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Li W, Ding T, Chang H, Peng Y, Li J, Liang X, Ma H, Li F, Ren M, Wang W. Plant-derived strategies to fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116000. [PMID: 38056300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116000] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented crisis, which has been exacerbated because specific drugs and treatments have not yet been developed. In the post-pandemic era, humans and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) will remain in equilibrium for a long time. Therefore, we still need to be vigilant against mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants and other emerging human viruses. Plant-derived products are increasingly important in the fight against the pandemic, but a comprehensive review is lacking. This review describes plant-based strategies centered on key biological processes, such as SARS-CoV-2 transmission, entry, replication, and immune interference. We highlight the mechanisms and effects of these plant-derived products and their feasibility and limitations for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The development of emerging technologies is driving plants to become production platforms for various antiviral products, improving their medicinal potential. We believe that plant-based strategies will be an important part of the solutions for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Tianze Ding
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Huimin Chang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yuanchang Peng
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Jun Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xin Liang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Huixin Ma
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Fuguang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Maozhi Ren
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572000, China.
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2
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Srivastava R, Panda SK, Sen Gupta PS, Chaudhary A, Naaz F, Yadav AK, Ram NK, Rana MK, Singh RK, Srivastava R. In silico evaluation of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine analogs as inhibitors of nsp14-viral cap N7 methyltranferase and PLpro of SARS-CoV-2: synthesis, molecular docking, physicochemical data, ADMET and molecular dynamics simulations studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-18. [PMID: 38147408 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2297005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
A series of S-adenosyl-L-homosysteine (SAH) analogs, with modification in the base and sugar moiety, have been designed, synthesized and screened as nsp14 and PLpro inhibitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). The outcomes of ADMET (Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) studies demonstrated that the physicochemical properties of all analogs were permissible for development of these SAH analogs as antiviral agents. All molecules were screened against different SARS-CoV-2 targets using molecular docking. The docking results revealed that the SAH analogs interacted well in the active site of nsp14 protein having H-bond interactions with the amino acid residues Arg289, Val290, Asn388, Arg400, Phe401 and π-alkyl interactions with Arg289, Val290 and Phe426 of Nsp14-MTase site. These analogs also formed stable H-bonds with Leu163, Asp165, Arg167, Ser246, Gln270, Tyr274 and Asp303 residues of PLpro proteins and found to be quite stable complexes therefore behaved as probable nsp14 and PLpro inhibitors. Interestingly, analog 3 showed significant in silico activity against the nsp14 N7 methyltransferase of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular dynamics (MD) and post-MD results of analog 3 unambiguously established the higher stability of the nsp14 (N7 MTase):3 complex and also indicated its behavior as probable nsp14 inhibitor like the reference sinefungin. The docking and MD simulations studies also suggested that sinefungin did act as SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitor as well. This study's findings not only underscore the efficacy of the designed SAH analogs as potent inhibitors against crucial SARS-CoV-2 proteins but also pinpoint analog 3 as a particularly promising candidate. All the study provides valuable insights, paving the way for potential advancements in antiviral drug development against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Srivastava
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Odisha, India
- Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Saroj Kumar Panda
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Odisha, India
| | - Parth Sarthi Sen Gupta
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, India
| | - Anvita Chaudhary
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Farha Naaz
- Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Aditya K Yadav
- Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Nand Kumar Ram
- Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Malay Kumar Rana
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Odisha, India
| | - Ramendra K Singh
- Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Richa Srivastava
- Bioorganic Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
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3
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Samrat SK, Bashir Q, Zhang R, Huang Y, Liu Y, Wu X, Brown T, Wang W, Zheng YG, Zhang QY, Chen Y, Li Z, Li H. A universal fluorescence polarization high throughput screening assay to target the SAM-binding sites of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral methyltransferases. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2204164. [PMID: 37060263 PMCID: PMC10165934 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2204164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic with significant humanity and economic loss since 2020. Currently, only limited options are available to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections for vulnerable populations. In this study, we report a universal fluorescence polarization (FP)-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay for SAM-dependent viral methyltransferases (MTases), using a fluorescent SAM-analogue, FL-NAH. We performed the assay against a reference MTase, NSP14, an essential enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 to methylate the N7 position of viral 5'-RNA guanine cap. The assay is universal and suitable for any SAM-dependent viral MTases such as the SARS-CoV-2 NSP16/NSP10 MTase complex and the NS5 MTase of Zika virus (ZIKV). Pilot screening demonstrated that the HTS assay was very robust and identified two candidate inhibitors, NSC 111552 and 288387. The two compounds inhibited the FL-NAH binding to the NSP14 MTase with low micromolar IC50. We used three functional MTase assays to unambiguously verified the inhibitory potency of these molecules for the NSP14 N7-MTase function. Binding studies indicated that these molecules are bound directly to the NSP14 MTase with similar low micromolar affinity. Moreover, we further demonstrated that these molecules significantly inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell-based assays at concentrations not causing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, NSC111552 significantly synergized with known SARS-CoV-2 drugs including nirmatrelvir and remdesivir. Finally, docking suggested that these molecules bind specifically to the SAM-binding site on the NSP14 MTase. Overall, these molecules represent novel and promising candidates to further develop broad-spectrum inhibitors for the management of viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar Samrat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Qamar Bashir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yiding Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Xiangmeng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Tyler Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Y. George Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Qing-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science & College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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4
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Dinda B, Dinda M, Dinda S, De UC. An overview of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory potential of baicalein and its metabolite baicalin: Insights into molecular mechanisms. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115629. [PMID: 37437351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly contagious infection that breaks the healthcare systems of several countries worldwide. Till to date, no effective antiviral drugs against COVID-19 infection have reached the market, and some repurposed drugs and vaccines are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of this disease. The currently prescribed COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against the newly emergent variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 due to several mutations in viral spike protein and obviously there is an urgency to develop new antiviral drugs against this disease. In this review article, we systematically discussed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory efficacy of two flavonoids, baicalein and its 7-O-glucuronide, baicalin, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, Oroxylum indicum, and other plants as well as their pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability, for development of safe and effective drugs for COVID-19 treatment. Both baicalein and baicalin target the activities of viral S-, 3CL-, PL-, RdRp- and nsp13-proteins, and host mitochondrial OXPHOS for suppression of viral infection. Moreover, these compounds prevent sepsis-related inflammation and organ injury by modulation of host innate immune responses. Several nanoformulated and inclusion complexes of baicalein and baicalin have been reported to increase oral bioavailability, but their safety and efficacy in SARS-CoV-2-infected transgenic animals are not yet evaluated. Future studies on these compounds are required for use in clinical trials of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswanath Dinda
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Agartala, Tripura, India.
| | - Manikarna Dinda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Subhajit Dinda
- Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College, Kamalpur, Dhalai, Tripura, India
| | - Utpal Chandra De
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Agartala, Tripura, India
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5
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Wang D, Li Y. Pharmacological effects of baicalin in lung diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1188202. [PMID: 37168996 PMCID: PMC10164968 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1188202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The flavonoids baicalin and baicalein were discovered in the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and are primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine, herbal supplements and healthcare. Recently, accumulated investigations have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of baicalin in treating various lung diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, anticancer, and antiviral effects. In this review, the PubMed database and ClinicalTrials website were searched with the search string "baicalin" and "lung" for articles published between September 1970 and March 2023. We summarized the therapeutic role that baicalin plays in a variety of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary infections, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, and lung cancer. We also discussed the underlying mechanisms of baicalin targeting in these lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoning Wang
- Chengdu Hi-tech Nanxili Jiuzheng Clinic, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Chengdu Hi-tech Nanxili Jiuzheng Clinic, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Li, /
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6
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Budipramana K, Sangande F. Molecular docking-based virtual screening: Challenges in hits identification for Anti-SARS-Cov-2 activity. PHARMACIA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.69.e89812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) requires finding new drugs or repurposing drugs for clinical use. Molecular docking belongs to structure-based drug design providing a fast method for identifying the hit compounds with antiviral activity against SARS-Cov-2. However, the weakness of the docking method is compounded by the limited crystallographic information and comparison drugs due to the novelty of this virus can present challenges in identifying hits of anti-SARS-Cov-2. In the current review, we highlighted several aspects, especially those related to the target structure, docking validation, and virtual hit selection, that need to be considered to obtain reliable docking results. Here, we discussed several cases pertaining to the issue highlighted and approaches that could be used to solve them.
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7
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Ruchawapol C, Fu WW, Xu HX. A review on computational approaches that support the researches on traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) against COVID-19. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154324. [PMID: 35841663 PMCID: PMC9259013 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 highly caused contagious infections and massive deaths worldwide as well as unprecedentedly disrupting global economies and societies, and the urgent development of new antiviral medications are required. Medicinal herbs are promising resources for the discovery of prophylactic candidate against COVID-19. Considerable amounts of experimental efforts have been made on vaccines and direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), but neither of them was fast and fully developed. PURPOSE This study examined the computational approaches that have played a significant role in drug discovery and development against COVID-19, and these computational methods and tools will be helpful for the discovery of lead compounds from phytochemicals and understanding the molecular mechanism of action of TCM in the prevention and control of the other diseases. METHODS A search conducting in scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) found a total of 2172 articles, which were retrieved via web interface of the following websites. After applying some inclusion and exclusion criteria and full-text screening, only 292 articles were collected as eligible articles. RESULTS In this review, we highlight three main categories of computational approaches including structure-based, knowledge-mining (artificial intelligence) and network-based approaches. The most commonly used database, molecular docking tool, and MD simulation software include TCMSP, AutoDock Vina, and GROMACS, respectively. Network-based approaches were mainly provided to help readers understanding the complex mechanisms of multiple TCM ingredients, targets, diseases, and networks. CONCLUSION Computational approaches have been broadly applied to the research of phytochemicals and TCM against COVID-19, and played a significant role in drug discovery and development in terms of the financial and time saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chattarin Ruchawapol
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Lu 1200, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Centre of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Cai Lun Lu 1200, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wen-Wei Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Lu 1200, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Centre of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Cai Lun Lu 1200, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Lu 1200, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Centre of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Cai Lun Lu 1200, Shanghai 201203, China.
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8
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Zhao Y, Deng S, Bai Y, Guo J, Kai G, Huang X, Jia X. Promising natural products against SARS-CoV-2: Structure, function, and clinical trials. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3833-3858. [PMID: 35932157 PMCID: PMC9538226 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) poses a severe threat to human health and still spreads globally. Due to the high mutation ratio and breakthrough infection rate of the virus, vaccines and anti‐COVID‐19 drugs require continual improvements. Drug screening research has shown that some natural active products can target the critical proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2, including 3CLpro, ACE2, FURIN, and RdRp, which could produce great inhibitory effects on SARS‐COV‐2. In addition, some natural products have displayed activities of immunomodulation, antiinflammatory, and antihepatic failure in COVID‐19 clinical trials, which may relate to their non‐monomeric structures. However, further evaluation and high‐quality assessments, including safety verification tests, drug interaction tests, and clinical trials, are needed to substantiate natural products' multi‐target and multi‐pathway effects on COVID‐19. Here, we review the literature on several promising active natural products that may act as vaccine immune enhancers or provide targeted anti‐COVID‐19 drugs. The structures, mechanisms of action, and research progress of these natural products are analyzed, to hopefully provide effective ideas for the development of targeted drugs that possess better structure, potency, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujiao Bai
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoyin Kai
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinhe Huang
- Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Jia
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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9
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Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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10
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Pereira M, Vale N. Saquinavir: From HIV to COVID-19 and Cancer Treatment. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070944. [PMID: 35883499 PMCID: PMC9313067 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Saquinavir was the first protease inhibitor developed for HIV therapy, and it changed the standard of treatment for this disease to a combination of drugs that ultimately led to increased survival of this otherwise deadly condition. Inhibiting the HIV protease impedes the virus from maturing and replicating. With this in mind, since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the research for already approved drugs (mainly antivirals) to repurpose for treatment of this disease has increased. Among the drugs tested, saquinavir showed promise in silico and in vitro in the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro). Another field for saquinavir repurposing has been in anticancer treatment, in which it has shown effects in vitro and in vivo in several types of cancer, from Kaposi carcinoma to neuroblastoma, demonstrating cytotoxicity, apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion, and improvement of radiosensibility of cancer cells. Despite the lack of follow-up in clinical trials for cancer use, there has been a renewed interest in this drug recently due to COVID-19, which shows similar pharmacological pathways and has developed superior in silico models that can be translated to oncologic research. This could help further testing and future approval of saquinavir repurposing for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pereira
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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11
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Farooq M, Khan AW, Ahmad B, Kim MS, Choi S. Therapeutic Targeting of Innate Immune Receptors Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:915565. [PMID: 35847031 PMCID: PMC9280161 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.915565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the first line of host's defense against invading pathogens. Multiple cellular sensors that detect viral components can induce innate antiviral immune responses. As a result, interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced which help in the elimination of invading viruses. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to Coronaviridae family, and has a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. It can infect multiple hosts; in humans, it is responsible for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Successful, timely, and appropriate detection of SARS-CoV-2 can be very important for the early generation of the immune response. Several drugs that target the innate immune receptors as well as other signaling molecules generated during the innate immune response are currently being investigated in clinical trials. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying host sensing and innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the role of innate immune receptors in terms of their therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we discussed the drugs undergoing clinical trials and the FDA approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2. This review will help in understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and innate immune receptors and thus will point towards new dimensions for the development of new therapeutics, which can be beneficial in the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Farooq
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Abdul Waheed Khan
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Moon Suk Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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12
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Matos ADR, Caetano BC, de Almeida Filho JL, Martins JSCDC, de Oliveira MGP, Sousa TDC, Horta MAP, Siqueira MM, Fernandez JH. Identification of Hypericin as a Candidate Repurposed Therapeutic Agent for COVID-19 and Its Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:828984. [PMID: 35222340 PMCID: PMC8866965 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.828984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the global economy and public health. Its etiologic agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible, pathogenic and has a rapid global spread. Currently, the increase in the number of new confirmed cases has been slowed down due to the increase of vaccination in some regions of the world. Still, the rise of new variants has influenced the detection of additional waves of rising cases that some countries have experienced. Since the virus replication cycle is composed of many distinct stages, some viral proteins related to them, as the main-protease (Mpro) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), constitute individual potential antiviral targets. In this study, we challenged the mentioned enzymes against compounds pre-approved by health regulatory agencies in a virtual screening and later in Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Bolzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analysis. Our results showed that, among the identified potential drugs with anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, Hypericin, an important component of the Hypericum perforatum that presents antiviral and antitumoral properties, binds with high affinity to viral Mpro and RdRp. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of Hypericin anti-SARS-CoV-2 replication in an in vitro model of Vero-E6 infected cells. Therefore, we show that Hypericin inhibited viral replication in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the compound, in cultured cells, was evaluated, but no significant activity was found. Thus, the results observed in this study indicate that Hypericin is an excellent candidate for repurposing for the treatment of COVID-19, with possible inhibition of two important phases of virus maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline da Rocha Matos
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Braulia Costa Caetano
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João Luiz de Almeida Filho
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (LQFPP-CBB-UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago das Chagas Sousa
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Pereira Horta
- Plataforma de Laboratórios de Biossegurança Nível 3, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (NB3-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge Hernandez Fernandez
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (LQFPP-CBB-UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
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13
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Lv D, Xu J, Qi M, Wang D, Xu W, Qiu L, Li Y, Cao Y. A strategy of screening and binding analysis of bioactive components from traditional Chinese medicine based on surface plasmon resonance biosensor. J Pharm Anal 2021; 12:500-508. [PMID: 35811628 PMCID: PMC9257445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is essential for understanding the mechanisms of TCM and promote its rational use as well as TCM-derived drug development. Recent studies have shown that surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology is promising in this field. In the present study, we propose an SPR-based integrated strategy to screen and analyze the major active components of TCM. We used Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) as an example to identify the compounds that can account for its anti-inflammatory mechanism via tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (TNF-R1). First, RPA extraction was analyzed using an SPR-based screening system, and the potential active ingredients were collected, enriched, and identified as paeoniflorin and paeonol. Next, the affinity constants of paeoniflorin and paeonol were determined as 4.9 and 11.8 μM, respectively. Then, SPR-based competition assays and molecular docking were performed to show that the two compounds could compete with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) while binding to the subdomain 1 site of TNF-R1. Finally, in biological assays, the two compounds suppressed cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by TNF-α in the L929 cell line. These findings prove that SPR technology is a useful tool for determining the active ingredients of TCM at the molecular level and can be used in various aspects of drug development. The SPR-based integrated strategy is reliable and feasible in TCM studies and will shed light on the elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism of TCM and facilitate its modernization. A surface plasmon resonance-based integrated strategy was established to analyze traditional Chinese medicine. Surface plasmon resonance technology can be used for ligand screening, affinity detection, and binding site confirmation. Paeoniflorin and paeonol were identified as TNF-R1-bound ingredients in RPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diya Lv
- Center for Instrumental Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Minyu Qi
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dongyao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Weiheng Xu
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yinghua Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Corresponding author.
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14
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Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp14 and Nsp16 Methyltransferase Inhibitors by High-Throughput Virtual Screening. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121243. [PMID: 34959647 PMCID: PMC8705538 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses mRNA capping to evade the human immune system. The cap formation is performed by the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA cap methyltransferases (MTases) nsp14 and nsp16, which are emerging targets for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Here, we report results from high-throughput virtual screening against these two enzymes. The docking of seven million commercially available drug-like compounds and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) co-substrate analogues against both MTases resulted in 80 virtual screening hits (39 against nsp14 and 41 against nsp16), which were purchased and tested using an enzymatic homogeneous time-resolved fluorescent energy transfer (HTRF) assay. Nine compounds showed micromolar inhibition activity (IC50 < 200 μM). The selectivity of the identified inhibitors was evaluated by cross-checking their activity against human glycine N-methyltransferase. The majority of the compounds showed poor selectivity for a specific MTase, no cytotoxic effects, and rather poor cell permeability. Nevertheless, the identified compounds represent good starting points that have the potential to be developed into efficient viral MTase inhibitors.
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15
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Targeting autophagy with natural products to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Tradit Complement Med 2021; 12:55-68. [PMID: 34664025 PMCID: PMC8516241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process that maintains internal homeostasis and energy balance through the lysosomal degradation of redundant or damaged cellular components. During virus infection, autophagy is triggered both in parenchymal and in immune cells with different finalistic objectives: in parenchymal cells, the goal is to destroy the virion particle while in macrophages and dendritic cells the goal is to expose virion-derived fragments for priming the lymphocytes and initiate the immune response. However, some viruses have developed a strategy to subvert the autophagy machinery to escape the destructive destiny and instead exploit it for virion assembly and exocytosis. Coronaviruses (like SARS-CoV-2) possess such ability. The autophagy process requires a set of proteins that constitute the core machinery and is controlled by several signaling pathways. Here, we report on natural products capable of interfering with SARS-CoV-2 cellular infection and replication through their action on autophagy. The present study provides support to the use of such natural products as adjuvant therapeutics for the management of COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the virus infection and replication, and so mitigating the progression of the disease.
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16
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Hijikata A, Shionyu C, Nakae S, Shionyu M, Ota M, Kanaya S, Shirai T. Current status of structure-based drug repurposing against COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Biophys Physicobiol 2021; 18:226-240. [PMID: 34745807 PMCID: PMC8550875 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v18.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
More than one and half years have passed, as of August 2021, since the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019. While the recent success of vaccine developments likely reduces the severe cases, there is still a strong requirement of safety and effective therapeutic drugs for overcoming the unprecedented situation. Here we review the recent progress and the status of the drug discovery against COVID-19 with emphasizing a structure-based perspective. Structural data regarding the SARS-CoV-2 proteome has been rapidly accumulated in the Protein Data Bank, and up to 68% of the total amino acid residues encoded in the genome were covered by the structural data. Despite a global effort of in silico and in vitro screenings for drug repurposing, there is only a limited number of drugs had been successfully authorized by drug regulation organizations. Although many approved drugs and natural compounds, which exhibited antiviral activity in vitro, were considered potential drugs against COVID-19, a further multidisciplinary investigation is required for understanding the mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects of the drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hijikata
- Faculty of Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
| | - Clara Shionyu
- Faculty of Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
| | - Setsu Nakae
- Faculty of Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
| | - Masafumi Shionyu
- Faculty of Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
| | - Motonori Ota
- Department of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Shigehiko Kanaya
- Computational Biology Lab. Division of Information Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shirai
- Faculty of Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
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Methyltransferase-like 3 Modulates Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification and Replication. mBio 2021; 12:e0106721. [PMID: 34225491 PMCID: PMC8437041 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01067-21] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing global public crisis. Although viral RNA modification has been reported based on the transcriptome architecture, the types and functions of RNA modification are still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the roles of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in SARS-CoV-2. Our methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and Nanopore direct RNA sequencing (DRS) analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA contained m6A modification. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection not only increased the expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) but also altered its distribution. Modification of METTL3 expression by short hairpin RNA or plasmid transfection for knockdown or overexpression, respectively, affected viral replication. Furthermore, the viral key protein RdRp interacted with METTL3, and METTL3 was distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in the presence of RdRp. RdRp appeared to modulate the sumoylation and ubiquitination of METTL3 via an unknown mechanism. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that the host m6A modification complex interacted with viral proteins to modulate SARS-CoV-2 replication.
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18
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Huang ST, Chen Y, Chang WC, Chen HF, Lai HC, Lin YC, Wang WJ, Wang YC, Yang CS, Wang SC, Hung MC. Scutellaria barbata D. Don Inhibits the Main Proteases (M pro and TMPRSS2) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:826. [PMID: 34063247 PMCID: PMC8147405 DOI: 10.3390/v13050826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In late 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emerged to severely impact the global population, creating an unprecedented need for effective treatments. This study aims to investigate the potential of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection through the inhibition of the proteases playing important functions in the infection by SARS-CoV-2. FRET assay was applied to investigate the inhibitory effects of SB on the two proteases involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, Mpro and TMPRSS2. Additionally, to measure the potential effectiveness of SB treatment on infection inhibition, cellular models based on the Calu3 and VeroE6 cells and their TMPRSS2- expressing derivatives were assessed by viral pseudoparticles (Vpp) infection assays. The experimental approaches were conjugated with LC/MS analyses of the aqueous extracts of SB to identify the major constituent compounds, followed by a literature review to determine the potential active components of the inhibitory effects on protease activities. Our results showed that SB extracts inhibited the enzyme activities of Mpro and TMPRSS2. Furthermore, SB extracts effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 Vpp infection through a TMPRSS2-dependent mechanism. The aqueous extract analysis identified six major constituent compounds present in SB. Some of them have been known associated with inhibitory activities of TMPRSS2 or Mpro. Thus, SB may effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication through inhibiting Mpro and TMPRSS2 protease activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Teng Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.)
- Research Cancer Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan
| | - Yeh Chen
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (H.-F.C.); (S.-C.W.)
- New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (C.-S.Y.)
| | - Wei-Chao Chang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Hsiao-Fan Chen
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (H.-F.C.); (S.-C.W.)
- New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chun Lai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.)
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.)
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Wang
- Graduate Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (C.-S.Y.)
| | - Chia-Shin Yang
- Graduate Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (C.-S.Y.)
| | - Shao-Chun Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (H.-F.C.); (S.-C.W.)
- New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (H.-F.C.); (S.-C.W.)
- New Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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Zandi K, Musall K, Oo A, Cao D, Liang B, Hassandarvish P, Lan S, Slack RL, Kirby KA, Bassit L, Amblard F, Kim B, AbuBakar S, Sarafianos SG, Schinazi RF. Baicalein and Baicalin Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent-RNA Polymerase. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050893. [PMID: 33921971 PMCID: PMC8143456 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a deadly emerging infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Because SARS-CoV-2 is easily transmitted through the air and has a relatively long incubation time, COVID-19 has rapidly developed into a global pandemic. As there are no antiviral agents for the prevention and treatment of this severe pathogen except for remdesivir, development of antiviral therapies to treat infected individuals remains highly urgent. Here, we showed that baicalein and baicalin exhibited significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 through in vitro studies. Our data through cell-based and biochemical studies showed that both compounds act as SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors directly and inhibit the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, but baicalein was more potent. We also showed specific binding of baicalein to the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, making it a potential candidate for further studies towards therapeutic development for COVID-19 as a selective non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Zandi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-404-727-1575
| | - Katie Musall
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Adrian Oo
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Dongdong Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.C.); (B.L.)
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.C.); (B.L.)
| | - Pouya Hassandarvish
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (P.H.); (S.A.)
| | - Shuiyun Lan
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Ryan L. Slack
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Karen A. Kirby
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Baek Kim
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
- Center for Drug Discovery, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (P.H.); (S.A.)
| | - Stefan G. Sarafianos
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.); (A.O.); (S.L.); (R.L.S.); (K.A.K.); (L.B.); (F.A.); (B.K.); (S.G.S.); (R.F.S.)
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Kumar S, Singh B, Kumari P, Kumar PV, Agnihotri G, Khan S, Kant Beuria T, Syed GH, Dixit A. Identification of multipotent drugs for COVID-19 therapeutics with the evaluation of their SARS-CoV2 inhibitory activity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1998-2017. [PMID: 33841751 PMCID: PMC8025584 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV2 is a highly contagious pathogen that causes COVID-19 disease. It has affected millions of people globally with an average lethality of ~3%. There is an urgent need of drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. In the current studies, we have used bioinformatics techniques to screen the FDA approved drugs against nine SARS-CoV2 proteins to identify drugs for repurposing. Additionally, we analyzed if the identified molecules can also affect the human proteins whose expression in lung changed during SARS-CoV2 infection. Targeting such genes may also be a beneficial strategy to curb disease manifestation. We have identified 74 molecules that can bind to various SARS-CoV2 and human host proteins. We experimentally validated our in-silico predictions using vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV2 virus. Interestingly, many of our predicted molecules viz. capreomycin, celecoxib, mefloquine, montelukast, and nebivolol showed good activity (IC50) against SARS-CoV2. We hope that these studies may help in the development of new therapeutic options for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugandh Kumar
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Bharati Singh
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Pratima Kumari
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Preethy V. Kumar
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Geetanjali Agnihotri
- School of Chemical Technology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Shaheerah Khan
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Tushar Kant Beuria
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
| | - Gulam Hussain Syed
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
| | - Anshuman Dixit
- Institute of Life Science, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India
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21
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Song LG, Xie QX, Lao HL, Lv ZY. Human coronaviruses and therapeutic drug discovery. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:28. [PMID: 33726861 PMCID: PMC7962087 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00812-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronaviruses (CoVs) are distributed worldwide and have various susceptible hosts; CoVs infecting humans are called human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Although HCoV-specific drugs are still lacking, many potent targets for drug discovery are being explored, and many vigorously designed clinical trials are being carried out in an orderly manner. The aim of this review was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current status of drug development against HCoVs, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Main text A scoping review was conducted by electronically searching research studies, reviews, and clinical trials in PubMed and the CNKI. Studies on HCoVs and therapeutic drug discovery published between January 2000 and October 2020 and in English or Chinese were included, and the information was summarized. Of the 3248 studies identified, 159 publication were finally included. Advances in drug development against HCoV, especially SARS-CoV-2, are summarized under three categories: antiviral drugs aimed at inhibiting the HCoV proliferation process, drugs acting on the host's immune system, and drugs derived from plants with potent activity. Furthermore, clinical trials of drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 are summarized. Conclusions During the spread of COVID-19 outbreak, great efforts have been made in therapeutic drug discovery against the virus, although the pharmacological effects and adverse reactions of some drugs under study are still unclear. However, well-designed high-quality studies are needed to further study the effectiveness and safety of these potential drugs so as to provide valid recommendations for better control of the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Gui Song
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qing-Xing Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Lin Lao
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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22
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Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Lazzeri G, Forte M, Schiavon S, Sciarretta S, Frati G, Fornai F. Cell Clearing Systems as Targets of Polyphenols in Viral Infections: Potential Implications for COVID-19 Pathogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1105. [PMID: 33182802 PMCID: PMC7697279 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has generated the ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, still with an uncertain outcome. Besides pneumonia and acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), other features became evident in the context of COVID-19. These includes endothelial and coagulation dysfunction with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), along with the occurrence of neurological alterations. The multi-system nature of such viral infection is a witness to the exploitation and impairment of ubiquitous subcellular and metabolic pathways for the sake of its life-cycle, ranging from host cell invasion, replication, transmission, up to a cytopathic effect and overt systemic inflammation. In this frame, alterations in cell-clearing systems of the host are emerging as a hallmark in the pathogenesis of various respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, exploitation of the autophagy and proteasome pathways might contribute not only to the replication of the virus at the site of infection but also to the spreading of either mature virions or inflammatory mediators at both cellular and multisystem levels. In this frame, besides a pharmacological therapy, many researchers are wondering if some non-pharmacological substances might counteract or positively modulate the course of the infection. The pharmacological properties of natural compounds have gained increasing attention in the field of alternative and adjunct therapeutic approaches to several diseases. In particular, several naturally-occurring herbal compounds (mostly polyphenols) are reported to produce widespread antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects while acting as autophagy and (immuno)-proteasome modulators. This article attempts to bridge the perturbation of autophagy and proteasome pathways with the potentially beneficial effects of specific phytochemicals and flavonoids in viral infections, with a focus on the multisystem SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Carla Letizia Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy (F.B.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy (F.B.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Maurizio Forte
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy (F.B.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Sonia Schiavon
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 40100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Sebastiano Sciarretta
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy (F.B.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 40100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Frati
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy (F.B.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 40100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (G.L.)
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy (F.B.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
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Mutlu O, Ugurel OM, Sariyer E, Ata O, Inci TG, Ugurel E, Kocer S, Turgut-Balik D. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Nsp12/Nsp8 interaction interface with approved and investigational drugs: an in silico structure-based approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:918-930. [PMID: 32933378 PMCID: PMC7544933 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1819882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the Nsp12–Nsp8 complex of SARS-CoV-2 was targeted with structure-based and computer-aided drug design approach because of its vital role in viral replication. Sequence analysis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (Nsp12) sequences from 30,366 different isolates were analysed for possible mutations. FDA-approved and investigational drugs were screened for interaction with both mutant and wild-type Nsp12–Nsp8 interfaces. Sequence analysis revealed that 70.42% of Nsp12 sequences showed conserved P323L mutation, located in the Nsp8 binding cleft. Compounds were screened for interface interaction, any with XP GScores lower than −7.0 kcal/mol were considered as possible interface inhibitors. RX-3117 (fluorocyclopentenyl cytosine) and Nebivolol had the highest binding affinities in both mutant and wild-type enzymes, therefore they were selected and resultant protein–ligand complexes were simulated for analysis of stability over 100 ns. Although the selected ligands had partial mobility in the binding cavity, they were not removed from the binding pocket after 100 ns. The ligand RX-3117 remained in the same position in the binding pocket of the mutant and wild-type enzyme after 100 ns MD simulation. However, the ligand Nebivolol folded and embedded in the binding pocket of mutant Nsp12 protein. Overall, FDA-approved and investigational drugs are able to bind to the Nsp12–Nsp8 interaction interface and prevent the formation of the Nsp12–Nsp8 complex. Interruption of viral replication by drugs proposed in this study should be further tested to pave the way for in vivo studies towards the treatment of COVID-19. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozal Mutlu
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Mutluhan Ugurel
- Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.,School of Engineering and Natural Science, Department of Basic Science, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Sariyer
- Vocational School of Health Services, Medical Laboratory Techniques, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin, Turkey
| | - Oguz Ata
- School of Engineering and Natural Science, Department of Software Engineering, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tugba Gul Inci
- Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erennur Ugurel
- Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Kocer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Turgut-Balik
- Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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