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Martins AS, Carvalho FA, Nascimento AR, Silva NM, Rebelo TV, Faustino AF, Enguita FJ, Huber RG, Santos NC, Martins IC. Zika virus capsid protein closed structure modulates binding to host lipid systems. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5142. [PMID: 39194132 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5142] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus of international concern, causes congenital microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. ZIKV capsid (C) protein, one of three key structural proteins, is essential for viral assembly and encapsidation. In dengue virus, a closely related flavivirus, the homologous C protein interacts with host lipid systems, namely intracellular lipid droplets, for successful viral replication. Here, we investigate ZIKV C interaction with host lipid systems, showing that it binds host lipid droplets but, contrary to expected, in an unspecific manner. Contrasting with other flaviviruses, ZIKV C also does not bind very-low density-lipoproteins. Comparing with other Flavivirus, capsid proteins show that ZIKV C structure is particularly thermostable and seems to be locked into an auto-inhibitory conformation due to a disordered N-terminal, hence blocking specific interactions and supporting the experimental differences observed. Such distinct structural features must be considered when targeting capsid proteins in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena A Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André R Nascimento
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nelly M Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa V Rebelo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André F Faustino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roland G Huber
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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2
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Cancelarich NL, Arrulo M, Gugliotti ST, Barbosa EA, Moreira DC, Basso NG, Pérez LO, Teixeira C, Gomes P, de la Torre BG, Albericio F, Eaton P, Leite JRSA, Marani MM. First Bioprospecting Study of Skin Host-Defense Peptides in Odontophrynus americanus. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1714-1724. [PMID: 38900961 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The adaptation of amphibians to diverse environments is closely related to the characteristics of their skin. The complex glandular system of frog skin plays a pivotal role in enabling these animals to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats and consists of crucial functions such as respiration and water balance as well as serving as a defensive barrier due to the secretion of bioactive compounds. We herein report the first investigation on the skin secretion of Odontophrynus americanus, as a potential source of bioactive peptides and also as an indicator of its evolutionary adaptations to changing environments. Americanin-1 was isolated and identified as a neutral peptide exhibiting moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli. Its amphipathic sequence including 19 amino acids and showing a propensity for α-helix structure is discussed. Comparisons of the histomorphology of the skin of O. americanus with other previously documented species within the same genus revealed distinctive features in the Patagonian specimen, differing from conspecifics from other Argentine provinces. The presence of the Eberth-Katschenko layer, a prevalence of iridophores, and the existence of glycoconjugates in its serous glands suggest that the integument is adapted to retain skin moisture. This adaptation is consistent with the prevailing aridity of its native habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Cancelarich
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
| | - Miriam Arrulo
- School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Eder A Barbosa
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Síntese e Análise de Biomoléculas, LSAB, Instituto de Química-UnB, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Néstor G Basso
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus), CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
| | - Luis Orlando Pérez
- Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas (IPCSH), CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Gyros Protein Technologies, Inc., Tucson, Arizona 85714, United States
| | - Paula Gomes
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter Eaton
- Bridge, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7EL, United Kingdom
| | - José R S A Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Mariela M Marani
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
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3
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Qu Y, Wang W, Xiao MZX, Zheng Y, Liang Q. The interplay between lipid droplets and virus infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28967. [PMID: 37496184 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28967] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
As an intracellular parasite, the virus usurps cellular machinery and modulates cellular metabolism pathways to replicate itself in cells. Lipid droplets (LDs) are universally conserved energy storage organelles that not only play vital roles in maintaining lipid homeostasis but are also involved in viral replication. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that viruses take advantage of cellular lipid metabolism by targeting the biogenesis, hydrolysis, and lipophagy of LD during viral infection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the modulation of cellular LD by different viruses, with a special emphasis on the Hepatitis C virus, Dengue virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Qu
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Maggie Z X Xiao
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yuejuan Zheng
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai University of Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiming Liang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Barbosa GM, Morando MA, Da Poian AT, Almeida FCL. The 1H, 15N and 13C resonance assignments of dengue virus capsid protein with the deletion of the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2023; 17:23-26. [PMID: 36723824 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-022-10115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family, being responsible for an endemic arboviral disease in humans. It is an enveloped virus, whose genome is a positive-stranded RNA packaged by the capsid protein. Dengue virus capsid protein (DENVC) forms homodimers in solution organized in 4 α-helices and an intrinsically disordered N-terminal region. The N-terminal region is involved in the binding of membranous structures in host cells and in the recognition of nucleotides. Here we report the 1H, 15N and 13C resonance assignments of the DENVC with the deletion of the first 19 intrinsically disordered residues. The backbone chemical shift perturbations suggest changes in the α1 and α2 helices between full length and the truncated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glauce M Barbosa
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria A Morando
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Centro de Desenvolvimento de Tecnologia em Saúde, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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5
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Boon PLS, Martins AS, Lim XN, Enguita FJ, Santos NC, Bond PJ, Wan Y, Martins IC, Huber RG. Dengue Virus Capsid Protein Facilitates Genome Compaction and Packaging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098158. [PMID: 37175867 PMCID: PMC10179140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098158] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is a single-stranded (+)-sense RNA virus that infects humans and mosquitoes, posing a significant health risk in tropical and subtropical regions. Mature virions are composed of an icosahedral shell of envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins circumscribing a lipid bilayer, which in turn contains a complex of the approximately 11 kb genomic RNA with capsid (C) proteins. Whereas the structure of the envelope is clearly defined, the structure of the packaged genome in complex with C proteins remains elusive. Here, we investigated the interactions of C proteins with viral RNA, in solution and inside mature virions, via footprinting and cross-linking experiments. We demonstrated that C protein interaction with DENV genomes saturates at an RNA:C protein ratio below 1:250. Moreover, we also showed that the length of the RNA genome interaction sites varies, in a multimodal distribution, consistent with the C protein binding to each RNA site mostly in singlets or pairs (and, in some instances, higher numbers). We showed that interaction sites are preferentially sites with low base pairing, as previously measured by 2'-acetylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) reactivity indicating structuredness. We found a clear association pattern emerged: RNA-C protein binding sites are strongly associated with long-range RNA-RNA interaction sites, particularly inside virions. This, in turn, explains the need for C protein in viral genome packaging: the protein has a chief role in coordinating these key interactions, promoting proper packaging of viral RNA. Such sites are, thus, highly consequential for viral assembly, and, as such, may be targeted in future drug development strategies against these and related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla L S Boon
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Ana S Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Xin Ni Lim
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Peter J Bond
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Yue Wan
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roland G Huber
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
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6
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Self-assembly of dengue virus empty capsid-like particles in solution. iScience 2023; 26:106197. [PMID: 36890794 PMCID: PMC9986514 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleocapsid (NC) assembly is an essential step of the virus replication cycle. It ensures genome protection and transmission among hosts. Flaviviruses are human viruses for which envelope structure is well known, whereas no information on NC organization is available. Here we designed a dengue virus capsid protein (DENVC) mutant in which a highly positive spot conferred by arginine 85 in α4-helix was replaced by a cysteine residue, simultaneously removing the positive charge and restricting the intermolecular motion through the formation of a disulfide cross-link. We showed that the mutant self-assembles into capsid-like particles (CLP) in solution without nucleic acids. Using biophysical techniques, we investigated capsid assembly thermodynamics, showing that an efficient assembly is related to an increased DENVC stability due to α4/α4' motion restriction. To our knowledge, this is the first time that flaviviruses' empty capsid assembly is obtained in solution, revealing the R85C mutant as a powerful tool to understand the NC assembly mechanism.
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Lee MF, Wu YS, Poh CL. Molecular Mechanisms of Antiviral Agents against Dengue Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030705. [PMID: 36992414 PMCID: PMC10056858 DOI: 10.3390/v15030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue is a major global health threat causing 390 million dengue infections and 25,000 deaths annually. The lack of efficacy of the licensed Dengvaxia vaccine and the absence of a clinically approved antiviral against dengue virus (DENV) drive the urgent demand for the development of novel anti-DENV therapeutics. Various antiviral agents have been developed and investigated for their anti-DENV activities. This review discusses the mechanisms of action employed by various antiviral agents against DENV. The development of host-directed antivirals targeting host receptors and direct-acting antivirals targeting DENV structural and non-structural proteins are reviewed. In addition, the development of antivirals that target different stages during post-infection such as viral replication, viral maturation, and viral assembly are reviewed. Antiviral agents designed based on these molecular mechanisms of action could lead to the discovery and development of novel anti-DENV therapeutics for the treatment of dengue infections. Evaluations of combinations of antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action could also lead to the development of synergistic drug combinations for the treatment of dengue at any stage of the infection.
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Dengue, West Nile, and Zika Viruses: Potential Novel Antiviral Biologics Drugs Currently at Discovery and Preclinical Development Stages. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112535. [PMID: 36432726 PMCID: PMC9697021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses are vector-borne flaviviruses responsible for numerous disease outbreaks in both Hemispheres. Despite relatively low mortality, infection may lead to potentially severe situations such as (depending on the virus): hypovolemic shock, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, congenital malformations (e.g., microcephaly) and, in some situations, death. Moreover, outbreaks also have major socioeconomic repercussions, especially in already vulnerable societies. Thus far, only generic symptoms relief is possible, as there are no specific treatments available yet. Dengvaxia was the world's first dengue vaccine. However, it is not fully effective. Prophylactic approaches against West Nile and Zika viruses are even more limited. Therefore, therapeutic strategies are required and will be discussed hereafter. We will first briefly present these viruses' epidemiology, life cycle and structure. Then, we introduce the clinical presentation, diagnosis approaches and available vaccines. Finally, we list and discuss promising compounds at discovery and preclinical development stages already deposited at the GlobalData database and divided into three main types, according to therapeutic molecule: antibody-based, peptide-based molecules and, other compounds. To conclude, we discuss and compare promising developments, useful for future therapies against these three flaviviruses of major concern to human health.
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Sundar S, Piramanayagam S, Natarajan J. A review on structural genomics approach applied for drug discovery against three vector-borne viral diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Virus Genes 2022; 58:151-171. [PMID: 35394596 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Structural genomics involves the advent of three-dimensional structures of the genome encoded proteins through various techniques available. Numerous structural genomics research groups have been developed across the globe and they contribute enormously to the identification of three-dimensional structures of various proteins. In this review, we have discussed the applications of the structural genomics approach towards the discovery of potential lead-like molecules against the genomic drug targets of three vector-borne diseases, namely, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Currently, all these three diseases are associated with the most important global public health problems and significant economic burden in tropical countries. Structural genomics has accelerated the identification of novel drug targets and inhibitors for the treatment of these diseases. We start with the current development status of the drug targets and antiviral drugs against these three diseases and conclude by describing challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Sundar
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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10
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Kapuganti SK, Bhardwaj A, Kumar P, Bhardwaj T, Nayak N, Uversky VN, Giri R. Role of structural disorder in the multi-functionality of flavivirus proteins. Expert Rev Proteomics 2022; 19:183-196. [PMID: 35655146 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2022.2085563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The life cycle of a virus involves interacting with the host cell, entry, hijacking host machinery for viral replication, evading the host's immune system, and releasing mature virions. However, viruses, being small in size, can only harbor a genome large enough to code for the minimal number of proteins required for the replication and maturation of the virions. As a result, many viral proteins are multifunctional machines that do not directly obey the classic structure-function paradigm. Often, such multifunctionality is rooted in intrinsic disorder that allows viral proteins to interact with various cellular factors and remain functional in the hostile environment of different cellular compartments. AREAS COVERED This report covers the classification of flaviviruses, their proteome organization, and the prevalence of intrinsic disorder in the proteomes of different flaviviruses. Further, we have summarized the speculations made about the apparent roles of intrinsic disorder in the observed multifunctionality of flaviviral proteins. EXPERT OPINION Small sizes of viral genomes impose multifunctionality on their proteins, which is dependent on the excessive usage of intrinsic disorder. In fact, intrinsic disorder serves as a universal functional tool, weapon, and armor of viruses and clearly plays an important role in their functionality and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aparna Bhardwaj
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, India
| | - Taniya Bhardwaj
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, India
| | - Namyashree Nayak
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, India
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11
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Ortlieb LO, Caruso ÍP, Mebus-Antunes NC, Da Poian AT, Petronilho EDC, Figueroa-Villar JD, Nascimento CJ, Almeida FCL. Searching for drug leads targeted to the hydrophobic cleft of dengue virus capsid protein. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 37:287-298. [PMID: 34894959 PMCID: PMC8667904 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.2004591] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We synthesised and screened 18 aromatic derivatives of guanylhydrazones and oximes aromatic for their capacity to bind to dengue virus capsid protein (DENVC). The intended therapeutic target was the hydrophobic cleft of DENVC, which is a region responsible for its anchoring in lipid droplets in the infected cells. The inhibition of this process completely suppresses virus infectivity. Using NMR, we describe five compounds able to bind to the α1-α2 interface in the hydrophobic cleft. Saturation transfer difference experiments showed that the aromatic protons of the ligands are important for the interaction with DENVC. Fluorescence binding isotherms indicated that the selected compounds bind at micromolar affinities, possibly leading to binding-induced conformational changes. NMR-derived docking calculations of ligands showed that they position similarly in the hydrophobic cleft. Cytotoxicity experiments and calculations of in silico drug properties suggest that these compounds may be promising candidates in the search for antivirals targeting DENVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane O Ortlieb
- Department of Chemistry, Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM) and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ícaro P Caruso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM) and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB) and Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Nathane C Mebus-Antunes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elaine da C Petronilho
- Department of Chemistry, Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia J Nascimento
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM) and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Norshidah H, Vignesh R, Lai NS. Updates on Dengue Vaccine and Antiviral: Where Are We Heading? Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226768. [PMID: 34833860 PMCID: PMC8620506 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226768] [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: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 100–400 million people from more than 100 countries in the tropical and subtropical world are affected by dengue infections. Recent scientific breakthroughs have brought new insights into novel strategies for the production of dengue antivirals and vaccines. The search for specific dengue inhibitors is expanding, and the mechanisms for evaluating the efficacy of novel drugs are currently established, allowing for expedited translation into human trials. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the only FDA-approved vaccine, Dengvaxia, a safer and more effective dengue vaccine candidate is making its way through the clinical trials. Until an effective antiviral therapy and licensed vaccine are available, disease monitoring and vector population control will be the mainstays of dengue prevention. In this article, we highlighted recent advances made in the perspectives of efforts made recently, in dengue vaccine development and dengue antiviral drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harun Norshidah
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia;
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Universiti Kuala Lumpur-Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh 30450, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Ramachandran Vignesh
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kuala Lumpur-Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh 30450, Perak, Malaysia;
| | - Ngit Shin Lai
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia;
- Correspondence:
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13
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Jia R, Wang M, Yin Z, Cheng A. Structure and function of capsid protein in flavivirus infection and its applications in the development of vaccines and therapeutics. Vet Res 2021; 52:98. [PMID: 34193256 PMCID: PMC8247181 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00966-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are enveloped single positive-stranded RNA viruses. The capsid (C), a structural protein of flavivirus, is dimeric and alpha-helical, with several special structural and functional features. The functions of the C protein go far beyond a structural role in virions. It is not only responsible for encapsidation to protect the viral RNA but also able to interact with various host proteins to promote virus proliferation. Therefore, the C protein plays an important role in infected host cells and the viral life cycle. Flaviviruses have been shown to affect the health of humans and animals. Thus, there is an urgent need to effectively control flavivirus infections. The structure of the flavivirus virion has been determined, but there is relatively little information about the function of the C protein. Hence, a greater understanding of the role of the C protein in viral infections will help to discover novel antiviral strategies and provide a promising starting point for the further development of flavivirus vaccines or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcui Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanting Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhongqiong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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14
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S AH, Pujar GV, Sethu AK, Bhagyalalitha M, Singh M. Dengue structural proteins as antiviral drug targets: Current status in the drug discovery & development. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 221:113527. [PMID: 34020338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus belongs to the class of RNA viruses and subclass of enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. It causes dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), where DHF and DSS are life-threatening. Even though dengue is an age-old disease, it is still a mystery and continues to be a global threat. Numerous attempts have been carried out in the past few decades to eradicate the virus through vaccine and antiviral drugs, but still battle continues. In this review, the possible drug targets for discovery and development of potential antiviral drugs against structural proteins of dengue virus, the current development status of the antiviral drugs against dengue around the world, and challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha H S
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Gurubasavaraj V Pujar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India.
| | - Arun Kumar Sethu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Meduri Bhagyalalitha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
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15
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Felício MR, Silveira GGOS, Oshiro KGN, Meneguetti BT, Franco OL, Santos NC, Gonçalves S. Polyalanine peptide variations may have different mechanisms of action against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:1174-1186. [PMID: 33501992 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The number of bacterial pathogens resistant to the currently available antibiotics has dramatically increased, with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) being among the most promising potential new drugs. In this study, the applicability and mechanisms of action of Pa-MAP 2 and Pa-MAP 1.9, two AMPs synthetically designed based on a natural AMP template, were evaluated. METHODS Pa-MAP 2 and Pa-MAP 1.9 were tested against a clinically isolated multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli strain. Biophysical approaches were used to evaluate the preference of both peptides for specific lipid membranes, and bacterial surface changes imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The efficacy of both peptides was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Experimental results showed that both peptides have antimicrobial activity against the E. coli MDR strain. Zeta potential and surface plasmon resonance assays showed that they interact extensively with negatively charged membranes, changing from a random coil structure, when free in solution, to an α-helical structure after membrane interaction. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated in vitro, by several techniques, and in vivo, using a wound infection model, showing a concentration-dependent antibacterial effect. Different membrane properties were evaluated to understand the mechanism underlying peptide action, showing that both promote destabilization of the bacterial surface, as imaged by AFM, and change properties such as membrane surface and dipole potential. CONCLUSIONS Despite their similarity, data indicate that the mechanisms of action of the peptides are different, with Pa-MAP 1.9 being more effective than Pa-MAP 2. These results highlight their potential use as antimicrobial agents against MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gislaine G O S Silveira
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Karen G N Oshiro
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Beatriz T Meneguetti
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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16
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Kumar A, Kumar A, Kumar P, Garg N, Giri R. SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 C-terminal (residues 131-180) is an intrinsically disordered region in isolation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN VIROLOGICAL SCIENCE 2021; 2:100007. [PMID: 34189489 PMCID: PMC8020630 DOI: 10.1016/j.crviro.2021.100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The NSP1- C terminal structure in complex with ribosome using cryo-EM is available now, and the N-terminal region structure in isolation is also deciphered in literature. However, as a reductionist approach, the conformation of NSP1- C terminal region (NSP1-CTR; amino acids 131-180) has not been studied in isolation. We found that NSP1-CTR conformation is disordered in an aqueous solution. Further, we examined the conformational propensity towards alpha-helical structure using trifluoroethanol, we observed induction of helical structure conformation using CD spectroscopy. Additionally, in SDS, NSP1-CTR shows a conformational change from disordered to ordered, possibly gaining alpha-helix in part. But in the presence of neutral lipid DOPC, a slight change in conformation is observed, which implies the possible role of hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction on the conformational changes of NSP1. Fluorescence-based studies have shown a blue shift and fluorescence quenching in the presence of SDS, TFE, and lipid vesicles. In agreement with these results, fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence anisotropy decay suggest a change in conformational dynamics. The zeta potential studies further validated that the conformational dynamics are primarily because of hydrophobic interaction. These experimental studies were complemented through Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, which have shown a good correlation and testifies our experiments. We believe that the intrinsically disordered nature of the NSP1-CTR will have implications for enhanced molecular recognition feature properties of this IDR, which may add disorder to order transition and disorder-based binding promiscuity with its interacting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, VPO Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Ankur Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, VPO Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, VPO Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, VPO Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
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17
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Neves-Martins TC, Mebus-Antunes NC, Caruso IP, Almeida FCL, Da Poian AT. Unique structural features of flaviviruses' capsid proteins: new insights on structure-function relationship. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 47:106-112. [PMID: 33721656 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The Flaviviridae family comprises important human pathogens, including Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis viruses. The viral genome, a positive-sense single-stranded RNA, is packaged by a single protein, the capsid protein, which is a small and highly basic protein that form intertwined homodimers in solution. Atomic-resolution structures of four flaviviruses capsid proteins were solved either in solution by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or after protein crystallization by X-ray diffraction. Analyses of these structures revealed very particular properties, namely (i) the predominance of quaternary contacts maintaining the structure; (ii) a highly electropositive surface throughout the protein; and (iii) a flexible helix (α1). The goal of this review is to discuss the role of these features in protein structure-function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais C Neves-Martins
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathane C Mebus-Antunes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Icaro P Caruso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB) and Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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18
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Makowski M, Felício MR, Fensterseifer ICM, Franco OL, Santos NC, Gonçalves S. EcDBS1R4, an Antimicrobial Peptide Effective against Escherichia coli with In Vitro Fusogenic Ability. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239104. [PMID: 33265989 PMCID: PMC7730630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovering antibiotic molecules able to hold the growing spread of antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent endeavors that public health must tackle. The case of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens is of special concern, as they are intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics, due to an outer membrane that constitutes an effective permeability barrier. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been pointed out as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics, as their main mechanism of action is membrane disruption, arguably less prone to elicit resistance in pathogens. Here, we investigate the in vitro activity and selectivity of EcDBS1R4, a bioinspired AMP. To this purpose, we have used bacterial cells and model membrane systems mimicking both the inner and the outer membranes of Escherichia coli, and a variety of optical spectroscopic methodologies. EcDBS1R4 is effective against the Gram-negative E. coli, ineffective against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and noncytotoxic for human cells. EcDBS1R4 does not form stable pores in E. coli, as the peptide does not dissipate its membrane potential, suggesting an unusual mechanism of action. Interestingly, EcDBS1R4 promotes a hemi-fusion of vesicles mimicking the inner membrane of E. coli. This fusogenic ability of EcDBS1R4 requires the presence of phospholipids with a negative curvature and a negative charge. This finding suggests that EcDBS1R4 promotes a large lipid spatial reorganization able to reshape membrane curvature, with interesting biological implications herein discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Makowski
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.R.F.)
| | - Mário R. Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.R.F.)
| | - Isabel C. M. Fensterseifer
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-700, Brazil; (I.C.M.F.); (O.L.F.)
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
| | - Octávio L. Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 71966-700, Brazil; (I.C.M.F.); (O.L.F.)
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.R.F.)
- Correspondence: (N.C.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.R.F.)
- Correspondence: (N.C.S.); (S.G.)
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19
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Saumya KU, Kumar D, Kumar P, Giri R. Unlike dengue virus, the conserved 14–23 residues in N-terminal region of Zika virus capsid is not involved in lipid interactions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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20
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Silva NM, Santos NC, Martins IC. Dengue and Zika Viruses: Epidemiological History, Potential Therapies, and Promising Vaccines. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E150. [PMID: 32977703 PMCID: PMC7709709 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV), which can lead to fatal hemorrhagic fever, affects 390 million people worldwide. The closely related Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Both viruses are mostly transmitted by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which, due to globalization of trade and travel alongside climate change, are spreading worldwide, paving the way to DENV and ZIKV transmission and the occurrence of new epidemics. Local outbreaks have already occurred in temperate climates, even in Europe. As there are no specific treatments, these viruses are an international public health concern. Here, we analyze and discuss DENV and ZIKV outbreaks history, clinical and pathogenesis features, and modes of transmission, supplementing with information on advances on potential therapies and restraining measures. Taking advantage of the knowledge of the structure and biological function of the capsid (C) protein, a relatively conserved protein among flaviviruses, within a genus that includes DENV and ZIKV, we designed and patented a new drug lead, pep14-23 (WO2008/028939A1). It was demonstrated that it inhibits the interaction of DENV C protein with the host lipid system, a process essential for viral replication. Such an approach can be used to develop new therapies for related viruses, such as ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ivo C. Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
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21
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Troost B, Smit JM. Recent advances in antiviral drug development towards dengue virus. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 43:9-21. [PMID: 32795907 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high disease burden of dengue virus, there is no approved antiviral treatment or broadly applicable vaccine to treat or prevent dengue virus infection. In the last decade, many antiviral compounds have been identified but only few have been further evaluated in pre-clinical or clinical trials. This review will give an overview of the direct-acting and host-directed antivirals identified to date. Furthermore, important parameters for further development that is, drug properties including efficacy, specificity and stability, pre-clinical animal testing, and combinational drug therapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Troost
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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22
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Martins IC, Santos NC. Intrinsically disordered protein domains in flavivirus infection. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 683:108298. [PMID: 32045581 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered protein regions are at the core of biological processes and involved in key protein-ligand interactions. The Flavivirus proteins, of viruses of great biomedical importance such as Zika and dengue viruses, exemplify this. Several proteins of these viruses have disordered regions that are of the utmost importance for biological activity. Disordered proteins can adopt several conformations, each able to interact with and/or bind to different ligands. In fact, such interactions can help stabilize a particular fold. Moreover, by being promiscuous in the number of target molecules they can bind to, these protein regions increase the number of functions that their small proteome (10 proteins) can achieve. A folding energy waterfall better describes the protein folding landscape of these proteins. A disordered protein can be thought as rolling down the folding energy cascade, in order "to fall, fold and function". This is the case of many viral protein regions, as seen in the flaviviruses proteome. Given their small size, flaviviruses are a good model system for understanding the role of intrinsically disordered protein regions in viral function. Finally, studying these viruses disordered protein regions will certainly contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches against such promising (yet challenging) targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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23
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Sinigaglia A, Peta E, Riccetti S, Barzon L. New avenues for therapeutic discovery against West Nile virus. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:333-348. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1714586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elektra Peta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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24
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Functional Correlation between Subcellular Localizations of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Capsid Protein and Virus Production. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00612-19. [PMID: 31315991 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00612-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The flavivirus capsid protein is considered to be essential for the formation of nucleocapsid complexes with viral genomic RNA at the viral replication organelle that appears on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as for incorporation into virus particles. However, this protein is also detected at the lipid droplet (LD) and nucleolus, and physiological roles of these off-site localizations are still unclear. In this study, we made a series of alanine substitution mutants of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) capsid protein that cover all polar and hydrophobic amino acid residues to identify the molecular surfaces required for virus particle formation and for localization at the LD and nucleolus. Five mutants exhibited a defect in the formation of infectious particles, and two of these mutants failed to be incorporated into the subviral particles (SVP). Three mutants lost the ability to localize to the nucleolus, and only a single mutant, with mutations at α2, was unable to localize to the LD. Unlike the cytoplasmic capsid protein, the nucleolar capsid protein was resistant to detergent treatment, and the α2 mutant was hypersensitive to detergent treatment. To scrutinize the relationship between these localizations and viral particle formation, we made eight additional alanine substitution mutants and found that all the mutants that did not localize at the LD or nucleolus failed to form normal viral particles. These results support the functional correlation between LD or nucleolus localization of the flaviviral capsid protein and the formation of infectious viral particles.IMPORTANCE This study is the first to report the comprehensive mutagenesis of a flavivirus capsid protein. We assessed the requirement of each molecular surface for infectious viral particle formation as well as for LD and nucleolar localization and found functional relationships between the subcellular localization of the virus capsid protein and infectious virus particle formation. We developed a system to independently assess the packaging of viral RNA and that of the capsid protein and found a molecular surface of the capsid protein that is crucial for packaging of viral RNA but not for packaging of the capsid protein itself. We also characterized the biochemical properties of capsid protein mutants and found that the capsid protein localizes at the nucleolus in a different manner than for its localization to the LD. Our comprehensive alanine-scanning mutagenesis study will aid in the development of antiflavivirus small molecules that can target the flavivirus capsid protein.
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25
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Faustino AF, Martins AS, Karguth N, Artilheiro V, Enguita FJ, Ricardo JC, Santos NC, Martins IC. Structural and Functional Properties of the Capsid Protein of Dengue and Related Flavivirus. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3870. [PMID: 31398956 PMCID: PMC6720645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue, West Nile and Zika, closely related viruses of the Flaviviridae family, are an increasing global threat, due to the expansion of their mosquito vectors. They present a very similar viral particle with an outer lipid bilayer containing two viral proteins and, within it, the nucleocapsid core. This core is composed by the viral RNA complexed with multiple copies of the capsid protein, a crucial structural protein that mediates not only viral assembly, but also encapsidation, by interacting with host lipid systems. The capsid is a homodimeric protein that contains a disordered N-terminal region, an intermediate flexible fold section and a very stable conserved fold region. Since a better understanding of its structure can give light into its biological activity, here, first, we compared and analyzed relevant mosquito-borne Flavivirus capsid protein sequences and their predicted structures. Then, we studied the alternative conformations enabled by the N-terminal region. Finally, using dengue virus capsid protein as main model, we correlated the protein size, thermal stability and function with its structure/dynamics features. The findings suggest that the capsid protein interaction with host lipid systems leads to minor allosteric changes that may modulate the specific binding of the protein to the viral RNA. Such mechanism can be targeted in future drug development strategies, namely by using improved versions of pep14-23, a dengue virus capsid protein peptide inhibitor, previously developed by us. Such knowledge can yield promising advances against Zika, dengue and closely related Flavivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- André F Faustino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana S Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nina Karguth
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Artilheiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana C Ricardo
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Selective antibacterial activity of the cationic peptide PaDBS1R6 against Gram-negative bacteria. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1375-1387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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27
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Morando MA, Barbosa GM, Cruz-Oliveira C, Da Poian AT, Almeida FCL. Dynamics of Zika Virus Capsid Protein in Solution: The Properties and Exposure of the Hydrophobic Cleft Are Controlled by the α-Helix 1 Sequence. Biochemistry 2019; 58:2488-2498. [PMID: 31034208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) became an important public health concern because infection was correlated to the development of microcephaly and other neurological disorders. Although the structure of the virion has been determined by cryo-electron microscopy, information about the nucleocapsid is lacking. We used nuclear magnetic resonance to determine the solution structure and dynamics of full length ZIKV capsid protein (ZIKVC). Although most of the protein is structured as described for the capsid proteins of Dengue and West Nile viruses and for truncated ZIKVC (residues 23-98), here we show important differences in the α-helix 1 and N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR). We distinguished two dynamical regions in the ZIKVC IDR, a highly flexible N-terminal end and a transitional disordered region, indicating that it contains ordered segments rather than being completely flexible. The unique size and orientation of α-helix 1 partially occlude the protein hydrophobic cleft. Measurements of the dynamics of α-helix 1, surface exposure, and thermal susceptibility of each backbone amide 1H in protein structure revealed the occlusion of the hydrophobic cleft by α1/α1' and supported α-helix 1 positional uncertainty. On the basis of the findings described here, we propose that the dynamics of ZIKVC structural elements responds to a structure-driven regulation of interaction of the protein with intracellular hydrophobic interfaces, which would have an impact on the switches that are necessary for nucleocapsid assembly. Subtle differences in the sequence of α-helix 1 have an impact on its size and orientation and on the degree of exposure of the hydrophobic cleft, suggesting that α-helix 1 is a hot spot for evolutionary adaptation of the capsid proteins of flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Morando
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Program of Structural Biology , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil.,National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO)/National Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN) , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil.,Centro de Desenvolvimento de Tecnologia em Saúde, Fiocruz , Rio de Janeiro 21040-361 , Brazil
| | - Glauce M Barbosa
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Program of Structural Biology , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - Christine Cruz-Oliveira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Program of Structural Biology , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil.,National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO)/National Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN) , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Program of Structural Biology , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo De Meis, Program of Structural Biology , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil.,National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO)/National Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN) , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 , Brazil
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Matsudaira PT, Verma CS. Editorial. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 143:1-4. [PMID: 30951764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Matsudaira
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; Centre for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; MechanoBiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore.
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, 637551, Singapore; Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, 138671, Singapore.
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29
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Figueira-Mansur J, Aguilera EA, Stoque RM, Ventura GT, Mohana-Borges R. Mutations in the dimer interfaces of the dengue virus capsid protein affect structural stability and impair RNA-capsid interaction. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2829. [PMID: 30808916 PMCID: PMC6391532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39185-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dengue virus 2 capsid protein (DENV2C) plays a primary structural role in the protection of the viral genome and is crucial for nucleocapsid assembly. In this study, we generated single mutants of DENV2C at L50 and L54 residues of the α2 helix, which was shown to interfere with the integration of the capsid into lipid droplets, and at residues L81 and I88 located in the α4 helix, which was shown to affect viral assembly. We demonstrated that the oligomeric states of DENV2C and its mutants exist primarily in the dimeric state in solution. All single-point mutations introduced in DENV2C promoted reduction in protein stability, an effect that was more pronounced for the L81N and I88N mutants, but not protein unfolding. All the single-point mutations affected the ability of DEN2C to interact with RNA. We concluded that mutations in the α2-α2' and α4-α4' dimer interfaces of DENV2C affect the structural stability of the protein and impair RNA-capsid interaction. These effects were more pronounced for mutations at the L81 and I88 residues in the α4 helix. These results indicate the importance of the α4-α4' dimer interface, which could be studied as a potential target for drug design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Figueira-Mansur
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Estefania A Aguilera
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael M Stoque
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo T Ventura
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Mohana-Borges
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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30
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Fast NMR method to probe solvent accessibility and disordered regions in proteins. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1647. [PMID: 30733478 PMCID: PMC6367444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37599-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding protein structure and dynamics, which govern key cellular processes, is crucial for basic and applied research. Intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) regions display multifunctionality via alternative transient conformations, being key players in disease mechanisms. IDP regions are abundant, namely in small viruses, allowing a large number of functions out of a small proteome. The relation between protein function and structure is thus now seen from a different perspective: as IDP regions enable transient structural arrangements, each conformer can play different roles within the cell. However, as IDP regions are hard and time-consuming to study via classical techniques (optimized for globular proteins with unique conformations), new methods are required. Here, employing the dengue virus (DENV) capsid (C) protein and the immunoglobulin-binding domain of streptococcal protein G, we describe a straightforward NMR method to differentiate the solvent accessibility of single amino acid N-H groups in structured and IDP regions. We also gain insights into DENV C flexible fold region biological activity. The method, based on minimal pH changes, uses the well-established 1H-15N HSQC pulse sequence and is easily implementable in current protein NMR routines. The data generated are simple to interpret, with this rapid approach being an useful first-choice IDPs characterization method.
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31
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Martins AS, Carvalho FA, Faustino AF, Martins IC, Santos NC. West Nile Virus Capsid Protein Interacts With Biologically Relevant Host Lipid Systems. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:8. [PMID: 30788291 PMCID: PMC6372508 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile and dengue viruses are closely related flaviviruses, originating mosquito-borne viral infections for which there are no effective and specific treatments. Their capsid proteins sequence and structure are particularly similar, forming highly superimposable α-helical homodimers. Measuring protein-ligand interactions at the single-molecule level yields detailed information of biological and biomedical relevance. In this work, such an approach was successfully applied on the characterization of the West Nile virus capsid protein interaction with host lipid systems, namely intracellular lipid droplets (an essential step for dengue virus replication) and blood plasma lipoproteins. Dynamic light scattering measurements show that West Nile virus capsid protein binds very low-density lipoproteins, but not low-density lipoproteins, and this interaction is dependent of potassium ions. Zeta potential experiments show that the interaction with lipid droplets is also dependent of potassium ions as well as surface proteins. The forces involved on the binding of the capsid protein with lipid droplets and lipoproteins were determined using atomic force microscopy-based force spectroscopy, proving that these interactions are K+-dependent rather than a general dependence of ionic strength. The capsid protein interaction with host lipid systems may be targeted in future therapeutic strategies against different flaviviruses. The biophysical and nanotechnology approaches employed in this study may be applied to characterize the interactions of other important proteins from different viruses, in order to understand their life cycles, as well as to find new strategies to inhibit them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena A Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André F Faustino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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32
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Dengue drug discovery: Progress, challenges and outlook. Antiviral Res 2018; 163:156-178. [PMID: 30597183 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the context of the only available vaccine (DENGVAXIA) that was marketed in several countries, but poses higher risks to unexposed individuals, the development of antivirals for dengue virus (DENV), whilst challenging, would bring significant benefits to public health. Here recent progress in the field of DENV drug discovery made in academic laboratories and industry is reviewed. Characteristics of an ideal DENV antiviral molecule, given the specific immunopathology provoked by this acute viral infection, are described. New chemical classes identified from biochemical, biophysical and phenotypic screens that target viral (especially NS4B) and host proteins, offer promising opportunities for further development. In particular, new methodologies ("omics") can accelerate the discovery of much awaited flavivirus specific inhibitors. Challenges and opportunities in lead identification activities as well as the path to clinical development of dengue drugs are discussed. To galvanize DENV drug discovery, collaborative public-public partnerships and open-access resources will greatly benefit both the DENV research community and DENV patients.
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33
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Boon PLS, Saw WG, Lim XX, Raghuvamsi PV, Huber RG, Marzinek JK, Holdbrook DA, Anand GS, Grüber G, Bond PJ. Partial Intrinsic Disorder Governs the Dengue Capsid Protein Conformational Ensemble. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:1621-1630. [PMID: 29792674 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The 11 kDa, positively charged dengue capsid protein (C protein) exists stably as a homodimer and colocalizes with the viral genome within mature viral particles. Its core is composed of four alpha helices encompassing a small hydrophobic patch that may interact with lipids, but approximately 20% of the protein at the N-terminus is intrinsically disordered, making it challenging to elucidate its conformational landscape. Here, we combine small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS), and atomic-resolution molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe the dynamics of dengue C proteins. We show that the use of MD force fields (FFs) optimized for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is necessary to capture their conformational landscape and validate the computationally generated ensembles with reference to SAXS and HDXMS data. Representative ensembles of the C protein dimer are characterized by alternating, clamp-like exposure and occlusion of the internal hydrophobic patch, as well as by residual helical structure at the disordered N-terminus previously identified as a potential source of autoinhibition. Such dynamics are likely to determine the multifunctionality of the C protein during the flavivirus life cycle and hence impact the design of novel antiviral compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla L. S. Boon
- Bioinformatics institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #07-01 Matrix, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
- NUS Graduate School for Integrated Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, #05-01, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456
| | - Wuan Geok Saw
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Xin Xiang Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Palur Venkata Raghuvamsi
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Roland G. Huber
- Bioinformatics institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #07-01 Matrix, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671
| | - Jan K. Marzinek
- Bioinformatics institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #07-01 Matrix, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Daniel A. Holdbrook
- Bioinformatics institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #07-01 Matrix, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671
| | - Ganesh S. Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Gerhard Grüber
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Peter J. Bond
- Bioinformatics institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #07-01 Matrix, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), National University of Singapore (NUS), 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
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34
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Gopala Reddy SB, Chin WX, Shivananju NS. Dengue virus NS2 and NS4: Minor proteins, mammoth roles. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 154:54-63. [PMID: 29674002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the ever-increasing global incidence of dengue fever, there are no specific chemotherapy regimens for its treatment. Structural studies on dengue virus (DENV) proteins have revealed potential drug targets. Major DENV proteins such as the envelope protein and non-structural (NS) proteins 3 and 5 have been extensively investigated in antiviral studies, but with limited success in vitro. However, the minor NS proteins NS2 and NS4 have remained relatively underreported. Emerging evidence indicating their indispensable roles in virus propagation and host immunomodulation should encourage us to target these proteins for drug discovery. This review covers current knowledge on DENV NS2 and NS4 proteins from structural and functional perspectives and assesses their potential as targets for antiviral design. Antiviral targets in NS2A include surface-exposed transmembrane regions involved in pathogenesis, while those in NS2B include protease-binding sites in a conserved hydrophilic domain. Ideal drug targets in NS4A include helix α4 and the PEPEKQR sequence, which are essential for NS4A-2K cleavage and NS4A-NS4B association, respectively. In NS4B, the cytoplasmic loop connecting helices α5 and α7 is an attractive target for antiviral design owing to its role in dimerization and NS4B-NS3 interaction. Findings implicating NS2A, NS2B, and NS4A in membrane-modulation and viroporin-like activities indicate an opportunity to target these proteins by disrupting their association with membrane lipids. Despite the lack of 3D structural data, recent topological findings and progress in structure-prediction methods should be sufficient impetus for targeting NS2 and NS4 for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhoora Bhargavi Gopala Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, JSS TEI Campus, Mysuru 57006, Karnataka, India
| | - Wei-Xin Chin
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Nanjunda Swamy Shivananju
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, JSS TEI Campus, Mysuru 57006, Karnataka, India.
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35
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Gomes B, Augusto MT, Felício MR, Hollmann A, Franco OL, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Designing improved active peptides for therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:415-429. [PMID: 29330093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are one of the main causes of human morbidity and mortality. In the last few decades, pathogenic microorganisms' resistance to conventional drugs has been increasing, and it is now pinpointed as a major worldwide health concern. The need to search for new therapeutic options, as well as improved treatment outcomes, has therefore increased significantly, with biologically active peptides representing a new alternative. A substantial research effort is being dedicated towards their development, especially due to improved biocompatibility and target selectivity. However, the inherent limitations of peptide drugs are restricting their application. In this review, we summarize the current status of peptide drug development, focusing on antiviral and antimicrobial peptide activities, highlighting the design improvements needed, and those already being used, to overcome the drawbacks of the therapeutic application of biologically active peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcelo T Augusto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Axel Hollmann
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Biointerfaces and Biomimetic Systems, CITSE, National University of Santiago del Estero-CONICET, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
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36
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Chew MF, Poh KS, Poh CL. Peptides as Therapeutic Agents for Dengue Virus. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:1342-1359. [PMID: 29200948 PMCID: PMC5707751 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.21875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue is an important global threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) that records an estimated 390 million infections annually. Despite the availability of CYD-TDV as a commercial vaccine, its long-term efficacy against all four dengue virus serotypes remains unsatisfactory. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of antiviral drugs for the treatment of dengue. Peptide was once a neglected choice of medical treatment but it has lately regained interest from the pharmaceutical industry following pioneering advancements in technology. In this review, the design of peptide drugs, antiviral activities and mechanisms of peptides and peptidomimetics (modified peptides) action against dengue virus are discussed. The development of peptides as inhibitors for viral entry, replication and translation is also described, with a focus on the three main targets, namely, the host cell receptors, viral structural proteins and viral non-structural proteins. The antiviral peptides designed based on these approaches may lead to the discovery of novel anti-DENV therapeutics that can treat dengue patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaw-Fang Chew
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Keat-Seong Poh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chit-Laa Poh
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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37
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Huber RG, Marzinek JK, Holdbrook DA, Bond PJ. Multiscale molecular dynamics simulation approaches to the structure and dynamics of viruses. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 128:121-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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38
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Martín-Acebes MA, Vázquez-Calvo Á, Saiz JC. Lipids and flaviviruses, present and future perspectives for the control of dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 64:123-137. [PMID: 27702593 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are emerging arthropod-borne pathogens that cause life-threatening diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, West Nile encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, Kyasanur Forest disease, tick-borne encephalitis, or Zika disease. This viral genus groups >50 viral species of small enveloped plus strand RNA virus that are phylogenetically closely related to hepatitis C virus. Importantly, the flavivirus life cycle is intimately associated to host cell lipids. Along this line, flaviviruses rearrange intracellular membranes from the endoplasmic-reticulum of the infected cells to develop adequate platforms for viral replication and particle biogenesis. Moreover, flaviviruses dramatically orchestrate a profound reorganization of the host cell lipid metabolism to create a favorable environment for viral multiplication. Consistently, recent work has shown the importance of specific lipid classes in flavivirus infections. For instances, fatty acid synthesis is linked to viral replication, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine are involved on the entry of flaviviruses, sphingolipids (ceramide and sphingomyelin) play a key role on virus assembly and pathogenesis, and cholesterol is essential for innate immunity evasion in flavivirus-infected cells. Here, we revise the current knowledge on the interactions of the flaviviruses with the cellular lipid metabolism to identify potential targets for future antiviral development aimed to combat these relevant health-threatening pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Martín-Acebes
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Carretera de A Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ángela Vázquez-Calvo
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Carretera de A Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan-Carlos Saiz
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Carretera de A Coruña km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Dengue virus affects hundreds of millions of people each year around the world, causing a tremendous social and economic impact on affected countries. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of the functions, structure, and interactions of the viral capsid protein. The primary role of capsid is to package the viral genome. There are two processes linked to this function: the recruitment of the viral RNA during assembly and the release of the genome during infection. Although particle assembly takes place on endoplasmic reticulum membranes, capsid localizes in nucleoli and lipid droplets. Why capsid accumulates in these locations during infection remains unknown. In this review, we describe available data and discuss new ideas on dengue virus capsid functions and interactions. We believe that a deeper understanding of how the capsid protein works during infection will create opportunities for novel antiviral strategies, which are urgently needed to control dengue virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Byk
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-National Research Council for Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina;
| | - Andrea V Gamarnik
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-National Research Council for Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina;
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40
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Yamamoto S, Fukuhara T, Ono C, Uemura K, Kawachi Y, Shiokawa M, Mori H, Wada M, Shima R, Okamoto T, Hiraga N, Suzuki R, Chayama K, Wakita T, Matsuura Y. Lipoprotein Receptors Redundantly Participate in Entry of Hepatitis C Virus. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005610. [PMID: 27152966 PMCID: PMC4859476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) are known to be involved in entry of hepatitis C virus (HCV), but their precise roles and their interplay are not fully understood. In this study, deficiency of both SR-B1 and LDLR in Huh7 cells was shown to impair the entry of HCV more strongly than deficiency of either SR-B1 or LDLR alone. In addition, exogenous expression of not only SR-B1 and LDLR but also very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) rescued HCV entry in the SR-B1 and LDLR double-knockout cells, suggesting that VLDLR has similar roles in HCV entry. VLDLR is a lipoprotein receptor, but the level of its hepatic expression was lower than those of SR-B1 and LDLR. Moreover, expression of mutant lipoprotein receptors incapable of binding to or uptake of lipid resulted in no or slight enhancement of HCV entry in the double-knockout cells, suggesting that binding and/or uptake activities of lipid by lipoprotein receptors are essential for HCV entry. In addition, rescue of infectivity in the double-knockout cells by the expression of the lipoprotein receptors was not observed following infection with pseudotype particles bearing HCV envelope proteins produced in non-hepatic cells, suggesting that lipoproteins associated with HCV particles participate in the entry through their interaction with lipoprotein receptors. Buoyant density gradient analysis revealed that HCV utilizes these lipoprotein receptors in a manner dependent on the lipoproteins associated with HCV particles. Collectively, these results suggest that lipoprotein receptors redundantly participate in the entry of HCV. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) utilizes several receptors to enter hepatocytes, including scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) receptor and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). HCV particles interact with lipoprotein and apolipoproteins to form complexes termed lipoviroparticles. Several reports have shown that SR-B1 and LDLR participate in the entry of lipoviroparticles through interaction with lipoproteins. However, the precise roles of SR-B1 and LDLR in HCV entry have not been fully clarified. In this study, we showed that SR-B1 and LDLR have a redundant role in HCV entry. In addition, we showed that very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) played a role in HCV entry similar to the roles of SR-B1 and LDLR. Interestingly, VLDLR expression was low in the liver in contrast to the abundant expressions of SR-B1 and LDLR, but high in several extrahepatic tissues. Our data suggest that lipoprotein receptors participate in the entry of HCV particles associated with various lipoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chikako Ono
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Uemura
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukako Kawachi
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mai Shiokawa
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mori
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masami Wada
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Shima
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Hiraga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Suzuki
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
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41
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Abstract
The dengue virus and related flaviviruses are an increasing global health threat. In this perspective, we comment on and review medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at the prevention or treatment of dengue infections. We include target-based approaches aimed at viral or host factors and results from phenotypic screenings in cellular assay systems for viral replication. This perspective is limited to the discussion of results that provide explicit chemistry or structure-activity relationship (SAR), or appear to be of particular interest to the medicinal chemist for other reasons. The discovery and development efforts discussed here may at least partially be extrapolated toward other emerging flaviviral infections, such as West Nile virus. Therefore, this perspective, although not aimed at flaviviruses in general, should also be able to provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry of these closely related infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Veaceslav Boldescu
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova , Academiei 3, 2028 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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42
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Meng F, Badierah RA, Almehdar HA, Redwan EM, Kurgan L, Uversky VN. Unstructural biology of the dengue virus proteins. FEBS J 2015; 282:3368-94. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanchi Meng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Reaid A. Badierah
- Biological Department; Faculty of Science; King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein A. Almehdar
- Biological Department; Faculty of Science; King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Elrashdy M. Redwan
- Biological Department; Faculty of Science; King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah Saudi Arabia
- Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory; Protein Research Department; Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute; City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications; New Borg El-Arab Alexandria Egypt
| | - Lukasz Kurgan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Biological Department; Faculty of Science; King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah Saudi Arabia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins; Institute of Cytology; Russian Academy of Sciences; St Petersburg Russia
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43
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Faustino AF, Martins IC, Carvalho FA, Castanho MARB, Maurer-Stroh S, Santos NC. Understanding Dengue Virus Capsid Protein Interaction with Key Biological Targets. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10592. [PMID: 26161501 PMCID: PMC4498383 DOI: 10.1038/srep10592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) causes over 500,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths worldwide every year. Dengue epidemics now reach temperate regions due to globalization of trade and travel and climate changes. Currently, there are no successful therapeutic or preventive approaches. We previously developed a peptide drug lead, pep14-23, that inhibits the biologically relevant interaction of DENV capsid (C) protein with lipid droplets (LDs). Surprisingly, pep14-23 also inhibits DENV C interaction with very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). We thus investigated the similarity between the proposed DENV C molecular targets in LDs and VLDL, respectively, the proteins perilipin 3 (PLIN3) and apolipoprotein E (APOE). APOE N-terminal and PLIN3 C-terminal regions are remarkably similar, namely APOE α-helix 4 (APOEα4) and PLIN3 α-helix 5 (PLIN3α5) sequences, which are also highly superimposable structurally. Interestingly, APOE α-helical N-terminal sequence and structure superimposes with DENV C α-helices α1 and α2. Moreover, the DENV C hydrophobic cleft can accommodate the structurally analogous APOEα4 and PLIN3α5 helical regions. Mirroring DENV C-LDs interaction (previously shown experimentally to require PLIN3), we experimentally demonstrated that DENV C-VLDL interaction requires APOE. Thus, the results fit well with previous data and suggest future drug development strategies targeting the above mentioned α-helical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- André F Faustino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena A Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sebastian Maurer-Stroh
- 1] Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore [2] School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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