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López-Vázquez S, Villalobos C, Núñez L. SARS-CoV-2 Viroporin E Induces Ca 2+ Release and Neuron Cell Death in Primary Cultures of Rat Hippocampal Cells Aged In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6304. [PMID: 38928009 PMCID: PMC11203731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126304] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which may lead to serious respiratory, vascular and neurological dysfunctions. The SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein (E protein) is a structural viroporin able to form ion channels in cell membranes, which is critical for viral replication. However, its effects in primary neurons have not been addressed. Here we used fluorescence microscopy and calcium imaging to study SARS-CoV-2 viroporin E localization and the effects on neuron damage and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in a model of rat hippocampal neurons aged in vitro. We found that the E protein quickly enters hippocampal neurons and colocalizes with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in both short-term (6-8 days in vitro, DIV) and long-term (20-22 DIV) cultures resembling young and aged neurons, respectively. Strikingly, E protein treatment induces apoptosis in aged neurons but not in young neurons. The E protein induces variable increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in hippocampal neurons. Ca2+ responses to the E protein are due to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores at the ER. Moreover, E protein-induced Ca2+ release is very small in young neurons and increases dramatically in aged neurons, consistent with the enhanced Ca2+ store content in aged neurons. We conclude that the SARS-CoV-2 E protein quickly translocates to ER endomembranes of rat hippocampal neurons where it releases Ca2+, probably acting like a viroporin, thus producing Ca2+ store depletion and neuron apoptosis in aged neurons and likely contributing to neurological damage in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara López-Vázquez
- Excellence Unit, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Genetics of Valladolid (IBGM), University of Valladolid and Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (S.L.-V.); (L.N.)
| | - Carlos Villalobos
- Excellence Unit, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Genetics of Valladolid (IBGM), University of Valladolid and Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (S.L.-V.); (L.N.)
| | - Lucía Núñez
- Excellence Unit, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Genetics of Valladolid (IBGM), University of Valladolid and Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (S.L.-V.); (L.N.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
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2
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Cedillo-Barrón L, García-Cordero J, Visoso-Carvajal G, León-Juárez M. Viroporins Manipulate Cellular Powerhouses and Modulate Innate Immunity. Viruses 2024; 16:345. [PMID: 38543711 PMCID: PMC10974846 DOI: 10.3390/v16030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses have a wide repertoire of molecular strategies that focus on their replication or the facilitation of different stages of the viral cycle. One of these strategies is mediated by the activity of viroporins, which are multifunctional viral proteins that, upon oligomerization, exhibit ion channel properties with mild ion selectivity. Viroporins facilitate multiple processes, such as the regulation of immune response and inflammasome activation through the induction of pore formation in various cell organelle membranes to facilitate the escape of ions and the alteration of intracellular homeostasis. Viroporins target diverse membranes (such as the cellular membrane), endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Cumulative data regarding the importance of mitochondria function in multiple processes, such as cellular metabolism, energy production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and mitophagy, have been reported. The direct or indirect interaction of viroporins with mitochondria and how this interaction affects the functioning of mitochondrial cells in the innate immunity of host cells against viruses remains unclear. A better understanding of the viroporin-mitochondria interactions will provide insights into their role in affecting host immune signaling through the mitochondria. Thus, in this review, we mainly focus on descriptions of viroporins and studies that have provided insights into the role of viroporins in hijacked mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV-IPN) Av., IPN # 2508 Col., San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.G.-C.); (G.V.-C.)
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV-IPN) Av., IPN # 2508 Col., San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.G.-C.); (G.V.-C.)
| | - Giovani Visoso-Carvajal
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV-IPN) Av., IPN # 2508 Col., San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (J.G.-C.); (G.V.-C.)
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Salvador Díaz Mirón esq, Plan de San Luis S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Casco de Santo Tomas, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Moisés León-Juárez
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
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3
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de Almeida Marques DP, Andrade LAF, Reis EVS, Clarindo FA, Moraes TDFS, Lourenço KL, De Barros WA, Costa NEM, Andrade LMD, Lopes-Ribeiro Á, Coêlho Maciel MS, Corrêa-Dias LC, de Almeida IN, Arantes TS, Litwinski VCV, de Oliveira LC, Serafim MSM, Maltarollo VG, Guatimosim SC, Silva MM, Tsuji M, Ferreira RS, Barreto LV, Barbosa-Stancioli EF, da Fonseca FG, De Fátima Â, Coelho-Dos-Reis JGA. New anti-SARS-CoV-2 aminoadamantane compounds as antiviral candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. Virus Res 2024; 340:199291. [PMID: 38065303 PMCID: PMC10733093 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199291] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Here, the antiviral activity of aminoadamantane derivatives were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2. The compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity to Vero, HEK293 and CALU-3 cells up to a concentration of 1,000 µM. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of aminoadamantane was 39.71 µM in Vero CCL-81 cells and the derivatives showed significantly lower IC50 values, especially for compounds 3F4 (0.32 µM), 3F5 (0.44 µM) and 3E10 (1.28 µM). Additionally, derivatives 3F5 and 3E10 statistically reduced the fluorescence intensity of SARS-CoV-2 protein S from Vero cells at 10 µM. Transmission microscopy confirmed the antiviral activity of the compounds, which reduced cytopathic effects induced by the virus, such as vacuolization, cytoplasmic projections, and the presence of myelin figures derived from cellular activation in the face of infection. Additionally, it was possible to observe a reduction of viral particles adhered to the cell membrane and inside several viral factories, especially after treatment with 3F4. Moreover, although docking analysis showed favorable interactions in the catalytic site of Cathepsin L, the enzymatic activity of this enzyme was not inhibited significantly in vitro. The new derivatives displayed lower predicted toxicities than aminoadamantane, which was observed for either rat or mouse models. Lastly, in vivo antiviral assays of aminoadamantane derivatives in BALB/cJ mice after challenge with the mouse-adapted strain of SARS-CoV-2, corroborated the robust antiviral activity of 3F4 derivative, which was higher than aminoadamantane and its other derivatives. Therefore, aminoadamantane derivatives show potential broad-spectrum antiviral activity, which may contribute to COVID-19 treatment in the face of emerging and re-emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisymara Priscila de Almeida Marques
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luis Adan Flores Andrade
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro Tecnológico de Vacinas (CT Vacinas), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Erik Vinicius Sousa Reis
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe Alves Clarindo
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thaís de Fátima Silva Moraes
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Karine Lima Lourenço
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro Tecnológico de Vacinas (CT Vacinas), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Wellington Alves De Barros
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nathália Evelyn Morais Costa
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lídia Maria de Andrade
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ágata Lopes-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariella Sousa Coêlho Maciel
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laura Cardoso Corrêa-Dias
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Isabela Neves de Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Laboratório de Micobacterioses, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thalita Souza Arantes
- Centro de Microscopia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian Costa Vasconcelos Litwinski
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Camilo de Oliveira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mateus Sá Magalhães Serafim
- Laboratório de Virus, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Gonçalves Maltarollo
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos da Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Silvia Carolina Guatimosim
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mário Morais Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Moriya Tsuji
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiza Valença Barreto
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Edel Figueiredo Barbosa-Stancioli
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávio Guimarães da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro Tecnológico de Vacinas (CT Vacinas), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ângelo De Fátima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Özkan M, Yılmaz H, Ergenekon P, Erdoğan EM, Erbakan M. Microbial membrane transport proteins and their biotechnological applications. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:71. [PMID: 38225445 PMCID: PMC10789880 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03891-6] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Because of the hydrophobic nature of the membrane lipid bilayer, the majority of the hydrophilic solutes require special transportation mechanisms for passing through the cell membrane. Integral membrane transport proteins (MTPs), which belong to the Major Intrinsic Protein Family, facilitate the transport of these solutes across cell membranes. MTPs including aquaporins and carrier proteins are transmembrane proteins spanning across the cell membrane. The easy handling of microorganisms enabled the discovery of a remarkable number of transport proteins specific to different substances. It has been realized that these transporters have very important roles in the survival of microorganisms, their pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance. Astonishing features related to the solute specificity of these proteins have led to the acceleration of the research on the discovery of their properties and the development of innovative products in which these unique properties are used or imitated. Studies on microbial MTPs range from the discovery and characterization of a novel transporter protein to the mining and screening of them in a large transporter library for particular functions, from simulations and modeling of specific transporters to the preparation of biomimetic synthetic materials for different purposes such as biosensors or filtration membranes. This review presents recent discoveries on microbial membrane transport proteins and focuses especially on formate nitrite transport proteins and aquaporins, and advances in their biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melek Özkan
- Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, 41400, Türkiye.
| | - Hilal Yılmaz
- Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, 41400, Türkiye
| | - Pınar Ergenekon
- Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, 41400, Türkiye
| | - Esra Meşe Erdoğan
- Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, 41400, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Erbakan
- Biosystem Engineering Department, Bozok University, Yozgat , 66900, Türkiye
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5
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Zhang J, Hom K, Zhang C, Nasr M, Gerzanich V, Zhang Y, Tang Q, Xue F, Simard JM, Zhao RY. SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a Protein as a Therapeutic Target against COVID-19 and Long-Term Post-Infection Effects. Pathogens 2024; 13:75. [PMID: 38251382 PMCID: PMC10819734 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010075] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has posed unparalleled challenges due to its rapid transmission, ability to mutate, high mortality and morbidity, and enduring health complications. Vaccines have exhibited effectiveness, but their efficacy diminishes over time while new variants continue to emerge. Antiviral medications offer a viable alternative, but their success has been inconsistent. Therefore, there remains an ongoing need to identify innovative antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 and its post-infection complications. The ORF3a (open reading frame 3a) protein found in SARS-CoV-2, represents a promising target for antiviral treatment due to its multifaceted role in viral pathogenesis, cytokine storms, disease severity, and mortality. ORF3a contributes significantly to viral pathogenesis by facilitating viral assembly and release, essential processes in the viral life cycle, while also suppressing the body's antiviral responses, thus aiding viral replication. ORF3a also has been implicated in triggering excessive inflammation, characterized by NF-κB-mediated cytokine production, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death and tissue damage in the lungs, kidneys, and the central nervous system. Additionally, ORF3a triggers the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, inciting a cytokine storm, which is a major contributor to the severity of the disease and subsequent mortality. As with the spike protein, ORF3a also undergoes mutations, and certain mutant variants correlate with heightened disease severity in COVID-19. These mutations may influence viral replication and host cellular inflammatory responses. While establishing a direct link between ORF3a and mortality is difficult, its involvement in promoting inflammation and exacerbating disease severity likely contributes to higher mortality rates in severe COVID-19 cases. This review offers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of ORF3a's potential as an innovative antiviral drug target. Additionally, we outline potential strategies for discovering and developing ORF3a inhibitor drugs to counteract its harmful effects, alleviate tissue damage, and reduce the severity of COVID-19 and its lingering complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Kellie Hom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (K.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Drug Development and Clinical Sciences Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (V.G.); (J.M.S.)
| | - Yanjin Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Fengtian Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (K.H.); (F.X.)
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (V.G.); (J.M.S.)
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Richard Y. Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Garaev TM, Grebennikova TV, Lebedeva VV, Avdeeva VV, Larichev VF. Compounds based on Adamantyl-substituted Amino Acids and Peptides as Potential Antiviral Drugs Acting as Viroporin Inhibitors. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:912-920. [PMID: 38482627 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128286111240229074810] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The discussion has revolved around the derivatives of amino acids and peptides containing carbocycles and their potential antiviral activity in vitro against influenza A, hepatitis C viruses, and coronavirus. Studies conducted on cell cultures reveal that aminoadamantane amino acid derivatives exhibit the capacity to hinder the replication of viruses containing viroporins. Furthermore, certain compounds demonstrate potent virucidal activity with respect to influenza A/H5N1 and hepatitis C virus particles. A conceptual framework for viroporin inhibitors has been introduced, incorporating carbocyclic motifs as membranotropic carriers in the structure, alongside a functional segment comprised of amino acids and peptides. These components correspond to the interaction with the inner surface of the channel's pore or another target protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur M Garaev
- The Gamaleya National Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya St., Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Tatyana V Grebennikova
- The Gamaleya National Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya St., Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Varvara V Lebedeva
- The Gamaleya National Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya St., Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Varvara V Avdeeva
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 31, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Viktor F Larichev
- The Gamaleya National Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 18 Gamaleya St., Moscow 123098, Russia
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7
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Neitthoffer B, Alvarez F, Larrous F, Caillet-Saguy C, Etienne-Manneville S, Boëda B. A short sequence in the tail of SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein controls accessibility of its PDZ-binding motif to the cytoplasm. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105575. [PMID: 38110034 PMCID: PMC10821599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105575] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The carboxy-terminal tail of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) envelope protein (E) contains a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) which is crucial for coronavirus pathogenicity. During SARS-CoV-2 infection, the viral E protein is expressed within the Golgi apparatus membrane of host cells with its PBM facing the cytoplasm. In this work, we study the molecular mechanisms controlling the presentation of the PBM to host PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) domain-containing proteins. We show that at the level of the Golgi apparatus, the PDZ-binding motif of the E protein is not detected by E C-terminal specific antibodies nor by the PDZ domain-containing protein-binding partner. Four alanine substitutions upstream of the PBM in the central region of the E protein tail is sufficient to generate immunodetection by anti-E antibodies and trigger robust recruitment of the PDZ domain-containing protein into the Golgi organelle. Overall, this work suggests that the presentation of the PBM to the cytoplasm is under conformational regulation mediated by the central region of the E protein tail and that PBM presentation probably does not occur at the surface of Golgi cisternae but likely at post-Golgi stages of the viral cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Neitthoffer
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR3691 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Flavio Alvarez
- Laboratory Channel Receptors, UMR CNRS 3571, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Florence Larrous
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Célia Caillet-Saguy
- Laboratory Channel Receptors, UMR CNRS 3571, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Etienne-Manneville
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR3691 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Batiste Boëda
- Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR3691 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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8
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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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9
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Dai S, Cao T, Shen H, Zong X, Gu W, Li H, Wei L, Huang H, Yu Y, Chen Y, Ye W, Hua F, Fan H, Shen Z. Landscape of molecular crosstalk between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cardiovascular diseases: emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and immune-inflammation. J Transl Med 2023; 21:915. [PMID: 38104081 PMCID: PMC10725609 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of COVID-19, is a worldwide threat to human health and causes a long-term burden on the cardiovascular system. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and tend to have a worse prognosis. However, the relevance and pathogenic mechanisms between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases are not yet completely comprehended. METHODS Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in datasets of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) infected with SARS-CoV-2 and myocardial tissues from heart failure patients. Further GO and KEGG pathway analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, hub genes identification, immune microenvironment analysis, and drug candidate predication were performed. Then, an isoproterenol-stimulated myocardial hypertrophy cell model and a transverse aortic constriction-induced mouse heart failure model were employed to validate the expression of hub genes. RESULTS A total of 315 up-regulated and 78 down-regulated common DEGs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed mitochondrial metabolic disorders and extensive immune inflammation as the most prominent shared features of COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases. Then, hub DEGs, as well as hub immune-related and mitochondria-related DEGs, were screened. Additionally, nine potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19-related cardiovascular diseases were proposed. Furthermore, the expression patterns of most of the hub genes related to cardiovascular diseases in the validation dataset along with cellular and mouse myocardial damage models, were consistent with the findings of bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSIONS The study unveiled the molecular networks and signaling pathways connecting COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases, which may provide novel targets for intervention of COVID-19-related cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Dai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Han Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Xuejing Zong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Wenyu Gu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Haoyue Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Yunsheng Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Wenxue Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Fei Hua
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Hongyou Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Zhenya Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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10
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Paschke RR, Mohr S, Lange S, Lange A, Kozuch J. In Situ Spectroscopic Detection of Large-Scale Reorientations of Transmembrane Helices During Influenza A M2 Channel Opening. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309069. [PMID: 37733579 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309069] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Viroporins are small ion channels in membranes of enveloped viruses that play key roles during viral life cycles. To use viroporins as drug targets against viral infection requires in-depth mechanistic understanding and, with that, methods that enable investigations under in situ conditions. Here, we apply surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy to Influenza A M2 reconstituted within a solid-supported membrane, to shed light on the mechanics of its viroporin function. M2 is a paradigm of pH-activated proton channels and controls the proton flux into the viral interior during viral infection. We use SEIRA to track the large-scale reorientation of M2's transmembrane α-helices in situ during pH-activated channel opening. We quantify this event as a helical tilt from 26° to 40° by correlating the experimental results with solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance-informed computational spectroscopy. This mechanical motion is impeded upon addition of the inhibitor rimantadine, giving a direct spectroscopic marker to test antiviral activity. The presented approach provides a spectroscopic tool to quantify large-scale structural changes and to track the function and inhibition of the growing number of viroporins from pathogenic viruses in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Rabea Paschke
- Physics Department, Freie Universität Berlin, Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Research Building SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstr. 23a, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Swantje Mohr
- Research Unit Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Lange
- Research Unit Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adam Lange
- Research Unit Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacek Kozuch
- Physics Department, Freie Universität Berlin, Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Research Building SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstr. 23a, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Miura K, Suzuki Y, Ishida K, Arakawa M, Wu H, Fujioka Y, Emi A, Maeda K, Hamajima R, Nakano T, Tenno T, Hiroaki H, Morita E. Distinct motifs in the E protein are required for SARS-CoV-2 virus particle formation and lysosomal deacidification in host cells. J Virol 2023; 97:e0042623. [PMID: 37830820 PMCID: PMC10617393 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00426-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused a global public health crisis. The E protein, a structural protein found in this virus particle, is also known to be a viroporin. As such, it forms oligomeric ion channels or pores in the host cell membrane. However, the relationship between these two functions is poorly understood. In this study, we showed that the roles of E protein in virus particle and viroporin formation are distinct. This study contributes to the development of drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus particle formation. Additionally, we designed a highly sensitive and high-throughput virus-like particle detection system using the HiBiT tag, which is a useful tool for studying the release of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koya Miura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Youichi Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ishida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Masashi Arakawa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Fujioka
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akino Emi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koki Maeda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ryusei Hamajima
- Laboratory of Structural and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakano
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tenno
- Laboratory of Structural and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- BeCellBar LLC, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Hiroaki
- Laboratory of Structural and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- BeCellBar LLC, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Eiji Morita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
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12
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Medeiros-Silva J, Dregni AJ, Somberg NH, Duan P, Hong M. Atomic structure of the open SARS-CoV-2 E viroporin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi9007. [PMID: 37831764 PMCID: PMC10575589 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi9007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The envelope (E) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus forms cation-conducting channels in the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) of infected cells. The calcium channel activity of E is associated with the inflammatory responses of COVID-19. Using solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy, we have determined the open-state structure of E's transmembrane domain (ETM) in lipid bilayers. Compared to the closed state, open ETM has an expansive water-filled amino-terminal chamber capped by key glutamate and threonine residues, a loose phenylalanine aromatic belt in the middle, and a constricted polar carboxyl-terminal pore filled with an arginine and a threonine residue. This structure gives insights into how protons and calcium ions are selected by ETM and how they permeate across the hydrophobic gate of this viroporin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aurelio J. Dregni
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Pu Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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13
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Zeba A, Sekar K, Ganjiwale A. M Protein from Dengue virus oligomerizes to pentameric channel protein: in silico analysis study. Genomics Inform 2023; 21:e41. [PMID: 37813637 PMCID: PMC10584644 DOI: 10.5808/gi.23035] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Dengue virus M protein is a 75 amino acid polypeptide with two helical transmembranes (TM). The TM domain oligomerizes to form an ion channel, facilitating viral release from the host cells. The M protein has a critical role in the virus entry and life cycle, making it a potent drug target. The oligomerization of the monomeric protein was studied using ab initio modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in an implicit membrane environment. The representative structures obtained showed pentamer as the most stable oligomeric state, resembling an ion channel. Glutamic acid, threonine, serine, tryptophan, alanine, isoleucine form the pore-lining residues of the pentameric channel, conferring an overall negative charge to the channel with approximate length of 51.9 Å. Residue interaction analysis (RIN) for M protein shows that Ala94, Leu95, Ser112, Glu124, and Phe155 are the central hub residues representing the physicochemical interactions between domains. The virtual screening with 165 different ion channel inhibitors from the ion channel library shows monovalent ion channel blockers, namely lumacaftor, glipizide, gliquidone, glisoxepide, and azelnidipine to be the inhibitors with high docking scores. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of M protein will help design therapeutics and vaccines for Dengue infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Zeba
- Department of Life Sciences, Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka 560056, India
| | - Kanagaraj Sekar
- Laboratory for Structural Biology and Bio-computing, Computational and Data Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Anjali Ganjiwale
- Department of Life Sciences, Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka 560056, India
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14
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Fani M, Moossavi M, Bakhshi H, Jahrodi AN, Khazdair MR, Zardast AH, Ghafari S. Targeting host calcium channels and viroporins: a promising strategy for SARS-CoV-2 therapy. Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2022-0203. [PMID: 37700758 PMCID: PMC10494978 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite passing the pandemic phase of the COVID-19, researchers are still investigating various drugs. Previous evidence suggests that blocking the calcium channels may be a suitable treatment option. Ca2+ is required to enhance the fusion process of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Also, some important inflammatory factors during SARS-CoV-2 infection are dependent on Ca2+ level. On the other hand, viroporins have emerged as attractive targets for antiviral therapy due to their essential role in viral replication and pathogenesis. By inhibiting the host calcium channels and viroporins, it is possible to limit the spread of infection. Therefore, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and drugs targeting Viroporins can be considered an effective option in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Fani
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Maryam Moossavi
- Department of Immunology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hasan Bakhshi
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Pharmaceutical Science & Clinical Physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Shokouh Ghafari
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8815713471, Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8815713471, Iran
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15
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Breitinger U, Sedky CA, Sticht H, Breitinger HG. Patch-clamp studies and cell viability assays suggest a distinct site for viroporin inhibitors on the E protein of SARS-CoV-2. Virol J 2023; 20:142. [PMID: 37422646 PMCID: PMC10329798 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02095-y] [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: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 has caused a worldwide pandemic since December 2019 and the search for pharmaceutical targets against COVID-19 remains an important challenge. Here, we studied the envelope protein E of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, a highly conserved 75-76 amino acid viroporin that is crucial for virus assembly and release. E protein channels were recombinantly expressed in HEK293 cells, a membrane-directing signal peptide ensured transfer to the plasma membrane. METHODS Viroporin channel activity of both E proteins was investigated using patch-clamp electrophysiology in combination with a cell viability assay. We verified inhibition by classical viroporin inhibitors amantadine, rimantadine and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)-amiloride, and tested four ivermectin derivatives. RESULTS Classical inhibitors showed potent activity in patch-clamp recordings and viability assays. In contrast, ivermectin and milbemycin inhibited the E channel in patch-clamp recordings but displayed only moderate activity on the E protein in the cell viability assay, which is also sensitive to general cytotoxic activity of the tested compounds. Nemadectin and ivermectin aglycon were inactive. All ivermectin derivatives were cytotoxic at concentrations > 5 µM, i.e. below the level required for E protein inhibition. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates direct inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 E protein by classical viroporin inhibitors. Ivermectin and milbemycin inhibit the E protein channel but their cytotoxicity argues against clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
| | - Christine Adel Sedky
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute for Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
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16
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Blest HTW, Chauveau L. cGAMP the travelling messenger. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1150705. [PMID: 37287967 PMCID: PMC10242147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
2'3'-cGAMP is a key molecule in the cGAS-STING pathway. This cyclic dinucleotide is produced by the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS in response to the presence of aberrant dsDNA in the cytoplasm which is associated with microbial invasion or cellular damage. 2'3'-cGAMP acts as a second messenger and activates STING, the central hub of DNA sensing, to induce type-I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines necessary for responses against infection, cancer or cellular stress. Classically, detection of pathogens or danger by pattern recognition receptors (PRR) was thought to signal and induce the production of interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cell where sensing occurred. These interferon and cytokines then signal in both an autocrine and paracrine manner to induce responses in neighboring cells. Deviating from this dogma, recent studies have identified multiple mechanisms by which 2'3'-cGAMP can travel to neighboring cells where it activates STING independent of DNA sensing by cGAS. This observation is of great importance, as the cGAS-STING pathway is involved in immune responses against microbial invaders and cancer while its dysregulation drives the pathology of a wide range of inflammatory diseases to which antagonists have been elusive. In this review, we describe the fast-paced discoveries of the mechanisms by which 2'3'-cGAMP can be transported. We further highlight the diseases where they are important and detail how this change in perspective can be applied to vaccine design, cancer immunotherapies and treatment of cGAS-STING associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry T. W. Blest
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lise Chauveau
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM) - CNRS UMR 9004, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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17
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Santos-Mendoza T. The Envelope (E) Protein of SARS-CoV-2 as a Pharmacological Target. Viruses 2023; 15:v15041000. [PMID: 37112980 PMCID: PMC10143767 DOI: 10.3390/v15041000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still a global health concern. Several spike (S) protein-based vaccines have been developed that efficiently protect the human population against severe forms of COVID-19. However, some SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged that evade the protective effect of vaccine-induced antibodies. Therefore, efficient and specific antiviral treatments to control COVID-19 are indispensable. To date, two drugs have been approved for mild COVID-19 treatment; nevertheless, more drugs, preferably broad-spectrum and ready-to-use therapeutic agents for new pandemics, are needed. Here, I discuss the PDZ-dependent protein-protein interactions of the viral E protein with host proteins as attractive alternatives for the development of antivirals against coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Santos-Mendoza
- Laboratory of Transcriptomics and Molecular Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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18
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Fam MS, Sedky CA, Turky NO, Breitinger HG, Breitinger U. Channel activity of SARS-CoV-2 viroporin ORF3a inhibited by adamantanes and phenolic plant metabolites. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5328. [PMID: 37005439 PMCID: PMC10067842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31764-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for the major worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. Despite the enormous success of vaccination campaigns, virus infections are still prevalent and effective antiviral therapies are urgently needed. Viroporins are essential for virus replication and release, and are thus promising therapeutic targets. Here, we studied the expression and function of recombinant ORF3a viroporin of SARS-CoV-2 using a combination of cell viability assays and patch-clamp electrophysiology. ORF3a was expressed in HEK293 cells and transport to the plasma membrane verified by a dot blot assay. Incorporation of a membrane-directing signal peptide increased plasma membrane expression. Cell viability tests were carried out to measure cell damage associated with ORF3a activity, and voltage-clamp recordings verified its channel activity. The classical viroporin inhibitors amantadine and rimantadine inhibited ORF3a channels. A series of ten flavonoids and polyphenolics were studied. Kaempferol, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, nobiletin, resveratrol and curcumin were ORF3a inhibitors, with IC50 values ranging between 1 and 6 µM, while 6-gingerol, apigenin, naringenin and genistein were inactive. For flavonoids, inhibitory activity could be related to the pattern of OH groups on the chromone ring system. Thus, the ORF3a viroporin of SARS-CoV-2 may indeed be a promising target for antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sherif Fam
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Christine Adel Sedky
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Nancy Osama Turky
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Hans-Georg Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Ulrike Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, Main Entrance of Al Tagamoa Al Khames, New Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
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19
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Chiarini A, Gui L, Viviani C, Armato U, Dal Prà I. NLRP3 Inflammasome’s Activation in Acute and Chronic Brain Diseases—An Update on Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives with Respect to Other Inflammasomes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11040999. [PMID: 37189617 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11040999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasingly prevalent acute and chronic human brain diseases are scourges for the elderly. Besides the lack of therapies, these ailments share a neuroinflammation that is triggered/sustained by different innate immunity-related protein oligomers called inflammasomes. Relevant neuroinflammation players such as microglia/monocytes typically exhibit a strong NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Hence the idea that NLRP3 suppression might solve neurodegenerative ailments. Here we review the recent Literature about this topic. First, we update conditions and mechanisms, including RNAs, extracellular vesicles/exosomes, endogenous compounds, and ethnic/pharmacological agents/extracts regulating NLRP3 function. Second, we pinpoint NLRP3-activating mechanisms and known NLRP3 inhibition effects in acute (ischemia, stroke, hemorrhage), chronic (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, MS, ALS), and virus-induced (Zika, SARS-CoV-2, and others) human brain diseases. The available data show that (i) disease-specific divergent mechanisms activate the (mainly animal) brains NLRP3; (ii) no evidence proves that NLRP3 inhibition modifies human brain diseases (yet ad hoc trials are ongoing); and (iii) no findings exclude that concurrently activated other-than-NLRP3 inflammasomes might functionally replace the inhibited NLRP3. Finally, we highlight that among the causes of the persistent lack of therapies are the species difference problem in disease models and a preference for symptomatic over etiologic therapeutic approaches. Therefore, we posit that human neural cell-based disease models could drive etiological, pathogenetic, and therapeutic advances, including NLRP3’s and other inflammasomes’ regulation, while minimizing failure risks in candidate drug trials.
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20
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Zhou S, Lv P, Li M, Chen Z, Xin H, Reilly S, Zhang X. SARS-CoV-2 E protein: Pathogenesis and potential therapeutic development. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114242. [PMID: 36652729 PMCID: PMC9832061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a devastating global pandemic, which has seriously affected human health worldwide. The discovery of therapeutic agents is extremely urgent, and the viral structural proteins are particularly important as potential drug targets. SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein is one of the main structural proteins of the virus, which is involved in multiple processes of the virus life cycle and is directly related to pathogenesis process. In this review, we present the amino acid sequence of the E protein and compare it with other two human coronaviruses. We then explored the role of E protein in the viral life cycle and discussed the pathogenic mechanisms that E protein may be involved in. Next, we summarize the potential drugs against E protein discovered in the current studies. Finally, we described the possible effects of E protein mutation on virus and host. This established a knowledge system of E protein to date, aiming to provide theoretical insights for mitigating the current COVID-19 pandemic and potential future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Panpan Lv
- Clinical Laboratory, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zihui Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Svetlana Reilly
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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In Silico Evaluation of Hexamethylene Amiloride Derivatives as Potential Luminal Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 E Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810647. [PMID: 36142556 PMCID: PMC9503309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus E proteins are small membrane proteins found in the virus envelope of alpha and beta coronaviruses that have a high degree of overlap in their biochemical and functional properties despite minor sequence variations. The SARS-CoV-2 E is a 75-amino acid transmembrane protein capable of acting as an ion channel when assembled in a pentameric fashion. Various studies have found that hexamethylene amiloride (HMA) can inhibit the ion channel activity of the E protein in bilayers and also inhibit viral replication in cultured cells. Here, we use the available structural data in conjunction with homology modelling to build a comprehensive model of the E protein to assess potential binding sites and molecular interactions of HMA derivatives. Furthermore, we employed an iterative cycle of molecular modelling, extensive docking simulations, molecular dynamics and leveraging steered molecular dynamics to better understand the pore characteristics and quantify the affinity of the bound ligands. Results from this work highlight the potential of acylguanidines as blockers of the E protein and guide the development of subsequent small molecule inhibitors.
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22
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Sultan F, Ahuja K, Motiani RK. Potential of targeting host cell calcium dynamics to curtail SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Cell Calcium 2022; 106:102637. [PMID: 35986958 PMCID: PMC9367204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely impacted human well-being. Although vaccination programs have helped in reducing the severity of the disease, drug regimens for clinical management of COVID-19 are not well recognized yet. It is therefore important to identify and characterize the molecular pathways that could be therapeutically targeted to halt SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. SARS-CoV-2 hijacks host cell molecular machinery for its entry, replication and egress. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 interacts with host cell Calcium (Ca2+) handling proteins and perturbs Ca2+ homeostasis. We here systematically review the literature that demonstrates a critical role of host cell Ca2+ dynamics in regulating SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Further, we discuss recent studies, which have reported that SARS-CoV-2 acts on several organelle-specific Ca2+ transport mechanisms. Moreover, we deliberate upon the possibility of curtailing SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting host cell Ca2+ handling machinery. Importantly, we delve into the clinical trials that are examining the efficacy of FDA-approved small molecules acting on Ca2+ handling machinery for the management of COVID-19. Although an important role of host cell Ca2+ signaling in driving SARS-CoV-2 infection has emerged, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In future, it would be important to investigate in detail the signaling cascades that connect perturbed Ca2+ dynamics to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farina Sultan
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology (LCSP), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India
| | - Kriti Ahuja
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology (LCSP), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India
| | - Rajender K Motiani
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology (LCSP), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India.
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23
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Gorący A, Rosik J, Szostak B, Ustianowski Ł, Ustianowska K, Gorący J. Human Cell Organelles in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Up-to-Date Overview. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051092. [PMID: 35632833 PMCID: PMC9144443 DOI: 10.3390/v14051092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, the whole world has been struggling with the life-threatening pandemic amongst all age groups and geographic areas caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has led to more than 468 million cases and over 6 million deaths reported worldwide (as of 20 March 2022), is one of the greatest threats to human health in history. Meanwhile, the lack of specific and irresistible treatment modalities provoked concentrated efforts in scientists around the world. Various mechanisms of cell entry and cellular dysfunction were initially proclaimed. Especially, mitochondria and cell membrane are crucial for the course of infection. The SARS-CoV-2 invasion depends on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), expressed on host cells. Moreover, in this narrative review, we aim to discuss other cell organelles targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, we briefly summarize the studies on various drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gorący
- Independent Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (A.G.); (J.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jakub Rosik
- Independent Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (A.G.); (J.G.)
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Bartosz Szostak
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
| | - Łukasz Ustianowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
| | - Klaudia Ustianowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
| | - Jarosław Gorący
- Independent Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (A.G.); (J.G.)
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