still important issues to be considered. Here, we describe the generation of a novel JFH1-based HCV subgenomic replicon double reporter cell line suitable for testing different antiviral drugs and therapeutic interventions. This cells line allowed a rapid and accurate quantification of cell growth/viability and HCV RNA replication, thus discriminating specific from unspecific antiviral effects caused by DAAs or cytotoxic compounds, respectively. By correlating cell number and virus replication, we could confirm the inhibitory effect on the latter of cell over confluency and characterize an array of lentiviral vectors expressing single, double, or triple cassettes containing different combinations of short hairpin (sh)RNAs, targeting both highly conserved viral genome sequences and cellular factors crucial for HCV replication. While all vectors were effective in reducing HCV replication, the ones targeting viral sequences displayed a stronger antiviral effect, without significant cytopathic effects. Such combinatorial platforms as well as the developed double reporter cell line might find application both in setting-up anti-HCV gene therapy approaches and in studies aimed at further dissecting the viral biology/pathogenesis of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein M. Elbadawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Mohi I. Mohammed Abdul
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.M.A.); (A.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Naif Aljuhani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Adriana Vitiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Francesco Ciccarese
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Mohamed A. Shaker
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Eltahir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Veronica Di Antonio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Hanieh Ghassabian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Claudia Del Vecchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Elisa Franchin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Eleonora Ponterio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"—I.R.C.C.S., 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Saleh Bahashwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Khaled Thabet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt;
| | - Mekky M. Abouzied
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. Shehata
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Cristina Parolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.M.A.); (A.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.M.A.); (A.C.); (G.A.)
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Aljowaie RM, Almajhdi FN, Ali HH, El-Wetidy MS, Shier MK. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 replication using siRNA targeted to the viral core region and the CD81 cellular receptor. Cell Stress Chaperones 2020; 25:345-355. [PMID: 32060691 PMCID: PMC7058739 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-020-01077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causative agents of hepatitis worldwide. The current study aimed to evaluate the silencing effect of the small interference RNA (siRNA) molecules designed against the core region of HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4) and the CD81 gene, which is the cellular receptor for HCV in the human hepatocytes. RT-PCR was used to measure the changes in both the viral HCV core and the cellular CD81 genes induced by the specific siRNA molecules. Additionally, the fluctuations in either the viral or the cellular proteins of the target regions were tested by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The results showed the effectiveness of the used siRNA molecules against the target genes in either RNA or protein levels. The effect of 100 nM of siCD81 and 40 nM of siCore was more evident at 24 and 48 h post-transfection. The combination of the two siRNA molecules resulted in an extra inhibitory effect of the HCV core at both the RNA (85.6%) and protein (98.5%) levels. The current study suggested that targeting of the CD81 cellular receptor and/or the viral HCV core region by the small interference molecules might be a suitable choice in the suppression of HCV-4 replication. This might assist the development of new antiviral medications and provides a new alternative strategy for the targeting and treatment of HCV genotype 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem M Aljowaie
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fahad N Almajhdi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hebatallh H Ali
- College of Medicine Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Medhat K Shier
- College of Medicine Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Menofia University, Shibin el Kom, Egypt
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Mounir M, Ibrahim MK, Dawood RM, Barakat AB, El Awady MK. Establishment of serum derived infectivity coculture model for enhancement of hepatitis C virus replication in vitro. Hum Antibodies 2020; 27:185-191. [PMID: 30958341 DOI: 10.3233/hab-190370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although HCV is one of the major health problems worldwide with the highest prevalence of genotype 4a in Egypt, it is poorly understood because of the limitations of having a robust in vitro model that allows the investigation and understanding of viral pathogenesis and life cycle. Genomic replicons for HCV are widely used and proved to have strong replication efficiency in cell culture, however, they are not able to produce infectious particles to enable the investigation of the whole viral life cycle and they mostly represent few sub-genomic classes for HCV. Hence, Genotype specific replication system is necessary to address specific sub-genomic phenotypes related to Hepatitis C pathogenicity. METHODS In this study we attempt to develop a sustainable co-culture model, which potentially provides essential route of infection for HCV by using HCV-positive sera from infected patients. In this novel in vitro model, we tested the viral replication in co-cultured Huh 7.5 and HepG2 cells in order to sustain full viral replication cycle. We used high viral load serum of HCV-infected patients (10 × 106 to 20 × 106 IU/ml) as a source for HCV particles to infect co-cultured cells for 7 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Viral replication capacity was increased 3-5 folds in the coculture condition compared to the individual cell lines, which indicates an improvement to viral infectivity in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This novel coculture system represents a new in vitro model that will help study the underlying mechanisms of HCV pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Mounir
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Khalil Ibrahim
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham M Dawood
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed B Barakat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K El Awady
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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Shahid I, Almalki WH, Ibrahim MM, Alghamdi SA, Mukhtar MH, Almalki SSR, Alkahtani SA, Alhaidari MS. Characterization of In vitro inhibitory effects of consensus short interference RNAs against non-structural 5B gene of hepatitis C virus 1a genotype. Indian J Med Microbiol 2019; 36:494-503. [PMID: 30880695 DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_17_146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Chronic hepatitis C has infected approximately 170 million people worldwide. The novel direct-acting antivirals have proven their clinical efficacy to treat hepatitis C infection but still very expensive and beyond the financial range of most infected patients in low income and even resource replete nations. This study was conducted to establish an in vitro stable human hepatoma 7 (Huh-7) cell culture system with consistent expression of the non-structural 5B (NS5B) protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) 1a genotype and to explore inhibitory effects of sequence-specific short interference RNA (siRNA) targeting NS5B in stable cell clones, and against viral replication in serum-inoculated Huh-7 cells. Materials and Methods In vitro stable Huh-7 cells with persistent expression of NS5B protein was produced under gentamycin (G418) selection. siRNAs inhibitory effects were determined by analysing NS5B expression at mRNA and protein level through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blot, respectively. Statistical significance of data (NS5B gene suppression) was performed using SPSS software (version 16.0, SPSS Inc.). Results siRNAs directed against NS5B gene significantly decreased NS5B expression at mRNA and protein levels in stable Huh-7 cells, and a vivid decrease in viral replication was also exhibited in serum-infected Huh-7 cells. Conclusions Stable Huh-7 cells persistently expressing NS5B protein should be helpful for molecular pathogenesis of HCV infection and development of anti-HCV drug screening assays. The siRNA was effective against NS5B and could be considered as an adjuvant therapy along with other promising anti-HCV regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shahid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munjed M Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Ahmad Alghamdi
- Infection Control Department, King Fahd Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Mukhtar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura Univeristy, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaia Saleh R Almalki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Ahmed Alkahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad S Alhaidari
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Fahad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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Maepa MB, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. How successful has targeted RNA interference for hepatic fibrosis been? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:381-388. [PMID: 29265946 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1420775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to toxins from the portal circulation, viral infection and by-products of metabolic activity make liver tissue prone to injury. When sustained, associated inflammation leads to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and complicating hepatic fibrosis. AREAS COVERED In this article, the authors discuss utility of therapeutic gene silencing to disable key steps of hepatic fibrogenesis. Strategies aimed at inhibiting HSC activation and silencing primary causes of fibrogenesis, such as viruses that cause chronic hepatitis, are reviewed. Both synthetic and expressed artificial intermediates of the RNAi pathway have potential to treat hepatic fibrosis, and each type of gene silencer has advantages for clinical translation. Silencing expression cassettes comprising DNA templates are compatible with efficient hepatotropic viral vectors, which may effect sustained gene silencing. By contrast, synthetic short interfering RNAs are amenable to chemical modification, incorporation into non-viral formulations, more precise dose control and large scale preparation. EXPERT OPINION Clinical translation of RNAi-based technology for treatment of hepatic fibrosis is now a realistic goal. However, achieving this aim will require safe, efficient delivery of artificial RNAi intermediates to target cells, economic large scale production of candidate drugs and specificity of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube Betty Maepa
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Shahid I, AlMalki WH, AlRabia MW, Mukhtar MH, Almalki SSR, Alkahtani SA, Ashgar SS, Faidah HS, Hafeez MH. In vitro inhibitory analysis of consensus siRNAs against NS3 gene of hepatitis C virus 1a genotype. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017; 10:701-709. [PMID: 28870347 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore inhibitory effects of genome-specific, chemically synthesized siRNAs (small interference RNA) against NS3 gene of hepatitis C virus (HCV) 1a genotype in stable Huh-7 (human hepatoma) cells as well as against viral replication in serum-inoculated Huh-7 cells. METHODS Stable Huh-7 cells persistently expressing NS3 gene were produced under antibiotic gentamycin (G418) selection. The cell clones resistant to 1000 μg antibiotic concentration (G418) were picked as stable cell clones. The NS3 gene expression in stable cell clone was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. siRNA cell cytotoxicity was determined by MTT cell proliferation assay. Stable cell lines were transfected with sequence specific siRNAs and their inhibitory effects were determined by RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting. The viral replication inhibition by siRNAs in serum inoculated Huh-7 cells was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS RT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed NS3 gene and protein expression in stable cell lines on day 10, 20 and 30 post transfection. MTT cell proliferation assay revealed that at most concentrated dose tested (50 nmol/L), siRNA had no cytotoxic effects on Huh-7 cells and cell proliferation remained unaffected. As demonstrated by the siRNA time-dependent inhibitory analysis, siRNA NS3-is44 showed maximum inhibition of NS3 gene in stable Huh-7 cell clones at 24 (80%, P = 0.013) and 48 h (75%, P = 0.002) post transfection. The impact of siRNAs on virus replication in serum inoculated Huh-7 cells also demonstrated significant decrease in viral copy number, where siRNA NS3-is44 exhibited 70% (P < 0.05) viral RNA reduction as compared to NS3-is33, which showed a 64% (P < 0.05) decrease in viral copy number. siRNA synergism (NS3-is33 + NS3-is44) decreased viral load by 84% (P < 0.05) as compared to individual inhibition by each siRNA (i.e., 64%-70% (P < 0.05)) in serum-inoculated cells. Synthetic siRNAs mixture (NS5B-is88 + NS3-is33) targeting different region of HCV genome (NS5B and NS3) also decreased HCV viral load by 85% (P < 0.05) as compared to siRNA inhibitory effects alone (70% and 64% respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS siRNAs directed against NS3 gene significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression in stable cell clones. Viral replication was also vividly decreased in serum infected Huh-7 cells. Stable Huh-7 cells expressing NS3 gene is helpful to develop anti-hepatitis C drug screening assays. siRNA therapeutic potential along with other anti-HCV agents can be considered against hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shahid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waleed Hassan AlMalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Wanees AlRabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Hasan Mukhtar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaia Saleh R Almalki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sami S Ashgar
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box. 13765, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani S Faidah
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box. 13765, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Hassan Hafeez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fatima Memorial College of Medicine and Dentistry, Shadman, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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Mandal A, Ganta KK, Chaubey B. Combinations of siRNAs against La Autoantigen with NS5B or hVAP-A Have Additive Effect on Inhibition of HCV Replication. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2016; 2016:9671031. [PMID: 27446609 PMCID: PMC4942654 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9671031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is major cause of chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Presently available direct-acting antiviral drugs have improved success rate; however, high cost limits their utilization, especially in developing countries like India. In the present study, we evaluated anti-HCV potential of several siRNAs targeted against the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5B and cellular factors, La autoantigen, PSMA7, and human VAMP-associated protein to intercept different steps of viral life cycle. The target genes were downregulated individually as well as in combinations and their impact on viral replication was evaluated. Individual downregulation of La autoantigen, PSMA7, hVAP-A, and NS5B resulted in inhibition of HCV replication by about 67.2%, 50.7%, 39%, and 52%, respectively. However, antiviral effect was more pronounced when multiple genes were downregulated simultaneously. Combinations of siRNAs against La autoantigen with NS5B or hVAP-A resulted in greater inhibition in HCV replication. Our findings indicate that siRNA is a potential therapeutic tool for inhibiting HCV replication and simultaneously targeting multiple viral steps with the combination of siRNAs is more effective than silencing a single target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Mandal
- Centre for Advance Studies, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Krishna Kumar Ganta
- Centre for Advance Studies, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Binay Chaubey
- Centre for Advance Studies, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India
- Laboratory of Recombinant Vaccines, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, UG and MUG, Abrahama 58 Street, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland
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9
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Zhou Y, Chen N, Liu X, Lin S, Luo W, Liu M. Kushenin induces the apoptosis of HCV-infected cells by blocking the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway via inhibiting NS5A. Exp Cell Res 2016; 345:108-14. [PMID: 27237092 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
With the increased burden induced by HCV, there is an urgent need to develop better-tolerated agents with good safety. In this study, we evaluated the anti-HCV capability of kushenin, as well as the possible mechanism to Huh7.5-HCV cells. The results demonstrated that kushenin significantly inhibited the HCV-RNA level. Similarly, the expression of HCV-specific protein NS5A was also decreased. Molecular docking results displayed that kushenin bonded well to the active pockets of HCV NS5A, further confirming the effects of kushenin on HCV replication. Coimmunoprecipitation assay determined that kushenin suppressed the interaction between PI3K and NS5A in HCV-replicon cells. Furthermore, kushenin exerted an obviously induced function on HCV-replicon cells apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, which could be ameliorated by the specific activator IGF-1 addition. Taken together, kushenin possesses the ability to inhibit HCV replication, and contributes to the increased apoptosis of HCV-infected cells by blocking the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway via inhibiting NS5A. Our results provide important evidence for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HCV infection, and suggest that kushenin has the potential to treat HCV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Na Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Shumei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Wenjuan Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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10
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Shahid I, AlMalki WH, R. Almalki SS, AlTurkestany IM, AlGhamdi HA, AlMenshawi SA. Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1a Non-Structural Proteins by Small Interference RNA in Human Hepatoma Cell Lines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/pp.2015.611053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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11
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Duan A, Ning L, Li C, Hou Y, Yang N, Sun L, Li G. A novel strategy to inhibit the reproduction and translation of hepatitis C virus. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2013; 56:293-7. [PMID: 23512276 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-013-4468-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a positive single-stranded RNA virus, is a major cause of liver disease in humans. Herein we report a novel strategy to inhibit the reproduction and translation of HCV using a short RNA, named an Additional RNA, to activate the endonuclease activity of Argonaute 2 (Ago2). In the presence of the Additional RNA, the HCV genome RNA has the requisite 12 nucleotides of base-pairing with microRNA-122. This activates the endonuclease activity of Ago2, resulting in cleavage and release of the HCV genome RNA from Ago2 and microRNA-122. The free HCV genome RNA would be susceptible to intracellular degradation, effectively inhibiting its reproduction and translation. This study presents a new method to inhibit HCV that may hold great potential for HCV treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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12
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Samreen B, Khaliq S, Ashfaq UA, Khan M, Afzal N, Shahzad MA, Riaz S, Jahan S. Hepatitis C virus entry: role of host and viral factors. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:1699-709. [PMID: 22878095 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been considered to be a significant risk factor in developing liver associated diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma all over the world. HCV is an enveloped positive strand virus comprising a complex between genomic RNA and viral envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2), which are anchored within host derived double-layered lipid membrane surrounding the nucleocapsid composed of several copies of core protein. HCV cell entry is the first step in infection and viral replication into host cells mainly hepatocytes. HCV cell entry is a complex process involving both the viral (envelope glycoproteins E1/E2) and host factors (cellular receptors and associated factors i.e. CD81, SR-BI, LDL-R, CLDN1, Occludin, DC-SIGN, L-SIGN and Glycosaminoglycans). Besides these the expression of certain other conditions such as polarization and EWI-2 expression inhibits the viral cell entry. Exploring the mechanism of HCV entry will help to better understand the viral life cycle and possible therapeutic targets against HCV infection including viral and host factors involved in this process. New strategies such as RNAi represents a new option for targeting the host or viral factors for prevention and therapeutic against HCV infection. In the current review we try to summarize the current knowledge about mechanism and interaction of cellular and viral factors involved in HCV cell entry and its implication as therapeutic target to inhibit HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baila Samreen
- National Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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13
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Asad S, Ijaz B, Ahmad W, Kausar H, Sarwar MT, Gull S, Shahid I, Khan MK, Hassan S. Development of persistent HCV genotype 3a infection cell culture model in huh-7 cell. Virol J 2012; 9:11. [PMID: 22234052 PMCID: PMC3292816 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-9-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major health concerns globally, with genotype 3a as the most prevalent in Pakistan. Lack of efficient HCV genotype 3a small animal models as well as genomic replicons has hampered the complete understanding of its life cycle, pathogenesis and therapeutic options. In this study we aimed to develop a persistent HCV genotype 3a infectious cell culture model. Methods We inoculated Huh-7 cells with HCV genotype 3a serum. Cells and media supernatant were collected at different time periods up to 40th day post infection. Culture media supernatant was also collected to find out its ability to infect naive Huh-7 cells. Results HCV replication was confirmed at both RNA and protein level through Real Time RCR and western blot using HCV core as marker. In order to validate the persistence of our model for HCV genotype 3a replication we inhibited the HCV replication through core specific siRNAs. The HCV RNA was detected intracellularly from the day one post infection up till 40th day, while HCV core protein was detected from the second day up to 40th day consistently. In culture media supernatant HCV RNA was also actively detected conferring its ability to infect the naive Huh-7 cells. Furthermore, core specific siRNA showed significant inhibition at 24th hour post transfection both at RNA and protein level with progressive increase in the expression of core gene after 3rd day. It clearly depicts that the Huh-7 successfully retained the HCV replication after degradation of siRNA. Conclusion Finally, we report that our persistent infection cell culture model consistently replicate HCV genotype 3a for more than 1 month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Asad
- Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, 53700 Lahore, Pakistan
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14
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Jahan S, Samreen B, Khaliq S, Ijaz B, Khan M, Siddique MH, Ahmad W, Hassan S. HCV entry receptors as potential targets for siRNA-based inhibition of HCV. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2011; 9:15. [PMID: 21896165 PMCID: PMC3179693 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health concern with almost 3% of the world's population (350 million individuals) and 10% of the Pakistani population chronically infected with this viral pathogen. The current therapy of interferon-α and ribavirin against HCV has limited efficiency, so alternative options are desperately needed. RNA interference (RNAi), which results in a sequence-specific degradation of HCV RNA has potential as a powerful alternative molecular therapeutic approach. Concerning viral entry, the HCV structural gene E2 is mainly involved in virus attachment to the host cell surface receptors i.e., CD81 tetraspanin, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and claudin1 (CLDN1). Results In this report, we studied the relationship of the HCV receptors CD81, LDL, CLDN1 and SR-B1to HCV infection. The potential of siRNAs to inhibit HCV-3a replication in serum-infected Huh-7 cells was demonstrated by treatment with siRNAs against HCV receptors, which resulted in a significant decrease in HCV viral copy number. Conclusions Our data clearly demonstrate that the RNAi-mediated silencing of HCV receptors is among the first of its type for the development of an effective siRNA-based therapeutic option against HCV-3a. These findings will shed further light on the possible role of receptors in inhibition of HCV-3a viral titre through siRNA mediated silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jahan
- Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Pakistan.
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15
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Jahan S, Khaliq S, Samreen B, Ijaz B, Khan M, Ahmad W, Ashfaq UAA, Hassan S. Effect of combined siRNA of HCV E2 gene and HCV receptors against HCV. Virol J 2011; 8:295. [PMID: 21663667 PMCID: PMC3136425 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major threat as almost 3% of the world's population (350 million individual) and 10% of the Pakistani population is chronically infected with this virus. RNA interference (RNAi), a sequence-specific degradation process of RNA, has potential to be used as a powerful alternative molecular therapeutic approach in spite of the current therapy of interferon-α and ribavirin against HCV which has limited efficiency. HCV structural gene E2 is mainly involved in viral cell entry via attachment with the host cell surface receptors i.e., CD81 tetraspanin, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), and Claudin1 (CLDN1). Considering the importance of HCV E2 gene and cellular receptors in virus infection and silencing effects of RNAi, the current study was designed to target the cellular and viral factors as new therapeutic options in limiting HCV infection. Results In this study the potential of siRNAs to inhibit HCV-3a replication in serum-infected Huh-7 cells was investigated by combined treatment of siRNAs against the HCV E2 gene and HCV cellular receptors (CD81 and LDLR), which resulted in a significant decrease in HCV viral copy number. Conclusion From the current study it is concluded that the combined RNAi-mediated silencing of HCV E2 and HCV receptors is important for the development of effective siRNA-based therapeutic option against HCV-3a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jahan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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16
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Khaliq S, Jahan S, Pervaiz A, Ali Ashfaq U, Hassan S. Down-regulation of IRES containing 5'UTR of HCV genotype 3a using siRNAs. Virol J 2011; 8:221. [PMID: 21569449 PMCID: PMC3116492 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of liver associated diseases leading to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) all over the world and genotype-3a responsible for most of the cases in Pakistan. Due to the limited efficiency of current chemotherapy of interferon-α (IFN-α) and ribavirin against HCV infection alternative options are desperately needed out of which the recently discovered RNAi represent a powerful silencing approach for molecular therapeutics through a sequence-specific RNA degradation process to silence virus infection or replication. HCV translation is mediated by a highly conserved internal ribosome entry site (IRES) within the 5'UTR region making it a relevant target for new drug development. Materials and methods The present study was proposed to assess and explore the possibility of HCV silencing using siRNA targeting 5'UTR. For this analysis full length HCV 5'UTR of HCV-3a (pCR3.1/5'UTR) was tagged with GFP protein for in vitro analysis in Huh-7 cells. siRNA targeting 5'UTR were designed, and tested against constructed vector in Huh-7 cell line both at RNA and Protein levels. Furthermore, the effect of these siRNAs was confirmed in HCV-3a serum infected Huh-7 cell line. Results The expression of 5'UTR-GFP was dramatically reduced both at mRNA and protein levels as compared with Mock transfected and control siRNAs treated cells using siRNAs against IRES of HCV-3a genotype. The potential of siRNAs specificity to inhibit HCV-3a replication in serum-infected Huh-7 cells was also investigated; upon treatment with siRNAs a significant decrease in HCV viral copy number and protein expression was observed. Conclusions Overall, the present work of siRNAs against HCV 5'UTR inhibits HCV-3a expression and represents effective future therapeutic opportunities against HCV-3a genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Khaliq
- Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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17
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Jahan S, Khaliq S, Ijaz B, Ahmad W, Hassan S. Role of HCV Core gene of genotype 1a and 3a and host gene Cox-2 in HCV-induced pathogenesis. Virol J 2011; 8:155. [PMID: 21457561 PMCID: PMC3080829 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Core protein is thought to trigger activation of multiple signaling pathways and play a significant role in the alteration of cellular gene expression responsible for HCV pathogenesis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact molecular mechanism of HCV genome specific pathogenesis remains unclear. We examined the in vitro effects of HCV Core protein of HCV genotype 3a and 1a on the cellular genes involved in oxidative stress and angiogenesis. We also studied the ability of HCV Core and Cox-2 siRNA either alone or in combination to inhibit viral replication and cell proliferation in HCV serum infected Huh-7 cells. Results Over expression of Core gene of HCV 3a genotype showed stronger effect in regulating RNA and protein levels of Cox-2, iNOS, VEGF, p-Akt as compared to HCV-1a Core in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7 accompanied by enhanced PGE2 release and cell proliferation. We also observed higher expression levels of above genes in HCV 3a patient's blood and biopsy samples. Interestingly, the Core and Cox-2-specific siRNAs down regulated the Core 3a-enhanced expression of Cox-2, iNOS, VEGF, p-Akt. Furthermore, the combined siRNA treatment also showed a dramatic reduction in viral titer and expression of these genes in HCV serum-infected Huh-7 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated a differential response by HCV 3a genotype in HCV-induced pathogenesis, which may be due to Core and host factor Cox-2 individually or in combination. Conclusions Collectively, these studies not only suggest a genotype-specific interaction between key players of HCV pathogenesis but also may represent combined viral and host gene silencing as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jahan
- Applied and Functional Genomics Laboratory, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of Punjab, Lahore 53700, Pakistan.
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