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Dehghan Z, Mirmotalebisohi SA, Mozafar M, Sameni M, Saberi F, Derakhshanfar A, Moaedi J, Zohrevand H, Zali H. Deciphering the similarities and disparities of molecular mechanisms behind respiratory epithelium response to HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 and drug repurposing, a systems biology approach. Daru 2024; 32:215-235. [PMID: 38652363 PMCID: PMC11087451 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-024-00507-0] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Identifying the molecular mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2 disparities and similarities will help find new treatments. The present study determines networks' shared and non-shared (specific) crucial elements in response to HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 viruses to recommend candidate medications. METHODS We retrieved the omics data on respiratory cells infected with HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2, constructed PPIN and GRN, and detected clusters and motifs. Using a drug-gene interaction network, we determined the similarities and disparities of mechanisms behind their host response and drug-repurposed. RESULTS CXCL1, KLHL21, SMAD3, HIF1A, and STAT1 were the shared DEGs between both viruses' protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) and gene regulatory network (GRN). The NPM1 was a specific critical node for HCoV-229E and was a Hub-Bottleneck shared between PPI and GRN in HCoV-229E. The HLA-F, ADCY5, TRIM14, RPF1, and FGA were the seed proteins in subnetworks of the SARS-CoV-2 PPI network, and HSPA1A and RPL26 proteins were the seed in subnetworks of the PPI network of HCOV-229E. TRIM14, STAT2, and HLA-F played the same role for SARS-CoV-2. Top enriched KEGG pathways included cell cycle and proteasome in HCoV-229E and RIG-I-like receptor, Chemokine, Cytokine-cytokine, NOD-like receptor, and TNF signaling pathways in SARS-CoV-2. We suggest some candidate medications for COVID-19 patient lungs, including Noscapine, Isoetharine mesylate, Cycloserine, Ethamsylate, Cetylpyridinium, Tretinoin, Ixazomib, Vorinostat, Venetoclax, Vorinostat, Ixazomib, Venetoclax, and epoetin alfa for further in-vitro and in-vivo investigations. CONCLUSION We suggested CXCL1, KLHL21, SMAD3, HIF1A, and STAT1, ADCY5, TRIM14, RPF1, and FGA, STAT2, and HLA-F as critical genes and Cetylpyridinium, Cycloserine, Noscapine, Ethamsylate, Epoetin alfa, Isoetharine mesylate, Ribavirin, and Tretinoin drugs to study further their importance in treating COVID-19 lung complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Dehghan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Mirmotalebisohi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mozafar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Sameni
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saberi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Derakhshanfar
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Center of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Javad Moaedi
- Center of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Zohrevand
- Student Research Committee, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Zali
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sun Z, Zhang L, Wang R, Wang Z, Liang X, Gao J. Identification of shared pathogenetic mechanisms between COVID-19 and IC through bioinformatics and system biology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2114. [PMID: 38267482 PMCID: PMC10808107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52625-z] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 increased global mortality in 2019. Cystitis became a contributing factor in SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 complications. The complex molecular links between cystitis and COVID-19 are unclear. This study investigates COVID-19-associated cystitis (CAC) molecular mechanisms and drug candidates using bioinformatics and systems biology. Obtain the gene expression profiles of IC (GSE11783) and COVID-19 (GSE147507) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Identified the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both IC and COVID-19, and extracted a number of key genes from this group. Subsequently, conduct Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on the DEGs. Additionally, design a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, a transcription factor gene regulatory network, a TF miRNA regulatory network, and a gene disease association network using the DEGs. Identify and extract hub genes from the PPI network. Then construct Nomogram diagnostic prediction models based on the hub genes. The DSigDB database was used to forecast many potential molecular medicines that are associated with common DEGs. Assess the precision of hub genes and Nomogram models in diagnosing IC and COVID-19 by employing Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The IC dataset (GSE57560) and the COVID-19 dataset (GSE171110) were selected to validate the models' diagnostic accuracy. A grand total of 198 DEGs that overlapped were found and chosen for further research. FCER1G, ITGAM, LCP2, LILRB2, MNDA, SPI1, and TYROBP were screened as the hub genes. The Nomogram model, built using the seven hub genes, demonstrates significant utility as a diagnostic prediction model for both IC and COVID-19. Multiple potential molecular medicines associated with common DEGs have been discovered. These pathways, hub genes, and models may provide new perspectives for future research into mechanisms and guide personalised and effective therapeutics for IC patients infected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenpeng Sun
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, No.5, Donghai Middle Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, 266001, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruihong Wang
- Department of Outpatient, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Zhucheng People's Hospital, Zhucheng, China
| | - Xin Liang
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, No.5, Donghai Middle Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, 266001, Shandong, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, No.5, Donghai Middle Road, Shinan District, Qingdao, 266001, Shandong, China.
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DiGuilio KM, Rybakovsky E, Baek Y, Valenzano MC, Mullin JM. The multiphasic TNF-α-induced compromise of Calu-3 airway epithelial barrier function. Exp Lung Res 2023; 49:72-85. [PMID: 37000123 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2023.2193637] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Airway epithelial barrier leak and the involvement of proinflammatory cytokines play a key role in a variety of diseases. This study evaluates barrier compromise by the inflammatory mediator Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in the human airway epithelial Calu-3 model. Methods: We examined the effects of TNF-α on barrier function in Calu-3 cell layers using Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TER) and transepithelial diffusion of radiolabeled probe molecules. Western immunoblot analyses of tight junctional (TJ) proteins in detergent soluble fractions were performed. Results: TNF-α dramatically reduced TER and increased paracellular permeability of both 14C-D-mannitol and the larger 5 kDa probe, 14C-inulin. A time course of the effects shows two separate actions on barrier function. An initial compromise of barrier function occurs 2-4 hours after TNF-α exposure, followed by complete recovery of barrier function by 24 hrs. Beginning 48 hrs. post-exposure, a second more sustained barrier compromise ensues, in which leakiness persists through 144 hrs. There were no changes in TJ proteins observed at 3 hrs. post exposure, but significant increases in claudins-2, -3, -4, and -5, as well as a decrease in occludin were seen at 72 hrs. post TNF-α exposure. Both the 2-4 hr. and the 72 hr. TNF-α induced leaks are shown to be mediated by the ERK signaling pathway. Conclusion: TNF-α induced a multiphasic transepithelial leak in Calu-3 cell layers that was shown to be ERK mediated, as well as involve changes in the TJ complex. The micronutrients, retinoic acid and calcitriol, were effective at reducing this barrier compromise caused by TNF-α. The significance of these results for airway disease and for COVID-19 specifically are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yoongyeong Baek
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - James M Mullin
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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Zhou S, Lv P, Li M, Chen Z, Xin H, Reilly S, Zhang X. SARS-CoV-2 E protein: Pathogenesis and potential therapeutic development. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114242. [PMID: 36652729 PMCID: PMC9832061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a devastating global pandemic, which has seriously affected human health worldwide. The discovery of therapeutic agents is extremely urgent, and the viral structural proteins are particularly important as potential drug targets. SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein is one of the main structural proteins of the virus, which is involved in multiple processes of the virus life cycle and is directly related to pathogenesis process. In this review, we present the amino acid sequence of the E protein and compare it with other two human coronaviruses. We then explored the role of E protein in the viral life cycle and discussed the pathogenic mechanisms that E protein may be involved in. Next, we summarize the potential drugs against E protein discovered in the current studies. Finally, we described the possible effects of E protein mutation on virus and host. This established a knowledge system of E protein to date, aiming to provide theoretical insights for mitigating the current COVID-19 pandemic and potential future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Panpan Lv
- Clinical Laboratory, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zihui Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Svetlana Reilly
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Yang T, Wang SC, Ye L, Maimaitiyiming Y, Naranmandura H. Targeting viral proteins for restraining SARS-CoV-2: focusing lens on viral proteins beyond spike for discovering new drug targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:247-268. [PMID: 36723288 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2175812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants are reducing protection provided by current vaccines, requiring constant updates in antiviral approaches. The virus encodes four structural and sixteen nonstructural proteins which play important roles in viral genome replication and transcription, virion assembly, release , entry into cells, and compromising host cellular defenses. As alien proteins to host cells, many viral proteins represent potential targets for combating the SARS-CoV-2. AREAS COVERED Based on literature from PubMed and Web of Science databases, the authors summarize the typical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 from the whole viral particle to the individual viral proteins and their corresponding functions in virus life cycle. The authors also discuss the potential and emerging targeted interventions to curb virus replication and spread in detail to provide unique insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection and countermeasures against it. EXPERT OPINION Our comprehensive analysis highlights the rationale to focus on non-spike viral proteins that are less mutated but have important functions. Examples of this include: structural proteins (e.g. nucleocapsid protein, envelope protein) and extensively-concerned nonstructural proteins (e.g. NSP3, NSP5, NSP12) along with the ones with relatively less attention (e.g. NSP1, NSP10, NSP14 and NSP16), for developing novel drugs to overcome resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to preexisting vaccines and antibody-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Si Chun Wang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linyan Ye
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Naranmandura
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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In Silico Screening of Drugs That Target Different Forms of E Protein for Potential Treatment of COVID-19. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently the E protein of SARS-CoV-2 has become a very important target in the potential treatment of COVID-19 since it is known to regulate different stages of the viral cycle. There is biochemical evidence that E protein exists in two forms, as monomer and homopentamer. An in silico screening analysis was carried out employing 5852 ligands (from Zinc databases), and performing an ADMET analysis, remaining a set of 2155 compounds. Furthermore, docking analysis was performed on specific sites and different forms of the E protein. From this study we could identify that the following ligands showed the highest binding affinity: nilotinib, dutasteride, irinotecan, saquinavir and alectinib. We carried out some molecular dynamics simulations and free energy MM–PBSA calculations of the protein–ligand complexes (with the mentioned ligands). Of worthy interest is that saquinavir, nilotinib and alectinib are also considered as a promising multitarget ligand because it seems to inhibit three targets, which play an important role in the viral cycle. On the other side, saquinavir was shown to be able to bind to E protein both in its monomeric as well as pentameric forms. Finally, further experimental assays are needed to probe our hypothesis derived from in silico studies.
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Sharun K, Tiwari R, Yatoo MI, Natesan S, Megawati D, Singh KP, Michalak I, Dhama K. A comprehensive review on pharmacologic agents, immunotherapies and supportive therapeutics for COVID-19. NARRA J 2022; 2:e92. [PMID: 38449903 PMCID: PMC10914132 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected many countries throughout the world. As urgency is a necessity, most efforts have focused on identifying small molecule drugs that can be repurposed for use as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Although several drug candidates have been identified using in silico method and in vitro studies, most of these drugs require the support of in vivo data before they can be considered for clinical trials. Several drugs are considered promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. In addition to the direct-acting antiviral drugs, supportive therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, immunotherapies, immunomodulators, and nutritional therapy could contribute a major role in treating COVID-19 patients. Some of these drugs have already been included in the treatment guidelines, recommendations, and standard operating procedures. In this article, we comprehensively review the approved and potential therapeutic drugs, immune cells-based therapies, immunomodulatory agents/drugs, herbs and plant metabolites, nutritional and dietary for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Mohd I. Yatoo
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Senthilkumar Natesan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Opp to Airforce station HQ, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Dewi Megawati
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Warmadewa University, Denpasar, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karam P. Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Izabela Michalak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Unravelling viral dynamics through molecular dynamics simulations - A brief overview. Biophys Chem 2022; 291:106908. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Yang R, Wu S, Wang S, Rubino G, Nickels JD, Cheng X. Refinement of SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein structure in a native-like environment by molecular dynamics simulations. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1027223. [PMID: 36299297 PMCID: PMC9589232 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1027223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has become an unprecedented threat to human health. The SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein plays a critical role in the viral maturation process and pathogenesis. Despite intensive investigation, its structure in physiological conditions remains mysterious: no high-resolution full-length structure is available and only an NMR structure of the transmembrane (TM) region has been determined. Here, we present a refined E protein structure, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate its structure and dynamics in a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayer system. Our initial homology model based upon the SARS-CoV E protein structure is shown to be unstable in the lipid bilayer, and the H3 helices tend to move away from the membrane center to the membrane-water interface. A more stable model was developed by replacing all H3 helices with the fully equilibrated H3 structure sampled in the MD simulations. This refined model exhibited more favorable contacts with lipids and water than the original homology model and induced local membrane curvature, decreasing local lipid order. Interestingly, the pore radius profiles showed that the channel in both homology and refined models remained in a closed state throughout the simulations. We also demonstrated the utility of this structure to develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs by docking a library of FDA-approved, investigational, and experimental drugs to the refined E protein structure, identifying 20 potential channel blockers. This highlights the power of MD simulations to refine low-resolution structures of membrane proteins in a native-like membrane environment, shedding light on the structural features of the E protein and providing a platform for the development of novel antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sijin Wu
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Sijin Wu, ; Jonathan D. Nickels, ; Xiaolin Cheng,
| | - Shen Wang
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Grace Rubino
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Nickels
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Sijin Wu, ; Jonathan D. Nickels, ; Xiaolin Cheng,
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Sijin Wu, ; Jonathan D. Nickels, ; Xiaolin Cheng,
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Novel Drug Design for Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 2022:2044282. [PMID: 36199815 PMCID: PMC9527439 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2044282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease outbreak, there has been an increasing interest in discovering potential therapeutic agents for this disease. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review through an overview of drug development (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo) for treating COVID-19. Methods A systematic search was carried out in major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from December 2019 to March 2021. A combination of the following terms was used: coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, drug design, drug development, In silico, In vitro, and In vivo. A narrative synthesis was performed as a qualitative method for the data synthesis of each outcome measure. Results A total of 2168 articles were identified through searching databases. Finally, 315 studies (266 in silico, 34 in vitro, and 15 in vivo) were included. In studies with in silico approach, 98 article study repurposed drug and 91 studies evaluated herbal medicine on COVID-19. Among 260 drugs repurposed by the computational method, the best results were observed with saquinavir (n = 9), ritonavir (n = 8), and lopinavir (n = 6). Main protease (n = 154) following spike glycoprotein (n = 62) and other nonstructural protein of virus (n = 45) was among the most studied targets. Doxycycline, chlorpromazine, azithromycin, heparin, bepridil, and glycyrrhizic acid showed both in silico and in vitro inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion The preclinical studies of novel drug design for COVID-19 focused on main protease and spike glycoprotein as targets for antiviral development. From evaluated structures, saquinavir, ritonavir, eucalyptus, Tinospora cordifolia, aloe, green tea, curcumin, pyrazole, and triazole derivatives in in silico studies and doxycycline, chlorpromazine, and heparin from in vitro and human monoclonal antibodies from in vivo studies showed promised results regarding efficacy. It seems that due to the nature of COVID-19 disease, finding some drugs with multitarget antiviral actions and anti-inflammatory potential is valuable and some herbal medicines have this potential.
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Schoeman D, Cloete R, Fielding BC. The Flexible, Extended Coil of the PDZ-Binding Motif of the Three Deadly Human Coronavirus E Proteins Plays a Role in Pathogenicity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081707. [PMID: 36016329 PMCID: PMC9416557 DOI: 10.3390/v14081707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The less virulent human (h) coronaviruses (CoVs) 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 cause mild, self-limiting respiratory tract infections, while the more virulent SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 have caused severe outbreaks. The CoV envelope (E) protein, an important contributor to the pathogenesis of severe hCoV infections, may provide insight into this disparate severity of the disease. We, therefore, generated full-length E protein models for SARS-CoV-1 and -2, MERS-CoV, HCoV-229E, and HCoV-NL63 and docked C-terminal peptides of each model to the PDZ domain of the human PALS1 protein. The PDZ-binding motif (PBM) of the SARS-CoV-1 and -2 and MERS-CoV models adopted a more flexible, extended coil, while the HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 models adopted a less flexible alpha helix. All the E peptides docked to PALS1 occupied the same binding site and the more virulent hCoV E peptides generally interacted more stably with PALS1 than the less virulent ones. We hypothesize that the increased flexibility of the PBM in the more virulent hCoVs facilitates more stable binding to various host proteins, thereby contributing to more severe disease. This is the first paper to model full-length 3D structures for both the more virulent and less virulent hCoV E proteins, providing novel insights for possible drug and/or vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewald Schoeman
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
| | - Ruben Cloete
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
| | - Burtram C. Fielding
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
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Tian L, Liu Q, Pei R, Chen Y, Xu C, Tang J, Sun H, Liu K, Yang Q, Yang L, Li L, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Shan C, Hu X, Chen X, Wang Y. Comparison of viral propagation and drug response among SARS-CoV-2 VOCs using replicons capable of recapitulating virion assembly and release. Virol Sin 2022; 37:695-703. [PMID: 35781091 PMCID: PMC9247232 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged since the WIV04 strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first isolated in January 2020. Due to mutations in the spike (S) protein, these VOCs have evolved to enhance viral infectivity and immune evasion. However, whether mutations of the other viral proteins lead to altered viral propagation and drug resistance remains obscure. The replicon is a noninfectious viral surrogate capable of recapitulating certain steps of the viral life cycle. Although several SARS-CoV-2 replicons have been developed, none of them were derived from emerging VOCs and could only recapitulate viral genome replication and subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) transcription. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 replicons derived from the WIV04 strain and two VOCs (the Beta and Delta variants) were prepared by removing the S gene from their genomes, while other structural genes remained untouched. These replicons not only recapitulate viral genome replication and sgRNA transcription but also support the assembly and release of viral-like particles, as manifested by electron microscopic assays. Thus, the S-deletion replicon could recapitulate virtually all the post-entry steps of the viral life cycle and provides a versatile tool for measuring viral intracellular propagation and screening novel antiviral drugs, including inhibitors of virion assembly and release. Through the quantification of replicon RNA released into the supernatant, we demonstrate that viral intracellular propagation and drug response to remdesivir have not yet substantially changed during the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from the WIV04 strain to the Beta and Delta VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiuhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rongjuan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yingshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chonghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jielin Tang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Hao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kunpeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Leshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chao Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Xinwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Innovation Center for Pathogen Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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13
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Calvo-Alvarez E, Dolci M, Perego F, Signorini L, Parapini S, D’Alessandro S, Denti L, Basilico N, Taramelli D, Ferrante P, Delbue S. Antiparasitic Drugs against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Literature Survey. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071284. [PMID: 35889004 PMCID: PMC9320270 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
More than two years have passed since the viral outbreak that led to the novel infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Since then, the urgency for effective treatments resulted in unprecedented efforts to develop new vaccines and to accelerate the drug discovery pipeline, mainly through the repurposing of well-known compounds with broad antiviral effects. In particular, antiparasitic drugs historically used against human infections due to protozoa or helminth parasites have entered the main stage as a miracle cure in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Despite having demonstrated promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, conflicting results have made their translation into clinical practice more difficult than expected. Since many studies involving antiparasitic drugs are currently under investigation, the window of opportunity might be not closed yet. Here, we will review the (controversial) journey of these old antiparasitic drugs to combat the human infection caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Calvo-Alvarez
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Federica Perego
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sarah D’Alessandro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Luca Denti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Pasquale Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
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14
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Xia X, Cheng A, Wang M, Ou X, Sun D, Mao S, Huang J, Yang Q, Wu Y, Chen S, Zhang S, Zhu D, Jia R, Liu M, Zhao XX, Gao Q, Tian B. Functions of Viroporins in the Viral Life Cycle and Their Regulation of Host Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:890549. [PMID: 35720341 PMCID: PMC9202500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viroporins are virally encoded transmembrane proteins that are essential for viral pathogenicity and can participate in various stages of the viral life cycle, thereby promoting viral proliferation. Viroporins have multifaceted effects on host cell biological functions, including altering cell membrane permeability, triggering inflammasome formation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and evading immune responses, thereby ensuring that the virus completes its life cycle. Viroporins are also virulence factors, and their complete or partial deletion often reduces virion release and reduces viral pathogenicity, highlighting the important role of these proteins in the viral life cycle. Thus, viroporins represent a common drug-protein target for inhibiting drugs and the development of antiviral therapies. This article reviews current studies on the functions of viroporins in the viral life cycle and their regulation of host cell responses, with the aim of improving the understanding of this growing family of viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Xia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Xumin Ou
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Di Sun
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Sai Mao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Xin-Xin Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Qun Gao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Bin Tian
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu City, China
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15
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Saurabh K, Solovchuk M, Sheu TWH. A detailed study of ion transport through the SARS-CoV-2 E protein ion channel. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:8291-8305. [PMID: 35648036 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01385a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The envelope (E) protein encoded in the genome of an RNA virus is crucial for the replication, budding and pathophysiology of the virus. In the light of the ongoing pandemic, we explored similarities/differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 E protein ion channels in terms of their selectivity. Further, we also examined the impact of variation of the bath concentration and introduction of potential and concentration gradients across the channel on the binding ratios of sodium and chloride ions for the SARS-CoV-2 E protein. Ion transport is described through the fourth-order Poisson-Nernst-Planck-Bikerman (4PNPBik) model which generalizes the traditional model by including ionic interactions between ions and their surrounding medium and non-ionic interactions between particles due to their finite size. Governing equations are solved numerically using the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). The mathematical model has been validated by comparing analytical and experimental ion activity. The SARS-CoV-1 E protein ion channel is found to be more permeable to cationic ions, while the SARS-CoV-2 E protein has similar selectivity for both cationic and anionic species. For SARS-CoV-2, an increase in the bath concentration results in an increase in the binding ratio for sodium ions. Furthermore, the chloride binding ratio increases as the concentration gradient increases. A potential gradient has a minimal effect on the binding ratio. The SARS-CoV-2 E protein was found to support higher ionic currents than the SARS-CoV-1 E protein. Furthermore, the ionic current increased with increasing bath concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Saurabh
- Department of Engineering Science and Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan 35053.
- NTU High Performance and Scientific Computing Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617
| | - Maxim Solovchuk
- Department of Engineering Science and Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan 35053.
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan 40227
| | - Tony Wen-Hann Sheu
- Department of Engineering Science and Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617.
- NTU High Performance and Scientific Computing Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617
- Center for Advanced Study in Theoretical Sciences (CASTS), National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617
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16
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Agrawal PK, Agrawal C, Blunden G. Artemisia Extracts and Artemisinin-Based Antimalarials for COVID-19 Management: Could These Be Effective Antivirals for COVID-19 Treatment? Molecules 2022; 27:3828. [PMID: 35744958 PMCID: PMC9231170 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As the world desperately searches for ways to treat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a growing number of people are turning to herbal remedies. The Artemisia species, such as A. annua and A. afra, in particular, exhibit positive effects against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 related symptoms. A. annua is a source of artemisinin, which is active against malaria, and also exhibits potential for other diseases. This has increased interest in artemisinin's potential for drug repurposing. Artemisinin-based combination therapies, so-called ACTs, have already been recognized as first-line treatments against malaria. Artemisia extract, as well as ACTs, have demonstrated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also shown anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) that plays a key role in the development of severe COVID-19. There is now sufficient evidence in the literature to suggest the effectiveness of Artemisia, its constituents and/or artemisinin derivatives, to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting its invasion, and replication, as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and mitigating lung damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan K. Agrawal
- Natural Product Inc., 7963 Anderson Park Lane, Westerville, OH 43081, USA;
| | - Chandan Agrawal
- Natural Product Inc., 7963 Anderson Park Lane, Westerville, OH 43081, USA;
| | - Gerald Blunden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK;
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17
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Li X, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Gutiérrez-Castrellón P, Shi H. Cell deaths: Involvement in the pathogenesis and intervention therapy of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:186. [PMID: 35697684 PMCID: PMC9189267 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has dramatically influenced various aspects of the world. It is urgent to thoroughly study pathology and underlying mechanisms for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat this threatening disease. It is universally acknowledged that cell death and cell autophagy are essential and crucial to maintaining host homeostasis and participating in disease pathogenesis. At present, more than twenty different types of cell death have been discovered, some parts of which have been fully understood, whereas some of which need more investigation. Increasing studies have indicated that cell death and cell autophagy caused by coronavirus might play an important role in virus infection and pathogenicity. However, the knowledge of the interactions and related mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 between cell death and cell autophagy lacks systematic elucidation. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively delineate how SARS-CoV-2 manipulates diverse cell death (including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and NETosis) and cell autophagy for itself benefits, which is simultaneously involved in the occurrence and progression of COVID-19, aiming to provide a reasonable basis for the existing interventions and further development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Ke Yuan 4th Road, Gao Peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Pedro Gutiérrez-Castrellón
- Center for Translational Research on Health Science, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez. Ministry of Health, Calz. Tlalpan 4800, Col. Secc. XVI, 14080, Mexico city, Mexico.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Liu Y, Yang X, Gan J, Chen S, Xiao ZX, Cao Y. CB-Dock2: improved protein-ligand blind docking by integrating cavity detection, docking and homologous template fitting. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:W159-W164. [PMID: 35609983 PMCID: PMC9252749 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-ligand blind docking is a powerful method for exploring the binding sites of receptors and the corresponding binding poses of ligands. It has seen wide applications in pharmaceutical and biological researches. Previously, we proposed a blind docking server, CB-Dock, which has been under heavy use (over 200 submissions per day) by researchers worldwide since 2019. Here, we substantially improved the docking method by combining CB-Dock with our template-based docking engine to enhance the accuracy in binding site identification and binding pose prediction. In the benchmark tests, it yielded the success rate of ∼85% for binding pose prediction (RMSD < 2.0 Å), which outperformed original CB-Dock and most popular blind docking tools. This updated docking server, named CB-Dock2, reconfigured the input and output web interfaces, together with a highly automatic docking pipeline, making it a particularly efficient and easy-to-use tool for the bioinformatics and cheminformatics communities. The web server is freely available at https://cadd.labshare.cn/cb-dock2/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaocong Yang
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianhong Gan
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Xiao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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19
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Mahmoudi S, Dehkordi MM, Asgarshamsi MH. The effect of various compounds on the COVID mechanisms, from chemical to molecular aspects. Biophys Chem 2022; 288:106824. [PMID: 35728510 PMCID: PMC9095071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus that caused COVID-19 pandemic is SARS-CoV-2. Although various vaccines are currently being used to prevent the disease's severe consequences, there is still a need for medications for those who become infected. The SARS-CoV-2 has a variety of proteins that have been studied extensively since the virus's advent. In this review article, we looked at chemical to molecular aspects of the various structures studied that have pharmaceutical activity and attempted to find a link between drug activity and compound structure. For example, designing of the compounds which bind to the allosteric site and modify hydrogen bonds or the salt bridges can disrupt SARS-CoV2 RBD–ACE2 complex. It seems that quaternary ammonium moiety and quinolin-1-ium structure could act as a negative allosteric modulator to reduce the tendency between spike-ACE2. Pharmaceutical structures with amino heads and hydrophobic tails can block envelope protein to prevent making mature SARS-CoV-2. Also, structures based on naphthalene pharmacophores or isosteres can form a strong bond with the PLpro and form a π-π and the Mpro's active site can be occupied by octapeptide compounds or linear compounds with a similar fitting ability to octapeptide compounds. And for protein RdRp, it is critical to consider pH and pKa so that pKa regulation of compounds to comply with patients is very effective, thus, the presence of tetrazole, phenylpyrazole groups, and analogs of pyrophosphate in the designed drugs increase the likelihood of the RdRp active site inhibition. Finally, it can be deduced that designing hybrid drug molecules along with considering the aforementioned characteristics would be a suitable approach for developing medicines in order to accurate targeting and complete inhibition this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadpour Dehkordi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asgarshamsi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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20
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Zhang Z, Shen Q, Chang H. Vaccines for COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Immunogenicity, Current Development, and Future Prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843928. [PMID: 35572592 PMCID: PMC9092649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by severe respiratory syndrome, is caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and it poses a major threat to public health all over the world. Currently, optimal COVID-19 management involves effective vaccination. Vaccination is known to greatly enhance immune response against viral infections and reduce public transmission of COVID-19. However, although current vaccines offer some benefits, viral variations and other factors demand the continuous development of vaccines to eliminate this virus from host. Hence, vaccine research and development is crucial and urgent to the elimination of this pandemic. Herein, we summarized the structural and replicatory features of SARS-CoV-2, and focused on vaccine-mediated disease prevention strategies like vaccine antigen selection, vaccine research, and vaccine application. We also evaluated the latest literature on COVID-19 and extensively reviewed action mechanisms, clinical trial (CT) progresses, advantages, as well as disadvantages of various vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, we discussed the current viral treatment, prevention trends, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Zhang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Shen
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haocai Chang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Breitinger U, Farag NS, Sticht H, Breitinger HG. Viroporins: Structure, function, and their role in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 145:106185. [PMID: 35219876 PMCID: PMC8868010 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viroporins are indispensable for viral replication. As intracellular ion channels they disturb pH gradients of organelles and allow Ca2+ flux across ER membranes. Viroporins interact with numerous intracellular proteins and pathways and can trigger inflammatory responses. Thus, they are relevant targets in the search for antiviral drugs. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) underlies the world-wide pandemic of COVID-19, where an effective therapy is still lacking despite impressive progress in the development of vaccines and vaccination campaigns. Among the 29 proteins of SARS-CoV-2, the E- and ORF3a proteins have been identified as viroporins that contribute to the massive release of inflammatory cytokines observed in COVID-19. Here, we describe structure and function of viroporins and their role in inflammasome activation and cellular processes during the virus replication cycle. Techniques to study viroporin function are presented, with a focus on cellular and electrophysiological assays. Contributions of SARS-CoV-2 viroporins to the viral life cycle are discussed with respect to their structure, channel function, binding partners, and their role in viral infection and virus replication. Viroporin sequences of new variants of concern (α–ο) of SARS-CoV-2 are briefly reviewed as they harbour changes in E and 3a proteins that may affect their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Breitinger
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha S Farag
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute for Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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22
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Müller WEG, Wang X, Neufurth M, Schröder HC. Polyphosphate in Antiviral Protection: A Polyanionic Inorganic Polymer in the Fight Against Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Infection. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 61:145-189. [PMID: 35697940 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-01237-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyanions as polymers carrying multiple negative charges have been extensively studied with regard to their potential antiviral activity. Most studies to date focused on organic polyanionic polymers, both natural and synthetic. The inorganic polymer, polyphosphate (polyP), despite the ubiquitous presence of this molecule from bacteria to man, has attracted much less attention. More recently, and accelerated by the search for potential antiviral agents in the fight against the pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it turned out that polyP disrupts the first step of the viral replication cycle, the interaction of the proteins in the virus envelope and in the cell membrane that are involved in the docking process of the virus with the target host cell. Experiments on a molecular level using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor revealed that polyP strongly inhibits the binding reaction through an electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged centers of the polyP molecule and a cationic groove, which is formed by positively charged amino acids on the RBD surface. In addition, it was found that polyP, due to its morphogenetic and energy delivering activities, enhances the antiviral host innate immunity defense of the respiratory epithelium. The underlying mechanisms and envisaged application of polyP in the therapy and prevention of COVID-19 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner E G Müller
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Meik Neufurth
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinz C Schröder
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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23
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Cao Y, Yang R, Wang W, Jiang S, Yang C, Liu N, Dai H, Lee I, Meng X, Yuan Z. Probing the Formation, Structure and Free Energy Relationships of M Protein Dimers of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:573-582. [PMID: 35047128 PMCID: PMC8756865 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The M protein of the novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is the major structural component of the viral envelope and is also the minimum requirement for virus particle budding. M proteins generally exist as dimers. In virus assembly, they are the main driving force for envelope formation through lateral interactions and interactions with other viral structural proteins that play a central role. We built 100 candidate models and finally analyzed the six most convincing structural features of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein dimer based on long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, multiple free energy analyses (potential mean force (PMF) and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA)) and principal component analysis (PCA) to obtain the most reasonable structure. The dimer stability was found to depend on the Leu-Ile zipper motif and aromatic amino acids in the transmembrane domain (TMD). Furthermore, the C-terminal domain (CTD) effects were relatively small. These results highlight a model in which there is sufficient binding affinity between the TMDs of M proteins to form dimers through the residues at the interface of the three transmembrane helices (TMHs). This study aims to help find more effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M dimers and to develop vaccines based on structural information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Cao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital. 300031, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Shengpeng Jiang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Chengwen Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Ningbo Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Hongji Dai
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- College of Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Imshik Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
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Marciniec K, Beberok A, Boryczka S, Wrześniok D. The application of in silico experimental model in the assessment of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin interaction with main SARS-CoV-2 targets: S-, E- and TMPRSS2 proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and papain-like protease (PLpro)-preliminary molecular docking analysis. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1765-1780. [PMID: 34052981 PMCID: PMC8164684 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified at the end of 2019. Despite growing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 in virology as well as many molecular studies, except remdesivir, no specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug has been officially approved. METHODS In the present study molecular docking technique was applied to test binding affinity of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin-two commercially available fluoroquinolones, to SARS-CoV-2 S-, E- and TMPRSS2 proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and papain-like protease (PLPRO). Chloroquine and dexamethasone were used as reference positive controls. RESULTS When analyzing the molecular docking data it was noticed that ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin possess lower binding energy with S protein as compared to the references. In the case of TMPRSS2 protein and PLPRO protease the best docked ligand was levofloxacin and in the case of E proteins and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase the best docked ligands were levofloxacin and dexamethasone. Moreover, a molecular dynamics study also reveals that ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin form a stable complex with E- and TMPRSS2 proteins, RNA polymerase and papain-like protease (PLPRO). CONCLUSIONS The revealed data indicate that ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin could interact and potentially inhibit crucial SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Marciniec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Artur Beberok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Stanisław Boryczka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Dorota Wrześniok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
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25
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Hu Y, Liu M, Qin H, Lin H, An X, Shi Z, Song L, Yang X, Fan H, Tong Y. Artemether, Artesunate, Arteannuin B, Echinatin, Licochalcone B and Andrographolide Effectively Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and Related Viruses In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:680127. [PMID: 34527599 PMCID: PMC8435859 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.680127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first reported case caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan, COVID-19 has caused serious deaths and an ongoing global pandemic, and it is still raging in more than 200 countries and regions around the world and many new variants have appeared in the process of continuous transmission. In the early stage of the epidemic prevention and control and clinical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine played a huge role in China. Here, we screened out six monomer compounds, including artemether, artesunate, arteannuin B, echinatin, licochalcone B and andrographolide, with excellent anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-GX_P2V activity from Anti-COVID-19 Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Library containing 389 monomer compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions “three formulas and three drugs”. Our discovery preliminary proved the stage of action of those compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and provided inspiration for further research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjia Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqin Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbo Qin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haofeng Lin
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping An
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengli Shi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihua Song
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinglou Yang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huahao Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
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26
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Müller WEG, Neufurth M, Lieberwirth I, Muñoz-Espí R, Wang S, Schröder HC, Wang X. Triple-target stimuli-responsive anti-COVID-19 face mask with physiological virus-inactivating agents. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6052-6063. [PMID: 34190748 PMCID: PMC8439182 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00502b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Conventional face masks to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission are mostly based on a passive filtration principle. Ideally, anti-COVID-19 masks should protect the carrier not only by size exclusion of virus aerosol particles, but also be able to capture and destroy or inactivate the virus. Here we present the proof-of-concept of a filter mat for such a mask, which actively attracts aerosol droplets and kills the virus. The electrospun mats are made of polycaprolactone (PCL) a hydrophilic, functionalizable and biodegradable polyester, into which inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) a physiological biocompatible, biodegradable and antivirally active polymer (chain length, ∼40 Pi units) has been integrated. A soluble Na-polyP as well as amorphous calcium polyP nanoparticles (Ca-polyP-NP) have been used. In this composition, the polyP component of the polyP-PCL mats is stable in aqueous protein-free environment, but capable of transforming into a gel-like coacervate upon contact with divalent cations and protein like mucin present in (virus containing) aerosol droplets. In addition, the Ca-polyP-NP are used as a carrier of tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) which blocks the function of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein, an ion channel forming viroporin. The properties of this novel mask filter mats are as follows: First, to attract and to trap virus-like particles during the polyP coacervate formation induced in situ by aerosol droplets on the spun PCL fibers, as shown here by using SARS-CoV-2 mimicking fluorescent nanoparticles. Second, after disintegration the NP by the aerosol-mucus constituents, to release polyP that binds to and abolishes the function of the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein. Third, to destroy the virus by releasing tretinoin, as shown by the disruption of virus-mimicking liposomes with the integrated recombinant viral viroporin. It is proposed that these properties, which are inducible (stimuli responsive), will allow the design of antiviral masks that are smart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner E G Müller
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
- NanotecMARIN GmbH, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Meik Neufurth
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ingo Lieberwirth
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rafael Muñoz-Espí
- Institute of Materials Science (ICMUV), Universitat de València, C/Catedràtic José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, València, Spain
| | - Shunfeng Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Heinz C Schröder
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
- NanotecMARIN GmbH, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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27
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Mathieu C, Touret F, Jacquemin C, Janin YL, Nougairède A, Brailly M, Mazelier M, Décimo D, Vasseur V, Hans A, Valle-Casuso JC, de Lamballerie X, Horvat B, André P, Si-Tahar M, Lotteau V, Vidalain PO. A Bioluminescent 3CL Pro Activity Assay to Monitor SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Identify Inhibitors. Viruses 2021; 13:1814. [PMID: 34578395 PMCID: PMC8473059 DOI: 10.3390/v13091814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our therapeutic arsenal against viruses is very limited and the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 highlights the critical need for effective antivirals against emerging coronaviruses. Cellular assays allowing a precise quantification of viral replication in high-throughput experimental settings are essential to the screening of chemical libraries and the selection of best antiviral chemical structures. To develop a reporting system for SARS-CoV-2 infection, we generated cell lines expressing a firefly luciferase maintained in an inactive form by a consensus cleavage site for the viral protease 3CLPro of coronaviruses, so that the luminescent biosensor is turned on upon 3CLPro expression or SARS-CoV-2 infection. This cellular assay was used to screen a metabolism-oriented library of 492 compounds to identify metabolic vulnerabilities of coronaviruses for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. In agreement with recent reports, inhibitors of pyrimidine biosynthesis were found to prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication. Among the top hits, we also identified the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor Setanaxib. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Setanaxib was further confirmed using ACE2-expressing human pulmonary cells Beas2B as well as human primary nasal epithelial cells. Altogether, these results validate our cell-based functional assay and the interest of screening libraries of different origins to identify inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 for drug repurposing or development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Franck Touret
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.T.); (A.N.); (X.d.L.)
| | - Clémence Jacquemin
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Yves L. Janin
- Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 3523, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France;
| | - Antoine Nougairède
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.T.); (A.N.); (X.d.L.)
| | - Manon Brailly
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Magalie Mazelier
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Didier Décimo
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Virginie Vasseur
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1100, Faculty of Medecine, University of Tours, 37000 Tours, France; (V.V.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Aymeric Hans
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Site de Normandie de l’Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (ANSES), Physiopathologie et épidémiologie des maladies équines (PhEED) Unit, 14430 Goustranville, France; (A.H.); (J.-C.V.-C.)
| | - José-Carlos Valle-Casuso
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Site de Normandie de l’Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (ANSES), Physiopathologie et épidémiologie des maladies équines (PhEED) Unit, 14430 Goustranville, France; (A.H.); (J.-C.V.-C.)
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.T.); (A.N.); (X.d.L.)
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Patrice André
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Mustapha Si-Tahar
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1100, Faculty of Medecine, University of Tours, 37000 Tours, France; (V.V.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Vincent Lotteau
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Pierre-Olivier Vidalain
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
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28
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King E, Aitchison E, Li H, Luo R. Recent Developments in Free Energy Calculations for Drug Discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:712085. [PMID: 34458321 PMCID: PMC8387144 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.712085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The grand challenge in structure-based drug design is achieving accurate prediction of binding free energies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations enable modeling of conformational changes critical to the binding process, leading to calculation of thermodynamic quantities involved in estimation of binding affinities. With recent advancements in computing capability and predictive accuracy, MD based virtual screening has progressed from the domain of theoretical attempts to real application in drug development. Approaches including the Molecular Mechanics Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA), Linear Interaction Energy (LIE), and alchemical methods have been broadly applied to model molecular recognition for drug discovery and lead optimization. Here we review the varied methodology of these approaches, developments enhancing simulation efficiency and reliability, remaining challenges hindering predictive performance, and applications to problems in the fields of medicine and biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward King
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Erick Aitchison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Han Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ray Luo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
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29
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Grant SN, Lester HA. Regulation of epithelial sodium channel activity by SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Biophys J 2021; 120:2805-2813. [PMID: 34197807 PMCID: PMC8238646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019, encodes several proteins whose roles are poorly understood. We tested their ability either to directly form plasma membrane ion channels or to change functions of two mammalian plasma membrane ion channels, the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In mRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes, none of nine SARS-CoV-2 proteins or two SARS-CoV-1 proteins produced conductances, nor did co-injection of several combinations. Immunoblots for ORF8, spike (S), and envelope (E) proteins revealed that the proteins are expressed at appropriate molecular weights. In experiments on coexpression with ENaC, three tested SARS proteins (SARS-CoV-1 E, SARS-CoV-2 E, and SARS-CoV-2 S) markedly decrease ENaC currents. SARS-CoV-1 S protein decreases ENaC currents modestly. Coexpressing the E proteins but not the S proteins with α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors significantly reduces acetylcholine-induced currents. ENaC inhibition does not occur if the SARS-CoV protein mRNAs are injected 24 h after the ENaC mRNAs, suggesting that SARS-CoV proteins affect early step(s) in functional expression of channel proteins. Consistent with the hypothesis that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein-induced ENaC inhibition involves competition for available protease, mutating the furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 S protein partially relieves inhibition of ENaC currents. Extending previous suggestions that SARS proteins affect ENaC currents via protein kinase C (PKC) activation, PKC activation via phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate decreases ENaC and α3β4 activity. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate application reduced membrane capacitance ∼5%, presumably via increased endocytosis, but this decrease is much smaller than the SARS proteins' effects on conductances. Also, incubating oocytes in Gö-6976, a PKCα and PKCβ inhibitor, did not alter E or S protein-induced channel inhibition. We conclude that SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 proteins alter the function of human plasma membrane channels, via incompletely understood mechanisms. These interactions may play a role in the coronavirus 2019 pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen N Grant
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pasadena, California
| | - Henry A Lester
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.
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30
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Bayat V, Ryono R, Phelps S, Geis E, Sedghi F, Etminani P, Holodniy M. Reduced Mortality With Ondansetron Use in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Inpatients. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab336. [PMID: 34307731 PMCID: PMC8294673 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a surge in clinical trials evaluating investigational and approved drugs. Retrospective analysis of drugs taken by COVID-19 inpatients provides key information on drugs associated with better or worse outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 10 741 patients testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection within 3 days of admission to compare risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in patients receiving ondansetron using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. All-cause mortality, length of hospital stay, adverse events such as ischemic cerebral infarction, and subsequent positive COVID-19 tests were measured. Results Administration of ≥8 mg of ondansetron within 48 hours of admission was correlated with an adjusted hazard ratio for 30-day all-cause mortality of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.42-0.70; P < .001) and 0.52 (95% CI, 0.31-0.87; P = .012) for all and intensive care unit-admitted patients, respectively. Decreased lengths of stay (9.2 vs 11.6; P < .001), frequencies of subsequent positive SARS-CoV-2 tests (53.6% vs 75.0%; P = .01), and long-term risks of ischemic cerebral ischemia (3.2% vs 6.1%; P < .001) were also noted. Conclusions If confirmed by prospective clinical trials, our results suggest that ondansetron, a safe, widely available drug, could be used to decrease morbidity and mortality in at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vafa Bayat
- Bitscopic Inc., Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Holodniy
- Public Health Surveillance and Research, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA.,Division of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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31
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Cao Y, Yang R, Lee I, Zhang W, Sun J, Wang W, Meng X. Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 E Protein: Sequence, Structure, Viroporin, and Inhibitors. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1114-1130. [PMID: 33813796 PMCID: PMC8138525 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic is one of the most influential epidemics in history. Understanding the impact of coronaviruses (CoVs) on host cells is very important for disease treatment. The SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein is a small structural protein involved in many aspects of the viral life cycle. The E protein promotes the packaging and reproduction of the virus, and deletion of this protein weakens or even abolishes the virulence. This review aims to establish new knowledge by combining recent advances in the study of the SARS-CoV-2 E protein and by comparing it with the SARS-CoV E protein. The E protein amino acid sequence, structure, self-assembly characteristics, viroporin mechanisms and inhibitors are summarized and analyzed herein. Although the mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV E proteins are similar in many respects, specific studies on the SARS-CoV-2 E protein, for both monomers and oligomers, are still lacking. A comprehensive understanding of this protein should prompt further studies on the design and characterization of effective targeted therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Cao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjinPeople's Republic of China
- National Supercomputer Center in TianjinTEDA‐Tianjin Economic‐Technological Development AreaTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Infection and ImmunityTianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated HospitalTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Imshik Lee
- College of PhysicsNankai UniversityTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jiana Sun
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjinPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- National Supercomputer Center in TianjinTEDA‐Tianjin Economic‐Technological Development AreaTianjinPeople's Republic of China
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32
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Rouka E, Gourgoulianis KI, Zarogiannis SG. In silico investigation of the viroporin E as a vaccine target against SARS-CoV-2. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 320:L1057-L1063. [PMID: 33822639 PMCID: PMC8203416 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00443.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Viroporins, integral viral membrane ion channel proteins, interact with host-cell proteins deregulating physiological processes and activating inflammasomes. Severity of COVID-19 might be associated with hyperinflammation, thus we aimed at the complete immunoinformatic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 viroporin E, P0DTC4. We also identified the human proteins interacting with P0DTC4 and the enriched molecular functions of the corresponding genes. The complete sequence of P0DTC4 in FASTA format was processed in 10 databases relative to secondary and tertiary protein structure analyses and prediction of optimal vaccine epitopes. Three more databases were accessed for the retrieval and the molecular functional characterization of the P0DTC4 human interactors. The immunoinformatics analysis resulted in the identification of 4 discontinuous B-cell epitopes along with 1 linear B-cell epitope and 11 T-cell epitopes which were found to be antigenic, immunogenic, nonallergen, nontoxin, and unable to induce autoimmunity thus fulfilling prerequisites for vaccine design. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the predicted host interactors of P0DTC4 target the cellular acetylation network. Two of the identified host-cell proteins – BRD2 and BRD4 – have been shown to be promising targets for antiviral therapy. Thus, our findings have implications for COVID-19 therapy and indicate that viroporin E could serve as a promising vaccine target against SARS-CoV-2. Validation experiments are required to complement these in silico results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erasmia Rouka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sotirios G Zarogiannis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
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33
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Tan Y, Schneider T, Shukla PK, Chandrasekharan MB, Aravind L, Zhang D. Unification and extensive diversification of M/Orf3-related ion channel proteins in coronaviruses and other nidoviruses. Virus Evol 2021; 7:veab014. [PMID: 33692906 PMCID: PMC7928690 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2, responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has emphasized the need for a better understanding of the evolution of virus-host interactions. ORF3a in both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 are ion channels (viroporins) implicated in virion assembly and membrane budding. Using sensitive profile-based homology detection methods, we unify the SARS-CoV ORF3a family with several families of viral proteins, including ORF5 from MERS-CoVs, proteins from beta-CoVs (ORF3c), alpha-CoVs (ORF3b), most importantly, the Matrix (M) proteins from CoVs, and more distant homologs from other nidoviruses. We present computational evidence that these viral families might utilize specific conserved polar residues to constitute an aqueous pore within the membrane-spanning region. We reconstruct an evolutionary history of these families and objectively establish the common origin of the M proteins of CoVs and Toroviruses. We also show that the divergent ORF3 clade (ORF3a/ORF3b/ORF3c/ORF5 families) represents a duplication stemming from the M protein in alpha- and beta-CoVs. By phyletic profiling of major structural components of primary nidoviruses, we present a hypothesis for their role in virion assembly of CoVs, ToroVs, and Arteriviruses. The unification of diverse M/ORF3 ion channel families in a wide range of nidoviruses, especially the typical M protein in CoVs, reveal a conserved, previously under-appreciated role of ion channels in virion assembly and membrane budding. We show that M and ORF3 are under different evolutionary pressures; in contrast to the slow evolution of M as core structural component, the ORF3 clade is under selection for diversification, which suggests it might act at the interface with host molecules and/or immune attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Tan
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Theresa Schneider
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Prakash K Shukla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Mahesh B Chandrasekharan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
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34
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Hosseini M, Chen W, Xiao D, Wang C. Computational molecular docking and virtual screening revealed promising SARS-CoV-2 drugs. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2021; 4:1-16. [PMID: 33842834 PMCID: PMC7928605 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rampaged the world, with more than 58.4 million confirmed cases and over 1.38 million deaths across the world by 23 November 2020. There is an urgent need to identify effective drugs and vaccines to fight against the virus. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the family of coronaviruses consisting of four structural and 16 non-structural proteins (NSP). Three non-structural proteins, main protease (Mpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), are believed to have a crucial role in replication of the virus. We applied computational ligand-receptor binding modeling and performed comprehensive virtual screening on FDA-approved drugs against these three SARS-CoV-2 proteins using AutoDock Vina, Glide, and rDock. Our computational studies identified six novel ligands as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2, including antiemetics rolapitant and ondansetron for Mpro; labetalol and levomefolic acid for PLpro; and leucal and antifungal natamycin for RdRp. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the ligand-protein complexes. The results of our analysis with some other suggested drugs indicated that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine had high binding energy (low inhibitory effect) with all three proteins-Mpro, PLpro, and RdRp. In summary, our computational molecular docking approach and virtual screening identified some promising candidate SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors that may be considered for further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Wanqiu Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Daliao Xiao
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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35
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Tam NM, Pham MQ, Ha NX, Nam PC, Phung HTT. Computational estimation of potential inhibitors from known drugs against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. RSC Adv 2021; 11:17478-17486. [PMID: 35479689 PMCID: PMC9032918 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra02529e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread worldwide recently, leading to global social and economic disruption. Although the emergently approved vaccine programs against SARS-CoV-2 have been rolled out globally, the number of COVID-19 daily cases and deaths has remained significantly high. Here, we attempt to computationally screen for possible medications for COVID-19 via rapidly estimating the highly potential inhibitors from an FDA-approved drug database against the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. The approach combined molecular docking and fast pulling of ligand (FPL) simulations that were demonstrated to be accurate and suitable for quick prediction of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The results suggested that twenty-seven compounds were capable of strongly associating with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Among them, the seven top leads are daclatasvir, teniposide, etoposide, levoleucovorin, naldemedine, cabozantinib, and irinotecan. The potential application of these drugs in COVID-19 therapy has thus been discussed. Approved drugs predicted to interact with critical residues in the substrate-binding site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro can be promising inhibitors.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Minh Tam
- Computational Chemistry Research Group
- Ton Duc Thang University
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
| | - Minh Quan Pham
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- Hanoi
- Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology
| | - Nguyen Xuan Ha
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environment
- Thuyloi University
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Hanoi
- Vietnam
| | - Pham Cam Nam
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- The University of Da Nang
- University of Science and Technology
- Da Nang City
- Vietnam
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