1
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Hristova SH, Zhivkov AM. Three-Dimensional Structural Stability and Local Electrostatic Potential at Point Mutations in Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2174. [PMID: 38396850 PMCID: PMC10889838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 β-coronavirus is determined by the virus-receptor electrostatic association of its positively charged spike (S) protein with the negatively charged angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2 receptor) of the epithelial cells. If some mutations occur, the electrostatic potential on the surface of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) could be altered, and the S-ACE2 association could become stronger or weaker. The aim of the current research is to investigate whether point mutations can noticeably alter the electrostatic potential on the RBD and the 3D stability of the S1-subunit of the S-protein. For this purpose, 15 mutants with different hydrophilicity and electric charge (positive, negative, or uncharged) of the substituted and substituting amino acid residues, located on the RBD at the S1-ACE2 interface, are selected, and the 3D structure of the S1-subunit is reconstructed on the base of the crystallographic structure of the S-protein of the wild-type strain and the amino acid sequence of the unfolded polypeptide chain of the mutants. Then, the Gibbs free energy of folding, isoelectric point, and pH-dependent surface electrostatic potential of the S1-subunit are computed using programs for protein electrostatics. The results show alterations in the local electrostatic potential in the vicinity of the mutant amino acid residue, which can influence the S-ACE2 association. This approach allows prediction of the relative infectivity, transmissibility, and contagiousness (at equal social immune status) of new SARS-CoV-2 mutants by reconstruction of the 3D structure of the S1-subunit and calculation of the surface electrostatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana H. Hristova
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, Zdrave Street 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Alexandar M. Zhivkov
- Scientific Research Center, “St. Kliment Ohridski” Sofia University, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
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2
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Alshahrani M, Gupta G, Xiao S, Tao P, Verkhivker G. Comparative Analysis of Conformational Dynamics and Systematic Characterization of Cryptic Pockets in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 Spike Complexes with the ACE2 Host Receptor: Confluence of Binding and Structural Plasticity in Mediating Networks of Conserved Allosteric Sites. Viruses 2023; 15:2073. [PMID: 37896850 PMCID: PMC10612107 DOI: 10.3390/v15102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we explore coarse-grained simulations and atomistic molecular dynamics together with binding energetics scanning and cryptic pocket detection in a comparative examination of conformational landscapes and systematic characterization of allosteric binding sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 spike full-length trimer complexes with the host receptor ACE2. Microsecond simulations, Markov state models and mutational scanning of binding energies of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 and BA.2.75 receptor binding domain complexes revealed the increased thermodynamic stabilization of the BA.2.75 variant and significant dynamic differences between these Omicron variants. Molecular simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike full-length trimer complexes with the ACE2 receptor complemented atomistic studies and enabled an in-depth analysis of mutational and binding effects on conformational dynamic and functional adaptability of the Omicron variants. Despite considerable structural similarities, Omicron variants BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 can induce unique conformational dynamic signatures and specific distributions of the conformational states. Using conformational ensembles of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike trimer complexes with ACE2, we conducted a comprehensive cryptic pocket screening to examine the role of Omicron mutations and ACE2 binding on the distribution and functional mechanisms of the emerging allosteric binding sites. This analysis captured all experimentally known allosteric sites and discovered networks of inter-connected and functionally relevant allosteric sites that are governed by variant-sensitive conformational adaptability of the SARS-CoV-2 spike structures. The results detailed how ACE2 binding and Omicron mutations in the BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB.1 spike complexes modulate the distribution of conserved and druggable allosteric pockets harboring functionally important regions. The results are significant for understanding the functional roles of druggable cryptic pockets that can be used for allostery-mediated therapeutic intervention targeting conformational states of the Omicron variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Sian Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA; (S.X.); (P.T.)
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA; (S.X.); (P.T.)
| | - Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA; (M.A.); (G.G.)
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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3
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Hristova SH, Zhivkov AM. Omicron Coronavirus: pH-Dependent Electrostatic Potential and Energy of Association of Spike Protein to ACE2 Receptor. Viruses 2023; 15:1752. [PMID: 37632094 PMCID: PMC10460073 DOI: 10.3390/v15081752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The association of the S-protein of the SARS-CoV-2 beta coronavirus to ACE2 receptors of the human epithelial cells determines its contagiousness and pathogenicity. We computed the pH-dependent electric potential on the surface of the interacting globular proteins and pH-dependent Gibbs free energy at the association of the wild-type strain and the omicron variant. The calculated isoelectric points of the ACE2 receptor (pI 5.4) and the S-protein in trimeric form (pI 7.3, wild type), (pI 7.8, omicron variant), experimentally verified by isoelectric focusing, show that at pH 6-7, the S1-ACE2 association is conditioned by electrostatic attraction of the oppositely charged receptor and viral protein. The comparison of the local electrostatic potentials of the omicron variant and the wild-type strain shows that the point mutations alter the electrostatic potential in a relatively small area on the surface of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit. The appearance of seven charge-changing point mutations in RBD (equivalent to three additional positive charges) leads to a stronger S1-ACE2 association at pH 5.5 (typical for the respiratory tract) and a weaker one at pH 7.4 (characteristic of the blood plasma); this reveals the reason for the higher contagiousness but lower pathogenicity of the omicron variant in comparison to the wild-type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana H. Hristova
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, Zdrave Str. 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Alexandar M. Zhivkov
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 11, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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4
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Lomoio U, Puccio B, Tradigo G, Guzzi PH, Veltri P. SARS-CoV-2 protein structure and sequence mutations: Evolutionary analysis and effects on virus variants. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283400. [PMID: 37471335 PMCID: PMC10358949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure and sequence of proteins strongly influence their biological functions. New models and algorithms can help researchers in understanding how the evolution of sequences and structures is related to changes in functions. Recently, studies of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein structures have been performed to predict binding receptors and infection activity in COVID-19, hence the scientific interest in the effects of virus mutations due to sequence, structure and vaccination arises. However, there is the need for models and tools to study the links between the evolution of S protein sequence, structure and functions, and virus transmissibility and the effects of vaccination. As studies on S protein have been generated a large amount of relevant information, we propose in this work to use Protein Contact Networks (PCNs) to relate protein structures with biological properties by means of network topology properties. Topological properties are used to compare the structural changes with sequence changes. We find that both node centrality and community extraction analysis can be used to relate protein stability and functionality with sequence mutations. Starting from this we compare structural evolution to sequence changes and study mutations from a temporal perspective focusing on virus variants. Finally by applying our model to the Omicron variant we report a timeline correlation between Omicron and the vaccination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Lomoio
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Barbara Puccio
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Hiram Guzzi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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5
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Verkhivker G, Alshahrani M, Gupta G. Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulations and Ensemble-Based Mutational Profiling of Protein Stability in the Different Functional Forms of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Trimers: Balancing Stability and Adaptability in BA.1, BA.2 and BA.2.75 Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076642. [PMID: 37047615 PMCID: PMC10094791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary and functional studies have suggested that the emergence of Omicron variants can be determined by multiple fitness tradeoffs including immune escape, binding affinity, conformational plasticity, protein stability, and allosteric modulation. In this study, we embarked on a systematic comparative analysis of the conformational dynamics, electrostatics, protein stability, and allostery in the different functional states of spike trimers for BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 variants. Using efficient and accurate coarse-grained simulations and atomistic reconstruction of the ensembles, we examined the conformational dynamics of the spike trimers that agree with the recent functional studies, suggesting that BA.2.75 trimers are the most stable among these variants. A systematic mutational scanning of the inter-protomer interfaces in the spike trimers revealed a group of conserved structural stability hotspots that play a key role in the modulation of functional dynamics and are also involved in the inter-protomer couplings through local contacts and interaction networks with the Omicron mutational sites. The results of mutational scanning provided evidence that BA.2.75 trimers are more stable than BA.2 and comparable in stability to the BA.1 variant. Using dynamic network modeling of the S Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 trimers, we showed that the key network mediators of allosteric interactions are associated with the major stability hotspots that are interconnected along potential communication pathways. The network analysis of the BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 trimers suggested that the increased thermodynamic stability of the BA.2.75 variant may be linked with the organization and modularity of the residue interaction network that allows for allosteric communications between structural stability hotspots and Omicron mutational sites. This study provided a plausible rationale for a mechanism in which Omicron mutations may evolve by targeting vulnerable sites of conformational adaptability to elicit immune escape while maintaining their control on balancing protein stability and functional fitness through robust allosteric communications with the stability hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Grace Gupta
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
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6
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Ciccozzi M, Pascarella S. Two sides of the same coin: the N-terminal and the receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 Spike. Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2022-0181. [PMID: 36896145 PMCID: PMC9987531 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain and N-terminal domain interact with each other in an intricate mechanism. Mutations modulate the interplay between the Spike and host molecules. This editorial comments on the intricacies of SARS-CoV-2 Spike interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic & Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pascarella
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, 00185, Italy
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7
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Pascarella S, Ciccozzi M, Benvenuto D, Borsetti A, Cauda R, Cassone A. Peculiar Variations of the Electrostatic Potential of Spike Protein N-terminal Domain Associated with the Emergence of Successive SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Lineages. J Infect 2023; 86:66-117. [PMID: 35908615 PMCID: PMC9334862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pascarella
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center (CNAIDS); Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Cauda
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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8
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Hemagglutination: Implications for COVID-19 Morbidities and Therapeutics and for Vaccine Adverse Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415480. [PMID: 36555121 PMCID: PMC9779393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental findings for SARS-CoV-2 related to the glycan biochemistry of coronaviruses indicate that attachments from spike protein to glycoconjugates on the surfaces of red blood cells (RBCs), other blood cells and endothelial cells are key to the infectivity and morbidity of COVID-19. To provide further insight into these glycan attachments and their potential clinical relevance, the classic hemagglutination (HA) assay was applied using spike protein from the Wuhan, Alpha, Delta and Omicron B.1.1.529 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 mixed with human RBCs. The electrostatic potential of the central region of spike protein from these four lineages was studied through molecular modeling simulations. Inhibition of spike protein-induced HA was tested using the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM), which is indicated to bind strongly to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan sites. The results of these experiments were, first, that spike protein from these four lineages of SARS-CoV-2 induced HA. Omicron induced HA at a significantly lower threshold concentration of spike protein than the three prior lineages and was much more electropositive on its central spike protein region. IVM blocked HA when added to RBCs prior to spike protein and reversed HA when added afterward. These results validate and extend prior findings on the role of glycan bindings of viral spike protein in COVID-19. They furthermore suggest therapeutic options using competitive glycan-binding agents such as IVM and may help elucidate rare serious adverse effects (AEs) associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which use spike protein as the generated antigen.
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9
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Fogolari M, Francesconi M, De Florio L, Giovanetti M, Veralli R, De Flora C, Maruotti A, Scarpa F, Spoto S, Sambuco F, Riva E, Ciccozzi M, Angeletti S. SARS-CoV-2 Variants in COVID-19 Disease: A Focus on Disease Severity and Vaccine Immunity in Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122001. [PMID: 36556222 PMCID: PMC9783322 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants along with vaccinations are fundamental for severe COVID-19 disease prevention. A study was performed that focused on 43 patients with the SARS-CoV-2 infection who were admitted to the Emergency Department. RT-PCR-positive nasopharyngeal samples were sequenced using the MiSeq II system for variant detection. The main reason for Emergency Department admission was COVID-19 (67%), followed by other causes (33%); 51% patients were unvaccinated or vaccinated with a single dose and 49% had completed the vaccination course with two or three doses. Among the vaccinated group, 38% were admitted for COVID-19, versus 94.5% of the unvaccinated group. After admission, 50% of the vaccinated group and 36% of the unvaccinated group were discharged and allowed to go home, and 80% of the unvaccinated had no major comorbidities; 63% needed hospital admission and 5% required a stay in the Intensive Care Unit. Of these, 37% were vaccinated with 3 doses, 11% with two doses, 4% with a single dose, and 48% were unvaccinated. The 70% of the vaccinated patients who were admitted to hospital presented major comorbidities versus 38% of the unvaccinated group. Two unvaccinated patients that needed intensive care had relevant comorbidities and died. Genome sequencing showed the circulation of three omicron and two pure sub-lineages of omicron, including 22 BA.1, 12 BA.1.1, and 7 BA.2. Data showed the SARS-CoV-2 national and international migration patterns and how vaccination was useful for severe COVID-19 disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fogolari
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Francesconi
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Lucia De Florio
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, University of Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Veralli
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Virology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Cecilia De Flora
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Maruotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche, Politiche e delle Lingue Moderne—Libera Università Maria Ss Assunta, 00193 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Spoto
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Sambuco
- Emergency Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Riva
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Virology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-225414161
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Kumar S, Karuppanan K, Subramaniam G. Omicron (BA.1) and sub-variants (BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3) of SARS-CoV-2 spike infectivity and pathogenicity: A comparative sequence and structural-based computational assessment. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4780-4791. [PMID: 35680610 PMCID: PMC9347785 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now spread throughout the world. We used computational tools to assess the spike infectivity, transmission, and pathogenicity of Omicron (BA.1) and sub-variants (BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3) in this study. BA.1 has 39 mutations, BA.1.1 has 40 mutations, BA.2 has 31 mutations, and BA.3 has 34 mutations, with 21 shared mutations between all. We observed 11 common mutations in Omicron's receptor-binding domain (RBD) and sub-variants. In pathogenicity analysis, the Y505H, N786K, T95I, N211I, N856K, and V213R mutations in omicron and sub-variants are predicted to be deleterious. Due to the major effect of the mutations characterizing in the RBD, we found that Omicron and sub-variants had a higher positive electrostatic surface potential. This could increase interaction between RBD and negative electrostatic surface potential human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Omicron and sub-variants had a higher affinity for hACE2 and the potential for increased transmission when compared to the wild-type (WT). Negative electrostatic potential of N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein value indicates that the Omicron variant binds receptors less efficiently than the WT. Given that at least one receptor is highly expressed in lung and bronchial cells, the electrostatic potential of NTD negative value could be one of the factors contributing to why the Omicron variant is thought to be less harmful to the lower respiratory tract. Among Omicron sub-lineages, BA.2 and BA.3 have a higher transmission potential than BA.1 and BA.1.1. We predicted that mutated residues in BA.1.1 (K478), BA.2 (R400, R490, and R495), and BA.3 (R397 and H499) formation of new salt bridges and hydrogen bonds. Omicron and sub-variant mutations at Receptor-binding Motif (RBM) residues such as Q493R, N501Y, Q498, T478K, and Y505H all contribute significantly to binding affinity with human ACE2. Interactions with Omicron variant mutations at residues 493, 496, 498, and 501 seem to restore ACE2 binding effectiveness lost due to other mutations like K417N.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar
- Department of Diagnostic & Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesManagement and Science UniversityShah AlamSelangorMalaysia
| | - Kalimuthu Karuppanan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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11
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Barroso da Silva FL, Giron CC, Laaksonen A. Electrostatic Features for the Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-COV-2 Wildtype and Its Variants. Compass to the Severity of the Future Variants with the Charge-Rule. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:6835-6852. [PMID: 36066414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrostatic intermolecular interactions are important in many aspects of biology. We have studied the main electrostatic features involved in the interaction of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the human receptor Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As the principal computational tool, we have used the FORTE approach, capable to model proton fluctuations and computing free energies for a very large number of protein-protein systems under different physical-chemical conditions, here focusing on the RBD-ACE2 interactions. Both the wild-type and all critical variants are included in this study. From our large ensemble of extensive simulations, we obtain, as a function of pH, the binding affinities, charges of the proteins, their charge regulation capacities, and their dipole moments. In addition, we have calculated the pKas for all ionizable residues and mapped the electrostatic coupling between them. We are able to present a simple predictor for the RBD-ACE2 binding based on the data obtained for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, as a linear correlation between the total charge of the RBD and the corresponding binding affinity. This "RBD charge rule" should work as a quick test of the degree of severity of the coming SARS-CoV-2 variants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando L Barroso da Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. café, s/no-campus da USP, BR-14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Carolina Corrêa Giron
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. café, s/no-campus da USP, BR-14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Av. Getúlio Guaritá, 38025-440 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China.,Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Grigore Ghica-Voda, 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania.,Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden.,Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, Campus Monserrato, University of Cagliari, SS 554 bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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Fedorov V, Kholina E, Khruschev S, Kovalenko I, Rubin A, Strakhovskaya M. Electrostatic Map of the SARS-CoV-2 Virion Specifies Binding Sites of the Antiviral Cationic Photosensitizer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7304. [PMID: 35806316 PMCID: PMC9266743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrostatics is an important part of virus life. Understanding the detailed distribution of charges over the surface of a virus is important to predict its interactions with host cells, antibodies, drugs, and different materials. Using a coarse-grained model of the entire viral envelope developed by D. Korkin and S.-J. Marrink's scientific groups, we created an electrostatic map of the external surface of SARS-CoV-2 and found a highly heterogeneous distribution of the electrostatic potential field of the viral envelope. Numerous negative patches originate mainly from negatively charged lipid domains in the viral membrane and negatively charged areas on the "stalks" of the spike (S) proteins. Membrane (M) and envelope (E) proteins with the total positive charge tend to colocalize with the negatively charged lipids. In the E protein pentamer exposed to the outer surface, negatively charged glutamate residues and surrounding lipids form a negative electrostatic potential ring around the channel entrance. We simulated the interaction of the antiviral octacationic photosensitizer octakis(cholinyl)zinc phthalocyanine with the surface structures of the entire model virion using the Brownian dynamics computational method implemented in ProKSim software (version r661). All mentioned negatively charged envelope components attracted the photosensitizer molecules and are thus potential targets for reactive oxygen generated in photosensitized reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Fedorov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.K.); (I.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Ekaterina Kholina
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.K.); (I.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Sergei Khruschev
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.K.); (I.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Ilya Kovalenko
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.K.); (I.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.)
- Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrew Rubin
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.K.); (I.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Marina Strakhovskaya
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.K.); (I.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.)
- Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
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Yuan S, Jiang SC, Zhang ZW, Fu YF, Yang XY, Li ZL, Hu J, Du JB, Yuan M, Chen YE. Surface electrostatic shift on spike protein decreased antibody activities against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. J Infect 2022; 85:174-211. [PMID: 35472368 PMCID: PMC9035662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yuan
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Si-Cong Jiang
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Comp. Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Fan Fu
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin-Yue Yang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zi-Lin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Medical University of the Air Force, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Hu
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jun-Bo Du
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Yang-Er Chen
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
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