1
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Toews S, Wacker A, Faison EM, Duchardt-Ferner E, Richter C, Mathieu D, Bottaro S, Zhang Q, Schwalbe H. The 5'-terminal stem-loop RNA element of SARS-CoV-2 features highly dynamic structural elements that are sensitive to differences in cellular pH. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:7971-7986. [PMID: 38842942 PMCID: PMC11260494 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We present the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) solution structure of the 5'-terminal stem loop 5_SL1 (SL1) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. SL1 contains two A-form helical elements and two regions with non-canonical structure, namely an apical pyrimidine-rich loop and an asymmetric internal loop with one and two nucleotides at the 5'- and 3'-terminal part of the sequence, respectively. The conformational ensemble representing the averaged solution structure of SL1 was validated using NMR residual dipolar coupling (RDC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data. We show that the internal loop is the major binding site for fragments of low molecular weight. This internal loop of SL1 can be stabilized by an A12-C28 interaction that promotes the transient formation of an A+•C base pair. As a consequence, the pKa of the internal loop adenosine A12 is shifted to 5.8, compared to a pKa of 3.63 of free adenosine. Furthermore, applying a recently developed pH-differential mutational profiling (PD-MaP) approach, we not only recapitulated our NMR findings of SL1 but also unveiled multiple sites potentially sensitive to pH across the 5'-UTR of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Toews
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
| | - Anna Wacker
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
| | - Edgar M Faison
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
| | - Elke Duchardt-Ferner
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
| | - Daniel Mathieu
- Bruker BioSpin GmbH, Ettlingen, Baden-Württemberg 76275, Germany
| | - Sandro Bottaro
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Hesse 60438, Germany
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2
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Tamayo-Ordóñez YDJ, Rosas-García NM, Tamayo-Ordoñez FA, Ayil-Gutiérrez BA, Bello-López JM, Sosa-Santillán GDJ, Acosta-Cruz E, Anguebes-Franseschi F, Damas-Damas S, Domínguez-May AV, Córdova-Quiroz AV, Tamayo-Ordóñez MC. Genomic Evolution Strategy in SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B: Coevolution of Cis Elements. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5744-5776. [PMID: 38921015 PMCID: PMC11203041 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the SARS-CoV-2 lineage, RNA elements essential for its viral life cycle, including genome replication and gene expression, have been identified. Still, the precise structures and functions of these RNA regions in coronaviruses remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge points out the need for further research to better understand these crucial aspects of viral biology and, in time, prepare for future outbreaks. In this research, the in silico analysis of the cis RNA structures that act in the alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and deltacoronavirus genera has provided a detailed view of the presence and adaptation of the structures of these elements in coronaviruses. The results emphasize the importance of these cis elements in viral biology and their variability between different viral variants. Some coronavirus variants in some groups, depending on the cis element (stem-loop1 and -2; pseudoknot stem-loop1 and -2, and s2m), exhibited functional adaptation. Additionally, the conformation flexibility of the s2m element in the SARS variants was determined, suggesting a coevolution of this element in this viral group. The variability in secondary structures suggests genomic adaptations that may be related to replication processes, genetic regulation, as well as the specific pathogenicity of each variant. The results suggest that RNA structures in coronaviruses can adapt and evolve toward different viral variants, which has important implications for viral adaptation, pathogenicity, and future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahaira de J. Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Ambiental del Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Tamps, Mexico;
| | - Ninfa M. Rosas-García
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Ambiental del Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Tamps, Mexico;
| | - Francisco A. Tamayo-Ordoñez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico; (F.A.T.-O.); (F.A.-F.); (S.D.-D.); (A.V.C.-Q.)
| | - Benjamín A. Ayil-Gutiérrez
- CONAHCYT—Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Biotecnología Vegetal, Reynosa 88710, Tamps, Mexico;
| | - Juan M. Bello-López
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Ciudad de México 07760, Mexico;
| | - Gerardo de J. Sosa-Santillán
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Biosíntesis, Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - Erika Acosta-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico;
| | - Francisco Anguebes-Franseschi
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico; (F.A.T.-O.); (F.A.-F.); (S.D.-D.); (A.V.C.-Q.)
| | - Siprian Damas-Damas
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico; (F.A.T.-O.); (F.A.-F.); (S.D.-D.); (A.V.C.-Q.)
| | - Angel V. Domínguez-May
- TecNM, Instituto Tecnológico Superior del Sur del Estado de Yucatán, Road Muna-Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Stretch Oxkutzcab-Akil Km 41+400, Oxkutzcab 97880, Yucatán, Mexico;
| | - Atl Victor Córdova-Quiroz
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 N. 4, Av. Concordia Col. Benito Juárez, Ciudad del Carmen 24180, Campeche, Mexico; (F.A.T.-O.); (F.A.-F.); (S.D.-D.); (A.V.C.-Q.)
| | - María Concepción Tamayo-Ordóñez
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética, Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico
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3
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Madhugiri R, Nguyen HV, Slanina H, Ziebuhr J. Alpha- and betacoronavirus cis-acting RNA elements. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102483. [PMID: 38723345 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have exceptionally large RNA genomes and employ multiprotein replication/transcription complexes to orchestrate specific steps of viral RNA genome replication and expression. Most of these processes involve viral cis-acting RNA elements that are engaged in vital RNA-RNA and/or RNA-protein interactions. Over the past years, a large number of studies provided interesting new insight into the structures and, to a lesser extent, functions of specific RNA elements for representative coronaviruses, and there is evidence to suggest that (a majority of) these RNA elements are conserved across genetically divergent coronavirus genera. It is becoming increasingly clear that at least some of these elements do not function in isolation but operate through complex and highly dynamic RNA-RNA interactions. This article reviews structural and functional aspects of cis-acting RNA elements conserved in alpha- and betacoronavirus 5'- and 3'-terminal genome regions, focusing on their critical roles in viral RNA synthesis and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakanth Madhugiri
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hoang Viet Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Heiko Slanina
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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4
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Sepahi N, Samsami S, Mansoori Y, Chenari M, Namavari N, Yazdanpanah A, Ghasemian A, Montaseri Z, Sharifzadeh M, Ranjbar R, Namavari S, Ghanbariasad A. Development of a novel Colorimetric Assay for the rapid diagnosis of Coronavirus disease 2019 from nasopharyngeal samples. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12125. [PMID: 38802360 PMCID: PMC11130264 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a huge threat to public health. Rapid and reliable test to diagnose infected subjects is crucial for disease spread control. We developed a colorimetric test for COVID-19 detection using a Colorimetric Assay based on thiol-linked RNA modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and oligonucleotide probes. This method was conducted on RNA from 200 pharyngeal swab samples initially tested by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as gold standard. A specific oligonucleotide probe designed based on ORF1ab of COVID-19 was functionalized with AuNPs-probe conjugate. The exposure of AuNP-probe to isolated RNA samples was tested using hybridization. In this comparative study, the colorimetric functionalized AuNPs assay exhibited a detection limit of 25 copies/µL. It was higher in comparison to the RT-PCR method, which could only detect 15 copies/µL. The results demonstrated 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity for the developed method. Herein, we developed an incredibly rapid, simple and cost-effective Colorimetric Assay lasting approximately 30 min which could process considerably higher number of COVID-19 samples compared to the RT-PCR. This AuNP-probe conjugate colorimetric method could be considered the optimum alternatives for conventional diagnostic tools especially in over-populated and/or low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Sepahi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sahar Samsami
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Maryam Chenari
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Namavari
- School of Medicine Grenada, St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Ava Yazdanpanah
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Zahra Montaseri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Sharifzadeh
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Razie Ranjbar
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sahar Namavari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Advanced Technologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Avicenna Square, Fasa, Fars, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbariasad
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Advanced Technologies, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Avicenna Square, Fasa, Fars, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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5
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Kim MH, Choi B, Jang SY, Choi JS, Kim S, Lee Y, Park S, Kwon SJ, Kang JH, Seo JK. The VP53 protein encoded by RNA2 of a fabavirus, broad bean wilt virus 2, is essential for viral systemic infection. Commun Biol 2024; 7:462. [PMID: 38627534 PMCID: PMC11021446 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant viruses evolves diverse strategies to overcome the limitations of their genomic capacity and express multiple proteins, despite the constraints imposed by the host translation system. Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2) is a widespread viral pathogen, causing severe damage to economically important crops. It is hypothesized that BBWV2 RNA2 possesses two alternative in-frame translation initiation codons, resulting in the production of two largely overlapping proteins, VP53 and VP37. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression and function of VP53, an N-terminally 128-amino-acid-extended form of the viral movement protein VP37, during BBWV2 infection. By engineering various recombinant and mutant constructs of BBWV2 RNA2, here we demonstrate that VP53 is indeed expressed during BBWV2 infection. We also provide evidence of the translation of the two overlapping proteins through ribosomal leaky scanning. Furthermore, our study highlights the indispensability of VP53 for successful systemic infection of BBWV2, as its removal results in the loss of virus infectivity. These insights into the translation mechanism and functional role of VP53 during BBWV2 infection significantly contribute to our understanding of the infection mechanisms employed by fabaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Hwi Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Choi
- Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yeong Jang
- Department of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Soo Choi
- Department of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Sora Kim
- Department of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubin Lee
- Department of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Suejin Park
- Department of Horticulture, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Jung Kwon
- Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Kang
- Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
- Department of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Kyun Seo
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea.
- Department of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 25354, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Ziesel A, Jabbari H. Unveiling hidden structural patterns in the SARS-CoV-2 genome: Computational insights and comparative analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298164. [PMID: 38574063 PMCID: PMC10994416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is known to exhibit secondary structures in its 5' and 3' untranslated regions, along with the frameshifting stimulatory element situated between ORF1a and 1b. To identify additional regions containing conserved structures, we utilized a multiple sequence alignment with related coronaviruses as a starting point. We applied a computational pipeline developed for identifying non-coding RNA elements. Our pipeline employed three different RNA structural prediction approaches. We identified forty genomic regions likely to harbor structures, with ten of them showing three-way consensus substructure predictions among our predictive utilities. We conducted intracomparisons of the predictive utilities within the pipeline and intercomparisons with four previously published SARS-CoV-2 structural datasets. While there was limited agreement on the precise structure, different approaches seemed to converge on regions likely to contain structures in the viral genome. By comparing and combining various computational approaches, we can predict regions most likely to form structures, as well as a probable structure or ensemble of structures. These predictions can be used to guide surveillance, prophylactic measures, or therapeutic efforts. Data and scripts employed in this study may be found at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8298680.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Ziesel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hosna Jabbari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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7
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Karousis ED, Schubert K, Ban N. Coronavirus takeover of host cell translation and intracellular antiviral response: a molecular perspective. EMBO J 2024; 43:151-167. [PMID: 38200146 PMCID: PMC10897431 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-023-00019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause respiratory diseases in humans and animals. Understanding the mechanisms of translation regulation during coronaviral infections is critical for developing antiviral therapies and preventing viral spread. Translation of the viral single-stranded RNA genome in the host cell cytoplasm is an essential step in the life cycle of coronaviruses, which affects the cellular mRNA translation landscape in many ways. Here we discuss various viral strategies of translation control, including how members of the Betacoronavirus genus shut down host cell translation and suppress host innate immune functions, as well as the role of the viral non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) in the process. We also outline the fate of viral RNA, considering stress response mechanisms triggered in infected cells, and describe how unique viral RNA features contribute to programmed ribosomal -1 frameshifting, RNA editing, and translation shutdown evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos D Karousis
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Schubert
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nenad Ban
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Dauksaite V, Tas A, Wachowius F, Spruit A, van Hemert MJ, Snijder EJ, van der Veer EP, van Zonneveld AJ. Highly Potent Antisense Oligonucleotides Locked Nucleic Acid Gapmers Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Genome. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:381-385. [PMID: 37782140 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0012] [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: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the current worldwide pandemic and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 with potentially lethal outcome. Although effective vaccines strongly contributed to reduce disease severity, establishing a toolbox to control current and newly emerging coronaviruses of epidemic concern requires the development of novel therapeutic compounds, to treat severely infected individuals and to prevent virus transmission. Here we present a therapeutic strategy targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). We demonstrate that selected locked nucleic acid gapmers have the potency to reduce the in vitro intracellular viral load by up to 96%. Our promising results strongly support the case for further development of our preselected ASOs as therapeutic or prophylactic antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Dauksaite
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Tas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anouk Spruit
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J van Hemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eric J Snijder
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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9
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Hufsky F, Abecasis AB, Babaian A, Beck S, Brierley L, Dellicour S, Eggeling C, Elena SF, Gieraths U, Ha AD, Harvey W, Jones TC, Lamkiewicz K, Lovate GL, Lücking D, Machyna M, Nishimura L, Nocke MK, Renard BY, Sakaguchi S, Sakellaridi L, Spangenberg J, Tarradas-Alemany M, Triebel S, Vakulenko Y, Wijesekara RY, González-Candelas F, Krautwurst S, Pérez-Cataluña A, Randazzo W, Sánchez G, Marz M. The International Virus Bioinformatics Meeting 2023. Viruses 2023; 15:2031. [PMID: 37896809 PMCID: PMC10612056 DOI: 10.3390/v15102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2023 International Virus Bioinformatics Meeting was held in Valencia, Spain, from 24-26 May 2023, attracting approximately 180 participants worldwide. The primary objective of the conference was to establish a dynamic scientific environment conducive to discussion, collaboration, and the generation of novel research ideas. As the first in-person event following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the meeting facilitated highly interactive exchanges among attendees. It served as a pivotal gathering for gaining insights into the current status of virus bioinformatics research and engaging with leading researchers and emerging scientists. The event comprised eight invited talks, 19 contributed talks, and 74 poster presentations across eleven sessions spanning three days. Topics covered included machine learning, bacteriophages, virus discovery, virus classification, virus visualization, viral infection, viromics, molecular epidemiology, phylodynamic analysis, RNA viruses, viral sequence analysis, viral surveillance, and metagenomics. This report provides rewritten abstracts of the presentations, a summary of the key research findings, and highlights shared during the meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hufsky
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Ana B. Abecasis
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Artem Babaian
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Sebastian Beck
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Department Viral Zoonoses—One Health, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Liam Brierley
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GF, UK
| | - Simon Dellicour
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP160/12, 50 av. FD Roosevelt, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christian Eggeling
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Santiago F. Elena
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), CSIC-Universitat de Valencia, Catedratico Agustin Escardino 9, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Udo Gieraths
- Institute of Virology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anh D. Ha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Will Harvey
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Terry C. Jones
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Institute of Virology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Kevin Lamkiewicz
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Gabriel L. Lovate
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Dominik Lücking
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Martin Machyna
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Host-Pathogen-Interactions, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Luca Nishimura
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima 411-8540, Japan
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Maximilian K. Nocke
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Department for Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Bernard Y. Renard
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Digital Engineering Faculty, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shoichi Sakaguchi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka 569-8686, Japan;
| | - Lygeri Sakellaridi
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jannes Spangenberg
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Maria Tarradas-Alemany
- Computational Genomics Lab., Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Institut de Biomedicina UB (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Triebel
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Yulia Vakulenko
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Rajitha Yasas Wijesekara
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University of Medicine Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 8, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), CSIC-Universitat de Valencia, Catedratico Agustin Escardino 9, 46980 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit “Infection and Public Health” FISABIO, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarah Krautwurst
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Alba Pérez-Cataluña
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- VISAFELab, Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Walter Randazzo
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- VISAFELab, Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gloria Sánchez
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- VISAFELab, Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manja Marz
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany (A.B.A.); (L.B.); (S.D.); (C.E.); (S.F.E.); (T.C.J.); (K.L.); (G.L.L.); (M.K.N.); (B.Y.R.); (F.G.-C.); (A.P.-C.); (W.R.); (G.S.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Michael Stifel Center Jena, Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research—Fritz Lippman Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
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10
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Korn SM, Dhamotharan K, Jeffries CM, Schlundt A. The preference signature of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid NTD for its 5'-genomic RNA elements. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3331. [PMID: 37286558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role during the viral life cycle. It is involved in RNA transcription and accounts for packaging of the large genome into virus particles. N manages the enigmatic balance of bulk RNA-coating versus precise RNA-binding to designated cis-regulatory elements. Numerous studies report the involvement of its disordered segments in non-selective RNA-recognition, but how N organizes the inevitable recognition of specific motifs remains unanswered. We here use NMR spectroscopy to systematically analyze the interactions of N's N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD) with individual cis RNA elements clustering in the SARS-CoV-2 regulatory 5'-genomic end. Supported by broad solution-based biophysical data, we unravel the NTD RNA-binding preferences in the natural genome context. We show that the domain's flexible regions read the intrinsic signature of preferred RNA elements for selective and stable complex formation within the large pool of available motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Marianne Korn
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Dhamotharan
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Cy M Jeffries
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Site, c/o Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
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11
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Mackeown M, Kung YA, Davila-Calderon J, Ford WP, Luo L, Henry B, Li ML, Brewer G, Shih SR, Tolbert BS. The 5'UTR of HCoV-OC43 adopts a topologically constrained structure to intrinsically repress translation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103028. [PMID: 36805339 PMCID: PMC9930382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the need for rapid characterization of viral mechanisms associated with cellular pathogenesis. Viral UTRs represent conserved genomic elements that contribute to such mechanisms. Structural details of most CoV UTRs are not available, however. Experimental approaches are needed to allow for the facile generation of high-quality viral RNA tertiary structural models, which can facilitate comparative mechanistic efforts. By integrating experimental and computational techniques, we herein report the efficient characterization of conserved RNA structures within the 5'UTR of the HCoV-OC43 genome, a lab-tractable model coronavirus. We provide evidence that the 5'UTR folds into a structure with well-defined stem-loops (SLs) as determined by chemical probing and direct detection of hydrogen bonds by NMR. We combine experimental base-pair restraints with global structural information from SAXS to generate a 3D model that reveals that SL1-4 adopts a topologically constrained structure wherein SLs 3 and 4 coaxially stack. Coaxial stacking is mediated by short linker nucleotides and allows SLs 1 to 2 to sample different cojoint orientations by pivoting about the SL3,4 helical axis. To evaluate the functional relevance of the SL3,4 coaxial helix, we engineered luciferase reporter constructs harboring the HCoV-OC43 5'UTR with mutations designed to abrogate coaxial stacking. Our results reveal that the SL3,4 helix intrinsically represses translation efficiency since the destabilizing mutations correlate with increased luciferase expression relative to wildtype without affecting reporter mRNA levels, thus highlighting how the 5'UTR structure contributes to the viral mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mackeown
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yu-An Kung
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | | | - William P Ford
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Le Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Barrington Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mei-Ling Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Gary Brewer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shin-Ru Shih
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Blanton S Tolbert
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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12
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Chen SC, Xu CT, Chang CF, Chao TY, Lin CC, Fu PW, Yu CH. Optimization of 5'UTR to evade SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural protein 1-directed inhibition of protein synthesis in cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2451-2468. [PMID: 36843199 PMCID: PMC9968647 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Maximizing the expression level of therapeutic proteins in cells is the general goal for DNA/mRNA therapies. It is particularly challenging to achieve efficient protein expression in the cellular contexts with inhibited translation machineries, such as in the presence of cellular Nonstructural protein 1 (Nsp1) of coronaviruses (CoVs) that has been reported to inhibit overall protein synthesis of host genes and exogenously delivered mRNAs/DNAs. In this study, we thoroughly examined the sequence and structure contexts of viral and non-viral 5'UTRs that determine the protein expression levels of exogenously delivered DNAs and mRNAs in cells expressing SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1. It was found that high 5'-proximal A/U content promotes an escape from Nsp1-directed inhibition of protein synthesis and results in selective protein expression. Furthermore, 5'-proximal Cs were found to significantly enhance the protein expression in an Nsp1-dependent manner, while Gs located at a specific window close to the 5'-end counteract such enhancement. The distinct protein expression levels resulted from different 5'UTRs were found correlated to Nsp1-induced mRNA degradations. These findings ultimately enabled rational designs for optimized 5'UTRs that lead to strong expression of exogenous proteins regardless of the translationally repressive Nsp1. On the other hand, we have also identified several 5'-proximal sequences derived from host genes that are capable of mediating the escapes. These results provided novel perspectives to the optimizations of 5'UTRs for DNA/mRNA therapies and/or vaccinations, as well as shedding light on the potential host escapees from Nsp1-directed translational shutoffs. KEY POINTS: • The 5'-proximal SL1 and 5a/b derived from SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA promote exogenous protein synthesis in cells expressing Nsp1 comparing with non-specific 5'UTRs. • Specific 5'-proximal sequence contexts are the key determinants of the escapes from Nsp1-directed translational repression and thereby enhance protein expressions. • Systematic mutagenesis identified optimized 5'UTRs that strongly enhance protein expression and promote resistance to Nsp1-induced translational repression and RNA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Cheng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cui-Ting Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Fu Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Chao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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13
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Spangenberg J, Zu Siederdissen CH, Žarković M, Triebel S, Rose R, Christophersen CM, Paltzow L, Hegab MM, Wansorra A, Srivastava A, Krumbholz A, Marz M. Magnipore: Prediction of differential single nucleotide changes in the Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing signal of SARS-CoV-2 samples. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533105. [PMID: 36993667 PMCID: PMC10055291 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) allows direct sequencing of ribonucleic acids (RNA) and, in addition, detection of possible RNA modifications due to deviations from the expected ONT signal. The software available so far for this purpose can only detect a small number of modifications. Alternatively, two samples can be compared for different RNA modifications. We present Magnipore, a novel tool to search for significant signal shifts between samples of Oxford Nanopore data from similar or related species. Magnipore classifies them into mutations and potential modifications. We use Magnipore to compare SARS-CoV-2 samples. Included were representatives of the early 2020s Pango lineages (n=6), samples from Pango lineages B.1.1.7 (n=2, Alpha), B.1.617.2 (n=1, Delta), and B.1.529 (n=7, Omicron). Magnipore utilizes position-wise Gaussian distribution models and a comprehensible significance threshold to find differential signals. In the case of Alpha and Delta, Magnipore identifies 55 detected mutations and 15 sites that hint at differential modifications. We predicted potential virus-variant and variant-group-specific differential modifications. Magnipore contributes to advancing RNA modification analysis in the context of viruses and virus variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannes Spangenberg
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Milena Žarković
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sandra Triebel
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ruben Rose
- Institute for Infection Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Straße 4, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Lea Paltzow
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, 24106 Kiel, Germany
| | - Mohsen M Hegab
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, 24106 Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Wansorra
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, 24106 Kiel, Germany
| | - Akash Srivastava
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Andi Krumbholz
- Institute for Infection Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Straße 4, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, 24106 Kiel, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center 2, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
- FLI Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
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14
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Intragenomic rearrangements involving 5'-untranslated region segments in SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses. Virol J 2023; 20:36. [PMID: 36829234 PMCID: PMC9957694 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01998-0] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variation of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been the bane of COVID-19 control. Documented variation includes point mutations, deletions, insertions, and recombination among closely or distantly related coronaviruses. Here, we describe yet another aspect of genome variation by beta- and alphacoronaviruses that was first documented in an infectious isolate of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, obtained from 3 patients in Hong Kong that had a 5'-untranslated region segment at the end of the ORF6 gene that in its new location translated into an ORF6 protein with a predicted modified carboxyl terminus. While comparing the amino acid sequences of translated ORF8 genes in the GenBank database, we found a subsegment of the same 5'-UTR-derived amino acid sequence modifying the distal end of ORF8 of an isolate from the United States and decided to carry out a systematic search. METHODS Using the nucleotide and in the case of SARS-CoV-2 also the translated amino acid sequence in three reading frames of the genomic termini of coronaviruses as query sequences, we searched for 5'-UTR sequences in regions other than the 5'-UTR in SARS-CoV-2 and reference strains of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-coronaviruses. RESULTS We here report numerous genomic insertions of 5'-untranslated region sequences into coding regions of SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses, but not delta- or gammacoronaviruses. To our knowledge this is the first systematic description of such insertions. In many cases, these insertions would change viral protein sequences and further foster genomic flexibility and viral adaptability through insertion of transcription regulatory sequences in novel positions within the genome. Among human Embecorivus betacoronaviruses, for instance, from 65% to all of the surveyed sequences in publicly available databases contain inserted 5'-UTR sequences. CONCLUSION The intragenomic rearrangements involving 5'-untranslated region sequences described here, which in several cases affect highly conserved genes with a low propensity for recombination, may underlie the generation of variants homotypic with those of concern or interest and with potentially differing pathogenic profiles. Intragenomic rearrangements thus add to our appreciation of how variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other beta- and alphacoronaviruses may arise.
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15
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Lamkiewicz K, Esquivel Gomez LR, Kühnert D, Marz M. Genome Structure, Life Cycle, and Taxonomy of Coronaviruses and the Evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 439:305-339. [PMID: 36592250 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-15640-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have a broad host range and exhibit high zoonotic potential. In this chapter, we describe their genomic organization in terms of encoded proteins and provide an introduction to the peculiar discontinuous transcription mechanism. Further, we present evolutionary conserved genomic RNA secondary structure features, which are involved in the complex replication mechanism. With a focus on computational methods, we review the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 starting with the 2019 strains. In that context, we also discuss the debated hypothesis of whether SARS-CoV-2 was created in a laboratory. We focus on the molecular evolution and the epidemiological dynamics of this recently emerged pathogen and we explain how variants of concern are detected and characterised. COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, can spread through different transmission routes and also depends on a number of risk factors. We describe how current computational models of viral epidemiology, or more specifically, phylodynamics, have facilitated and will continue to enable a better understanding of the epidemic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lamkiewicz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luis Roger Esquivel Gomez
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Straße 10, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Denise Kühnert
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Straße 10, 07745, Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- FLI Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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16
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Rojas-Cruz AF, Gallego-Gómez JC, Bermúdez-Santana CI. RNA structure-altering mutations underlying positive selection on Spike protein reveal novel putative signatures to trace crossing host-species barriers in Betacoronavirus. RNA Biol 2022; 19:1019-1044. [PMID: 36102368 PMCID: PMC9481089 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2115750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to other RNA viruses, the emergence of Betacoronavirus relies on cross-species viral transmission, which requires careful health surveillance monitoring of protein-coding information as well as genome-wide analysis. Although the evolutionary jump from natural reservoirs to humans may be mainly traced-back by studying the effect that hotspot mutations have on viral proteins, it is largely unexplored if other impacts might emerge on the structured RNA genome of Betacoronavirus. In this survey, the protein-coding and viral genome architecture were simultaneously studied to uncover novel insights into cross-species horizontal transmission events. We analysed 1,252,952 viral genomes of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 distributed across the world in bats, intermediate animals, and humans to build a new landscape of changes in the RNA viral genome. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that bat viruses are the most closely related to the time of most recent common ancestor of Betacoronavirus, and missense mutations in viral proteins, mainly in the S protein S1 subunit: SARS-CoV (G > T; A577S); MERS-CoV (C > T; S746R and C > T; N762A); and SARS-CoV-2 (A > G; D614G) appear to have driven viral diversification. We also found that codon sites under positive selection on S protein overlap with non-compensatory mutations that disrupt secondary RNA structures in the RNA genome complement. These findings provide pivotal factors that might be underlying the eventual jumping the species barrier from bats to intermediate hosts. Lastly, we discovered that nearly half of the Betacoronavirus genomes carry highly conserved RNA structures, and more than 90% of these RNA structures show negative selection signals, suggesting essential functions in the biology of Betacoronavirus that have not been investigated to date. Further research is needed on negatively selected RNA structures to scan for emerging functions like the potential of coding virus-derived small RNAs and to develop new candidate antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Felipe Rojas-Cruz
- Theoretical and Computational RNomics Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Colombia, Bogota Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Gallego-Gómez
- Molecular and Translational Medicine Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin Colombia
| | - Clara Isabel Bermúdez-Santana
- Theoretical and Computational RNomics Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, National University of Colombia, Bogota Colombia
- Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, National University of Colombia, Bogota Colombia
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SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors Identified by Phenotypic Analysis of a Collection of Viral RNA-Binding Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121448. [PMID: 36558898 PMCID: PMC9784969 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121448] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral agents are needed for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections and to control other coronavirus outbreaks that may occur in the future. Here we report the identification and characterization of RNA-binding compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. The compounds were detected by screening a small library of antiviral compounds previously shown to bind HIV-1 or HCV RNA elements with a live-virus cellular assay detecting inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These experiments allowed detection of eight compounds with promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in the sub-micromolar to micromolar range and wide selectivity indexes. Examination of the mechanism of action of three selected hit compounds excluded action on the entry or egress stages of the virus replication cycle and confirmed recognition by two of the molecules of conserved RNA elements of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including the highly conserved S2m hairpin located in the 3'-untranslated region of the virus. While further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of action responsible for antiviral activity, these results facilitate the discovery of RNA-targeted antivirals and provide new chemical scaffolds for developing therapeutic agents against coronaviruses.
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Hufsky F, Abecasis A, Agudelo-Romero P, Bletsa M, Brown K, Claus C, Deinhardt-Emmer S, Deng L, Friedel CC, Gismondi MI, Kostaki EG, Kühnert D, Kulkarni-Kale U, Metzner KJ, Meyer IM, Miozzi L, Nishimura L, Paraskevopoulou S, Pérez-Cataluña A, Rahlff J, Thomson E, Tumescheit C, van der Hoek L, Van Espen L, Vandamme AM, Zaheri M, Zuckerman N, Marz M. Women in the European Virus Bioinformatics Center. Viruses 2022; 14:1522. [PMID: 35891501 PMCID: PMC9319252 DOI: 10.3390/v14071522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the cause of a considerable burden to human, animal and plant health, while on the other hand playing an important role in regulating entire ecosystems. The power of new sequencing technologies combined with new tools for processing "Big Data" offers unprecedented opportunities to answer fundamental questions in virology. Virologists have an urgent need for virus-specific bioinformatics tools. These developments have led to the formation of the European Virus Bioinformatics Center, a network of experts in virology and bioinformatics who are joining forces to enable extensive exchange and collaboration between these research areas. The EVBC strives to provide talented researchers with a supportive environment free of gender bias, but the gender gap in science, especially in math-intensive fields such as computer science, persists. To bring more talented women into research and keep them there, we need to highlight role models to spark their interest, and we need to ensure that female scientists are not kept at lower levels but are given the opportunity to lead the field. Here we showcase the work of the EVBC and highlight the achievements of some outstanding women experts in virology and viral bioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hufsky
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ana Abecasis
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia Agudelo-Romero
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Magda Bletsa
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katherine Brown
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Claudia Claus
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Li Deng
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Centre Munich-German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Microbial Disease Prevention, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Caroline C. Friedel
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - María Inés Gismondi
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Molecular Biology (IABIMO), National Institute for Agriculture Technology (INTA), National Research Council (CONICET), Hurlingham B1686IGC, Argentina
- Department of Basic Sciences, National University of Luján, Luján B6702MZP, Argentina
| | - Evangelia Georgia Kostaki
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Denise Kühnert
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Urmila Kulkarni-Kale
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Bioinformatics Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Karin J. Metzner
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irmtraud M. Meyer
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Miozzi
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Nishimura
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima 411-8540, Japan
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Sofia Paraskevopoulou
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Methods Development and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alba Pérez-Cataluña
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- VISAFELab, Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Janina Rahlff
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linneaus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Emma Thomson
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Charlotte Tumescheit
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Lia van der Hoek
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lore Van Espen
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute for the Future, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maryam Zaheri
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Neta Zuckerman
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health and Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Manja Marz
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.A.); (P.A.-R.); (M.B.); (K.B.); (C.C.); (S.D.-E.); (L.D.); (C.C.F.); (M.I.G.); (E.G.K.); (D.K.); (U.K.-K.); (K.J.M.); (I.M.M.); (L.M.); (L.N.); (S.P.); (A.P.-C.); (J.R.); (E.T.); (C.T.); (L.v.d.H.); (L.V.E.); (A.-M.V.); (M.Z.); (N.Z.)
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
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Condé L, Allatif O, Ohlmann T, de Breyne S. Translation of SARS-CoV-2 gRNA Is Extremely Efficient and Competitive despite a High Degree of Secondary Structures and the Presence of an uORF. Viruses 2022; 14:1505. [PMID: 35891485 PMCID: PMC9322171 DOI: 10.3390/v14071505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 infection generates up to nine different sub-genomic mRNAs (sgRNAs), in addition to the genomic RNA (gRNA). The 5'UTR of each viral mRNA shares the first 75 nucleotides (nt.) at their 5'end, called the leader, but differentiates by a variable sequence (0 to 190 nt. long) that follows the leader. As a result, each viral mRNA has its own specific 5'UTR in term of length, RNA structure, uORF and Kozak context; each one of these characteristics could affect mRNA expression. In this study, we have measured and compared translational efficiency of each of the ten viral transcripts. Our data show that most of them are very efficiently translated in all translational systems tested. Surprisingly, the gRNA 5'UTR, which is the longest and the most structured, was also the most efficient to initiate translation. This property is conserved in the 5'UTR of SARS-CoV-1 but not in MERS-CoV strain, mainly due to the regulation imposed by the uORF. Interestingly, the translation initiation mechanism on the SARS-CoV-2 gRNA 5'UTR requires the cap structure and the components of the eIF4F complex but showed no dependence in the presence of the poly(A) tail in vitro. Our data strongly suggest that translation initiation on SARS-CoV-2 mRNAs occurs via an unusual cap-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Théophile Ohlmann
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, (Team Ohlmann), Univ Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France; (L.C.); (O.A.)
| | - Sylvain de Breyne
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, (Team Ohlmann), Univ Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France; (L.C.); (O.A.)
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20
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Lessons Learned and Yet-to-Be Learned on the Importance of RNA Structure in SARS-CoV-2 Replication. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0005721. [PMID: 35862724 PMCID: PMC9491204 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00057-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is a member of the virus family Coronaviridae, known for relatively extensive (~30-kb) RNA genomes that not only encode for numerous proteins but are also capable of forming elaborate structures. As highlighted in this review, these structures perform critical functions in various steps of the viral life cycle, ultimately impacting pathogenesis and transmissibility. We examine these elements in the context of coronavirus evolutionary history and future directions for curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other potential human coronaviruses. While we focus on structures supported by a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational methods, we also touch here on recent evidence for novel structures in both protein-coding and noncoding regions of the genome, including an assessment of the potential role for RNA structure in the controversial finding of SARS-CoV-2 integration in “long COVID” patients. This review aims to serve as a consolidation of previous works on coronavirus and more recent investigation of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the need for improved understanding of the role of RNA structure in the evolution and adaptation of these human viruses.
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21
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Kung YA, Lee KM, Chiang HJ, Huang SY, Wu CJ, Shih SR. Molecular Virology of SARS-CoV-2 and Related Coronaviruses. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0002621. [PMID: 35343760 PMCID: PMC9199417 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00026-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the lives of hundreds of millions of people, with a severe negative impact on the global economy. Although several COVID-19 vaccines are currently being administered, none of them is 100% effective. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 variants remain an important worldwide public health issue. Hence, the accelerated development of efficacious antiviral agents is urgently needed. Coronavirus depends on various host cell factors for replication. An ongoing research objective is the identification of host factors that could be exploited as targets for drugs and compounds effective against SARS-CoV-2. In the present review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, focusing on the host factors or pathways involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication that have been identified by genome-wide CRISPR screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-An Kung
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Ming Lee
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Jung Chiang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yu Huang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jung Wu
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Ru Shih
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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22
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Secondary structural ensembles of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in infected cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1128. [PMID: 35236847 PMCID: PMC8891300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus with a single-stranded, positive-sense, 30-kilobase RNA genome responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although population average structure models of the genome were recently reported, there is little experimental data on native structural ensembles, and most structures lack functional characterization. Here we report secondary structure heterogeneity of the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome in two lines of infected cells at single nucleotide resolution. Our results reveal alternative RNA conformations across the genome and at the critical frameshifting stimulation element (FSE) that are drastically different from prevailing population average models. Importantly, we find that this structural ensemble promotes frameshifting rates much higher than the canonical minimal FSE and similar to ribosome profiling studies. Our results highlight the value of studying RNA in its full length and cellular context. The genomic structures detailed here lay groundwork for coronavirus RNA biology and will guide the design of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-based therapeutics. Lan et al. report RNA structure ensembles across the entire SARSCoV-2 genome in infected human cells at single nucleotide resolution. They find alternative RNA conformations critical for promoting near-native frameshifting rates in ORF1ab.
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23
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Pfafenrot C, Schneider T, Müller C, Hung LH, Schreiner S, Ziebuhr J, Bindereif A. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus proliferation by designer antisense-circRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12502-12516. [PMID: 34850109 PMCID: PMC8643703 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that exist in all eukaryotes investigated and are derived from back-splicing of certain pre-mRNA exons. Here, we report the application of artificial circRNAs designed to act as antisense-RNAs. We systematically tested a series of antisense-circRNAs targeted to the SARS-CoV-2 genome RNA, in particular its structurally conserved 5'-untranslated region. Functional assays with both reporter transfections as well as with SARS-CoV-2 infections revealed that specific segments of the SARS-CoV-2 5'-untranslated region can be efficiently accessed by specific antisense-circRNAs, resulting in up to 90% reduction of virus proliferation in cell culture, and with a durability of at least 48 h. Presenting the antisense sequence within a circRNA clearly proved more efficient than in the corresponding linear configuration and is superior to modified antisense oligonucleotides. The activity of the antisense-circRNA is surprisingly robust towards point mutations in the target sequence. This strategy opens up novel applications for designer circRNAs and promising therapeutic strategies in molecular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Pfafenrot
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Tim Schneider
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christin Müller
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Lee-Hsueh Hung
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Silke Schreiner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Bindereif
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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24
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D’Souza AR, Buckingham AB, Salasc F, Ingemarsdotter CK, Iaconis G, Jarvis I, Groom HCT, Kenyon JC, Lever AML. Duplex formation between the template and the nascent strand in the transcription-regulating sequences is associated with the site of template switching in SARS - CoV-2. RNA Biol 2021; 18:148-156. [PMID: 34541994 PMCID: PMC8459930 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1975388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently published transcriptomic data of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus show that there is a large variation in the frequency and steady state levels of subgenomic mRNA sequences. This variation is derived from discontinuous subgenomic RNA synthesis, where the polymerase switches template from a 3' proximal genome body sequence to a 5' untranslated leader sequence. This leads to a fusion between the common 5' leader sequence and a 3' proximal body sequence in the RNA product. This process revolves around a common core sequence (CS) that is present at both the template sites that make up the fusion junction. Base-pairing between the leader CS and the nascent complementary minus strand body CS, and flanking regions (together called the transcription regulating sequence, TRS) is vital for this template switching event. However, various factors can influence the site of template switching within the same TRS duplex. Here, we model the duplexes formed between the leader and complementary body TRS regions, hypothesizing the role of the stability of the TRS duplex in determining the major sites of template switching for the most abundant mRNAs. We indicate that the stability of secondary structures and the speed of transcription play key roles in determining the probability of template switching in the production of subgenomic RNAs. We speculate on the effect of reported variant nucleotide substitutions on our models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R. D’Souza
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Fanny Salasc
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Gennaro Iaconis
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isobel Jarvis
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Julia C. Kenyon
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Homerton College, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrew M. L. Lever
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Huber HF, Jaberi-Douraki M, DeVader S, Aparicio-Lopez C, Nava-Chavez J, Xu X, Millagaha Gedara NI, Gaudreault NN, Delong RK. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Variants with Nucleic Acid Therapeutic Nanoparticle Conjugates. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1012. [PMID: 34681236 PMCID: PMC8539335 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants is cause for concern, because these may become resistant to current vaccines and antiviral drugs in development. Current drugs target viral proteins, resulting in a critical need for RNA-targeted nanomedicines. To address this, a comparative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants was performed. Several highly conserved sites were identified, of which the most noteworthy is a partial homopurine palindrome site with >99% conservation within the coding region. This sequence was compared among recently emerged, highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants. Conservation of the site was maintained among these emerging variants, further contributing to its potential as a regulatory target site for SARS-CoV-2. RNAfold was used to predict the structures of the highly conserved sites, with some resulting structures being common among coronaviridae. An RNA-level regulatory map of the conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2 was produced based on the predicted structures, with each representing potential target sites for antisense oligonucleotides, triplex-forming oligomers, and aptamers. Additionally, homopurine/homopyrimidine sequences within the viral genome were identified. These sequences also demonstrate appropriate target sites for antisense oligonucleotides and triplex-forming oligonucleotides. An experimental strategy to investigate these is summarized along with potential nanoparticle types for delivery, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanah F. Huber
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.F.H.); (S.D.); (C.A.-L.); (J.N.-C.)
| | - Majid Jaberi-Douraki
- 1DATA Consortium and Department of Mathematics, Kansas State University Olathe, Olathe, KS 66061, USA; (M.J.-D.); (X.X.); (N.I.M.G.)
| | - Sarah DeVader
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.F.H.); (S.D.); (C.A.-L.); (J.N.-C.)
| | - Cesar Aparicio-Lopez
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.F.H.); (S.D.); (C.A.-L.); (J.N.-C.)
| | - Juliet Nava-Chavez
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.F.H.); (S.D.); (C.A.-L.); (J.N.-C.)
| | - Xuan Xu
- 1DATA Consortium and Department of Mathematics, Kansas State University Olathe, Olathe, KS 66061, USA; (M.J.-D.); (X.X.); (N.I.M.G.)
| | - Nuwan Indika Millagaha Gedara
- 1DATA Consortium and Department of Mathematics, Kansas State University Olathe, Olathe, KS 66061, USA; (M.J.-D.); (X.X.); (N.I.M.G.)
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Robert K. Delong
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (H.F.H.); (S.D.); (C.A.-L.); (J.N.-C.)
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26
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Cao C, Cai Z, Xiao X, Rao J, Chen J, Hu N, Yang M, Xing X, Wang Y, Li M, Zhou B, Wang X, Wang J, Xue Y. The architecture of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome inside virion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3917. [PMID: 34168138 PMCID: PMC8225788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 carries the largest single-stranded RNA genome and is the causal pathogen of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. How the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is folded in the virion remains unknown. To fill the knowledge gap and facilitate structure-based drug development, we develop a virion RNA in situ conformation sequencing technology, named vRIC-seq, for probing viral RNA genome structure unbiasedly. Using vRIC-seq data, we reconstruct the tertiary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and reveal a surprisingly "unentangled globule" conformation. We uncover many long-range duplexes and higher-order junctions, both of which are under purifying selections and contribute to the sequential package of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Unexpectedly, the D614G and the other two accompanying mutations may remodel duplexes into more stable forms. Lastly, the structure-guided design of potent small interfering RNAs can obliterate the SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. Overall, our work provides a framework for studying the genome structure, function, and dynamics of emerging deadly RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchang Cao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaokui Cai
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Rao
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Naijing Hu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minnan Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongle Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Manman Li
- School of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangxi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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27
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Bottaro S, Bussi G, Lindorff-Larsen K. Conformational Ensembles of Noncoding Elements in the SARS-CoV-2 Genome from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:8333-8343. [PMID: 34039006 PMCID: PMC8188756 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome is a conserved, functional and structured genomic region consisting of several RNA stem-loop elements. While the secondary structure of such elements has been determined experimentally, their three-dimensional structures are not known yet. Here, we predict structure and dynamics of five RNA stem loops in the 5'-UTR of SARS-CoV-2 by extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, more than 0.5 ms of aggregate simulation time, in combination with enhanced sampling techniques. We compare simulations with available experimental data, describe the resulting conformational ensembles, and identify the presence of specific structural rearrangements in apical and internal loops that may be functionally relevant. Our atomic-detailed structural predictions reveal a rich dynamics in these RNA molecules, could help the experimental characterization of these systems, and provide putative three-dimensional models for structure-based drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Bottaro
- Structural
Biology and NMR Laboratory & Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for
Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Giovanni Bussi
- Scuola
Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural
Biology and NMR Laboratory & Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for
Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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28
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Pujawan IN, Bah AU. Supply chains under COVID-19 disruptions: literature review and research agenda. SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/16258312.2021.1932568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Nyoman Pujawan
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Alpha Umaru Bah
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia
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29
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Miao Z, Tidu A, Eriani G, Martin F. Secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 5'-UTR. RNA Biol 2021; 18:447-456. [PMID: 32965173 PMCID: PMC7544965 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1814556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2, a positive-sense single-stranded RNA Coronavirus, is a global threat to human health. Thus, understanding its life cycle mechanistically would be important to facilitate the design of antiviral drugs. A key aspect of viral progression is the synthesis of viral proteins by the ribosome of the human host. In Coronaviruses, this process is regulated by the viral 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), but the precise regulatory mechanism has not yet been well understood. In particular, the 5'-UTR of the viral genome is most likely involved in translation initiation of viral proteins. Here, we performed inline probing and RNase V1 probing to establish a model of the secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 5'-UTR. We found that the 5'-UTR contains stable structures including a very stable four-way junction close to the AUG start codon. Sequence alignment analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants 5'-UTRs revealed a highly conserved structure with few co-variations that confirmed our secondary structure model based on probing experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Miao
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, UK
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence and Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Antonin Tidu
- Architecture Et Réactivité De l’ARN, Université De Strasbourg, Institut De Biologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire Du CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gilbert Eriani
- Architecture Et Réactivité De l’ARN, Université De Strasbourg, Institut De Biologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire Du CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Franck Martin
- Architecture Et Réactivité De l’ARN, Université De Strasbourg, Institut De Biologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire Du CNRS, Strasbourg, France
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30
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Hufsky F, Lamkiewicz K, Almeida A, Aouacheria A, Arighi C, Bateman A, Baumbach J, Beerenwinkel N, Brandt C, Cacciabue M, Chuguransky S, Drechsel O, Finn RD, Fritz A, Fuchs S, Hattab G, Hauschild AC, Heider D, Hoffmann M, Hölzer M, Hoops S, Kaderali L, Kalvari I, von Kleist M, Kmiecinski R, Kühnert D, Lasso G, Libin P, List M, Löchel HF, Martin MJ, Martin R, Matschinske J, McHardy AC, Mendes P, Mistry J, Navratil V, Nawrocki EP, O’Toole ÁN, Ontiveros-Palacios N, Petrov AI, Rangel-Pineros G, Redaschi N, Reimering S, Reinert K, Reyes A, Richardson L, Robertson DL, Sadegh S, Singer JB, Theys K, Upton C, Welzel M, Williams L, Marz M. Computational strategies to combat COVID-19: useful tools to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus research. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:642-663. [PMID: 33147627 PMCID: PMC7665365 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a novel virus of the family Coronaviridae. The virus causes the infectious disease COVID-19. The biology of coronaviruses has been studied for many years. However, bioinformatics tools designed explicitly for SARS-CoV-2 have only recently been developed as a rapid reaction to the need for fast detection, understanding and treatment of COVID-19. To control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is of utmost importance to get insight into the evolution and pathogenesis of the virus. In this review, we cover bioinformatics workflows and tools for the routine detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the reliable analysis of sequencing data, the tracking of the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluation of containment measures, the study of coronavirus evolution, the discovery of potential drug targets and development of therapeutic strategies. For each tool, we briefly describe its use case and how it advances research specifically for SARS-CoV-2. All tools are free to use and available online, either through web applications or public code repositories. Contact:evbc@unj-jena.de.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christian Brandt
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Infection Control at Jena University Hospital, Germany
| | - Marco Cacciabue
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tócnicas (CONICET) working on FMDV virology at the Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABiMo, INTA-CONICET) and at the Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Argentina
| | | | - Oliver Drechsel
- bioinformatics department at the Robert Koch-Institute, Germany
| | | | - Adrian Fritz
- Computational Biology of Infection Research group of Alice C. McHardy at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- bioinformatics department at the Robert Koch-Institute, Germany
| | - Georges Hattab
- Bioinformatics Division at Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Heider
- Data Science in Biomedicine at the Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Stefan Hoops
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative at the University of Virginia, USA
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Bioinformatics and head of the Institute of Bioinformatics at University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Max von Kleist
- bioinformatics department at the Robert Koch-Institute, Germany
| | - Renó Kmiecinski
- bioinformatics department at the Robert Koch-Institute, Germany
| | | | - Gorka Lasso
- Chandran Lab, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alice C McHardy
- Computational Biology of Infection Research Lab at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Pedro Mendes
- Center for Quantitative Medicine of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Vincent Navratil
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the Rhône Alpes Bioinformatics core facility, Universitó de Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicole Redaschi
- Development of the Swiss-Prot group at the SIB for UniProt and SIB resources that cover viral biology (ViralZone)
| | - Susanne Reimering
- Computational Biology of Infection Research group of Alice C. McHardy at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
| | | | | | | | | | - Sepideh Sadegh
- Chair of Experimental Bioinformatics at Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Joshua B Singer
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Chris Upton
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Canada
| | | | | | - Manja Marz
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
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Tavares RDCA, Mahadeshwar G, Wan H, Huston NC, Pyle AM. The global and local distribution of RNA structure throughout the SARS-CoV-2 genome. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02190-20. [PMID: 33268519 PMCID: PMC8092842 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02190-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative viral agent of COVID-19, the disease at the center of the current global pandemic. While knowledge of highly structured regions is integral for mechanistic insights into the viral infection cycle, very little is known about the location and folding stability of functional elements within the massive, ∼30kb SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. In this study, we analyze the folding stability of this RNA genome relative to the structural landscape of other well-known viral RNAs. We present an in-silico pipeline to predict regions of high base pair content across long genomes and to pinpoint hotspots of well-defined RNA structures, a method that allows for direct comparisons of RNA structural complexity within the several domains in SARS-CoV-2 genome. We report that the SARS-CoV-2 genomic propensity for stable RNA folding is exceptional among RNA viruses, superseding even that of HCV, one of the most structured viral RNAs in nature. Furthermore, our analysis suggests varying levels of RNA structure across genomic functional regions, with accessory and structural ORFs containing the highest structural density in the viral genome. Finally, we take a step further to examine how individual RNA structures formed by these ORFs are affected by the differences in genomic and subgenomic contexts, which given the technical difficulty of experimentally separating cellular mixtures of sgRNA from gRNA, is a unique advantage of our in-silico pipeline. The resulting findings provide a useful roadmap for planning focused empirical studies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA biology, and a preliminary guide for exploring potential SARS-CoV-2 RNA drug targets.Importance The RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 is among the largest and most complex viral genomes, and yet its RNA structural features remain relatively unexplored. Since RNA elements guide function in most RNA viruses, and they represent potential drug targets, it is essential to chart the architectural features of SARS-CoV-2 and pinpoint regions that merit focused study. Here we show that RNA folding stability of SARS-CoV-2 genome is exceptional among viral genomes and we develop a method to directly compare levels of predicted secondary structure across SARS-CoV-2 domains. Remarkably, we find that coding regions display the highest structural propensity in the genome, forming motifs that differ between the genomic and subgenomic contexts. Our approach provides an attractive strategy to rapidly screen for candidate structured regions based on base pairing potential and provides a readily interpretable roadmap to guide functional studies of RNA viruses and other pharmacologically relevant RNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gandhar Mahadeshwar
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Han Wan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Nicholas C Huston
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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32
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Manfredonia I, Incarnato D. Structure and regulation of coronavirus genomes: state-of-the-art and novel insights from SARS-CoV-2 studies. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:341-352. [PMID: 33367597 PMCID: PMC7925004 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoV) are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, harboring the largest viral RNA genomes known to date. Apart from the primary sequence encoding for all the viral proteins needed for the generation of new viral particles, certain regions of CoV genomes are known to fold into stable structures, controlling several aspects of CoV life cycle, from the regulation of the discontinuous transcription of subgenomic mRNAs, to the packaging of the genome into new virions. Here we review the current knowledge on CoV RNA structures, discussing it in light of the most recent discoveries made possible by analyses of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Manfredonia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Incarnato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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33
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Huston NC, Wan H, Strine MS, de Cesaris Araujo Tavares R, Wilen CB, Pyle AM. Comprehensive in vivo secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome reveals novel regulatory motifs and mechanisms. Mol Cell 2021; 81:584-598.e5. [PMID: 33444546 PMCID: PMC7775661 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the positive-sense RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The genome of SARS-CoV-2 is unique among viral RNAs in its vast potential to form RNA structures, yet as much as 97% of its 30 kilobases have not been structurally explored. Here, we apply a novel long amplicon strategy to determine the secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome at single-nucleotide resolution in infected cells. Our in-depth structural analysis reveals networks of well-folded RNA structures throughout Orf1ab and reveals aspects of SARS-CoV-2 genome architecture that distinguish it from other RNA viruses. Evolutionary analysis shows that several features of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic structure are conserved across β-coronaviruses, and we pinpoint regions of well-folded RNA structure that merit downstream functional analysis. The native, secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 presented here is a roadmap that will facilitate focused studies on the viral life cycle, facilitate primer design, and guide the identification of RNA drug targets against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Huston
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Han Wan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Madison S Strine
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | | | - Craig B Wilen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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34
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Coronavirus replication-transcription complex: Vital and selective NMPylation of a conserved site in nsp9 by the NiRAN-RdRp subunit. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022310118. [PMID: 33472860 PMCID: PMC8017715 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022310118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) of the Nidovirales (Coronaviridae, Arteriviridae, and 12 other families) are linked to an amino-terminal (N-terminal) domain, called NiRAN, in a nonstructural protein (nsp) that is released from polyprotein 1ab by the viral main protease (Mpro). Previously, self-GMPylation/UMPylation activities were reported for an arterivirus NiRAN-RdRp nsp and suggested to generate a transient state primed for transferring nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) to (currently unknown) viral and/or cellular biopolymers. Here, we show that the coronavirus (human coronavirus [HCoV]-229E and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) nsp12 (NiRAN-RdRp) has Mn2+-dependent NMPylation activity that catalyzes the transfer of a single NMP to the cognate nsp9 by forming a phosphoramidate bond with the primary amine at the nsp9 N terminus (N3825) following Mpro-mediated proteolytic release of nsp9 from N-terminally flanking nsps. Uridine triphosphate was the preferred nucleotide in this reaction, but also adenosine triphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, and cytidine triphosphate were suitable cosubstrates. Mutational studies using recombinant coronavirus nsp9 and nsp12 proteins and genetically engineered HCoV-229E mutants identified residues essential for NiRAN-mediated nsp9 NMPylation and virus replication in cell culture. The data corroborate predictions on NiRAN active-site residues and establish an essential role for the nsp9 N3826 residue in both nsp9 NMPylation in vitro and virus replication. This residue is part of a conserved N-terminal NNE tripeptide sequence and shown to be the only invariant residue in nsp9 and its homologs in viruses of the family Coronaviridae The study provides a solid basis for functional studies of other nidovirus NMPylation activities and suggests a possible target for antiviral drug development.
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35
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Kalvari I, Nawrocki EP, Ontiveros-Palacios N, Argasinska J, Lamkiewicz K, Marz M, Griffiths-Jones S, Toffano-Nioche C, Gautheret D, Weinberg Z, Rivas E, Eddy SR, Finn RD, Bateman A, Petrov AI. Rfam 14: expanded coverage of metagenomic, viral and microRNA families. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D192-D200. [PMID: 33211869 PMCID: PMC7779021 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 392] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rfam is a database of RNA families where each of the 3444 families is represented by a multiple sequence alignment of known RNA sequences and a covariance model that can be used to search for additional members of the family. Recent developments have involved expert collaborations to improve the quality and coverage of Rfam data, focusing on microRNAs, viral and bacterial RNAs. We have completed the first phase of synchronising microRNA families in Rfam and miRBase, creating 356 new Rfam families and updating 40. We established a procedure for comprehensive annotation of viral RNA families starting with Flavivirus and Coronaviridae RNAs. We have also increased the coverage of bacterial and metagenome-based RNA families from the ZWD database. These developments have enabled a significant growth of the database, with the addition of 759 new families in Rfam 14. To facilitate further community contribution to Rfam, expert users are now able to build and submit new families using the newly developed Rfam Cloud family curation system. New Rfam website features include a new sequence similarity search powered by RNAcentral, as well as search and visualisation of families with pseudoknots. Rfam is freely available at https://rfam.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kalvari
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Eric P Nawrocki
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Nancy Ontiveros-Palacios
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Joanna Argasinska
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Kevin Lamkiewicz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sam Griffiths-Jones
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Claire Toffano-Nioche
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Daniel Gautheret
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Zasha Weinberg
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elena Rivas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sean R Eddy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Robert D Finn
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Alex Bateman
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Anton I Petrov
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
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36
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Wacker A, Weigand JE, Akabayov SR, Altincekic N, Bains JK, Banijamali E, Binas O, Castillo-Martinez J, Cetiner E, Ceylan B, Chiu LY, Davila-Calderon J, Dhamotharan K, Duchardt-Ferner E, Ferner J, Frydman L, Fürtig B, Gallego J, Grün JT, Hacker C, Haddad C, Hähnke M, Hengesbach M, Hiller F, Hohmann KF, Hymon D, de Jesus V, Jonker H, Keller H, Knezic B, Landgraf T, Löhr F, Luo L, Mertinkus KR, Muhs C, Novakovic M, Oxenfarth A, Palomino-Schätzlein M, Petzold K, Peter SA, Pyper DJ, Qureshi NS, Riad M, Richter C, Saxena K, Schamber T, Scherf T, Schlagnitweit J, Schlundt A, Schnieders R, Schwalbe H, Simba-Lahuasi A, Sreeramulu S, Stirnal E, Sudakov A, Tants JN, Tolbert BS, Vögele J, Weiß L, Wirmer-Bartoschek J, Wirtz Martin MA, Wöhnert J, Zetzsche H. Secondary structure determination of conserved SARS-CoV-2 RNA elements by NMR spectroscopy. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12415-12435. [PMID: 33167030 PMCID: PMC7736788 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic situation caused by the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2) highlights the need for coordinated research to combat COVID-19. A particularly important aspect is the development of medication. In addition to viral proteins, structured RNA elements represent a potent alternative as drug targets. The search for drugs that target RNA requires their high-resolution structural characterization. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a worldwide consortium of NMR researchers aims to characterize potential RNA drug targets of SCoV2. Here, we report the characterization of 15 conserved RNA elements located at the 5' end, the ribosomal frameshift segment and the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the SCoV2 genome, their large-scale production and NMR-based secondary structure determination. The NMR data are corroborated with secondary structure probing by DMS footprinting experiments. The close agreement of NMR secondary structure determination of isolated RNA elements with DMS footprinting and NMR performed on larger RNA regions shows that the secondary structure elements fold independently. The NMR data reported here provide the basis for NMR investigations of RNA function, RNA interactions with viral and host proteins and screening campaigns to identify potential RNA binders for pharmaceutical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wacker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Julia E Weigand
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sabine R Akabayov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadide Altincekic
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Jasleen Kaur Bains
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Elnaz Banijamali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oliver Binas
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | | | - Erhan Cetiner
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Betül Ceylan
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Liang-Yuan Chiu
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Ferner
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Lucio Frydman
- Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Boris Fürtig
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - José Gallego
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia, C/Quevedo 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - J Tassilo Grün
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Carolin Hacker
- Signals GmbH & Co. KG, Graf-von-Stauffenberg-Allee 83, 60438 Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | - Christina Haddad
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Martin Hähnke
- Signals GmbH & Co. KG, Graf-von-Stauffenberg-Allee 83, 60438 Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | - Martin Hengesbach
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Fabian Hiller
- Signals GmbH & Co. KG, Graf-von-Stauffenberg-Allee 83, 60438 Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | - Katharina F Hohmann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Daniel Hymon
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Vanessa de Jesus
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Henry Jonker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | | | - Bozana Knezic
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Tom Landgraf
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Frank Löhr
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Le Luo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara R Mertinkus
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Christina Muhs
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Mihajlo Novakovic
- Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Andreas Oxenfarth
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | | | - Katja Petzold
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen A Peter
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dennis J Pyper
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Nusrat S Qureshi
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Magdalena Riad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Tatjana Schamber
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Tali Scherf
- Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Judith Schlagnitweit
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Biomedicum 9B, Solnavägen 9, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Robbin Schnieders
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Alvaro Simba-Lahuasi
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia, C/Quevedo 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Elke Stirnal
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Alexey Sudakov
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | | | - Blanton S Tolbert
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | - Julia Wirmer-Bartoschek
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Maria A Wirtz Martin
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | | | - Heidi Zetzsche
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
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37
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Manfredonia I, Nithin C, Ponce-Salvatierra A, Ghosh P, Wirecki TK, Marinus T, Ogando NS, Snijder E, van Hemert MJ, Bujnicki JM, Incarnato D. Genome-wide mapping of SARS-CoV-2 RNA structures identifies therapeutically-relevant elements. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12436-12452. [PMID: 33166999 PMCID: PMC7736786 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus with a linear single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome, whose outbreak caused the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ability of coronaviruses to rapidly evolve, adapt, and cross species barriers makes the development of effective and durable therapeutic strategies a challenging and urgent need. As for other RNA viruses, genomic RNA structures are expected to play crucial roles in several steps of the coronavirus replication cycle. Despite this, only a handful of functionally-conserved coronavirus structural RNA elements have been identified to date. Here, we performed RNA structure probing to obtain single-base resolution secondary structure maps of the full SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus genome both in vitro and in living infected cells. Probing data recapitulate the previously described coronavirus RNA elements (5' UTR and s2m), and reveal new structures. Of these, ∼10.2% show significant covariation among SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, hinting at their functionally-conserved role. Secondary structure-restrained 3D modeling of these segments further allowed for the identification of putative druggable pockets. In addition, we identify a set of single-stranded segments in vivo, showing high sequence conservation, suitable for the development of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics. Collectively, our work lays the foundation for the development of innovative RNA-targeted therapeutic strategies to fight SARS-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Manfredonia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Chandran Nithin
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Almudena Ponce-Salvatierra
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pritha Ghosh
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz K Wirecki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tycho Marinus
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Natacha S Ogando
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eric J Snijder
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J van Hemert
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danny Incarnato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Baldassarre A, Paolini A, Bruno SP, Felli C, Tozzi AE, Masotti A. Potential use of noncoding RNAs and innovative therapeutic strategies to target the 5'UTR of SARS-CoV-2. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1349-1361. [PMID: 32875809 PMCID: PMC7466951 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After the increasing number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections all over the world, researchers and clinicians are struggling to find a vaccine or innovative therapeutic strategies to treat this viral infection. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection that occurred in 2002, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and other more common infectious diseases such as hepatitis C virus, led to the discovery of many RNA-based drugs. Among them, siRNAs and antisense locked nucleic acids have been demonstrated to have effective antiviral effects both in animal models and humans. Owing to the high genomic homology of SARS-CoV-2 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (80–82%) the use of these molecules could be employed successfully also to target this emerging coronavirus. Trying to translate this approach to treat COVID-19, we analyzed the common structural features of viral 5’UTR regions that can be targeted by noncoding RNAs and we also identified miRNAs binding sites suitable for designing RNA-based drugs to be employed successfully against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Baldassarre
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paolini
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Stefania Paola Bruno
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Cristina Felli
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
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Using All-Atom Potentials to Refine RNA Structure Predictions of SARS-CoV-2 Stem Loops. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176188. [PMID: 32867123 PMCID: PMC7504604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A considerable amount of rapid-paced research is underway to combat the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this work, we assess the 3D structure of the 5′ untranslated region of its RNA, in the hopes that stable secondary structures can be targeted, interrupted, or otherwise measured. To this end, we have combined molecular dynamics simulations with previous Nuclear Magnetic Resonance measurements for stem loop 2 of SARS-CoV-1 to refine 3D structure predictions of that stem loop. We find that relatively short sampling times allow for loop rearrangement from predicted structures determined in absence of water or ions, to structures better aligned with experimental data. We then use molecular dynamics to predict the refined structure of the transcription regulatory leader sequence (TRS-L) region which includes stem loop 3, and show that arrangement of the loop around exchangeable monovalent potassium can interpret the conformational equilibrium determined by in-cell dimethyl sulfate (DMS) data.
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40
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Santos IDA, Grosche VR, Bergamini FRG, Sabino-Silva R, Jardim ACG. Antivirals Against Coronaviruses: Candidate Drugs for SARS-CoV-2 Treatment? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1818. [PMID: 32903349 PMCID: PMC7438404 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viruses from the family Coronaviridae that can infect humans and animals, causing mild to severe diseases. The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a global threat, urging the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we present a selection of relevant compounds that have been described from 2005 until now as having in vitro and/or in vivo antiviral activities against human and/or animal CoVs. We also present compounds that have reached clinical trials as well as further discussing the potentiality of other molecules for application in (re)emergent CoVs outbreaks. Finally, through rationalization of the data presented herein, we wish to encourage further research encompassing these compounds as potential SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor de Andrade Santos
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Victória Riquena Grosche
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, Language and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Robinson Sabino-Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, Language and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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41
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Mukherjee M, Goswami S. Global cataloguing of variations in untranslated regions of viral genome and prediction of key host RNA binding protein-microRNA interactions modulating genome stability in SARS-CoV-2. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237559. [PMID: 32780783 PMCID: PMC7418985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world is going through the critical phase of COVID-19 pandemic, caused by human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Worldwide concerted effort to identify viral genomic changes across different sub-types has identified several strong changes in the coding region. However, there have not been many studies focusing on the variations in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions and their consequences. Considering the possible importance of these regions in host mediated regulation of viral RNA genome, we wanted to explore the phenomenon. METHODS To have an idea of the global changes in 5' and 3'-UTR sequences, we downloaded 8595 complete and high-coverage SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence information from human host in FASTA format from Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) from 15 different geographical regions. Next, we aligned them using Clustal Omega software and investigated the UTR variants. We also looked at the putative host RNA binding protein (RBP) and microRNA binding sites in these regions by 'RBPmap' and 'RNA22 v2' respectively. Expression status of selected RBPs and microRNAs were checked in lungs tissue. RESULTS We identified 28 unique variants in SARS-CoV-2 UTR region based on a minimum variant percentage cut-off of 0.5. Along with 241C>T change the important 5'-UTR change identified was 187A>G, while 29734G>C, 29742G>A/T and 29774C>T were the most familiar variants of 3'UTR among most of the continents. Furthermore, we found that despite the variations in the UTR regions, binding of host RBP to them remains mostly unaltered, which further influenced the functioning of specific miRNAs. CONCLUSION Our results, shows for the first time in SARS-Cov-2 infection, a possible cross-talk between host RBPs-miRNAs and viral UTR variants, which ultimately could explain the mechanism of escaping host RNA decay machinery by the virus. The knowledge might be helpful in developing anti-viral compounds in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Mukherjee
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Srikanta Goswami
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
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42
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Huston NC, Wan H, de Cesaris Araujo Tavares R, Wilen C, Pyle AM. Comprehensive in-vivo secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome reveals novel regulatory motifs and mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.07.10.197079. [PMID: 32676598 PMCID: PMC7359520 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.10.197079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the positive-sense RNA virus that causes COVID-19, a disease that has triggered a major human health and economic crisis. The genome of SARS-CoV-2 is unique among viral RNAs in its vast potential to form stable RNA structures and yet, as much as 97% of its 30 kilobases have not been structurally explored in the context of a viral infection. Our limited knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 genomic architecture is a fundamental limitation to both our mechanistic understanding of coronavirus life cycle and the development of COVID-19 RNA-based therapeutics. Here, we apply a novel long amplicon strategy to determine for the first time the secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome probed in infected cells. In addition to the conserved structural motifs at the viral termini, we report new structural features like a conformationally flexible programmed ribosomal frameshifting pseudoknot, and a host of novel RNA structures, each of which highlights the importance of studying viral structures in their native genomic context. Our in-depth structural analysis reveals extensive networks of well-folded RNA structures throughout Orf1ab and reveals new aspects of SARS-CoV-2 genome architecture that distinguish it from other single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses. Evolutionary analysis of RNA structures in SARS-CoV-2 shows that several features of its genomic structure are conserved across beta coronaviruses and we pinpoint individual regions of well-folded RNA structure that merit downstream functional analysis. The native, complete secondary structure of SAR-CoV-2 presented here is a roadmap that will facilitate focused studies on mechanisms of replication, translation and packaging, and guide the identification of new RNA drug targets against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Huston
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Han Wan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Craig Wilen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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43
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Andrews RJ, Peterson JM, Haniff HS, Chen J, Williams C, Grefe M, Disney MD, Moss WN. An in silico map of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Structurome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.04.17.045161. [PMID: 32511381 PMCID: PMC7263510 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.17.045161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that has exploded throughout the global human population. This pandemic coronavirus strain has taken scientists and public health researchers by surprise and knowledge of its basic biology (e.g. structure/function relationships in its genomic, messenger and template RNAs) and modes for therapeutic intervention lag behind that of other human pathogens. In this report we used a recently-developed bioinformatics approach, ScanFold, to deduce the RNA structural landscape of the SARS-CoV-2 transcriptome. We recapitulate known elements of RNA structure and provide a model for the folding of an essential frameshift signal. Our results find that the SARS-CoV-2 is greatly enriched in unusually stable and likely evolutionarily ordered RNA structure, which provides a huge reservoir of potential drug targets for RNA-binding small molecules. Our results also predict regions that are accessible for intermolecular interactions, which can aid in the design of antisense therapeutics. All results are made available via a public database (the RNAStructuromeDB) where they may hopefully drive drug discovery efforts to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Andrews
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America
| | - Jake M. Peterson
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America
| | - Hafeez S. Haniff
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States of America
| | - Christopher Williams
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States of America
| | - Maison Grefe
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States of America
| | - Walter N. Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America
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44
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Melior H, Li S, Madhugiri R, Stötzel M, Azarderakhsh S, Barth-Weber S, Baumgardt K, Ziebuhr J, Evguenieva-Hackenberg E. Transcription attenuation-derived small RNA rnTrpL regulates tryptophan biosynthesis gene expression in trans. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6396-6410. [PMID: 30993322 PMCID: PMC6614838 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-mediated transcription attenuation is a basic posttranscriptional regulation mechanism in bacteria. Liberated attenuator RNAs arising in this process are generally considered nonfunctional. In Sinorhizobium meliloti, the tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis genes are organized into three operons, trpE(G), ppiD-trpDC-moaC-moeA, and trpFBA-accD-folC, of which only the first one, trpE(G), contains a short ORF (trpL) in the 5′-UTR and is regulated by transcription attenuation. Under conditions of Trp sufficiency, transcription is terminated between trpL and trpE(G), and a small attenuator RNA, rnTrpL, is produced. Here, we show that rnTrpL base-pairs with trpD and destabilizes the polycistronic trpDC mRNA, indicating rnTrpL-mediated downregulation of the trpDC operon in trans. Although all three trp operons are regulated in response to Trp availability, only in the two operons trpE(G) and trpDC the Trp-mediated regulation is controlled by rnTrpL. Together, our data show that the trp attenuator coordinates trpE(G) and trpDC expression posttranscriptionally by two fundamentally different mechanisms: ribosome-mediated transcription attenuation in cis and base-pairing in trans. Also, we present evidence that rnTrpL-mediated regulation of trpDC genes expression in trans is conserved in Agrobacterium and Bradyrhizobium, suggesting that the small attenuator RNAs may have additional conserved functions in the control of bacterial gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Melior
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Siqi Li
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Ramakanth Madhugiri
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Maximilian Stötzel
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Saina Azarderakhsh
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Susanne Barth-Weber
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Kathrin Baumgardt
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, 35392, Germany
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45
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Viehweger A, Krautwurst S, Lamkiewicz K, Madhugiri R, Ziebuhr J, Hölzer M, Marz M. Direct RNA nanopore sequencing of full-length coronavirus genomes provides novel insights into structural variants and enables modification analysis. Genome Res 2019; 29:1545-1554. [PMID: 31439691 DOI: 10.1101/483693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Sequence analyses of RNA virus genomes remain challenging owing to the exceptional genetic plasticity of these viruses. Because of high mutation and recombination rates, genome replication by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases leads to populations of closely related viruses, so-called "quasispecies." Standard (short-read) sequencing technologies are ill-suited to reconstruct large numbers of full-length haplotypes of (1) RNA virus genomes and (2) subgenome-length (sg) RNAs composed of noncontiguous genome regions. Here, we used a full-length, direct RNA sequencing (DRS) approach based on nanopores to characterize viral RNAs produced in cells infected with a human coronavirus. By using DRS, we were able to map the longest (∼26-kb) contiguous read to the viral reference genome. By combining Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, we reconstructed a highly accurate consensus sequence of the human coronavirus (HCoV)-229E genome (27.3 kb). Furthermore, by using long reads that did not require an assembly step, we were able to identify, in infected cells, diverse and novel HCoV-229E sg RNAs that remain to be characterized. Also, the DRS approach, which circumvents reverse transcription and amplification of RNA, allowed us to detect methylation sites in viral RNAs. Our work paves the way for haplotype-based analyses of viral quasispecies by showing the feasibility of intra-sample haplotype separation. Even though several technical challenges remain to be addressed to exploit the potential of the nanopore technology fully, our work illustrates that DRS may significantly advance genomic studies of complex virus populations, including predictions on long-range interactions in individual full-length viral RNA haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Viehweger
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Krautwurst
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Kevin Lamkiewicz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ramakanth Madhugiri
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Martin Hölzer
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07743 Jena, Germany
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46
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Viehweger A, Krautwurst S, Lamkiewicz K, Madhugiri R, Ziebuhr J, Hölzer M, Marz M. Direct RNA nanopore sequencing of full-length coronavirus genomes provides novel insights into structural variants and enables modification analysis. Genome Res 2019; 29:1545-1554. [PMID: 31439691 PMCID: PMC6724671 DOI: 10.1101/gr.247064.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sequence analyses of RNA virus genomes remain challenging owing to the exceptional genetic plasticity of these viruses. Because of high mutation and recombination rates, genome replication by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases leads to populations of closely related viruses, so-called “quasispecies.” Standard (short-read) sequencing technologies are ill-suited to reconstruct large numbers of full-length haplotypes of (1) RNA virus genomes and (2) subgenome-length (sg) RNAs composed of noncontiguous genome regions. Here, we used a full-length, direct RNA sequencing (DRS) approach based on nanopores to characterize viral RNAs produced in cells infected with a human coronavirus. By using DRS, we were able to map the longest (∼26-kb) contiguous read to the viral reference genome. By combining Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, we reconstructed a highly accurate consensus sequence of the human coronavirus (HCoV)-229E genome (27.3 kb). Furthermore, by using long reads that did not require an assembly step, we were able to identify, in infected cells, diverse and novel HCoV-229E sg RNAs that remain to be characterized. Also, the DRS approach, which circumvents reverse transcription and amplification of RNA, allowed us to detect methylation sites in viral RNAs. Our work paves the way for haplotype-based analyses of viral quasispecies by showing the feasibility of intra-sample haplotype separation. Even though several technical challenges remain to be addressed to exploit the potential of the nanopore technology fully, our work illustrates that DRS may significantly advance genomic studies of complex virus populations, including predictions on long-range interactions in individual full-length viral RNA haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Viehweger
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Krautwurst
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Kevin Lamkiewicz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ramakanth Madhugiri
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Martin Hölzer
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07743 Jena, Germany
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47
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Hufsky F, Ibrahim B, Modha S, Clokie MRJ, Deinhardt-Emmer S, Dutilh BE, Lycett S, Simmonds P, Thiel V, Abroi A, Adriaenssens EM, Escalera-Zamudio M, Kelly JN, Lamkiewicz K, Lu L, Susat J, Sicheritz T, Robertson DL, Marz M. The Third Annual Meeting of the European Virus Bioinformatics Center. Viruses 2019; 11:E420. [PMID: 31060321 PMCID: PMC6563321 DOI: 10.3390/v11050420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Third Annual Meeting of the European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC) took place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, 28-29 March 2019. Virus bioinformatics has become central to virology research, and advances in bioinformatics have led to improved approaches to investigate viral infections and outbreaks, being successfully used to detect, control, and treat infections of humans and animals. This active field of research has attracted approximately 110 experts in virology and bioinformatics/computational biology from Europe and other parts of the world to attend the two-day meeting in Glasgow to increase scientific exchange between laboratory- and computer-based researchers. The meeting was held at the McIntyre Building of the University of Glasgow; a perfect location, as it was originally built to be a place for "rubbing your brains with those of other people", as Rector Stanley Baldwin described it. The goal of the meeting was to provide a meaningful and interactive scientific environment to promote discussion and collaboration and to inspire and suggest new research directions and questions. The meeting featured eight invited and twelve contributed talks, on the four main topics: (1) systems virology, (2) virus-host interactions and the virome, (3) virus classification and evolution and (4) epidemiology, surveillance and evolution. Further, the meeting featured 34 oral poster presentations, all of which focused on specific areas of virus bioinformatics. This report summarizes the main research findings and highlights presented at the meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hufsky
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Bashar Ibrahim
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Chair of Bioinformatics, Matthias-Schleiden-Institute, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Sejal Modha
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Martha R J Clokie
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Stefanie Deinhardt-Emmer
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, D-07747 Jena, Germany.
- Section for Experimental Virology, Jena University Hospital, Hans-Knöll-Straße 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, D-07747 Jena, Germany.
| | - Bas E Dutilh
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Science4Life, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 26, Nijmegen 6525 GA, The Netherlands.
| | - Samantha Lycett
- Infection & Immunity Division, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK.
| | - Volker Thiel
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Facility, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Aare Abroi
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Evelien M Adriaenssens
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK.
| | | | - Jenna Nicole Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Facility, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kevin Lamkiewicz
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Lu Lu
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences & Informatics, Ashworth Laboratories, Kings Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK.
| | - Julian Susat
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Thomas Sicheritz
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, DK-1123 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - David L Robertson
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Manja Marz
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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48
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Abstract
This review explores the presence and functions of polyglutamine (polyQ) in viral proteins. In mammals, mutations in polyQ segments (and CAG repeats at the nucleotide level) have been linked to neural disorders and ataxias. PolyQ regions in normal human proteins have documented functional roles, in transcription factors and, more recently, in regulating autophagy. Despite the high frequency of polyQ repeats in eukaryotic genomes, little attention has been given to the presence or possible role of polyQ sequences in virus genomes. A survey described here revealed that polyQ repeats occur rarely in RNA viruses, suggesting that they have detrimental effects on virus replication at the nucleotide or protein level. However, there have been sporadic reports of polyQ segments in potyviruses and in reptilian nidoviruses (among the largest RNA viruses known). Conserved polyQ segments are found in the regulatory control proteins of many DNA viruses. Variable length polyQ tracts are found in proteins that contribute to transmissibility (cowpox A-type inclusion protein (ATI)) and control of latency (herpes viruses). New longer-read sequencing methods, using original biological samples, should reveal more details on the presence and functional role of polyQ in viruses, as well as the nucleotide regions that encode them. Given the known toxic effects of polyQ repeats, the role of these segments in neurovirulent and tumorigenic viruses should be further explored.
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