1
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Jiang X, Li D, Maghsoudloo M, Zhang X, Ma W, Fu J. Targeting furin, a cellular proprotein convertase, for COVID-19 prevention and therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104026. [PMID: 38762086 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104026] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has triggered an international outbreak of the highly contagious acute respiratory disease known as COVID-19. Identifying key targets in the virus infection lifecycle is crucial for developing effective prevention and therapeutic strategies against it. Furin is a serine endoprotease that belongs to the family of proprotein convertases and plays a critical role in the entry of host cells by SARS-CoV-2. Furin can cleave a specific S1/S2 site, PRRAR, on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which promotes viral transmission by facilitating membrane fusion. Hence, targeting furin could hold clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This review offers an overview of furin's structure, substrates, function, and inhibitors, with a focus on its potential role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
| | - Dabing Li
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; School of Basic Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinghai Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Wenzhe Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau.
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Lange RW, Bloch K, Heindl MR, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Brandstetter H, Klebe G, Falcone FH, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Dahms SO, Steinmetzer T. Fragment-Based Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Aminoisoindole-Derived Furin Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400057. [PMID: 38385828 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
A 1H-isoindol-3-amine was identified as suitable P1 group for the proprotein convertase furin using a crystallographic screening with a set of 20 fragments known to occupy the S1 pocket of trypsin-like serine proteases. Its binding mode is very similar to that observed for the P1 group of benzamidine-derived peptidic furin inhibitors suggesting an aminomethyl substitution of this fragment to obtain a couplable P1 residue for the synthesis of substrate-analogue furin inhibitors. The obtained inhibitors possess a slightly improved picomolar inhibitory potency compared to their benzamidine-derived analogues. The crystal structures of two inhibitors in complex with furin revealed that the new P1 group is perfectly suited for incorporation in peptidic furin inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were tested for antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a furin-dependent influenza A virus (SC35M/H7N7) in A549 human lung cells and demonstrated an efficient inhibition of virus activation and replication at low micromolar or even submicromolar concentrations. First results suggest that the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor GPCR-X2 could be a potential off-target for certain benzamidine-derived furin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman W Lange
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Konstantin Bloch
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ruth Heindl
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Franco H Falcone
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Sven O Dahms
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
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3
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Choi A, Kots ED, Singleton DT, Weinstein H, Whittaker GR. Analysis of the molecular determinants for furin cleavage of the spike protein S1/S2 site in defined strains of the prototype coronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV). Virus Res 2024; 340:199283. [PMID: 38043726 PMCID: PMC10755501 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the spike protein S1/S2 cleavage of selected strains of a prototype coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) by the cellular protease furin, in order to understand the structural requirements underlying the sequence selectivity of the scissile segment. The probability of cleavage of selected MHV strains was first evaluated from furin cleavage scores predicted by the ProP computer software, and then cleavage was measured experimentally with a fluorogenic peptide cleavage assay consisting of S1/S2 peptide mimics and purified furin. We found that in vitro cleavability varied across MHV strains in line with predicted results-but with the notable exception of MHV-A59, which was not cleaved despite a high score predicted for its sequence. Using the known X-Ray structure of furin in complex with a substrate-like inhibitor as an initial structural reference, we carried out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to learn the modes of binding of the peptides in the furin active site, and the suitability of the complex for initiation of the enzymatic cleavage. We identified the 3D structural requirements of the furin active site configuration that enable bound peptides to undergo cleavage, and the way in which the various strains tested experimentally are fulfilling these requirements. We find that despite some flexibility in the organization of the peptide bound to the active site of the enzyme, the presence of a histidine at P2 of MHV-A59 fails to properly orient the sidechain of His194 of the furin catalytic triad and therefore produces a distortion that renders the peptide/complex structural configuration in the active site incompatible with requirements for cleavage initiation. The Ser/Thr in P1 of MHV-2 and MHV-S has a similar effect of distorting the conformation of the furin active site residues produced by the elimination of the canonical salt-bridge formed by arginine in P1 position. This work informs a study of coronavirus infection and pathogenesis with respect to the function of the viral spike protein, and suggests an important process of viral adaptation and evolution within the spike S1/S2 structural loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Choi
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ekaterina D Kots
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Harel Weinstein
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Public & Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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4
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Zaib S, Rana N, Ali HS, Hussain N, Areeba, Ogaly HA, Al-Zahrani FAM, Khan I. Discovery of druggable potent inhibitors of serine proteases and farnesoid X receptor by ligand-based virtual screening to obstruct SARS-CoV-2. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127379. [PMID: 37838109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus, a subfamily of the coronavirinae family, is an RNA virus with over 40 variations that can infect humans, non-human mammals and birds. There are seven types of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, is responsible for the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The current study is focused on the identification of drug molecules for the treatment of COVID-19 by targeting human proteases like transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), furin, cathepsin B, and a nuclear receptor named farnesoid X receptor (FXR). TMPRSS2 and furin help in cleaving the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while cathepsin B plays a critical role in the entry and pathogenesis. FXR, on the other hand, regulates the expression of ACE2, and its inhibition can reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection. By inhibiting these four protein targets with non-toxic inhibitors, the entry of the infectious agent into host cells and its pathogenesis can be obstructed. We have used the BioSolveIT suite for pharmacophore-based computational drug designing. A total of 1611 ligands from the ligand library were docked with the target proteins to obtain potent inhibitors on the basis of pharmacophore. Following the ADMET analysis and protein ligand interactions, potent and druggable inhibitors of the target proteins were obtained. Additionally, toxic substructures and the less toxic route of administration of the most potent inhibitors in rodents were also determined computationally. Compounds namely N-(diaminomethylene)-2-((3-((1R,3R)-3-(2-(methoxy(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)cyclopentyl)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethan-1-aminium (26), (1R,3R)-3-(((2-ammonioethyl)ammonio)methyl)-1-((4-propyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl)piperidin-1-ium (29) and (1R,3R)-3-(((2-ammonioethyl)ammonio)methyl)-1-((1-propyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)piperidin-1-ium (30) were found as the potent inhibitors of TMPRSS2, whereas, 1-(1-(1-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)cyclopropane-1‑carbonyl)piperidin-4-yl)azepan-2-one (6), (2R)-4-methyl-1-oxo-1-((7R,11S)-4-oxo-6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydro-4H-7,11-methanopyrido[1,2-a]azocin-9-yl)pentan-2-aminium (12), 4-((1-(3-(3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)propanoyl)piperidin-4-yl)methyl)morpholin-4-ium (13), 1-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)-N-(3-oxocyclohex-1-en-1-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (14), 1-(4-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)propan-1-one (25) and N,N-dimethyl-4-oxo-4-((1S,5R)-8-oxo-5,6-dihydro-1H-1,5-methanopyrido[1,2-a][1,5]diazocin-3(2H,4H,8H)-yl)butanamide (31) inhibited the FXR preferentially. In case of cathepsin B, N-((5-benzoylthiophen-2-yl)methyl)-2-hydrazineyl-2-oxoacetamide (2) and N-([2,2'-bifuran]-5-ylmethyl)-2-hydrazineyl-2-oxoacetamide (7) were identified as the most druggable inhibitors whereas 1-amino-2,7-diethyl-3,8-dioxo-6-(p-tolyl)-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-2,7-naphthyridine-4‑carbonitrile (5) and (R)-6-amino-2-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (20) were active against furin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumera Zaib
- Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
| | - Nehal Rana
- Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Saqib Ali
- INEOS Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates; AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - Areeba
- Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Hanan A Ogaly
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah A M Al-Zahrani
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imtiaz Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom.
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5
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Le K, Kannappan S, Kim T, Lee JH, Lee HR, Kim KK. Structural understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry to host cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1288686. [PMID: 38033388 PMCID: PMC10683510 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1288686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major global health concern associated with millions of fatalities worldwide. Mutant variants of the virus have further exacerbated COVID-19 mortality and infection rates, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. Understanding the viral infection mechanism is crucial for developing therapeutics and vaccines. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells is a key step in the infection pathway and has been targeted for drug development. Despite numerous reviews of COVID-19 and the virus, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews focusing on the structural aspects of viral entry. In this review, we analyze structural changes in Spike proteins during the entry process, dividing the entry process into prebinding, receptor binding, proteolytic cleavage, and membrane fusion steps. By understanding the atomic-scale details of viral entry, we can better target the entry step for intervention strategies. We also examine the impacts of mutations in Spike proteins, including the Omicron variant, on viral entry. Structural information provides insights into the effects of mutations and can guide the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Finally, we discuss available structure-based approaches for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Overall, this review provides a detailed analysis of the structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, highlighting its significance in the development of therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. Therefore, our review emphasizes the importance of structural information in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shrute Kannappan
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Truc Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Heon Lee
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials and Science Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ra Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, College of Science and Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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6
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Choi A, Kots ED, Singleton DT, Weinstein HA, Whittaker GR. Analysis of the molecular determinants for furin cleavage of the spike protein S1/S2 site in defined strains of the prototype coronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523687. [PMID: 36711446 PMCID: PMC9882190 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We have analyzed the spike protein S1/S2 cleavage site of selected strains of MHV by the cellular protease furin, in order to understand the structural requirements underlying the sequence selectivity of the scissile segment. The probability of cleavage of the various MHV strains was first evaluated from furin cleavage scores predicted by the ProP computer software, and then cleavage was measured experimentally with a fluorogenic peptide cleavage assay consisting of S1/S2 peptide mimics and purified furin. We found that in vitro cleavability varied across MHV strains in line with predicted results-but with the notable exception of MHV-A59, which was not cleaved despite a high score predicted for its sequence. Using the known X-Ray structure of furin in complex with a substrate-like inhibitor as an initial structural reference, we carried out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to learn the modes of binding of the peptides in the furin active site, and the suitability of the complex for initiation of the enzymatic cleavage. We thus identified the 3D structural requirements of the furin active site configuration that enable bound peptides to undergo cleavage, and the way in which the various strains tested experimentally are fulfilling these requirements. We find that despite some flexibility in the organization of the peptide bound to the active site of the enzyme, the presence of a histidine at P2 of MHV-A59 fails to properly orient the sidechain of His194 of the furin catalytic triad and therefore produces a distortion that renders the peptide/complex structural configuration in the active site incompatible with requirements for cleavage initiation. The Ser/Thr in P1 of MHV-2 and MHV-S has a similar effect of distorting the conformation of the furin active site residues produced by the elimination of the canonical salt-bridge formed by arginine in P1 position. This work informs a study of coronavirus infection and pathogenesis with respect to the function of the viral spike protein, and suggests an important process of viral adaptation and evolution within the spike S1/S2 structural loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Choi
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ekaterina D. Kots
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Harel A. Weinstein
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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7
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Van Lam van T, Ivanova T, Lindberg I, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Steinmetzer T, Hardes K. Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel fluorogenic substrates of the proprotein convertases furin, PC1/3, PC2, PC5/6, and PC7. Anal Biochem 2022; 655:114836. [PMID: 35964735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114836] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases (PCs) are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, making them promising drug targets. Most assays for PCs have been performed with few standard substrates, regardless of differences in cleavage efficiencies. Derived from studies on substrate-analogue inhibitors, 11 novel substrates were synthesized and characterized with five PCs. H-Arg-Arg-Tle-Lys-Arg-AMC is the most efficiently cleaved furin substrate based on its kcat/KM value. Due to its higher kcat value, acetyl-Arg-Arg-Tle-Arg-Arg-AMC was selected for further measurements to demonstrate the benefit of this improved substrate. Compared to our standard conditions, its use allowed a 10-fold reduction of the furin concentration, which enabled Ki value determinations of previously described tight-binding inhibitors under classical conditions. Under these circumstances, a slow-binding behavior was observed for the first time with inhibitor MI-1148. In addition to furin, four additional PCs were used to characterize these substrates. The most efficiently cleaved PC1/3 substrate was Ac-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tle-Lys-Arg-AMC. The highest kcat/KM values for PC2 and PC7 were found for the N-terminally unprotected analogue of this substrate, although other substrates possess higher kcat values. The highest efficiency for PC5/6A was observed for the substrate Ac-Arg-Arg-Tle-Lys-Arg-AMC. In summary, we have identified new substrates for furin, PC1/3, PC2, and PC7 suitable for improved enzyme-kinetic measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Van Lam van
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Teodora Ivanova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | | | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, D-35394, Giessen, Germany.
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8
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Pászti-Gere E, Szentkirályi-Tóth A, Szabó P, Steinmetzer T, Fliszár-Nyúl E, Poór M. In vitro characterization of the furin inhibitor MI-1851: Albumin binding, interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes and cytotoxicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113124. [PMID: 35594709 PMCID: PMC9110138 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The substrate-analog furin inhibitor MI-1851 can suppress the cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and consequently produces significant antiviral effect on infected human airway epithelial cells. In this study, the interaction of inhibitor MI-1851 was examined with human serum albumin using fluorescence spectroscopy and ultrafiltration techniques. Furthermore, the impacts of MI-1851 on human microsomal hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 activities were assessed based on fluorometric assays. The inhibitory action was also examined on human recombinant CYP3A4 enzyme and on hepatocytes. In addition, microsomal stability (60 min) and cytotoxicity were tested as well. MI-1851 showed no relevant interaction with human serum albumin and was significantly depleted by human microsomes. Furthermore, it did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19 and 2D6 enzymes. In human hepatocytes, CYP3A4 was significantly suppressed by MI-1851 and weak inhibition was noticed in regard to human microsomes and human recombinant CYP3A4. Finally, MI-1851 did not impair the viability and the oxidative status of primary human hepatocytes (up to 100 μM concentration). Based on these observations, furin inhibitor MI-1851 appears to be potential drug candidates in the treatment of COVID-19, due to the involvement of furin in S protein priming and thus activation of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anna Szentkirályi-Tóth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Szabó
- MS Metabolomics Laboratory, Center for Structural Study, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Eszter Fliszár-Nyúl
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Poór
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Lab-on-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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9
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Dahms SO, Schnapp G, Winter M, Büttner FH, Schlepütz M, Gnamm C, Pautsch A, Brandstetter H. Dichlorophenylpyridine-Based Molecules Inhibit Furin through an Induced-Fit Mechanism. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:816-821. [PMID: 35377598 PMCID: PMC9016704 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Inhibitors of the
proprotein convertase furin might serve as broad-spectrum
antiviral therapeutics. High cellular potency and antiviral activity
against acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have
been reported for (3,5-dichlorophenyl)pyridine-derived furin inhibitors.
Here we characterized the binding mechanism of this inhibitor class
using structural, biophysical, and biochemical methods. We established
a MALDI-TOF-MS-based furin activity assay, determined IC50 values, and solved X-ray structures of (3,5-dichlorophenyl)pyridine-derived
compounds in complex with furin. The inhibitors induced a substantial
conformational rearrangement of the active-site cleft by exposing
a central buried tryptophan residue. These changes formed an extended
hydrophobic surface patch where the 3,5-dichlorophenyl moiety of the
inhibitors was inserted into a newly formed binding pocket. Consistent
with these structural rearrangements, we observed slow off-rate binding
kinetics and strong structural stabilization in surface plasmon resonance
and differential scanning fluorimetry experiments, respectively. The
discovered furin conformation offers new opportunities for structure-based
drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven O. Dahms
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gisela Schnapp
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Martin Winter
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Frank H. Büttner
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Marco Schlepütz
- Department of I&R Research, R&D Project Management and Development Strategies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Christian Gnamm
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Alexander Pautsch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
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The Path to Therapeutic Furin Inhibitors: From Yeast Pheromones to SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073435. [PMID: 35408793 PMCID: PMC8999023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073435] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The spurious acquisition and optimization of a furin cleavage site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is associated with increased viral transmission and disease, and has generated intense interest in the development and application of therapeutic furin inhibitors to thwart the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes the seminal studies that informed current efforts to inhibit furin. These include the convergent efforts of endocrinologists, virologists, and yeast geneticists that, together, culminated in the discovery of furin. We describe the pioneering biochemical studies which led to the first furin inhibitors that were able to block the disease pathways which are broadly critical for pathogen virulence, tumor invasiveness, and atherosclerosis. We then summarize how these studies subsequently informed current strategies leading to the development of small-molecule furin inhibitors as potential therapies to combat SARS-CoV-2 and other diseases that rely on furin for their pathogenicity and progression.
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Abstract
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence revealed a multibasic furin cleavage site at the S1/S2 boundary of the spike protein distinguishing this virus from SARS-CoV. Furin, the best-characterized member of the mammalian proprotein convertases, is an ubiquitously expressed single pass type 1 transmembrane protein. Cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by furin promotes viral entry into lung cells. While furin knockout is embryonically lethal, its knockout in differentiated somatic cells is not, thus furin provides an exciting therapeutic target for viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections. Several peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors of furin have been recently reported, and select cocrystal structures have been solved, paving the way for further optimization and selection of clinical candidates. This perspective highlights furin structure, substrates, recent inhibitors, and crystal structures with emphasis on furin's role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where the current data strongly suggest its inhibition as a promising therapeutic intervention for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam
Eldin A. Osman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department
of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Dahms SO, Haider T, Klebe G, Steinmetzer T, Brandstetter H. OFF-State-Specific Inhibition of the Proprotein Convertase Furin. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1692-1700. [PMID: 34415722 PMCID: PMC8453481 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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The pro-protein convertase
furin is a highly specific serine protease
involved in the proteolytic maturation of many proteins in the secretory
pathway. It also activates surface proteins of many viruses including
the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Furin inhibitors effectively suppress viral replication and thus are
promising antiviral therapeutics with broad application potential.
Polybasic substrate-like ligands typically trigger conformational
changes shifting furin’s active site cleft from the OFF-state
to the ON-state. Here, we solved the X-ray structures of furin in
complex with four different arginine mimetic compounds with reduced
basicity. These guanylhydrazone-based inhibitor complexes showed for
the first time an active site-directed binding mode to furin’s
OFF-state conformation. The compounds undergo unique interactions
within the S1 pocket, largely different compared to substrate-like
ligands. A second binding site was identified at the S4/S5 pocket
of furin. Crystallography-based titration experiments confirmed the
S1 site as the primary binding pocket. We also tested the proprotein
convertases PC5/6 and PC7 for inhibition by guanylhydrazones and found
an up to 7-fold lower potency for PC7. Interestingly, the observed
differences in the Ki values correlated
with the sequence conservation of the PCs at the allosteric sodium
binding site. Therefore, OFF-state-specific targeting of furin can
serve as a valuable strategy for structure-based development of PC-selective
small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven O. Dahms
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tanja Haider
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
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