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Aptamers targeting SARS-COV-2: a promising tool to fight against COVID-19. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:528-544. [PMID: 35995601 PMCID: PMC9340053 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, remains among the main causes of global mortality. Although antigen/antibody-based immunoassays and neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 have been successfully developed over the past 2 years, they are often inefficient and unreliable for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Novel approaches against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are therefore urgently needed. Aptamers have been developed for the detection and inhibition of several different viruses such as HIV, influenza viruses, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV. Aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 represent a promising tool in the fight against COVID-19, which is of paramount importance for the current and any future pandemics. This review presents recent advances and future trends in the development of aptamer-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and treatment.
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2
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Hayashi M, Schultz EP, Lanchy JM, Lodmell JS. Time-Resolved Analysis of N-RNA Interactions during RVFV Infection Shows Qualitative and Quantitative Shifts in RNA Encapsidation and Packaging. Viruses 2021; 13:2417. [PMID: 34960686 PMCID: PMC8704896 DOI: 10.3390/v13122417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a negative-sense, tripartite RNA virus that is endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It can cause severe disease and mortality in humans and domestic livestock and is a concern for its potential to spread more globally. RVFV's nucleocapsid protein (N) is an RNA-binding protein that is necessary for viral transcription, replication, and the production of nascent viral particles. We have conducted crosslinking, immunoprecipitation, and sequencing (CLIP-seq) to characterize N interactions with host and viral RNAs during infection. In parallel, to precisely measure intracellular N levels, we employed multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). Our results show that N binds mostly to host RNAs at early stages of infection, yielding nascent virus particles of reduced infectivity. The expression of N plateaus 10 h post-infection, whereas the intracellular viral RNA concentration continues to increase. Moreover, the virions produced later in infection have higher infectivity. Taken together, the detailed examination of these N-RNA interactions provides insight into how the regulated expression of N and viral RNA produces both infectious and incomplete, noninfectious particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Hayashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
| | - Eric P. Schultz
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
| | - Jean-Marc Lanchy
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
| | - J. Stephen Lodmell
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
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3
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Aptamers in Virology-A Consolidated Review of the Most Recent Advancements in Diagnosis and Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101646. [PMID: 34683938 PMCID: PMC8540715 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101646] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of short oligonucleotide or peptide molecules as target-specific aptamers has recently garnered substantial attention in the field of the detection and treatment of viral infections. Based on their high affinity and high specificity to desired targets, their use is on the rise to replace antibodies for the detection of viruses and viral antigens. Furthermore, aptamers inhibit intracellular viral transcription and translation, in addition to restricting viral entry into host cells. This has opened up a plethora of new targets for the research and development of novel vaccines against viruses. Here, we discuss the advances made in aptamer technology for viral diagnosis and therapy in the past decade.
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Navien TN, Yeoh TS, Anna A, Tang TH, Citartan M. Aptamers isolated against mosquito-borne pathogens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:131. [PMID: 34240263 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are a major threat to public health. The shortcomings of diagnostic tools, especially those that are antibody-based, have been blamed in part for the rising annual morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases. Antibodies harbor a number of disadvantages that can be clearly addressed by aptamers as the more promising molecular recognition elements. Aptamers are defined as single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides generated by SELEX that exhibit high binding affinity and specificity against a wide variety of target molecules based on their unique structural conformations. A number of aptamers were developed against mosquito-borne pathogens such as Dengue virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Plasmodium parasite, Francisella tularensis, Japanese encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Rift Valley fever virus and Yellow fever virus. Intrigued by these achievements, we carry out a comprehensive overview of the aptamers developed against these mosquito-borne infectious agents. Characteristics of the aptamers and their roles in diagnostic, therapeutic as well as other applications are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tholasi Nadhan Navien
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tzi Shien Yeoh
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andrew Anna
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Thean-Hock Tang
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Marimuthu Citartan
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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Krüger A, de Jesus Santos AP, de Sá V, Ulrich H, Wrenger C. Aptamer Applications in Emerging Viral Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070622. [PMID: 34203242 PMCID: PMC8308861 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules which are submitted to a process denominated SELEX. SELEX uses reiterative screening of a random oligonucleotide library to identify high-affinity binders to a chosen target, which may be a peptide, protein, or entire cells or viral particles. Aptamers can rival antibodies in target recognition, and benefit from their non-proteic nature, ease of modification, increased stability, and pharmacokinetic properties. This turns them into ideal candidates for diagnostic as well as therapeutic applications. Here, we review the recent accomplishments in the development of aptamers targeting emerging viral diseases, with emphasis on recent findings of aptamers binding to coronaviruses. We focus on aptamer development for diagnosis, including biosensors, in addition to aptamer modifications for stabilization in body fluids and tissue penetration. Such aptamers are aimed at in vivo diagnosis and treatment, such as quantification of viral load and blocking host cell invasion, virus assembly, or replication, respectively. Although there are currently no in vivo applications of aptamers in combating viral diseases, such strategies are promising for therapy development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Krüger
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000-SP, Brazil;
| | - Ana Paula de Jesus Santos
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900-SP, Brazil; (A.P.d.J.S.); (V.d.S.)
| | - Vanessa de Sá
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900-SP, Brazil; (A.P.d.J.S.); (V.d.S.)
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900-SP, Brazil; (A.P.d.J.S.); (V.d.S.)
- Correspondence: (H.U.); (C.W.)
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000-SP, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (H.U.); (C.W.)
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Argondizzo APC, Silva D, Missailidis S. Application of Aptamer-Based Assays to the Diagnosis of Arboviruses Important for Public Health in Brazil. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E159. [PMID: 33375234 PMCID: PMC7796157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arbovirus infections represent a global public health problem, and recent epidemics of yellow fever, dengue, and Zika have shown their critical importance in Brazil and worldwide. Whilst a major effort for vaccination programs has been in the spotlight, a number of aptamer approaches have been proposed in a complementary manner, offering the possibility of differential diagnosis between these arboviruses, which often present similar clinical symptoms, as well as the potential for a treatment option when no other alternative is available. In this review, we aim to provide a background on arbovirus, with a basic description of the main viral classes and the disease they cause, using the Brazilian context to build a comprehensive understanding of their role on a global scale. Subsequently, we offer an exhaustive revision of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches offered by aptamers against arboviruses. We demonstrate how these promising reagents could help in the clinical diagnosis of this group of viruses, their use in a range of diagnostic formats, from biosensors to serological testing, and we give a short review on the potential approaches for novel aptamer-based antiviral treatment options against different arboviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Corrêa Argondizzo
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365-Rio de Janeiro/RJ CEP 21040-900, Brazil; (A.P.C.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Dilson Silva
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365-Rio de Janeiro/RJ CEP 21040-900, Brazil; (A.P.C.A.); (D.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 255-Rio de Janeiro/RJ-CEP 22783-127, Brazil
| | - Sotiris Missailidis
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365-Rio de Janeiro/RJ CEP 21040-900, Brazil; (A.P.C.A.); (D.S.)
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Mohammadinezhad R, Jalali SAH, Farahmand H. Evaluation of different direct and indirect SELEX monitoring methods and implementation of melt-curve analysis for rapid discrimination of variant aptamer sequences. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2020; 12:3823-3835. [PMID: 32676627 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay00491j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an iterative method for in vitro selection of aptamers from a random synthetic oligonucleotide library. Successful retrieving of aptamers by SELEX relies on optimization of various steps including target immobilization, aptamer partitioning, amplification, and ssDNA generation, which all require spending considerable effort and cost. Furthermore, due to the random nature of the initial library, SELEX may redirect toward the selection of low-affinity aptamers that are over-represented in the ssDNA population due to PCR bias. Thus, precise monitoring of the SELEX process is crucial to ensure the selection of target-specific aptamers. In the present study, we investigated the reliability and simplicity of different direct and indirect monitoring methods including UV-Vis spectroscopy, real-time PCR quantification and melt-curve analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) for selection of DNA aptamers for a protein target. All the examined methods were capable of illustrating the gradual evolution of specific aptamers by the progression of SELEX and showed almost similar results regarding the identification of the enriched round of selection. Moreover, we describe the use of melt-curve analysis in the colony real-time PCR method as a simple, robust, and repeatable tool for pre-sequencing separation of distinct aptamer clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Mohammadinezhad
- Research Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
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Sun Y, Duan N, Ma P, Liang Y, Zhu X, Wang Z. Colorimetric Aptasensor Based on Truncated Aptamer and Trivalent DNAzyme for Vibrio parahemolyticus Determination. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:2313-2320. [PMID: 30721047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b06893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this work, after optimizing the original aptamer sequence by truncation and site-directed mutagenesis, a simple and sensitive colorimetric aptasensor was established for detecting the widespread food-borne pathogen Vibrio parahemolyticus ( V. parahemolyticus). The detection strategy was based on the competition for an V. parahemolyticus specific aptamer between its complementary DNA (cDNA) and V. parahemolyticus. The aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were used as capture probes, and the G-quadruplex (G4) DNAzyme was employed as the signal amplifying element. Under optimal conditions, a wide linear detection range (from 102 to 107 cfu/mL) was available, and the detection limit could be as low as 10 cfu/mL. This method was also used to detect V. parahemolyticus in contaminated salmon samples, and the results showed good consistency with those obtained from standard plate counting method. Therefore, this novel aptasensor could be a good candidate for sensitive and selective detection of V. parahemolyticus without complicated operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Nuo Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Pengfei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Yao Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Xiaoyin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology , Dalian Polytechnic University , Dalian 116034 , China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food safety and Quality Control of Jiangsu Province , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
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Abstract
This chapter provides a brief introduction to followed by discussion of recent preclinical studies on potential aptamer drugs grouped into two broad categories, namely, “aptamer structures” and “non-ocular diseases.” Examples of aptamer-based targeting of drugs are then described. Next is an overview of the status of nearly 30 clinical trials of aptamer drugs currently listed in ClinicalTrials.gov, which is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world, and is a service of the US National Institutes of Health. This overview includes brief descriptions of each study sponsor, aptamer drug, disease(s), and type of study, as well as separate tables for completed studies, withdrawn or terminated studies, and active studies. The final section discusses Conclusions and Prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Zon
- TriLink BioTechnologies 9955 Mesa Rim Road San Diego 92121 USA
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10
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Rahimi F. Aptamers Selected for Recognizing Amyloid β-Protein-A Case for Cautious Optimism. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030668. [PMID: 29495486 PMCID: PMC5877529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are versatile oligonucleotide ligands used for molecular recognition of diverse targets. However, application of aptamers to the field of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) has been limited so far. Aβ is an intrinsically disordered protein that exists in a dynamic conformational equilibrium, presenting time-dependent ensembles of short-lived, metastable structures and assemblies that have been generally difficult to isolate and characterize. Moreover, despite understanding of potential physiological roles of Aβ, this peptide has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, and its pathogenic roles remain controversial. Accumulated scientific evidence thus far highlights undesirable or nonspecific interactions between selected aptamers and different Aβ assemblies likely due to the metastable nature of Aβ or inherent affinity of RNA oligonucleotides to β-sheet-rich fibrillar structures of amyloidogenic proteins. Accordingly, lessons drawn from Aβ–aptamer studies emphasize that purity and uniformity of the protein target and rigorous characterization of aptamers’ specificity are important for realizing and garnering the full potential of aptamers selected for recognizing Aβ or other intrinsically disordered proteins. This review summarizes studies of aptamers selected for recognizing different Aβ assemblies and highlights controversies, difficulties, and limitations of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Rahimi
- Division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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Li P, Yu Q, Zhou L, Dong D, Wei S, Ya H, Chen B, Qin Q. Probing and characterizing the high specific sequences of ssDNA aptamer against SGIV-infected cells. Virus Res 2018; 246:46-54. [PMID: 29341876 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As the major viral pathogen of grouper aquaculture, Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) has caused great economic losses in China and Southeast Asia. In the previous study, we have generated highly specific ssDNA aptamers against SGIV-infected grouper spleen cells (GS) by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment technology (SELEX), in which Q2 had the highest binding affinity of 16.43 nM. In this study, we would try to identify the specific sequences in the aptamer Q2 that exhibited the high binding affinity to SGIV-infected cells by truncating the original Q2 into some different specific segments. We first evaluated the specificity and binding affinity of these truncated aptamers to SGIV-infected cells by flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging of cells and aptamer-based enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA). We then performed cytotoxicity analysis, assessment of the inhibitory effects upon SGIV infection and the celluar internalization kinetics of each truncated aptamer. Compared to the initial Q2, one of the truncated aptamer Q2-C5 showed a 3-fold increase in the binding affinity for SGIV-infected cells, and held more effective inhibitory effects, higher internalization kinetics and stability. Hence, the aptamer's truncated methods could be applied in the research of identifying aptamer's key sequences. The shorter, structure optimizing aptamer showed more excellent performance over the originally selected aptamer, which could potentially be applied in developing commercial detection probes for the early and rapid diagnosis of SGIV infection, and highly specific therapeutic drugs against SGIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Qing Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Lingli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Dexin Dong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Shina Wei
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hanzheng Ya
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Qiwei Qin
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Atkins C, Freiberg AN. Recent advances in the development of antiviral therapeutics for Rift Valley fever virus infection. Future Virol 2017; 12:651-665. [PMID: 29181086 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne bunyavirus endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and the etiological agent of Rift Valley fever. Rift Valley fever is a disease of major public health and economic concern, affecting livestock and humans. In ruminants, RVFV infection is characterized by high mortality rates in newborns and near 100% abortion rates in pregnant animals. Infection in humans is typically manifested as a self-limiting febrile illness, but can lead to severe and fatal hepatitis, encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever or retinitis with partial or complete blindness. Currently, there are no specific treatment options available for RVFV infection. This review presents a summary of the therapeutic approaches that have been explored on the treatment of RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm Atkins
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Baklouti A, Goulet A, Lichière J, Canard B, Charrel RN, Ferron F, Coutard B, Papageorgiou N. Toscana virus nucleoprotein oligomer organization observed in solution. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2017; 73:650-659. [PMID: 28777080 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798317008774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus belonging to the Phlebovirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family. As in other bunyaviruses, the genome of TOSV is made up of three RNA segments. They are encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N), which also plays an essential role in virus replication. To date, crystallographic structures of phlebovirus N have systematically revealed closed-ring organizations which do not fully match the filamentous organization of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex observed by electron microscopy. In order to further bridge the gap between crystallographic data on N and observations of the RNP by electron microscopy, the structural organization of recombinant TOSV N was investigated by an integrative approach combining X-ray diffraction crystallography, transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, size-exclusion chromatography and multi-angle laser light scattering. It was found that in solution TOSV N forms open oligomers consistent with the encapsidation mechanism of phlebovirus RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Baklouti
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Adeline Goulet
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Julie Lichière
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Rémi N Charrel
- Emergence des Pathologies Virales (EPV), Aix-Marseille Université, UMR_D 190 IRD French Institute of Research for Development, U1207 INSERM, EHESP French School of Public Health, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, APHM Public Hospital Samsos of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - François Ferron
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Papageorgiou
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
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14
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Sahu S, Williams L, Perez A, Philip F, Caso G, Zurawsky W, Scarlata S. Regulation of the activity of the promoter of RNA-induced silencing, C3PO. Protein Sci 2017; 26:1807-1818. [PMID: 28714243 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA-induced silencing is a process which allows cells to regulate the synthesis of specific proteins. RNA silencing is promoted by the protein C3PO (component 3 of RISC). We have previously found that phospholipase Cβ, which increases intracellular calcium levels in response to specific G protein signals, inhibits C3PO activity towards certain genes. Understanding the parameters that control C3PO activity and which genes are impacted by G protein activation would help predict which genes are more vulnerable to downregulation. Here, using a library of 1018 oligonucleotides, we show that C3PO binds oligonucleotides with structural specificity but little sequence specificity. Alternately, C3PO hydrolyzes oligonucleotides with a rate that is sensitive to substrate stability. Importantly, we find that oligonucleotides with higher Tm values are inhibited by bound PLCβ. This finding is supported by microarray analysis in cells over-expressing PLCβ1. Taken together, this study allows predictions of the genes whose post-transcriptional regulation is responsive to the G protein/phospholipase Cβ/calcium signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriya Sahu
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Leo Williams
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Alberto Perez
- Laufer Center for Computational Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Finly Philip
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Giuseppe Caso
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Walter Zurawsky
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01609
| | - Suzanne Scarlata
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01609
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15
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Characterization of oligonucleotide aptamers targeting the 5'-UTR from dengue virus. Future Med Chem 2017; 9:541-552. [PMID: 28402681 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The dengue virus is responsible for a high worldwide incidence of infections, aggravated by late diagnosis, and often confused with other tropical diseases. Results/methodology: Oligonucleotide aptamers binding to the 5'-UTR from dengue virus selected after eight rounds by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology were analyzed by dot-blot assay and in silico prediction of secondary structures, demonstrating the presence of stem-loops that may have the potential for interaction with the viral genome, which can lead to loss of their original conformation. CONCLUSION This is the first description of RNA aptamers against functional RNA elements of the dengue virus genome with implications for disease control, which may have potential as tools in the future of antiviral therapies and for diagnostics.
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16
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Gomes de Castro MA, Höbartner C, Opazo F. Aptamers provide superior stainings of cellular receptors studied under super-resolution microscopy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173050. [PMID: 28235049 PMCID: PMC5325610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous improvements in imaging techniques are challenging biologists to search for more accurate methods to label cellular elements. This is particularly relevant for diffraction-unlimited fluorescence imaging, where the perceived resolution is affected by the size of the affinity probes. This is evident when antibodies, which are 10-15 nm in size, are used. Previously it has been suggested that RNA aptamers (~3 nm) can be used to detect cellular proteins under super-resolution imaging. However, a direct comparison between several aptamers and antibodies is needed, to clearly show the advantages and/or disadvantages of the different probes. Here we have conducted such a comparative study, by testing several aptamers and antibodies using stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED). We have targeted three membrane receptors, EGFR, ErbB2 and Epha2, which are relevant to human health, and recycle between plasma membrane and intracellular organelles. Our results suggest that the aptamers can reveal more epitopes than most antibodies, thus providing a denser labeling of the stained structures. Moreover, this improves the overall quality of the information that can be extracted from the images. We conclude that aptamers could become useful fluorescent labeling tools for light microscopy and super-resolution imaging, and that their development for novel targets is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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17
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Ferron F, Weber F, de la Torre JC, Reguera J. Transcription and replication mechanisms of Bunyaviridae and Arenaviridae L proteins. Virus Res 2017; 234:118-134. [PMID: 28137457 PMCID: PMC7114536 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bunyavirus and arenavirus are important public health threats. Bunyavirus and arenavirus molecular biology, common and differential features. Implications of LACV L protein structure for understanding viral RNA synthesis. Current state and future perspectives on bunya- and arenavirus antivirals.
Bunyaviridae and Arenaviridae virus families include an important number of highly pathogenic viruses for humans. They are enveloped viruses with negative stranded RNA genomes divided into three (bunyaviruses) or two (arenaviruses) segments. Each genome segment is coated by the viral nucleoproteins (NPs) and the polymerase (L protein) to form a functional ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. The viral RNP provides the necessary context on which the L protein carries out the biosynthetic processes of RNA replication and gene transcription. Decades of research have provided a good understanding of the molecular processes underlying RNA synthesis, both RNA replication and gene transcription, for these two families of viruses. In this review we will provide a global view of the common features, as well as differences, of the molecular biology of Bunyaviridae and Arenaviridae. We will also describe structures of protein and protein-RNA complexes so far determined for these viral families, mainly focusing on the L protein, and discuss their implications for understanding the mechanisms of viral RNA replication and gene transcription within the architecture of viral RNPs, also taking into account the cellular context in which these processes occur. Finally, we will discuss the implications of these structural findings for the development of antiviral drugs to treat human diseases caused by members of the Bunyaviridae and Arenaviridae families.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Ferron
- Aix-Marseille Université, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France; CNRS, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Friedemann Weber
- Institute for Virology, FB10-Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Juan Reguera
- Aix-Marseille Université, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France; CNRS, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France; INSERM, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France.
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18
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González VM, Martín ME, Fernández G, García-Sacristán A. Use of Aptamers as Diagnostics Tools and Antiviral Agents for Human Viruses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9040078. [PMID: 27999271 PMCID: PMC5198053 DOI: 10.3390/ph9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate diagnosis is the key factor for treatment of viral diseases. Time is the most important factor in rapidly developing and epidemiologically dangerous diseases, such as influenza, Ebola and SARS. Chronic viral diseases such as HIV-1 or HCV are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic and the therapeutic success mainly depends on early detection of the infective agent. Over the last years, aptamer technology has been used in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and, concretely, several strategies are currently being explored using aptamers against virus proteins. From a diagnostics point of view, aptamers are being designed as a bio-recognition element in diagnostic systems to detect viral proteins either in the blood (serum or plasma) or into infected cells. Another potential use of aptamers is for therapeutics of viral infections, interfering in the interaction between the virus and the host using aptamers targeting host-cell matrix receptors, or attacking the virus intracellularly, targeting proteins implicated in the viral replication cycle. In this paper, we review how aptamers working against viral proteins are discovered, with a focus on recent advances that improve the aptamers' properties as a real tool for viral infection detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M González
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Elena Martín
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gerónimo Fernández
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana García-Sacristán
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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19
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RNA Encapsidation and Packaging in the Phleboviruses. Viruses 2016; 8:v8070194. [PMID: 27428993 PMCID: PMC4974529 DOI: 10.3390/v8070194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bunyaviridae represents the largest family of segmented RNA viruses, which infect a staggering diversity of plants, animals, and insects. Within the family Bunyaviridae, the Phlebovirus genus includes several important human and animal pathogens, including Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Uukuniemi virus (UUKV), and the sandfly fever viruses. The phleboviruses have small tripartite RNA genomes that encode a repertoire of 5–7 proteins. These few proteins accomplish the daunting task of recognizing and specifically packaging a tri-segment complement of viral genomic RNA in the midst of an abundance of host components. The critical nucleation events that eventually lead to virion production begin early on in the host cytoplasm as the first strands of nascent viral RNA (vRNA) are synthesized. The interaction between the vRNA and the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein effectively protects and masks the RNA from the host, and also forms the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) architecture that mediates downstream interactions and drives virion formation. Although the mechanism by which all three genomic counterparts are selectively co-packaged is not completely understood, we are beginning to understand the hierarchy of interactions that begins with N-RNA packaging and culminates in RNP packaging into new virus particles. In this review we focus on recent progress that highlights the molecular basis of RNA genome packaging in the phleboviruses.
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20
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Ellenbecker M, St Goddard J, Sundet A, Lanchy JM, Raiford D, Lodmell JS. Computational prediction and biochemical characterization of novel RNA aptamers to Rift Valley fever virus nucleocapsid protein. Comput Biol Chem 2015; 58:120-5. [PMID: 26141677 PMCID: PMC4604023 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a potent human and livestock pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that has potential to spread to other parts of the world. Although there is no proven effective and safe treatment for RVFV infections, a potential therapeutic target is the virally encoded nucleocapsid protein (N). During the course of infection, N binds to viral RNA, and perturbation of this interaction can inhibit viral replication. To gain insight into how N recognizes viral RNA specifically, we designed an algorithm that uses a distance matrix and multidimensional scaling to compare the predicted secondary structures of known N-binding RNAs, or aptamers, that were isolated and characterized in previous in vitro evolution experiment. These aptamers did not exhibit overt sequence or predicted structure similarity, so we employed bioinformatic methods to propose novel aptamers based on analysis and clustering of secondary structures. We screened and scored the predicted secondary structures of novel randomly generated RNA sequences in silico and selected several of these putative N-binding RNAs whose secondary structures were similar to those of known N-binding RNAs. We found that overall the in silico generated RNA sequences bound well to N in vitro. Furthermore, introduction of these RNAs into cells prior to infection with RVFV inhibited viral replication in cell culture. This proof of concept study demonstrates how the predictive power of bioinformatics and the empirical power of biochemistry can be jointly harnessed to discover, synthesize, and test new RNA sequences that bind tightly to RVFV N protein. The approach would be easily generalizable to other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellenbecker
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA
| | - Jeremy St Goddard
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA
| | - Alec Sundet
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA
| | - Jean-Marc Lanchy
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA
| | - Douglas Raiford
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA; Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA
| | - J Stephen Lodmell
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA; Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA.
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21
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Davydova A, Vorobjeva M, Pyshnyi D, Altman S, Vlassov V, Venyaminova A. Aptamers against pathogenic microorganisms. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:847-65. [PMID: 26258445 PMCID: PMC5022137 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2015.1070115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An important current issue of modern molecular medicine and biotechnology is the search for new approaches to early diagnostic assays and adequate therapy of infectious diseases. One of the promising solutions to this problem might be a development of nucleic acid aptamers capable of interacting specifically with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Such aptamers can be used for the specific recognition of infectious agents as well as for blocking of their functions. The present review summarizes various modern SELEX techniques used in this field, and of several currently identified aptamers against viral particles and unicellular organisms, and their applications. The prospects of applying nucleic acid aptamers for the development of novel detection systems and antibacterial and antiviral drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Davydova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Maria Vorobjeva
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Dmitrii Pyshnyi
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Sidney Altman
- b Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Valentin Vlassov
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Alya Venyaminova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
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22
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Aptamers in diagnostics and treatment of viral infections. Viruses 2015; 7:751-80. [PMID: 25690797 PMCID: PMC4353915 DOI: 10.3390/v7020751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are in vitro selected DNA or RNA molecules that are capable of binding a wide range of nucleic and non-nucleic acid molecules with high affinity and specificity. They have been conducted through the process known as SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment). It serves to reach specificity and considerable affinity to target molecules, including those of viral origin, both proteins and nucleic acids. Properties of aptamers allow detecting virus infected cells or viruses themselves and make them competitive to monoclonal antibodies. Specific aptamers can be used to interfere in each stage of the viral replication cycle and also inhibit its penetration into cells. Many current studies have reported possible application of aptamers as a treatment or diagnostic tool in viral infections, e.g., HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), H5N1 avian influenza and recently spread Ebola. This review presents current developments of using aptamers in the diagnostics and treatment of viral diseases.
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23
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Inhibition of Rift Valley fever virus replication and perturbation of nucleocapsid-RNA interactions by suramin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:7405-15. [PMID: 25267680 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03595-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging infectious pathogen that causes severe disease in humans and livestock and has the potential for global spread. There are currently no proven safe and effective treatment options for RVFV infection. Inhibition of RNA binding to RVFV nucleocapsid protein (N) represents an attractive antiviral therapeutic strategy because several essential steps in the RVFV replication cycle involve N binding to viral RNA. In this study, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the drug suramin by showing that it functions well as an inhibitor of RVFV replication at multiple stages in human cell culture. Suramin has been used previously to treat trypanosomiasis in Africa. We characterize the dynamic and cooperative nature of N-RNA binding interactions and the dissociation of high-molecular-mass ribonucleoprotein complexes using suramin, which we previously identified as an N-RNA binding inhibitor in a high-throughput screen. Finally, we elucidate the molecular mechanism used by suramin in vitro to disrupt both specific and nonspecific binding events important for ribonucleoprotein formation.
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24
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Bruno JG, Carrillo MP, Richarte AM, Phillips T, Andrews C, Lee JS. Development, screening, and analysis of DNA aptamer libraries potentially useful for diagnosis and passive immunity of arboviruses. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:633. [PMID: 23148669 PMCID: PMC3517355 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleic acid aptamers have long demonstrated the capacity to bind viral envelope proteins and to inhibit the progression of pathogenic virus infections. Here we report on initial efforts to develop and screen DNA aptamers against recombinant envelope proteins or synthetic peptides and whole inactivated viruses from several virulent arboviruses including Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), dengue, tickborne encephalitis and West Nile viruses. We also analyzed sequence data and secondary structures for commonalities that might reveal consensus binding sites among the various aptamers. Some of the highest affinity and most specific aptamers in the down-selected libraries were demonstrated to have diagnostic utility in lateral flow chromatographic assays and in a fluorescent aptamer-magnetic bead sandwich assay. Some of the reported aptamers may also be able to bind viral envelope proteins in vivo and therefore may have antiviral potential in passive immunity or prophylactic applications. RESULTS Several arbovirus DNA aptamer sequences emerged multiple times in the various down selected aptamer libraries thereby suggesting some consensus sequences for binding arbovirus envelope proteins. Screening of aptamers by enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay (ELASA) was useful for ranking relative aptamer affinities against their cognate viral targets. Additional study of the aptamer sequences and secondary structures of top-ranked anti-arboviral aptamers suggest potential virus binding motifs exist within some of the key aptamers and are highlighted in the supplemental figures for this article. One sequence segment (ACGGGTCCGGACA) emerged 60 times in the anti-CCHF aptamer library, but nowhere else in the anti-arbovirus library and only a few other times in a larger library of aptamers known to bind bacteria and rickettsia or other targets. Diagnostic utility of some of the aptamers for arbovirus detection in lateral flow chromatographic assays and a fluorescent sandwich assay on the surface of magnetic microbeads is also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS This article catalogues numerous DNA aptamer sequences which can bind various important pathogenic arboviruses and have, in some cases, already demonstrated diagnostic potential. These aptamer sequences are proprietary, patent-pending, and partially characterized. Therefore, they are offered to the scientific community for potential research use in diagnostic assays, biosensor applications or for possible passive immunity and prophylaxis against pathogenic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Bruno
- Operational Technologies Corporation, 4100 NW Loop 410, Suite 230, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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25
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Phleboviruses encapsidate their genomes by sequestering RNA bases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:19208-13. [PMID: 23129612 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1213553109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever and Toscana viruses are human pathogens for which no effective therapeutics exist. These and other phleboviruses have segmented negative-sense RNA genomes that are sequestered by a nucleocapsid protein (N) to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes of irregular, asymmetric structure, previously uncharacterized at high resolution. N binds nonspecifically to single-stranded RNA with nanomolar affinity. Crystal structures of Rift Valley fever virus N-RNA complexes reconstituted with defined RNAs of different length capture tetrameric, pentameric and hexameric N-RNA multimers. All N-N subunit contacts are mediated by a highly flexible α-helical arm. Arm movement gives rise to the three multimers in the crystal structures and also explains the asymmetric architecture of the RNP. Despite the flexible association of subunits, the crystal structures reveal an invariant, monomeric RNP building block, consisting of the core of one N subunit, the arm of a neighboring N, and four RNA nucleotides with the flanking phosphates. Up to three additional RNA nucleotides bind between subunits. The monomeric building block is matched in size to the repeating unit in viral RNP, as visualized by electron microscopy. N sequesters four RNA bases in a narrow hydrophobic binding slot and has polar contacts only with the sugar-phosphate backbone, which faces the solvent. All RNA bases, whether in the binding slot or in the subunit interface, face the protein in a manner that is incompatible with base pairing or with "reading" by the viral polymerase.
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26
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Ellenbecker M, Lanchy JM, Lodmell JS. Identification of Rift Valley fever virus nucleocapsid protein-RNA binding inhibitors using a high-throughput screening assay. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:1062-70. [PMID: 22644268 DOI: 10.1177/1087057112448100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging infectious pathogen that causes severe disease in humans and livestock and has the potential for global spread. Currently, there is no proven effective treatment for RVFV infection, and there is no licensed vaccine. Inhibition of RNA binding to the essential viral nucleocapsid (N) protein represents a potential antiviral therapeutic strategy because all of the functions performed by N during infection involve RNA binding. To target this interaction, we developed a fluorescence polarization-based high-throughput drug-screening assay and tested 26 424 chemical compounds for their ability to disrupt an N-RNA complex. From libraries of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, druglike molecules, and natural product extracts, we identified several lead compounds that are promising candidates for medicinal chemistry.
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