1
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Gharui S, Sengupta D, Das A. Characterization of the Conformational Hotspots of the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Complex Identifies a Unique Structural Malleability of nsp8. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:9959-9975. [PMID: 39356135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c03851] [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: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Several antiviral therapeutic approaches have been targeted toward the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex that is involved in viral genome replication. In SARS-CoV-2, although the RdRp is a multiprotein complex, the focus has been on the ligand binding catalytic core (nonstructural protein nsp12), and not the multiprotein functional dynamics. In this study, we focus on the conformational ensembles of the RdRp complex and their modulation by the presence of RNA, performing comprehensive microsecond-scale atomistic simulations of the apo- and RNA-bound complex. We delineate the differential impact of RNA on the constituent proteins, such as conformational polymorphisms, dominant segment-specific fluctuations, and the switch in dynamical crosstalk within the complex. We distinguish dynamical signatures of nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12 in the apo-state that are reduced in the presence of the RNA and appear to "prime" the complex for activity. Importantly, we identify a unique structural malleability of the nsp8 protein with high conformational heterogeneity in the apo state, especially at three sites (Y71 for nsp8A, and D52 and A66 for nsp8B). Our work highlights the functional implications of the polymorphism of nsp8 structures and reveals possibilities for the development of allosteric inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmomita Gharui
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Durba Sengupta
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Atanu Das
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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2
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Jena NR, Pant S. Peptide inhibitors derived from the nsp7 and nsp8 cofactors of nsp12 targeting different substrate binding sites of nsp12 of the SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7077-7089. [PMID: 37434315 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2235012] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
SARS-COV-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected more than 767 million people worldwide including about 7 million deaths till 5 June 2023. Despite the emergency use of certain vaccines, deaths due to COVID-19 have not yet stopped completed. Therefore, it is imperative to design and develop drugs that can be used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19. Here, two peptide inhibitors derived from nsp7 and nsp8 cofactors of nsp12 have been shown to block different substrate binding sites of nsp12 that are mainly responsible for the replication of the viral genome of SARS-CoV-2. By using the docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and MM/GBSA techniques, it is shown that these inhibitors can bind to multiple binding sites of nsp12, such as the interface of nsp7 and nsp12, interface of nsp8 and nsp12, RNA primer entry site, and nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) entry site. The relative binding free energies of the most stable protein-peptide complexes are found to lie between ∼-34.20 ± 10.07 to -59.54 ± 9.96 kcal/mol. Hence, it is likely that these inhibitors may bind to different sites of nsp12 to block the access of its cofactors and the viral genome, thereby affecting the replication. It is thus proposed that these peptide inhibitors may be further developed as potential drug candidates to suppress the viral loads in COVID-19 patients.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, India
| | - Suyash Pant
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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3
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Igari H, Sakao S, Ishige T, Saito K, Murata S, Yahaba M, Taniguchi T, Suganami A, Matsushita K, Tamura Y, Suzuki T, Ido E. Dynamic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations in a lung transplantation patient with persistent COVID-19. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3604. [PMID: 38684722 PMCID: PMC11058237 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47941-x] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous SARS-CoV-2 variant strains with altered characteristics have emerged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remdesivir (RDV), a ribonucleotide analogue inhibitor of viral RNA polymerase, has become a valuable therapeutic agent. However, immunosuppressed hosts may respond inadequately to RDV and develop chronic persistent infections. A patient with respiratory failure caused by interstitial pneumonia, who had undergone transplantation of the left lung, developed COVID-19 caused by Omicron BA.5 strain with persistent chronic viral shedding, showing viral fusogenicity. Genome-wide sequencing analyses revealed the occurrence of several viral mutations after RDV treatment, followed by dynamic changes in the viral populations. The C799F mutation in nsp12 was found to play a pivotal role in conferring RDV resistance, preventing RDV-triphosphate from entering the active site of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The occurrence of diverse mutations is a characteristic of SARS-CoV-2, which mutates frequently. Herein, we describe the clinical case of an immunosuppressed host in whom inadequate treatment resulted in highly diverse SARS-CoV-2 mutations that threatened the patient's health due to the development of drug-resistant variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoshi Igari
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
- Future Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
- Research Institute of Disaster Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Seiichiro Sakao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ishige
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Kengo Saito
- Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shota Murata
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Misuzu Yahaba
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshibumi Taniguchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
- Research Institute of Disaster Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akiko Suganami
- Department of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Matsushita
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yutaka Tamura
- Department of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- Future Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
- Synergy Institute for Futuristic Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eiji Ido
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan.
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Nascimento SMRD, Ferry A, Gallier F, Lubin-Germain N, Uziel J, Gonzales S, Miranda LSDME. Developments in the chemistry and biology of 1,2,3-triazolyl-C-nucleosides. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300580. [PMID: 38150650 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300580] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In the last 50 years, nucleoside analogs have been introduced to drug therapy as antivirals for different types of cancer due to their interference in cellular proliferation. Among the first line of nucleoside treatment drugs, ribavirin (RBV) is a synthetic N-nucleoside with a 1,2,4-triazole moiety that acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral. It is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. However, this important drug therapy causes several side effects due to its nonspecific mechanism of action. There is thus a need for a continuous study of its scaffold. A particular approach consists of connecting d-ribose to the nitrogen-containing base with a C-C bond. It provides more stability against enzymatic action and a better pharmacologic profile. The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic has increased the need for more solutions for the treatment of viral infections. Among these solutions, remdesivir, the first C-nucleoside, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It drew attention to the study of the C-nucleoside scaffold. Different C-nucleoside patterns have been synthesized over the years. They show many important activities against viruses and cancer cell lines. 1,2,3-Triazolyl-C-nucleoside derivatives are a prolific and efficient subclass of RBV analogs close to the already-known RBV with a C-C bond modification. These compounds are often prepared by alkynylation of the d-ribose ring followed by azide-alkyne cycloaddition. They are reported to be active against the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and several tumoral cell lines, showing promising biological potential. In this review, we explore such approaches to 1,2,3-triazolyl-C-nucleosides and their evolution over the years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angélique Ferry
- CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, BioCIS, Cergy-Pontoise, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Florian Gallier
- CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, BioCIS, Cergy-Pontoise, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Nadège Lubin-Germain
- CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, BioCIS, Cergy-Pontoise, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jacques Uziel
- CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, BioCIS, Cergy-Pontoise, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Simon Gonzales
- CY Cergy Paris Université, CNRS, BioCIS, Cergy-Pontoise, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, BioCIS, Châtenay-Malabry, France
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Vijay A, Sreyas Adury VS, Mukherjee A. Targeting RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 with De Novo Molecule Generation. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:609-616. [PMID: 37566736 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00339] [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: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are known for their extremely high mutation rates, allowing them to evade both the human immune system and many forms of standard medicine. Despite this, the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the RNA viruses has been largely conserved, and any significant mutation of this protein is unlikely. The recent COVID-19 pandemic presents a need for therapeutics. We have designed a de novo drug design algorithm that generates strong binding ligands from scratch, based on only the structure of the target protein's receptor. In this paper, we applied our method to target SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and generated several de novo molecules. We then chose some drug molecules based on the structural similarity to some of our strongest binding de novo molecules. Subsequently, we showed, using rigorous all-atom explicit-water free energy calculations in near-microsecond time scales using state-of-the-art well-tempered metadynamics simulations, that some of our de novo generated ligands bind more strongly to RdRp than the recent FDA approved drug remdesivir in its active form, remdesivir triphosphate (RTP). We elucidated the binding mechanism for some of the top binders and compared it with RTP. We believe that this work will be useful both by presenting lead structures for RdRp inhibition and by delivering key insights into the residues of the protein potentially involved in the binding/unbinding of these small molecule drugs, leading to more targeted studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Vijay
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
| | | | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
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6
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Vishwakarma K, Ravi S, Mittal S. Ab initio Modeling of Hydrogen Bonding of Remdesivir and Adenosine with Uridine. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300552. [PMID: 37983746 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300552] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Remdesivir (RDV) emerged as an effective drug against the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. One of the crucial steps in the mechanism of action of RDV is its incorporation into the growing RNA strand. RDV, an adenosine analogue, forms Watson-Crick (WC) type hydrogen bonds with uridine in the complementary strand and the strength of this interaction will control efficacy of RDV. While there is a plethora of structural and energetic information available about WC H-bonds in natural base pairs, the interaction of RDV with uridine has not been studied yet at the atomic level. In this article, we aim to bridge this gap, to understand RDV and its hydrogen bonding interactions, by employing density functional theory (DFT) at the M06-2X/cc-pVDZ level. The interaction energy, QTAIM analysis, NBO and SAPT2 are performed for RDV, adenosine, and their complex with uridine to gain insights into the nature of hydrogen bonding. The computations show that RDV has similar geometry, energetic, molecular orbitals, and aromaticity as adenosine, suggesting that RDV is an effective adenosine analogue. The important geometrical parameters, such as bond distances and red-shift in the stretching vibrational modes of adenosine, RDV and uridine identify two WC-type H-bonds. The relative strength of these two H-bonds is computed using QTAIM parameters and the computed hydrogen bond energy. Finally, the SAPT2 study is performed at the minima and at non-equilibrium base pair distances to understand the dominant intermolecular physical force. This study, based on a thorough analysis of a variety of computations, suggests that both adenosine and RDV have similar structure, energetic, and hydrogen bonding behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Vishwakarma
- School of Advance Science and Languages, VIT Bhopal University, Kothrikalan, Sehore, Madhya, Pradesh, 466114, India
| | - Satyam Ravi
- School of Advance Science and Languages, VIT Bhopal University, Kothrikalan, Sehore, Madhya, Pradesh, 466114, India
| | - Sumit Mittal
- School of Advance Science and Languages, VIT Bhopal University, Kothrikalan, Sehore, Madhya, Pradesh, 466114, India
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7
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Ma Z, Xu J, Wang C, Liu Z, Zhu G. Molecular dynamics simulation study on the binding mechanism between carbon nanotubes and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38263694 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308781] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have potential prospects in disease treatment, so it is of great significance to study CNTs as the possible inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Through the way of using the RdRp of SARS-COV-2 as a model, five armchair single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (namely Dn, which stands for CNTs (n, m = n), n = 3-7) and RdRp have been selected to study the interactions by means of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. After five SWCNT-RdRp complex systems have been subjected to the molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns, and Molecular Mechanics Poisson - Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) has been used to calculate the binding free energy, it is found that the binding free energy of the D6 system (-189.541 kJ/mol) is significantly higher than that of the other four systems, and most of the amino acids with strong positive effects on binding are usually basic amino acids. What's more, in the further investigation of the specific interaction mechanism between CNT (6,6) and RdRp, it is revealed that the three amino acid residues LYS545, ARG553 and ARG555 located in the nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) entry channel all have strong effects. In addition, it is also observed that when ARG555 has been inserted into SWCNT, a stable structure will be formed, which will break the original NTP entry channel structure and inhibit virus replication. Therefore, it can be concluded that certain specific types of SWCNT, such as CNT (6,6), could be potential small molecule inhibitors in the treatment of coronavirus.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaopeng Ma
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Science and Technology, School of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Jianqiang Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Science and Technology, School of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Science and Technology, School of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhicong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Science and Technology, School of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Guanglai Zhu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Science and Technology, School of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
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8
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Comunale BA, Larson RJ, Jackson-Ward E, Singh A, Koback FL, Engineer LD. The Functional Implications of Broad Spectrum Bioactive Compounds Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2023; 15:2316. [PMID: 38140557 PMCID: PMC10747147 DOI: 10.3390/v15122316] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As long as COVID-19 endures, viral surface proteins will keep changing and new viral strains will emerge, rendering prior vaccines and treatments decreasingly effective. To provide durable targets for preventive and therapeutic agents, there is increasing interest in slowly mutating viral proteins, including non-surface proteins like RdRp. METHODS A scoping review of studies was conducted describing RdRp in the context of COVID-19 through MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE. An iterative approach was used with input from content experts and three independent reviewers, focused on studies related to either RdRp activity inhibition or RdRp mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Of the 205 records screened, 43 studies were included in the review. Twenty-five evaluated RdRp activity inhibition, and eighteen described RdRp mechanisms of existing drugs or compounds against SARS-CoV-2. In silico experiments suggested that RdRp inhibitors developed for other RNA viruses may be effective in disrupting SARS-CoV-2 replication, indicating a possible reduction of disease progression from current and future variants. In vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trial studies were largely consistent with these findings. CONCLUSIONS Future risk mitigation and treatment strategies against forthcoming SARS-CoV-2 variants should consider targeting RdRp proteins instead of surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Comunale
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robin J. Larson
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Erin Jackson-Ward
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Lilly D. Engineer
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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9
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Wang X, Xu T, Yao Y, Cheung PPH, Gao X, Zhang L. SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Follows Asynchronous Translocation Pathway for Viral Transcription and Replication. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:10119-10128. [PMID: 37922192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01249] [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: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Translocation is one essential step for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to exert viral replication and transcription. Although cryo-EM structures of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp are available, the molecular mechanisms of dynamic translocation remain elusive. Herein, we constructed a Markov state model based on extensive molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the translocation dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. We identified two intermediates that pinpoint the rate-limiting step of translocation and characterize the asynchronous movement of the template-primer duplex. The 3'-terminal nucleotide in the primer strand lags behind due to the uneven distribution of protein-RNA interactions, while the translocation of the template strand is delayed by the hurdle residue K500. Even so, the two strands share the same "ratchet" to stabilize the polymerase in the post-translocation state, suggesting a Brownian-ratchet model. Overall, our study provides intriguing insights into SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription, which would open a new avenue for drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fuzhou, Fujian 361005, China
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10
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Aleebrahim-Dehkordi E, Ghoshouni H, Koochaki P, Esmaili-Dehkordi M, Aleebrahim E, Chichagi F, Jafari A, Hanaei S, Heidari-Soureshjani E, Rezaei N. Targeting the vital non-structural proteins (NSP12, NSP7, NSP8 and NSP3) from SARS-CoV-2 and inhibition of RNA polymerase by natural bioactive compound naringenin as a promising drug candidate against COVID-19. J Mol Struct 2023; 1287:135642. [PMID: 37131962 PMCID: PMC10131750 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory infections is now a major challenge worldwide. There is currently no specific antiviral drug to prevent or treat this disease. Infection with COVID-19 seriously needs to find effective therapeutic agents. In the present study, naringenin, as a potential inhibitor candidate for RNA Polymerase SARS-CoV-2 was compared with remdesivir (FDA-approved drug) and GS-441,524 (Derivative of the drug remdesivir) by screening with wild-type and mutant SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 (NSP7-NSP8) and NSP3 interfaces, then complexes were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain their stabilities. The docking results displayed scores of -3.45 kcal/mol and -4.32 kcal/mol against NSP12 and NSP3, respectively. Our results showed that naringenin had ΔG values more negative than the ΔG values of Remdesivir (RDV) and GS-441,524. Hence, naringenin was considered to be a potential inhibitor. Also, the number of hydrogen bonds of naringenin with NSP3 and later NSP12 are more than Remdesivir and its derivative. In this research, Mean root mean square deviation (RMSD) values of NSP3 and NSP12with naringenin ligand (5.55±1.58 nm to 3.45±0.56 nm and 0.238±0.01 to 0.242±0.021 nm, respectively showed stability in the presence of ligand. The root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) values of NSP3 and NSP12 amino acid units in the presence of naringenin in were 1.5 ± 0.31 nm and 0.118±0.058, respectively. Pharmacokinetic properties and prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of naringenin and RDV showed that these two compounds had no potential cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Aleebrahim-Dehkordi
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Nutritional Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hamed Ghoshouni
- Medical student, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Pooneh Koochaki
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Elham Aleebrahim
- PhD Student in Food Sciences and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Chichagi
- Research Development Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Jafari
- Nutritional Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sara Hanaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Heidari-Soureshjani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, P. O. Box. 115, Iran
- Central Laboratory, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Xu T, Zhang L. Current understanding of nucleoside analogs inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4385-4394. [PMID: 37711189 PMCID: PMC10498173 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has become a main target for antiviral therapeutics due to its essential role in viral replication and transcription. Thus, nucleoside analogs structurally resemble the natural RdRp substrate and hold great potential as inhibitors. Until now, extensive experimental investigations have been performed to explore nucleoside analogs to inhibit the RdRp, and concerted efforts have been made to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms further. This review begins by discussing the nucleoside analogs that have demonstrated inhibition in the experiments. Second, we examine the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of nucleoside analogs on the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Recent findings in structural biology and computational research are presented through the classification of inhibitory mechanisms. This review summarizes previous experimental findings and mechanistic investigations of nucleoside analogs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. It would guide the rational design of antiviral medications and research into viral transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fujian 361005, China
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12
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Ma Y, Wang J, Pan X, Zhang J, Shan Y. Identification of potential targets against SARS-CoV-2 of antiviral drugs based on photoaffinity probes. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1142-1158. [PMID: 37165797 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22075] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Facing the sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is extremely urgent to develop effective antiviral drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Drug repurposing is a promising strategy for the treatment of COVID-19. To identify the precise target protein of marketed medicines, we initiate a chemical biological program to identify precise target of potential antivirus drugs. In this study, two types of recombinant human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 RdRp protein capturing probes with various photoaffinity labeling units were designed and synthesized based on the structure of FDA-approved drugs stavudine, remdesivir, acyclovir, and aladenosine. Fortunately, it was found that one novel photoaffinity probe, RD-1, could diaplayed good affinity with SARS-CoV-2 RdRp around the residue ARG_553. In addition, RD-1 probe also exhibited potent inhibitory activity against 3CLpro protease. Taken together, our findings will elucidate the structural basis for the efficacy of marketed drugs, and explore a rapid and efficient strategy of drug repurposing based on the identification of new targets. Moreover, these results could also provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of marketed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Emergency, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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13
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Gratteri C, Ambrosio FA, Lupia A, Moraca F, Catalanotti B, Costa G, Bellocchi M, Carioti L, Salpini R, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Frazia SL, Malagnino V, Sarmati L, Svicher V, Bryant S, Artese A, Alcaro S. Molecular and Structural Aspects of Clinically Relevant Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase in Remdesivir-Treated Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1143. [PMID: 37631058 PMCID: PMC10459223 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a promising therapeutic target to fight COVID-19, and many RdRp inhibitors nucleotide/nucleoside analogs, such as remdesivir, have been identified or are in clinical studies. However, the appearance of resistant mutations could reduce their efficacy. In the present work, we structurally evaluated the impact of RdRp mutations found at baseline in 39 patients treated with remdesivir and associated with a different degree of antiviral response in vivo. (2) Methods: A refined bioinformatics approach was applied to assign SARS-CoV-2 clade and lineage, and to define RdRp mutational profiles. In line with such a method, the same mutations were built and analyzed by combining docking and thermodynamics evaluations with both molecular dynamics and representative pharmacophore models. (3) Results: Clinical studies revealed that patients bearing the most prevalent triple mutant P323L+671S+M899I, which was present in 41% of patients, or the more complex mutational profile P323L+G671S+L838I+D738Y+K91E, which was found with a prevalence of 2.6%, showed a delayed reduced response to remdesivir, as confirmed by the increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral load and by a reduced theoretical binding affinity versus RdRp (ΔGbindWT = -122.70 kcal/mol; ΔGbindP323L+671S+M899I = -84.78 kcal/mol; ΔGbindP323L+G671S+L838I+D738Y+K91E = -96.74 kcal/mol). Combined computational approaches helped to rationalize such clinical observations, offering a mechanistic understanding of the allosteric effects of mutants on the global motions of the viral RNA synthesis machine and in the changes of the interactions patterns of remdesivir during its binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Gratteri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell’ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Moraca
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Bellocchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Romina Salpini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (S.L.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (S.L.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Sharon Bryant
- Inte:Ligand GmbH, Mariahilferstrasse 74B/11, 1070 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Anna Artese
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Shehzadi K, Saba A, Yu M, Liang J. Structure-Based Drug Design of RdRp Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2023; 381:22. [PMID: 37318607 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-023-00432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide pandemic since 2019, spreading rapidly and posing a significant threat to human health and life. With over 6 billion confirmed cases of the virus, the need for effective therapeutic drugs has become more urgent than ever before. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is crucial in viral replication and transcription, catalysing viral RNA synthesis and serving as a promising therapeutic target for developing antiviral drugs. In this article, we explore the inhibition of RdRp as a potential treatment for viral diseases, analysing the structural information of RdRp in virus proliferation and summarizing the reported inhibitors' pharmacophore features and structure-activity relationship profiles. We hope that the information provided by this review will aid in structure-based drug design and aid in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Shehzadi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Afsheen Saba
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Mingjia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
| | - Jianhua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, 314019, China.
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15
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Subhadra B, Agrawal R, Pal VK, Chenine AL, Mattathil JG, Singh A. Significant Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of Bi121 against Different Variants of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:1299. [PMID: 37376598 DOI: 10.3390/v15061299] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has so far infected 762 million people with over 6.9 million deaths worldwide. Broad-spectrum viral inhibitors that block the initial stages of infection by reducing virus binding and proliferation, thereby reducing disease severities, are still an unmet global medical need. We studied Bi121, which is a standardized polyphenolic-rich compound isolated from Pelargonium sidoides, against recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2S (mutations in the spike protein) of six different variants of SARS-CoV-2. Bi121 was effective at neutralizing all six rVSV-ΔG-SARS-CoV-2S variants. The antiviral activity of Bi121 was also assessed against SARS-CoV-2 variants (USA WA1/2020, Hongkong/VM20001061/2020, B.1.167.2 (Delta), and Omicron) in Vero cells and HEK-ACE2 cell lines using RT-qPCR and plaque assays. Bi121 showed significant antiviral activity against all the four SARS-CoV-2 variants tested, suggesting a broad-spectrum activity. Bi121 fractions generated using HPLC showed antiviral activity in three fractions out of eight against SARS-CoV-2. The dominant compound identified in all three fractions using LC/MS/MS analysis was Neoilludin B. In silico structural modeling studies with Neoilludin B showed that it has a novel RNA-intercalating activity toward RNA viruses. In silico findings and the antiviral activity of this compound against several SARS-CoV-2 variants support further evaluation as a potential treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobban Subhadra
- Biom Pharmaceutical Corporation, 2203 Industrial Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34234, USA
| | - Ragini Agrawal
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), CV Raman Ave., Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Virender Kumar Pal
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), CV Raman Ave., Bengaluru 560012, India
| | | | | | - Amit Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), CV Raman Ave., Bengaluru 560012, India
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16
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Liang J, Zheng Y, Tong X, Yang N, Dai S. In Silico Identification of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Medicinal Plants Using Cheminformatics and Machine Learning. Molecules 2022; 28:208. [PMID: 36615401 PMCID: PMC9821958 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010208] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative pathogen of COVID-19, is spreading rapidly and has caused hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths worldwide. Due to the lack of specific vaccines and effective treatments for COVID-19, there is an urgent need to identify effective drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a valuable resource for identifying novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs based on the important contribution of TCM and its potential benefits in COVID-19 treatment. Herein, we aimed to discover novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds and medicinal plants from TCM by establishing a prediction method of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity using machine learning methods. We first constructed a benchmark dataset from anti-SARS-CoV-2 bioactivity data collected from the ChEMBL database. Then, we established random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models that both achieved satisfactory predictive performance with AUC values of 0.90. By using this method, a total of 1011 active anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds were predicted from the TCMSP database. Among these compounds, six compounds with highly potent activity were confirmed in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 experiments. The molecular fingerprint similarity analysis revealed that only 24 of the 1011 compounds have high similarity to the FDA-approved antiviral drugs, indicating that most of the compounds were structurally novel. Based on the predicted anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds, we identified 74 anti-SARS-CoV-2 medicinal plants through enrichment analysis. The 74 plants are widely distributed in 68 genera and 43 families, 14 of which belong to antipyretic detoxicate plants. In summary, this study provided several medicinal plants with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, which offer an attractive starting point and a broader scope to mine for potentially novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xin Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Naixue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shaoxing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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17
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Discovering new potential inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) using high throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19986. [PMID: 36411383 PMCID: PMC9676757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24695-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is an essential in the RNA replication within the life cycle of the severely acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the deadly respiratory induced sickness COVID-19. Remdesivir is a prodrug that has seen some success in inhibiting this enzyme, however there is still the pressing need for effective alternatives. In this study, we present the discovery of four non-nucleoside small molecules that bind favorably to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp over the active form of the popular drug remdesivir (RTP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by utilizing high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) against the vast ZINC compound database coupled with extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. After post-trajectory analysis, we found that the simulations of complexes containing both ATP and RTP remained stable for the duration of their trajectories. Additionally, it was revealed that the phosphate tail of RTP was stabilized by both the positive amino acid pocket and magnesium ions near the entry channel of RdRp which includes residues K551, R553, R555 and K621. It was also found that residues D623, D760, and N691 further stabilized the ribose portion of RTP with U10 on the template RNA strand forming hydrogen pairs with the adenosine motif. Using these models of RdRp, we employed them to screen the ZINC database of ~ 17 million molecules. Using docking and drug properties scoring, we narrowed down our selection to fourteen candidates. These were subjected to 200 ns simulations each underwent free energy calculations. We identified four hit compounds from the ZINC database that have similar binding poses to RTP while possessing lower overall binding free energies, with ZINC097971592 having a binding free energy two times lower than RTP.
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18
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Zhu J, Li Y, Liang J, Mubareka S, Slutsky AS, Zhang H. The Potential Protective Role of GS-441524, a Metabolite of the Prodrug Remdesivir, in Vaccine Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections. INTENSIVE CARE RESEARCH 2022; 2:49-60. [PMID: 36407474 PMCID: PMC9645326 DOI: 10.1007/s44231-022-00021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cases of vaccine breakthrough, especially in variants of concern (VOCs) infections, are emerging in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Due to mutations of structural proteins (SPs) (e.g., Spike proteins), increased transmissibility and risk of escaping from vaccine-induced immunity have been reported amongst the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Remdesivir was the first to be granted emergency use authorization but showed little impact on survival in patients with severe COVID-19. Remdesivir is a prodrug of the nucleoside analogue GS-441524 which is converted into the active nucleotide triphosphate to disrupt viral genome of the conserved non-structural proteins (NSPs) and thus block viral replication. GS-441524 exerts a number of pharmacological advantages over Remdesivir: (1) it needs fewer conversions for bioactivation to nucleotide triphosphate; (2) it requires only nucleoside kinase, while Remdesivir requires several hepato-renal enzymes, for bioactivation; (3) it is a smaller molecule and has a potency for aerosol and oral administration; (4) it is less toxic allowing higher pulmonary concentrations; (5) it is easier to be synthesized. The current article will focus on the discussion of interactions between GS-441524 and NSPs of VOCs to suggest potential application of GS-441524 in breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44231-022-00021-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiaYi Zhu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Yuchong Li
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jady Liang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Arthur S. Slutsky
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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19
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Parise A, Ciardullo G, Prejanò M, Lande ADL, Marino T. On the Recognition of Natural Substrate CTP and Endogenous Inhibitor ddhCTP of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase: A Molecular Dynamics Study. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4916-4927. [PMID: 36219674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 outbreak that is affecting the entire planet. As the pandemic is still spreading worldwide, with multiple mutations of the virus, it is of interest and of help to employ computational methods for identifying potential inhibitors of the enzymes responsible for viral replication. Attractive antiviral nucleotide analogue RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) chain terminator inhibitors are investigated with this purpose. This study, based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, addresses the important aspects of the incorporation of an endogenously synthesized nucleoside triphosphate, ddhCTP, in comparison with the natural nucleobase cytidine triphosphate (CTP) in RdRp. The ddhCTP species is the product of the viperin antiviral protein as part of the innate immune response. The absence of the ribose 3'-OH in ddhCTP could have important implications in its inhibitory mechanism of RdRp. We built an in silico model of the RNA strand embedded in RdRp using experimental methods, starting from the cryo-electron microscopy structure and exploiting the information obtained by spectrometry on the RNA sequence. We determined that the model was stable during the MD simulation time. The obtained results provide deeper insights into the incorporation of nucleoside triphosphates, whose molecular mechanism by the RdRp active site still remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Parise
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy.,Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique UMR8000, Orsay 91405, France
| | - Giada Ciardullo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Aurélien de la Lande
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique UMR8000, Orsay 91405, France
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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20
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Hu H, Mady Traore MD, Li R, Yuan H, He M, Wen B, Gao W, Jonsson CB, Fitzpatrick EA, Sun D. Optimization of the Prodrug Moiety of Remdesivir to Improve Lung Exposure/Selectivity and Enhance Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12044-12054. [PMID: 36070561 PMCID: PMC9469953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms still lack antiviral treatment options. Although remdesivir is the only FDA-approved drug for those patients, its efficacy is limited by premature hydrolysis to nucleoside (NUC), low accumulation in the disease-targeted tissue (lungs), and low antiviral potency. In this study, we synthesized a new series of remdesivir analogues by modifying the ProTide moiety. In comparison with remdesivir, the lead compound MMT5-14 showed 2- to 7-fold higher antiviral activity in four variants of SARS-CoV-2. By reducing premature hydrolysis in hamsters, MMT5-14 increased the prodrug concentration by 200- to 300-fold in the plasma and lungs but also enhanced lung accumulation of the active metabolite triphosphate nucleosides (NTP) by 5-fold. Compared to remdesivir, MMT5-14 also increased the intracellular uptake and activation in lung epithelial cells by 4- to 25-fold. These data suggest that MMT5-14 could be a potential antiviral drug to treat COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Mohamed Dit Mady Traore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Ruiting Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Hebao Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
| | - Colleen B. Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and
Biochemistry and the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee38163, United
States
| | - Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and
Biochemistry and the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee38163, United
States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109,
United States
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21
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Tanimoto S, Itoh SG, Okumura H. State-of-the-Art Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810358. [PMID: 36142270 PMCID: PMC9499461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are powerful theoretical methods that can reveal biomolecular properties, such as structure, fluctuations, and ligand binding, at the level of atomic detail. In this review article, recent MD simulation studies on these biomolecular properties of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is a multidomain protein, of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are presented. Although the tertiary structures of RdRps in SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are almost identical, the RNA synthesis activity of RdRp of SARS-CoV is higher than SARS-CoV-2. Recent MD simulations observed a difference in the dynamic properties of the two RdRps, which may cause activity differences. RdRp is also a drug target for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nucleotide analogs, such as remdesivir and favipiravir, are considered to be taken up by RdRp and inhibit RNA replication. Recent MD simulations revealed the recognition mechanism of RdRp for these drug molecules and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The ligand-recognition ability of RdRp decreases in the order of remdesivir, favipiravir, and ATP. As a typical recognition process, it was found that several lysine residues of RdRp transfer these ligand molecules to the binding site such as a “bucket brigade.” This finding will contribute to understanding the mechanism of the efficient ligand recognition by RdRp. In addition, various simulation studies on the complexes of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with several nucleotide analogs are reviewed, and the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds inhibit the function of RdRp are discussed. The simulation studies presented in this review will provide useful insights into how nucleotide analogs are recognized by RdRp and inhibit the RNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Tanimoto
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoru G. Itoh
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Okumura
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan
- Correspondence:
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22
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Jena NR, Pant S, Srivastava HK. Artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGISs) as potent inhibitors of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of the SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:6381-6397. [PMID: 33565387 PMCID: PMC7885727 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1883112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has affected the lives and economy of more than 200 countries. The unavailability of virus-specific drugs has created an opportunity to identify potential therapeutic agents that can control the rapid transmission of this pandemic. Here, the mechanisms of the inhibition of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), responsible for the replication of the virus in host cells, are examined by different ligands, such as Remdesivir (RDV), Remdesivir monophosphate (RMP), and several artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGISs) including their different sequences by employing molecular docking, MD simulations, and MM/GBSA techniques. It is found that the binding of RDV to RdRp may block the RNA binding site. However, RMP would acquire a partially flipped conformation and may allow the viral RNA to enter into the binding site. The internal dynamics of RNA and RdRp may help RMP to regain its original position, where it may inhibit the RNA-chain elongation reaction. Remarkably, AEGISs are found to obstruct the binding site of RNA. It is shown that dPdZ, a two-nucleotide sequence containing P and Z would bind to RdRp very strongly and may occupy the positions of two nucleotides in the RNA strand, thereby denying access of the substrate-binding site to the viral RNA. Thus, it is proposed that the AEGISs may act as novel therapeutic candidates against the SARS-CoV-2. However, in vivo evaluations of their potencies and toxicities are needed before using them against COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. R. Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Suyash Pant
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Hemant Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Changsari, Guwahati, Assam, India
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23
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Pantazopoulos I, Mavrovounis G, Dimeas G, Zikos N, Pitsikou M, Rousogianni E, Mermiri M, Michou A, Spanos M, Maniotis C, Chalkias A, Laou E, Zakynthinos G, Chatzis D, Gourgoulianis K. Remdesivir-induced Bradycardia is not Associated with Worse Outcome in Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2022; 22:705-710. [PMID: 36002783 PMCID: PMC9402406 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-022-00547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19, is primarily a respiratory illness but is known to cause extrapulmonary manifestations, especially on the cardiovascular system. Bradycardia is commonly reported in COVID-19 patients despite no prior history of occurrence, and many studies have shown an association with increased mortality. Multiple case reports have been published showcasing remdesivir potentially causing bradycardia. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of bradycardia in patients receiving remdesivir and examine the association with disease severity and survival outcomes. Methods A retrospective study was performed including 160 COVID-19 patients receiving remdesivir for 5 days. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities, medication, vital signs, laboratory tests and outcome were recorded. Bradycardia was defined as a heart rate < 60 beats/min and severe bradycardia < 50 beats/min. Results One hundred eighteen (73.8%) patients experienced at least one episode of bradycardia during hospitalisation. Bradycardia was present in 12 (7.5%) patients before treatment with remdesivir. The rate of bradycardia increased up to the 6th day of hospitalisation (40.6%) and subsequently diminished and normalised within 5 days after the last remdesivir dose (5% at Day 10). Severe bradycardia was observed in 13 (7.5%) patients. No difference was observed in ICU admission between groups (bradycardia vs no bradycardia). When we stratified patients according to the outcome of hospitalisation, no significant difference was observed in the occurrence of bradycardia between groups (alive vs dead) [p = 0.853]. Conclusions Treatment with remdesivir may be associated with new-onset bradycardia in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. However, bradycardia is transient and is not associated with ICU admission and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Georgios Mavrovounis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Georgios Dimeas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Zikos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Pitsikou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Rousogianni
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Mermiri
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anastasia Michou
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Michalis Spanos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Chalkias
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Laou
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500, Larissa, Greece
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24
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Krittanawong C, Maitra N, Kumar A, Hahn J, Wang Z, Carrasco D, Zhang HJ, Sun T, Jneid H, Virani SS. COVID-19 and preventive strategy. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE 2022; 12:153-169. [PMID: 36147788 PMCID: PMC9490164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, an unprecedented outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began to spread internationally, now impacting more than 293,750,692 patients with 5,454,131 deaths globally as of January 5, 2022. COVID-19 is highly pathogenic and contagious which has caused a large-scale epidemic impacting more deaths than the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2002-2003 or the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemic in 2012-2013. Although COVID-19 symptoms are mild in most people, in those with pre-existing comorbidities there is an increased risk of progression to severe disease and death. In an attempt to mitigate this pandemic, urgent public health measures including quarantining exposed individuals and social distancing have been implemented in most states, while some states have even started the process of re-opening after considering both the economic and public health consequences of social distancing measures. While prevention is crucial, both novel agents and medications already in use with other indications are being investigated in clinical trials for patients with COVID-19. The collaboration between healthcare providers, health systems, patients, private sectors, and local and national governments is needed to protect both healthcare providers and patients to ultimately overcome this pandemic. The purpose of this review is to summarize the peer-reviewed and preprint literature on the epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, and available therapies as well as to propose a preventive strategy to overcome the present global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai HeartNew York, NY, USA
| | - Neil Maitra
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Anirudh Kumar
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joshua Hahn
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Zhen Wang
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for The Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, USA
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, USA
| | - Daniela Carrasco
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Ju Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s HealthBeijing, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Division of Cardiology, Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Hani Jneid
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Salim S Virani
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
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25
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Luo X, Wang X, Yao Y, Gao X, Zhang L. Unveiling the "Template-Dependent" Inhibition on the Viral Transcription of SARS-CoV-2. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:7197-7205. [PMID: 35912566 PMCID: PMC9363016 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Remdesivir is one nucleotide analogue prodrug capable to terminate RNA synthesis in SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by two distinct mechanisms. Although the "delayed chain termination" mechanism has been extensively investigated, the "template-dependent" inhibitory mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we have demonstrated that remdesivir embedded in the template strand seldom directly disrupted the complementary NTP incorporation at the active site. Instead, the translocation of remdesivir from the +2 to the +1 site was hindered due to the steric clash with V557. Moreover, we have elucidated the molecular mechanism characterizing the drug resistance upon V557L mutation. Overall, our studies have provided valuable insight into the "template-dependent" inhibitory mechanism exerted by remdesivir on SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and paved venues for an alternative antiviral strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic. As the "template-dependent" inhibition occurs across diverse viral RdRps, our findings may also shed light on a common acting mechanism of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Luo
- State
Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research
on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department
of Mathematics, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer
Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and
Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- KAUST
Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Lu Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research
on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial
Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, 361005 Fujian, China
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26
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Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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27
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Dragnea B. Viruses: A Physical Chemistry Perspective. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4411-4414. [PMID: 35734854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c03430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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28
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Li Y, Zhang D, Gao X, Wang X, Zhang L. 2'- and 3'-Ribose Modifications of Nucleotide Analogues Establish the Structural Basis to Inhibit the Viral Replication of SARS-CoV-2. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:4111-4118. [PMID: 35503748 PMCID: PMC9088111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by nucleotide analogues with ribose modification provides a promising antiviral strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Previous works have shown that remdesivir carrying 1'-substitution can act as a "delayed chain terminator", while nucleotide analogues with 2'-methyl group substitution could immediately terminate the chain extension. However, how the inhibition can be established by the 3'-ribose modification as well as other 2'-ribose modifications is not fully understood. Herein, we have evaluated the potential of several adenosine analogues with 2'- and/or 3'-modifications as obligate chain terminators by comprehensive structural analysis based on extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our results suggest that 2'-modification couples with the protein environment to affect the structural stability, while 3'-hydrogen substitution inherently exerts "immediate termination" without compromising the structural stability in the active site. Our study provides an alternative promising modification scheme to orientate the further optimization of obligate terminators for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research
on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research
on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational
Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical
Sciences and Engineering Division, King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Lu Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research
on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China
- Fujian
Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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29
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Mahmoudi S, Dehkordi MM, Asgarshamsi MH. The effect of various compounds on the COVID mechanisms, from chemical to molecular aspects. Biophys Chem 2022; 288:106824. [PMID: 35728510 PMCID: PMC9095071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus that caused COVID-19 pandemic is SARS-CoV-2. Although various vaccines are currently being used to prevent the disease's severe consequences, there is still a need for medications for those who become infected. The SARS-CoV-2 has a variety of proteins that have been studied extensively since the virus's advent. In this review article, we looked at chemical to molecular aspects of the various structures studied that have pharmaceutical activity and attempted to find a link between drug activity and compound structure. For example, designing of the compounds which bind to the allosteric site and modify hydrogen bonds or the salt bridges can disrupt SARS-CoV2 RBD–ACE2 complex. It seems that quaternary ammonium moiety and quinolin-1-ium structure could act as a negative allosteric modulator to reduce the tendency between spike-ACE2. Pharmaceutical structures with amino heads and hydrophobic tails can block envelope protein to prevent making mature SARS-CoV-2. Also, structures based on naphthalene pharmacophores or isosteres can form a strong bond with the PLpro and form a π-π and the Mpro's active site can be occupied by octapeptide compounds or linear compounds with a similar fitting ability to octapeptide compounds. And for protein RdRp, it is critical to consider pH and pKa so that pKa regulation of compounds to comply with patients is very effective, thus, the presence of tetrazole, phenylpyrazole groups, and analogs of pyrophosphate in the designed drugs increase the likelihood of the RdRp active site inhibition. Finally, it can be deduced that designing hybrid drug molecules along with considering the aforementioned characteristics would be a suitable approach for developing medicines in order to accurate targeting and complete inhibition this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadpour Dehkordi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asgarshamsi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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30
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Synthesis and Applications of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles as Antiviral Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092700. [PMID: 35566055 PMCID: PMC9101374 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses have been a long-term source of infectious diseases that can lead to large-scale infections and massive deaths. Especially with the recent highly contagious coronavirus (COVID-19), antiviral drugs were developed nonstop to deal with the emergence of new viruses and subject to drug resistance. Nitrogen-containing heterocycles have compatible structures and properties with exceptional biological activity for the drug design of antiviral agents. They provided a broad spectrum of interference against viral infection at various stages, from blocking early viral entry to disrupting the viral genome replication process by targeting different enzymes and proteins of viruses. This review focused on the synthesis and application of antiviral agents derived from various nitrogen-containing heterocycles, such as indole, pyrrole, pyrimidine, pyrazole, and quinoline, within the last ten years. The synthesized scaffolds target HIV, HCV/HBV, VZV/HSV, SARS-CoV, COVID-19, and influenza viruses.
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Naseem-Khan S, Berger MB, Leddin EM, Maghsoud Y, Cisneros GA. Impact of Remdesivir Incorporation along the Primer Strand on SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:2456-2465. [PMID: 35435671 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Remdesivir was the first antiviral drug that received emergency use authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration and is now formally approved to treat COVID-19. Remdesivir is a nucleotide analogue that targets the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The solution of multiple RdRp structures has been one of the main axes of research in the race against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several hypotheses of the mechanism of inhibition of RdRp by remdesivir have been proposed, although open questions remain. This work uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore the impact of remdesivir and two analogues as incoming nucleotides and of up to four incorporations of remdesivir along the primer strand on RdRp. The simulation results suggest that the overall structure and the dynamical behavior of RdRp are destabilized by remdesivir and the two analogues in the incoming position. The incorporation of remdesivir along the primer strand impacts specific non-bonded interactions between the nascent RNA and the polymerase subunit, as well as the overall dynamical networks on RdRp. The strongest impact on the structure and dynamics are observed after three incorporations, when remdesivir is located at position -A3, in agreement with previously reported experimental and computational results. Our results provide atomic-level details of the role played by remdesivir on the disruption of RNA synthesis by RdRp and the main drivers of these disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehr Naseem-Khan
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Madison B Berger
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Emmett M Leddin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Yazdan Maghsoud
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - G Andrés Cisneros
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
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Strategies for fighting pandemic virus infections: Integration of virology and drug delivery. J Control Release 2022; 343:361-378. [PMID: 35122872 PMCID: PMC8810279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses have sometimes resulted in worldwide pandemics, with the influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) being major participants. Long-term efforts have made it possible to control the influenza virus, but seasonal influenza continues to take many lives each year, and a pandemic influenza virus sometimes emerges. Although vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been developed, we are not yet able to coexist with the SARS-CoV-2. To overcome such viruses, it is necessary to obtain knowledge about international surveillance systems, virology, ecology and to determine that immune responses are effective. The information must then be transferred to drugs. Delivery systems would be expected to contribute to the rational development of drugs. In this review, virologist and drug delivery system (DDS) researchers discuss drug delivery strategies, especially the use of lipid-based nanocarriers, for fighting to respiratory virus infections.
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Upadhya S, Rehman J, Malik AB, Chen S. Mechanisms of Lung Injury Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:88-100. [PMID: 34698589 PMCID: PMC8873036 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung is the major target organ of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19. Here, we outline the multistep mechanisms of lung epithelial and endothelial injury induced by SARS-CoV-2: direct viral infection, chemokine/cytokine-mediated damage, and immune cell-mediated lung injury. Finally, we discuss the recent progress in terms of antiviral therapeutics as well as the development of anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches. This review also provides a systematic overview of the models for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection and discusses how an understanding of mechanisms of lung injury will help identify potential targets for future drug development to mitigate lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samsara Upadhya
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Napolitano F, Xu X, Gao X. Impact of computational approaches in the fight against COVID-19: an AI guided review of 17 000 studies. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbab456. [PMID: 34788381 PMCID: PMC8689952 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 caused the first severe pandemic of the digital era. Computational approaches have been ubiquitously used in an attempt to timely and effectively cope with the resulting global health crisis. In order to extensively assess such contribution, we collected, categorized and prioritized over 17 000 COVID-19-related research articles including both peer-reviewed and preprint publications that make a relevant use of computational approaches. Using machine learning methods, we identified six broad application areas i.e. Molecular Pharmacology and Biomarkers, Molecular Virology, Epidemiology, Healthcare, Clinical Medicine and Clinical Imaging. We then used our prioritization model as a guidance through an extensive, systematic review of the most relevant studies. We believe that the remarkable contribution provided by computational applications during the ongoing pandemic motivates additional efforts toward their further development and adoption, with the aim of enhancing preparedness and critical response for current and future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napolitano
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Maheshwari M, Athiraman H. Bradycardia Related to Remdesivir During COVID-19: Persistent or Permanent? Cureus 2021; 13:e19919. [PMID: 34956798 PMCID: PMC8675592 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir is an antiviral that inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a cornerstone of therapy for hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially those worsening from a respiratory standpoint despite being started on antibiotics, dexamethasone, zinc, and vitamin C. This is a case report describing two COVID-19-positive patients with bradycardia after starting remdesivir. Once remdesivir was discontinued, one patient corrected to normal sinus rhythm, and the other continued with persistent bradycardia.
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Kapoor S, Dubey G, Khatun S, Bharatam PV. Remdesivir: Mechanism of Metabolic Conversion from Prodrug to Drug. Curr Drug Metab 2021; 23:73-81. [PMID: 34963432 DOI: 10.2174/1389200223666211228160314] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remdesivir (GS-5734) has emerged as a promising drug during the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic. Being a prodrug, it undergoes several metabolic reactions before converting to its active triphosphate metabolite. It is important to establish the atomic level details and explore the energy profile of the prodrug to drug conversion process. METHODS In this work, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to explore the entire metabolic path. Further, the potential energy surface (PES) diagram for the conversion of prodrug remdesivir to its active metabolite was established. The role of catalytic triad of Hint1 phosphoramidase enzyme in P-N bond hydrolysis was also studied on a model system using combined molecular docking and quantum mechanics approach. RESULTS The overall energy of reaction is 11.47 kcal/mol exergonic and the reaction proceeds through many steps requiring high activation energies. In the absence of a catalyst, the P-N bond breaking step requires 41.78 kcal/mol, which is reduced to 14.26 kcal/mol in a catalytic environment. CONCLUSION The metabolic pathways of model system of remdesivir (MSR) were completely explored completely and potential energy surface diagrams at two levels of theory, B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) and B3LYP/6-31+G(d), were established and compared. The results highlight the importance of an additional water molecule in the metabolic reaction. The P-N bond cleavage step of the metabolic process requires the presence of an enzymatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Kapoor
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062 Punjab, India
| | - Gurudutt Dubey
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062 Punjab, India
| | - Samima Khatun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062 Punjab, India
| | - Prasad V Bharatam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062 Punjab, India
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Law MF, Ho R, Law KWT, Cheung CKM. Gastrointestinal and hepatic side effects of potential treatment for COVID-19 and vaccination in patients with chronic liver diseases. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1850-1874. [PMID: 35069994 PMCID: PMC8727202 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Many clinical trials have been performed to investigate potential treatments or vaccines for this disease to reduce the high morbidity and mortality. The drugs of higher interest include umifenovir, bromhexine, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, steroid, tocilizumab, interferon alpha or beta, ribavirin, fivapiravir, nitazoxanide, ivermectin, molnupiravir, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin, and baricitinib. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and liver dysfunction are frequently seen in patients with COVID-19, which can make it difficult to differentiate disease manifestations from treatment adverse effects. GI symptoms of COVID-19 include anorexia, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Liver injury can be a result of systemic inflammation or cytokine storm, or due to the adverse drug effects in patients who have been receiving different treatments. Regular monitoring of liver function should be performed. COVID-19 vaccines have been rapidly developed with different technologies including mRNA, viral vectors, inactivated viruses, recombinant DNA, protein subunits and live attenuated viruses. Patients with chronic liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease and liver transplant recipients are encouraged to receive vaccination as the benefits outweigh the risks. Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended to family members and healthcare professionals caring for these patients to reduce exposure to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Fai Law
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Rita Ho
- Department of Medicine, North District Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Carmen Ka Man Cheung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Pant S, Jena NR. Inhibition of the RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase of the SARS-CoV-2 by Short Peptide Inhibitors. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 167:106012. [PMID: 34543728 PMCID: PMC8445883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients has become detrimental to their lives. However, blocking the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 will help in suppressing the viral loads in patients, which would ultimately help in the early recovery. To discover such drugs, molecular docking, MD-simulations, and MM/GBSA approaches have been used herein to examine the role of several short ionic peptides in inhibiting the RNA binding site of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Out of the 49 tri- and tetrapeptide inhibitors studied, 8 inhibitors were found to bind RdRp strongly as revealed by the docking studies. Among these inhibitors, the Ala1-Arg2-Lys3-Asp4 and Ala1-Lys2-Lys3-Asp4 are found to make the most stable complexes with RdRp and possess the ΔGbind of -17.41 and -14.21 kcal/mol respectively as revealed by the MD and MM/GBSA studies. Hence these peptide inhibitors would be highly potent in inhibiting the activities of RdRp. It is further found that these inhibitors can occupy the positions of the nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) insertion site, thereby inhibiting the replication of the viral genome by obstructing the synthesis of new nucleotides. Structural and energetic comparisons of these inhibitors with Remdesivir and similar nucleotide drugs show that these peptides would be more specific and hence may act as promiscuous antiviral agents against RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyash Pant
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, 700054, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Dumna Airport Road, Jabalpur-482005, India.
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39
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Malek RJ, Bill CA, Vines CM. Clinical drug therapies and biologicals currently used or in clinical trial to treat COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112276. [PMID: 34624681 PMCID: PMC8486678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants capable of escaping vaccine-generated immune responses poses a looming threat to vaccination efforts and will likely prolong the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the prevalence of beta coronaviruses circulating in animals and the precedent they have set in jumping into human populations indicates that they pose a continuous threat for future pandemics. Currently, only one therapeutic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating COVID-19, remdesivir, although other therapies are authorized for emergency use due to this pandemic being a public health emergency. In this review, twenty-four different treatments are discussed regarding their use against COVID-19 and any potential future coronavirus-associated illnesses. Their traditional use, mechanism of action against COVID-19, and efficacy in clinical trials are assessed. Six treatments evaluated are shown to significantly decrease mortality in clinical trials, and ten treatments have shown some form of clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory J. Malek
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX 78705, United States
| | - Colin A. Bill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso TX 79968, United States
| | - Charlotte M. Vines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso TX 79968, United States,Corresponding author
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40
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Lighvan ZM, Khonakdar HA, Akbari A, Jahromi MD, Ramezanpour A, Kermagoret A, Heydari A, Jabbari E. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel tetranuclear cyclopalladated complex bearing thiosemicarbazone scaffold ligand: Interactions with double‐strand DNA, coronavirus, and molecular modeling studies. Appl Organomet Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/aoc.6502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Mehri Lighvan
- Department of Polymer Processing Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute Tehran Iran
| | - Hossein Ali Khonakdar
- Department of Polymer Processing Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute Tehran Iran
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresdene. V Dresden Germany
| | - Ali Akbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute Urmia University of Medical Sciences Urmia Iran
| | | | - Azar Ramezanpour
- Department of Chemistry Isfahan University of Technology Isfahan Iran
| | | | - Abolfazl Heydari
- Polymer Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Esmaiel Jabbari
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of South Carolina Columbia South Carolina USA
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41
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Bell DR, Domeniconi G, Yang CC, Zhou R, Zhang L, Cong G. Dynamics-Based Peptide-MHC Binding Optimization by a Convolutional Variational Autoencoder: A Use-Case Model for CASTELO. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:7962-7971. [PMID: 34793168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An unsolved challenge in the development of antigen-specific immunotherapies is determining the optimal antigens to target. Comprehension of antigen-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) binding is paramount toward achieving this goal. Here, we apply CASTELO, a combined machine learning-molecular dynamics (ML-MD) approach, to identify per-residue antigen binding contributions and then design novel antigens of increased MHC-II binding affinity for a type 1 diabetes-implicated system. We build upon a small-molecule lead optimization algorithm by training a convolutional variational autoencoder (CVAE) on MD trajectories of 48 different systems across four antigens and four HLA serotypes. We develop several new machine learning metrics including a structure-based anchor residue classification model as well as cluster comparison scores. ML-MD predictions agree well with experimental binding results and free energy perturbation-predicted binding affinities. Moreover, ML-MD metrics are independent of traditional MD stability metrics such as contact area and root-mean-square fluctuations (RMSF), which do not reflect binding affinity data. Our work supports the role of structure-based deep learning techniques in antigen-specific immunotherapy design.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bell
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Giacomo Domeniconi
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States
| | - Chih-Chieh Yang
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States.,Zhejiang University, 688 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Leili Zhang
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States
| | - Guojing Cong
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States.,Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
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Gupta Y, Maciorowski D, Zak SE, Jones KA, Kathayat RS, Azizi SA, Mathur R, Pearce CM, Ilc DJ, Husein H, Herbert AS, Bharti A, Rathi B, Durvasula R, Becker DP, Dickinson BC, Dye JM, Kempaiah P. Bisindolylmaleimide IX: A novel anti-SARS-CoV2 agent targeting viral main protease 3CLpro demonstrated by virtual screening pipeline and in-vitro validation assays. Methods 2021; 195:57-71. [PMID: 33453392 PMCID: PMC7807167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 consists of several enzymes with essential functions within its proteome. Here, we focused on repurposing approved and investigational drugs/compounds. We targeted seven proteins with enzymatic activities known to be essential at different stages of the viral cycle including PLpro, 3CLpro, RdRP, Helicase, ExoN, NendoU, and 2'-O-MT. For virtual screening, energy minimization of a crystal structure of the modeled protein was carried out using the Protein Preparation Wizard (Schrodinger LLC 2020-1). Following active site selection based on data mining and COACH predictions, we performed a high-throughput virtual screen of drugs and investigational molecules (n = 5903). The screening was performed against viral targets using three sequential docking modes (i.e., HTVS, SP, and XP). Virtual screening identified ∼290 potential inhibitors based on the criteria of energy, docking parameters, ligand, and binding site strain and score. Drugs specific to each target protein were further analyzed for binding free energy perturbation by molecular mechanics (prime MM-GBSA) and pruning the hits to the top 32 candidates. The top lead from each target pool was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond module. The resulting top eight hits were tested for their SARS-CoV-2 anti-viral activity in-vitro. Among these, a known inhibitor of protein kinase C isoforms, Bisindolylmaleimide IX (BIM IX), was found to be a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. Further, target validation through enzymatic assays confirmed 3CLpro to be the target. This is the first study that has showcased BIM IX as a COVID-19 inhibitor thereby validating our pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Gupta
- Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Samantha E Zak
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA; The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
| | - Krysten A Jones
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rahul S Kathayat
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Saara-Anne Azizi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew S Herbert
- The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
| | - Ajay Bharti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Bryan C Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John M Dye
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA; The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA.
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Alghamdi HA, Attique SA, Yan W, Arooj A, Albulym O, Zhu D, Bilal M, Nawaz MZ. Repurposing the inhibitors of COVID-19 key proteins through molecular docking approach. Process Biochem 2021; 110:216-222. [PMID: 34421325 PMCID: PMC8367655 DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, famous as COVID-19, has recently emerged as a novel virus and imposed an unrecoverable loss to global health and the economy. At present, no effective drug against COVID-19 is available and currently available viral drugs targeting the viral key proteins of related RNA viruses have been found ineffective against COVID-19. This study evaluated the inhibitors of the viral proteases and other structural proteins, including Mpro (Main protease), RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase), and spike glycoprotein from synthetic and herbal sources. The molecular docking-based approach was used to identify and evaluate the putative inhibitors of key proteins involved in viral replication and survival. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical properties of these inhibitors were explored to predict the drug suitability as a therapeutic agent against COVID-19 by considering adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) using Lipinski's rule or SwissADME. Trandolapril, Benazepril, and Moexipril were evaluated as the best non-carcinogenic and non-toxic potential inhibitors of spike glycoprotein, Mpro, and RdRp, respectively. The drugs showed significant binding affinities against the active sites of respective SARS_CoV-2 target proteins; hence, they can be used as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Ahmed Alghamdi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Awais Attique
- Department of Computer Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Marine Science, College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Anam Arooj
- Department of Computer Science, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Obaid Albulym
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, China
| | - Muhammad Zohaib Nawaz
- Department of Computer Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
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Khan S, Hussain A, Vahdani Y, Kooshki H, Mahmud Hussen B, Haghighat S, Fatih Rasul M, Jamal Hidayat H, Hasan A, Edis Z, Haj Bloukh S, Kasravi S, Mahdi Nejadi Babadaei M, Sharifi M, Bai Q, Liu J, Hu B, Akhtari K, Falahati M. Exploring the interaction of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside with SARS-CoV-2 main proteins by theoretical studies: A probable prelude to control some variants of coronavirus including Delta. ARAB J CHEM 2021; 14:103353. [PMID: 34909059 PMCID: PMC8317451 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of interaction between quercetin-3-O-sophoroside and different SARS-CoV-2's proteins which can bring some useful details about the control of different variants of coronavirus including the recent case, Delta. The chemical structure of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was first optimized. Docking studies were performed by CoV disease-2019 (COVID-19) Docking Server. Afterwards, the molecular dynamic study was done using High Throughput Molecular Dynamics (HTMD) tool. The results showed a remarkable stability of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside based on the calculated parameters. Docking outcomes revealed that the highest affinity of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was related to the RdRp with RNA. Molecular dynamic studies showed that the target E protein tends to be destabilized in the presence of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside. Based on these results, quercetin-3-O-sophoroside can show promising inhibitory effects on the binding site of the different receptors and may be considered as effective inhibitor of the entry and proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 and its different variants. Finally, it should be noted, although this paper does not directly deal with the exploring the interaction of main proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, at the time of writing, no direct theoretical investigation was reported on the interaction of ligands with the main proteins of Delta variant. Therefore, the present data may provide useful information for designing some theoretical studies in the future for studying the control of SARS-CoV-2 variants due to possible structural similarity between proteins of different variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliman Khan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasaman Vahdani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Kooshki
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Setareh Haghighat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Hazha Jamal Hidayat
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Zehra Edis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, PO Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samir Haj Bloukh
- Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, PO Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, PO Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shahab Kasravi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Nejadi Babadaei
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Science, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sharifi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bowen Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Keivan Akhtari
- Department of Physics, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Fukuzawa K, Kato K, Watanabe C, Kawashima Y, Handa Y, Yamamoto A, Watanabe K, Ohyama T, Kamisaka K, Takaya D, Honma T. Special Features of COVID-19 in the FMODB: Fragment Molecular Orbital Calculations and Interaction Energy Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-Related Proteins. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:4594-4612. [PMID: 34506132 PMCID: PMC8457332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), the virus causing the current pandemic. There are ongoing research studies to develop effective therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19 using various methods and many results have been published. The structure-based drug design of SARS-CoV-2-related proteins is promising, however, reliable information regarding the structural and intra- and intermolecular interactions is required. We have conducted studies based on the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method for calculating the electronic structures of protein complexes and analyzing their quantitative molecular interactions. This enables us to extensively analyze the molecular interactions in residues or functional group units acting inside the protein complexes. Such precise interaction data are available in the FMO database (FMODB) (https://drugdesign.riken.jp/FMODB/). Since April 2020, we have performed several FMO calculations on the structures of SARS-CoV-2-related proteins registered in the Protein Data Bank. We have published the results of 681 structures, including three structural proteins and 11 nonstructural proteins, on the COVID-19 special page (as of June 8, 2021). In this paper, we describe the entire COVID-19 special page of the FMODB and discuss the calculation results for various proteins. These data not only aid the interpretation of experimentally determined structures but also the understanding of protein functions, which is useful for rational drug design for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Fukuzawa
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate
School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-11 Aoba, Aramaki,
Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of
Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
819-0395, Japan
- Center for Molecular Systems (CMS),
Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395,
Japan
| | - Chiduru Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
- JST PRESTO, 4-1-8, Honcho,
Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawashima
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yuma Handa
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Ami Yamamoto
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara,
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871,
Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675,
Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohyama
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering
Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20,
Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kikuko Kamisaka
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
| | - Daisuke Takaya
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics
Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045,
Japan
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46
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Yuan C, Goonetilleke EC, Unarta IC, Huang X. Incorporation efficiency and inhibition mechanism of 2'-substituted nucleotide analogs against SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:20117-20128. [PMID: 34514487 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp03049c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 emphasizes the need for effective therapeutics. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by nucleotide analogs provides a promising antiviral strategy. One common group of RdRp inhibitors, 2'-modified nucleotides, are reported to exhibit different behaviors in the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp transcription assay. Three of these analogs, 2'-O-methyl UTP, Sofosbuvir, and 2'-methyl CTP, act as effective inhibitors in previous biochemical experiments, while Gemcitabine and ara-UTP show no inhibitory activity. To understand the impact of the 2'-modification on their inhibitory effects, we conducted extensive molecular dynamics simulations and relative binding free energy calculations using the free energy perturbation method on SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription complex (RTC) with these five nucleotide analogs. Our results reveal that the five nucleotide analogs display comparable binding affinities to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and they can all be added to the nascent RNA chain. Moreover, we examine how the incorporation of these nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) analogs will impact the addition of the next nucleotide. Our results indicate that 2'-O-methyl UTP can weaken the binding of the subsequent NTP and consequently lead to partial chain termination. Additionally, Sofosbuvir and 2'-methyl CTP can cause immediate termination due to the strong steric hindrance introduced by their bulky 2'-methyl groups. In contrast, nucleotide analogs with smaller substitutions, such as the fluorine atoms and the ara-hydroxyl group in Gemcitabine and ara-UTP, have a marginal impact on the polymerization process. Our findings are consistent with experimental observations, and more importantly, shed light on the detailed molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibition by 2'-substituted nucleotide analogs, and may facilitate the rational design of antiviral agents to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congmin Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Systems Biology and Human Health, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Eshani C Goonetilleke
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Systems Biology and Human Health, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Ilona Christy Unarta
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Systems Biology and Human Health, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Xuhui Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Systems Biology and Human Health, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
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Dwivedy A, Mariadasse R, Ahmad M, Chakraborty S, Kar D, Tiwari S, Bhattacharyya S, Sonar S, Mani S, Tailor P, Majumdar T, Jeyakanthan J, Biswal BK. Characterization of the NiRAN domain from RNA-dependent RNA polymerase provides insights into a potential therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009384. [PMID: 34516563 PMCID: PMC8478224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from the canonical fingers, palm and thumb domains, the RNA dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) from the viral order Nidovirales possess two additional domains. Of these, the function of the Nidovirus RdRp associated nucleotidyl transferase domain (NiRAN) remains unanswered. The elucidation of the 3D structure of RdRp from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), provided the first ever insights into the domain organisation and possible functional characteristics of the NiRAN domain. Using in silico tools, we predict that the NiRAN domain assumes a kinase or phosphotransferase like fold and binds nucleoside triphosphates at its proposed active site. Additionally, using molecular docking we have predicted the binding of three widely used kinase inhibitors and five well characterized anti-microbial compounds at the NiRAN domain active site along with their drug-likeliness. For the first time ever, using basic biochemical tools, this study shows the presence of a kinase like activity exhibited by the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Interestingly, a well-known kinase inhibitor- Sorafenib showed a significant inhibition and dampened viral load in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. In line with the current global COVID-19 pandemic urgency and the emergence of newer strains with significantly higher infectivity, this study provides a new anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug target and potential lead compounds for drug repurposing against SARS-CoV-2. The on-going coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is significantly affecting the world health. Unfortunately, over 180 million cases of COVID-19 resulting in nearly 4 million deaths have been reported till June, 2021. In this study, using a combination of bioinformatics, biochemical and mass spectrometry methods, we show that the Nidovirus RdRp associated Nucleotidyl transferase (NiRAN) domain of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 exhibits a kinase like activity. Additionally, we also show that few broad spectrum anti-cancer and anti-microbial drugs dampen this kinase like activity. Of note, Sorafenib, an FDA approved anti-cancer kinase inhibiting drug significantly reduces the SARS-CoV-2 load in cell lines. Our study suggests that NiRAN domain of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp is indispensible for the successful viral life cycle and shows that abolishing this enzymatic function of RdRp by small molecule inhibitors may open novel avenues for COVID-19 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sudipta Sonar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Shailendra Mani
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | | | - Tanmay Majumdar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail: (TM); (JJ); (BKB)
| | - Jeyaraman Jeyakanthan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail: (TM); (JJ); (BKB)
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48
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Tanimoto S, Itoh SG, Okumura H. "Bucket brigade" using lysine residues in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. Biophys J 2021; 120:3615-3627. [PMID: 34339634 PMCID: PMC8324383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a promising drug target for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because it plays the most important role in the replication of the RNA genome. Nucleotide analogs such as remdesivir and favipiravir are thought to interfere with the RNA replication by RdRp. More specifically, they are expected to compete with nucleoside triphosphates, such as ATP. However, the process in which these drug molecules and nucleoside triphosphates are taken up by RdRp remains unknown. In this study, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to clarify the recognition mechanism of RdRp for these drug molecules and ATP that were at a distance. The ligand recognition ability of RdRp decreased in the order of remdesivir, favipiravir, and ATP. We also identified six recognition paths. Three of them were commonly found in all ligands, and the remaining three paths were ligand-dependent ones. In the common two paths, it was observed that the multiple lysine residues of RdRp carried the ligands to the binding site like a "bucket brigade." In the remaining common path, the ligands directly reached the binding site. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the efficient ligand recognition by RdRp at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Tanimoto
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoru G Itoh
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Okumura
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.
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Tarannum H, Rashmi Km, Nandi S. Exploring the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and RdRp targets by updating current structure-based drug design utilizing co-crystals to combat COVID-19. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 23:802-817. [PMID: 34488580 DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210906154849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) engulfs millions of death worldwide. It has directly hit the socio-economic status of the affected countries. There are more than 219 countries badly affected by the COVID-19. There are no particular small molecule inhibitors to combat the dreadful virus. Many antivirals, antimalarials, antiparasitic, antibacterials, immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulatory agents have been repurposed for the treatment of COVID19. But the exact mechanism of action of these drugs towards COVID-19 targets has not been experimented with yet. Under the effect of chemotherapeutics, the virus may change its genetic material and produces various strains, which are the main reasons behind the dreadful attack of COVID-19. The nuclear genetic components are composed of main protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) which are responsible for producing nascent virion and viral replication in the host cells. To explore the biochemical mechanisms of various small molecule inhibitors, structure-based drug design can be attempted utilizing NMR crystallography. The process identifies and validates the target protein involved in the disease pathogenesis by the binding of a chemical ligand at a well-defined pocket on the protein surface. In this way, the mode of binding of the ligands inside the target cavity can be predicted for the design of potent SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena Tarannum
- Six Sigma Institute of Technology and Science, Dineshpur, Rudrapur-263153. India
| | - Rashmi Km
- Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kashipur-244713. India
| | - Sisir Nandi
- Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kashipur-244713. India
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50
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Srivastava M, Mittal L, Kumari A, Asthana S. Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal the Interaction Fingerprint of Remdesivir Triphosphate Pivotal in Allosteric Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:639614. [PMID: 34490343 PMCID: PMC8417884 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.639614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has now strengthened its hold on human health and coronavirus' lethal existence does not seem to be going away soon. In this regard, the optimization of reported information for understanding the mechanistic insights that facilitate the discovery towards new therapeutics is an unmet need. Remdesivir (RDV) is established to inhibit RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in distinct viral families including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, its derivatives have the potential to become a broad-spectrum antiviral agent effective against many other RNA viruses. In this study, we performed comparative analysis of RDV, RMP (RDV monophosphate), and RTP (RDV triphosphate) to undermine the inhibition mechanism caused by RTP as it is a metabolically active form of RDV. The MD results indicated that RTP rearranges itself from its initial RMP-pose at the catalytic site towards NTP entry site, however, RMP stays at the catalytic site. The thermodynamic profiling and free-energy analysis revealed that a stable pose of RTP at NTP entrance site seems critical to modulate the inhibition as its binding strength improved more than its initial RMP-pose obtained from docking at the catalytic site. We found that RTP not only occupies the residues K545, R553, and R555, essential to escorting NTP towards the catalytic site, but also interacts with other residues D618, P620, K621, R624, K798, and R836 that contribute significantly to its stability. From the interaction fingerprinting it is revealed that the RTP interact with basic and conserved residues that are detrimental for the RdRp activity, therefore it possibly perturbed the catalytic site and blocked the NTP entrance site considerably. Overall, we are highlighting the RTP binding pose and key residues that render the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inactive, paving crucial insights towards the discovery of potent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shailendra Asthana
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
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