1
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Grimes SL, Denison MR. The Coronavirus helicase in replication. Virus Res 2024; 346:199401. [PMID: 38796132 PMCID: PMC11177069 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199401] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus nonstructural protein (nsp) 13 encodes an RNA helicase (nsp13-HEL) with multiple enzymatic functions, including unwinding and nucleoside phosphatase (NTPase) activities. Attempts for enzymatic inactivation have defined the nsp13-HEL as a critical enzyme for viral replication and a high-priority target for antiviral development. Helicases have been shown to play numerous roles beyond their canonical ATPase and unwinding activities, though these functions are just beginning to be explored in coronavirus biology. Recent genetic and biochemical studies, as well as work in structurally-related helicases, have provided evidence that supports new hypotheses for the helicase's potential role in coronavirus replication. Here, we review several aspects of the coronavirus nsp13-HEL, including its reported and proposed functions in viral replication and highlight fundamental areas of research that may aid the development of helicase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Grimes
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mark R Denison
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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2
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Anderson TK, Hoferle PJ, Chojnacki KJ, Lee K, Coon J, Kirchdoerfer R. An alphacoronavirus polymerase structure reveals conserved replication factor functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5975-5986. [PMID: 38442273 PMCID: PMC11162792 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae153] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a diverse subfamily of viruses containing pathogens of humans and animals. This subfamily of viruses replicates their RNA genomes using a core polymerase complex composed of viral non-structural proteins: nsp7, nsp8 and nsp12. Most of our understanding of coronavirus molecular biology comes from betacoronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter of which is the causative agent of COVID-19. In contrast, members of the alphacoronavirus genus are relatively understudied despite their importance in human and animal health. Here we have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of the alphacoronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) core polymerase complex bound to RNA. One structure shows an unexpected nsp8 stoichiometry despite remaining bound to RNA. Biochemical analysis shows that the N-terminal extension of one nsp8 is not required for in vitro RNA synthesis for alpha- and betacoronaviruses. Our work demonstrates the importance of studying diverse coronaviruses in revealing aspects of coronavirus replication and identifying areas of conservation to be targeted by antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Anderson
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Peter J Hoferle
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kennan J Chojnacki
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kenneth W Lee
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Joshua J Coon
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Robert N Kirchdoerfer
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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3
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Carvajal JJ, García-Castillo V, Cuellar SV, Campillay-Véliz CP, Salazar-Ardiles C, Avellaneda AM, Muñoz CA, Retamal-Díaz A, Bueno SM, González PA, Kalergis AM, Lay MK. New insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363572. [PMID: 38911850 PMCID: PMC11190347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363572] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the respiratory distress condition known as COVID-19. This disease broadly affects several physiological systems, including the gastrointestinal, renal, and central nervous (CNS) systems, significantly influencing the patient's overall quality of life. Additionally, numerous risk factors have been suggested, including gender, body weight, age, metabolic status, renal health, preexisting cardiomyopathies, and inflammatory conditions. Despite advances in understanding the genome and pathophysiological ramifications of COVID-19, its precise origins remain elusive. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with a receptor-binding domain within angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This receptor is expressed in various organs of different species, including humans, with different abundance. Although COVID-19 has multiorgan manifestations, the main pathologies occur in the lung, including pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, and secondary bacterial pneumonia. In the post-COVID-19 period, different sequelae may occur, which may have various causes, including the direct action of the virus, alteration of the immune response, and metabolic alterations during infection, among others. Recognizing the serious adverse health effects associated with COVID-19, it becomes imperative to comprehensively elucidate and discuss the existing evidence surrounding this viral infection, including those related to the pathophysiological effects of the disease and the subsequent consequences. This review aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the impact of COVID-19 and its long-term effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan J. Carvajal
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Valeria García-Castillo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Shelsy V. Cuellar
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Camila Salazar-Ardiles
- Center for Research in Physiology and Altitude Medicine (FIMEDALT), Biomedical Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Andrea M. Avellaneda
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Christian A. Muñoz
- Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta (CIIBBA), University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Angello Retamal-Díaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta (CIIBBA), University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Susan M. Bueno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Margarita K. Lay
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta (CIIBBA), University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Biological Resources, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
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4
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Martinez DR, Moreira FR, Catanzaro NJ, Diefenbacher MV, Zweigart MR, Gully KL, De la Cruz G, Brown AJ, Adams LE, Yount B, Baric TJ, Mallory ML, Conrad H, May SR, Dong S, Scobey DT, Nguyen C, Montgomery SA, Perry JK, Babusis D, Barrett KT, Nguyen AH, Nguyen AQ, Kalla R, Bannister R, Feng JY, Cihlar T, Baric RS, Mackman RL, Bilello JP, Schäfer A, Sheahan TP. The oral nucleoside prodrug GS-5245 is efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 and other endemic, epidemic, and enzootic coronaviruses. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj4504. [PMID: 38776389 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj4504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the wide availability of several safe and effective vaccines that prevent severe COVID-19, the persistent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) that can evade vaccine-elicited immunity remains a global health concern. In addition, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs that can evade therapeutic monoclonal antibodies underscores the need for additional, variant-resistant treatment strategies. Here, we characterize the antiviral activity of GS-5245, obeldesivir (ODV), an oral prodrug of the parent nucleoside GS-441524, which targets the highly conserved viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). We show that GS-5245 is broadly potent in vitro against alphacoronavirus HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-related bat-CoV RsSHC014, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 WA/1, and the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 Omicron variant. Moreover, in mouse models of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (WA/1 and Omicron B1.1.529), MERS-CoV, and bat-CoV RsSHC014 pathogenesis, we observed a dose-dependent reduction in viral replication, body weight loss, acute lung injury, and pulmonary function with GS-5245 therapy. Last, we demonstrate that a combination of GS-5245 and main protease (Mpro) inhibitor nirmatrelvir improved outcomes in vivo against SARS-CoV-2 compared with the single agents. Together, our data support the clinical evaluation of GS-5245 against coronaviruses that cause or have the potential to cause human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Martinez
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Fernando R Moreira
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nicholas J Catanzaro
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Meghan V Diefenbacher
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mark R Zweigart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kendra L Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gabriela De la Cruz
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ariane J Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lily E Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Boyd Yount
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thomas J Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael L Mallory
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Helen Conrad
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Samantha R May
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - D Trevor Scobey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cameron Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie A Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rao Kalla
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Tomas Cihlar
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Timothy P Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Zhang C, Yu J, Deng M, Zhang Q, Jin F, Chen L, Li Y, He B. Development of a Fluorescent Assay and Imidazole-Containing Inhibitors by Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 Helicase. Molecules 2024; 29:2301. [PMID: 38792162 PMCID: PMC11124022 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102301] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nsp13, a non-structural protein belonging to the coronavirus family 1B (SF1B) helicase, exhibits 5'-3' polarity-dependent DNA or RNA unwinding using NTPs. Crucially, it serves as a key component of the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC), playing an indispensable role in the coronavirus life cycle and thereby making it a promising target for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies. The imidazole scaffold, known for its antiviral potential, has been proposed as a potential scaffold. In this study, a fluorescence-based assay was designed by labeling dsDNA substrates with a commercial fluorophore and monitoring signal changes upon Nsp13 helicase activity. Optimization and high-throughput screening validated the feasibility of this approach. In accordance with the structural characteristics of ADP, we employed a structural-based design strategy to synthesize three classes of imidazole-based compounds through substitution reaction. Through in vitro activity research, pharmacokinetic parameter analysis, and molecular docking simulation, we identified compounds A16 (IC50 = 1.25 μM) and B3 (IC50 = 0.98 μM) as potential lead antiviral compounds for further targeted drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Junhui Yu
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Qingqing 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
| | - Fei Jin
- 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
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, 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
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6
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Vallières C, Benoit O, Guittet O, Huang ME, Lepoivre M, Golinelli-Cohen MP, Vernis L. Iron-sulfur protein odyssey: exploring their cluster functional versatility and challenging identification. Metallomics 2024; 16:mfae025. [PMID: 38744662 PMCID: PMC11138216 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae025] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are an essential and ubiquitous class of protein-bound prosthetic centers that are involved in a broad range of biological processes (e.g. respiration, photosynthesis, DNA replication and repair and gene regulation) performing a wide range of functions including electron transfer, enzyme catalysis, and sensing. In a general manner, Fe-S clusters can gain or lose electrons through redox reactions, and are highly sensitive to oxidation, notably by small molecules such as oxygen and nitric oxide. The [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] clusters, the most common Fe-S cofactors, are typically coordinated by four amino acid side chains from the protein, usually cysteine thiolates, but other residues (e.g. histidine, aspartic acid) can also be found. While diversity in cluster coordination ensures the functional variety of the Fe-S clusters, the lack of conserved motifs makes new Fe-S protein identification challenging especially when the Fe-S cluster is also shared between two proteins as observed in several dimeric transcriptional regulators and in the mitoribosome. Thanks to the recent development of in cellulo, in vitro, and in silico approaches, new Fe-S proteins are still regularly identified, highlighting the functional diversity of this class of proteins. In this review, we will present three main functions of the Fe-S clusters and explain the difficulties encountered to identify Fe-S proteins and methods that have been employed to overcome these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Vallières
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
| | - Orane Benoit
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
| | - Olivier Guittet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
| | - Meng-Er Huang
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
| | - Michel Lepoivre
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Golinelli-Cohen
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
| | - Laurence Vernis
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex 91198, France
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7
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Zheng T, Shen B, Bai Y, Li E, Zhang X, Hu Y, Gao T, Dong Q, Zhu L, Jin R, Shi H, Liu H, Gao Y, Liu X, Cao C. The PKA-CREB1 axis regulates coronavirus proliferation by viral helicase nsp13 association. J Virol 2024; 98:e0156523. [PMID: 38445884 PMCID: PMC11019953 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01565-23] [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] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a worldwide threat in the past 3 years. Although it has been widely and intensively investigated, the mechanism underlying the coronavirus-host interaction requires further elucidation, which may contribute to the development of new antiviral strategies. Here, we demonstrated that the host cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB1) interacts with the non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) of SARS-CoV-2, a conserved helicase for coronavirus replication, both in cells and in lung tissues subjected to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ATPase and helicase activity of viral nsp13 were shown to be potentiated by CREB1 association, as well as by Protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated CREB1 activation. SARS-CoV-2 replication is significantly suppressed by PKA Cα, cAMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA), and CREB1 knockdown or inhibition. Consistently, the CREB1 inhibitor 666-15 has shown significant antiviral effects against both the WIV04 strain and the Omicron strain of the SARS-CoV-2. Our findings indicate that the PKA-CREB1 signaling axis may serve as a novel therapeutic target against coronavirus infection. IMPORTANCE In this study, we provide solid evidence that host transcription factor cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB1) interacts directly with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) helicase non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) and potentiate its ATPase and helicase activity. And by live SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, the inhibition of CREB1 dramatically impairs SARS-CoV-2 replication in vivo. Notably, the IC50 of CREB1 inhibitor 666-15 is comparable to that of remdesivir. These results may extend to all highly pathogenic coronaviruses due to the conserved nsp13 sequences in the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zheng
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Beilei Shen
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Entao Li
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Qincai Dong
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hainan Liu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cao
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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8
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Panda SK, Karmakar S, Sen Gupta PS, Rana MK. Can Duvelisib and Eganelisib work for both cancer and COVID-19? Molecular-level insights from MD simulations and enhanced samplings. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:10961-10973. [PMID: 38526354 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05934k] [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: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused severe illness and anxiety worldwide, evolving into more dreadful variants capable of evading the host's immunity. Cytokine storms, led by PI3Kγ, are common in cancer and SARS-CoV-2. Naturally, there is a yearning to see whether any drugs could alleviate cytokine storms for both. Upon investigation, we identified two anticancer drugs, Duvelisib and Eganelisib, that could also work against SARS-CoV-2. This report is the first to decipher their synergic therapeutic effectiveness against COVID-19 and cancer with molecular insights from atomistic simulations. In addition to PI3Kγ, these drugs exhibit specificity for the main protease among all SARS-CoV-2 targets, with significant negative binding free energies and small time-dependent conformational changes of the complexes. Complexation makes active sites and secondary structures highly mechanically stiff, with barely any deformation. Replica simulations estimated large pulling forces in enhanced sampling to dissociate the drugs from Mpro's active site. Furthermore, the radial distribution function (RDF) demonstrated that the therapeutic molecules were closest to the His41 and Cys145 catalytic dyad residues. Finally, analyses implied Duvelisib and Eganelisib as promising dual-purposed anti-COVID and anticancer drugs, potentially targeting Mpro and PI3Kγ to stop virus replication and cytokine storms concomitantly. We also distinguished hotspot residues imparting significant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Kumar Panda
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, Odisha 760010, India.
| | - Shaswata Karmakar
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, Odisha 760010, India.
| | - Parth Sarthi Sen Gupta
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, India
| | - Malay Kumar Rana
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, Odisha 760010, India.
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9
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Tang WF, Chang YH, Lin CC, Jheng JR, Hsieh CF, Chin YF, Chang TY, Lee JC, Liang PH, Lin CY, Lin GH, Cai JY, Chen YL, Chen YS, Tsai SK, Liu PC, Yang CM, Shadbahr T, Tang J, Hsu YL, Huang CH, Wang LY, Chen CC, Kau JH, Hung YJ, Lee HY, Wang WC, Tsai HP, Horng JT. BPR3P0128, a non-nucleoside RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and exerts synergistic antiviral activity in combination with remdesivir. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0095623. [PMID: 38446062 PMCID: PMC10989008 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00956-23] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a highly conserved molecule in RNA viruses, has recently emerged as a promising drug target for broad-acting inhibitors. Through a Vero E6-based anti-cytopathic effect assay, we found that BPR3P0128, which incorporates a quinoline core similar to hydroxychloroquine, outperformed the adenosine analog remdesivir in inhibiting RdRp activity (EC50 = 0.66 µM and 3 µM, respectively). BPR3P0128 demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against various severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern. When introduced after viral adsorption, BPR3P0128 significantly decreased SARS-CoV-2 replication; however, it did not affect the early entry stage, as evidenced by a time-of-drug-addition assay. This suggests that BPR3P0128's primary action takes place during viral replication. We also found that BPR3P0128 effectively reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human lung epithelial Calu-3 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking analysis showed that BPR3P0128 targets the RdRp channel, inhibiting substrate entry, which implies it operates differently-but complementary-with remdesivir. Utilizing an optimized cell-based minigenome RdRp reporter assay, we confirmed that BPR3P0128 exhibited potent inhibitory activity. However, an enzyme-based RdRp assay employing purified recombinant nsp12/nsp7/nsp8 failed to corroborate this inhibitory activity. This suggests that BPR3P0128 may inhibit activity by targeting host-related RdRp-associated factors. Moreover, we discovered that a combination of BPR3P0128 and remdesivir had a synergistic effect-a result likely due to both drugs interacting with separate domains of the RdRp. This novel synergy between the two drugs reinforces the potential clinical value of the BPR3P0128-remdesivir combination in combating various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fang Tang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiu Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chin Lin
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Rong Jheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Fan Hsieh
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Fan Chin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tein-Yao Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Ching Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Huang Liang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Lin
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hua Lin
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Yun Cai
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Li Chen
- Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Siao Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Ko Tsai
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Mi Yang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tolou Shadbahr
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yu-Lin Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Heng Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng Cheung Chen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, Value-Added MedChem Innovation Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chieh Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, Value-Added MedChem Innovation Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ping Tsai
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jim-Tong Horng
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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10
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Steiner S, Kratzel A, Barut GT, Lang RM, Aguiar Moreira E, Thomann L, Kelly JN, Thiel V. SARS-CoV-2 biology and host interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:206-225. [PMID: 38225365 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have profoundly affected our society. The rapid spread and continuous evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to threaten global public health. Recent scientific advances have dissected many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in coronavirus infections, and large-scale screens have uncovered novel host-cell factors that are vitally important for the virus life cycle. In this Review, we provide an updated summary of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, gene function and virus-host interactions, including recent landmark findings on general aspects of coronavirus biology and newly discovered host factors necessary for virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Steiner
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annika Kratzel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Tuba Barut
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto M Lang
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Etori Aguiar Moreira
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Thomann
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenna N Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany.
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11
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Inniss NL, Rzhetskaya M, Ling-Hu T, Lorenzo-Redondo R, Bachta KE, Satchell KJF, Hultquist JF. Activity and inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron nsp13 R392C variant using RNA duplex unwinding assays. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100145. [PMID: 38301954 PMCID: PMC11160173 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.01.006] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 helicase is an essential enzyme for viral replication and a promising target for antiviral drug development. This study compares the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) unwinding activity of nsp13 and the Omicron nsp13R392C variant, which is predominant in currently circulating lineages. Using in vitro gel- and fluorescence-based assays, we found that both nsp13 and nsp13R392C have dsRNA unwinding activity with equivalent kinetics. Furthermore, the R392C mutation had no effect on the efficiency of the nsp13-specific helicase inhibitor SSYA10-001. We additionally confirmed the activity of several other helicase inhibitors against nsp13, including punicalagin that inhibited dsRNA unwinding at nanomolar concentrations. Overall, this study reveals the utility of using dsRNA unwinding assays to screen small molecules for antiviral activity against nsp13 and the Omicron nsp13R392C variant. Continual monitoring of newly emergent variants will be essential for considering resistance profiles of lead compounds as they are advanced towards next-generation therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Inniss
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Margarita Rzhetskaya
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Ted Ling-Hu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Kelly E Bachta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Karla J F Satchell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA.
| | - Judd F Hultquist
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA; Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA.
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12
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Podadera A, Campo L, Rehman F, Kolobaric N, Zutic A, Ng KKS. Optimized Recombinant Expression and Purification of the SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase Complex. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1007. [PMID: 38511495 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1007] [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] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
An optimized protocol has been developed to express and purify the core RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The expression and purification of active core SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complex is challenging due to the complex multidomain fold of nsp12, and the assembly of the multimeric complex involving nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12. Our approach adapts a previously published method to express the core SARS-CoV-2 RdRP complex in Escherichia coli and combines it with a procedure to express the nsp12 fusion with maltose-binding protein in insect cells to promote the efficient assembly and purification of an enzymatically active core polymerase complex. The resulting method provides a reliable platform to produce milligram amounts of the polymerase complex with the expected 1:2:1 stoichiometry for nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12, respectively, following the removal of all affinity tags. This approach addresses some of the limitations of previously reported methods to provide a reliable source of the active polymerase complex for structure, function, and inhibition studies of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP complex using recombinant plasmid constructs that have been deposited in the widely accessible Addgene repository. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Expression and production of SARS-CoV-2 nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12 in E. coli cells Support Protocol: Establishment and maintenance of insect cell cultures Basic Protocol 2: Generation of recombinant baculovirus in Sf9 cells and production of nsp12 fusion protein in T. ni cells Basic Protocol 3: Purification of the SARS-CoV-2 core polymerase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Podadera
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucas Campo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fasih Rehman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikola Kolobaric
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriana Zutic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth K-S Ng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Ferreira P, Soares R, López-Fernández H, Vazquez N, Reboiro-Jato M, Vieira CP, Vieira J. Multiple Lines of Evidence Support 199 SARS-CoV-2 Positively Selected Amino Acid Sites. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2428. [PMID: 38397104 PMCID: PMC10889775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042428] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 amino acid variants that contribute to an increased transmissibility or to host immune system escape are likely to increase in frequency due to positive selection and may be identified using different methods, such as codeML, FEL, FUBAR, and MEME. Nevertheless, when using different methods, the results do not always agree. The sampling scheme used in different studies may partially explain the differences that are found, but there is also the possibility that some of the identified positively selected amino acid sites are false positives. This is especially important in the context of very large-scale projects where hundreds of analyses have been performed for the same protein-coding gene. To account for these issues, in this work, we have identified positively selected amino acid sites in SARS-CoV-2 and 15 other coronavirus species, using both codeML and FUBAR, and compared the location of such sites in the different species. Moreover, we also compared our results to those that are available in the COV2Var database and the frequency of the 10 most frequent variants and predicted protein location to identify those sites that are supported by multiple lines of evidence. Amino acid changes observed at these sites should always be of concern. The information reported for SARS-CoV-2 can also be used to identify variants of concern in other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Ferreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.F.); (R.S.); (C.P.V.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Porto University, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.F.); (R.S.); (C.P.V.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Porto University, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo López-Fernández
- CINBIO, Department of Computer Science, ESEI—Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain; (H.L.-F.); (M.R.-J.)
- CINBIO, SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Noé Vazquez
- CINBIO, Department of Computer Science, ESEI—Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain; (H.L.-F.); (M.R.-J.)
- CINBIO, SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Miguel Reboiro-Jato
- CINBIO, Department of Computer Science, ESEI—Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Informática, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain; (H.L.-F.); (M.R.-J.)
- CINBIO, SING Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Cristina P. Vieira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.F.); (R.S.); (C.P.V.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Vieira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.F.); (R.S.); (C.P.V.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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14
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Fan L, Zhou Y, Wei X, Feng W, Guo H, Li Y, Gao X, Zhou J, Wen Y, Wu Y, Shen X, Liu L, Xu G, Zhang Z. The E3 ligase TRIM22 restricts SARS-CoV-2 replication by promoting proteasomal degradation of NSP8. mBio 2024; 15:e0232023. [PMID: 38275298 PMCID: PMC10865846 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02320-23] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome is mediated by a complex of non-structural proteins (NSPs), of which NSP7 and NSP8 serve as subunits and play a key role in promoting the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of NSP12. However, the stability of subunits of the RdRp complex has rarely been reported. Here, we found that NSP8 was degraded by the proteasome in host cells, and identified tripartite motif containing 22 (TRIM22) as its E3 ligase. The interferon (IFN) signaling pathway was activated upon viral invasion into host cells, and TRIM22 expression increased. TRIM22 interacted with NSP8 and ubiquitinated it at Lys97 via K48-type ubiquitination. TRIM22 overexpression significantly reduced viral RNA and protein levels. Knockdown of TRIM22 enhanced viral replication. This study provides a new explanation for treating patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 with IFNs and new possibilities for drug development targeting the interaction between NSP8 and TRIM22.IMPORTANCENon-structural proteins (NSPs) play a crucial role in the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, facilitating virus amplification and propagation. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the stability of all subunits comprising the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex. Notably, our results reveal for the first time that NSP8 is a relatively unstable protein, which is found to be readily recognized and degraded by the proteasome. This degradation process is mediated by the host E3 ligase tripartite motif containing 22 (TRIM22), which is also a member of the interferon stimulated gene (ISG) family. Our study elucidates a novel mechanism of antiviral effect of TRIM22, which utilizes its own E3 ubiquitin ligase activity to hinder viral replication by inducing ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of NSP8. These findings provide new ideas for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, the conserved property of NSP8 raises the possibility of developing broad antiviral drugs targeting the TRIM22-NSP8 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujie Fan
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiafei Wei
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunfei Li
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanling Wen
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yezi Wu
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaotong Shen
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Key laboratory for Anti-infection Drug Quality Evaluation, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Research Center for Communicable Disease Diagnosis, Treatment of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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15
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Kumar P, Parveen, Raj N, Kumar M, Fakhri KU, Kumar S, Khan AA, Alanazi AM, Solanki R, Harsha, Manzoor N, Kapur MK. Natural products from Streptomyces spp. as potential inhibitors of the major factors (holoRdRp and nsp13) for SARS-CoV-2 replication: an in silico approach. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:88. [PMID: 38305873 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03820-5] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented damage to humanity, and while vaccines have been developed, they are not fully effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Limited targeted drugs, such as Remdesivir and Paxlovid, are available against the virus. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore and develop new drugs to combat COVID-19. This study focuses on exploring microbial natural products from soil-isolated bacteria Streptomyces sp. strain 196 and RI.24 as a potential source of new targeted drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking studies were performed on holoRdRp and nsp13, two key factors responsible for virus replication factor. Our in silico studies, K-252-C aglycone indolocarbazole alkaloid (K252C) and daunorubicin were found to have better binding affinities than the respective control drugs, with K252C exhibiting binding energy of - 9.1 kcal/mol with holoRdRp and - 9.2 kcal/mol with nsp13, and daunorubicin showing binding energy at - 8.1 kcal/mol with holoRdRp and - 9.3 kcal/mol with nsp13. ADMET analysis, MD simulation, and MM/GBSA studies indicated that K252C and daunorubicin have the potential to be developed as targeted drugs against SARS-CoV-2. The study concludes that K252C and daunorubicin are potential lead compounds that might suppress the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication among the tested microbial compounds and could be developed as targeted drugs against COVID-19. In the future, further in vitro studies are required to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj, 211 002, India.
| | - Parveen
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Nafis Raj
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Munendra Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Khalid Umar Fakhri
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of San Francisco California (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, 95115, USA
| | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer M Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Renu Solanki
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 078, India
| | - Harsha
- Microbial Technology Lab, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 019, India
| | - Nikhat Manzoor
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Monisha Khanna Kapur
- Microbial Technology Lab, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 019, India.
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16
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He M, Cao L, Liu L, Jin X, Zheng B, Liu X, Zhuang J, Zhang F, Yang Z, Ji Y, Xu T, Huang S, Chen J, Xie L, Li K, Hou P, Pan J, Guo D, Li C. Reconstitution of RNA cap methylation reveals different features of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV methyltransferases. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29411. [PMID: 38285434 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29411] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Cap RNA methylations play important roles in the replication, evasion of host RNA sensor recognition, and pathogenesis. Coronaviruses possess both guanine N7- and 2'-O-ribose methyltransferases (N7-MTase and 2'-O-MTase) encoded by nonstructural protein (nsp) 14 and nsp16/10 complex, respectively. In this study, we reconstituted the two-step RNA methylations of N7-MTase and 2'-O-MTase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro and demonstrated its common and different features in comparison with that of SARS-CoV. We revealed that the nsp16/10 2'-O-MTase of SARS-CoV-2 has a broader substrate selectivity than the counterpart of SARS-CoV and can accommodate both unmethylated and uncapped RNA substrates in a sequence-independent manner. Most intriguingly, the substrate selectivity of nsp16/10 complex is not determined by the apoenzyme of nsp16 MTase but by its cofactor nsp10. These results provide insight into the unique features of SARS-CoV-2 MTases and may help develop strategies to precisely intervene in the methylation pathway and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Birong Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhuang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fushi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zixiao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxi Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiefeng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyao Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhai Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Luyang Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Pan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Deyin Guo
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunmei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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17
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Liao Y, Wang H, Liao H, Sun Y, Tan L, Song C, Qiu X, Ding C. Classification, replication, and transcription of Nidovirales. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1291761. [PMID: 38328580 PMCID: PMC10847374 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1291761] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nidovirales is one order of RNA virus, with the largest single-stranded positive sense RNA genome enwrapped with membrane envelope. It comprises four families (Arterividae, Mesoniviridae, Roniviridae, and Coronaviridae) and has been circulating in humans and animals for almost one century, posing great threat to livestock and poultry,as well as to public health. Nidovirales shares similar life cycle: attachment to cell surface, entry, primary translation of replicases, viral RNA replication in cytoplasm, translation of viral proteins, virion assembly, budding, and release. The viral RNA synthesis is the critical step during infection, including genomic RNA (gRNA) replication and subgenomic mRNAs (sg mRNAs) transcription. gRNA replication requires the synthesis of a negative sense full-length RNA intermediate, while the sg mRNAs transcription involves the synthesis of a nested set of negative sense subgenomic intermediates by a discontinuous strategy. This RNA synthesis process is mediated by the viral replication/transcription complex (RTC), which consists of several enzymatic replicases derived from the polyprotein 1a and polyprotein 1ab and several cellular proteins. These replicases and host factors represent the optimal potential therapeutic targets. Hereby, we summarize the Nidovirales classification, associated diseases, "replication organelle," replication and transcription mechanisms, as well as related regulatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liao
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyu Liao
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Tan
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuiping Song
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xusheng Qiu
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chan Ding
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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18
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Lawal MM, Roy P, McCullagh M. Role of ATP Hydrolysis and Product Release in the Translocation Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 NSP13. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:492-503. [PMID: 38175211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In response to the emergence of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, there has been a growing interest in understanding the functional mechanisms of the viral proteins to aid in the development of new therapeutics. Nonstructural protein 13 (nsp13) helicase is an attractive target for antivirals because it is essential for viral replication and has a low mutation rate, yet the structural mechanisms by which this enzyme binds and hydrolyzes ATP to cause unidirectional RNA translocation remain elusive. Using Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD), we generated comprehensive conformational ensembles of all substrate states along the ATP-dependent cycle. Shape-GMM clustering of the protein yields four protein conformations that describe an opening and closing of both the ATP pocket and the RNA cleft that is achieved through a combination of conformational selection and induction along the ATP hydrolysis cycle. Furthermore, three protein-RNA conformations are observed that implicate motifs Ia, IV, and V as playing a pivotal role in an ATP-dependent inchworm translocation mechanism. Finally, based on a linear discriminant analysis of protein conformations, we identify L405 as a pivotal residue for the opening and closing mechanism and propose a L405D mutation as a way to disrupt translocation. This research enhances our understanding of nsp13's role in viral replication and could contribute to the development of antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monsurat M Lawal
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074, United States
| | - Priti Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074, United States
| | - Martin McCullagh
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074, United States
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19
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Romero ME, McElhenney SJ, Yu J. Trapping a non-cognate nucleotide upon initial binding for replication fidelity control in SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1792-1808. [PMID: 38168789 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04410f] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in SARS-CoV-2 is a highly conserved enzyme responsible for viral genome replication/transcription. To understand how the viral RdRp achieves fidelity control during such processes, here we computationally investigate the natural non-cognate vs. cognate nucleotide addition and selectivity during viral RdRp elongation. We focus on the nucleotide substrate initial binding (RdRp active site open) to the prechemical insertion (active site closed) of the RdRp. The current studies were first carried out using microsecond ensemble equilibrium all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Due to the slow conformational changes (from open to closed) during nucleotide insertion and selection, enhanced or umbrella sampling methods have been further employed to calculate the free energy profiles of the nucleotide insertion. Our studies find notable stability of noncognate dATP and GTP upon initial binding in the active-site open state. The results indicate that while natural cognate ATP and Remdesivir drug analogue (RDV-TP) are biased toward stabilization in the closed state to facilitate insertion, the natural non-cognate dATP and GTP can be well trapped in off-path initial binding configurations and prevented from insertion so that to be further rejected. The current work thus presents the intrinsic nucleotide selectivity of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp for natural substrate fidelity control, which should be considered in antiviral drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises E Romero
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Jin Yu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry, NSF-Simmons Center for Multi-scale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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20
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Ramsey JR, Shelton PM, Heiss TK, Olinares PDB, Vostal LE, Soileau H, Grasso M, Casebeer SW, Adaniya S, Miller M, Sun S, Huggins DJ, Myers RW, Chait BT, Vinogradova EV, Kapoor TM. Using a Function-First "Scout Fragment"-Based Approach to Develop Allosteric Covalent Inhibitors of Conformationally Dynamic Helicase Mechanoenzymes. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:62-67. [PMID: 38134034 PMCID: PMC10958666 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10581] [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: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Helicases, classified into six superfamilies, are mechanoenzymes that utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to remodel DNA and RNA substrates. These enzymes have key roles in diverse cellular processes, such as translation, ribosome assembly, and genome maintenance. Helicases with essential functions in certain cancer cells have been identified, and helicases expressed by many viruses are required for their pathogenicity. Therefore, helicases are important targets for chemical probes and therapeutics. However, it has been very challenging to develop chemical inhibitors for helicases, enzymes with high conformational dynamics. We envisioned that electrophilic "scout fragments", which have been used in chemical proteomic studies, could be leveraged to develop covalent inhibitors of helicases. We adopted a function-first approach, combining enzymatic assays with enantiomeric probe pairs and mass spectrometry, to develop a covalent inhibitor that selectively targets an allosteric site in SARS-CoV-2 nsp13, a superfamily-1 helicase. Further, we demonstrate that scout fragments inhibit the activity of two human superfamily-2 helicases, BLM and WRN, involved in genome maintenance. Together, our findings suggest an approach to discover covalent inhibitor starting points and druggable allosteric sites in conformationally dynamic mechanoenzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared R. Ramsey
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Patrick M.M Shelton
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Tyler K. Heiss
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Paul Dominic B. Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Lauren E. Vostal
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Heather Soileau
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Michael Grasso
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Sara W. Casebeer
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Stephanie Adaniya
- Laboratory of Chemical Immunology and Proteomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Michael Miller
- Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Shan Sun
- Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - David J. Huggins
- Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, United States
| | - Robert W. Myers
- Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Brian T. Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Ekaterina V. Vinogradova
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Laboratory of Chemical Immunology and Proteomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Tarun M. Kapoor
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States
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21
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Roy BG, Choi J, Fuchs MF. Predictive Modeling of Proteins Encoded by a Plant Virus Sheds a New Light on Their Structure and Inherent Multifunctionality. Biomolecules 2024; 14:62. [PMID: 38254661 PMCID: PMC10813169 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010062] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant virus genomes encode proteins that are involved in replication, encapsidation, cell-to-cell, and long-distance movement, avoidance of host detection, counter-defense, and transmission from host to host, among other functions. Even though the multifunctionality of plant viral proteins is well documented, contemporary functional repertoires of individual proteins are incomplete. However, these can be enhanced by modeling tools. Here, predictive modeling of proteins encoded by the two genomic RNAs, i.e., RNA1 and RNA2, of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and their satellite RNAs by a suite of protein prediction software confirmed not only previously validated functions (suppressor of RNA silencing [VSR], viral genome-linked protein [VPg], protease [Pro], symptom determinant [Sd], homing protein [HP], movement protein [MP], coat protein [CP], and transmission determinant [Td]) and previously identified putative functions (helicase [Hel] and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [Pol]), but also predicted novel functions with varying levels of confidence. These include a T3/T7-like RNA polymerase domain for protein 1AVSR, a short-chain reductase for protein 1BHel/VSR, a parathyroid hormone family domain for protein 1EPol/Sd, overlapping domains of unknown function and an ABC transporter domain for protein 2BMP, and DNA topoisomerase domains, transcription factor FBXO25 domain, or DNA Pol subunit cdc27 domain for the satellite RNA protein. Structural predictions for proteins 2AHP/Sd, 2BMP, and 3A? had low confidence, while predictions for proteins 1AVSR, 1BHel*/VSR, 1CVPg, 1DPro, 1EPol*/Sd, and 2CCP/Td retained higher confidence in at least one prediction. This research provided new insights into the structure and functions of GFLV proteins and their satellite protein. Future work is needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon G. Roy
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, 15 Castle Creek Drive, Geneva, NY 14456, USA; (J.C.); (M.F.F.)
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22
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Tasci HS, Akkus E, Yildiz M, Kocak A. Computational analysis of substrate recognition of Sars-Cov-2 Mpro main protease. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 107:107960. [PMID: 37742480 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107960] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Mpro main protease takes an essential role in the Sars-Cov-2 viral life cycle by releasing the individual protein from the single poly-peptide chain via proteolytic cleavage in the beginning of the viral infection. Interfering with this step by inhibiting the protease with small compound-based inhibitors has been proven to be an effective strategy to treat the infection. Thus, understanding the substrate recognition mechanism of the Mpro main protease has gained great interest from the beginning of the pandemic. Here, we have studied the substrate recognition mechanism of the protease by means of the molecular dynamic methods. We have found that the glutamine residue at P1 has paramount effect in the interaction with the substrates as expected. In addition, we also have shown that for the first time, the arginine amino acid at the P3-P5 along with P4' can strengthen the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Sena Tasci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ebru Akkus
- Department of Chemistry, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Muslum Yildiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Abdulkadir Kocak
- Department of Chemistry, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
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23
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Zhou K, Chen D. Conventional Understanding of SARS-CoV-2 M pro and Common Strategies for Developing Its Inhibitors. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300301. [PMID: 37577869 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300301] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a widespread influence on the world, especially in the face of sudden coronavirus infections, and there is still an urgent need for specific small molecule therapies to cope with possible future pandemics. The pathogen responsible for this pandemic is Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and understanding its structure and lifecycle is beneficial for designing specific drugs of treatment for COVID-19. The main protease (Mpro ) which has conservative and specific advantages is essential for viral replication and transcription. It is regarded as one of the most potential targets for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. This review introduces the popular knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in drug development and lists a series of design principles and relevant activities of advanced Mpro inhibitors, hoping to provide some new directions and ideas for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, RT 264005, P. R. China
| | - Daquan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, RT 264005, P. R. China
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24
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Wang X, Xu T, Yao Y, Cheung PPH, Gao X, Zhang L. SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Follows Asynchronous Translocation Pathway for Viral Transcription and Replication. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:10119-10128. [PMID: 37922192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01249] [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: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Translocation is one essential step for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to exert viral replication and transcription. Although cryo-EM structures of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp are available, the molecular mechanisms of dynamic translocation remain elusive. Herein, we constructed a Markov state model based on extensive molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the translocation dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. We identified two intermediates that pinpoint the rate-limiting step of translocation and characterize the asynchronous movement of the template-primer duplex. The 3'-terminal nucleotide in the primer strand lags behind due to the uneven distribution of protein-RNA interactions, while the translocation of the template strand is delayed by the hurdle residue K500. Even so, the two strands share the same "ratchet" to stabilize the polymerase in the post-translocation state, suggesting a Brownian-ratchet model. Overall, our study provides intriguing insights into SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription, which would open a new avenue for drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fuzhou, Fujian 361005, China
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25
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Small GI, Fedorova O, Olinares PDB, Chandanani J, Banerjee A, Choi YJ, Molina H, Chait BT, Darst SA, Campbell EA. Structural and functional insights into the enzymatic plasticity of the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN domain. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3921-3930.e7. [PMID: 37890482 PMCID: PMC10843261 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.001] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The enzymatic activity of the SARS-CoV-2 nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) domain is essential for viral propagation, with three distinct activities associated with modification of the nsp9 N terminus, NMPylation, RNAylation, and deRNAylation/capping via a GDP-polyribonucleotidyltransferase reaction. The latter two activities comprise an unconventional mechanism for initiating viral RNA 5' cap formation, while the role of NMPylation is unclear. The structural mechanisms for these diverse enzymatic activities have not been properly delineated. Here, we determine high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of catalytic intermediates for the NMPylation and deRNAylation/capping reactions, revealing diverse nucleotide binding poses and divalent metal ion coordination sites to promote its repertoire of activities. The deRNAylation/capping structure explains why GDP is a preferred substrate for the capping reaction over GTP. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the promiscuous coronaviral NiRAN domain, a therapeutic target, and provide an accurate structural platform for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel I Small
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Chandanani
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anoosha Banerjee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Young Joo Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Henrik Molina
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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26
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Hedskog C, Rodriguez L, Roychoudhury P, Huang ML, Jerome KR, Hao L, Ireton RC, Li J, Perry JK, Han D, Camus G, Greninger AL, Gale M, Porter DP. Viral Resistance Analyses From the Remdesivir Phase 3 Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial-1 (ACTT-1). J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1263-1273. [PMID: 37466213 PMCID: PMC10629708 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remdesivir is approved for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nonhospitalized and hospitalized adult and pediatric patients. Here we present severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resistance analyses from the phase 3 ACTT-1 randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in adult participants hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS Swab samples were collected at baseline and longitudinally through day 29. SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced using next-generation sequencing. Phenotypic analysis was conducted directly on participant virus isolates and/or using SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic replicons expressing mutations identified in the Nsp12 target gene. RESULTS Among participants with both baseline and postbaseline sequencing data, emergent Nsp12 substitutions were observed in 12 of 31 (38.7%) and 12 of 30 (40.0%) participants in the remdesivir and placebo arms, respectively. No emergent Nsp12 substitutions in the remdesivir arm were observed in more than 1 participant. Phenotyping showed low to no change in susceptibility to remdesivir relative to wild-type Nsp12 reference for the substitutions tested: A16V (0.8-fold change in EC50), P323L + V792I (2.2-fold), C799F (2.5-fold), K59N (1.0-fold), and K59N + V792I (3.4-fold). CONCLUSIONS The similar rate of emerging Nsp12 substitutions in the remdesivir and placebo arms and the minimal change in remdesivir susceptibility among tested substitutions support a high barrier to remdesivir resistance development in COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04280705.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pavitra Roychoudhury
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meei-Li Huang
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Linhui Hao
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Renee C Ireton
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jiani Li
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Dong Han
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Alexander L Greninger
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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27
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Wang X, Terashi G, Kihara D. CryoREAD: de novo structure modeling for nucleic acids in cryo-EM maps using deep learning. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1739-1747. [PMID: 37783885 PMCID: PMC10841814 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA and RNA play fundamental roles in various cellular processes, where their three-dimensional structures provide information critical to understanding the molecular mechanisms of their functions. Although an increasing number of nucleic acid structures and their complexes with proteins are determined by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), structure modeling for DNA and RNA remains challenging particularly when the map is determined at a resolution coarser than atomic level. Moreover, computational methods for nucleic acid structure modeling are relatively scarce. Here, we present CryoREAD, a fully automated de novo DNA/RNA atomic structure modeling method using deep learning. CryoREAD identifies phosphate, sugar and base positions in a cryo-EM map using deep learning, which are traced and modeled into a three-dimensional structure. When tested on cryo-EM maps determined at 2.0 to 5.0 Å resolution, CryoREAD built substantially more accurate models than existing methods. We also applied the method to cryo-EM maps of biomolecular complexes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Genki Terashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Daisuke Kihara
- Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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28
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Pitsillou E, Yu Y, Beh RC, Liang JJ, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Chronicling the 3-year evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of disease management, characteristics of major variants, and impacts on pathogenicity. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3277-3298. [PMID: 37615803 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01168-0] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Announced on December 31, 2019, the novel coronavirus arising in Wuhan City, Hubei Province resulted in millions of cases and lives lost. Following intense tracking, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of COVID-19 and the continuous evolution of the virus has given rise to several variants. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the response to the pandemic over the first three-year period is provided, focusing on disease management, development of vaccines and therapeutics, and identification of variants. The transmissibility and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron are compared. The binding characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and reproduction numbers are evaluated. The effects of major variants on disease severity, hospitalisation, and case-fatality rates are outlined. In addition to the spike protein, open reading frames mutations are investigated. We also compare the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 with SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Overall, this study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the global response to the pandemic, as well as the importance of prevention and preparedness. Monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in identifying and potentially predicting the health outcomes of concerning variants as they emerge. The ultimate goal would be a position in which existing vaccines and therapeutics could be adapted to suit new variants in as close to real-time as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Yiping Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Raymond C Beh
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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29
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Grand RJ. SARS-CoV-2 and the DNA damage response. J Gen Virol 2023; 104:001918. [PMID: 37948194 PMCID: PMC10768691 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001918] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is characterized by respiratory distress, multiorgan dysfunction and, in some cases, death. The virus is also responsible for post-COVID-19 condition (commonly referred to as 'long COVID'). SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus with a genome of approximately 30 kb, which encodes 26 proteins. It has been reported to affect multiple pathways in infected cells, resulting, in many cases, in the induction of a 'cytokine storm' and cellular senescence. Perhaps because it is an RNA virus, replicating largely in the cytoplasm, the effect of SARS-Cov-2 on genome stability and DNA damage responses (DDRs) has received relatively little attention. However, it is now becoming clear that the virus causes damage to cellular DNA, as shown by the presence of micronuclei, DNA repair foci and increased comet tails in infected cells. This review considers recent evidence indicating how SARS-CoV-2 causes genome instability, deregulates the cell cycle and targets specific components of DDR pathways. The significance of the virus's ability to cause cellular senescence is also considered, as are the implications of genome instability for patients suffering from long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Grand
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Science, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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30
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Zhang C, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. Anti-Viral Activity of Bioactive Molecules of Silymarin against COVID-19 via In Silico Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1479. [PMID: 37895950 PMCID: PMC10610370 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101479] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection drove the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing a huge loss of human life and a negative impact on economic development. It is an urgent necessity to explore potential drugs against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Silymarin, a mixture of herb-derived polyphenolic flavonoids extracted from the milk thistle, possesses potent antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Accumulating research studies have demonstrated the killing activity of silymarin against viruses, such as dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and hepatitis C virus. However, the anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of silymarin remain unclear. In this study, multiple disciplinary approaches and methodologies were applied to evaluate the potential mechanisms of silymarin as an anti-viral agent against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In silico approaches such as molecular docking, network pharmacology, and bioinformatic methods were incorporated to assess the ligand-protein binding properties and analyze the protein-protein interaction network. The DAVID database was used to analyze gene functions, such as the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. TCMSP and GeneCards were used to identify drug target genes and COVID-19-related genes. Our results revealed that silymarin compounds, such as silybin A/B and silymonin, displayed triplicate functions against SARS-CoV-2 infection, including directly binding with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells, directly binding with viral proteins RdRp and helicase to inhibit viral replication and proliferation, and regulating host immune response to indirectly inhibit viral infection. Specifically, the targets of silymarin molecules in immune regulation were screened out, such as proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-6 and cell growth factors VEGFA and EGF. In addition, the molecular mechanism of drug-target protein interaction was investigated, including the binding pockets of drug molecules in human ACE2 and viral proteins, the formation of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and other drug-protein ligand interactions. Finally, the drug-likeness results of candidate molecules passed the criteria for drug screening. Overall, this study demonstrates the molecular mechanism of silymarin molecules against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, China;
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China;
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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31
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Treviño MÁ, Pantoja-Uceda D, Laurents DV, Mompeán M. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp8 N-terminal domain folds autonomously and binds dsRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10041-10048. [PMID: 37665006 PMCID: PMC10570013 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad714] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Nsp8 protein is a critical component of the RNA replicase, as its N-terminal domain (NTD) anchors Nsp12, the RNA, and Nsp13. Whereas its C-terminal domain (CTD) structure is well resolved, there is an open debate regarding the conformation adopted by the NTD as it is predicted as disordered but found in a variety of complex-dependent conformations or missing from many other structures. Using NMR spectroscopy, we show that the SARS CoV-2 Nsp8 NTD features both well folded secondary structure and disordered segments. Our results suggest that while part of this domain corresponding to two long α-helices forms autonomously, the folding of other segments would require interaction with other replicase components. When isolated, the α-helix population progressively declines towards the C-termini but surprisingly binds dsRNA while preserving structural disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Treviño
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - David Pantoja-Uceda
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Douglas V Laurents
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Miguel Mompeán
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
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32
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Faghihkhorasani A, Ahmed HH, Mashool NM, Alwan M, Assefi M, Adab AH, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Baghani M. The potential use of bacteria and bacterial derivatives as drug delivery systems for viral infection. Virol J 2023; 20:222. [PMID: 37789431 PMCID: PMC10548687 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections in humans are responsible for fatalities worldwide and contribute to the incidence of various human ailments. Controllable targeted medicine delivery against many illnesses, including viral infection, may be significantly aided by using bacteria and bacteria-derived products. They may accumulate in diseased tissues despite physical obstacles, where they can launch antiviral immunity. The ability to genetically and chemically modify them means that vaccinations against viral infections may be manufactured and delivered to affected tissues more safely and effectively. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the latest advancements in the field of utilizing bacteria and bacterial derivatives as carriers for administering medication to treat viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, influenza, and Ebola virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mariem Alwan
- Pharmacy College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Marjan Assefi
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Aya Hussein Adab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Moein Baghani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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33
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Rehman MU, Ali A, Ansar R, Arafah A, Imtiyaz Z, Wani TA, Zargar S, Ganie SA. In Silico molecular docking and dynamic analysis of natural compounds against major non-structural proteins of SARS-COV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9072-9088. [PMID: 36326281 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2139766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has infected millions and significantly affected the global economy and healthcare systems. Despite continuous lockdowns, symptomatic management with currently available medications, and numerous vaccination drives, it is still far more difficult to control. Against COVID-19 infection, the pressure to develop vaccines and drugs has led to using some currently available medications like remdesivir, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine and ritonavir. Understanding the importance and potential of harmless molecules to tackle SARS-COV-2, we designed the present study to identify potential natural phytocompounds. In the present study, we docked natural compounds and standard drugs against SARS-COV-2 proteins: papain-like protease, main protease and helicase. ADME/T and ProTox-II analyses were used to determine the toxicity of phytocompounds and drugs. The docking analysis revealed that podophyllotoxin gave the highest binding affinity scores of -8.1, -7.1 and -7.4 kcal/mol against PLpro, Mpro and helicase, respectively. Among the control drugs, doxycycline hydrochloride showed the highest binding affinity of -10.5, -8.4 and -8.8 kcal/mol against PLpro, Mpro and helicase. The results of this study revealed that podophyllotoxin and doxycycline hydrochloride could be promising inhibitors against SARS-Cov-2. Molecular dynamic simulations were executed for the best docked (PLpro-podophyllotoxin) complex, and the results displayed stable conformation and convergence. Energy plot results predicted a global minima average energy of -95 kcal/mol and indicated podophyllotoxin's role in stabilizing protein and making it compact and complex. FarPPI server used MM/GBSA approach to determine free binding affinity, and helicase-gallic acid complex showed the highest affinity, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is still a need for in vitro and in vivo studies to support further and validate these findings and validate these findings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneeb U Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aarif Ali
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Ruhban Ansar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zuha Imtiyaz
- Department of Pathology, University Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tanveer A Wani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seema Zargar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Showkat A Ganie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, J&K, India
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34
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Lawal MM, Roy P, McCullagh M. The Role of ATP Hydrolysis and Product Release in the Translocation Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 NSP13. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.560057. [PMID: 37808802 PMCID: PMC10557736 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.560057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In response to the emergence of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, there has been a growing interest in understanding the functional mechanisms of the viral proteins to aid in the development of new therapeutics. Non-structural protein 13 (Nsp13) helicase is an attractive target for antivirals because it is essential for viral replication and has a low mutation rate; yet, the structural mechanisms by which this enzyme binds and hydrolyzes ATP to cause unidirectional RNA translocation remain elusive. Using Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD), we generated a comprehensive conformational ensemble of all substrate states along the ATP-dependent cycle. ShapeGMM clustering of the protein yields four protein conformations that describe an opening and closing of both the ATP pocket and RNA cleft. This opening and closing is achieved through a combination of conformational selection and induction along the ATP cycle. Furthermore, three protein-RNA conformations are observed that implicate motifs Ia, IV, and V as playing a pivotal role in an ATP-dependent inchworm translocation mechanism. Finally, based on a linear discriminant analysis of protein conformations, we identify L405 as a pivotal residue for the opening and closing mechanism and propose a L405D mutation as a way of testing our proposed mechanism. This research enhances our understanding of nsp13's role in viral replication and could contribute to the development of antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monsurat M. Lawal
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Priti Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Martin McCullagh
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK
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35
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Kim SM, Kim EH, Casel MAB, Kim YI, Sun R, Kwak MJ, Yoo JS, Yu M, Yu KM, Jang SG, Rollon R, Choi JH, Gil J, Eun K, Kim H, Ensser A, Hwang J, Song MS, Kim MH, Jung JU, Choi YK. SARS-CoV-2 variants with NSP12 P323L/G671S mutations display enhanced virus replication in ferret upper airways and higher transmissibility. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113077. [PMID: 37676771 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of multiple predominant SARS-CoV-2 variants, it becomes important to have a comprehensive assessment of their viral fitness and transmissibility. Here, we demonstrate that natural temperature differences between the upper (33°C) and lower (37°C) respiratory tract have profound effects on SARS-CoV-2 replication and transmissibility. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 variants containing the NSP12 mutations P323L or P323L/G671S exhibit enhanced RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity at 33°C compared with 37°C and high transmissibility. Molecular dynamics simulations and microscale thermophoresis demonstrate that the NSP12 P323L and P323L/G671S mutations stabilize the NSP12-NSP7-NSP8 complex through hydrophobic effects, leading to increased viral RdRp activity. Furthermore, competitive transmissibility assay reveals that reverse genetic (RG)-P323L or RG-P323L/G671S NSP12 outcompetes RG-WT (wild-type) NSP12 for replication in the upper respiratory tract, allowing markedly rapid transmissibility. This suggests that NSP12 P323L or P323L/G671S mutation of SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased RdRp complex stability and enzymatic activity, promoting efficient transmissibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Mi Kim
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ha Kim
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark Anthony B Casel
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Il Kim
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Rong Sun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogens and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mi-Jeong Kwak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogens and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ji-Seung Yoo
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Yu
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Min Yu
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gyu Jang
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Rare Rollon
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Juryeon Gil
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiyoung Eun
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Armin Ensser
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jungwon Hwang
- Infection and Immunity Research Laboratory, Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Min-Suk Song
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Hee Kim
- Infection and Immunity Research Laboratory, Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jae U Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogens and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Young Ki Choi
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea; College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea.
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Ramsey JR, Shelton PMM, Heiss TK, Olinares PDB, Vostal LE, Soileau H, Grasso M, Warrington S, Adaniya S, Miller M, Sun S, Huggins DJ, Myers RW, Chait BT, Vinogradova EV, Kapoor TM. Using a function-first 'scout fragment'-based approach to develop allosteric covalent inhibitors of conformationally dynamic helicase mechanoenzymes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559391. [PMID: 37808863 PMCID: PMC10557574 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Helicases, classified into six superfamilies, are mechanoenzymes that utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to remodel DNA and RNA substrates. These enzymes have key roles in diverse cellular processes, such as genome replication and maintenance, ribosome assembly and translation. Helicases with essential functions only in certain cancer cells have been identified and helicases expressed by certain viruses are required for their pathogenicity. As a result, helicases are important targets for chemical probes and therapeutics. However, it has been very challenging to develop selective chemical inhibitors for helicases, enzymes with highly dynamic conformations. We envisioned that electrophilic 'scout fragments', which have been used for chemical proteomic based profiling, could be leveraged to develop covalent inhibitors of helicases. We adopted a function-first approach, combining enzymatic assays with enantiomeric probe pairs and mass spectrometry, to develop a covalent inhibitor that selectively targets an allosteric site in SARS-CoV-2 nsp13, a superfamily-1 helicase. Further, we demonstrate that scout fragments inhibit the activity of two human superfamily-2 helicases, BLM and WRN, involved in genome maintenance. Together, our findings suggest a covalent inhibitor discovery approach to target helicases and potentially other conformationally dynamic mechanoenzymes.
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Marx SK, Mickolajczyk KJ, Craig J, Thomas C, Pfeffer A, Abell S, Carrasco J, Franzi M, Huang J, Kim H, Brinkerhoff H, Kapoor T, Gundlach J, Laszlo A. Observing inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase at single-nucleotide resolution. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9266-9278. [PMID: 37560916 PMCID: PMC10516658 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome of SARS-CoV-2 encodes for a helicase (nsp13) that is essential for viral replication and highly conserved across related viruses, making it an attractive antiviral target. Here we use nanopore tweezers, a high-resolution single-molecule technique, to gain detailed insight into how nsp13 turns ATP-hydrolysis into directed motion along nucleic acid strands. We measured nsp13 both as it translocates along single-stranded DNA or unwinds double-stranded DNA. Our data reveal nsp13's single-nucleotide steps, translocating at ∼1000 nt/s or unwinding at ∼100 bp/s. Nanopore tweezers' high spatiotemporal resolution enables detailed kinetic analysis of nsp13 motion. As a proof-of-principle for inhibition studies, we observed nsp13's motion in the presence of the ATPase inhibitor ATPγS. We construct a detailed picture of inhibition in which ATPγS has multiple mechanisms of inhibition. The dominant mechanism of inhibition depends on the application of assisting force. This lays the groundwork for future single-molecule inhibition studies with viral helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinduja K Marx
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Keith J Mickolajczyk
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jonathan M Craig
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Akira M Pfeffer
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sarah J Abell
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Michaela C Franzi
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jesse R Huang
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hwanhee C Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Henry Brinkerhoff
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tarun M Kapoor
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jens H Gundlach
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Andrew H Laszlo
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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38
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Tamayo-Ordóñez MC, Rosas-García NM, Ayil-Gutiérrez BA, Bello-López JM, Tamayo-Ordóñez FA, Anguebes-Franseschi F, Damas-Damas S, Tamayo-Ordóñez YDJ. Non-Structural Proteins (Nsp): A Marker for Detection of Human Coronavirus Families. Pathogens 2023; 12:1185. [PMID: 37764993 PMCID: PMC10537875 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091185] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 was the cause of the global pandemic that caused a total of 14.9 million deaths during the years 2020 and 2021, according to the WHO. The virus presents a mutation rate between 10-5 and 10-3 substitutions per nucleotide site per cell infection (s/n/c). Due to this, studies aimed at knowing the evolution of this virus could help us to foresee (through the future development of new detection strategies and vaccines that prevent the infection of this virus in human hosts) that a pandemic caused by this virus will be generated again. In this research, we performed a functional annotation and identification of changes in Nsp (non-structural proteins) domains in the coronavirus genome. The comparison of the 13 selected coronavirus pangenomes demonstrated a total of 69 protein families and 57 functions associated with the structural domain's differentials between genomes. A marked evolutionary conservation of non-structural proteins was observed. This allowed us to identify and classify highly pathogenic human coronaviruses into alpha, beta, gamma, and delta groups. The designed Nsp cluster provides insight into the trajectory of SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating that it continues to evolve rapidly. An evolutionary marker allows us to discriminate between phylogenetically divergent groups, viral genotypes, and variants between the alpha and betacoronavirus genera. These types of evolutionary studies provide a window of opportunity to use these Nsp as targets of viral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Concepción Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética, Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - Ninfa María Rosas-García
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Ambiental del Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Abraham Ayil-Gutiérrez
- CONAHCYT-Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Biotecnología Vegetal, Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Bello-López
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Ciudad de México 07760, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Francisco Alberto Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico (S.D.-D.)
| | - Francisco Anguebes-Franseschi
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico (S.D.-D.)
| | - Siprian Damas-Damas
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico (S.D.-D.)
| | - Yahaira de Jesús Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Ambiental del Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico
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Justo Arevalo S, Castillo-Chávez A, Uribe Calampa CS, Zapata Sifuentes D, Huallpa CJ, Landa Bianchi G, Garavito-Salini Casas R, Quiñones Aguilar M, Pineda Chavarría R. What do we know about the function of SARS-CoV-2 proteins? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1249607. [PMID: 37790934 PMCID: PMC10544941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1249607] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance in the understanding of the biology of SARS-CoV-2. After more than two years since the first report of COVID-19, it remains crucial to continue studying how SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with the host metabolism to cause COVID-19. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding the functions of the 16 non-structural, 6 accessory and 4 structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins. We place less emphasis on the spike protein, which has been the subject of several recent reviews. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews about COVID-19 therapeutic have been also published. Therefore, we do not delve into details on these topics; instead we direct the readers to those other reviews. To avoid confusions with what we know about proteins from other coronaviruses, we exclusively report findings that have been experimentally confirmed in SARS-CoV-2. We have identified host mechanisms that appear to be the primary targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including gene expression and immune response pathways such as ribosome translation, JAK/STAT, RIG-1/MDA5 and NF-kβ pathways. Additionally, we emphasize the multiple functions exhibited by SARS-CoV-2 proteins, along with the limited information available for some of these proteins. Our aim with this review is to assist researchers and contribute to the ongoing comprehension of SARS-CoV-2's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Justo Arevalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniela Zapata Sifuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - César J. Huallpa
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
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Corona A, Madia VN, De Santis R, Manelfi C, Emmolo R, Ialongo D, Patacchini E, Messore A, Amatore D, Faggioni G, Artico M, Iaconis D, Talarico C, Di Santo R, Lista F, Costi R, Tramontano E. Diketo acid inhibitors of nsp13 of SARS-CoV-2 block viral replication. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105697. [PMID: 37562607 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105697] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
For RNA viruses, RNA helicases have long been recognized to play critical roles during virus replication cycles, facilitating proper folding and replication of viral RNAs, therefore representing an ideal target for drug discovery. SARS-CoV-2 helicase, the non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) is a highly conserved protein among all known coronaviruses, and, at the moment, is one of the most explored viral targets to identify new possible antiviral agents. In the present study, we present six diketo acids (DKAs) as nsp13 inhibitors able to block both SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 enzymatic functions. Among them four compounds were able to inhibit viral replication in the low micromolar range, being active also on other human coronaviruses such as HCoV229E and MERS CoV. The experimental investigation of the binding mode revealed ATP-non-competitive kinetics of inhibition, not affected by substrate-displacement effect, suggesting an allosteric binding mode that was further supported by molecular modelling calculations predicting the binding into an allosteric conserved site located in the RecA2 domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Corona
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente. Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Noemi Madia
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Santis
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- EXSCALATE - Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberta Emmolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente. Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Ialongo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Patacchini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Messore
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Amatore
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Faggioni
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, V.le Regina Elena 324, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Iaconis
- EXSCALATE - Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmine Talarico
- EXSCALATE - Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Santo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Costi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente. Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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41
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Grimes SL, Choi YJ, Banerjee A, Small G, Anderson-Daniels J, Gribble J, Pruijssers AJ, Agostini ML, Abu-Shmais A, Lu X, Darst SA, Campbell E, Denison MR. A mutation in the coronavirus nsp13-helicase impairs enzymatic activity and confers partial remdesivir resistance. mBio 2023; 14:e0106023. [PMID: 37338298 PMCID: PMC10470589 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01060-23] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) encode nonstructural proteins 1-16 (nsps 1-16) which form replicase complexes that mediate viral RNA synthesis. Remdesivir (RDV) is an adenosine nucleoside analog antiviral that inhibits CoV RNA synthesis. RDV resistance mutations have been reported only in the nonstructural protein 12 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12-RdRp). We here show that a substitution mutation in the nsp13-helicase (nsp13-HEL A335V) of the betacoronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV) that was selected during passage with the RDV parent compound confers partial RDV resistance independently and additively when expressed with co-selected RDV resistance mutations in the nsp12-RdRp. The MHV A335V substitution did not enhance replication or competitive fitness compared to WT MHV and remained sensitive to the active form of the cytidine nucleoside analog antiviral molnupiravir (MOV). Biochemical analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase encoding the homologous substitution (A336V) demonstrates that the mutant protein retained the ability to associate with the core replication proteins nsps 7, 8, and 12 but had impaired helicase unwinding and ATPase activity. Together, these data identify a novel determinant of nsp13-HEL enzymatic activity, define a new genetic pathway for RDV resistance, and demonstrate the importance of surveillance for and testing of helicase mutations that arise in SARS-CoV-2 genomes. IMPORTANCE Despite the development of effective vaccines against COVID-19, the continued circulation and emergence of new variants support the need for antivirals such as RDV. Understanding pathways of antiviral resistance is essential for surveillance of emerging variants, development of combination therapies, and for identifying potential new targets for viral inhibition. We here show a novel RDV resistance mutation in the CoV helicase also impairs helicase functions, supporting the importance of studying the individual and cooperative functions of the replicase nonstructural proteins 7-16 during CoV RNA synthesis. The homologous nsp13-HEL mutation (A336V) has been reported in the GISAID database of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, highlighting the importance of surveillance of and genetic testing for nucleoside analog resistance in the helicase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Grimes
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Young J. Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anoosha Banerjee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
- Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel Small
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jordan Anderson-Daniels
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer Gribble
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrea J. Pruijssers
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maria L. Agostini
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alexandra Abu-Shmais
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xiaotao Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Seth A. Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark R. Denison
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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42
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Tam D, Lorenzo-Leal AC, Hernández LR, Bach H. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13002. [PMID: 37629182 PMCID: PMC10455537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped respiratory β coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), leading to a deadly pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 genome also codes for non-structural proteins (NSPs). These NSPs are found within open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and encode NSP1 to NSP11 and NSP12 to NSP16, respectively. This study aimed to collect the available literature regarding NSP inhibitors. In addition, we searched the natural product database looking for similar structures. The results showed that similar structures could be tested as potential inhibitors of the NSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Tam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Ana C. Lorenzo-Leal
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Luis Ricardo Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación Fitoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex Hacienda Sta. Catarina Mártir S/N, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
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43
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Maio N, Raza MK, Li Y, Zhang DL, Bollinger JM, Krebs C, Rouault TA. An iron-sulfur cluster in the zinc-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase modulates its RNA-binding and -unwinding activities. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303860120. [PMID: 37552760 PMCID: PMC10438387 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303860120] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, uses an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase along with several accessory factors to replicate its genome and transcribe its genes. Nonstructural protein (nsp) 13 is a helicase required for viral replication. Here, we found that nsp13 ligates iron, in addition to zinc, when purified anoxically. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, UV-visible absorption, EPR, and Mössbauer spectroscopies, we characterized nsp13 as an iron-sulfur (Fe-S) protein that ligates an Fe4S4 cluster in the treble-clef metal-binding site of its zinc-binding domain. The Fe-S cluster in nsp13 modulates both its binding to the template RNA and its unwinding activity. Exposure of the protein to the stable nitroxide TEMPOL oxidizes and degrades the cluster and drastically diminishes unwinding activity. Thus, optimal function of nsp13 depends on a labile Fe-S cluster that is potentially targetable for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunziata Maio
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Md Kausar Raza
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Yan Li
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Proteomics Core Facility, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - De-Liang Zhang
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - J. Martin Bollinger
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Carsten Krebs
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Tracey A. Rouault
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
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Barroso-Arévalo S, Díaz-Frutos M, Domínguez L, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM. Importance of genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in cats during reverse zoonosis events: potential viral evolution may occur. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0068023. [PMID: 37565759 PMCID: PMC10581217 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00680-23] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The apparition of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and lineages is constantly happening because of the high viral mutation rate. Since numerous reverse zoonosis events have been reported so far, genomic surveillance should be conducted in susceptible species to evaluate potential adaptations that may trigger the apparition of new variants. Here, we evaluate the evolution of the infection in a cat naturally infected in parallel with its owner, performing a comparative phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing analysis showed that both were infected with the Omicron BA.5/BF.1 lineage and revealed the presence of nucleotide substitution in the viral genome recovered from the cat with respect to the viral genome from the human sample. This nucleotide substitution (C11897A) produced the amino acid change Orf1a: Q3878K. Therefore, genomic surveillance in the case of reverse zoonosis events is still necessary in order to control possible adaptations of the virus to other susceptible species. IMPORTANCE Genomic surveillance of pets for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is important to monitor the emergence of new variants of the virus associated with these animals. Pets can serve as a potential reservoir for the virus, and their close contact with humans increases the risk of transmission. By conducting genomic surveillance in pets, it is possible to detect and track new variants early on, allowing for more effective control measures to be put in place. This can help prevent the spread of these variants to human populations and potentially mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Furthermore, it may also provide insight into the evolution and spread of the virus within the animal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Barroso-Arévalo
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Díaz-Frutos
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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45
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Osawa T, Aoki M, Ehara H, Sekine SI. Structures of dengue virus RNA replicase complexes. Mol Cell 2023:S1097-2765(23)00470-7. [PMID: 37478848 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by dengue virus (DENV), a member of the flaviviruses. The DENV genome is a 5'-capped positive-sense RNA with a unique 5'-stem-loop structure (SLA), which is essential for RNA replication and 5' capping. The virus-encoded proteins NS5 and NS3 are responsible for viral genome replication, but the structural basis by which they cooperatively conduct the required tasks has remained unclear. Here, we report the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of SLA-bound NS5 (PC), NS3-bound PC (PC-NS3), and an RNA-elongating NS5-NS3 complex (EC). While SLA bridges the NS5 methyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domains in PC, the NS3 helicase domain displaces it in elongation complex (EC). The SLA- and NS3-binding sites overlap with that of human STAT2. These structures illuminate the key steps in DENV genome replication, namely, SLA-dependent replication initiation, processive RNA elongation, and 5' capping of the nascent genomic RNA, thereby providing foundations to combat flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuo Osawa
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mari Aoki
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Ehara
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Sekine
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.
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46
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von Delft A, Hall MD, Kwong AD, Purcell LA, Saikatendu KS, Schmitz U, Tallarico JA, Lee AA. Accelerating antiviral drug discovery: lessons from COVID-19. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:585-603. [PMID: 37173515 PMCID: PMC10176316 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a wave of rapid and collaborative drug discovery efforts took place in academia and industry, culminating in several therapeutics being discovered, approved and deployed in a 2-year time frame. This article summarizes the collective experience of several pharmaceutical companies and academic collaborations that were active in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antiviral discovery. We outline our opinions and experiences on key stages in the small-molecule drug discovery process: target selection, medicinal chemistry, antiviral assays, animal efficacy and attempts to pre-empt resistance. We propose strategies that could accelerate future efforts and argue that a key bottleneck is the lack of quality chemical probes around understudied viral targets, which would serve as a starting point for drug discovery. Considering the small size of the viral proteome, comprehensively building an arsenal of probes for proteins in viruses of pandemic concern is a worthwhile and tractable challenge for the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette von Delft
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew D Hall
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alpha A Lee
- PostEra, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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47
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Slanina H, Madhugiri R, Wenk K, Reinke T, Schultheiß K, Schultheis J, Karl N, Linne U, Ziebuhr J. Conserved Characteristics of NMPylation Activities of Alpha- and Betacoronavirus NiRAN Domains. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046523. [PMID: 37199624 PMCID: PMC10308930 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00465-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus genome replication and expression are mediated by the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC) which is assembled from multiple nonstructural proteins (nsp). Among these, nsp12 represents the central functional subunit. It harbors the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain and contains, at its N terminus, an additional domain called NiRAN which is widely conserved in coronaviruses and other nidoviruses. In this study, we produced bacterially expressed coronavirus nsp12s to investigate and compare NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities from representative alpha- and betacoronaviruses. We found that the four coronavirus NiRAN domains characterized to date have a number of conserved properties, including (i) robust nsp9-specific NMPylation activities that appear to operate largely independently of the C-terminal RdRp domain, (ii) nucleotide substrate preference for UTP followed by ATP and other nucleotides, (iii) dependence on divalent metal ions, with Mn2+ being preferred over Mg2+, and (iv) a key role of N-terminal residues (particularly Asn2) of nsp9 for efficient formation of a covalent phosphoramidate bond between NMP and the N-terminal amino group of nsp9. In this context, a mutational analysis confirmed the conservation and critical role of Asn2 across different subfamilies of the family Coronaviridae, as shown by studies using chimeric coronavirus nsp9 variants in which six N-terminal residues were replaced with those from other corona-, pito- and letovirus nsp9 homologs. The combined data of this and previous studies reveal a remarkable degree of conservation among coronavirus NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, supporting a key role of this enzymatic activity in viral RNA synthesis and processing. IMPORTANCE There is strong evidence that coronaviruses and other large nidoviruses evolved a number of unique enzymatic activities, including an additional RdRp-associated NiRAN domain, that are conserved in nidoviruses but not in most other RNA viruses. Previous studies of the NiRAN domain mainly focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and suggested different functions for this domain, such as NMPylation/RNAylation of nsp9, RNA guanylyltransferase activities involved in canonical and/or unconventional RNA capping pathways, and other functions. To help resolve partly conflicting information on substrate specificities and metal ion requirements reported previously for the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN NMPylation activity, we extended these earlier studies by characterizing representative alpha- and betacoronavirus NiRAN domains. The study revealed that key features of NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, such as protein and nucleotide specificity and metal ion requirements, are very well conserved among genetically divergent coronaviruses, suggesting potential avenues for future antiviral drug development targeting this essential viral enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Slanina
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Kai Wenk
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tess Reinke
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin Schultheiß
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Schultheis
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadja Karl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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48
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Martinez DR, Moreira FR, Zweigart MR, Gully KL, De la Cruz G, Brown AJ, Adams LE, Catanzaro N, Yount B, Baric TJ, Mallory ML, Conrad H, May SR, Dong S, Scobey DT, Montgomery SA, Perry J, Babusis D, Barrett KT, Nguyen AH, Nguyen AQ, Kalla R, Bannister R, Bilello JP, Feng JY, Cihlar T, Baric RS, Mackman RL, Schäfer A, Sheahan TP. Efficacy of the oral nucleoside prodrug GS-5245 (Obeldesivir) against SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses with pandemic potential. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546784. [PMID: 37425890 PMCID: PMC10327034 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the wide availability of several safe and effective vaccines that can prevent severe COVID-19 disease, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) that can partially evade vaccine immunity remains a global health concern. In addition, the emergence of highly mutated and neutralization-resistant SARS-CoV-2 VOCs such as BA.1 and BA.5 that can partially or fully evade (1) many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in clinical use underlines the need for additional effective treatment strategies. Here, we characterize the antiviral activity of GS-5245, Obeldesivir (ODV), an oral prodrug of the parent nucleoside GS-441524, which targets the highly conserved RNA-dependent viral RNA polymerase (RdRp). Importantly, we show that GS-5245 is broadly potent in vitro against alphacoronavirus HCoV-NL63, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), SARS-CoV-related Bat-CoV RsSHC014, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 WA/1, and the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 Omicron variant in vitro and highly effective as antiviral therapy in mouse models of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (WA/1), MERS-CoV and Bat-CoV RsSHC014 pathogenesis. In all these models of divergent coronaviruses, we observed protection and/or significant reduction of disease metrics such as weight loss, lung viral replication, acute lung injury, and degradation in pulmonary function in GS-5245-treated mice compared to vehicle controls. Finally, we demonstrate that GS-5245 in combination with the main protease (Mpro) inhibitor nirmatrelvir had increased efficacy in vivo against SARS-CoV-2 compared to each single agent. Altogether, our data supports the continuing clinical evaluation of GS-5245 in humans infected with COVID-19, including as part of a combination antiviral therapy, especially in populations with the most urgent need for more efficacious and durable interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Martinez
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Yale Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Fernando R. Moreira
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark R. Zweigart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kendra L. Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabriela De la Cruz
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ariane J. Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lily E. Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Catanzaro
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Boyd Yount
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas J. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael L. Mallory
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Helen Conrad
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samantha R. May
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - D. Trevor Scobey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rao Kalla
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy P. Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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49
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Li G, Hilgenfeld R, Whitley R, De Clercq E. Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19: progress and lessons learned. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:449-475. [PMID: 37076602 PMCID: PMC10113999 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated tremendous efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or human proteins to control viral infection, encompassing hundreds of potential drugs and thousands of patients in clinical trials. So far, a few small-molecule antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, remdesivir and molnupiravir) and 11 monoclonal antibodies have been marketed for the treatment of COVID-19, mostly requiring administration within 10 days of symptom onset. In addition, hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19 may benefit from treatment with previously approved immunomodulatory drugs, including glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, cytokine antagonists such as tocilizumab and Janus kinase inhibitors such as baricitinib. Here, we summarize progress with COVID-19 drug discovery, based on accumulated findings since the pandemic began and a comprehensive list of clinical and preclinical inhibitors with anti-coronavirus activities. We also discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with regard to drug repurposing strategies, pan-coronavirus drug targets, in vitro assays and animal models, and platform trial design for the development of therapeutics to tackle COVID-19, long COVID and pathogenic coronaviruses in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University; Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Richard Whitley
- Department of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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50
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Gupta Y, Savytskyi OV, Coban M, Venugopal A, Pleqi V, Weber CA, Chitale R, Durvasula R, Hopkins C, Kempaiah P, Caulfield TR. Protein structure-based in-silico approaches to drug discovery: Guide to COVID-19 therapeutics. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 91:101151. [PMID: 36371228 PMCID: PMC9613808 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With more than 5 million fatalities and close to 300 million reported cases, COVID-19 is the first documented pandemic due to a coronavirus that continues to be a major health challenge. Despite being rapid, uncontrollable, and highly infectious in its spread, it also created incentives for technology development and redefined public health needs and research agendas to fast-track innovations to be translated. Breakthroughs in computational biology peaked during the pandemic with renewed attention to making all cutting-edge technology deliver agents to combat the disease. The demand to develop effective treatments yielded surprising collaborations from previously segregated fields of science and technology. The long-standing pharmaceutical industry's aversion to repurposing existing drugs due to a lack of exponential financial gain was overrun by the health crisis and pressures created by front-line researchers and providers. Effective vaccine development even at an unprecedented pace took more than a year to develop and commence trials. Now the emergence of variants and waning protections during the booster shots is resulting in breakthrough infections that continue to strain health care systems. As of now, every protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been structurally characterized and related host pathways have been extensively mapped out. The research community has addressed the druggability of a multitude of possible targets. This has been made possible due to existing technology for virtual computer-assisted drug development as well as new tools and technologies such as artificial intelligence to deliver new leads. Here in this article, we are discussing advances in the drug discovery field related to target-based drug discovery and exploring the implications of known target-specific agents on COVID-19 therapeutic management. The current scenario calls for more personalized medicine efforts and stratifying patient populations early on for their need for different combinations of prognosis-specific therapeutics. We intend to highlight target hotspots and their potential agents, with the ultimate goal of using rational design of new therapeutics to not only end this pandemic but also uncover a generalizable platform for use in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Oleksandr V Savytskyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; In Vivo Biosystems, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Matt Coban
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Vasili Pleqi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Caleb A Weber
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rohit Chitale
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Council on Strategic Risks, 1025 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ravi Durvasula
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Prakasha Kempaiah
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas R Caulfield
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of QHS Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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