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Liu T, Joshu CE, Lu J, Prizment A, Chatterjee N, Wu L, Platz EA. Validation of candidate protein biomarkers previously identified by genetic instruments for prostate cancer risk: A prospective cohort analysis of directly measured protein levels in the ARIC study. Prostate 2024. [PMID: 39148211 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple novel protein biomarkers have been shown to be associated with prostate cancer risk using genetic instruments. This study aimed to externally validate the associations of 30 genetically predicted candidate proteins with prostate cancer risk using aptamer-based levels in US Black and White men in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Plasma protein levels were previously measured by SomaScan® using the blood collected in 1990-1992. METHODS Among 4864 eligible participants, we ascertained 667 first primary prostate cancer cases through 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) of prostate cancer and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression for tertiles of each protein. We adjusted for age, race, and other risk factors. RESULTS Of the 30 proteins and considering a nominal p trend < 0.05, two were positively associated with prostate cancer risk-RF1ML (tertile 3 vs. 1: HR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.02-1.48; p trend = 0.037) and TPST1 (1.28, 95% CI 1.06-1.55; p trend = 0.0087); two were inversely associated-ATF6A (HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98; p trend = 0.028) and SPINT2 (HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.61-0.90; p trend = 0.0025). One protein, KDEL2, which was nonlinearly associated (test-for-linearity: p < 0.01) showed a statistically significant lower risk in the second tertile (HR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.95). Of these five, four proteins-ATF6A, KDEL2, RF1ML, and TPST1-were consistent in the direction of association with the discovery studies. CONCLUSION This study validated some pre-diagnostic protein biomarkers of the risk of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanxin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Corinne E Joshu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jiayun Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna Prizment
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nilanjan Chatterjee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lang Wu
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Platz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Radisky ES. Extracellular proteolysis in cancer: Proteases, substrates, and mechanisms in tumor progression and metastasis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107347. [PMID: 38718867 PMCID: PMC11170211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A vast ensemble of extracellular proteins influences the development and progression of cancer, shaped and reshaped by a complex network of extracellular proteases. These proteases, belonging to the distinct classes of metalloproteases, serine proteases, cysteine proteases, and aspartic proteases, play a critical role in cancer. They often become dysregulated in cancer, with increases in pathological protease activity frequently driven by the loss of normal latency controls, diminished regulation by endogenous protease inhibitors, and changes in localization. Dysregulated proteases accelerate tumor progression and metastasis by degrading protein barriers within the extracellular matrix (ECM), stimulating tumor growth, reactivating dormant tumor cells, facilitating tumor cell escape from immune surveillance, and shifting stromal cells toward cancer-promoting behaviors through the precise proteolysis of specific substrates to alter their functions. These crucial substrates include ECM proteins and proteoglycans, soluble proteins secreted by tumor and stromal cells, and extracellular domains of cell surface proteins, including membrane receptors and adhesion proteins. The complexity of the extracellular protease web presents a significant challenge to untangle. Nevertheless, technological strides in proteomics, chemical biology, and the development of new probes and reagents are enabling progress and advancing our understanding of the pivotal importance of extracellular proteolysis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evette S Radisky
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
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3
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Chan ED, King PT, Bai X, Schoffstall AM, Sandhaus RA, Buckle AM. The Inhibition of Serine Proteases by Serpins Is Augmented by Negatively Charged Heparin: A Concise Review of Some Clinically Relevant Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1804. [PMID: 38339082 PMCID: PMC10855260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are members of a large family of hydrolytic enzymes in which a particular serine residue in the active site performs an essential role as a nucleophile, which is required for their proteolytic cleavage function. The array of functions performed by serine proteases is vast and includes, among others, the following: (i) the ability to fight infections; (ii) the activation of blood coagulation or blood clot lysis systems; (iii) the activation of digestive enzymes; and (iv) reproduction. Serine protease activity is highly regulated by multiple families of protease inhibitors, known collectively as the SERine Protease INhibitor (SERPIN). The serpins use a conformational change mechanism to inhibit proteases in an irreversible way. The unusual conformational change required for serpin function provides an elegant opportunity for allosteric regulation by the binding of cofactors, of which the most well-studied is heparin. The goal of this review is to discuss some of the clinically relevant serine protease-serpin interactions that may be enhanced by heparin or other negatively charged polysaccharides. The paired serine protease-serpin in the framework of heparin that we review includes the following: thrombin-antithrombin III, plasmin-anti-plasmin, C1 esterase/kallikrein-C1 esterase inhibitor, and furin/TMPRSS2 (serine protease Transmembrane Protease 2)-alpha-1-antitrypsin, with the latter in the context of COVID-19 and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paul T. King
- Medicine Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Xiyuan Bai
- Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Allen M. Schoffstall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
| | | | - Ashley M. Buckle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Replay, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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4
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Oduro-Kwateng E, Soliman ME. DON/DRP-104 as potent serine protease inhibitors implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Comparative binding modes with human TMPRSS2 and novel therapeutic approach. J Cell Biochem 2024. [PMID: 38284235 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Human transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is an important member of the type 2 transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family with significant therapeutic markings. The search for potent TMPRSS2 inhibitors against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection with favorable tissue specificity and off-site toxicity profiles remains limited. Therefore, probing the anti-TMPRSS2 potential of enhanced drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology and prodrug systems, has become compelling. We report the first in silico study of TMPRSS2 against a prodrug, [isopropyl(S)-2-((S)-2-acetamido-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propanamido)-6-diazo-5-oxo-hexanoate] also known as DRP-104 synthesized from 6-Diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON). We performed comparative studies on DON and DRP-104 against a clinically potent TMPRSS2 inhibitor, nafamostat, and a standard serine protease inhibitor, 4-(2-Aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF) against TMPRSS2 and found improved TMPRSS2 inhibition through synergistic binding of the S1/S1' subdomains. Both DON and DRP-104 had better thermodynamic profiles than AEBSF and nafamostat. DON was found to confer structural stability with strong positive correlated inter-residue motions, whereas DRP-104 was found to confer kinetic stability with restricted residue displacements and reduced loop flexibility. Interestingly, the Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich (SRCR) domain of TMPRSS2 may be involved in its inhibition mechanics. Two previously unidentified loops, designated X (270-275) and Y (293-296) underwent minimal and major structural transitions, respectively. In addition, residues 273-277 consistently transitioned to a turn conformation in all ligated systems, whereas unique transitions were identified for other transitioning residue groups in each TMPRSS2-inhibitor complex. Intriguingly, while both DON and DRP-104 showed similar loop transition patterns, DRP-104 preserved loop structural integrity. As evident from our systematic comparative study using experimentally/clinically validated inhibitors, DRP-104 may serve as a potent and novel TMPRSS2 inhibitor and warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Oduro-Kwateng
- School of Health Sciences, Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Research Group, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud E Soliman
- School of Health Sciences, Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Research Group, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Li J, Yu C, Yu K, Chen Z, Xing D, Zha B, Xie W, Ouyang H. SPINT2 is involved in the proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of aortic smooth muscle cells: Implications for the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:546. [PMID: 37928510 PMCID: PMC10623238 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a severe and extremely dangerous cardiovascular disease. Proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are major pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of TAD. The present study was designed to investigate the expression and potential function of serine peptidase inhibitor Kunitz type 2 (SPINT2) in TAD. The gene expression profile data for ascending aorta from patients with TAD were downloaded from the GEO database with the accession number GSE52093. Bioinformatics analysis using GEO2R indicated that the differentially expressed SPINT2 was prominently decreased in TAD. The expression levels of SPINT2 mRNA and protein in aortic dissection specimens and normal aorta tissues were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. SPINT2 expression was downregulated in clinical samples from aortic dissection specimens of patients with TAD compared with the corresponding expression noted in tissues derived from patients without TAD. In vitro, platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) was applied to induce the isolated primary mouse aortic SMC phenotypic modulation (a significant upregulation in the expression levels of synthetic markers), and the SMCs were infected with the adenoviral vector, Ad-SPINT2, to construct SPINT2-overexpressed cell lines. SMC viability was detected by an MTT assay and SMC proliferation was detected via the presence of Ki-67-positive cells (immunofluorescence staining). To explore the effects of SPINT2 on SMC migration, a wound healing assay was conducted. ELISA and western blotting assays were used to measure the content and expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The expression levels of vimentin, collagen I, α-SMA and SM22α were measured using western blotting. The PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of SMCs were recovered by SPINT2 overexpression. The increase in the expression levels of SPINT2 reduced the expression levels of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2 and MMP-9. Overexpression of SPINT2 suppressed SMC switching from a contractile to a synthetic type, as evidenced by decreased vimentin and collagen I expression levels along with increased α-smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle protein 22-α expression levels. Furthermore, activation of ERK was inhibited in SPINT2-overexpressing SMCs. A specific ERK agonist, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, reversed the SPINT2-mediated inhibition of SMC migration and the phenotypic switching. Collectively, the data indicated that SPINT2 was implicated in the proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of aortic SMCs, suggesting that it may be involved in TAD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Changjun Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Kangmin Yu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Dan Xing
- Department of Medical Record Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Binshan Zha
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Xie
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Huan Ouyang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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6
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Salaun C, Tomkinson NCO, Chamberlain LH. The endoplasmic reticulum-localized enzyme zDHHC6 mediates S-acylation of short transmembrane constructs from multiple type I and II membrane proteins. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105201. [PMID: 37660915 PMCID: PMC10520890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the S-acylation of two host cell proteins important for viral infection: TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2), which cleaves severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike to facilitate viral entry, and bone marrow stromal antigen 2, a general viral restriction factor. We found that both proteins were S-acylated by zDHHC6, an S-acyltransferase enzyme localized at the endoplasmic reticulum, in coexpression experiments. Mutagenic analysis revealed that zDHHC6 modifies a single cysteine in each protein, which are in proximity to the transmembrane domains (TMDs). For TMPRSS2, the modified cysteine is positioned two residues into the TMD, whereas the modified cysteine in bone marrow stromal antigen 2 has a cytosolic location two amino acids upstream of the TMD. Cysteine swapping revealed that repositioning the target cysteine of TMPRSS2 further into the TMD substantially reduced S-acylation by zDHHC6. Interestingly, zDHHC6 efficiently S-acylated truncated forms of these proteins that contained only the TMDs and short juxtamembrane regions. The ability of zDHHC6 to modify short TMD sequences was also seen for the transferrin receptor (another type II membrane protein) and for five different type I membrane protein constructs, including cluster of differentiation 4. Collectively, the results of this study show that zDHHC6 can modify diverse membrane proteins (type I and II) and requires only the presence of the TMD and target cysteine for efficient S-acylation. Thus, zDHHC6 may be a broad specificity S-acyltransferase specialized for the modification of a diverse set of transmembrane proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Salaun
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicholas C O Tomkinson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luke H Chamberlain
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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7
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Gioukaki C, Georgiou A, Gkaralea LE, Kroupis C, Lazaris AC, Alamanis C, Thomopoulou GE. Unravelling the Role of P300 and TMPRSS2 in Prostate Cancer: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11299. [PMID: 37511059 PMCID: PMC10379122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in men, and it contributes significantly to the increased mortality rate in men worldwide. This study aimed to review the roles of p300 and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease, serine 2) in the AR (androgen receptor) pathway as they are closely related to the development and progression of prostate cancer. This paper represents a library-based study conducted by selecting the most suitable, up-to-date scientific published articles from online journals. We focused on articles that use similar techniques, particularly those that use prostate cancer cell lines and immunohistochemical staining to study the molecular impact of p300 and TMPRSS2 in prostate cancer specimens. The TMPRSS2:ERG fusion is considered relevant to prostate cancer, but its association with the development and progression as well as its clinical significance have not been fully elucidated. On the other hand, high p300 levels in prostate cancer biopsies predict larger tumor volumes, extraprostatic extension of disease, and seminal vesicle involvement at prostatectomy, and may be associated with prostate cancer progression after surgery. The inhibition of p300 has been shown to reduce the proliferation of prostate cancer cells with TMPRSS2:ETS (E26 transformation-specific) fusions, and combining p300 inhibitors with other targeted therapies may increase their efficacy. Overall, the interplay between the p300 and TMPRSS2 pathways is an active area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charitomeni Gioukaki
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Georgiou
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christos Kroupis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12461 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas C Lazaris
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Alamanis
- 1st Urology Department, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Eleni Thomopoulou
- Cytopathology Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12461 Athens, Greece
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8
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Sha A, Liu Y, Zhao X. SARS-CoV-2 and gastrointestinal diseases. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1177741. [PMID: 37323898 PMCID: PMC10267706 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1177741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has caused serious challenges for public health systems worldwide. Literature review SARS-CoV-2 invades not only the respiratory system, but also the digestive system, causing a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Significance Understanding the gastrointestinal diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the damage mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 to the gastrointestinal tracts and gastrointestinal glands are crucial to treating the gastrointestinal diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion This review summarizes the gastrointestinal diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, including gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders, gastrointestinal ulcer diseases, gastrointestinal bleeding, and gastrointestinal thrombotic diseases, etc. Furthermore, the mechanisms of gastrointestinal injury induced by SARS-COV-2 were analyzed and summarized, and the suggestions for drug prevention and treatment were put forward for the reference of clinical workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailong Sha
- School of Teacher Education, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuewen Zhao
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, China
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Zhang Y, Clarke SP, Wu H, Li W, Zhou C, Lin K, Wang J, Wang J, Liang Y, Wang X, Wang L. A comprehensive overview on the transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28776. [PMID: 37212261 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28776] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a single positive-strand RNA virus that is responsible for the current pandemic that the world has been facing since 2019. The primary route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is through respiratory tract transmission. However, other transmission routes such as fecal-oral, vertical transmission, and aerosol-eye also exist. In addition, it has been found that the pathogenesis of this virus involves the binding of the virus's S protein to its host cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which results in the subsequent membrane fusion that is required for SARS-CoV-2 to replicate and complete its entire life. The clinical symptoms of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can range from asymptomatic to severe. The most common symptoms seen include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Once these symptoms are observed, a nucleic acid test is done using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. This currently serves as the main confirmatory tool for COVID-19. Despite the fact that no cure has been found for SARS-CoV-2, prevention methods such as vaccines, specific facial mask, and social distancing have proven to be quite effective. It is imperative to have a complete understanding of the transmission and pathogenesis of this virus. To effectively develop new drugs as well as diagnostic tools, more knowledge about this virus would be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | | | - Huanwu Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenli Li
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kang Lin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Morphological Experimental Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of The Second Clinical School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Linding Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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10
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Li C, Xiao J, Wu S, Liu L, Zeng X, Zhao Q, Zhang Z. Clinical application of serum-based proteomics technology in human tumor research. Anal Biochem 2023; 663:115031. [PMID: 36580994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.115031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of proteomics technology in the past decades has led to further human understanding of tumor research, and in some ways, the technology plays a very important supporting role in the early detection of tumors. Human serum has been shown to contain a variety of proteins closely related to life activities, and the dynamic change in proteins can often reflect the physiological and pathological conditions of the body. Serum has the advantage of easy extraction, so the application of proteomics technology in serum has become a hot spot and frontier area for the study of malignant tumors. However, there are still many difficulties in the standardized use of proteomic technologies, which inevitably limit the clinical application of proteomic technologies due to the heterogeneity of human proteins leading to incomplete whole proteome populations, in addition to most serum protein markers being now not highly specific in aiding the early detection of tumors. Nevertheless, further development of proteomics technologies will greatly increase our understanding of tumor biology and help discover more new tumor biomarkers with specificity that will enable medical technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shihua Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Shaoyang College, Hunan, Shaoyang, 422000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xuemei Zeng
- Cancer Research Institute of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Key Laboratory of Cancer Cellular and Molecular Pathology in Hunan Province, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, China; Cancer Research Institute of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Key Laboratory of Cancer Cellular and Molecular Pathology in Hunan Province, Hunan, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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11
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Mu B, Zhang R, Pu Y, Yao J, Hu X, Zhao C. Potential applications of prognostic and immunological marker transmembrane serine proteinase 2 in prediction, prevention and personalized treatment of lung cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev 2023; 32:65-68. [PMID: 35170548 PMCID: PMC9746331 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (TMPRSS2), which is an essential serine protease for priming spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, was found in low expression in many cancer tissue including lung cancer. However, the mechanism of severely downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) was not reported yet; the correlation between TMPRSS2 and prognosis in LUAD and LUSC is also not clear. In our present research, we found that TMPRSS2 was severely downregulated in LUAD and LUSC, and the expression of TMPRSS2 in LUAD is much lower than that of LUSC. Low TMPRSS2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS in LUAD, but not in LUSC patients. Promoter hypermethylation is one of the results of TMPRSS2 downregulated in LUAD and LUSC, whereas copy-number alteration is another reason for TMPRSS2 downregulated in LUAD but not LUSC. Then, low TMPRSS2 expression has higher prognostic value in LUAD and may be due to different immune environments and different enriched immune cells subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yu Pu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Institute of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | | | | | - ChunYan Zhao
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Institute of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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12
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Zhang Y, Sun S, Du C, Hu K, Zhang C, Liu M, Wu Q, Dong N. Transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2 implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection is autoactivated intracellularly and requires N-glycosylation for regulation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102643. [PMID: 36309092 PMCID: PMC9598255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a membrane-bound protease expressed in many human epithelial tissues, including the airway and lung. TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage of viral spike protein is a key mechanism in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 activation and host cell entry. To date, the cellular mechanisms that regulate TMPRSS2 activity and cell surface expression are not fully characterized. In this study, we examined two major post-translational events, zymogen activation and N-glycosylation, in human TMPRSS2. In experiments with human embryonic kidney 293, bronchial epithelial 16HBE, and lung alveolar epithelial A549 cells, we found that TMPRSS2 was activated via intracellular autocatalysis and that this process was blocked in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitors 1 and 2. By glycosidase digestion and site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that human TMPRSS2 was N-glycosylated. N-glycosylation at an evolutionarily conserved site in the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain was required for calnexin-assisted protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent intracellular trafficking, zymogen activation, and cell surface expression. Moreover, we showed that TMPRSS2 cleaved severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein intracellularly in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. These results provide new insights into the cellular mechanism in regulating TMPRSS2 biosynthesis and function. Our findings should help to understand the role of TMPRSS2 in major respiratory viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shijin Sun
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Du
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Hu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qingyu Wu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,For correspondence: Qingyu Wu; Ningzheng Dong
| | - Ningzheng Dong
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China,For correspondence: Qingyu Wu; Ningzheng Dong
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13
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Structure and activity of human TMPRSS2 protease implicated in SARS-CoV-2 activation. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:963-971. [PMID: 35676539 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as key host cell factor for viral entry and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, TMPRSS2 proteolytically processes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein, enabling virus-host membrane fusion and infection of the airways. We present here a recombinant production strategy for enzymatically active TMPRSS2 and characterization of its matured proteolytic activity, as well as its 1.95 Å X-ray cocrystal structure with the synthetic protease inhibitor nafamostat. Our study provides a structural basis for the potent but nonspecific inhibition by nafamostat and identifies distinguishing features of the TMPRSS2 substrate binding pocket that explain specificity. TMPRSS2 cleaved SARS-CoV-2 S protein at multiple sites, including the canonical S1/S2 cleavage site. We ranked the potency of clinical protease inhibitors with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.4 nM to 120 µM and determined inhibitor mechanisms of action, providing the groundwork for drug development efforts to selectively inhibit TMPRSS2.
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14
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Teixeira LC, Coimbra JT, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 Proteolytic Cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A Mechanistic Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Study to Inspire the Design of New Drugs To Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:2510-2521. [PMID: 35549216 PMCID: PMC9113003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the development of vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, there is an urgent need for efficient drugs to treat infected patients. An attractive drug target is the human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) because of its vital role in the viral infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 by activation of the virus spike protein (S protein). Having in mind that the information derived from quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) studies could be an important tool in the design of transition-state (TS) analogue inhibitors, we resorted to adiabatic QM/MM calculations to determine the mechanism of the first step (acylation) of proteolytic cleavage of the S protein with atomistic details. Acylation occurred in two stages: (i) proton transfer from Ser441 to His296 concerted with the nucleophilic attack of Ser441 to the substrate's P1-Arg and (ii) proton transfer from His296 to the P1'-Ser residue concerted with the cleavage of the ArgP1-SerP1' peptide bond, with a Gibbs activation energy of 17.1 and 15.8 kcal mol-1, relative to the reactant. An oxyanion hole composed of two hydrogen bonds stabilized the rate-limiting TS by 8 kcal mol-1. An analysis of the TMPRSS2 interactions with the high-energy, short-lived tetrahedral intermediate highlighted the limitations of current clinical inhibitors and pointed out specific ways to develop higher-affinity TS analogue inhibitors. The results support the development of more efficient drugs against SARS-CoV-2 using a human target, free from resistance development.
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15
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Gorący A, Rosik J, Szostak B, Ustianowski Ł, Ustianowska K, Gorący J. Human Cell Organelles in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Up-to-Date Overview. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051092. [PMID: 35632833 PMCID: PMC9144443 DOI: 10.3390/v14051092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, the whole world has been struggling with the life-threatening pandemic amongst all age groups and geographic areas caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has led to more than 468 million cases and over 6 million deaths reported worldwide (as of 20 March 2022), is one of the greatest threats to human health in history. Meanwhile, the lack of specific and irresistible treatment modalities provoked concentrated efforts in scientists around the world. Various mechanisms of cell entry and cellular dysfunction were initially proclaimed. Especially, mitochondria and cell membrane are crucial for the course of infection. The SARS-CoV-2 invasion depends on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), expressed on host cells. Moreover, in this narrative review, we aim to discuss other cell organelles targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, we briefly summarize the studies on various drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gorący
- Independent Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (A.G.); (J.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jakub Rosik
- Independent Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (A.G.); (J.G.)
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Bartosz Szostak
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
| | - Łukasz Ustianowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
| | - Klaudia Ustianowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.S.); (Ł.U.); (K.U.)
| | - Jarosław Gorący
- Independent Laboratory of Invasive Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (A.G.); (J.G.)
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16
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Kianpour M, Akbarian M, Uversky VN. Nanoparticles for Coronavirus Control. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:1602. [PMID: 35564311 PMCID: PMC9104235 DOI: 10.3390/nano12091602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
More than 2 years have passed since the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak began, and many challenges that existed at the beginning of this pandemic have been solved. Some countries have been able to overcome this global challenge by relying on vaccines against the virus, and vaccination has begun in many countries. Many of the proposed vaccines have nanoparticles as carriers, and there are different nano-based diagnostic approaches for rapid detection of the virus. In this review article, we briefly examine the biology of SARS-CoV-2, including the structure of the virus and what makes it pathogenic, as well as describe biotechnological methods of vaccine production, and types of the available and published nano-based ideas for overcoming the virus pandemic. Among these issues, various physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles are discussed to evaluate the optimal conditions for the production of the nano-mediated vaccines. At the end, challenges facing the international community and biotechnological answers for future viral attacks are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kianpour
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan;
| | - Mohsen Akbarian
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center ‘‘Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences’’, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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17
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Bai X, Buckle AM, Vladar EK, Janoff EN, Khare R, Ordway D, Beckham D, Fornis LB, Majluf-Cruz A, Fugit RV, Freed BM, Kim S, Sandhaus RA, Chan ED. Enoxaparin augments alpha-1-antitrypsin inhibition of TMPRSS2, a promising drug combination against COVID-19. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5207. [PMID: 35338216 PMCID: PMC8953970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell surface serine protease Transmembrane Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is required to cleave the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for viral entry into cells. We determined whether negatively-charged heparin enhanced TMPRSS2 inhibition by alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). TMPRSS2 activity was determined in HEK293T cells overexpressing TMPRSS2. We quantified infection of primary human airway epithelial cells (hAEc) with human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) by immunostaining for the nucleocapsid protein and by the plaque assay. Detailed molecular modeling was undertaken with the heparin-TMPRSS2-AAT ternary complex. Enoxaparin enhanced AAT inhibition of both TMPRSS2 activity and infection of hAEc with HCoV-229E. Underlying these findings, detailed molecular modeling revealed that: (i) the reactive center loop of AAT adopts an inhibitory-competent conformation compared with the crystal structure of TMPRSS2 bound to an exogenous (nafamostat) or endogenous (HAI-2) TMPRSS2 inhibitor and (ii) negatively-charged heparin bridges adjacent electropositive patches at the TMPRSS2-AAT interface, neutralizing otherwise repulsive forces. In conclusion, enoxaparin enhances AAT inhibition of both TMPRSS2 and coronavirus infection. Such host-directed therapy is less likely to be affected by SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Furthermore, given the known anti-inflammatory activities of both AAT and heparin, this form of treatment may target both the virus and the excessive inflammatory consequences of severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyuan Bai
- grid.422100.50000 0000 9751 469XDepartment of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728Department of Academic Affairs and Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728National Jewish Health, D509, Neustadt Building, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206 USA
| | - Ashley M. Buckle
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Eszter K. Vladar
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Edward N. Janoff
- grid.422100.50000 0000 9751 469XDepartment of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Reeti Khare
- grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Advance Diagnostics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA
| | - Diane Ordway
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Department of Microbiology, Immunlogy, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - David Beckham
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Lorelenn B. Fornis
- grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728Department of Academic Affairs and Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA
| | - Abraham Majluf-Cruz
- grid.419157.f0000 0001 1091 9430Unidad de Investigacion Medica en Trombosis, Hemostasia y Aterogenesis, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Randolph V. Fugit
- grid.422100.50000 0000 9751 469XDepartment of Pharmacy, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Brian M. Freed
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Soohyun Kim
- grid.258676.80000 0004 0532 8339Laboratory of Cytokine Immunology, Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea ,grid.258676.80000 0004 0532 8339College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Robert A. Sandhaus
- grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728Department of Academic Affairs and Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA
| | - Edward D. Chan
- grid.422100.50000 0000 9751 469XDepartment of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728Department of Academic Affairs and Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.240341.00000 0004 0396 0728National Jewish Health, D509, Neustadt Building, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206 USA
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Wettstein L, Kirchhoff F, Münch J. The Transmembrane Protease TMPRSS2 as a Therapeutic Target for COVID-19 Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1351. [PMID: 35163273 PMCID: PMC8836196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
TMPRSS2 is a type II transmembrane protease with broad expression in epithelial cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, the prostate, and other organs. Although the physiological role of TMPRSS2 remains largely elusive, several endogenous substrates have been identified. TMPRSS2 serves as a major cofactor in SARS-CoV-2 entry, and primes glycoproteins of other respiratory viruses as well. Consequently, inhibiting TMPRSS2 activity is a promising strategy to block viral infection. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of TMPRSS2 in the entry processes of different respiratory viruses. We then review the different classes of TMPRSS2 inhibitors and their clinical development, with a focus on COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.W.); (F.K.)
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19
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Liu X, Liu B, Shang Y, Cao P, Hou J, Chen F, Zhang B, Fan Y, Tan K. Decreased TMPRSS2 expression by SARS-CoV-2 predicts the poor prognosis of lung cancer patients through metabolic pathways and immune infiltration. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:73-108. [PMID: 35017320 PMCID: PMC8791221 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread around the world and became a global pandemic in 2020. One promising drug target for SARS-CoV-2 is the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). This study was designed to explore the expression status, prognostic significance and molecular functions of TMPRSS2 in lung cancer. TMPRSS2 expression was investigated using the TIMER, Oncomine, UALCAN, GEO, HPA and TCGA databases. The prognostic value of TMPRSS2 was examined using Cox regression and a nomogram. KEGG, GO and GSEA were performed to investigate the cellular function of TMPRSS2 in lung cancer. The relationship between TMPRSS2 and immune infiltration was determined using the TIMER and CIBERSORT algorithms. TMPRSS2 mRNA and protein expression was significantly reduced in lung cancer. Decreased TMPRSS2 expression and increased DNA methylation of TMPRSS2 were associated with various clinicopathological parameters in patients with lung cancer. Low TMPRSS2 mRNA expression also correlated with poor outcome in lung cancer patients. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed and exhibited good predictive power for the overall survival of lung cancer patients. KEGG and GO analyses and GSEA implied that multiple immune- and metabolism-related pathways were significantly linked with TMPRSS2 expression. Intriguingly, TMPRSS2 expression associated with immune cell infiltration in lung cancer. More importantly, TMPRSS2 expression was markedly decreased in SARS-CoV-infected cells. These findings indicate that TMPRSS2 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for lung cancer through metabolic pathways and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Yanan Shang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Pengxiu Cao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Jiajie Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Ke Tan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
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20
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Transcriptome Analysis in Vulvar Squamous Cell Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246372. [PMID: 34944992 PMCID: PMC8699756 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The number of women, especially younger women, diagnosed with vulvar cancer, has been rising mainly due to the infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) over the last years. In contrast to other tumor entities, limited information on the underlying genetic changes is available, and thus treatment advances, especially the development of personalized treatments, are hampered. We aimed to explore the RNA expression profiles in a group of 24 vulvar cancer samples in order to detect potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in order to establish to a more profound understanding of vulvar cancer carcinogenesis. Abstract To date, therapeutic strategies in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) are lacking molecular pathological information and targeted therapy hasn’t been approved in the treatment of VSCC, yet. Two etiological pathways are widely accepted: HPV induced vs. HPV independent, associated with chronic skin disease, often harboring TP53 mutations (mut). The aim of this analysis was to analyze the RNA expression patterns for subtype stratification on VSCC samples that can be integrated into the previously performed whole exome sequencing data for the detection of prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. We performed multiplex gene expression analysis (NanoString) with 770 genes in 24 prior next generation sequenced samples. An integrative data analysis was performed. Here, 98 genes were differentially expressed in TP53mut vs. HPV+ VSCC, in the TP53mut cohort, where 56 genes were upregulated and 42 were downregulated in comparison to the HPV+ tumors. Aberrant expression was primarily observed in cell cycle regulation, especially in HPV+ disease. Within the TP53mut group, a distinct cluster was identified that was correlated to a significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.017). The RNA expression profiles showed distinct patterns with regard to the known VSCC subtypes and could potentially enable further subclassification in the TP53mut groups
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21
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Shook LL, Bordt EA, Meinsohn MC, Pepin D, De Guzman RM, Brigida S, Yockey LJ, James KE, Sullivan MW, Bebell LM, Roberts DJ, Kaimal AJ, Li JZ, Schust D, Gray KJ, Edlow AG. Placental Expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in Maternal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: Are Placental Defenses Mediated by Fetal Sex? J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S647-S659. [PMID: 34293137 PMCID: PMC8344531 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2), host molecules required for viral entry, may underlie sex differences in vulnerability to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We investigated whether placental ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression vary by fetal sex in the presence of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS Placental ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by Western blot in 68 pregnant women (38 SARS-CoV-2 positive, 30 SARS-CoV-2 negative) delivering at Mass General Brigham from April to June 2020. The impact of fetal sex and maternal SARS-CoV-2 exposure on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection impacted placental TMPRSS2 expression in a sexually dimorphic fashion (2-way ANOVA interaction, P = .002). We observed no impact of fetal sex or maternal SARS-CoV-2 status on ACE2. TMPRSS2 expression was significantly correlated with ACE2 expression in males (Spearman ρ = 0.54, P = .02) but not females (ρ = 0.23, P = .34) exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences in placental TMPRSS2 but not ACE2 were observed in the setting of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may have implications for offspring vulnerability to placental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan A Bordt
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Pepin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rose M De Guzman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sara Brigida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura J Yockey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mackenzie W Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa M Bebell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Center for Global Health, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anjali J Kaimal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Li
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danny Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kathryn J Gray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kirby EN, Shue B, Thomas PQ, Beard MR. CRISPR Tackles Emerging Viral Pathogens. Viruses 2021; 13:2157. [PMID: 34834963 PMCID: PMC8624524 DOI: 10.3390/v13112157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamic relationship between viral pathogens and cellular host factors is critical to furthering our knowledge of viral replication, disease mechanisms and development of anti-viral therapeutics. CRISPR genome editing technology has enhanced this understanding, by allowing identification of pro-viral and anti-viral cellular host factors for a wide range of viruses, most recently the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2. This review will discuss how CRISPR knockout and CRISPR activation genome-wide screening methods are a robust tool to investigate the viral life cycle and how other class 2 CRISPR systems are being repurposed for diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. Kirby
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (E.N.K.); (B.S.)
| | - Byron Shue
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (E.N.K.); (B.S.)
| | - Paul Q. Thomas
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia;
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5006, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Michael R. Beard
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (E.N.K.); (B.S.)
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ACE2, the Counter-Regulatory Renin-Angiotensin System Axis and COVID-19 Severity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173885. [PMID: 34501332 PMCID: PMC8432177 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin (ANG)-converting enzyme (ACE2) is an entry receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ACE2 also contributes to a deviation of the lung renin-angiotensin system (RAS) towards its counter-regulatory axis, thus transforming harmful ANG II to protective ANG (1-7). Based on this purported ACE2 double function, it has been put forward that the benefit from ACE2 upregulation with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) counterbalances COVID-19 risks due to counter-regulatory RAS axis amplification. In this manuscript we discuss the relationship between ACE2 expression and function in the lungs and other organs and COVID-19 severity. Recent data suggested that the involvement of ACE2 in the lung counter-regulatory RAS axis is limited. In this setting, an augmentation of ACE2 expression and/or a dissociation of ACE2 from the ANG (1-7)/Mas pathways that leaves unopposed the ACE2 function, the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, predisposes to more severe disease and it appears to often occur in the relevant risk factors. Further, the effect of RAASi on ACE2 expression and on COVID-19 severity and the overall clinical implications are discussed.
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Epstein RJ. The secret identities of TMPRSS2: Fertility factor, virus trafficker, inflammation moderator, prostate protector and tumor suppressor. Tumour Biol 2021; 43:159-176. [PMID: 34420994 DOI: 10.3233/tub-211502] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human TMPRSS2 gene is pathogenetically implicated in both coronaviral lung infection and prostate cancer, suggesting its potential as a drug target in both contexts. SARS-COV-2 spike polypeptides are primed by the host transmembrane TMPRSS2 protease, triggering virus fusion with epithelial cell membranes followed by an endocytotic internalisation process that bypasses normal endosomal activation of cathepsin-mediated innate immunity; viral co-opting of TMPRSS2 thus favors microbial survivability by attenuating host inflammatory responses. In contrast, most early hormone-dependent prostate cancers express TMPRSS2:ERG fusion genes arising from deletions that eliminate the TMPRSS2 coding region while juxtaposing its androgen-inducible promoter and the open reading frame of ERG, upregulating pro-inflammatory ERG while functionally disabling TMPRSS2. Moreover, inflammatory oxidative DNA damage selects for TMPRSS2:ERG-fused cancers, whereas patients treated with antiinflammatory drugs develop fewer of these fusion-dependent tumors. These findings imply that TMPRSS2 protects the prostate by enabling endosomal bypass of pathogens which could otherwise trigger inflammation-induced DNA damage that predisposes to TMPRSS2:ERG fusions. Hence, the high oncogenic selectability of TMPRSS2:ERG fusions may reflect a unique pro-inflammatory synergy between androgenic ERG gain-of-function and fusogenic TMPRSS2 loss-of-function, cautioning against the use of TMPRSS2-inhibitory drugs to prevent or treat early prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Epstein
- New Hope Cancer Center, Beijing United Hospital, Jiangtai Xi Rd 9-11, Chaoyang, Beijing, China.,Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and UNSW Medical School, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
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25
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Ramirez Alvarez C, Kee C, Sharma AK, Thomas L, Schmidt FI, Stanifer ML, Boulant S, Herrmann C. The endogenous cellular protease inhibitor SPINT2 controls SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and is associated to disease severity. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009687. [PMID: 34181691 PMCID: PMC8270430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak is the biggest threat to human health in recent history. Currently, there are over 1.5 million related deaths and 75 million people infected around the world (as of 22/12/2020). The identification of virulence factors which determine disease susceptibility and severity in different cell types remains an essential challenge. The serine protease TMPRSS2 has been shown to be important for S protein priming and viral entry, however, little is known about its regulation. SPINT2 is a member of the family of Kunitz type serine protease inhibitors and has been shown to inhibit TMPRSS2. Here, we explored the existence of a co-regulation between SPINT2/TMPRSS2 and found a tightly regulated protease/inhibitor expression balance across tissues. We found that SPINT2 negatively correlates with SARS-CoV-2 expression in Calu-3 and Caco-2 cell lines and was down-regulated in secretory cells from COVID-19 patients. We validated our findings using Calu-3 cell lines and observed a strong increase in viral load after SPINT2 knockdown, while overexpression lead to a drastic reduction of the viral load. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of SPINT2 in datasets from comorbid diseases using bulk and scRNA-seq data. We observed its down-regulation in colon, kidney and liver tumors as well as in alpha pancreatic islets cells from diabetes Type 2 patients, which could have implications for the observed comorbidities in COVID-19 patients suffering from chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmon Kee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Group “Cellular Polarity and Viral Infection”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ashwini Kumar Sharma
- Health Data Science Unit, Medical Faculty Heidelberg and BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonie Thomas
- Health Data Science Unit, Medical Faculty Heidelberg and BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian I. Schmidt
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Megan L. Stanifer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Group “Cellular Polarity and Viral Infection”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carl Herrmann
- Health Data Science Unit, Medical Faculty Heidelberg and BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany
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27
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Mahmoud IS, Jarrar YB. Targeting the intestinal TMPRSS2 protease to prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into enterocytes-prospects and challenges. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4667-4675. [PMID: 34023987 PMCID: PMC8140747 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a membrane anchored protease that primarily expressed by epithelial cells of respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and has been linked to multiple pathological processes in humans including tumor growth, metastasis and viral infections. Recent studies have shown that TMPRSS2 expressed on cell surface of host cells could play a crucial role in activation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein which facilitates the rapid early entry of the virus into host cells. In addition, direct suppression of TMPRSS2 using small drug inhibitors has been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, which presents TMPRSS2 protease as a potential therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be capable of infecting gastrointestinal enterocytes and to provoke gastrointestinal disorders in patients with COVID-19 disease, which is considered as a new transmission route and target organ of SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we highlight the biochemical properties of TMPRSS2 protease and discuss the potential targeting of TMPRSS2 by inhibitors to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 spreading through gastro-intestinal tract system as well as the hurdles that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Sami Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan.
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28
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Abstract
Metastasis is the most complex and deadly event. Tumor-stromal interface is a place where invasion of tumor cells in the form of single-cell or collective migration occurs, with the latter being less common but more efficient. Initiation of metastasis relies on the tumor cell cross-talking with stromal cells and taking an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in single cells, and a hybrid EMT in collective migratory cells. Stromal cross-talking along with an abnormal leaky vasculature facilitate intravasation of tumor cells, here the cells are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Tumor cells isolated from the primary tumor exploit several mechanisms to maintain their survival including rewiring metabolic demands to use sources available within the new environments, avoiding anoikis cell death when cells are detached from extracellular matrix (ECM), adopting flow mechanic by acquiring platelet shielding and immunosuppression by negating the activity of suppressor immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells. CTCs will adhere to the interstituim of the secondary organ/s, within which the newly arrived disseminative tumor cells (DTCs) undergo either dormancy or proliferation. Metastatic outgrowth is under the influence of several factors, such as the activity of macrophages, impaired autophagy and secondary site inflammatory events. Metastasis can be targeted by multiple ways, such as repressing the promoters of pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation, suppressing environmental contributors, such as hypoxia, oxidative and metabolic stressors, and targeting signaling and cell types that take major contribution to the whole process. These strategies can be used in adjuvant with other therapeutics, such as immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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29
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Fuentes-Prior P. Priming of SARS-CoV-2 S protein by several membrane-bound serine proteinases could explain enhanced viral infectivity and systemic COVID-19 infection. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100135. [PMID: 33268377 PMCID: PMC7834812 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.015980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has already caused over a million deaths worldwide, and this death toll will be much higher before effective treatments and vaccines are available. The causative agent of the disease, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, shows important similarities with the previously emerged SARS-CoV-1, but also striking differences. First, SARS-CoV-2 possesses a significantly higher transmission rate and infectivity than SARS-CoV-1 and has infected in a few months over 60 million people. Moreover, COVID-19 has a systemic character, as in addition to the lungs, it also affects the heart, liver, and kidneys among other organs of the patients and causes frequent thrombotic and neurological complications. In fact, the term "viral sepsis" has been recently coined to describe the clinical observations. Here I review current structure-function information on the viral spike proteins and the membrane fusion process to provide plausible explanations for these observations. I hypothesize that several membrane-associated serine proteinases (MASPs), in synergy with or in place of TMPRSS2, contribute to activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Relative concentrations of the attachment receptor, ACE2, MASPs, their endogenous inhibitors (the Kunitz-type transmembrane inhibitors, HAI-1/SPINT1 and HAI-2/SPINT2, as well as major circulating serpins) would determine the infection rate of host cells. The exclusive or predominant expression of major MASPs in specific human organs suggests a direct role of these proteinases in e.g., heart infection and myocardial injury, liver dysfunction, kidney damage, as well as neurological complications. Thorough consideration of these factors could have a positive impact on the control of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fuentes-Prior
- Molecular Bases of Disease, Biomedical Research Institute (IIB) Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
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