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Morgan MA, Saleh SE, Salamoni AH, Alshahrani MY, Aboshanab KM. Hematological, inflammatory and serological responses among COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit. Future Sci OA 2024; 10:2389664. [PMID: 39172714 PMCID: PMC11346553 DOI: 10.1080/20565623.2024.2389664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To correlate hematological, inflammatory indicators and serological responses among COVID-19 patients to point out the significant biomarkers for disease management and prognosis.Materials & methods: Standard analytical and molecular methods were used to assess various inflammatory and serological Responses among COVID-19 patients (ICU- (n = 99) and non-ICU patients (n = 64) as compared with health control (n = 40).Results: Significant differences in the Hb, WBC, Lymphocyte count, CRP and serum ferritin (p < 0.05) were observed. Patients' IgM/IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were associated with increased CRP, LDH and serum ferritin levels.Conclusion: A significant association between serum IgG/IgM and ICU admission was observed. Although serum ferritin and LDH can offer information about the extent of inflammation, they are exclusive factors for ICU admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirette A Morgan
- External Quality Assurance Laboratory, Central Public Health of Laboratories CPHL, Ministry of Health, Cairo, 11613, Egypt
| | - Sarra E Saleh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1566, Egypt
| | - Azza H Salamoni
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Central Public Health, CPHL, Ministry of Health, Cairo, 11613, Egypt
- Egypt Center for Research & Regenerative Medicine, ECRRM, Cairo, 11517, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha, 9088, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled M Aboshanab
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1566, Egypt
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2
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Malay S, Madabhavi IV, Tripathi A. SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant: a short review. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2024. [PMID: 39221683 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2024.2981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving continuously, and many variants have been detected over the last few years. SARS-CoV-2, as an RNA virus, is more prone to mutating. The continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is due to genetic mutation and recombination during the genomic replication process. Recombination is a naturally occurring phenomenon in which two distinct viral lineages simultaneously infect the same cellular entity in an individual. The evolution rate depends on the rate of mutation. The rate of mutation is variable among the RNA viruses, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus exhibiting a lower rate of mutation than other RNA viruses. The novel 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease proofreading machinery is responsible for a lower rate of mutation. Infection due to the SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus has been reported from around the world during the same period of fall and winter, resulting in a "tripledemic." The JN.1 variant, which evolved from the predecessor, the omicron variant BA.2.86, is currently the most dominant globally. The impact of the JN.1 variant on transmissibility, disease severity, immune evasion, and diagnostic and therapeutic escape will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarkar Malay
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
| | - Irappa V Madabhavi
- Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, J N Medical College; KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi; Kerudi Cancer Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka.
| | - Anurag Tripathi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
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Shafique T, Javed M, Ali M, Iqbal S, Faizan M, Zidan A, Bahadur A, Mahmood S, Jaber F, Alotaibi KM, Alshalwi M. In Silico Analysis of Calotropis procera-Derived Phytochemicals Targeting 3CL Proteoase of SARS-CoV-2. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01253-z. [PMID: 39177861 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 has enveloped virions with single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome. It infects mammals, including humans, via the respiratory tract. The non-structural protein of coronavirus, main protease (3CLp) is a key enzyme in the disease's progression. This study aimed to screen phytochemicals derived from Calotropis Procera as potential drugs against 3CLp. Through database search, 50 phytochemicals were identified in the Calotropis sp. To evaluate the possible drug-like properties of these phytochemicals, the studies like, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity) analysis, molecular docking and density functional theory (DFT) were performed. Furthermore, GC-MS was performed using water and ethanolic extracts from the plant leaves. The ADMET analysis and docking results showed 11 phytochemicals as probable drug candidates against 3CLp of SARS-CoV-2. All these phytochemicals showed ≥ - 4.3 kcal/mol binding affinity, similar to previously reported inhibitors. Furthermore, based on band energy gap, EHOMO, ELUMO, and DFT analyses, it was shown that these phytochemicals had a significant level of reactivity necessary for the interaction. Among all, the phytochemicals uscharin, voruscharin, frugoside, coroglaucigenin, and benzoylisolineolone may be considered the top 5 drug-like candidates against 3CLp. Furthermore, the selected phytochemicals may be employed for in vitro and in vivo studies for the advancement of a probable drug alongside SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Shafique
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Javed
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Iqbal
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China.
| | - Muhammad Faizan
- Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ammar Zidan
- Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, 51001, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Ali Bahadur
- Nanomaterials Research Center, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, 325060, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ, 07083, USA.
| | - Sajid Mahmood
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China.
- Functional Materials Group, Gulf University for Science and Technology, 32093, Mishref, Kuwait.
| | - Fadi Jaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Khalid M Alotaibi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, 11541, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matar Alshalwi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, 11541, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Gaiya DD, Muhammad A, Musa JS, Auta R, Dadah AJ, Bello RO, Hassan M, Eke SS, Odihi RI, Sankey M. In silico analysis of balsaminol as anti-viral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease, spike receptor binding domain and papain-like protease receptors. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:75. [PMID: 39155972 PMCID: PMC11329488 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived phytochemicals from medicinal plants are becoming increasingly attractive natural sources of antimicrobial and antiviral agents due to their therapeutic value, mechanism of action, level of toxicity and bioavailability. The continued emergence of more immune-evasive strains and the rate of resistance to current antiviral drugs have created a need to identify new antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. This study investigated the antiviral potential of balsaminol, a bioactive compound from Momordica balsamina, and its inhibitory activities against SARS-CoV-2 receptor proteins. In this study, three Food and Drug Administration (FDA) COVID-19 approved drugs namely; nirmatrelvir, ritonavir and remdesivir were used as positive control. Molecular docking was performed to determine the predominant binding mode (most negative Gibbs free energy of binding/ΔG) and inhibitory activity of balsaminol against SARS-CoV-2 receptor proteins. The pharmacokinetics, toxicity, physicochemical and drug-like properties of balsaminol were evaluated to determine its potential as an active oral drug candidate as well as its non-toxicity in humans. The results show that balsaminol E has the highest binding affinity to the SARS CoV-2 papain-like protease (7CMD) with a free binding energy of - 8.7 kcal/mol, followed by balsaminol A interacting with the spike receptor binding domain (6VW1) with - 8.5 kcal/mol and balsaminol C had a binding energy of - 8.1 kcal/mol with the main protease (6LU7) comparable to the standard drugs namely ritonavir, nirmatrelvir and remdesivir. However, the ADMET and drug-like profile of balsaminol F favours it as a better potential drug candidate and inhibitor of the docked SARS-CoV-2 receptor proteins. Further preclinical studies are therefore recommended. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00241-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Danladi Gaiya
- Biology Unit, Air Force Institute of Technology, Nigerian Air Force Base, P.M.B 2104, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1045, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Joy Sim Musa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1045, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Richard Auta
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kaduna State University, Tafawa Balewa Way, P.M.B. 2339, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Anthony John Dadah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kaduna State University, Tafawa Balewa Way, P.M.B. 2339, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | | | - Madinat Hassan
- Biology Unit, Air Force Institute of Technology, Nigerian Air Force Base, P.M.B 2104, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Sunday Eke
- Biology Unit, Air Force Institute of Technology, Nigerian Air Force Base, P.M.B 2104, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Rebecca Imoo Odihi
- Department of Biological Science, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Musa Sankey
- Department of Chemistry, Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Kaduna, Nigeria
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5
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Cong Y, Dixit S, Perry DL, Huzella LM, Kollins E, Byrum R, Anthony SM, Drawbaugh D, Lembirik S, Postnikova E, Eaton B, Murphy M, Kocher G, Hadley K, Marketon AE, Bernbaum RM, Hischak AMW, Hart R, Vaughan N, Wada J, Qin J, St Claire MC, Schmaljohn CS, Holbrook MR. Characterization of therapeutic antibody efficacy against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in the hamster model. Antiviral Res 2024; 230:105987. [PMID: 39147143 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and onset of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic led to an immediate need for therapeutic treatment options. Therapeutic antibodies were developed to fill a gap when traditional antivirals were not available. In late 2020, the United States Government undertook an effort to compare candidate therapeutic antibodies in virus neutralization assays and in the hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the effort expanded to evaluate the efficacy of nearly 50 products against major variants. A subset of products was further evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in hamsters. Here we report results of the hamster studies, including pathogenicity with multiple variants, neutralization capacity of products, and efficacy testing of products against Delta and Omicron variants. These studies demonstrate the loss of efficacy of early products with variant emergence and support the use of the hamster model for evaluating therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cong
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Saurabh Dixit
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Donna L Perry
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Louis M Huzella
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Erin Kollins
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Russell Byrum
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Scott M Anthony
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - David Drawbaugh
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Sanae Lembirik
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Elena Postnikova
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Brett Eaton
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Gregory Kocher
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Kyra Hadley
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Anthony E Marketon
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Rebecca M Bernbaum
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Amanda M W Hischak
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Randy Hart
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Nick Vaughan
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jiro Wada
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jing Qin
- Biostatistics Research Branch (BRB), Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Marisa C St Claire
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Michael R Holbrook
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research (DCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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Bălăceanu-Gurău B, Dumitrascu A, Giurcăneanu C, Tatar R, Gurău CD, Orzan OA. A Comprehensive Review on the Intricate Interplay between COVID-19 Immunization and the New Onset of Pemphigus Foliaceus. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:857. [PMID: 39203983 PMCID: PMC11360219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12080857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are characterized by the formation of vesicles, bullous lesions, and mucosal erosions. The autoantibodies target the cellular anchoring structures from the surface of epidermal keratinocyte named desmosomes, leading to a loss of cellular cohesion named acantholysis. AIBDs are classified into intraepidermal or subepidermal types based on clinical features, histological characteristics, and immunofluorescence patterns. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an acquired, rare, autoimmune skin condition associated with autoantibodies that specifically target desmoglein-1, leading to a clinical presentation characterized by delicate cutaneous blisters, typically sparing the mucous membranes. Several factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, malignancies, medication use, and vaccination (for influenza, hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus, and more recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 known as SARS-CoV-2), can potentially trigger the onset of pemphigus. With the advent of vaccines playing a pivotal role in combatting the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), extensive research has been conducted globally to ascertain their efficacy and potential cutaneous adverse effects. While reports of AIBDs post-COVID-19 vaccination exist in the medical literature, instances of PF following vaccination have been less commonly reported worldwide. The disease's pathophysiology is likely attributed to the resemblance between the ribonucleic acid (RNA) antigen present in these vaccines and cellular nuclear matter. The protein produced by the BNT-162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine includes immunogenic epitopes that could potentially trigger autoimmune phenomena in predisposed individuals through several mechanisms, including molecular mimicry, the activation of pattern recognition receptors, the polyclonal stimulation of B cells, type I interferon production, and autoinflammation. In this review, we present a comprehensive examination of the existing literature regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and PF, delving into their intricate interactions. This exploration improves the understanding of both pemphigus and mRNA vaccine mechanisms, highlighting the importance of close monitoring for PF post-immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Bălăceanu-Gurău
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.G.); (O.A.O.)
- Clinic of Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Dumitrascu
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Călin Giurcăneanu
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.G.); (O.A.O.)
- Clinic of Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Tatar
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Burns, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Burns, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 010621 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Dorin Gurău
- Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, Clinical Emergency Hospital, 014451 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Olguța Anca Orzan
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.G.); (O.A.O.)
- Clinic of Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Turbawaty DK, Sudjadi A, Lismayanti L, Rostini T, Logito V. The Performance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Virus Using the Colorimetric Reverse-Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) Method in Saliva Specimens of Suspected COVID-19 Patients. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:3329-3335. [PMID: 39081671 PMCID: PMC11288315 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s461613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by Severe-Acute-Respiratory-Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most reliable and widely accepted method for diagnosing this infection, despite facing various challenges, is the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method, which utilizes nasopharyngeal swab sample. Reverse-transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a simpler nucleic acid amplification method compared to the RT-PCR method. This method has several advantages, including: of amplification at constant temperature, faster results, and potentially greater examination capacity. Purpose This study aimed to compare the validity of the RT-LAMP method using saliva specimens with that of the RT-PCR method using nasopharyngeal smears. Methods This was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. The participants were inpatients in the COVID-19 special isolation building of Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Indonesia with a probable (clinical symptoms of covid, but not confirm NAAT examination) or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 from September 2021 to February 2022. The inclusion criteria are COVID-19 patients with symptoms, adult subjects, and composite mentions. Patients who were unable to secrete saliva were also excluded. Results In total, 118 specimens were collected. The validity test results of the saliva specimens using the RT-LAMP method showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), of 65.5%, 100%, 100%, and 75%, respectively. The results increased in subjects treated between 3 and 7 days after symptom onset ie 73.2%, 100%, 100%, and 82.3%, respectively. Conclusion The very strong specificity accompanied by good sensitivity and NPV in the group of subjects treated 3-7 days after the onset of symptoms indicates that the RT-LAMP method using saliva specimens can be an efficient and reliable alternative tool in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewi Kartika Turbawaty
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Padjadjaran University/ Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Andy Sudjadi
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Padjadjaran University/ Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Leni Lismayanti
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Padjadjaran University/ Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Tiene Rostini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Padjadjaran University/ Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Verina Logito
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Padjadjaran University/ Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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8
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Nazir F, John Kombe Kombe A, Khalid Z, Bibi S, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. SARS-CoV-2 replication and drug discovery. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 77:101973. [PMID: 39025272 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to wreak havoc across the globe. This sudden and deadly pandemic emphasizes the necessity for anti-viral drug development that can be rapidly administered to reduce morbidity, mortality, and virus propagation. Thus, lacking efficient anti-COVID-19 treatment, and especially given the lengthy drug development process as well as the critical death tool that has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak, drug repurposing (or repositioning) constitutes so far, the ideal and ready-to-go best approach in mitigating viral spread, containing the infection, and reducing the COVID-19-associated death rate. Indeed, based on the molecular similarity approach of SARS-CoV-2 with previous coronaviruses (CoVs), repurposed drugs have been reported to hamper SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, understanding the inhibition mechanisms of viral replication by repurposed anti-viral drugs and chemicals known to block CoV and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication is crucial, and it opens the way for particular treatment options and COVID-19 therapeutics. In this review, we highlighted molecular basics underlying drug-repurposing strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discussed inhibition mechanisms of viral replication, involving and including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteases (3C-like protease, 3CLpro or Papain-like protease, PLpro) by protease inhibitors such as Carmofur, Ebselen, and GRL017, polymerases (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, RdRp) by drugs like Suramin, Remdesivir, or Favipiravir, and proteins/peptides inhibiting virus-cell fusion and host cell replication pathways, such as Disulfiram, GC376, and Molnupiravir. When applicable, comparisons with SARS-CoV inhibitors approved for clinical use were made to provide further insights to understand molecular basics in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and draw conclusions for future drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Nazir
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zunera Khalid
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Shaheen Bibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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9
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Ramakrishnan G, Gujjula KR, Mekala JR, Sai Sree Thanay A, Praveen T, Priyanka H, Govind G, Sesha Bhavana J, Shaik B, Varakala NR. Exploring Bioactive Compounds of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. (RT) for 3CLprotease of SARS-CoV2: GC-MS Analysis and In-Silico Studies. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01421-7. [PMID: 39031250 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the bioactive phytochemicals found in traditional medicinal plants are growing. This study focuses on Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. and its unique bioactive chemical composition. Previous research has demonstrated the plant's antimicrobial properties due to this composition. In this study, however, we also aim to investigate the antiviral properties of the plant. Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. has long been used for medicinal purposes. It is primarily located in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America. Along with checking out its in-silico SARS-CoV-2 activity, current work also evaluates the leaf extracts qualitative phytochemical, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity properties. While several conventional procedures were employed in the bio active compounds and phytochemical study that identified multiple phytochemicals, compounds derived from plants will be the most effective substitution with unfavorable side effects. The focus of this work is on in silico analysis, which determines the experimental plants activity against SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking and pharmacokinetic analysis. We identified 20 phytochemical compounds from the GC-MS data of the plant, out of these 12 compounds failed to meet ADMET properties and the remaining 8 compounds passed TOPKAT Ames Mutagenicity. These compounds were docked against one important protein 3CLpro (PDB ID: 7DPV) that is implicated in the development of SARS-CoV-2. Docking studies have demonstrated binding results with maximum score and three compounds showed promising results. The results of this study highlighted the potential efficacy of (E,E,E,E,E,E)-()-2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosa-1,6,10,14,18,22-hexaen-3-ol, α-Tocospiro A, and α-Tocopherol. Furthermore, a thorough examination of the in-silico data indicates that the leaf has the potential to be a powerful source of medication and an efficient therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gnanasekaran Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - Koteswara Reddy Gujjula
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India.
| | - Janaki Ramaiah Mekala
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - A Sai Sree Thanay
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - T Praveen
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - H Priyanka
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - Geya Govind
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - J Sesha Bhavana
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - Baji Shaik
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Green Fields, Vaddeswram, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India
| | - Nikhil Reddy Varakala
- Cell Therapy Lab, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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10
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Vidyasagar GVC, Reddy PVJ, Ghouse MM, Venkateswarulu TC, Kishor PBK, Suravajhala P, Polavarapu R. Designing and expression of novel recombinant fusion protein for efficient antigen screening of SARS-CoV-2. AMB Express 2024; 14:80. [PMID: 38990364 PMCID: PMC11239635 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-024-01719-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), claimed millions globally. After the report of the first incidence of the virus, variants emerged with each posing a unique threat than its predecessors. Though many advanced diagnostic assays like real-time PCR are available for screening of SARS-CoV-2, their applications are being hindered because of accessibility and cost. With the advent of rapid assays for antigenic screening of SARS-CoV-2 made diagnostics far easy as the assays are rapid, cost-effective and can be used at point-of-care settings. In the present study, a fusion construct was made utilising highly immunogenic B cell epitopes from the three important structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2. The protein was expressed; purified capture mAbs generated and rapid antigen assay was developed. Eight hundred and forty nasopharyngeal swab samples were screened for the evaluation of the developed assay which showed 37.14% positivity, 96.51% and 100% sensitivity and specificity respectively. The assay developed was supposed to identify SARS-CoV-2 wild-type as well as variants of concern and variants of importance in real-time conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Vinaya Chandu Vidyasagar
- Genomix CARL Pvt. Ltd, YSR Kadapa, Pulivendula, 516 390, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology & Research, Vadlamudi, Guntur, 522 213, India
| | - P V Janardhan Reddy
- Genomix CARL Pvt. Ltd, YSR Kadapa, Pulivendula, 516 390, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - M Md Ghouse
- Genomix CARL Pvt. Ltd, YSR Kadapa, Pulivendula, 516 390, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - T C Venkateswarulu
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology & Research, Vadlamudi, Guntur, 522 213, India
| | - P B Kavi Kishor
- Genomix CARL Pvt. Ltd, YSR Kadapa, Pulivendula, 516 390, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham, Clappana, 690525, Kerala, India.
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11
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Latosińska M, Latosińska JN. The Chameleon Strategy-A Recipe for Effective Ligand Screening for Viral Targets Based on Four Novel Structure-Binding Strength Indices. Viruses 2024; 16:1073. [PMID: 39066235 PMCID: PMC11281727 DOI: 10.3390/v16071073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA viruses SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV encode the non-structural Nsp16 (2'-O-methyltransferase) that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the first ribonucleotide in mRNA. Recently, it has been found that breaking the bond between Nsp16 and SAM substrate results in the cessation of mRNA virus replication. To date, only a limited number of such inhibitors have been identified, which can be attributed to a lack of an effective "recipe". The aim of our study was to propose and verify a rapid and effective screening protocol dedicated to such purposes. We proposed four new indices describing structure-binding strength (structure-binding affinity, structure-hydrogen bonding, structure-steric and structure-protein-ligand indices) were then applied and shown to be extremely helpful in determining the degree of increase or decrease in binding affinity in response to a relatively small change in the ligand structure. After initial pre-selection, based on similarity to SAM, we limited the study to 967 compounds, so-called molecular chameleons. They were then docked in the Nsp16 protein pocket, and 10 candidate ligands were selected using the novel structure-binding affinity index. Subsequently the selected 10 candidate ligands and 8 known inhibitors and were docked to Nsp16 pockets from SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Based on the four new indices, the best ligands were selected and a new one was designed by tuning them. Finally, ADMET profiling and molecular dynamics simulations were performed for the best ligands. The new structure-binding strength indices can be successfully applied not only to screen and tune ligands, but also to determine the effectiveness of the ligand in response to changes in the target viral entity, which is particularly useful for assessing drug effectiveness in the case of alterations in viral proteins. The developed approach, the so-called chameleon strategy, has the capacity to introduce a novel universal paradigm to the field of drugs design, including RNA antivirals.
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12
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Payen SH, Adhikari K, Petereit J, Uppal T, Rossetto CC, Verma SC. SARS-CoV-2 superinfection in CD14 + monocytes with latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) promotes inflammatory cascade. Virus Res 2024; 345:199375. [PMID: 38642618 PMCID: PMC11061749 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has posed significant challenges to global health. While much attention has been directed towards understanding the primary mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, emerging evidence suggests co-infections or superinfections with other viruses may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in severe cases of COVID-19. Among viruses that have been reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2, seropositivity for Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with increased COVID-19 risk and hospitalization. HCMV is a ubiquitous beta-herpesvirus with a seroprevalence of 60-90 % worldwide and one of the leading causes of mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The primary sites of latency for HCMV include CD14+ monocytes and CD34+ hematopoietic cells. In this study, we sought to investigate SARS-CoV-2 infection of CD14+ monocytes latently infected with HCMV. We demonstrate that CD14+ cells are susceptible and permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and detect subgenomic transcripts indicative of replication. To further investigate the molecular changes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCMV-latent CD14+ monocytes, we conducted RNA sequencing coupled with bioinformatic differential gene analysis. The results revealed significant differences in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and inflammatory pathways in cells superinfected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 compared to the heat-inactivated and mock controls. Notably, there was a significant upregulation in transcripts associated with pro-inflammatory response factors and a decrease in anti-inflammatory factors. Taken together, these findings provide a basis for the heightened inflammatory response, offering potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions among HCMV-infected severe cases of COVID-19. SUMMARY: COVID-19 patients infected with secondary viruses have been associated with a higher prevalence of severe symptoms. Individuals seropositive for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease and hospitalization. HCMV reactivation has been reported in severe COVID-19 cases with respiratory failure and could be the result of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and HCMV. In a cell culture model of superinfection, HCMV has previously been shown to increase infection of SARS-CoV-2 of epithelial cells by upregulating the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor. In this study, we utilize CD14+ monocytes, a major cell type that harbors latent HCMV, to investigate co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and HCMV. This study is a first step toward understanding the mechanism that may facilitate increased COVID-19 disease severity in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and HCMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Harger Payen
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Kabita Adhikari
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Juli Petereit
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center (RRID:SCR_017802), University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Timsy Uppal
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Cyprian C Rossetto
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Subhash C Verma
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States.
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13
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Xie S, Cao S, Wu J, Xie Z, Liu YT, Fu W, Zhao Q, Liu L, Yang L, Li J. In silico-based screening of natural products as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 macrodomain 1. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5229-5237. [PMID: 37349935 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2226745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide has led to over 600 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Identifying effective molecules that can counteract the virus is imperative. SARS-CoV-2 macrodomain 1 (Mac1) represents a promising antiviral drug target. In this study, we predicted potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 from natural products using in silico-based screening. Based on the high-resolution crystal structure of Mac1 bound to its endogenous ligand ADP-ribose (ADPr), we first performed a docking-based virtual screening of Mac1 inhibitors against a natural product library and obtained five representative compounds (MC1-MC5) by clustering analysis. All five compounds were stably bound to Mac1 during 500 ns long molecular dynamics simulations. The binding free energy of these compounds to Mac1 was calculated using molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area and further refined with localized volume-based metadynamics. The results demonstrated that both MC1 (-9.8 ± 0.3 kcal/mol) and MC5 (-9.6 ± 0.3 kcal/mol) displayed more favorable affinities to Mac1 with respect to ADPr (-8.9 ± 0.3 kcal/mol), highlighting their potential as potent SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 inhibitors. Overall, this study provides potential SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 inhibitors, which may pave the way for developing effective therapeutics for COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xie
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shoujing Cao
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Juhong Wu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhinuo Xie
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | | | - Wei Fu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
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14
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Bicchieraro G, Ciurnelli R, Graziani A, Wong AYW, Camilloni B, Mencacci A, Spaccapelo R. SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Evolution: A Focus on Omicron Variants in Umbria, Italy. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1330. [PMID: 39065097 PMCID: PMC11279337 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused more than 6 million deaths worldwide, and the spread of new variants over time increased the ability of this virus to cause infection. The Omicron variant was detected for the first time in Umbria, a region of central Italy, in November 2021 and it induced an unprecedented increase in the number of infection cases. Here, we analysed 3300 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected in Umbria between April 2022 and December 2023. We traced the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants over time through the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach. We assessed correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and patients' health status. In total, 17.3% of our samples came from patients hospitalised as a consequence of COVID-19 infection even though 81.4% of them received at least three vaccine doses. We identified only Omicron variants, and the BA.5 lineage was detected in the majority of our samples (49.2%). Omicron variants outcompeted each other through the acquisition of mutations especially in Spike glycoprotein that are fingerprints of each variant. Viral antigenic evolution confers higher immunological escape and makes a continuous improvement of vaccine formulation necessary. The continuous update of international genomic databases with sequencing results obtained by emergent pathogens is essential to manage a possible future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bicchieraro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.G.); (A.Y.W.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Raffaella Ciurnelli
- Medical Microbiology Section, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Graziani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.G.); (A.Y.W.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Alicia Yoke Wei Wong
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.G.); (A.Y.W.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Barbara Camilloni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.G.); (A.Y.W.W.); (A.M.)
- Medical Microbiology Section, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Antonella Mencacci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.G.); (A.Y.W.W.); (A.M.)
- Medical Microbiology Section, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Roberta Spaccapelo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.G.); (A.Y.W.W.); (A.M.)
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15
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Poličar PG, Špendl M, Curk T, Zupan B. Teaching bioinformatics through the analysis of SARS-CoV-2: project-based training for computer science students. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:i20-i29. [PMID: 38940150 PMCID: PMC11211835 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION We learn more effectively through experience and reflection than through passive reception of information. Bioinformatics offers an excellent opportunity for project-based learning. Molecular data are abundant and accessible in open repositories, and important concepts in biology can be rediscovered by reanalyzing the data. RESULTS In the manuscript, we report on five hands-on assignments we designed for master's computer science students to train them in bioinformatics for genomics. These assignments are the cornerstones of our introductory bioinformatics course and are centered around the study of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). They assume no prior knowledge of molecular biology but do require programming skills. Through these assignments, students learn about genomes and genes, discover their composition and function, relate SARS-CoV-2 to other viruses, and learn about the body's response to infection. Student evaluation of the assignments confirms their usefulness and value, their appropriate mastery-level difficulty, and their interesting and motivating storyline. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The course materials are freely available on GitHub at https://github.com/IB-ULFRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlin G Poličar
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Špendl
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Curk
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Zupan
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Education, Innovation and Technology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plz, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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16
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Khan P, Aufdembrink LM, Adamala KP, Engelhart AE. PACRAT: pathogen detection with aptamer-observed cascaded recombinase polymerase amplification-in vitro transcription. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:891-900. [PMID: 38637016 PMCID: PMC11182012 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079891.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic underscored the need for early, rapid, and widespread pathogen detection tests that are readily accessible. Many existing rapid isothermal detection methods use the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), which exhibits polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-like sensitivity, specificity, and even higher speed. However, coupling RPA to other enzymatic reactions has proven difficult. For the first time, we demonstrate that with tuning of buffer conditions and optimization of reagent concentrations, RPA can be cascaded into an in vitro transcription reaction, enabling detection using fluorescent aptamers in a one-pot reaction. We show that this reaction, which we term PACRAT (pathogen detection with aptamer-observed cascaded recombinase polymerase amplification-in vitro transcription) can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA with single-copy detection limits, Escherichia coli with single-cell detection limits, and 10-min detection times. Further demonstrating the utility of our one-pot, cascaded amplification system, we show PACRAT can be used for multiplexed detection of the pathogens SARS-CoV-2 and E. coli, along with multiplexed detection of two variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavana Khan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Lauren M Aufdembrink
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Aaron E Engelhart
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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17
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Deshmukh N, Talkal R, Lakshmi B. In silico screening of potential inhibitors from Cordyceps species against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4395-4411. [PMID: 37325819 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2225110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a result of a retroviral infection of SARS-CoV-2. Due to its virulence and high infection rate, it is a matter of serious concern and a global health emergency. Currently available COVID-19 vaccines approved by regulatory bodies around the world have been shown to provide significant protection against COVID-19. But no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing infection, also they have varying efficacy rates and different side effects. However, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as a key drug target due to its essential role in viral infection and its minimal similarity with human proteases. Cordyceps mushrooms have been found to have various therapeutic properties that could effectively combat SARS-CoV-2, including improve lung functioning, anti-viral, immunomodulators, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory. The present study aims to screen and evaluate the inhibitory potential of the bioactive molecules from the Cordyceps species against the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. The bioactive molecules were screened based on their docking score, molecular interactions in the binding pocket, ADME properties, toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity. Among all the molecules that were tested, cordycepic acid was the most effective and promising candidate, with a binding affinity of -8.10 kcal/mol against Mpro. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and free binding energy calculations revealed that the cordycepic acid-Mpro complex was highly stable and showed fewer conformational fluctuations. These findings need to be investigated further through in-vitro and in-vivo studies for additional validation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niketan Deshmukh
- L J School of Applied Sciences, L J University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Reshma Talkal
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Bhaskaran Lakshmi
- Department of Biotechnology, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Gandhinagar, India
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18
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Van Nam L, Dien TC, Bang LVN, Thach PN, Van Duyet L. Genetic features of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants and their association with the clinical severity of COVID-19 in Vietnam. IJID REGIONS 2024; 11:100348. [PMID: 38601946 PMCID: PMC11004080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objectives We investigated the genetic variations in the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and their association with clinical status and treatment outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Methods MiSeq was used to sequence the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron genomes, and MEGA 6.6 was used to define the nucleotide variations. We determined the association between clinical severity and treatment outcomes for the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Results The BA.1.1 and BA.2 lineages of the Omicron variant had 57-59 mutations, which is 2-2.7-fold higher than that of the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.2, and AY.57 (Delta) lineages. We found distinct mutations in SARS-CoV-2: five in Alpha (C26305T, G26558T, G7042T, C14120T, and C27509T); seven in Delta (C26408T, C1403T, C5184T, C9891T, T11418C, C11514T, and C22227T); and three in Omicron (C26408T, C8991T, and C25810T). Patients with the Delta variant had a severe rate of 23.8%, a critical rate of 53.7%, and a mortality rate of 38.9%, which were significantly higher than those with the Omicron and Alpha variants. Conclusions The Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants in this study had genetic diversity and differed from the strains reported in other countries, with the Delta variant producing significantly more clinical severity and mortality than the Alpha and Omicron variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Van Nam
- Departments of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trinh Cong Dien
- Departments of Infectious Disease, Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Pham Ngoc Thach
- Micobiology and Molecular Biology Department, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Van Duyet
- Micobiology and Molecular Biology Department, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
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19
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Samy A, Hassan A, Hegazi NM, Farid M, Elshafei M. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics analyses to predict the antiviral activity of ginger constituents against coronavirus infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12059. [PMID: 38802394 PMCID: PMC11130167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60721-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused a dramatic loss of human life worldwide, leading to accelerated research for antiviral drug discovery. Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of many conditions including respiratory system diseases. In this study, a computational pipeline was employed, including network pharmacology, molecular docking simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations, to analyze the common phytochemicals of ginger rhizomes and identify candidate constituents as viral inhibitors. Furthermore, experimental assays were performed to analyze the volatile and non-volatile compounds of ginger and to assess the antiviral activity of ginger oil and hydroalcoholic extract. Network pharmacology analysis showed that ginger compounds target human genes that are involved in related cellular processes to the viral infection. Docking analysis highlighted five pungent compounds and zingiberenol as potential inhibitors for the main protease (Mpro), spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Then, (6)-gingerdiacetate was selected for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as it exhibited the best binding interactions and free energies over the three target proteins. Trajectories analysis of the three complexes showed that RBD and ACE2 complexes with the ligand preserved similar patterns of root mean square deviation (RMSD) and radius of gyration (Rg) values to their respective native structures. Finally, experimental validation of the ginger hydroalcoholic extract confirmed the existence of (6)-gingerdiacetate and revealed the strong antiviral activity of the hydroalcoholic extract with IC50 of 2.727 μ g / ml . Our study provides insights into the potential antiviral activity of (6)-gingerdiacetate that may enhance the host immune response and block RBD binding to ACE2, thereby, inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Samy
- Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Afnan Hassan
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Nesrine M Hegazi
- Department of Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Mai Farid
- Department of Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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20
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Khan S, Rathod P, Gupta VK, Khedekar PB, Chikhale RV. Evolution and Impact of Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8124-8146. [PMID: 38687959 PMCID: PMC11112543 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sumbul
Fatma Khan
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant
Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, MS India
| | - Priyanka Rathod
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant
Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, MS India
| | - Vivek K. Gupta
- Department
of Biochemistry, National JALMA Institute
for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases (ICMR), Agra -282004, India
| | - Pramod B. Khedekar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant
Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, MS India
| | - Rupesh V. Chikhale
- UCL
School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
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21
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Quddusi DM, Hiremath SA, Bajcinca N. Mutation prediction in the SARS-CoV-2 genome using attention-based neural machine translation. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2024; 21:5996-6018. [PMID: 38872567 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2024264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) has been evolving rapidly after causing havoc worldwide in 2020. Since then, it has been very hard to contain the virus owing to its frequently mutating nature. Changes in its genome lead to viral evolution, rendering it more resistant to existing vaccines and drugs. Predicting viral mutations beforehand will help in gearing up against more infectious and virulent versions of the virus in turn decreasing the damage caused by them. In this paper, we have proposed different NMT (neural machine translation) architectures based on RNNs (recurrent neural networks) to predict mutations in the SARS-CoV-2-selected non-structural proteins (NSP), i.e., NSP1, NSP3, NSP5, NSP8, NSP9, NSP13, and NSP15. First, we created and pre-processed the pairs of sequences from two languages using k-means clustering and nearest neighbors for training a neural translation machine. We also provided insights for training NMTs on long biological sequences. In addition, we evaluated and benchmarked our models to demonstrate their efficiency and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrak Moin Quddusi
- Chair of Mechatronics in the Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Rheinland-Pfalz Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern 67663, Germany
| | - Sandesh Athni Hiremath
- Chair of Mechatronics in the Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Rheinland-Pfalz Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern 67663, Germany
| | - Naim Bajcinca
- Chair of Mechatronics in the Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Rheinland-Pfalz Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern 67663, Germany
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22
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Morales M, Yang MY, Goddard WA, Gray HB, Winkler JR. Copper(II) coordination to the intrinsically disordered region of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402653121. [PMID: 38722808 PMCID: PMC11098128 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402653121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The intrinsically disordered C-terminal peptide region of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nonstructural protein-1 (Nsp1-CT) inhibits host protein synthesis by blocking messenger RNA (mRNA) access to the 40S ribosome entrance tunnel. Aqueous copper(II) ions bind to the disordered peptide with micromolar affinity, creating a possible strategy to restore protein synthesis during host infection. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and tryptophan fluorescence measurements on a 10-residue model of the disordered protein region (Nsp1-CT10), combined with advanced quantum mechanics calculations, suggest that the peptide binds to copper(II) as a multidentate ligand. Two optimized computational models of the copper(II)-peptide complexes were derived: One corresponding to pH 6.5 and the other describing the complex at pH 7.5 to 8.5. Simulated EPR spectra based on the calculated model structures are in good agreement with experimental spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann Morales
- Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Moon Young Yang
- Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - William A. Goddard
- Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Harry B. Gray
- Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Jay R. Winkler
- Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
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23
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Zhao Z, Bashiri S, Ziora ZM, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. COVID-19 Variants and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2024; 16:757. [PMID: 38793638 PMCID: PMC11125726 DOI: 10.3390/v16050757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has caused millions of infections and fatalities worldwide. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 research has been conducted to develop therapeutic drugs and prophylactic vaccines, and even though some drugs have been approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, preventive vaccination has been implemented on a global scale and represents the primary approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved vaccines vary in composition, although vaccine design has been based on either the key viral structural (spike) protein or viral components carrying this protein. Therefore, mutations of the virus, particularly mutations in the S protein, severely compromise the effectiveness of current vaccines and the ability to control COVID-19 infection. This review begins by describing the SARS-CoV-2 viral composition, the mechanism of infection, the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the host defence responses against infection and the most common vaccine designs. Next, this review summarizes the common mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations change viral properties, confer immune escape and influence vaccine efficacy. Finally, this review discusses global strategies that have been employed to mitigate the decreases in vaccine efficacy encountered against new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Sahra Bashiri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Zyta M. Ziora
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
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24
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Yadav AJ, Kumar S, Maurya S, Bhagat K, Padhi AK. Interface design of SARS-CoV-2 symmetrical nsp7 dimer and machine learning-guided nsp7 sequence prediction reveals physicochemical properties and hotspots for nsp7 stability, adaptation, and therapeutic design. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:14046-14061. [PMID: 38686454 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01014k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), necessitates a profound understanding of the virus and its lifecycle. As an RNA virus with high mutation rates, SARS-CoV-2 exhibits genetic variability leading to the emergence of variants with potential implications. Among its key proteins, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is pivotal for viral replication. Notably, RdRp forms dimers via non-structural protein (nsp) subunits, particularly nsp7, crucial for efficient viral RNA copying. Similar to the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, there is a possibility that the nsp7 might also undergo mutational selection events to generate more stable and adaptable versions of nsp7 dimer during virus evolution. However, efforts to obtain such cohesive and comprehensive information are lacking. To address this, we performed this study focused on deciphering the molecular intricacies of nsp7 dimerization using a multifaceted approach. Leveraging computational protein design (CPD), machine learning (ML), AlphaFold v2.0-based structural analysis, and several related computational approaches, we aimed to identify critical residues and mutations influencing nsp7 dimer stability and adaptation. Our methodology involved identifying potential hotspot residues within the dimeric nsp7 interface using an interface-based CPD approach. Through Rosetta-based symmetrical protein design, we designed and modulated nsp7 dimerization, considering selected interface residues. Analysis of physicochemical features revealed acceptable structural changes and several structural and residue-specific insights emphasizing the intricate nature of such protein-protein complexes. Our ML models, particularly the random forest regressor (RFR), accurately predicted binding affinities and ML-guided sequence predictions corroborated CPD findings, elucidating potential nsp7 mutations and their impact on binding affinity. Validation against clinical sequencing data demonstrated the predictive accuracy of our approach. Moreover, AlphaFold v2.0 structural analyses validated optimal dimeric configurations of affinity-enhancing designs, affirming methodological precision. Affinity-enhancing designs exhibited favourable energetics and higher binding affinity as compared to their counterparts. The obtained physicochemical properties, molecular interactions, and sequence predictions advance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and inform potential avenues for therapeutic intervention against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Jeet Yadav
- Laboratory for Computational Biology & Biomolecular Design, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shivank Kumar
- Laboratory for Computational Biology & Biomolecular Design, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shweata Maurya
- Laboratory for Computational Biology & Biomolecular Design, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Khushboo Bhagat
- Laboratory for Computational Biology & Biomolecular Design, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Aditya K Padhi
- Laboratory for Computational Biology & Biomolecular Design, School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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25
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Nagahawatta DP, Liyanage NM, Jayawardena TU, Jayawardhana HHACK, Jeong SH, Kwon HJ, Jeon YJ. Role of marine natural products in the development of antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2: potential and prospects. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:280-297. [PMID: 38827130 PMCID: PMC11136918 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has surfaced and caused global concern owing to its ferocity. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019; however, it was only discovered at the end of the year and was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Therefore, the development of novel potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks is urgently required. Numerous naturally occurring bioactive substances have been studied in the clinical setting for diverse disorders. The intricate infection and replication mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 offers diverse therapeutic drug targets for developing antiviral medicines by employing natural products that are safer than synthetic compounds. Marine natural products (MNPs) have received increased attention in the development of novel drugs owing to their high diversity and availability. Therefore, this review article investigates the infection and replication mechanisms, including the function of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and structure. Furthermore, we highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic intervention efforts utilizing MNPs and predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor design. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. P. Nagahawatta
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
| | - N. M. Liyanage
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
| | - Thilina U. Jayawardena
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3 Canada
| | | | - Seong-Hun Jeong
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Jun Kwon
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Jin Jeon
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
- Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63333 Republic of Korea
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26
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Pérez-Vargas J, Lemieux G, Thompson CAH, Désilets A, Ennis S, Gao G, Gordon DG, Schulz AL, Niikura M, Nabi IR, Krajden M, Boudreault PL, Leduc R, Jean F. Nanomolar anti-SARS-CoV-2 Omicron activity of the host-directed TMPRSS2 inhibitor N-0385 and synergistic action with direct-acting antivirals. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105869. [PMID: 38548023 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants with increased transmissibility and immune evasion are spreading globally with alarming persistence. Whether the mutations and evolution of spike (S) Omicron subvariants alter the viral hijacking of human TMPRSS2 for viral entry remains to be elucidated. This is particularly important to investigate because of the large number and diversity of mutations of S Omicron subvariants reported since the emergence of BA.1. Here we report that human TMPRSS2 is a molecular determinant of viral entry for all the Omicron clinical isolates tested in human lung cells, including ancestral Omicron subvariants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.5), contemporary Omicron subvariants (BQ.1.1, XBB.1.5, EG.5.1) and currently circulating Omicron BA.2.86. First, we used a co-transfection assay to demonstrate the endoproteolytic cleavage by TMPRSS2 of spike Omicron subvariants. Second, we found that N-0385, a highly potent TMPRSS2 inhibitor, is a robust entry inhibitor of virus-like particles harbouring the S protein of Omicron subvariants. Third, we show that N-0385 exhibits nanomolar broad-spectrum antiviral activity against live Omicron subvariants in human Calu-3 lung cells and primary patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells. Interestingly, we found that N-0385 is 10-20 times more potent than the repositioned TMPRSS2 inhibitor, camostat, against BA.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86. We further found that N-0385 shows broad synergistic activity with clinically approved direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), i.e., remdesivir and nirmatrelvir, against Omicron subvariants, demonstrating the potential therapeutic benefits of a multi-targeted treatment based on N-0385 and DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Pérez-Vargas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lemieux
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Connor A H Thompson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Antoine Désilets
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Siobhan Ennis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Guang Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Danielle G Gordon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annika Lea Schulz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Masahiro Niikura
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Ivan Robert Nabi
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - François Jean
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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27
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Kumar A, Tripathi P, Kumar P, Shekhar R, Pathak R. From Detection to Protection: Antibodies and Their Crucial Role in Diagnosing and Combatting SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:459. [PMID: 38793710 PMCID: PMC11125746 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is crucial to comprehending disease progression and the significance of vaccine and therapeutic development. The emergence of highly contagious variants poses a significant challenge to humoral immunity, underscoring the necessity of grasping the intricacies of specific antibodies. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of antibodies in shaping immune responses and their implications for diagnosing, preventing, and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection. It delves into the kinetics and characteristics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and explores current antibody-based diagnostics, discussing their strengths, clinical utility, and limitations. Furthermore, we underscore the therapeutic potential of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, discussing various antibody-based therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, anti-cytokines, convalescent plasma, and hyperimmunoglobulin-based therapies. Moreover, we offer insights into antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, emphasizing the significance of neutralizing antibodies in order to confer immunity to SARS-CoV-2, along with emerging variants of concern (VOCs) and circulating Omicron subvariants. We also highlight challenges in the field, such as the risks of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and shed light on the challenges associated with the original antigenic sin (OAS) effect and long COVID. Overall, this review intends to provide valuable insights, which are crucial to advancing sensitive diagnostic tools, identifying efficient antibody-based therapeutics, and developing effective vaccines to combat the evolving threat of SARS-CoV-2 variants on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, India
| | - Prajna Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Prashant Kumar
- R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ritu Shekhar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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28
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Das R, Sinnarasan VSP, Paul D, Venkatesan A. A Machine Learning Approach to Identify Potential miRNA-Gene Regulatory Network Contributing to the Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:987-1006. [PMID: 37515735 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, many lives have been lost in the recent outbreak of coronavirus disease. The pathogen responsible for this disease takes advantage of the host machinery to replicate itself and, in turn, causes pathogenesis in humans. Human miRNAs are seen to have a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of viral diseases. Hence, an in-silico approach has been used in this study to uncover the role of miRNAs and their target genes in coronavirus disease pathogenesis. This study attempts to perform the miRNA seq data analysis to identify the potential differentially expressed miRNAs. Considering only the experimentally proven interaction databases TarBase, miRTarBase, and miRecords, the target genes of the miRNAs have been identified from the mirNET analytics platform. The identified hub genes were subjected to gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis using EnrichR. It is found that a total of 9 miRNAs are deregulated, out of which 2 were upregulated (hsa-mir-3614-5p and hsa-mir-3614-3p) and 7 were downregulated (hsa-mir-17-5p, hsa-mir-106a-5p, hsa-mir-17-3p, hsa-mir-181d-5p, hsa-mir-93-3p, hsa-mir-28-5p, and hsa-mir-100-5p). These miRNAs help us to classify the diseased and healthy control patients accurately. Moreover, it is also found that crucial target genes (UBC and UBB) of 4 signature miRNAs interact with viral replicase polyprotein 1ab of SARS-Coronavirus. As a result, it is noted that the virus hijacks key immune pathways like various cancer and virus infection pathways and molecular functions such as ubiquitin ligase binding and transcription corepressor and coregulator binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Das
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, RV Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | | | - Dahrii Paul
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, RV Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Amouda Venkatesan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, RV Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry, 605014, India.
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Abdel-Sattar E, Kutkat O, El-Shiekh RA, El-Ashrey MK, El Kerdawy AM. In Silico and In Vitro Screening of Some Pregnane Glycosides Isolated from Certain Caralluma Species as SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301786. [PMID: 38466126 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 caused pandemic represented a major risk for the worldwide human health, animal health and economy, forcing extraordinary efforts to discover drugs for its prevention and cure. Considering the extensive interest in the pregnane glycosides because of their diverse structures and excellent biological activities, we investigated them as antiviral agents against SARS-COV-2. We selected 21 pregnane glycosides previously isolated from the genus Caralluma from Asclepiadaceae family to be tested through virtual screening molecular docking simulations for their potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Almost all target compounds showed a more or equally negative docking energy score relative to the co-crystallized inhibitor X77 (S=-12.53 kcal/mol) with docking score range of (-12.55 to -19.76 kcal/mol) and so with a potent predicted binding affinity to the target enzyme. The activity of the most promising candidates was validated by in vitro testing. Arabincoside C showed the highest activity (IC50=35.42 μg/ml) and the highest selectivity index (SI=9.9) followed by Russelioside B (IC50=50.80 μg/ml), and Arabincoside B (IC50=53.31 μg/ml).
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam Abdel-Sattar
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omnia Kutkat
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, 12622, Giza, Egypt
- Department of microbiology, Faculty of pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6 th of October, Giza, 12566, Egypt
| | - Riham A El-Shiekh
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed K El-Ashrey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, 11562, Cairo, Egypt
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), 46612, South Sinai, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, 11562, Cairo, Egypt
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, LN6 7DL, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
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Scarpa F, Branda F, Petrosillo N, Ciccozzi M. On the SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:289-297. [PMID: 38667750 PMCID: PMC11050187 DOI: 10.3390/idr16020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary dynamics of viruses, particularly exemplified by SARS-CoV-2 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the intricate interplay between genetics, host adaptation, and viral spread. This paper delves into the genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the implications of viral variants on global health. Initially emerging from the Wuhan-Hu-1 lineage, SARS-CoV-2 rapidly diversified into numerous variants, each characterized by distinct mutations in the spike protein and other genomic regions. Notable variants such as B.1.1.7 (α), B.1.351 (β), P.1 (γ), B.1.617.2 (δ), and the Omicron variant have garnered significant attention due to their heightened transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. In particular, the Omicron variant has presented a myriad of subvariants, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health. Despite the emergence of numerous variants, the vast majority have exhibited limited expansion capabilities and have not posed significant threats akin to early pandemic strains. Continued genomic surveillance is imperative to identify emerging variants of concern promptly. While genetic adaptation is intrinsic to viral evolution, effective public health responses must be grounded in empirical evidence to navigate the evolving landscape of the pandemic with resilience and precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Infection Prevention Control/Infectious Disease Service, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00127 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.)
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31
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Oktavianthi S, Lages AC, Kusuma R, Kurniasih TS, Trimarsanto H, Andriani F, Rustandi D, Meriyanti T, Yusuf I, Malik SG, Jo J, Suriapranata I. Whole-Genome Sequencing and Mutation Analyses of SARS-CoV-2 Isolates from Indonesia. Pathogens 2024; 13:279. [PMID: 38668234 PMCID: PMC11053823 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 infection that caused the COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant public health concern. New variants with distinct mutations have emerged, potentially impacting its infectivity, immune evasion capacity, and vaccine response. A whole-genome sequencing study of 292 SARS-CoV-2 isolates collected from selected regions of Indonesia between January and October 2021 was performed to identify the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and common mutations in Indonesia. During January-April 2021, Indonesian lineages B.1.466.2 and B.1.470 dominated, but from May 2021, Delta's AY.23 lineage outcompeted them. An analysis of 7515 published sequences from January 2021 to June 2022 revealed a decline in Delta in November 2021, followed by the emergence of Omicron variants in December 2021. We identified C241T (5'UTR), P314L (NSP12b), F106F (NSP3), and D614G (Spike) mutations in all sequences. The other common substitutions included P681R (76.4%) and T478K (60%) in Spike, D377Y in Nucleocapsid (61%), and I82T in Membrane (60%) proteins. Breakthrough infection and prolonged viral shedding cases were associated with Delta variants carrying the Spike T19R, G142D, L452R, T478K, D614G, P681R, D950N, and V1264L mutations. The dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Indonesia highlights the importance of continuous genomic surveillance in monitoring and identifying potential strains leading to disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukma Oktavianthi
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | - Aksar Chair Lages
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Rinaldy Kusuma
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Tri Shinta Kurniasih
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Hidayat Trimarsanto
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0811, Australia
| | - Febi Andriani
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - David Rustandi
- Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (D.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Tandry Meriyanti
- Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (D.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Irawan Yusuf
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Safarina G. Malik
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | - Juandy Jo
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang 15811, Indonesia
| | - Ivet Suriapranata
- Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology, Tangerang 15810, Indonesia; (S.O.); (A.C.L.); (R.K.); (T.S.K.); (F.A.); (I.Y.); (S.G.M.); (J.J.)
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32
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Utgés JS, MacGowan SA, Ives CM, Barton GJ. Classification of likely functional class for ligand binding sites identified from fragment screening. Commun Biol 2024; 7:320. [PMID: 38480979 PMCID: PMC10937669 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05970-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragment screening is used to identify binding sites and leads in drug discovery, but it is often unclear which binding sites are functionally important. Here, data from 37 experiments, and 1309 protein structures binding to 1601 ligands were analysed. A method to group ligands by binding sites is introduced and sites clustered according to profiles of relative solvent accessibility. This identified 293 unique ligand binding sites, grouped into four clusters (C1-4). C1 includes larger, buried, conserved, and population missense-depleted sites, enriched in known functional sites. C4 comprises smaller, accessible, divergent, missense-enriched sites, depleted in functional sites. A site in C1 is 28 times more likely to be functional than one in C4. Seventeen sites, which to the best of our knowledge are novel, in 13 proteins are identified as likely to be functionally important with examples from human tenascin and 5-aminolevulinate synthase highlighted. A multi-layer perceptron, and K-nearest neighbours model are presented to predict cluster labels for ligand binding sites with an accuracy of 96% and 100%, respectively, so allowing functional classification of sites for proteins not in this set. Our findings will be of interest to those studying protein-ligand interactions and developing new drugs or function modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier S Utgés
- Division of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Stuart A MacGowan
- Division of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Callum M Ives
- Division of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Geoffrey J Barton
- Division of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
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33
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Rosenbaum JC, Carlson AE. The SARS coronavirus accessory protein ORF3a rescues potassium conductance in yeast. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001129. [PMID: 38525126 PMCID: PMC10958204 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
ORF3a is an accessory protein expressed by all human pathogen coronaviruses and is the only accessory protein that strongly affects viral fitness. Its deletion reduces severity in both alpha- and beta-coronaviruses, demonstrating a conserved function across the superfamily. Initially regarded as a non-selective cation channel, ORF3a's function is now disputed. Here, we show that ORF3a from SARS, but not SARS-CoV-2, promotes potassium conductance in a yeast model system commonly used to study potassium channels. ORF3a-mediated potassium conductance is also sensitive to inhibitors, including emodin, carbamazepine, and nifedipine. This model may be used in future studies on ORF3a and related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C. Rosenbaum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Anne E. Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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34
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Jabeen M, Shoukat S, Shireen H, Bao Y, Khan A, Abbasi AA. Unraveling the genetic variations underlying virulence disparities among SARS-CoV-2 strains across global regions: insights from Pakistan. Virol J 2024; 21:55. [PMID: 38449001 PMCID: PMC10916261 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged that may exhibit different etiological effects such as enhanced transmissibility and infectivity. However, genetic variations that reduce virulence and deteriorate viral fitness have not yet been thoroughly investigated. The present study sought to evaluate the effects of viral genetic makeup on COVID-19 epidemiology in Pakistan, where the infectivity and mortality rate was comparatively lower than other countries during the first pandemic wave. For this purpose, we focused on the comparative analyses of 7096 amino-acid long polyprotein pp1ab. Comparative sequence analysis of 203 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, sampled from Pakistan during the first wave of the pandemic revealed 179 amino acid substitutions in pp1ab. Within this set, 38 substitutions were identified within the Nsp3 region of the pp1ab polyprotein. Structural and biophysical analysis of proteins revealed that amino acid variations within Nsp3's macrodomains induced conformational changes and modified protein-ligand interactions, consequently diminishing the virulence and fitness of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the epistatic effects resulting from evolutionary substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 proteins may have unnoticed implications for reducing disease burden. In light of these findings, further characterization of such deleterious SARS-CoV-2 mutations will not only aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets but will also provide a roadmap for maintaining vigilance against the genetic variability of diverse SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating globally. Furthermore, these insights empower us to more effectively manage and respond to potential viral-based pandemic outbreaks of a similar nature in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momina Jabeen
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shifa Shoukat
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Huma Shireen
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yiming Bao
- National Genomics Data Center & CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China National Center for Bioinformation, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, China
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Malaysia
| | - Amir Ali Abbasi
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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35
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Deng M, Zhang C, Yan W, Chen L, He B, Li Y. Development of Fluorescence-Based Assays for Key Viral Proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 Infection Process and Lifecycle. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2850. [PMID: 38474097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, the ensuing COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic has posed a significant threat to the global public health system, human health, life, and economic well-being. Researchers worldwide have devoted considerable efforts to curb its spread and development. The latest studies have identified five viral proteins, spike protein (Spike), viral main protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and viral helicase (Helicase), which play crucial roles in the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the human body and its lifecycle. The development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs targeting these five viral proteins holds immense promise. Therefore, the development of efficient, high-throughput screening methodologies specifically designed for these viral proteins is of utmost importance. Currently, a plethora of screening techniques exists, with fluorescence-based assays emerging as predominant contenders. In this review, we elucidate the foundational principles and methodologies underpinning fluorescence-based screening approaches directed at these pivotal viral targets, hoping to guide researchers in the judicious selection and refinement of screening strategies, thereby facilitating the discovery and development of lead compounds for anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhenlong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Wanli Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
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Priyanka, Mohan B, Poonia E, Kumar S, Virender, Singh C, Xiong J, Liu X, Pombeiro AJL, Singh G. COVID-19 Virus Structural Details: Optical and Electrochemical Detection. J Fluoresc 2024; 34:479-500. [PMID: 37382834 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03307-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The increasing viral species have ruined people's health and the world's economy. Therefore, it is urgent to design bio-responsive materials to provide a vast platform for detecting a different family's passive or active virus. One can design a reactive functional unit for that moiety based on the particular bio-active moieties in viruses. Nanomaterials as optical and electrochemical biosensors have enabled better tools and devices to develop rapid virus detection. Various material science platforms are available for real-time monitoring and detecting COVID-19 and other viral loads. In this review, we discuss the recent advances of nanomaterials in developing the tools for optical and electrochemical sensing COVID-19. In addition, nanomaterials used to detect other human viruses have been studied, providing insights for developing COVID-19 sensing materials. The basic strategies for nanomaterials develop as virus sensors, fabrications, and detection performances are studied. Moreover, the new methods to enhance the virus sensing properties are discussed to provide a gateway for virus detection in variant forms. The study will provide systematic information and working of virus sensors. In addition, the deep discussion of structural properties and signal changes will offer a new gate for researchers to develop new virus sensors for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Brij Mohan
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. RoviscoPais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ekta Poonia
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Virender
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Jichuan Xiong
- Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Armando J L Pombeiro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. RoviscoPais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gurjaspreet Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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37
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El-Daly MM. Advances and Challenges in SARS-CoV-2 Detection: A Review of Molecular and Serological Technologies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:519. [PMID: 38472991 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The urgent need for accurate COVID-19 diagnostics has led to the development of various SARS-CoV-2 detection technologies. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) remains a reliable viral gene detection technique, while other molecular methods, including nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs) and isothermal amplification techniques, provide diverse and effective approaches. Serological assays, detecting antibodies in response to viral infection, are crucial for disease surveillance. Saliva-based immunoassays show promise for surveillance purposes. The efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection varies, with IgM indicating recent exposure and IgG offering prolonged detectability. Various rapid tests, including lateral-flow immunoassays, present opportunities for quick diagnosis, but their clinical significance requires validation through further studies. Challenges include variations in specificity and sensitivity among testing platforms and evolving assay sensitivities over time. SARS-CoV-2 antigens, particularly the N and S proteins, play a crucial role in diagnostic methods. Innovative approaches, such as nanozyme-based assays and specific nucleotide aptamers, offer enhanced sensitivity and flexibility. In conclusion, ongoing advancements in SARS-CoV-2 detection methods contribute to the global effort in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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38
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Gerashchenko GV, Hryshchenko NV, Melnichuk NS, Marchyshak TV, Chernushyn SY, Demchyshina IV, Chernenko LM, Kuzin IV, Tkachuk ZY, Kashuba VI, Tukalo MA. Genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants observed upon three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine between February 2021-January 2022. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25618. [PMID: 38380034 PMCID: PMC10877268 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to identify and characterize the SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients' samples collected from different regions of Ukraine to determine the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetics and COVID-19 epidemiology. Patients and methods Samples were collected from COVID-19 patients during 2021 and the beginning of 2022 (401 patients). The SARS-CoV-2 genotyping was performed by parallel whole genome sequencing. Results The obtained SARS-CoV-2 genotypes showed that three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine were represented by three main variants of concern (VOC), named Alpha, Delta and Omicron; each VOC successfully replaced the earlier variant. The VOC Alpha strain was presented by one B.1.1.7 lineage, while VOC Delta showed a spectrum of 25 lineages that had different prevalence in 19 investigated regions of Ukraine. The VOC Omicron in the first half of the pandemic was represented by 13 lines that belonged to two different clades representing B.1 and B.2 Omicron strains. Each of the three epidemic waves (VOC Alpha, Delta, and Omicron) demonstrated their own course of disease, associated with genetic changes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The observed epidemiological features are associated with the genetic characteristics of the different VOCs, such as point mutations, deletions and insertions in the viral genome. A phylogenetic and transmission analysis showed the different mutation rates; there were multiple virus sources with a limited distribution between regions. Conclusions The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus and high levels of morbidity due to COVID-19 are still registered in the world. Observed multiple virus sourses with the limited distribution between regions indicates the high efficiency of the anti-epidemic policy pursued by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to prevent the spread of the epidemic, despite the low level of vaccination of the Ukrainian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zenovii Yu Tkachuk
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vladimir I. Kashuba
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykhailo A. Tukalo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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39
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Driedonks TA, Nyberg LH, Conte A, Ma Z, Pekosz A, Duban E, Tonevitsky A, Sültmann H, Turchinovich A, Witwer KW. Viral and host small RNA transcriptome analysis of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2-infected human cells reveals novel viral short RNAs. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24570. [PMID: 38314306 PMCID: PMC10837498 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses have been shown to express various short RNAs, some of which have regulatory roles during replication, transcription, and translation of viral genomes. However, short viral RNAs generated from SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNAs remained largely unexplored, possibly due limitations of the widely used library preparation methods for small RNA deep sequencing and corresponding data processing. By analyzing publicly available small RNA sequencing datasets, we observed that human Calu-3 cells infected by SARS-CoV-1 or SARS-CoV-2 accumulate multiple previously unreported short viral RNAs. In addition, we verified the presence of the five most abundant SARS-CoV-2 short viral RNAs in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung adenocarcinoma cells by quantitative PCR. Interestingly, the copy number of the observed SARS-CoV-2 short viral RNAs dramatically exceeded the expression of previously reported viral microRNAs in the same cells. We hypothesize that the reported SARS-CoV-2 short viral RNAs could serve as biomarkers for early infection stages due to their high abundance. Furthermore, unlike SARS-CoV-1, the SARS-CoV-2 infection induced significant (Benjamini-Hochberg-corrected p-value <0.05) deregulation of Y-RNA, transfer RNA, vault RNA, as well as more than 300 endogenous short RNAs that aligned predominantly to human protein-coding and long noncoding RNA transcripts. In particular, more than 20-fold upregulation of reads derived from Y-RNA (and several transfer RNAs) have been documented in RNA-seq datasets from SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Finally, a significant proportion of short RNAs derived from full-length viral genomes also aligned to various human genome (hg38) sequences, suggesting opportunities to investigate regulatory roles of short viral RNAs during infection. Further characterization of the small RNA landscape of both viral and host genomes is clearly warranted to improve our understanding of molecular events related to infection and to design more efficient strategies for therapeutic interventions as well as early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom A.P. Driedonks
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lyle H. Nyberg
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Abigail Conte
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zexu Ma
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Holger Sültmann
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrey Turchinovich
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Biolabs GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kenneth W. Witwer
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Khalil AM, Nogales A, Martínez-Sobrido L, Mostafa A. Antiviral responses versus virus-induced cellular shutoff: a game of thrones between influenza A virus NS1 and SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1357866. [PMID: 38375361 PMCID: PMC10875036 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1357866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Following virus recognition of host cell receptors and viral particle/genome internalization, viruses replicate in the host via hijacking essential host cell machinery components to evade the provoked antiviral innate immunity against the invading pathogen. Respiratory viral infections are usually acute with the ability to activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in/on host cells, resulting in the production and release of interferons (IFNs), proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) to reduce virus fitness and mitigate infection. Nevertheless, the game between viruses and the host is a complicated and dynamic process, in which they restrict each other via specific factors to maintain their own advantages and win this game. The primary role of the non-structural protein 1 (NS1 and Nsp1) of influenza A viruses (IAV) and the pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively, is to control antiviral host-induced innate immune responses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genesis, spatial structure, viral and cellular interactors, and the mechanisms underlying the unique biological functions of IAV NS1 and SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 in infected host cells. We also highlight the role of both non-structural proteins in modulating viral replication and pathogenicity. Eventually, and because of their important role during viral infection, we also describe their promising potential as targets for antiviral therapy and the development of live attenuated vaccines (LAV). Conclusively, both IAV NS1 and SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 play an important role in virus-host interactions, viral replication, and pathogenesis, and pave the way to develop novel prophylactic and/or therapeutic interventions for the treatment of these important human respiratory viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Magdy Khalil
- Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Center for Animal Health Research, CISA-INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Sobrido
- Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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41
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Yang ZS, Li TS, Huang YS, Chang CC, Chien CM. Targeting the receptor binding domain and heparan sulfate binding for antiviral drug development against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2753. [PMID: 38307890 PMCID: PMC10837157 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants diminished the efficacy of current antiviral drugs and vaccines. Hence, identifying highly conserved sequences and potentially druggable pockets for drug development was a promising strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. In viral infection, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins are essential in binding to the host receptor. Others, Heparan sulfate (HS), widely distributed on the surface of host cells, is thought to play a central role in the viral infection cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it might be a reasonable strategy for antiviral drug design to interfere with the RBD in the HS binding site. In this study, we used computational approaches to analyze multiple sequences of coronaviruses and reveal important information about the binding of HS to RBD in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Our results showed that the potential hot-spots, including R454 and E471, in RBD, exhibited strong interactions in the HS-RBD binding region. Therefore, we screened different compounds in the natural product database towards these hot-spots to find potential antiviral candidates using LibDock, Autodock vina and furthermore applying the MD simulation in AMBER20. The results showed three potential natural compounds, including Acetoside (ACE), Hyperoside (HYP), and Isoquercitrin (ISO), had a strong affinity to the RBD. Our results demonstrate a feasible approach to identify potential antiviral agents by evaluating the binding interaction between viral glycoproteins and host receptors. The present study provided the applications of the structure-based computational approach for designing and developing of new antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Sin Yang
- Department of Medical Sciences Industry, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, 711, Taiwan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shiun Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, 500, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sung Huang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ming Chien
- Department of Medical Sciences Industry, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, 711, Taiwan.
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Denker L, Dixon AM. The cell edit: Looking at and beyond non-structural proteins to understand membrane rearrangement in coronaviruses. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 752:109856. [PMID: 38104958 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-stranded RNA virus that sits at the centre of the recent global pandemic. As a member of the coronaviridae family of viruses, it shares features such as a very large genome (>30 kb) that is replicated in a purpose-built replication organelle. Biogenesis of the replication organelle requires significant and concerted rearrangement of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, a job that is carried out by a group of integral membrane non-structural proteins (NSP3, 4 and 6) expressed by the virus along with a host of viral replication enzymes and other factors that support transcription and replication. The primary sites for RNA replication within the replication organelle are double membrane vesicles (DMVs). The small size of DMVs requires generation of high membrane curvature, as well as stabilization of a double-membrane arrangement, but the mechanisms that underlie DMV formation remain elusive. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular basis for membrane rearrangements by coronaviruses. We incorporate established models of NSP3-4 protein-protein interactions to drive double membrane formation, and recent data highlighting the roles of lipid composition and host factor proteins (e.g. reticulons) that influence membrane curvature, to propose a revised model for DMV formation in SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Denker
- Warwick Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Ann M Dixon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7SH, UK.
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Bajracharya D, Jansen RJ. Observations of COVID-19 vaccine coverage and vaccine hesitancy on COVID-19 outbreak: An American ecological study. Vaccine 2024; 42:246-254. [PMID: 38103963 PMCID: PMC10842854 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In this ecological study, we aim to establish the role vaccines play in bringing the pandemic under control, as well as the impact of pathogen variants, vaccine hesitancy, and medical resource availability during the process by utilizing publicly available data. The study spans a three-year data collection period for daily hospital admissions due to COVID-19 and the daily reported cases of COVID-19 across all 50 states in the USA. In doing so, we aim to demonstrate the difference in severity of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen among vaccinated and unvaccinated populations in the USA. The study assesses the correlation of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen) and disease outcomes (transmissibility, severity, and deaths) caused by different strains of SARS-CoV-2 and establishes a negative correlation between COVID-19 vaccine and disease outcomes. By considering potential confounders in vaccine hesitancy, medical resource availability and vaccine dosage, we demonstrate the aforementioned to be insubstantial in predicting disease outcomes while the latter displays a contrasting significance in terms of disease outcomes. Between all the major variants of concern, the Delta and Omicron variants in particular have been associated with higher virulence and transmissibility factors respectively. Hence, the CDC continues to encourage the US population to get vaccinated since vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect the community from potential outbreaks and prevent severe disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deewan Bajracharya
- Genomics, Phenomics, and Bioinformatics Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
| | - Rick J Jansen
- Genomics, Phenomics, and Bioinformatics Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA; Biostatistics Core, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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44
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Liu F, Deng P, He J, Chen X, Jiang X, Yan Q, Xu J, Hu S, Yan J. A regional genomic surveillance program is implemented to monitor the occurrence and emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Yubei District, China. Virol J 2024; 21:13. [PMID: 38191416 PMCID: PMC10775548 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2022, Chongqing experienced a significant surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic after adjusting control measures in China. Given the widespread immunization of the population with the BA.5 variant, it is crucial to actively monitor severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant evolution in Chongqing's Yubei district. METHODS In this retrospective study based on whole genome sequencing, we collected oropharyngeal and nasal swab of native COVID-19 cases from Yubei district between January to May 2023, along with imported cases from January 2022 to January 2023. Through second-generation sequencing, we generated a total of 578 genomes. RESULTS Phylogenetic analyses revealed these genomes belong to 47 SARS-CoV-2 Pango lineages. BA.5.2.48 was dominant from January to April 2023, rapidly replaced by XBB* variants from April to May 2023. Bayesian Skyline Plot reconstructions indicated a higher evolutionary rate (6.973 × 10-4 subs/site/year) for the XBB.1.5* lineage compared to others. The mean time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of BA.5.2.48* closely matched BA.2.75* (May 27, 2022). Using multinomial logistic regression, we estimated growth advantages, with XBB.1.9.1 showing the highest growth advantage (1.2, 95% HPI:1.1-1.2), followed by lineage FR.1 (1.1, 95% HPI:1.1-1.2). CONCLUSIONS Our monitoring reveals the rapid replacement of the previously prevalent BA.5.2.48 variant by XBB and its sub-variants, underscoring the ineffectiveness of herd immunity and breakthrough BA.5 infections against XBB variants. Given the ongoing evolutionary pressure, sustaining a SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance program is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Liu
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Deng
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiuhong He
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyu Jiang
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Yan
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Sihan Hu
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Chongqing Yubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China.
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45
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Chatterjee S, Zaia J. Proteomics-based mass spectrometry profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infection from human nasopharyngeal samples. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:193-229. [PMID: 36177493 PMCID: PMC9538640 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the on-going global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that continues to pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 encodes four structural proteins namely membrane, nucleocapsid, spike, and envelope proteins that play essential roles in viral entry, fusion, and attachment to the host cell. Extensively glycosylated spike protein efficiently binds to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 initiating viral entry and pathogenesis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swab is the preferred method of sample collection and viral detection because it is a rapid, specific, and high-throughput technique. Alternate strategies such as proteomics and glycoproteomics-based mass spectrometry enable a more detailed and holistic view of the viral proteins and host-pathogen interactions and help in detection of potential disease markers. In this review, we highlight the use of mass spectrometry methods to profile the SARS-CoV-2 proteome from clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples. We also highlight the necessity for a comprehensive glycoproteomics mapping of SARS-CoV-2 from biological complex matrices to identify potential COVID-19 markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass SpectrometryBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joseph Zaia
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Mass SpectrometryBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Bioinformatics ProgramBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Khazir J, Ahmed S, Thakur RK, Hussain M, Gandhi SG, Babbar S, Mir SA, Shafi N, Tonfack LB, Rajpal VR, Maqbool T, Mir BA, Peer LA. Repurposing of Plant-based Antiviral Molecules for the Treatment of COVID-19. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:614-633. [PMID: 38477206 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266276749240206101847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19, stemming from SARS-CoV-2, poses a formidable threat to global healthcare, with a staggering 77 million confirmed cases and 690,067 deaths recorded till December 24, 2023. Given the absence of specific drugs for this viral infection, the exploration of novel antiviral compounds becomes imperative. High-throughput technologies are actively engaged in drug discovery, and there is a parallel effort to repurpose plant-based molecules with established antiviral properties. In this context, the review meticulously delves into the potential of plant-based folk remedies and existing molecules. These substances have showcased substantial viral inhibition in diverse in vivo, in silico, and in vitro studies, particularly against critical viral protein targets, including SARS-CoV-2. The findings position these plant-based molecules as promising antiviral drug candidates for the swift advancement of treatments for COVID-19. It is noteworthy that the inherent attributes of these plant-based molecules, such as their natural origin, potency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, contribute to their appeal as lead candidates. The review advocates for further exploration through comprehensive in vivo studies conducted on animal models, emphasizing the potential of plant-based compounds to help in the ongoing quest to develop effective antivirals against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabeena Khazir
- Department of Chemistry, HKM Govt. Degree College Eidgah, Cluster University Srinagar, J&K, 190001, India
| | - Sajad Ahmed
- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road Jammu, 180001, J&K, India
| | - Rakesh Kr Thakur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Manzoor Hussain
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India
- Department of Botany, North Campus, University of Kashmir, Delina, Baramulla, J&K, 193103, India
| | - Sumit G Gandhi
- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road Jammu, 180001, J&K, India
| | - Sadhana Babbar
- Department of Botany, Swami Shradhanand College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110036, India
| | - Shabir Ahmad Mir
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nusrat Shafi
- Department of Chemistry, HKM Govt. Degree College Eidgah, Cluster University Srinagar, J&K, 190001, India
| | - Libert Brice Tonfack
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Environment, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, PO Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Vijay Rani Rajpal
- Department of Botany, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Tariq Maqbool
- Laboratory of Nanotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Bilal Ahmad Mir
- Department of Botany, North Campus, University of Kashmir, Delina, Baramulla, J&K, 193103, India
| | - Latif Ahmad Peer
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
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Rout M, Mishra S, Panda S, Dehury B, Pati S. Lipid and cholesterols modulate the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral ion channel ORF3a and its pathogenic variants. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127986. [PMID: 37944718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein, ORF3a is a putative ion channel which immensely contributes to viral pathogenicity by modulating host immune responses and virus-host interactions. Relatively high expression of ORF3a in diseased individuals and implication with inflammasome activation, apoptosis and autophagy inhibition, ratifies as an effective target for developing vaccines and therapeutics. Herein, we present the elusive dynamics of ORF3a-dimeric state using all-atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at μ-seconds scale in a heterogeneous lipid-mimetic system in multiple replicates. Additionally, we also explore the effect of non-synonymous pathogenic mutations on ORF3a ion channel activity and viral pathogenicity in different SARS-CoV-2 variants using various structure-based protein stability (ΔΔG) tools and computational saturation mutagenesis. Our study ascertains the role of phosphatidylcholines and cholesterol in modulating the structure of ORF3a, which perturbs the size and flexibility of the polar cavity that allows permeation of large cations. Discrete trend in ion channel pore radius and area per lipid arises the premise that presence of lipids might also affect the overall conformation of ORF3a. MD structural-ensembles, in some replicates rationalize the crucial role of TM2 in maintaining the native structure of ORF3a. We also infer that loss of structural stability primarily grounds for pathogenicity in more than half of the pathogenic variants of ORF3a. Overall, the effect of mutation on alteration of ion permeability of ORF3a, proposed in this study brings mechanistic insights into variant consequences on viral membrane proteins of SARS-CoV-2, which can be utilized for the development of novel therapeutics to treat COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusmita Rout
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Sarbani Mishra
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Sunita Panda
- Mycology Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Budheswar Dehury
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India.
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India.
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Quinn RJ, Mak T, Littler DR, Rossjohn J, Liu M. Discovery of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9 Binders from Natural Products by a Native Mass Spectrometry Approach. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:2630-2637. [PMID: 37993134 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for effective antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 remains a critical global endeavor. In this study, we focused on the viral nucleocapsid protein Nsp9, which is a key player in viral RNA replication and an attractive drug target. Employing a two-pronged approach, an in-house natural product library was screened using native mass spectrometry to identify compounds capable of binding to Nsp9. From the initial screening, apart from the previously reported hit oridonin (protein binding ratio of 0.56 in the initial screening, Kd = 7.2 ± 1.0 μM), we have identified a second Nsp9-interacting compound, the diterpenoid ryanodine, with a protein binding ratio of 0.3 and a Kd of 48.05 ± 5.03 μM. To gain deeper insights into the binding interactions and to explore potential structural requirements, the collision-induced affinity selection mass spectrometry (CIAS-MS) approach allowed us to identify six known oridonin analogues produced by the plant Rabdosia rubescens, each with varying affinities to Nsp9. Native MS validation of their individual binding activities to Nsp9 revealed that all analogues exhibited reduced affinity compared to oridonin. Structural-activity relationship analysis highlighted key functional groups, including 1-OH, 6-OH, 7-OH, and the enone moiety, which are crucial for Nsp9 binding. Combined data from our native mass spectrometry and CIAS-MS approaches provide valuable insights into the molecular interactions between Nsp9 and these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Quinn
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Tin Mak
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Dene R Littler
- Infection and Immunity Program & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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Shakeel I, Ashraf A, Afzal M, Sohal SS, Islam A, Kazim SN, Hassan MI. The Molecular Blueprint for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A New Paradigm for Diagnosis and Therapeutics. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:2297559. [PMID: 38155869 PMCID: PMC10754640 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2297559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The global prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased over the last decade and has emerged as the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is characterized by emphysema with prolonged airflow limitation. COPD patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 and increase the disease severity about four times. The most used drugs to treat it show numerous side effects, including immune suppression and infection. This review discusses a narrative opinion and critical review of COPD. We present different aspects of the disease, from cellular and inflammatory responses to cigarette smoking in COPD and signaling pathways. In addition, we highlighted various risk factors for developing COPD apart from smoking, like occupational exposure, pollutants, genetic factors, gender, etc. After the recent elucidation of the underlying inflammatory signaling pathways in COPD, new molecular targeted drug candidates for COPD are signal-transmitting substances. We further summarize recent developments in biomarker discovery for COPD and its implications for disease diagnosis. In addition, we discuss novel drug targets for COPD that could be explored for drug development and subsequent clinical management of cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, commonly associated with COPD. Our extensive analysis of COPD cause, etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic will provide a better understanding of the disease and the development of effective therapeutic options. In-depth knowledge of the underlying mechanism will offer deeper insights into identifying novel molecular targets for developing potent therapeutics and biomarkers of disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilma Shakeel
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Anam Ashraf
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammad Afzal
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Syed Naqui Kazim
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
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Nawaz R, Arif MA, Ahmad Z, Ahad A, Shahid M, Hassan Z, Husnain A, Aslam A, Raza MS, Mehmood U, Idrees M. An ncRNA transcriptomics-based approach to design siRNA molecules against SARS-CoV-2 double membrane vesicle formation and accessory genes. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:872. [PMID: 38087193 PMCID: PMC10718025 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08870-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of recent most global pandemic. Its genome encodes various proteins categorized as non-structural, accessory, and structural proteins. The non-structural proteins, NSP1-16, are located within the ORF1ab. The NSP3, 4, and 6 together are involved in formation of double membrane vesicle (DMV) in host Golgi apparatus. These vesicles provide anchorage to viral replicative complexes, thus assist replication inside the host cell. While the accessory genes coded by ORFs 3a, 3b, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9c, and 10 contribute in cell entry, immunoevasion, and pathological progression. METHODS This in silico study is focused on designing sequence specific siRNA molecules as a tool for silencing the non-structural and accessory genes of the virus. The gene sequences of NSP3, 4, and 6 along with ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 were retrieved for conservation, phylogenetic, and sequence logo analyses. siRNA candidates were predicted using siDirect 2.0 targeting these genes. The GC content, melting temperatures, and various validation scores were calculated. Secondary structures of the guide strands and siRNA-target duplexes were predicted. Finally, tertiary structures were predicted and subjected to structural validations. RESULTS This study revealed that NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 have high levels of conservation across globally circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. A total of 71 siRNA molecules were predicted against the selected genes. Following rigorous screening including binary validations and minimum free energies, final siRNAs with high therapeutic potential were identified, including 7, 2, and 1 against NSP3, NSP4, and NSP6, as well as 3, 1, 2, and 1 targeting ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF8, and ORF10, respectively. CONCLUSION Our novel in silico pipeline integrates effective methods from previous studies to predict and validate siRNA molecules, having the potential to inhibit viral replication pathway in vitro. In total, this study identified 17 highly specific siRNA molecules targeting NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 7a, 8, and 10 of SARS-CoV-2, which might be used as an additional antiviral treatment option especially in the cases of life-threatening urgencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Nawaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Ali Arif
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Ahmad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Ahad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zohal Hassan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Husnain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Aslam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saad Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Uqba Mehmood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Vice chancellor, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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