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de Oliveira Só YA, Bezerra KS, Gargano R, Mendonça FLL, Souto JT, Fulco UL, Pereira Junior ML, Junior LAR. In Silico Comparative Analysis of Ivermectin and Nirmatrelvir Inhibitors Interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:755. [PMID: 39062468 PMCID: PMC11274663 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070755] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Exploring therapeutic options is crucial in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Nirmatrelvir, which is a potent inhibitor that targets the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, shows promise as an antiviral treatment. Additionally, Ivermectin, which is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug, has demonstrated effectiveness against the virus in laboratory settings. However, its clinical implications are still debated. Using computational methods, such as molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated how Nirmatrelvir and Ivermectin interacted with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro(A). Calculations using density functional theory were instrumental in elucidating the behavior of isolated molecules, primarily by analyzing the frontier molecular orbitals. Our analysis revealed distinct binding patterns: Nirmatrelvir formed strong interactions with amino acids, like MET49, MET165, HIS41, HIS163, HIS164, PHE140, CYS145, GLU166, and ASN142, showing stable binding, with a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of around 2.0 Å. On the other hand, Ivermectin interacted with THR237, THR239, LEU271, LEU272, and LEU287, displaying an RMSD of 1.87 Å, indicating enduring interactions. Both ligands stabilized Mpro(A), with Ivermectin showing stability and persistent interactions despite forming fewer hydrogen bonds. These findings offer detailed insights into how Nirmatrelvir and Ivermectin bind to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, providing valuable information for potential therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katyanna Sales Bezerra
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-570, Brazil; (K.S.B.); (U.L.F.)
| | - Ricardo Gargano
- Institute of Physics, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (Y.A.d.O.S.); (L.A.R.J.)
| | - Fabio L. L. Mendonça
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.L.L.M.); (M.L.P.J.)
| | - Janeusa Trindade Souto
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59064-741, Brazil;
| | - Umberto L. Fulco
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-570, Brazil; (K.S.B.); (U.L.F.)
| | - Marcelo Lopes Pereira Junior
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (F.L.L.M.); (M.L.P.J.)
| | - Luiz Antônio Ribeiro Junior
- Institute of Physics, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (Y.A.d.O.S.); (L.A.R.J.)
- Computational Materials Laboratory, University of Brasília, LCCMat, Brasília 70919-970, Brazil
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Anuraga G, Lang J, Xuan DTM, Ta HDK, Jiang JZ, Sun Z, Dey S, Kumar S, Singh A, Kajla G, Wang WJ, Wang CY. Integrated bioinformatics approaches to investigate alterations in transcriptomic profiles of monkeypox infected human cell line model. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:60-69. [PMID: 37992435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.035] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent re-emergence of the monkeypox (mpox) epidemic in nonendemic regions has raised concerns regarding a potential global outbreak. The mpox virus (MPV) is a smallpox-like virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus (family: Poxviridae). Although studies suggest that MPV infection suppresses the Toll-like receptor-3- and tumor necrosis factor-α-related signaling pathways, whether MPV regulates other immune-related pathways remains unclear. METHODS In this study, two distinct temporal patterns were used for establishing an MPV-infected human immortal epithelial cancer cell line (HeLa). These two durations 2 and 12 h of incubation were selected to identify the coregulated genes and pathways affected by MPV infection. RESULTS The use of the Gene Ontology framework, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome database, and MetaCore software yielded valuable insights. Specifically, various pathways were found to be enriched in HeLa cells infected with MPV for 2 and 12 h. These pathways included Notch, CD40, CD95, hypoxia-inducible factor-1-α, interleukin (IL)- 1, IL-6, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and oxidative stress-induced signalling pathways. Clusters and pathways of metabolism and viral replication cycles were significantly associated with the 2-hour infection group. This association was identified based on the regulation of genes such as HSPG2, RHPN2, MYL1, ASPHD2, CA9, VIPR1, SNX12, MGC2752, SLC25A1, PEX19, and AREG. Furthermore, clusters and pathways related to immunity and cell movement were found to be associated with the 12-hour infection group. This association was identified based on the regulation of genes such as C1orf21, C19orf48, HRK, IL8, GULP1, SCAND2, ATP5C1, FEZ1, SGSH, TACC2, CYP4X1, MMP1, CPB1, P2RY13, WDR27, PRPF4, and ENDOD1. CONCLUSIONS This study can improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology and post-infection sequelae of mpox. Our findings provide valuable insights into the various modes of MPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangga Anuraga
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya, East Java 60234, Indonesia
| | - Jilu Lang
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Cardiac Vascular Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Do Thi Minh Xuan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Ta
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Zhen Jiang
- Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengda Sun
- Kaiser Permanente, Northern California Regional Laboratories, The Permanente Medical Group, 1725 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Sanskriti Dey
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gagan Kajla
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya, East Java 60234, Indonesia; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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Selvavinayagam ST, Yong YK, Joseph N, Hemashree K, Tan HY, Zhang Y, Rajeshkumar M, Kumaresan A, Kalpana R, Kalaivani V, Monika AVD, Suvaithenamudhan S, Kannan M, Murugesan A, Narayanasamy K, Palani S, Larsson M, Shankar EM, Raju S. Low SARS-CoV-2 viral load among vaccinated individuals infected with Delta B.1.617.2 and Omicron BA.1.1.529 but not with Omicron BA.1.1 and BA.2 variants. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1018399. [PMID: 36211690 PMCID: PMC9540788 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1018399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the global population is indicative of the development of selective advantages in emerging virus strains. Here, we performed a case-control investigation of the clinical and demographic characteristics, clinical history, and virological markers to predict disease progression in hospitalized adults for COVID-19 between December 2021 and January 2022 in Chennai, India. COVID-19 diagnosis was made by a commercial TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR, and WGS was performed with the Ion Torrent Next Generation Sequencing System. High-quality (<5% of N) complete sequences of 73 Omicron B.1.1.529 variants were randomly selected for phylogenetic analysis. SARS-CoV-2 viral load, number of comorbidities, and severe disease presentation were independently associated with a shorter time-to-death. Strikingly, this was observed among individuals infected with Omicron BA.2 but not among those with the BA.1.1.529, BA.1.1, or the Delta B.1.617.2 variants. Phylogenetic analysis revealed severe cases predominantly clustering under the BA.2 lineage. Sequence analyses showed 30 mutation sites in BA.1.1.529 and 33 in BA.1.1. The mutations unique to BA.2 were T19I, L24S, P25del, P26del, A27S, V213G, T376A, D405N and R408S. Low SARS-CoV-2 viral load among vaccinated individuals infected with Delta B.1.617.2 and the Omicron BA.1.1.529 variant but not with Omicron BA.1.1 or BA.2 suggests that the newer strains are largely immune escape variants. The number of vaccine doses received was independently associated with increased odds of developing asymptomatic disease or recovery. We propose that the novel mutations reported herein could likely bear a significant impact on the clinical characteristics, disease progression, and epidemiological aspects of COVID-19. Surging rates of mutations and the emergence of eclectic variants of SARS-CoV-2 appear to impact disease dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yean Kong Yong
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia
| | - Narcisse Joseph
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Kannan Hemashree
- Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai, India
| | - Hong Yien Tan
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia
| | - Ying Zhang
- Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Raghu Kalpana
- Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | - Meganathan Kannan
- Blood and Vascular Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Amudhan Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, The Government Theni Medical College and Hospital, Theni, India
| | | | - Sampath Palani
- Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai, India
| | - Marie Larsson
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linkoping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Infection Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Sivadoss Raju
- Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai, India
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Comparison of Transcriptomic Signatures between Monkeypox-Infected Monkey and Human Cell Lines. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:3883822. [PMID: 36093436 PMCID: PMC9458371 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3883822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPV) is a smallpox-like virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. Unlike smallpox with no animal reservoir identified and patients suffering from milder symptoms with less mortality, several animals were confirmed to serve as natural hosts of MPV. The reemergence of a recently reported monkeypox epidemic outbreak in nonendemic countries has raised concerns about a global outburst. Since the underlying mechanism of animal-to-human transmission remains largely unknown, comprehensive analyses to discover principal differences in gene signatures during disease progression have become ever more critical. In this study, two MPV-infected in vitro models, including human immortal epithelial cancer (HeLa) cells and rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) kidney epithelial (MK2) cells, were chosen as the two subjects to identify alterations in gene expression profiles, together with co-regulated genes and pathways that are affected during monkeypox disease progression. Using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and MetaCore analyses, we discovered that elevated expression of genes associated with interleukins (ILs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), heat shock proteins (HSPs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and metabolic-related pathways play major roles in disease progression of both monkeypox-infected monkey MK2 and human HeLa cell lines. Interestingly, our analytical results also revealed that a cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40), plasmin, and histamine served as major regulators in the monkeypox-infected monkey MK2 cell line model, while interferons (IFNs), macrophages, and neutrophil-related signaling pathways dominated the monkeypox-infected human HeLa cell line model. Among immune pathways of interest, apart from traditional monkeypox-regulated signaling pathways such as nuclear factor- (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), we also identified highly significantly expressed genes in both monkey and human models that played pivotal roles during the progression of monkeypox infection, including CXCL1, TNFAIP3, BIRC3, IL6, CCL2, ZC3H12A, IL11, CSF2, LIF, PTX3, IER3, EGR1, ADORA2A, and DUOX1, together with several epigenetic regulators, such as histone cluster family gene members, HIST1H3D, HIST1H2BJ, etc. These findings might contribute to specific underlying mechanisms related to the pathophysiology and provide suggestions regarding modes of transmission, post-infectious sequelae, and vaccine development for monkeypox in the future.
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Zhang M, Altan-Bonnet N, Shen Y, Shuai D. Waterborne Human Pathogenic Viruses in Complex Microbial Communities: Environmental Implication on Virus Infectivity, Persistence, and Disinfection. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:5381-5389. [PMID: 35434991 PMCID: PMC9073700 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne human pathogenic viruses challenge global health and economy. Viruses were long believed to transmit among hosts as individual, free particles. However, recent evidence indicates that viruses also transmit in populations, so-called en bloc transmission, by either interacting with coexisting bacteria, free-living amoebas, and other higher organisms through endosymbiosis and surface binding, or by being clustered inside membrane-bound vesicles or simply self-aggregating with themselves. En bloc transmission of viruses and virus-microbiome interactions could enable viruses to enhance their infectivity, increase environmental persistence, and resist inactivation from disinfection. Overlooking this type of transmission and virus-microbiome interactions may underestimate the environmental and public health risks of the viruses. We herein provide a critical perspective on waterborne human pathogenic viruses in complex microbial communities to elucidate the environmental implication of virus-microbiome interactions on virus infectivity, persistence, and disinfection. This perspective also provides insights on advancing disinfection and sanitation guidelines and regulations to protect the public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
- Laboratory of Host-Pathogen Dynamics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Nihal Altan-Bonnet
- Laboratory of Host-Pathogen Dynamics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Yun Shen
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Danmeng Shuai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
- Corresponding Author: Danmeng Shuai, Phone: 202-994-0506, Fax: 202-994-0127, , Website: http://materwatersus.weebly.com
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Identification of genotypic variants and its proteomic mutations of Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Virus Res 2022; 307:198618. [PMID: 34740719 PMCID: PMC8563081 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The second wave of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) is rapidly spreading over the world. Mechanisms behind the flee from current antivirals are still unclear due to the continuous occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants. Brazil is the world's second-most COVID-19 affected country. In the present study, we identified the genomic and proteomic variants of Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. We identified 16 different genotypic variants were found among the 27 isolates. The genotypes of three isolates such as Bra/1236/2021 (G15), Bra/MASP2C844R2/2020 (G11), and Bra/RJ-DCVN5/2020 (G9) have a unique mutant in NSP4 (S184N), 2′O-Mutase (R216N), membrane protein (A2V) and Envelope protein (V5A). A mutation in RdRp of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the change of Pro-to Leu-at 323 resulted in the stabilization of the structure in BRA/CD1739-P4/2020. NSP4, NSP5 protein mutants are more virulent in genotype 15 and 16. A fast protein folding rate changes the structural stability and leads to escape for current antivirals. Thus, our findings help researchers to develop the best potent antivirals based on the new mutant of Brazilian isolates.
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Hollmann A, Cardoso NP, Espeche JC, Maffía PC. Review of antiviral peptides for use against zoonotic and selected non-zoonotic viruses. Peptides 2021; 142:170570. [PMID: 34000327 PMCID: PMC8120785 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses remain one of the leading causes of animal and human disease. Some animal viral infections spread sporadically to human populations, posing a serious health risk. Particularly the emerging viral zoonotic diseases such as the novel, zoonotic coronavirus represent an actual challenge for the scientific and medical community. Besides human health risks, some animal viral infections, although still not zoonotic, represent important economic loses to the livestock industry. Viral infections pose a genuine concern for which there has been an increasing interest for new antiviral molecules. Among these novel compounds, antiviral peptides have been proposed as promising therapeutic options, not only for the growing body of evidence showing hopeful results but also due to the many adverse effects of chemical-based drugs. Here we review the current progress, key targets and considerations for the development of antiviral peptides (AVPs). The review summarizes the state of the art of the AVPs tested in zoonotic (coronaviruses, Rift Valley fever viruses, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Dengue and Junín virus) and also non-zoonotic farm animal viruses (avian and cattle viruses). Their molecular target, amino acid sequence and mechanism of action are summarized and reviewed. Antiviral peptides are currently on the cutting edge since they have been reported to display anti-coronavirus activity. Particularly, the review will discuss the specific mode of action of AVPs that specifically inhibit the fusion of viral and host-cell membranes for SARS-CoV-2, showing in detail some important features of the fusion inhibiting peptides that target the spike protein of these risky viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Hollmann
- Laboratorio de Compuestos Bioactivos, Centro de Investigaciones en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos (CIBAAL), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, RN 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina; Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, B1876BXD, Bernal, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy P Cardoso
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, IVIT - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C Espeche
- Laboratorio de Compuestos Bioactivos, Centro de Investigaciones en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos (CIBAAL), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, RN 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Paulo C Maffía
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional de Hurlingham, Av. Vergara 2222, Villa Tesei, Hurlingham, B1688GEZ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Bailly C. Medicinal applications and molecular targets of dequalinium chloride. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 186:114467. [PMID: 33577890 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
For more than 60 years dequalinium chloride (DQ) has been used as anti-infective drug, mainly to treat local infections. It is a standard drug to treat bacterial vaginosis and an active ingredient of sore-throat lozenges. As a lipophilic bis-quaternary ammonium molecule, the drug displays membrane effects and selectively targets mitochondria to deplete DNA and to block energy production in cells. But beyond its mitochondriotropic property, DQ can interfere with the correct functioning of diverse proteins. A dozen of DQ protein targets have been identified and their implication in the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic and anticancer properties of the drug is discussed here. The anticancer effects of DQ combine a mitochondrial action, a selective inhibition of kinases (PKC-α/β, Cdc7/Dbf4), and a modulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. At the bacterial level, DQ interacts with different multidrug transporters (QacR, AcrB, EmrE) and with the transcriptional regulator RamR. Other proteins implicated in the antiviral (MPER domain of gp41 HIV-1) and antiparasitic (chitinase A from Vibrio harveyi) activities have been identified. DQ also targets α -synuclein oligomers to restrict protofibrils formation implicated in some neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, DQ is a typical bolaamphiphile molecule, well suited to form liposomes and nanoparticules useful for drug entrapment and delivery (DQAsomes and others). Altogether, the review highlights the many pharmacological properties and therapeutic benefits of this old 'multi-talented' drug, which may be exploited further. Its multiple sites of actions in cells should be kept in mind when using DQ in experimental research.
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何 文, 陈 清. [Progress in source tracking of SARS-CoV-2]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:1838-1842. [PMID: 33380405 PMCID: PMC7835685 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.12.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a total of 55 928 327 confirmed cases and 1 344 003 deaths as of November 19, 2020. But so far the origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes this pandemic has remained undetermined. The purpose of this study is to review the current research of SARS-CoV-2 and the existing problems therein, which may provide inspiration for further researches. Existing evidence suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may be derived from bat coronavirus 40-70 years ago. During the evolution, this virus underwent extensive variations in the process of mutations and natural selection. Different genomic regions of SARS-CoV-2 may have different selection pressures, but all of which increase the difficulty of tracing the origin of this virus. A wide variety of animals have been considered as potential hosts of SARS-CoV-2, including cats, lions, tigers, dogs and minks. SARS-CoV-2 has a chance to transmit from humans to animals and can be transmitted among animals. Current research evidence has shown that China is not the original source of SARS-CoV-2. It is still unclear how the virus spreads to human, and efforts are still need to be made to explore the origin of SARS-CoV-2, its hosts and intermediate hosts, and the mechanism of its transmission across different species of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- 文巧 何
- />南方医科大学公共卫生学院流行病学系,广东 广州 510515Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 清 陈
- />南方医科大学公共卫生学院流行病学系,广东 广州 510515Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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