1
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Ramos-Lorente SE, Berzal-Herranz B, Romero-López C, Berzal-Herranz A. Recruitment of the 40S ribosomal subunit by the West Nile virus 3' UTR promotes the cross-talk between the viral genomic ends for translation regulation. Virus Res 2024; 343:199340. [PMID: 38387694 PMCID: PMC10907855 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199340] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviral RNA genomes are composed of discrete RNA structural units arranged in an ordered fashion and grouped into complex folded domains that regulate essential viral functions, e.g. replication and translation. This is achieved by adjusting the overall structure of the RNA genome via the establishment of inter- and intramolecular interactions. Translation regulation is likely the main process controlling flaviviral gene expression. Although the genomic 3' UTR is a key player in this regulation, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this role. The present work provides evidence for the specific recruitment of the 40S ribosomal subunit by the 3' UTR of the West Nile virus RNA genome, showing that the joint action of both genomic ends contributes the positioning of the 40S subunit at the 5' end. The combination of structural mapping techniques revealed specific conformational requirements at the 3' UTR for 40S binding, involving the highly conserved SL-III, 5'DB, 3'DB and 3'SL elements, all involved in the translation regulation. These results point to the 40S subunit as a bridge to ensure cross-talk between both genomic ends during viral translation and support a link between 40S recruitment by the 3' UTR and translation control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Esther Ramos-Lorente
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Av. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla Granada, Spain
| | - Beatriz Berzal-Herranz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Av. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Romero-López
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Av. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla Granada, Spain.
| | - Alfredo Berzal-Herranz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Av. del Conocimiento 17, 18016 Armilla Granada, Spain.
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2
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Zhang X, Li Y, Cao Y, Wu Y, Cheng G. The Role of Noncoding RNA in the Transmission and Pathogenicity of Flaviviruses. Viruses 2024; 16:242. [PMID: 38400018 PMCID: PMC10892091 DOI: 10.3390/v16020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a class of RNA molecules that lack protein-coding capacity. ncRNAs frequently modulate gene expression through specific interactions with target proteins or messenger RNAs, thereby playing integral roles in a wide array of cellular processes. The Flavivirus genus comprises several significant members, such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and yellow fever virus (YFV), which have caused global outbreaks, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in human populations. The life cycle of arthropod-borne flaviviruses encompasses their transmission between hematophagous insect vectors and mammalian hosts. During this process, a complex three-way interplay occurs among the pathogen, vector, and host, with ncRNAs exerting a critical regulatory influence. ncRNAs not only constitute a crucial regulatory mechanism that has emerged from the coevolution of viruses and their hosts but also hold potential as antiviral targets for controlling flavivirus epidemics. This review introduces the biogenesis of flavivirus-derived ncRNAs and summarizes the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in viral replication, vector-mediated viral transmission, antiviral innate immunity, and viral pathogenicity. A profound comprehension of the interplay between ncRNAs and flaviviruses will help formulate efficacious prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against flavivirus-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwen Zhang
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuhan Li
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yingyi Cao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
| | - Gong Cheng
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.L.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming 650092, China
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3
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Perera DR, Ranadeva ND, Sirisena K, Wijesinghe KJ. Roles of NS1 Protein in Flavivirus Pathogenesis. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:20-56. [PMID: 38110348 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses such as dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses are highly concerning pathogens that pose significant risks to public health. The NS1 protein is conserved among flaviviruses and is synthesized as a part of the flavivirus polyprotein. It plays a critical role in viral replication, disease progression, and immune evasion. Post-translational modifications influence NS1's stability, secretion, antigenicity, and interactions with host factors. NS1 protein forms extensive interactions with host cellular proteins allowing it to affect vital processes such as RNA processing, gene expression regulation, and cellular homeostasis, which in turn influence viral replication, disease pathogenesis, and immune responses. NS1 acts as an immune evasion factor by delaying complement-dependent lysis of infected cells and contributes to disease pathogenesis by inducing endothelial cell damage and vascular leakage and triggering autoimmune responses. Anti-NS1 antibodies have been shown to cross-react with host endothelial cells and platelets, causing autoimmune destruction that is hypothesized to contribute to disease pathogenesis. However, in contrast, immunization of animal models with the NS1 protein confers protection against lethal challenges from flaviviruses such as dengue and Zika viruses. Understanding the multifaceted roles of NS1 in flavivirus pathogenesis is crucial for effective disease management and control. Therefore, further research into NS1 biology, including its host protein interactions and additional roles in disease pathology, is imperative for the development of strategies and therapeutics to combat flavivirus infections successfully. This Review provides an in-depth exploration of the current available knowledge on the multifaceted roles of the NS1 protein in the pathogenesis of flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayangi R Perera
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 00300
| | - Nadeeka D Ranadeva
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, KIU Campus Sri Lanka 10120
| | - Kavish Sirisena
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 00300
- Section of Genetics, Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care, Sri Lanka 10120
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4
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Okamoto S, Echigoya Y, Tago A, Segawa T, Sato Y, Itou T. Antiviral Efficacy of RNase H-Dependent Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides against Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14846. [PMID: 37834294 PMCID: PMC10573891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNase H-dependent gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising therapeutic approach via sequence-specific binding to and degrading target RNAs. However, the efficacy and mechanism of antiviral gapmer ASOs have remained unclear. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of gapmer ASOs containing locked nucleic acids (LNA gapmers) on proliferating a mosquito-borne flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with high mortality. We designed several LNA gapmers targeting the 3' untranslated region of JEV genomic RNAs. In vitro screening by plaque assay using Vero cells revealed that LNA gapmers targeting a stem-loop region effectively inhibit JEV proliferation. Cell-based and RNA cleavage assays using mismatched LNA gapmers exhibited an underlying mechanism where the inhibition of viral production results from JEV RNA degradation by LNA gapmers in a sequence- and modification-dependent manner. Encouragingly, LNA gapmers potently inhibited the proliferation of five JEV strains of predominant genotypes I and III in human neuroblastoma cells without apparent cytotoxicity. Database searching showed a low possibility of off-target binding of our LNA gapmers to human RNAs. The target viral RNA sequence conservation observed here highlighted their broad-spectrum antiviral potential against different JEV genotypes/strains. This work will facilitate the development of an antiviral LNA gapmer therapy for JEV and other flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Okamoto
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tago
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takao Segawa
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yukita Sato
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takuya Itou
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
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5
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Buthelezi LA, Pillay S, Ntuli NN, Gcanga L, Guler R. Antisense Therapy for Infectious Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2119. [PMID: 37626929 PMCID: PMC10453568 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162119] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, particularly Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pose a significant global health challenge, with 1.6 million reported deaths in 2021, making it the most fatal disease caused by a single infectious agent. The rise of drug-resistant infectious diseases adds to the urgency of finding effective and safe intervention therapies. Antisense therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that are short, chemically modified, single-stranded deoxyribonucleotide molecules complementary to their mRNA target. Due to their designed target specificity and inhibition of a disease-causing gene at the mRNA level, antisense therapy has gained interest as a potential therapeutic approach. This type of therapy is currently utilized in numerous diseases, such as cancer and genetic disorders. Currently, there are limited but steadily increasing studies available that report on the use of ASOs as treatment for infectious diseases. This review explores the sustainability of FDA-approved and preclinically tested ASOs as a treatment for infectious diseases and the adaptability of ASOs for chemical modifications resulting in reduced side effects with improved drug delivery; thus, highlighting the potential therapeutic uses of ASOs for treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lwanda Abonga Buthelezi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Shandre Pillay
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Noxolo Nokukhanya Ntuli
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Lorna Gcanga
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Reto Guler
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (L.A.B.); (S.P.); (N.N.N.); (L.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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Lee MF, Wu YS, Poh CL. Molecular Mechanisms of Antiviral Agents against Dengue Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030705. [PMID: 36992414 PMCID: PMC10056858 DOI: 10.3390/v15030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue is a major global health threat causing 390 million dengue infections and 25,000 deaths annually. The lack of efficacy of the licensed Dengvaxia vaccine and the absence of a clinically approved antiviral against dengue virus (DENV) drive the urgent demand for the development of novel anti-DENV therapeutics. Various antiviral agents have been developed and investigated for their anti-DENV activities. This review discusses the mechanisms of action employed by various antiviral agents against DENV. The development of host-directed antivirals targeting host receptors and direct-acting antivirals targeting DENV structural and non-structural proteins are reviewed. In addition, the development of antivirals that target different stages during post-infection such as viral replication, viral maturation, and viral assembly are reviewed. Antiviral agents designed based on these molecular mechanisms of action could lead to the discovery and development of novel anti-DENV therapeutics for the treatment of dengue infections. Evaluations of combinations of antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action could also lead to the development of synergistic drug combinations for the treatment of dengue at any stage of the infection.
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7
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Antiviral Peptide-Based Conjugates: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020357. [PMID: 36839679 PMCID: PMC9958607 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020357] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by microbial pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites) claim millions of deaths per year worldwide and have become a serious challenge to global human health in our century. Viral infections are particularly notable in this regard, not only because humankind is facing some of the deadliest viral pandemics in recent history, but also because the arsenal of drugs to combat the high levels of mutation, and hence the antigenic variability of (mostly RNA) viruses, is disturbingly scarce. Therefore, the search for new antivirals able to successfully fight infection with minimal or no adverse effects on the host is a pressing task. Traditionally, antiviral therapies have relied on relatively small-sized drugs acting as proteases, polymerases, integrase inhibitors, etc. In recent decades, novel approaches involving targeted delivery such as that achieved by peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) have gained attention as alternative (pro)drugs for tackling viral diseases. Antiviral PDC therapeutics typically involve one or more small drug molecules conjugated to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) carrier either directly or through a linker. Such integration of two bioactive elements into a single molecular entity is primarily aimed at achieving improved bioavailability in conditions where conventional drugs are challenged, but may also turn up novel unexpected functionalities and applications. Advances in peptide medicinal chemistry have eased the way to antiviral PDCs, but challenges remain on the way to therapeutic success. In this paper, we review current antiviral CPP-drug conjugates (antiviral PDCs), with emphasis on the types of CPP and antiviral cargo. We integrate the conjugate and the chemical approaches most often applied to combine both entities. Additionally, we comment on various obstacles faced in the design of antiviral PDCs and on the future outlooks for this class of antiviral therapeutics.
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8
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Du Pont KE, McCullagh M, Geiss BJ. Conserved motifs in the flavivirus NS3 RNA helicase enzyme. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1688. [PMID: 34472205 PMCID: PMC8888775 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are a major health concern because over half of the world population is at risk of infection and there are very few antiviral therapeutics to treat diseases resulting from infection. Replication is an essential part of the flavivirus survival. One of the viral proteins, NS3 helicase, is critical for unwinding the double stranded RNA intermediate during flaviviral replication. The helicase performs the unwinding of the viral RNA intermediate structure in an ATP-dependent manner. NS3 helicase is a member of the Viral/DEAH-like subfamily of the superfamily 2 helicase containing eight highly conserved structural motifs (I, Ia, II, III, IV, IVa, V, and VI) localized between the ATP-binding and RNA-binding pockets. Of these structural motifs only three are well characterized for function in flaviviruses (I, II, and VI). The roles of the other structural motifs are not well understood for NS3 helicase function, but comparison of NS3 with other superfamily 2 helicases within the viral/DEAH-like, DEAH/RHA, and DEAD-box subfamilies can be used to elucidate the roles of these structural motifs in the flavivirus NS3 helicase. This review aims to summarize the role of each conserved structural motif within flavivirus NS3 in RNA helicase function. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E. Du Pont
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Martin McCullagh
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Brian J. Geiss
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA,Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA,School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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9
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Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy of Viral Infections. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122015. [PMID: 34959297 PMCID: PMC8707165 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have demonstrated their efficacy in the treatment of various diseases and vaccine development. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology exploits a single-strand short oligonucleotide to either cause target RNA degradation or sterically block the binding of cellular factors or machineries to the target RNA. Chemical modification or bioconjugation of ASOs can enhance both its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performance, and it enables customization for a specific clinical purpose. ASO-based therapies have been used for treatment of genetic disorders, cancer and viral infections. In particular, ASOs can be rapidly developed for newly emerging virus and their reemerging variants. This review discusses ASO modifications and delivery options as well as the design of antiviral ASOs. A better understanding of the viral life cycle and virus-host interactions as well as advances in oligonucleotide technology will benefit the development of ASO-based antiviral therapies.
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10
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Li C, Callahan AJ, Simon MD, Totaro KA, Mijalis AJ, Phadke KS, Zhang G, Hartrampf N, Schissel CK, Zhou M, Zong H, Hanson GJ, Loas A, Pohl NLB, Verhoeven DE, Pentelute BL. Fully automated fast-flow synthesis of antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4396. [PMID: 34285203 PMCID: PMC8292409 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid development of antisense therapies can enable on-demand responses to new viral pathogens and make personalized medicine for genetic diseases practical. Antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) are promising candidates to fill such a role, but their challenging synthesis limits their widespread application. To rapidly prototype potential PMO drug candidates, we report a fully automated flow-based oligonucleotide synthesizer. Our optimized synthesis platform reduces coupling times by up to 22-fold compared to previously reported methods. We demonstrate the power of our automated technology with the synthesis of milligram quantities of three candidate therapeutic PMO sequences for an unserved class of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To further test our platform, we synthesize a PMO that targets the genomic mRNA of SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrate its antiviral effects. This platform could find broad application not only in designing new SARS-CoV-2 and DMD antisense therapeutics, but also for rapid development of PMO candidates to treat new and emerging diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- COVID-19/virology
- Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic/instrumentation
- Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/instrumentation
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/drug therapy
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/microbiology
- Disease Models, Animal
- High-Throughput Screening Assays/instrumentation
- High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods
- Humans
- Morpholinos/chemical synthesis
- Morpholinos/pharmacology
- Morpholinos/therapeutic use
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemical synthesis
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Precision Medicine/methods
- RNA, Messenger/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- Time Factors
- Vero Cells
- COVID-19 Drug Treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxi Li
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alex J Callahan
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark D Simon
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kyle A Totaro
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander J Mijalis
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kruttika-Suhas Phadke
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Genwei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nina Hartrampf
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- University of Zurich, Department of Chemistry, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carly K Schissel
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ming Zhou
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hong Zong
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrei Loas
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicola L B Pohl
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - David E Verhoeven
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Bradley L Pentelute
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Yong XE, Palur VR, Anand GS, Wohland T, Sharma KK. Dengue virus 2 capsid protein chaperones the strand displacement of 5'-3' cyclization sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5832-5844. [PMID: 34037793 PMCID: PMC8191770 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
By virtue of its chaperone activity, the capsid protein of dengue virus strain 2 (DENV2C) promotes nucleic acid structural rearrangements. However, the role of DENV2C during the interaction of RNA elements involved in stabilizing the 5′-3′ panhandle structure of DENV RNA is still unclear. Therefore, we determined how DENV2C affects structural functionality of the capsid-coding region hairpin element (cHP) during annealing and strand displacement of the 9-nt cyclization sequence (5CS) and its complementary 3CS. cHP has two distinct functions: a role in translation start codon selection and a role in RNA synthesis. Our results showed that cHP impedes annealing between 5CS and 3CS. Although DENV2C does not modulate structural functionality of cHP, it accelerates annealing and specifically promotes strand displacement of 3CS during 5′-3′ panhandle formation. Furthermore, DENV2C exerts its chaperone activity by favouring one of the active conformations of cHP. Based on our results, we propose mechanisms for annealing and strand displacement involving cHP. Thus, our results provide mechanistic insights into how DENV2C regulates RNA synthesis by modulating essential RNA elements in the capsid-coding region, that in turn allow for DENV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ee Yong
- NUS Graduate School Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077, Singapore.,Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117557, Singapore
| | - V Raghuvamsi Palur
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Ganesh S Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Thorsten Wohland
- Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117557, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Kamal K Sharma
- Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117557, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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12
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Sarkar S, Armitage BA. Targeting a Potential G-Quadruplex Forming Sequence Found in the West Nile Virus Genome by Complementary Gamma-Peptide Nucleic Acid Oligomers. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1445-1456. [PMID: 33886274 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, West Nile virus (WNV) infects approximately 2500 people per year, of which 100-200 cases are fatal. No antiviral drug or vaccine is currently available for WNV. In this study, we designed gamma-modified peptide nucleic acid (γPNA) oligomers to target a newly identified guanine-rich gene sequence in the WNV genome. The target is found in the NS5 protein-coding region and was previously predicted to fold into a G-quadruplex (GQ) structure. Biophysical techniques such as UV melting analysis, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that the target RNA indeed folds into a moderately stable GQ structure at physiological temperature and potassium concentration. Successful invasion of the GQ by three complementary γPNAs was also characterized by the above-mentioned biophysical techniques. The γPNAs showed very strong binding to the target with low femtomolar affinity at physiological temperature. Targeting this potential guanine quadruplex forming sequence (PQS) and other related sequences with γPNA may represent a new approach for inhibiting both WNV replication and transcription, thereby representing a generally useful antiviral strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijani Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| | - Bruce A. Armitage
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
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13
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Liu L, Liu X, Bi W, Alcorn JL. A primate-specific RNA-binding protein (RBMXL3) is involved in glucocorticoid regulation of human pulmonary surfactant protein B (SP-B) mRNA stability. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 320:L942-L957. [PMID: 33719563 PMCID: PMC8174829 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00022.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of pulmonary surfactant to reduce alveolar surface tension requires adequate levels of surfactant protein B (SP-B). Dexamethasone (DEX) increases human SP-B expression, in part, through increased SP-B mRNA stability. A 30-nt-long hairpin element (RBE) in the 3'-untranslated region of human SP-B mRNA mediates both DEX-induced and intrinsic mRNA stabilities, but the mechanism is unknown. Proteomic analysis of RBE-interacting proteins identified a primate-specific protein, RNA-binding motif X-linked-like-3 (RBMXL3). siRNA directed against RBMXL3 reduces DEX-induced SP-B mRNA expression in human bronchoalveolar cells. Human SP-B mRNA stability, measured by our dual cistronic plasmid assay, is unaffected by DEX in mouse lung epithelial cells lacking RBMXL3, but DEX increases human SP-B mRNA stability when RBMXL3 is expressed and requires the RBE. In the absence of DEX, RBE interacts with cellular proteins, reducing intrinsic SP-B mRNA stability in human and mouse lung epithelial cells. RBMXL3 specifically binds the RBE in vitro, whereas RNA immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography analyses indicate that binding is enhanced in the presence of DEX. These results describe a model where intrinsic stability of human SP-B mRNA is reduced through binding of cellular mRNA decay factors to RBE, which is then relieved through DEX-enhanced binding of primate-specific RBMXL3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiangli Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weizhen Bi
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joseph L Alcorn
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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14
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Ramos-Lorente S, Romero-López C, Berzal-Herranz A. Information Encoded by the Flavivirus Genomes beyond the Nucleotide Sequence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3738. [PMID: 33916729 PMCID: PMC8038387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Flavivirus comprises numerous, small, single positive-stranded RNA viruses, many of which are important human pathogens. To store all the information required for their successful propagation, flaviviruses use discrete structural genomic RNA elements to code for functional information by the establishment of dynamic networks of long-range RNA-RNA interactions that promote specific folding. These structural elements behave as true cis-acting, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and have essential regulatory roles in the viral cycle. These include the control of the formation of subgenomic RNAs, known as sfRNAs, via the prevention of the complete degradation of the RNA genome. These sfRNAs are important in ensuring viral fitness. This work summarizes our current knowledge of the functions performed by the genome conformations and the role of RNA-RNA interactions in these functions. It also reviews the role of RNA structure in the production of sfRNAs across the genus Flavivirus, and their existence in related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Romero-López
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC), Av. Conocimiento 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Alfredo Berzal-Herranz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC), Av. Conocimiento 17, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain;
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15
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Panda K, Alagarasu K, Parashar D. Oligonucleotide-Based Approaches to Inhibit Dengue Virus Replication. Molecules 2021; 26:956. [PMID: 33670247 PMCID: PMC7918374 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever is one of the most common viral infections affecting humans. It is an expanding public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. No effective vaccine or antiviral therapies against Dengue virus (DENV) infection are available. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies that can reduce the burden and duration of hospitalizations due to this life-threatening disease. Oligonucleotide-based strategies are considered as an attractive means of inhibiting viral replication since oligonucleotides can be designed to interact with any viral RNA, provided its sequence is known. The resultant targeted destruction of viral RNA interferes with viral replication without inducing any adverse effects on cellular processes. In this review, we elaborate the ribozymes, RNA interference, CRISPR, aptamer and morpholino strategies for the inhibition of DENV replication and discuss the challenges involved in utilizing such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingshuk Panda
- Dengue & Chikungunya Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune 411001, India
| | - Kalichamy Alagarasu
- Dengue & Chikungunya Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune 411001, India
| | - Deepti Parashar
- Dengue & Chikungunya Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune 411001, India
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16
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Victorio CBL, Novera W, Tham JY, Watanabe S, Vasudevan SG, Chacko AM. Peptide-Conjugated Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers for In Situ Live-Cell Molecular Imaging of Dengue Virus Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9260. [PMID: 33291644 PMCID: PMC7730579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Current methods to detect and monitor pathogens in biological systems are largely limited by the tradeoffs between spatial context and temporal detail. A new generation of molecular tracking that provides both information simultaneously involves in situ detection coupled with non-invasive imaging. An example is antisense imaging that uses antisense oligonucleotide probes complementary to a target nucleotide sequence. In this study, we explored the potential of repurposing antisense oligonucleotides initially developed as antiviral therapeutics as molecular probes for imaging of viral infections in vitro and in vivo. We employed nuclease-resistant phosphorodiamidate synthetic oligonucleotides conjugated with cell-penetrating peptides (i.e., PPMOs) previously established as antivirals for dengue virus serotype-2 (DENV2). As proof of concept, and before further development for preclinical testing, we evaluated its validity as in situ molecular imaging probe for tracking cellular DENV2 infection using live-cell fluorescence imaging. Although the PPMO was designed to specifically target the DENV2 genome, it was unsuitable as in situ molecular imaging probe. This study details our evaluation of the PPMOs to assess specific and sensitive molecular imaging of DENV2 infection and tells a cautionary tale for those exploring antisense oligonucleotides as probes for non-invasive imaging and monitoring of pathogen infections in experimental animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bianca Luena Victorio
- Laboratory for Translational and Molecular Imaging, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (C.B.L.V.); (W.N.); (J.Y.T.)
| | - Wisna Novera
- Laboratory for Translational and Molecular Imaging, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (C.B.L.V.); (W.N.); (J.Y.T.)
| | - Jing Yang Tham
- Laboratory for Translational and Molecular Imaging, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (C.B.L.V.); (W.N.); (J.Y.T.)
| | - Satoru Watanabe
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.W.); (S.G.V.)
| | - Subhash G. Vasudevan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (S.W.); (S.G.V.)
| | - Ann-Marie Chacko
- Laboratory for Translational and Molecular Imaging, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (C.B.L.V.); (W.N.); (J.Y.T.)
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17
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Wang M, Cheng A, Yang Q, Wu Y, Jia R, Liu M, Zhu D, Chen S, Zhang S, Zhao X, Huang J, Mao S, Ou X, Gao Q, Wang Y, Xu Z, Chen Z, Zhu L, Luo Q, Liu Y, Yu Y, Zhang L, Tian B, Pan L, Chen X. Structures and Functions of the 3' Untranslated Regions of Positive-Sense Single-Stranded RNA Viruses Infecting Humans and Animals. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:453. [PMID: 32974223 PMCID: PMC7481400 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of positive-sense single-stranded RNA [ssRNA(+)] viruses is highly structured. Multiple elements in the region interact with other nucleotides and proteins of viral and cellular origin to regulate various aspects of the virus life cycle such as replication, translation, and the host-cell response. This review attempts to summarize the primary and higher order structures identified in the 3′UTR of ssRNA(+) viruses and their functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhi Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - XinXin Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sai Mao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xumin Ou
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Gao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qihui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunya Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Yu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Tian
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Leichang Pan
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyue Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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18
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Peptides targeting dengue viral nonstructural protein 1 inhibit dengue virus production. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12933. [PMID: 32737386 PMCID: PMC7395749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses manipulate the life cycle in host cells via the use of viral properties and host machineries. Development of antiviral peptides against dengue virus (DENV) infection has previously been concentrated on blocking the actions of viral structural proteins and enzymes in virus entry and viral RNA processing in host cells. In this study, we proposed DENV NS1, which is a multifunctional non-structural protein indispensable for virus production, as a new target for inhibition of DENV infection by specific peptides. We performed biopanning assays using a phage-displayed peptide library and identified 11 different sequences of 12-mer peptides binding to DENV NS1. In silico analyses of peptide-protein interactions revealed 4 peptides most likely to bind to DENV NS1 at specific positions and their association was analysed by surface plasmon resonance. Treatment of Huh7 cells with these 4 peptides conjugated with N-terminal fluorescent tag and C-terminal cell penetrating tag at varying time-of-addition post-DENV infection could inhibit the production of DENV-2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of the peptides were also observed in other virus serotypes (DENV-1 and DENV-4), but not in DENV-3. These findings indicate the potential application of peptides targeting DENV NS1 as antiviral agents against DENV infection.
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19
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de Wispelaere M, Carocci M, Burri DJ, Neidermyer WJ, Olson CM, Roggenbach I, Liang Y, Wang J, Whelan SPJ, Gray NS, Yang PL. A broad-spectrum antiviral molecule, QL47, selectively inhibits eukaryotic translation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:1694-1703. [PMID: 31914414 PMCID: PMC7008383 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors of translation are critical tools to study the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. In this study, we sought to characterize how QL47, a host-targeted, small-molecule antiviral agent, inhibits steady-state viral protein expression. We demonstrate that this small molecule broadly inhibits both viral and host protein synthesis and targets a translation step specific to eukaryotic cells. We show that QL47 inhibits protein neosynthesis initiated by both canonical cap-driven and noncanonical initiation strategies, most likely by targeting an early step in translation elongation. Our findings thus establish QL47 as a new small-molecule inhibitor that can be utilized to probe the eukaryotic translation machinery and that can be further developed as a new therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissanne de Wispelaere
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Margot Carocci
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Dominique J Burri
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - William J Neidermyer
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Calla M Olson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Imme Roggenbach
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Yanke Liang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Sean P J Whelan
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
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20
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Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. It is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid virus with 10,700 bases. The genus Flavivirus includes other arthropod borne viruses such as yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus. It infects ~50–200 million people annually, putting over 3.6 billion people living in tropical regions at risk and causing ~20,000 deaths annually. The expansion of dengue is attributed to factors such as the modern dynamics of climate change, globalization, travel, trade, socioeconomics, settlement, and also viral evolution. There are four antigenically different serotypes of DENV based on the differences in their viral structural and nonstructural proteins. DENV infection causes a spectrum of illness ranging from asymptomatic to dengue fever to severe dengue shock syndrome. Infection with one serotype confers lifelong immunity against that serotype, but heterologus infection leads to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever due to antibody-dependent enhancement. Diagnosis of dengue infections is based mainly on serological detection of either antigen in acute cases or antibodies in both acute and chronic infection. Viral detection and real-time PCR detection though helpful is not feasible in resource poor setup. Treatment of dengue depends on symptomatic management along with fluid resuscitation and may require platelet transfusion. Although vaccine development is in late stages of development, developing a single vaccine against four serotypes often causes serious challenges to researchers; hence, the main stay of prevention is vector control and management.
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21
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Araújo D, Azevedo NM, Barbosa A, Almeida C, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M, Silva S. Application of 2'-OMethylRNA' Antisense Oligomer to Control Candida albicans EFG1 Virulence Determinant. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:508-517. [PMID: 31671344 PMCID: PMC6838528 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligomers and their analogs have been successfully utilized to silence gene expression for the treatment of many human diseases; however, the control of yeast’s virulence determinants has never been exploited before. In this sense, this work is based on the key hypothesis that if a pathogen’s genetic sequence is a determinant of virulence, it will be possible to synthesize a nucleic acid mimic based on antisense therapy (AST) that will bind to the mRNA produced, blocking its translation into protein and, consequently, reducing the pathogen virulence phenotype. EFG1 is an important determinant of virulence that is involved in the regulation of the Candida albicans switch from yeast to filamentous form. Thus, our main goal was to design and synthesize an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the EFG1 mRNA and to validate its in vitro applicability. The results show that the anti-EFG1 2′-OMethylRNA (2′OMe) oligomer was able to significantly reduce the levels of EFG1 gene expression and of Efg1p protein translation (both approximately 60%), as well as effectively prevent filamentation of C. albicans cells (by 80%). Moreover, it was verified that anti-EFG1 2′OMe keeps the efficacy in different simulated human body fluids. Undeniably, this work provides potentially valuable information for future research into the management of Candida infections, regarding the development of a credible and alternative method to control C. albicans infections, based on AST methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Azevedo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Barbosa
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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22
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Hodge K, Kamkaew M, Pisitkun T, Chimnaronk S. Flavors of Flaviviral RNA Structure: towards an Integrated View of RNA Function from Translation through Encapsidation. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900003. [PMID: 31210384 PMCID: PMC7161798 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
For many viruses, RNA is the holder of genetic information and serves as the template for both replication and translation. While host and viral proteins play important roles in viral decision‐making, the extent to which viral RNA (vRNA) actively participates in translation and replication might be surprising. Here, the focus is on flaviviruses, which include common human scourges such as dengue, West Nile, and Zika viruses, from an RNA‐centric viewpoint. In reviewing more recent findings, an attempt is made to fill knowledge gaps and revisit some canonical views of vRNA structures involved in replication. In particular, alternative views are offered on the nature of the flaviviral promoter and genome cyclization, and the feasibility of refining in vitro‐derived models with modern RNA probing and sequencing methods is pointed out. By tracing vRNA structures from translation through encapsidation, a dynamic molecule closely involved in the self‐regulation of viral replication is revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Hodge
- The Systems Biology Center, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Maliwan Kamkaew
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- The Systems Biology Center, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Sarin Chimnaronk
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
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Manokaran G, Sujatmoko, McPherson KG, Simmons CP. Attenuation of a dengue virus replicon by codon deoptimization of nonstructural genes. Vaccine 2019; 37:2857-2863. [PMID: 31000413 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The overwhelming increase of dengue virus (DENV) infections in recent years shows that current strategies to combat dengue do not work. The lack of a highly effective dengue vaccine and the limited effectivity of vector controls exacerbate this situation. To point the way to a novel method of creating DENV vaccine candidates, here we disrupted the codon usage in a DENV-2 reporter replicon to generate variants with different replication characteristics. Six different mutated constructs containing stretches of altered codon usage in the non-structural genes were generated. The mutated sequences were deoptimized to the least favorable codons for human cells. We studied the replication efficiency of these constructs by measuring luciferase reporter activity, relative RNA fold change, and NS1 secretion. Our findings showed that the level of virus attenuation is closely associated with the amount of codon deoptimization. Indeed, replication was completely abolished in extensively-deoptimized constructs D2Rep-6 and D2Rep-5, intermediate with constructs D2Rep-4 (771 bp silent mutations) and D2Rep-3 (756 bp silent mutations) and restored almost to wildtype levels with constructs D2Rep-2 (394 silent mutations) and D2Rep-1 (48 silent mutations). We also determined that the position of codon deoptimization within the genome is crucial to the degree of attenuation observed. Based on our analysis, we propose that the design for an ideal DENV vaccine candidate could include 700-1500 silent mutations within the NS2A and NS3 genes. Our results suggest that codon deoptimization is an ideal strategy that can readily be used to develop a DENV vaccine candidate with "fine-tuned" attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Manokaran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Institute of Vector Borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sujatmoko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Grace McPherson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cameron Paul Simmons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Institute of Vector Borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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RNA Helicase A Is an Important Host Factor Involved in Dengue Virus Replication. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01306-18. [PMID: 30463971 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01306-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) utilizes host factors throughout its life cycle. In this study, we identified RNA helicase A (RHA), a member of the DEAD/H helicase family, as an important host factor of DENV. In response to DENV2 infection, nuclear RHA protein was partially redistributed into the cytoplasm. The short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of RHA significantly reduced the amounts of infectious viral particles in various cells. The RHA knockdown reduced the multistep viral growth of DENV2 and Japanese encephalitis virus but not Zika virus. Further study showed that the absence of RHA resulted in a reduction of both viral RNA and protein levels, and the data obtained from the reporter replicon assay indicated that RHA does not directly promote viral protein synthesis. RHA bound to the DENV RNA and associated with three nonstructural proteins, including NS1, NS2B3, and NS4B. Further study showed that different domains of RHA mediated its interaction with these viral proteins. The expression of RHA or RHA-K417R mutant protein lacking ATPase/helicase activity in RHA-knockdown cells successfully restored DENV2 replication levels, suggesting that the helicase activity of RHA is dispensable for its proviral effect. Overall, our work reveals that RHA is an important factor of DENV and might serve as a target for antiviral agents.IMPORTANCE Dengue, caused by dengue virus, is a rapidly spreading disease, and currently there are no treatments available. Host factors involved in the viral replication of dengue virus are potential antiviral therapeutic targets. Although RHA has been shown to promote the multiplication of several viruses, such as HIV and adenovirus, its role in the flavivirus family, including dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and emerging Zika virus, remains elusive. The current study revealed that RHA relocalized into the cytoplasm upon DENV infection and associated with viral RNA and nonstructural proteins, implying that RHA was actively engaged in the viral life cycle. We further provide evidence that RHA promoted the viral yields of DENV2 independent of its helicase activity. These findings demonstrated that RHA is a new host factor required for DENV replication and might serve as a target for antiviral drugs.
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Phumesin P, Junking M, Panya A, Yongpitakwattana P, Noisakran S, Limjindaporn T, Yenchitsomanus PT. Inhibition of dengue virus replication in monocyte-derived dendritic cells by vivo-morpholino oligomers. Virus Res 2018; 260:123-128. [PMID: 30503719 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Skin dendritic cells (DCs) are primary target cells of dengue virus (DENV) infection and they play an important role in its immunopathogenesis. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) represent dermal and bloodstream DCs that serve as human primary cells for ex vivo studies of DENV infection. Improved understanding of the mechanisms that effectuate the inhibition of DENV replication in MDDCs will accelerate the development of antiviral drugs to treat DENV infection. In this study, we investigated whether or not vivo-morpholino oligomer (vivo-MO), which was designed to target the top of the 3' stem-loop (3' SL) at the 3' UTR of the DENV genome, could inhibit DENV infection and replication in MDDCs. The findings of this study revealed that vivo-MO-1 could inhibit DENV-2 infection in MDDCs, and that it could significantly reduce DENV RNA, protein, and viral production in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of MDDCs with 4 μM of vivo-MO-1 decreased DENV production by more than 1,000-fold, when compared to that of the vivo-MO-NC control. Thus, vivo-MO-1 targeting of DENV RNA demonstrates potential for further development into an anti-DENV agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patta Phumesin
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Mutita Junking
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Aussara Panya
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Petlada Yongpitakwattana
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sansanee Noisakran
- Medical Biotechnology Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Thawornchai Limjindaporn
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
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Abstract
Infectious disease represent the most significant threat to human health. Significant geologic cataclysmic events have caused the extinction of countless species, but these “Wrath of God” events predate the emergence of Homo sapiens. Pandemic infections have accompanied the rise of human civilization frequently re-occurring leaving a lasting imprint on human history punctuated by profound loss of life. Emerging infections become endemic and are here to stay marking their presence with an annual death toll. Each decade brings a new onslaught of emerging infectious agents. We are surprised again and again but are never prepared. The long-term consequences often remain unrecognized and are always inconvenient including cancer, cardiovascular disease and immune associated diseases that threaten our health. Reliance on clusters of clinical symptoms in the face of diverse and non-descriptive viral infection symptoms is a foolhardy form of crisis management. Viral success is based on rapid replication resulting in large numbers. Single-stranded RNA viruses with their high replication error rate represent a paradigm for resilience.
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Klitting R, Fischer C, Drexler JF, Gould EA, Roiz D, Paupy C, de Lamballerie X. What Does the Future Hold for Yellow Fever Virus? (II). Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E425. [PMID: 30134625 PMCID: PMC6162518 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As revealed by the recent resurgence of yellow fever virus (YFV) activity in the tropical regions of Africa and South America, YFV control measures need urgent rethinking. Over the last decade, most reported outbreaks occurred in, or eventually reached, areas with low vaccination coverage but that are suitable for virus transmission, with an unprecedented risk of expansion to densely populated territories in Africa, South America and Asia. As reflected in the World Health Organization's initiative launched in 2017, it is high time to strengthen epidemiological surveillance to monitor accurately viral dissemination, and redefine vaccination recommendation areas. Vector-control and immunisation measures need to be adapted and vaccine manufacturing must be reconciled with an increasing demand. We will have to face more yellow fever (YF) cases in the upcoming years. Hence, improving disease management through the development of efficient treatments will prove most beneficial. Undoubtedly, these developments will require in-depth descriptions of YFV biology at molecular, physiological and ecological levels. This second section of a two-part review describes the current state of knowledge and gaps regarding the molecular biology of YFV, along with an overview of the tools that can be used to manage the disease at the individual, local and global levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Klitting
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ⁻IRD 190⁻Inserm 1207⁻IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille CEDEX 05, France.
| | - Carlo Fischer
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Jan F Drexler
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ernest A Gould
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ⁻IRD 190⁻Inserm 1207⁻IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille CEDEX 05, France.
| | - David Roiz
- UMR Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC: IRD, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier), 34394 Montpellier, France.
| | - Christophe Paupy
- UMR Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC: IRD, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier), 34394 Montpellier, France.
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ⁻IRD 190⁻Inserm 1207⁻IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13385 Marseille CEDEX 05, France.
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28
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Meutiawati F, Bezemer B, Strating JRPM, Overheul GJ, Žusinaite E, van Kuppeveld FJM, van Cleef KWR, van Rij RP. Posaconazole inhibits dengue virus replication by targeting oxysterol-binding protein. Antiviral Res 2018; 157:68-79. [PMID: 29981375 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is associated with an estimated 390 million infections per year, occurring across approximately 100 countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions. To date, there are no antiviral drugs or specific therapies to treat DENV infection. Posaconazole and itraconazole are potent antifungal drugs that inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cells, but also target a number of human proteins. Here, we show that itraconazole and posaconazole have antiviral activity against DENV. Posaconazole inhibited replication of multiple serotypes of DENV and the related flavivirus Zika virus, and reduced viral RNA replication, but not translation of the viral genome. We used a combination of knockdown and drug sensitization assays to define the molecular target of posaconazole that mediates its antiviral activity. We found that knockdown of oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) inhibited DENV replication. Moreover, knockdown of OSBP, but not other known targets of posaconazole, enhanced the inhibitory effect of posaconazole. Our findings imply OSBP as a potential target for the development of antiviral compounds against DENV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Febrina Meutiawati
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bodine Bezemer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen R P M Strating
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J Overheul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Žusinaite
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen W R van Cleef
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald P van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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29
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Nan Y, Zhang YJ. Antisense Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers as Novel Antiviral Compounds. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:750. [PMID: 29731743 PMCID: PMC5920040 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) are short single-stranded DNA analogs that are built upon a backbone of morpholine rings connected by phosphorodiamidate linkages. As uncharged nucleic acid analogs, PMO bind to complementary sequences of target mRNA by Watson–Crick base pairing to block protein translation through steric blockade. PMO interference of viral protein translation operates independently of RNase H. Meanwhile, PMO are resistant to a variety of enzymes present in biologic fluids, a characteristic that makes them highly suitable for in vivo applications. Notably, PMO-based therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration which is now a hallmark for PMO-based antisense therapy. In this review, the development history of PMO, delivery methods for improving cellular uptake of neutrally charged PMO molecules, past studies of PMO antagonism against RNA and DNA viruses, PMO target selection, and remaining questions of PMO antiviral strategies are discussed in detail and new insights are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Yan-Jin Zhang
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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30
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Flaviviral RNA Structures and Their Role in Replication and Immunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:45-62. [PMID: 29845524 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
More than simple vectors of genetic information, flaviviral RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of the virus life cycle. Viral RNAs regulate interactions with viral and cellular proteins in both, mosquito and mammalian hosts to ultimately influence processes as diverse as RNA replication, translation, packaging or pathogenicity. In this chapter, we will review the current knowledge of the role of sequence and structures in the flaviviral RNA in viral propagation and interaction with the host cell. We will also cover the increasing body of evidence linking viral non-coding RNAs with pathogenicity, host immunity and epidemic potential.
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Phumesin P, Junking M, Panya A, Yongpitakwattana P, Noisakran S, Limjindaporn T, Yenchitsomanus PT. Vivo-morpholino oligomers strongly inhibit dengue virus replication and production. Arch Virol 2017; 163:867-876. [PMID: 29260328 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a worldwide public health problem, which can cause severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and life-threatening dengue shock syndrome (DSS). There are currently no anti-DENV drugs available, and there has been an intensive search for effective anti-DENV agents that can inhibit all four DENV serotypes. In this study, we tested whether vivo-morpholino oligomers (vivo-MOs), whose effect on DENV infection has not previously been studied, can inhibit DENV infection. Vivo-MOs were designed to target the top of 3' stem-loop (3' SL) in the 3' UTR of the DENV genome and tested for inhibition of DENV infection in monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cells and human lung epithelial carcinoma (A549) cells. The results showed that vivo-MOs could bind to a DENV RNA sequence and markedly reduce DENV-RNA, protein, and virus production in infected Vero and A549 cells. Vivo-MOs at a concentration of 4 µM could inhibit DENV production by more than 104-fold when compared to that of an untreated control. In addition, vivo-MOs also inhibited DENV production in U937 cells and primary human monocytes. Therefore, vivo-MOs targeting to the 3' SL in the 3' UTR of DENV genomes are effective and have the potential to be developed as anti-DENV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patta Phumesin
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Molecular Medicine (SiCORE-MM), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Mutita Junking
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Molecular Medicine (SiCORE-MM), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Aussara Panya
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Molecular Medicine (SiCORE-MM), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Petlada Yongpitakwattana
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Molecular Medicine (SiCORE-MM), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Sansanee Noisakran
- Medical Biotechnology Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Thawornchai Limjindaporn
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Molecular Medicine (SiCORE-MM), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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32
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The 5' and 3' Untranslated Regions of the Flaviviral Genome. Viruses 2017; 9:v9060137. [PMID: 28587300 PMCID: PMC5490814 DOI: 10.3390/v9060137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are enveloped arthropod-borne viruses with a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome that can cause serious illness in humans and animals. The 11 kb 5′ capped RNA genome consists of a single open reading frame (ORF), and is flanked by 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTR). The ORF is a polyprotein that is processed into three structural and seven non-structural proteins. The UTRs have been shown to be important for viral replication and immune modulation. Both of these regions consist of elements that are essential for genome cyclization, resulting in initiation of RNA synthesis. Genome mutation studies have been employed to investigate each component of the essential elements to show the necessity of each component and its role in viral RNA replication and growth. Furthermore, the highly structured 3′UTR is responsible for the generation of subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) that helps the virus evade host immune response, thereby affecting viral pathogenesis. In addition, changes within the 3′UTR have been shown to affect transmissibility between vector and host, which can influence the development of vaccines.
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33
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Castrillón-Betancur JC, Urcuqui-Inchima S. Overexpression of miR-484 and miR-744 in Vero cells alters Dengue virus replication. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2017; 112:281-291. [PMID: 28327787 PMCID: PMC5354610 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue is considered one of the world’s most important mosquito-borne diseases.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs that play an
important role in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Although miRNAs
possess antiviral activity against many mammalian-infecting viruses, their
involvement in Dengue virus (DENV) replication remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of miR-484 and miR-744 in DENV infection and to examine
whether DENV infection alters the expression of both miRNAs. METHODS We used bioinformatics tools to explore the relationship between DENV and
cellular miRNAs. We then overexpressed miR-484 or miR-744 in Vero cells to examine
their role in DENV replication using flow cytometry, reverse transcriptase
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting. FINDINGS We found several cellular miRNAs that target a conserved region within the 3′
untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the genome of the four DENV serotypes and found
that overexpression of miR-484 or miR-744 inhibits infection by DENV-1 to DENV-4.
Furthermore, we observed that DENV RNA might be involved in the downregulation of
endogenous miR-484 and miR-744. CONCLUSION Our study identifies miR-484 and miR-744 as two possible restriction host factors
against DENV infection. However, further studies are needed to directly verify
whether miR-484 and miR-744 both have an anti-DENV effect in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima
- Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo Inmunovirología, Medellín, Colombia
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34
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de Wispelaere M, Carocci M, Liang Y, Liu Q, Sun E, Vetter ML, Wang J, Gray NS, Yang PL. Discovery of host-targeted covalent inhibitors of dengue virus. Antiviral Res 2016; 139:171-179. [PMID: 28034743 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We report here on an approach targeting the host reactive cysteinome to identify inhibitors of host factors required for the infectious cycle of Flaviviruses and other viruses. We used two parallel cellular phenotypic screens to identify a series of covalent inhibitors, exemplified by QL-XII-47, that are active against dengue virus. We show that the compounds effectively block viral protein expression and that this inhibition is associated with repression of downstream processes of the infectious cycle, and thus significantly contributes to the potent antiviral activity of these compounds. We demonstrate that QL-XII-47's antiviral activity requires selective, covalent modification of a host target by showing that the compound's antiviral activity is recapitulated when cells are preincubated with QL-XII-47 and then washed prior to viral infection and by showing that QL-XII-47R, a non-reactive analog, lacks antiviral activity at concentrations more than 20-fold higher than QL-XII-47's IC90. QL-XII-47's inhibition of Zika virus, West Nile virus, hepatitis C virus, and poliovirus further suggests that it acts via a target mediating inhibition of these other medically relevant viruses. These results demonstrate the utility of screens targeting the host reactive cysteinome for rapid identification of compounds with potent antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margot Carocci
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yanke Liang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eileen Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael L Vetter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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The Golgi associated ERI3 is a Flavivirus host factor. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34379. [PMID: 27682269 PMCID: PMC5041148 DOI: 10.1038/srep34379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus classified into four serotypes (DENV-1-4) that causes Dengue fever (DF), Dengue hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). An estimated 390 million people are at risk for infection with DENV and there are no effective vaccines or therapeutics. We utilized RNA chromatography coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry (qMS) to identify host RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with DENV-2 RNA. We identified ERI3 (also PRNPIP and PINT1), a putative 3′–5′ RNA exonuclease, which preferentially associates with DENV-2 genomic RNA via interactions with dumbbell structures in the 3′ UTR. ERI3 is required for accumulation of DENV-2 genomic RNA and production of infectious particles. Furthermore, the mosquito homologue of ERI3 is required for DENV-2 replication in adult Aedes aegypti mosquitos implying that the requirement for ERI3 is conserved in both DENV hosts. In human cells ERI3 localizes to the Golgi in uninfected cells, but relocalizes near sites of DENV-2 replication in infected cells. ERI3 is not required for maintaining DENV-2 RNA stability or translation of the viral polyprotein, but is required for viral RNA synthesis. Our results define a specific role for ERI3 and highlight the importance of Golgi proteins in DENV-2 replication.
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Sully EK, Geller BL. Antisense antimicrobial therapeutics. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 33:47-55. [PMID: 27375107 PMCID: PMC5069135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Antisense antimicrobial therapeutics are synthetic oligomers that silence expression of specific genes. This specificity confers an advantage over broad-spectrum antibiotics by avoiding unintended effects on commensal bacteria. The sequence-specificity and short length of antisense antimicrobials also pose little risk to human gene expression. Because antisense antimicrobials are a platform technology, they can be rapidly designed and synthesized to target almost any microbe. This reduces drug discovery time, and provides flexibility and a rational approach to drug development. Recent work has shown that antisense technology has the potential to address the antibiotic-resistance crisis, since resistance mechanisms for standard antibiotics apparently have no effect on antisense antimicrobials. Here, we describe current reports of antisense antimicrobials targeted against viruses, parasites, and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Sully
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3804, USA
| | - Bruce L Geller
- Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3804, USA.
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Hodge K, Tunghirun C, Kamkaew M, Limjindaporn T, Yenchitsomanus PT, Chimnaronk S. Identification of a Conserved RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp)-RNA Interface Required for Flaviviral Replication. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:17437-49. [PMID: 27334920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.724013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus, an ∼10.7-kb positive-sense RNA virus, is the most common arthropod-communicated pathogen in the world. Despite dengue's clear epidemiological importance, mechanisms for its replication remain elusive. Here, we probed the entire dengue genome for interactions with viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and we identified the dominant interaction as a loop-forming ACAG motif in the 3' positive-stranded terminus, complicating the prevailing model of replication. A subset of interactions coincides with known flaviviral recombination sites inside the viral protein-coding region. Specific recognition of the RNA element occurs via an arginine patch in the C-terminal thumb domain of RdRp. We also show that the highly conserved nature of the consensus RNA motif may relate to its tolerance to various mutations in the interacting region of RdRp. Disruption of the interaction resulted in loss of viral replication ability in cells. This unique RdRp-RNA interface is found throughout flaviviruses, implying possibilities for broad disease interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Hodge
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
| | - Chairat Tunghirun
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
| | - Maliwan Kamkaew
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
| | | | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sarin Chimnaronk
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
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Dengue Virus Reporter Replicon is a Valuable Tool for Antiviral Drug Discovery and Analysis of Virus Replication Mechanisms. Viruses 2016; 8:v8050122. [PMID: 27164125 PMCID: PMC4885077 DOI: 10.3390/v8050122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue, the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease, is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, and is a considerable public health threat in over 100 countries, with 2.5 billion people living in high-risk areas. However, no specific antiviral drug or licensed vaccine currently targets DENV infection. The replicon system has all the factors needed for viral replication in cells. Since the development of replicon systems, transient and stable reporter replicons, as well as reporter viruses, have been used in the study of various virological aspects of DENV and in the identification of DENV inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the DENV reporter replicon system and its applications in high-throughput screening (HTS) for identification of anti-DENV inhibitors. We also describe the use of this system in elucidation of the mechanisms of virus replication and viral dynamics in vivo and in vitro.
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Manvar D, Küçükgüzel İ, Erensoy G, Tatar E, Deryabaşoğulları G, Reddy H, Talele TT, Cevik O, Kaushik-Basu N. Discovery of conjugated thiazolidinone-thiadiazole scaffold as anti-dengue virus polymerase inhibitors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 469:743-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Manokaran G, Finol E, Wang C, Gunaratne J, Bahl J, Ong EZ, Tan HC, Sessions OM, Ward AM, Gubler DJ, Harris E, Garcia-Blanco MA, Ooi EE. Dengue subgenomic RNA binds TRIM25 to inhibit interferon expression for epidemiological fitness. Science 2015; 350:217-21. [PMID: 26138103 PMCID: PMC4824004 DOI: 10.1126/science.aab3369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The global spread of dengue virus (DENV) infections has increased viral genetic diversity, some of which appears associated with greater epidemic potential. The mechanisms governing viral fitness in epidemiological settings, however, remain poorly defined. We identified a determinant of fitness in a foreign dominant (PR-2B) DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) clade, which emerged during the 1994 epidemic in Puerto Rico and replaced an endemic (PR-1) DENV-2 clade. The PR-2B DENV-2 produced increased levels of subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) relative to genomic RNA during replication. PR-2B sfRNA showed sequence-dependent binding to and prevention of tripartite motif 25 (TRIM25) deubiquitylation, which is critical for sustained and amplified retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-I)-induced type I interferon expression. Our findings demonstrate a distinctive viral RNA-host protein interaction to evade the innate immune response for increased epidemiological fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Manokaran
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore. Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esteban Finol
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Universität Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chunling Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jayantha Gunaratne
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
| | - Justin Bahl
- Center for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eugenia Z Ong
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Hwee Cheng Tan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - October M Sessions
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Alex M Ward
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Duane J Gubler
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA. Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Center for RNA Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Singapore-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alliance in Research and Technology Infectious Disease Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore.
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41
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Lam S, Chen H, Chen CK, Min N, Chu JJH. Antiviral Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers are Protective against Chikungunya Virus Infection on Cell-based and Murine Models. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26224141 PMCID: PMC4649900 DOI: 10.1038/srep12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in human is associated with debilitating and persistent arthralgia and arthritis. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or effective antiviral available. Anti-CHIKV Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer (CPMO) was evaluated for its antiviral efficacy and cytotoxcity in human cells and neonate murine model. Two CPMOs were designed to block translation initiation of a highly conserved sequence in CHIKV non-structural and structural polyprotein, respectively. Pre-treatment of HeLa cells with CPMO1 significantly suppressed CHIKV titre, CHIKV E2 protein expression and prevented CHIKV-induced CPE. CPMO1 activity was also CHIKV-specific as shown by the lack of cross-reactivity against SINV or DENV replication. When administered prophylactically in neonate mice, 15 μg/g CPMO1v conferred 100% survival against CHIKV disease. In parallel, these mice demonstrated significant reduction in viremia and viral load in various tissues. Immunohistological examination of skeletal muscles and liver of CPMO1v-treated mice also showed healthy tissue morphology, in contrast to evident manifestation of CHIKV pathogenesis in PBS- or scrambled sCPMO1v-treated groups. Taken together, our findings highlight for the first time that CPMO1v has strong protective effect against CHIKV infection. This warrants future development of morpholino as an alternative antiviral agent to address CHIKV infection in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Lam
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huixin Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caiyun Karen Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nyo Min
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Abstract
Dengue viruses have spread rapidly within countries and across regions in the past few decades, resulting in an increased frequency of epidemics and severe dengue disease, hyperendemicity of multiple dengue virus serotypes in many tropical countries, and autochthonous transmission in Europe and the USA. Today, dengue is regarded as the most prevalent and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease of human beings. Importantly, the past decade has also seen an upsurge in research on dengue virology, pathogenesis, and immunology and in development of antivirals, vaccines, and new vector-control strategies that can positively impact dengue control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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Ward AM, Gunaratne J, Garcia-Blanco MA. Identification of dengue RNA binding proteins using RNA chromatography and quantitative mass spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1138:253-70. [PMID: 24696342 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0348-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in dengue virus (DENV) research has been to understand the interaction of the viral RNA with host cell proteins during infection. Until recently, there were no comprehensive studies identifying host RNA binding proteins that interact with DENV RNA (Ward et al. RNA Biol 8 (6):1173-1186, 2011). Here, we describe a method for identifying proteins that associate with DENV RNA using RNA chromatography and quantitative mass spectrometry. The method utilizes a tobramycin RNA aptamer incorporated into an RNA containing the dengue 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) in order to reversibly bind RNA to a tobramycin matrix. The RNA-tobramycin matrix is incubated with SILAC-labeled cell lysates, and bound proteins are eluted using an excess of tobramycin. The eluate is analyzed using quantitative mass spectrometry, which allows direct and quantitative comparison of proteins bound to DENV UTRs and a control RNA-tobramycin matrix. This technique has the advantage of allowing one to distinguish between specific and nonspecific binding proteins based on the ratio of protein preferentially bound to the DENV UTRs versus the control RNA. This methodology can also be used for validation of quantitative mass spectrometry results using conventional Western blotting for specific proteins. Furthermore, though it was specifically developed to identify DENV RNA binding proteins, the RNA chromatography method described here can be applied to a broad range of viral and cellular RNAs for identification of interacting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Ward
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Abstract
Flaviviruses are a genus of (+)ssRNA (positive ssRNA) enveloped viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of cells of diverse species from arthropods to mammals. Many are important human pathogens such as DENV-1-4 (dengue virus types 1-4), WNV (West Nile virus), YFV (yellow fever virus), JEV (Japanese encephalitis virus) and TBEV (tick-borne encephalitis). Given their RNA genomes it is not surprising that flaviviral life cycles revolve around critical RNA transactions. It is these we highlight in the present article. First, we summarize the mechanisms governing flaviviral replication and the central role of conserved RNA elements and viral protein-RNA interactions in RNA synthesis, translation and packaging. Secondly, we focus on how host RNA-binding proteins both benefit and inhibit flaviviral replication at different stages of their life cycle in mammalian hosts. Thirdly, we cover recent studies on viral non-coding RNAs produced in flavivirus-infected cells and how these RNAs affect various aspects of cellular RNA metabolism. Together, the article puts into perspective the central role of flaviviral RNAs in modulating both viral and cellular functions.
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Selisko B, Wang C, Harris E, Canard B. Regulation of Flavivirus RNA synthesis and replication. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 9:74-83. [PMID: 25462437 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA synthesis and replication of the members of the Flavivirus genus (including dengue, West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses) is regulated by a wide variety of mechanisms and actors. These include the sequestration of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) for functions other than RNA synthesis, regulatory interactions with other viral and host proteins within the replication complex (RC), and regulatory elements within the RNA genome itself. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge of the multiple levels at which Flavivirus RNA synthesis is controlled. We aim to bring together two active research fields: the structural and functional biology of individual proteins of the RC and the impressive wealth of knowledge acquired regarding the viral genomic RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Selisko
- Aix-Marseille Université, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France; CNRS, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Chunling Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 185 Li Ka Shing Center, Berkeley, CA 94720-3370, USA
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 185 Li Ka Shing Center, Berkeley, CA 94720-3370, USA
| | - Bruno Canard
- Aix-Marseille Université, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France; CNRS, AFMB UMR 7257, 13288 Marseille, France.
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Bidet K, Dadlani D, Garcia-Blanco MA. G3BP1, G3BP2 and CAPRIN1 are required for translation of interferon stimulated mRNAs and are targeted by a dengue virus non-coding RNA. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004242. [PMID: 24992036 PMCID: PMC4081823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral RNA-host protein interactions are critical for replication of flaviviruses, a genus of positive-strand RNA viruses comprising major vector-borne human pathogens including dengue viruses (DENV). We examined three conserved host RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) G3BP1, G3BP2 and CAPRIN1 in dengue virus (DENV-2) infection and found them to be novel regulators of the interferon (IFN) response against DENV-2. The three RBPs were required for the accumulation of the protein products of several interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), and for efficient translation of PKR and IFITM2 mRNAs. This identifies G3BP1, G3BP2 and CAPRIN1 as novel regulators of the antiviral state. Their antiviral activity was antagonized by the abundant DENV-2 non-coding subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA), which bound to G3BP1, G3BP2 and CAPRIN1, inhibited their activity and lead to profound inhibition of ISG mRNA translation. This work describes a new and unexpected level of regulation for interferon stimulated gene expression and presents the first mechanism of action for an sfRNA as a molecular sponge of anti-viral effectors in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katell Bidet
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dhivya Dadlani
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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47
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Carter JR, Keith JH, Fraser TS, Dawson JL, Kucharski CA, Horne KM, Higgs S, Fraser MJ. Effective suppression of dengue virus using a novel group-I intron that induces apoptotic cell death upon infection through conditional expression of the Bax C-terminal domain. Virol J 2014; 11:111. [PMID: 24927852 PMCID: PMC4104402 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 100 million confirmed infections and 20,000 deaths are caused by Dengue virus (DENV) outbreaks annually. Global warming and rapid dispersal have resulted in DENV epidemics in formally non-endemic regions. Currently no consistently effective preventive measures for DENV exist, prompting development of transgenic and paratransgenic vector control approaches. Production of transgenic mosquitoes refractory for virus infection and/or transmission is contingent upon defining antiviral genes that have low probability for allowing escape mutations, and are equally effective against multiple serotypes. Previously we demonstrated the effectiveness of an anti-viral group I intron targeting U143 of the DENV genome in mediating trans-splicing and expression of a marker gene with the capsid coding domain. In this report we examine the effectiveness of coupling expression of ΔN Bax to trans-splicing U143 intron activity as a means of suppressing DENV infection of mosquito cells. RESULTS Targeting the conserved DENV circularization sequence (CS) by U143 intron trans-splicing activity appends a 3' exon RNA encoding ΔN Bax to the capsid coding region of the genomic RNA, resulting in a chimeric protein that induces premature cell death upon infection. TCID50-IFA analyses demonstrate an enhancement of DENV suppression for all DENV serotypes tested over the identical group I intron coupled with the non-apoptotic inducing firefly luciferase as the 3' exon. These cumulative results confirm the increased effectiveness of this αDENV-U143-ΔN Bax group I intron as a sequence specific antiviral that should be useful for suppression of DENV in transgenic mosquitoes. Annexin V staining, caspase 3 assays, and DNA ladder observations confirm DCA-ΔN Bax fusion protein expression induces apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSION This report confirms the relative effectiveness of an anti-DENV group I intron coupled to an apoptosis-inducing ΔN Bax 3' exon that trans-splices conserved sequences of the 5' CS region of all DENV serotypes and induces apoptotic cell death upon infection. Our results confirm coupling the targeted ribozyme capabilities of the group I intron with the generation of an apoptosis-inducing transcript increases the effectiveness of infection suppression, improving the prospects of this unique approach as a means of inducing transgenic refractoriness in mosquitoes for all serotypes of this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Malcolm J Fraser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute of Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.
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Panya A, Bangphoomi K, Choowongkomon K, Yenchitsomanus PT. Peptide inhibitors against dengue virus infection. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 84:148-57. [PMID: 24612829 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection has become a public health problem worldwide. The development of anti-DENV drug is urgently needed because neither licensed vaccine nor specific drug is currently available. Inhibition of DENV attachment and entry to host cells by blocking DENV envelope (E) protein is an attractive strategy for anti-DENV drug development. A hydrophobic pocket on the DENV E protein is essential for structural transition in the membrane fusion, and inhibition of this process is able to inhibit DENV infection. To search for a safe anti-DENV drug, we identified short peptides targeting the hydrophobic pocket by molecular docking. In addition, the information of predicted ligand-binding site of reported active compounds of DENV2 hydrophobic pocket was also used for peptide inhibitors selection. The di-peptide, EF, was the most effective on DENV2 infection inhibition in vitro with a half maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) of 96 μm. Treatment of DENV2 with EF at the concentration of 200 μm resulted in 83.47% and 84.15% reduction in viral genome and intracellular E protein, respectively. Among four DENV serotypes, DENV2 was the most effective for the inhibition. Our results provide the proof of concept for the development of therapeutic peptide inhibitors against DENV infection by the computer-aided molecular design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aussara Panya
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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49
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Targeting host factors to treat West Nile and dengue viral infections. Viruses 2014; 6:683-708. [PMID: 24517970 PMCID: PMC3939478 DOI: 10.3390/v6020683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile (WNV) and Dengue (DENV) viruses are major arboviral human pathogens belonging to the genus Flavivirus. At the current time, there are no approved prophylactics (e.g., vaccines) or specific therapeutics available to prevent or treat human infections by these pathogens. Due to their minimal genome, these viruses require many host molecules for their replication and this offers a therapeutic avenue wherein host factors can be exploited as treatment targets. Since several host factors appear to be shared by many flaviviruses the strategy may result in pan-flaviviral inhibitors and may also attenuate the rapid emergence of drug resistant mutant viruses. The scope of this strategy is greatly enhanced by the recent en masse identification of host factors impacting on WNV and DENV infection. Excellent proof-of-principle experimental demonstrations for host-targeted control of infection and infection-induced pathogenesis have been reported for both WNV and DENV. These include exploiting not only those host factors supporting infection, but also targeting host processes contributing to pathogenesis and innate immune responses. While these early studies validated the host-targeting approach, extensive future investigations spanning a range of aspects are needed for a successful deployment in humans.
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50
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Mukherjee S, Pierson TC, Dowd KA. Pseudo-infectious reporter virus particles for measuring antibody-mediated neutralization and enhancement of dengue virus infection. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1138:75-97. [PMID: 24696332 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0348-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This chapter outlines methods for the production of dengue virus (DENV) reporter virus particles (RVPs) and their use in assays that measure antibody-mediated neutralization and enhancement of DENV infection. RVPs are pseudo-infectious virions produced by complementation of a self-replicating flavivirus replicon with the DENV structural genes in trans. RVPs harvested from transfected cells are capable of only a single round of infection and encapsidate replicon RNA that encodes a reporter gene used to enumerate infected cells. RVPs may be produced using the structural genes of different DENV serotypes, genotypes, and mutants by changing plasmids used for complementation. Further modifications are possible including generating RVPs with varying levels of uncleaved prM protein, which resemble either the immature or mature form of the virus. Neutralization potency is measured by incubating RVPs with serial dilutions of antibody, followed by infection of target cells that express DENV attachment factors. Enhancement of infection is measured similarly using Fc receptor-expressing cells capable of internalizing antibody-virus complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Mukherjee
- Viral Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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