1
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Su RL, Cao XW, Zhao J, Wang FJ. A high hydrophobic moment arginine-rich peptide screened by a machine learning algorithm enhanced ADC antitumor activity. J Pept Sci 2024:e3628. [PMID: 38950972 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) with better biomolecule delivery properties will expand their clinical applications. Using the MLCPP2.0 machine algorithm, we screened multiple candidate sequences with potential cellular uptake ability from the nuclear localization signal/nuclear export signal database and verified them through cell-penetrating fluorescent tracing experiments. A peptide (NCR) derived from the Rev protein of the caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus exhibited efficient cell-penetrating activity, delivering over four times more EGFP than the classical CPP TAT, allowing it to accumulate in lysosomes. Structural and property analysis revealed that a high hydrophobic moment and an appropriate hydrophobic region contribute to the high delivery activity of NCR. Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), a HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, could improve its anti-tumor activity by enhancing targeted delivery efficiency and increasing lysosomal drug delivery. This study designed a new NCR vector to non-covalently bind T-DM1 by fusing domain Z, which can specifically bind to the Fc region of immunoglobulin G and effectively deliver T-DM1 to lysosomes. MTT results showed that the domain Z-NCR vector significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of T-DM1 against HER2-positive tumor cells while maintaining drug specificity. Our results make a useful attempt to explore the potential application of CPP as a lysosome-targeted delivery tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Long Su
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Wei Cao
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- ECUST-FONOW Joint Research Center for Innovative Medicines, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- ECUST-FONOW Joint Research Center for Innovative Medicines, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Jun Wang
- ECUST-FONOW Joint Research Center for Innovative Medicines, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- New Drug R&D Center, Zhejiang Fonow Medicine Co., Ltd., Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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2
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Van Doren SR, Scott BS, Koppisetti RK. SARS-CoV-2 fusion peptide sculpting of a membrane with insertion of charged and polar groups. Structure 2023; 31:1184-1199.e3. [PMID: 37625399 PMCID: PMC10592393 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The fusion peptide of SARS-CoV-2 spike is essential for infection. How this charged and hydrophobic domain occupies and affects membranes needs clarification. Its depth in zwitterionic, bilayered micelles at pH 5 (resembling late endosomes) was measured by paramagnetic NMR relaxation enhancements used to bias molecular dynamics simulations. Asp830 inserted deeply, along with Lys825 or Lys835. Protonation of Asp830 appeared to enhance agreement of simulated and NMR-measured depths. While the fusion peptide occupied a leaflet of the DMPC bilayer, the opposite leaflet invaginated with influx of water and choline head groups in around Asp830 and bilayer-inserted polar side chains. NMR-detected hydrogen exchange found corroborating hydration of the backbone of Thr827-Phe833 inserted deeply in bicelles. Pinching of the membrane at the inserted charge and the intramembrane hydration of polar groups agree with theory. Formation of corridors of hydrated, inward-turned head groups was accompanied by flip-flop of head groups. Potential roles of the defects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Van Doren
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Benjamin S Scott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Rama K Koppisetti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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3
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Nguyen H, Nguyen HL, Lan PD, Thai NQ, Sikora M, Li MS. Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells and antibodies: experiment and simulation. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:6497-6553. [PMID: 37650302 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01170g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic announced by WHO in March 2020. Through unprecedented scientific effort, several vaccines, drugs and antibodies have been developed, saving millions of lives, but the fight against COVID-19 continues as immune escape variants of concern such as Delta and Omicron emerge. To develop more effective treatments and to elucidate the side effects caused by vaccines and therapeutic agents, a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with them and human cells is required. With special interest in computational approaches, we will focus on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the interaction of its spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) as a prime entry point of the virus into host cells. In addition, other possible viral receptors will be considered. The fusion of viral and human membranes and the interaction of the spike protein with antibodies and nanobodies will be discussed, as well as the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on protein synthesis in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Hoang Linh Nguyen
- Institute of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Duy Tan University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Pham Dang Lan
- Life Science Lab, Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, 729110 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, 749000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Dong Thap University, 783 Pham Huu Lau Street, Ward 6, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
| | - Mateusz Sikora
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
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4
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Niort K, Dancourt J, Boedec E, Al Amir Dache Z, Lavieu G, Tareste D. Cholesterol and Ceramide Facilitate Membrane Fusion Mediated by the Fusion Peptide of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:32729-32739. [PMID: 37720777 PMCID: PMC10500581 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells is mediated by the Spike (S) protein of the viral envelope. The S protein is composed of two subunits: S1 that induces binding to the host cell via its interaction with the ACE2 receptor of the cell surface and S2 that triggers fusion between viral and cellular membranes. Fusion by S2 depends on its heptad repeat domains that bring membranes close together and its fusion peptide (FP) that interacts with and perturbs the membrane structure to trigger fusion. Recent studies have suggested that cholesterol and ceramide lipids from the cell surface may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, but their exact mode of action remains unknown. We have used a combination of in vitro liposome-liposome and in situ cell-cell fusion assays to study the lipid determinants of S-mediated membrane fusion. Our findings reveal that both cholesterol and ceramide lipids facilitate fusion, suggesting that targeting these lipids could be effective against SARS-CoV-2. As a proof of concept, we examined the effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ), an antipsychotic drug known to perturb membrane structure. Our results show that CPZ effectively inhibits S-mediated membrane fusion, thereby potentially impeding SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Niort
- Université
Paris Cité, Inserm UMR-S 1266, Institute of Psychiatry and
Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), Paris 75014, France
| | - Julia Dancourt
- Université
Paris Cité, Inserm U 1316, CNRS UMR 7057, Laboratoire Matières
et Systèmes Complexes (MSC), Paris 75006, France
| | - Erwan Boedec
- Université
Paris Cité, Inserm UMR-S 1266, Institute of Psychiatry and
Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), Paris 75014, France
| | - Zahra Al Amir Dache
- Université
Paris Cité, Inserm U 1316, CNRS UMR 7057, Laboratoire Matières
et Systèmes Complexes (MSC), Paris 75006, France
| | - Grégory Lavieu
- Université
Paris Cité, Inserm U 1316, CNRS UMR 7057, Laboratoire Matières
et Systèmes Complexes (MSC), Paris 75006, France
| | - David Tareste
- Université
Paris Cité, Inserm UMR-S 1266, Institute of Psychiatry and
Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), Paris 75014, France
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5
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Villalaín J. SARS-CoV-2 Protein S Fusion Peptide Is Capable of Wrapping Negatively-Charged Phospholipids. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:344. [PMID: 36984731 PMCID: PMC10057416 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA enveloped virus, emerged in late 2019 and was declared a worldwide pandemic in early 2020 causing more than 600 million infections so far and more than 6 million deaths in the world. Although new vaccines have been implemented, the pandemic continues to impact world health dramatically. Membrane fusion, critical for the viral entry into the host cell, is one of the main targets for the development of novel antiviral therapies to combat COVID-19. The S2 subunit of the viral S protein, a class I membrane fusion protein, contains the fusion domain which is directly implicated in the fusion mechanism. The knowledge of the membrane fusion mechanism at the molecular level will undoubtedly result in the development of effective antiviral strategies. We have used all-atom molecular dynamics to analyse the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 fusion peptide to specific phospholipids in model membranes composed of only one phospholipid plus cholesterol in the presence of either Na+ or Ca2+. Our results show that the fusion peptide is capable of binding to the membrane, that its secondary structure does not change significantly upon binding, that it tends to preferentially bind electronegatively charged phospholipids, and that it does not bind cholesterol at all. Understanding the intricacies of the membrane fusion mechanism and the molecular interactions involved will lead us to the development of antiviral molecules that will allow a more efficient battle against these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Villalaín
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology (IDiBE), Universitas "Miguel Hernández", E-03202 Elche, Spain
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6
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Baier CJ, Barrantes FJ. Role of cholesterol-recognition motifs in the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113090. [PMID: 36563415 PMCID: PMC9743692 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The presence of linear amino acid motifs with the capacity to recognize the neutral lipid cholesterol, known as Cholesterol Recognition/interaction Amino acid Consensus sequence (CRAC), and its inverse or mirror image, CARC, has recently been reported in the primary sequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike S homotrimeric glycoprotein. These motifs also occur in the two other pathogenic coronaviruses, SARS-CoV, and Middle-East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), most conspicuously in the transmembrane domain, the fusion peptide, the amino-terminal domain, and the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Here we analyze the presence of cholesterol-recognition motifs in these key regions of the spike glycoprotein in the pathogenic CoVs. We disclose the inherent pathophysiological implications of the cholesterol motifs in the virus-host cell interactions and variant infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Javier Baier
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Argentina,Correspondence to: INBIOSUR-CONICET-UNS, DBByF, San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, BIOMED UCA-CONICET, 1600 Av. A. Moreau de Justo, C1107AAZ Buenos Aires, Argentina,Correspondence to: BIOMED UCA-CONICET, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, C1107AFF Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Shen H, Wu Z. Effect of Disulfide Bridge on the Binding of SARS-CoV-2 Fusion Peptide to Cell Membrane: A Coarse-Grained Study. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:36762-36775. [PMID: 36278087 PMCID: PMC9583636 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present the parameterization of the CAVS coarse-grained (CG) force field for 20 amino acids, and our CG simulations show that the CAVS force field could accurately predict the amino acid tendency of the secondary structure. Then, we used the CAVS force field to investigate the binding of a severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus fusion peptide (SARS-CoV-2 FP) to a phospholipid bilayer: a long FP (FP-L) containing 40 amino acids and a short FP (FP-S) containing 26 amino acids. Our CAVS CG simulations displayed that the binding affinity of the FP-L to the bilayer is higher than that of the FP-S. We found that the FP-L interacted more strongly with membrane cholesterol than the FP-S, which should be attributed to the stable helical structure of the FP-L at the C-terminus. In addition, we discovered that the FP-S had one major and two minor membrane-bound states, in agreement with previous all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) studies. However, we found that both the C-terminal and N-terminal amino acid residues of the FP-L can strongly interact with the bilayer membrane. Furthermore, we found that the disulfide bond formed between Cys840 and Cys851 stabilized the helices of the FP-L at the C-terminus, enhancing the interaction between the FP-L and the bilayer membrane. Our work indicates that the stable helical structure is crucial for binding the SARS-CoV-2 FP to cell membranes. In particular, the helical stability of FP should have a significant influence on the FP-membrane binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hujun Shen
- Guizhou
Provincial Key Laboratory of Computational Nano-Material Science, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Zhenhua Wu
- Department
of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Guizhou Vocational Technology College of Electronics & Information, Kaili 556000, China
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