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Ruan K, Bai G, Fang Y, Li D, Li T, Liu X, Lu B, Lu Q, Songyang Z, Sun S, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhou W, Zhang H. Biomolecular condensates and disease pathogenesis. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1792-1832. [PMID: 39037698 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates or membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) divide intracellular spaces into discrete compartments for specific functions. Dysregulation of LLPS or aberrant phase transition that disturbs the formation or material states of MLOs is closely correlated with neurodegeneration, tumorigenesis, and many other pathological processes. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in development of methods to monitor phase separation and we discuss the biogenesis and function of MLOs formed through phase separation. We then present emerging proof-of-concept examples regarding the disruption of phase separation homeostasis in a diverse array of clinical conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, hearing loss, cancers, and immunological diseases. Finally, we describe the emerging discovery of chemical modulators of phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ruan
- The First Affiliated Hospital & School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Ge Bai
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yanshan Fang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Boxun Lu
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Zhou Songyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Shuguo Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Wen Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Zhu J, Liu G, Sayyad Z, Goins CM, Stauffer SR, Gack MU. ISGylation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein by HERC5 impedes N oligomerization and thereby viral RNA synthesis. J Virol 2024:e0086924. [PMID: 39194248 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00869-24] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin-like protein, is covalently conjugated to host immune proteins such as MDA5 and IRF3 in a process called ISGylation, thereby promoting type I IFN induction to limit the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, whether SARS-CoV-2 proteins can be directly targeted for ISGylation remains elusive. In this study, we identified the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 as a major substrate of ISGylation catalyzed by the host E3 ligase HERC5; however, N ISGylation is readily removed through deISGylation by the papain-like protease (PLpro) activity of NSP3. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that the N protein undergoes ISGylation at four lysine residues (K266, K355, K387, and K388), and mutational analysis of these sites in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon (N-4KR) abolished N ISGylation and alleviated ISGylation-mediated inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. Furthermore, our results indicated that HERC5 targets preferentially phosphorylated N protein for ISGylation to regulate its oligomeric assembly. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the host ISGylation machinery directly targets SARS-CoV-2 proteins to restrict viral replication and illuminate how an intricate interplay of host (HERC5) and viral (PLpro) enzymes coordinates viral protein ISGylation and thereby regulates virus replication.IMPORTANCEThe role of protein ISGylation in regulating host cellular processes has been studied extensively; however, how ISG15 conjugation influences the activity of viral proteins, particularly coronaviral proteins, is largely unknown. Our study uncovered that the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is ISGylated by the HERC5 ISGylation machinery and that this modification impedes the functional assembly of N into oligomers ultimately inhibiting viral RNA synthesis. This antiviral restriction mechanism is antagonized by the PLpro deISGylation activity of SARS-CoV-2 NSP3. This study deepens our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 protein regulation by posttranslational modifications and may open new avenues for designing antiviral strategies for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Zhu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - GuanQun Liu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zuberwasim Sayyad
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher M Goins
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shaun R Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michaela U Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
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BenDavid E, Yang C, Zhou Y, Pfaller CK, Samuel CE, Ma D. Host WD repeat-containing protein 5 inhibits protein kinase R-mediated integrated stress response during measles virus infection. J Virol 2024:e0102024. [PMID: 39194235 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01020-24] [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: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Some negative-sense RNA viruses, including measles virus (MeV), share the characteristic that during their infection cycle, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (IBs) are formed where components of the viral replication machinery are concentrated. As a foci of viral replication, how IBs act to enhance the efficiency of infection by affecting virus-host interactions remains an important topic of investigation. We previously established that upon MeV infection, the epigenetic host protein, WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5), translocates to cytoplasmic viral IBs and facilitates MeV replication. We now show that WDR5 is recruited to IBs by forming a complex with IB-associated MeV phosphoprotein via a conserved binding motif located on the surface of WDR5. Furthermore, we provide evidence that WDR5 promotes viral replication by suppressing a major innate immune response pathway, the double-stranded RNA-mediated activation of protein kinase R and integrated stress response. IMPORTANCE MeV is a pathogen that remains a global concern, with an estimated 9 million measles cases and 128,000 measles deaths in 2022 according to the World Health Organization. A large population of the world still has inadequate access to the effective vaccine against the exceptionally transmissible MeV. Measles disease is characterized by a high morbidity in children and in immunocompromised individuals. An important area of research for negative-sense RNA viruses, including MeV, is the characterization of the complex interactome between virus and host occurring at cytoplasmic IBs where viral replication occurs. Despite the progress made in understanding IB structures, little is known regarding the virus-host interactions within IBs and the role of these interactions in promoting viral replication and antagonizing host innate immunity. Herein we provide evidence suggesting a model by which MeV IBs utilize the host protein WDR5 to suppress the protein kinase R-integrated stress response pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan BenDavid
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Chuyuan Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Yuqin Zhou
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Christian K Pfaller
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Charles E Samuel
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Dzwokai Ma
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
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Zhang Y, Wu F, Han Y, Wu Y, Huang L, Huang Y, Yan D, Jiang X, Ma J, Xu W. Unraveling the assembly mechanism of SADS-CoV virus nucleocapsid protein: insights from RNA binding, dimerization, and epitope diversity profiling. J Virol 2024; 98:e0092624. [PMID: 39082816 PMCID: PMC11334509 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00926-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) has caused significant disruptions in porcine breeding and raised concerns about potential human infection. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SADS-CoV plays a vital role in viral assembly and replication, but its structure and functions remain poorly understood. This study utilized biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, and immunization techniques to investigate the N protein's structure and function in SADS-CoV. Our findings revealed distinct domains within the N protein, including an RNA-binding domain, two disordered domains, and a dimerization domain. Through biochemical assays, we confirmed that the N-terminal domain functions as an RNA-binding domain, and the C-terminal domain is involved in dimerization, with the crystal structure analysis providing visual evidence of dimer formation. Immunization experiments demonstrated that the disordered domain 2 elicited a significant antibody response. These identified domains and their interactions are crucial for viral assembly. This comprehensive understanding of the N protein in SADS-CoV enhances our knowledge of its assembly and replication mechanisms, enabling the development of targeted interventions and therapeutic strategies. IMPORTANCE SADS-CoV is a porcine coronavirus that originated from a bat HKU2-related coronavirus. It causes devastating swine diseases and poses a high risk of spillover to humans. The coronavirus N protein, as the most abundant viral protein in infected cells, likely plays a key role in viral assembly and replication. However, the structure and function of this protein remain unclear. Therefore, this study employed a combination of biochemistry and X-ray crystallography to uncover distinct structural domains in the N protein, including RNA-binding domains, two disordered domains, and dimerization domains. Additionally, we made the novel discovery that the disordered domain elicited a significant antibody response. These findings provide new insights into the structure and functions of the SADS-CoV N protein, which have important implications for future studies on SADS-CoV diagnosis, as well as the development of vaccines and anti-viral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Yongyue Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqiu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanwei Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiwen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Ma
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Yao Z, Liu Y, Chen Q, Chen X, Zhu Z, Song S, Ma X, Yang P. The divergent effects of G3BP orthologs on human stress granule assembly imply a centric role for the core protein interaction network. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114617. [PMID: 39120973 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114617] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by G3BP1/2 proteins and non-translating mRNAs mediates stress granule (SG) assembly. We investigated the phylogenetic evolution of G3BP orthologs from unicellular yeast to mammals and identified both conserved and divergent features. The modular domain organization of G3BP orthologs is generally conserved. However, invertebrate orthologs displayed reduced capacity for SG assembly in human cells compared to vertebrate orthologs. We demonstrated that the protein-interaction network facilitated by the NTF2L domain is a crucial determinant of this specificity. The evolution of the G3BP1 network coincided with its exploitation by certain viruses, as evident from the interaction between viral proteins and G3BP orthologs in insects and vertebrates. We revealed the importance and divergence of the G3BP interaction network in human SG formation. Leveraging this network, we established a 7-component in vitro SG reconstitution system for quantitative studies. These findings highlight the significance of G3BP network divergence in the evolution of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenshuo Zhu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sha Song
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianjue Ma
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiguo Yang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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6
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Ying Q, Rong J, Hong M, Heng Z, Zhang Z, Xu Y. The emerging role of adaptor proteins in regulating innate immunity of sepsis. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107223. [PMID: 38797359 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by a dysregulated immune response. A large number of adaptor proteins have been found to play a pivotal role in sepsis via protein-protein interactions, thus participating in inflammatory cascades, leading to the generation of numerous inflammatory cytokines, as well as oxidative stress and regulated cell death. Although available strategies for the diagnosis and management of sepsis have improved, effective and specific treatments are lacking. This review focuses on the emerging role of adaptor proteins in regulating the innate immunity of sepsis and evaluates the potential value of adaptor protein-associated therapeutic strategy for sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Ying
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jiabing Rong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Min Hong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zetao Heng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhaocai Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
| | - Yinchuan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
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Galloux M, Longhi S. Unraveling Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) in Viral Infections to Understand and Treat Viral Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6981. [PMID: 39000089 PMCID: PMC11241734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the field of virology, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has emerged as a pivotal mechanism enabling the compartmentalization required for specific steps of the viral replication cycle [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Galloux
- INRAE, Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires (VIM), Université Paris-Saclay-Versailles St. Quentin, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sonia Longhi
- Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Aix Marseille University and CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
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8
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Qian K, Stella L, Liu F, Jones DS, Andrews GP, Tian Y. Kinetic and Thermodynamic Interplay of Polymer-Mediated Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation for Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2878-2893. [PMID: 38767457 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the interplay between kinetics and thermodynamics of polymer-mediated liquid-liquid phase separation is crucial for designing and implementing an amorphous solid dispersion formulation strategy for poorly water-soluble drugs. This work investigates the phase behaviors of a poorly water-soluble model drug, celecoxib (CXB), in a supersaturated aqueous solution with and without polymeric additives (PVP, PVPVA, HPMCAS, and HPMCP). Drug-polymer-water ternary phase diagrams were also constructed to estimate the thermodynamic behaviors of the mixtures at room temperature. The liquid-liquid phase separation onset point for CXB was detected using an inline UV/vis spectrometer equipped with a fiber optic probe. Varying CXB concentrations were achieved using an accurate syringe pump throughout this study. The appearance of the transient nanodroplets was verified by cryo-EM and total internal reflection fluoresence microscopic techniques. The impacts of various factors, such as polymer composition, drug stock solution pumping rates, and the types of drug-polymer interactions, are tested against the onset points of the CXB liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). It was found that the types of drug-polymer interactions, i.e., hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, are vital to the position and shapes of LLPS in the supersaturation drug solution. A relation between the behaviors of LLPS and its location in the CXB-polymer-water ternary phase diagram was drawn from the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Qian
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, U.K
| | - Lorenzo Stella
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, U.K
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, U.K
| | - Fanjun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, U.K
| | - David S Jones
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, U.K
| | - Gavin P Andrews
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, U.K
| | - Yiwei Tian
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, U.K
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Liu D, Yang J, Cristea IM. Liquid-liquid phase separation in innate immunity. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:454-469. [PMID: 38762334 PMCID: PMC11247960 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.04.009] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsic and innate immune responses are essential lines of defense in the body's constant surveillance of pathogens. The discovery of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a key regulator of this primal response to infection brings an updated perspective to our understanding of cellular defense mechanisms. Here, we review the emerging multifaceted role of LLPS in diverse aspects of mammalian innate immunity, including DNA and RNA sensing and inflammasome activity. We discuss the intricate regulation of LLPS by post-translational modifications (PTMs), and the subversive tactics used by viruses to antagonize LLPS. This Review, therefore, underscores the significance of LLPS as a regulatory node that offers rapid and plastic control over host immune signaling, representing a promising target for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jinhang Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Ileana M Cristea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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10
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Koroleva ON, Kuzmina NV, Dubrovin EV, Drutsa VL. Atomic force microscopy of spherical intermediates on the pathway to fibril formation of influenza A virus nuclear export protein. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:1131-1145. [PMID: 38270267 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The nuclear export protein of the influenza A virus (NEP) is involved in many important processes of the virus life cycle. This makes it an attractive target for the treatment of a disease caused by a virus. Previously it has been shown, that recombinant variants of NEP are highly prone to aggregation in solution under various conditions with the formation of amyloid-like aggregates. In the present work, the amyloid nature of NEP aggregates was evidenced by Congo red binding assays. Atomic force microscopy has shown that NEP can form two types of spherical nanoparticles, which provide an alternative pathway for the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Type I of these "fibrillogenic" spheres, formed under physiological conditions, represents the micelle-like particles with height 10-60 nm, which can generate worm-like flexible fibrils with the diameter 2.5-4.0 nm, length 20-500 nm and the Young's modulus ~73 MPa. Type II spherical aggregates with size of about 400-1000 nm, formed at elevated temperatures, includes fractions of drop-like and vesicle-like particles, generating more rigid amyloid-like fibrils with height of ~8 nm, and length of up to 2 μm. The hypothetical mechanism of fibril formation via nanospherical structures was suggested. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: AFM has revealed two types of the influenza A virus nuclear export protein spherical aggregates. They provide an alternative pathway for the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. The mechanism of fibril formation via spherical structures is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga N Koroleva
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia V Kuzmina
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Evgeniy V Dubrovin
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- National University of Science and Technology, MISIS, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Valeriy L Drutsa
- A.N.Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
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11
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Dai Z, Yang X. The regulation of liquid-liquid phase separated condensates containing nucleic acids. FEBS J 2024; 291:2320-2331. [PMID: 37735903 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been recognized as a universal biological phenomenon. It plays an important role in life activities. LLPS is induced by weak interactions between intrinsically disordered regions or low complex domains. Nucleic acids are widely present in cells, and shown to be closely related to LLPS. Their structure and electronegativity provide the excellent platforms for the formation of phase-separated condensates. In this review, we summarize the interconnected regulation between nucleic acids and LLPS demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro studies. Beside homogeneous and single-phase condensates, complicated and multicompartment LLPS induced by nucleic acids is discussed as well. Recent advances about nucleic-acid-induced LLPS as a new pathogenic mechanism and drug design direction are highlighted, especially virus-mediated disease treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Dai
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Malireddi RKS, Sharma BR, Kanneganti TD. Innate Immunity in Protection and Pathogenesis During Coronavirus Infections and COVID-19. Annu Rev Immunol 2024; 42:615-645. [PMID: 38941608 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-083122-043545] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the recently emerged β-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 has had a catastrophic impact, resulting in nearly 7 million fatalities worldwide to date. The innate immune system is the first line of defense against infections, including the detection and response to SARS-CoV-2. Here, we discuss the innate immune mechanisms that sense coronaviruses, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 infection and how these protective responses can become detrimental in severe cases of COVID-19, contributing to cytokine storm, inflammation, long-COVID, and other complications. We also highlight the complex cross talk among cytokines and the cellular components of the innate immune system, which can aid in viral clearance but also contribute to inflammatory cell death, cytokine storm, and organ damage in severe COVID-19 pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss how SARS-CoV-2 evades key protective innate immune mechanisms to enhance its virulence and pathogenicity, as well as how innate immunity can be therapeutically targeted as part of the vaccination and treatment strategy. Overall, we highlight how a comprehensive understanding of innate immune mechanisms has been crucial in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infections and the development of novel host-directed immunotherapeutic strategies for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Subbarao Malireddi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA;
| | - Bhesh Raj Sharma
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA;
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13
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Wu B, Li D, Bai H, Mo R, Li H, Xie J, Zhang X, Yang Y, Li H, Idris A, Li X, Feng R. Mammalian reovirus µ1 protein attenuates RIG-I and MDA5-mediated signaling transduction by blocking IRF3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Mol Immunol 2024; 170:131-143. [PMID: 38663254 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.04.010] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian reovirus (MRV) is a non-enveloped, gene segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus. It is an important zoonotic pathogen that infects many mammals and vertebrates that act as natural hosts and causes respiratory and digestive tract diseases. Studies have reported that RIG-I and MDA5 in the innate immune cytoplasmic RNA-sensing RIG-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway can recognize dsRNA from MRV and promote antiviral type I interferon (IFN) responses. However, the mechanism by which many MRV-encoded proteins evade the host innate immune response remains unclear. Here, we show that exogenous μ1 protein promoted the proliferation of MRV in vitro, while knockdown of MRV μ1 protein expression by shRNA could impair MRV proliferation. Specifically, μ1 protein inhibited MRV or poly(I:C)-induced IFN-β expression, and attenuated RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling axis transduction during MRV infection. Importantly, we found that μ1 protein significantly decreased IFN-β mRNA expression induced by MDA5, RIG-I, MAVS, TBK1, IRF3(5D), and degraded the protein expression of exogenous MDA5, RIG-I, MAVS, TBK1 and IRF3 via the proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. Additionally, we show that μ1 protein can physically interact with MDA5, RIG-I, MAVS, TBK1, and IRF3 and attenuate the RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling cascades by blocking the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3. In conclusion, our findings reveal that MRV outer capsid protein μ1 is a key factor in antagonizing RLRs signaling cascades and provide new strategies for effective prevention and treatment of MRV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dianyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huisheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rongqian Mo
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingying Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; College of Life science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Adi Idris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, Herston, Queensland University of Technology, China; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xiangrong Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ruofei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.
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Wei X, Zhou Y, Shen X, Fan L, Liu D, Gao X, Zhou J, Wu Y, Li Y, Feng W, Zhang Z. Ciclopirox inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by promoting the degradation of the nucleocapsid protein. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2505-2519. [PMID: 38828154 PMCID: PMC11143514 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.009] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NP) plays a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 replication and is the most abundant structural protein with a long half-life. Despite its vital role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) assembly and host inflammatory response, it remains an unexplored target for drug development. In this study, we identified a small-molecule compound (ciclopirox) that promotes NP degradation using an FDA-approved library and a drug-screening cell model. Ciclopirox significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication both in vitro and in vivo by inducing NP degradation. Ciclopirox induced abnormal NP aggregation through indirect interaction, leading to the formation of condensates with higher viscosity and lower mobility. These condensates were subsequently degraded via the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, ultimately resulting in a shortened NP half-life and reduced NP expression. Our results suggest that NP is a potential drug target, and that ciclopirox holds substantial promise for further development to combat SARS-CoV-2 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafei Wei
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Xiaotong Shen
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Lujie Fan
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Donglan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Yezi Wu
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Yunfei Li
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
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Mendoza-Ramírez NJ, García-Cordero J, Shrivastava G, Cedillo-Barrón L. The Key to Increase Immunogenicity of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccines Lies in the Inclusion of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:9313267. [PMID: 38939745 PMCID: PMC11208798 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9313267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic public health interventions for the prevention of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Considering the ongoing need for new COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to modify our approach and incorporate more conserved regions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to effectively address emerging viral variants. The nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 that is involved in replication and immune responses. Furthermore, this protein offers significant advantages owing to the minimal accumulation of mutations over time and the inclusion of key T-cell epitopes critical for SARS-CoV-2 immunity. A novel strategy that may be suitable for the new generation of vaccines against COVID-19 is to use a combination of antigens, including the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, to elicit robust humoral and potent cellular immune responses, along with long-lasting immunity. The strategic use of multiple antigens aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection against viruses, including their variants. The immune response against the nucleocapsid protein from other coronavirus is long-lasting, and it can persist up to 11 years post-infection. Thus, the incorporation of nucleocapsids (N) into vaccine design adds an important dimension to vaccination efforts and holds promise for bolstering the ability to combat COVID-19 effectively. In this review, we summarize the preclinical studies that evaluated the use of the nucleocapsid protein as antigen. This study discusses the use of nucleocapsid alone and its combination with spike protein or other proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe Juvenal Mendoza-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Gaurav Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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16
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Huang Y, Chen J, Chen S, Huang C, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1415885. [PMID: 38846351 PMCID: PMC11153676 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1415885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly prevalent and potent infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, the world is still endeavoring to develop new ways to diagnose and treat COVID-19. At present, the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 mainly targets the spike protein on the surface of SRAS-CoV-2. However, with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), targeting the spike protein therapy shows a high degree of limitation. The Nucleocapsid Protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved in virus evolution and is involved in the key process of viral infection and assembly. It is the most expressed viral structural protein after SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and has high immunogenicity. Therefore, N protein as the key factor of virus infection and replication in basic research and clinical application has great potential research value. This article reviews the research progress on the structure and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, the diagnosis and drug research of targeting N protein, in order to promote researchers' further understanding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and lay a theoretical foundation for the possible outbreak of new and sudden coronavirus infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Yin Y, Yang Z, Sun Y, Yang Y, Zhang X, Zhao X, Tian W, Qiu Y, Yin Y, You F, Lu D. RNA-binding protein PTENα blocks RIG-I activation to prevent viral inflammation. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01621-5. [PMID: 38773328 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
A timely inflammatory response is crucial for early viral defense, but uncontrolled inflammation harms the host. Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) has a pivotal role in detecting RNA viruses, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing its sensitivity remain elusive. Here we identify PTENα, an N-terminally extended form of PTEN, as an RNA-binding protein with a preference for the CAUC(G/U)UCAU motif. Using both in vivo and in vitro viral infection assays, we demonstrated that PTENα restricted the host innate immune response, relying on its RNA-binding capacity and phosphatase activity. Mechanistically, PTENα directly bound to viral RNA and enzymatically converted its 5'-triphosphate to 5'-monophosphate, thereby reducing RIG-I sensitivity. Physiologically, brain-intrinsic PTENα exerted protective effects against viral inflammation, while peripheral PTENα restricted host antiviral immunity and, to some extent, promoted viral replication. Collectively, our findings underscore the significance of PTENα in modulating viral RNA- and RIG-I-mediated immune recognition, offering potential therapeutic implications for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zeliang Yang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yizhe Sun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wenyu Tian
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yaruo Qiu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuxin Yin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Fuping You
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Dan Lu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China.
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18
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Mukherjee S, Poudyal M, Dave K, Kadu P, Maji SK. Protein misfolding and amyloid nucleation through liquid-liquid phase separation. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4976-5013. [PMID: 38597222 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an emerging phenomenon in cell physiology and diseases. The weak multivalent interaction prerequisite for LLPS is believed to be facilitated through intrinsically disordered regions, which are prevalent in neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. These aggregation-prone proteins also exhibit an inherent property for phase separation, resulting in protein-rich liquid-like droplets. The very high local protein concentration in the water-deficient confined microenvironment not only drives the viscoelastic transition from the liquid to solid-like state but also most often nucleate amyloid fibril formation. Indeed, protein misfolding, oligomerization, and amyloid aggregation are observed to be initiated from the LLPS of various neurodegeneration-related proteins. Moreover, in these cases, neurodegeneration-promoting genetic and environmental factors play a direct role in amyloid aggregation preceded by the phase separation. These cumulative recent observations ignite the possibility of LLPS being a prominent nucleation mechanism associated with aberrant protein aggregation. The present review elaborates on the nucleation mechanism of the amyloid aggregation pathway and the possible early molecular events associated with amyloid-related protein phase separation. It also summarizes the recent advancement in understanding the aberrant phase transition of major proteins contributing to neurodegeneration focusing on the common disease-associated factors. Overall, this review proposes a generic LLPS-mediated multistep nucleation mechanism for amyloid aggregation and its implication in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semanti Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Manisha Poudyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Kritika Dave
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
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19
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Zhu J, Liu G, Goins CM, Stauffer SR, Gack MU. ISGylation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein by HERC5 impedes N oligomerization and thereby viral RNA synthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594393. [PMID: 39149229 PMCID: PMC11326284 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin-like protein, is covalently conjugated to host (immune) proteins such as MDA5 and IRF3 in a process called ISGylation, thereby limiting the replication of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, whether SARS-CoV-2 proteins can be directly targeted for ISGylation remains elusive. In this study, we identified the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 as a major substrate of ISGylation catalyzed by the host E3 ligase HERC5; however, N ISGylation is readily removed through de-ISGylation by the papain-like protease (PLpro) activity of NSP3. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that the N protein undergoes ISGylation at four lysine residues (K266, K355, K387 and K388), and mutational analysis of these sites in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon (N-4KR) abolished N ISGylation and alleviated ISGylation-mediated inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. Furthermore, our results indicated that HERC5 targets preferentially phosphorylated N protein for ISGylation to regulate its oligomeric assembly. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the host ISGylation machinery directly targets SARS-CoV-2 proteins to restrict viral replication and illuminate how an intricate interplay of host (HERC5) and viral (PLpro) enzymes coordinates viral protein ISGylation and thereby regulates virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Zhu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - GuanQun Liu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Christopher M. Goins
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shaun R. Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michaela U. Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
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20
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Su G, Chen Y, Li X, Shao JW. Virus versus host: influenza A virus circumvents the immune responses. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1394510. [PMID: 38817972 PMCID: PMC11137263 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1394510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) is a highly contagious pathogen causing dreadful losses to humans and animals around the globe. As is known, immune escape is a strategy that benefits the proliferation of IAVs by antagonizing, blocking, and suppressing immune surveillance. The HA protein binds to the sialic acid (SA) receptor to enter the cytoplasm and initiate viral infection. The conserved components of the viral genome produced during replication, known as the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), are thought to be critical factors for the activation of effective innate immunity by triggering dependent signaling pathways after recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), followed by a cascade of adaptive immunity. Viral infection-induced immune responses establish an antiviral state in the host to effectively inhibit virus replication and enhance viral clearance. However, IAV has evolved multiple mechanisms that allow it to synthesize and transport viral components by "playing games" with the host. At its heart, this review will describe how host and viral factors interact to facilitate the viral evasion of host immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanming Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqun Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Wei Shao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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21
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Xiao X, Fu Y, You W, Huang C, Zeng F, Gu X, Sun X, Li J, Zhang Q, Du W, Cheng G, Liu Z, Liu L. Inhibition of the RLR signaling pathway by SARS-CoV-2 ORF7b is mediated by MAVS and abrogated by ORF7b-homologous interfering peptide. J Virol 2024; 98:e0157323. [PMID: 38572974 PMCID: PMC11092349 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01573-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and characterized by dysregulated immune response. Studies have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF7b induces host cell apoptosis through the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) pathway and blocks the production of interferon beta (IFN-β). The underlying mechanism remains to be investigated. In this study, we found that ORF7b facilitated viral infection and production, and inhibited the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway through selectively interacting with mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS). MAVS439-466 region and MAVS Lys461 were essential for the physical association between MAVS and ORF7b, and the inhibition of the RLR signaling pathway by ORF7b. MAVSK461/K63 ubiquitination was essential for the RLR signaling regulated by the MAVS-ORF7b complex. ORF7b interfered with the recruitment of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and the activation of the RLR signaling pathway by MAVS. Furthermore, interfering peptides targeting the ORF7b complex reversed the ORF7b-suppressed MAVS-RLR signaling pathway. The most potent interfering peptide V disrupts the formation of ORF7b tetramers, reverses the levels of the ORF7b-inhibited physical association between MAVS and TRAF6, leading to the suppression of viral growth and infection. Overall, this study provides a mechanism for the suppression of innate immunity by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the mechanism-based approach via interfering peptides to potentially prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.IMPORTANCEThe pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and continues to be a threat to public health. It is imperative to understand the biology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and find approaches to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and ameliorate COVID-19. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins are known to function on the innate immune response, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study shows that ORF7b inhibits the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway through the physical association between ORF7b and mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), impairing the K63-linked MAVS polyubiquitination and its recruitment of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) to MAVS. The most potent interfering peptide V targeting the ORF7b-MAVS complex may reverse the suppression of the MAVS-mediated RLR signaling pathway by ORF7b and prevent viral infection and production. This study may provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and a strategy to develop new drugs to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yanan Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Wanling You
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Feng Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xinsheng Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiaoguang Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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22
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Wu T, Yu JC, Suresh A, Gale-Day ZJ, Alteen MG, Woo AS, Millbern Z, Johnson OT, Carroll EC, Partch CL, Fourches D, Vinueza NR, Vocadlo DJ, Gestwicki JE. Protein-adaptive differential scanning fluorimetry using conformationally responsive dyes. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02158-7. [PMID: 38744946 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a technique that reports protein thermal stability via the selective recognition of unfolded states by fluorogenic dyes. However, DSF applications remain limited by protein incompatibilities with existing DSF dyes. Here we overcome this obstacle with the development of a protein-adaptive DSF platform (paDSF) that combines a dye library 'Aurora' with a streamlined procedure to identify protein-dye pairs on demand. paDSF was successfully applied to 94% (66 of 70) of proteins, tripling the previous compatibility and delivering assays for 66 functionally and biochemically diverse proteins, including 10 from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We find that paDSF can be used to monitor biological processes that were previously inaccessible, demonstrated for the interdomain allostery of O-GlcNAc transferase. The chemical diversity and varied selectivities of Aurora dyes suggest that paDSF functionality may be readily extended. paDSF is a generalizable tool to interrogate protein stability, dynamics and ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiasean Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joshua C Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arundhati Suresh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zachary J Gale-Day
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew G Alteen
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda S Woo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zoe Millbern
- Department of Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Oleta T Johnson
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emma C Carroll
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carrie L Partch
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Denis Fourches
- Department of Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Nelson R Vinueza
- Department of Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David J Vocadlo
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason E Gestwicki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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23
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Zong Z, Xie F, Wang S, Wu X, Zhang Z, Yang B, Zhou F. Alanyl-tRNA synthetase, AARS1, is a lactate sensor and lactyltransferase that lactylates p53 and contributes to tumorigenesis. Cell 2024; 187:2375-2392.e33. [PMID: 38653238 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.002] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Lysine lactylation is a post-translational modification that links cellular metabolism to protein function. Here, we find that AARS1 functions as a lactate sensor that mediates global lysine lacylation in tumor cells. AARS1 binds to lactate and catalyzes the formation of lactate-AMP, followed by transfer of lactate to the lysince acceptor residue. Proteomics studies reveal a large number of AARS1 targets, including p53 where lysine 120 and lysine 139 in the DNA binding domain are lactylated. Generation and utilization of p53 variants carrying constitutively lactylated lysine residues revealed that AARS1 lactylation of p53 hinders its liquid-liquid phase separation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activation. AARS1 expression and p53 lacylation correlate with poor prognosis among cancer patients carrying wild type p53. β-alanine disrupts lactate binding to AARS1, reduces p53 lacylation, and mitigates tumorigenesis in animal models. We propose that AARS1 contributes to tumorigenesis by coupling tumor cell metabolism to proteome alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, the Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, the Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Disease and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu key laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, the Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Disease and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu key laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojin Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, the Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, the Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Disease and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu key laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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24
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Miller MA, Medina S. Life at the interface: Engineering bio-nanomaterials through interfacial molecular self-assembly. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1966. [PMID: 38725255 PMCID: PMC11090466 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Interfacial self-assembly describes the directed organization of molecules and colloids at phase boundaries. Believed to be fundamental to the inception of primordial life, interfacial assembly is exploited by a myriad of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms to execute physiologic activities and maintain homeostasis. Inspired by these natural systems, chemists, engineers, and materials scientists have sought to harness the thermodynamic equilibria at phase boundaries to create multi-dimensional, highly ordered, and functional nanomaterials. Recent advances in our understanding of the biophysical principles guiding molecular assembly at gas-solid, gas-liquid, solid-liquid, and liquid-liquid interphases have enhanced the rational design of functional bio-nanomaterials, particularly in the fields of biosensing, bioimaging and biotherapy. Continued development of non-canonical building blocks, paired with deeper mechanistic insights into interphase self-assembly, holds promise to yield next generation interfacial bio-nanomaterials with unique, and perhaps yet unrealized, properties. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott Medina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Bai Y, Ning K. How does severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) achieve immune evasion?: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37780. [PMID: 38640329 PMCID: PMC11030025 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease known for its significant lung damage. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives has been limited, the virus has not vanished entirely and continues to undergo mutations. This calls for a concentrated focus on the matter of SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion. Drawing on observations of immune escape mechanisms in other viruses, some scholars have proposed that liquid-liquid phase separation might play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's ability to evade the immune system. Within the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the nucleocapsid protein plays a pivotal role in RNA replication and transcription. Concurrently, this protein can engage in phase separation with RNA. A thorough examination of the phase separation related to the nucleocapsid protein may unveil the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 accomplishes immune evasion. Moreover, this analysis may provide valuable insights for future development of innovative antiviral drugs or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahu Bai
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ning
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Respiratory, Occupational Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Province Hospital of Occupational Diseases, Jinan, China
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26
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Özçelik C, Araz CZ, Yılmaz Ö, Gülyüz S, Özdamar P, Salmanlı E, Özkul A, Şeker UÖŞ. Screening Peptide Drug Candidates To Neutralize Whole Viral Agents: A Case Study with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1032-1042. [PMID: 38633598 PMCID: PMC11020059 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00317] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need for therapeutic and pharmaceutical molecule development in a short time with different approaches. Although boosting immunological memory by vaccination was the quickest and robust strategy, still medication is required for the immediate treatment of a patient. A popular approach is the mining of new therapeutic molecules. Peptide-based drug candidates are also becoming a popular avenue. To target whole pathogenic viral agents, peptide libraries can be employed. With this motivation, we have used the 12mer M13 phage display library for selecting SARS-CoV-2 targeting peptides as potential neutralizing molecules to prevent viral infections. Panning was applied with four iterative cycles to select SARS-CoV-2 targeting phage particles displaying 12-amino acid-long peptides. Randomly selected peptide sequences were synthesized by a solid-state peptide synthesis method. Later, selected peptides were analyzed by the quartz crystal microbalance method to characterize their molecular interaction with SARS-CoV-2's S protein. Finally, the neutralization activity of the selected peptides was probed with an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that scpep3, scpep8, and scpep10 peptides have both binding and neutralizing capacity for S1 protein as a candidate for therapeutic molecule. The results of this study have a translational potential with future in vivo and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemile
Elif Özçelik
- UNAM—Institute
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Cemre Zekiye Araz
- Synbiotik
Biotechnology and Biomedical Technology Bilkent Kümeevler, Çankaya, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Özgür Yılmaz
- Material
Technologies, Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Gebze, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Gülyüz
- Material
Technologies, Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Gebze, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Pınar Özdamar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Graduate School of Health
Sciences, Department of Virology, Ankara
University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Salmanlı
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Graduate School of Health
Sciences, Department of Virology, Ankara
University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Aykut Özkul
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Graduate School of Health
Sciences, Department of Virology, Ankara
University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker
- UNAM—Institute
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Interdisciplinary
Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
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27
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Laughlin PM, Young K, Gonzalez-Gutierrez G, Wang JC, Zlotnick A. A narrow ratio of nucleic acid to SARS-CoV-2 N-protein enables phase separation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588883. [PMID: 38645044 PMCID: PMC11030382 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein (N) is a viral structural protein that packages the 30kb genomic RNA inside virions and forms condensates within infected cells through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). N, in both soluble and condensed forms, has accessory roles in the viral life cycle including genome replication and immunosuppression. The ability to perform these tasks depends on phase separation and its reversibility. The conditions that stabilize and destabilize N condensates and the role of N-N interactions are poorly understood. We have investigated LLPS formation and dissolution in a minimalist system comprised of N protein and an ssDNA oligomer just long enough to support assembly. The short oligo allows us to focus on the role of N-N interaction. We have developed a sensitive FRET assay to interrogate LLPS assembly reactions from the perspective of the oligonucleotide. We find that N alone can form oligomers but that oligonucleotide enables their assembly into a three-dimensional phase. At a ~1:1 ratio of N to oligonucleotide LLPS formation is maximal. We find that a modest excess of N or of nucleic acid causes the LLPS to break down catastrophically. Under the conditions examined here assembly has a critical concentration of about 1 μM. The responsiveness of N condensates to their environment may have biological consequences. A better understanding of how nucleic acid modulates N-N association will shed light on condensate activity and could inform antiviral strategies targeting LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Young
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University
| | | | - Joseph C.Y. Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University
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28
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Huang Y, Huang C, Chen J, Chen S, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by a ssDNA aptamer targeting the nucleocapsid protein. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0341023. [PMID: 38376366 PMCID: PMC10986557 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03410-23] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays significant roles in viral assembly, immune evasion, and viral stability. Due to its immunogenicity, high expression levels during COVID-19, and conservation across viral strains, it represents an attractive target for antiviral treatment. In this study, we identified and characterized a single-stranded DNA aptamer, N-Apt17, which effectively disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by the N protein. To enhance the aptamer's stability, a circular bivalent form, cb-N-Apt17, was designed and evaluated. Our findings demonstrated that cb-N-Apt17 exhibited improved stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior inhibition of N protein LLPS; thus, it has the potential inhibition ability on viral replication. These results provide valuable evidence supporting the potential of cb-N-Apt17 as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral therapies against COVID-19.IMPORTANCEVariants of SARS-CoV-2 pose a significant challenge to currently available COVID-19 vaccines and therapies due to the rapid epitope changes observed in the viral spike protein. However, the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2, a highly conserved structural protein, offers promising potential as a target for inhibiting viral replication. The N protein forms complexes with genomic RNA, interacts with other viral structural proteins during virion assembly, and plays a critical role in evading host innate immunity by impairing interferon production during viral infection. In this investigation, we discovered a single-stranded DNA aptamer, designated as N-Apt17, exhibiting remarkable affinity and specificity for the N protein. Notably, N-Apt17 disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the N protein. To enhance the stability and molecular recognition capabilities of N-Apt17, we designed a circular bivalent DNA aptamer termed cb-N-Apt17. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, cb-N-Apt17 exhibited increased stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior LLPS disrupting ability. Thus, our study provides essential proof-of-principle evidence supporting the further development of cb-N-Apt17 as a therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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29
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Steiner S, Kratzel A, Barut GT, Lang RM, Aguiar Moreira E, Thomann L, Kelly JN, Thiel V. SARS-CoV-2 biology and host interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:206-225. [PMID: 38225365 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have profoundly affected our society. The rapid spread and continuous evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to threaten global public health. Recent scientific advances have dissected many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in coronavirus infections, and large-scale screens have uncovered novel host-cell factors that are vitally important for the virus life cycle. In this Review, we provide an updated summary of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, gene function and virus-host interactions, including recent landmark findings on general aspects of coronavirus biology and newly discovered host factors necessary for virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Steiner
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annika Kratzel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Tuba Barut
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto M Lang
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Etori Aguiar Moreira
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Thomann
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenna N Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany.
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30
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Eltayeb A, Al-Sarraj F, Alharbi M, Albiheyri R, Mattar EH, Abu Zeid IM, Bouback TA, Bamagoos A, Uversky VN, Rubio-Casillas A, Redwan EM. Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: IV. Hypothetical roles of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and its liquid-liquid phase separation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30530. [PMID: 38349116 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30530] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
When the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects humans, it leads to a condition called COVID-19 that has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from no symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The virus initiates damage by attaching to the ACE-2 protein on the surface of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels and using these cells as hosts for replication. Reactive oxygen species levels are increased during viral replication, which leads to oxidative stress. About three-fifths (~60%) of the people who get infected with the virus eradicate it from their body after 28 days and recover their normal activity. However, a large fraction (~40%) of the people who are infected with the virus suffer from various symptoms (anosmia and/or ageusia, fatigue, cough, myalgia, cognitive impairment, insomnia, dyspnea, and tachycardia) beyond 12 weeks and are diagnosed with a syndrome called long COVID. Long-term clinical studies in a group of people who contracted SARS-CoV-2 have been contrasted with a noninfected matched group of people. A subset of infected people can be distinguished by a set of cytokine markers to have persistent, low-grade inflammation and often self-report two or more bothersome symptoms. No medication can alleviate their symptoms efficiently. Coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been investigated extensively as potential drug targets due to their key roles in virus replication, among which is their ability to bind their respective genomic RNAs for incorporation into emerging virions. This review highlights basic studies of the nucleocapsid protein and its ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. We hypothesize that this ability of the nucleocapsid protein for phase separation may contribute to long COVID. This hypothesis unlocks new investigation angles and could potentially open novel avenues for a better understanding of long COVID and treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eltayeb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Al-Sarraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Albiheyri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab H Mattar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam M Abu Zeid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A Bouback
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif Bamagoos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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31
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Zhou J, Zhou Y, Wei XF, Fan L, Gao X, Li Y, Wu Y, Feng W, Shen X, Liu L, Xu G, Zhang Z. TRIM6 facilitates SARS-CoV-2 proliferation by catalyzing the K29-typed ubiquitination of NP to enhance the ability to bind viral genomes. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29531. [PMID: 38515377 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29531] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The Nucleocapsid Protein (NP) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not only the core structural protein required for viral packaging, but also participates in the regulation of viral replication, and its post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation have been shown to be an important strategy for regulating virus proliferation. Our previous work identified NP could be ubiquitinated, as confirmed by two independent studies. But the function of NP ubiquitination is currently unknown. In this study, we first pinpointed TRIM6 as the E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for NP ubiquitination, binding to NP's CTD via its RING and B-box-CCD domains. TRIM6 promotes the K29-typed polyubiquitination of NP at K102, K347, and K361 residues, increasing its binding to viral genomic RNA. Consistently, functional experiments such as the use of the reverse genetic tool trVLP model and gene knockout of TRIM6 further confirmed that blocking the ubiquitination of NP by TRIM6 significantly inhibited the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, the NP of coronavirus is relatively conserved, and the NP of SARS-CoV can also be ubiquitinated by TRIM6, indicating that NP could be a broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus target. These findings shed light on the intricate interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the host, potentially opening new opportunities for COVID-19 therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xia-Fei Wei
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lujie Fan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunfei Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yezi Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - XiaoTong Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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32
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Du S, Hu X, Liu X, Zhan P. Revolutionizing viral disease treatment: Phase separation and lysosome/exosome targeting as new areas and new paradigms for antiviral drug research. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103888. [PMID: 38244674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103888] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
With the advancement of globalization, our world is becoming increasingly interconnected. However, this interconnection means that once an infectious disease emerges, it can rapidly spread worldwide. Specifically, viral diseases pose a growing threat to human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pressing need for expedited drug development to combat emerging viral diseases. Traditional drug discovery methods primarily rely on random screening and structure-based optimization, and new approaches are required to address more complex scenarios in drug discovery. Emerging antiviral strategies include phase separation and lysosome/exosome targeting. The widespread implementation of these innovative drug design strategies will contribute towards tackling existing viral infections and future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xueping Hu
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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33
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Liu S, Bi Y, Han T, Li YE, Wang Q, Wu NN, Xu C, Ge J, Hu R, Zhang Y. The E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH2 protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through inhibiting pyroptosis via negative regulation of PGAM5/MAVS/NLRP3 axis. Cell Discov 2024; 10:24. [PMID: 38409220 PMCID: PMC10897310 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00622-3] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we report that expression levels of the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated RING finger protein 2 (MARCH2) were elevated in ischemic human hearts or mouse hearts upon I/R injury. Genetic ablation of MARCH2 aggravated myocardial infarction and cardiac dysfunction upon myocardial I/R injury. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis suggested that loss of MARCH2 prompted activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) was found to act as a novel regulator of MAVS-NLRP3 signaling by forming liquid-liquid phase separation condensates with MAVS and fostering the recruitment of NLRP3. MARCH2 directly interacts with PGAM5 to promote its K48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, resulting in reduced PGAM5-MAVS co-condensation, and consequently inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. AAV-based re-introduction of MARCH2 significantly ameliorated I/R-induced mouse heart dysfunction. Altogether, our findings reveal a novel mechanism where MARCH2-mediated ubiquitination negatively regulates the PGAM5/MAVS/NLRP3 axis to protect against cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and myocardial I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuolin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission. Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaguang Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission. Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianting Han
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran E Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission. Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihang Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ne Natalie Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission. Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenguo Xu
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission. Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ronggui Hu
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advance Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission. Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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34
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Martin EW, Iserman C, Olety B, Mitrea DM, Klein IA. Biomolecular Condensates as Novel Antiviral Targets. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168380. [PMID: 38061626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168380] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections pose a significant health risk worldwide. There is a pressing need for more effective antiviral drugs to combat emerging novel viruses and the reemergence of previously controlled viruses. Biomolecular condensates are crucial for viral replication and are promising targets for novel antiviral therapies. Herein, we review the role of biomolecular condensates in the viral replication cycle and discuss novel strategies to leverage condensate biology for antiviral drug discovery. Biomolecular condensates may also provide an opportunity to develop antivirals that are broad-spectrum or less prone to acquired drug resistance.
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35
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Edalat F, Khakpour N, Heli H, Letafati A, Ramezani A, Hosseini SY, Moattari A. Immunological mechanisms of the nucleocapsid protein in COVID-19. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3711. [PMID: 38355695 PMCID: PMC10867304 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53906-3] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resulting from Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has left an indelible mark on a global scale, causing countless infections and fatalities. This investigation delves into the role of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein within the HEK293 cells, shedding light on its influence over apoptosis, interferon signaling, and cytokines production. The N gene was amplified, inserted into the pAdTrack-CMV vector, and then transfected to the HEK293 cells. Changes in the expression of IRF3, IRF7, IFN-β, BAK, BAX, and BCL-2 genes were evaluated. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines of IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, and TNF-α were also determined. The N protein exhibited an anti-apoptotic effect by modulating critical genes associated with apoptosis, including BAK, BAX, and BCL-2. This effect potentially prolonged the survival of infected cells. The N protein also played a role in immune evasion by suppressing the interferon pathway, evidenced by the downregulation of essential interferon regulatory factors of IRF3 and IRF7, and IFN-β expression. The N protein expression led to a substantial increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines of IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The N protein emerged as a versatile factor and was exerted over apoptosis, interferon signaling, and cytokine production. These findings carry potential implications for the development of targeted therapies to combat COVID-19 and mitigate its global health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahime Edalat
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Khakpour
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Heli
- Nanomedicine and Nanobiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Younes Hosseini
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afagh Moattari
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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36
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van Huizen M, Vendrell XM, de Gruyter HLM, Boomaars-van der Zanden AL, van der Meer Y, Snijder EJ, Kikkert M, Myeni SK. The Main Protease of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Induces Cleavage of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein to Antagonize the Innate Immune Response. Viruses 2024; 16:256. [PMID: 38400032 PMCID: PMC10892576 DOI: 10.3390/v16020256] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is a crucial signaling adaptor in the sensing of positive-sense RNA viruses and the subsequent induction of the innate immune response. Coronaviruses have evolved multiple mechanisms to evade this response, amongst others, through their main protease (Mpro), which is responsible for the proteolytic cleavage of the largest part of the viral replicase polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab. Additionally, it can cleave cellular substrates, such as innate immune signaling factors, to dampen the immune response. Here, we show that MAVS is cleaved in cells infected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), but not in cells infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This cleavage was independent of cellular negative feedback mechanisms that regulate MAVS activation. Furthermore, MERS-CoV Mpro expression induced MAVS cleavage upon overexpression and suppressed the activation of the interferon-β (IFN-β) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) response. We conclude that we have uncovered a novel mechanism by which MERS-CoV downregulates the innate immune response, which is not observed among other highly pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sebenzile K. Myeni
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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37
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Zheng G, Qiu G, Qian H, Shu Q, Xu J. Multifaceted role of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in lung injury. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332440. [PMID: 38375473 PMCID: PMC10875085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third human coronavirus to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and contains four structural proteins: spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that all four structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are capable of causing lung injury, even without the presence of intact virus. Therefore, the topic of SARS-CoV-2 structural protein-evoked lung injury warrants more attention. In the current article, we first synopsize the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Second, we discuss the mechanisms for structural protein-induced inflammatory responses in vitro. Finally, we list the findings that indicate structural proteins themselves are toxic and sufficient to induce lung injury in vivo. Recognizing mechanisms of lung injury triggered by SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins may facilitate the development of targeted modalities in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guanguan Qiu
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huifeng Qian
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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38
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Deng R, Zhang L, Chen S, Li X, Xue B, Li H, Xu Y, Tian R, Liu Q, Wang L, Liu S, Yang D, Li P, Tang S, Zhu H. PZR suppresses innate immune response to RNA viral infection by inhibiting MAVS activation in interferon signaling mediated by RIG-I and MDA5. Antiviral Res 2024; 222:105797. [PMID: 38185222 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105797] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA viral infections seriously endanger human health. Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) suppresses innate immunity against influenza A virus, and pharmacological inhibition of SHP2 provokes hepatic innate immunity. SHP2 binds and catalyzes tyrosyl dephosphorylation of protein zero-related (PZR), but the regulatory effect of PZR on innate immune response to viral infection is unclear. In this study, the transcription and protein level of PZR in host cells were found to be decreased with RNA viral infection, and high level of PZR was uncovered to inhibit interferon (IFN) signaling mediated by RIG-I and MDA5. Through localizing in mitochondria, PZR targeted and interacted with MAVS (also known as IPS-1/VISA/Cardif), suppressing the aggregation and activation of MAVS. Specifically, Y263 residue in ITIM is critical for PZR to exert immunosuppression under RNA viral infection. Moreover, the recruited SHP2 by PZR that modified with tyrosine phosphorylation under RNA viral infection might inhibit phosphorylation activation of MAVS. In conclusion, PZR and SHP2 suppress innate immune response to RNA viral infection through inhibiting MAVS activation. This study reveals the regulatory mechanism of PZR-SHP2-MAVS signal axis on IFN signaling mediated by RIG-I and MDA5, which may provide new sight for developing antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilin Deng
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Lini Zhang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Shengwen Chen
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Xinran Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Binbin Xue
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Pathology and Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Huiyi Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Pathology and Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Renyun Tian
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Luoling Wang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Di Yang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Penghui Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Songqing Tang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Haizhen Zhu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Pathology and Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China.
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Ren J, Wang S, Zong Z, Pan T, Liu S, Mao W, Huang H, Yan X, Yang B, He X, Zhou F, Zhang L. TRIM28-mediated nucleocapsid protein SUMOylation enhances SARS-CoV-2 virulence. Nat Commun 2024; 15:244. [PMID: 38172120 PMCID: PMC10764958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44502-6] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses, as opportunistic intracellular parasites, hijack the cellular machinery of host cells to support their survival and propagation. Numerous viral proteins are subjected to host-mediated post-translational modifications. Here, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS2-NP) is SUMOylated on the lysine 65 residue, which efficiently mediates SARS2-NP's ability in homo-oligomerization, RNA association, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Thereby the innate antiviral immune response is suppressed robustly. These roles can be achieved through intermolecular association between SUMO conjugation and a newly identified SUMO-interacting motif in SARS2-NP. Importantly, the widespread SARS2-NP R203K mutation gains a novel site of SUMOylation which further increases SARS2-NP's LLPS and immunosuppression. Notably, the SUMO E3 ligase TRIM28 is responsible for catalyzing SARS2-NP SUMOylation. An interfering peptide targeting the TRIM28 and SARS2-NP interaction was screened out to block SARS2-NP SUMOylation and LLPS, and consequently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and rescue innate antiviral immunity. Collectively, these data support SARS2-NP SUMOylation is critical for SARS-CoV-2 virulence, and therefore provide a strategy to antagonize SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhi Zong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- International Biomed-X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huizhe Huang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Bing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Xin He
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Long Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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40
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Sundar Rajan V, Wypijewska Del Nogal A, Levin S, Wilhelmsson LM, Westerlund F. Exploring the conformational dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 SL4 hairpin by combining optical tweezers and base analogues. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:752-764. [PMID: 38087988 PMCID: PMC10763987 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04110g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The parasitic nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus demands selective packaging of its RNA genome (gRNA) from the abundance of other nucleic acids present in infected cells. Despite increasing evidence that stem-loop 4 (SL4) of the gRNA 5' UTR is involved in the initiation of this process by binding the nucleocapsid (N) protein, little is known about its conformational dynamics. Here, we unravel the stability, dynamics and (un)folding pathways of SL4 using optical tweezers and a base analogue, tCO, that provides a local and subtle increase in base stacking without perturbing hydrogen bonding. We find that SL4 (un)folds mainly in a single step or through an intermediate, encompassing nucleotides from the central U bulge to the hairpin loop. Due to an upper-stem CU mismatch, SL4 is prone to misfold, the extent of which can be tuned by incorporating tCO at different positions. Our study contributes to a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 packaging and the design of drugs targeting SL4. We also highlight the generalizability of using base analogues in optical tweezers experiments for probing intramolecular states and conformational transitions of various nucleic acids at the level of single molecules and with base-pair resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinoth Sundar Rajan
- Division of Chemical Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Sweden.
- Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Sweden.
| | - Anna Wypijewska Del Nogal
- Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Sweden.
| | - Sune Levin
- Division of Chemical Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Sweden.
| | - L Marcus Wilhelmsson
- Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Westerlund
- Division of Chemical Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Sweden.
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41
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Liu M, Wu C, Wang R, Qiu J, She Z, Qu J, Xia J. Modulating Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Nck Adaptor Protein against Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:2358-2368. [PMID: 38161366 PMCID: PMC10755736 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Signaling proteins often form biomolecular condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) during intracellular signal transduction. Modulating the LLPS property of intracellular protein condensates will redirect intracellular signals and provide a potential way to regulate cellular physiology. Phosphorylation of multiple tyrosine residues of the transmembrane receptor nephrin is known to drive the LLPS of the adaptor protein Nck and neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (N-WASP) and form the Nck signaling complex. Phosphorylation of the translocated intimin receptor (Tir) in the host cell may recruit this enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) virulence factor to the Nck signaling complex and lead to the entry of EPEC into the intestine cell. In this work, we first identified a phosphotyrosine (pY)-containing peptide 3pY based on the sequence similarity of nephrin and Tir; 3pY promoted the LLPS of Nck and N-WASP, mimicking the role of phosphorylated nephrin. Next, we designed a covalent blocker of Nck, peptide p1 based on the selected pY peptides, which site-selectively reacted with the SH2 domain of Nck (Nck-SH2) at Lys331 through a proximity-induced reaction. The covalent reaction of p1 with Nck blocked the protein binding site of Nck-SH2 and disintegrated the 3pY/Nck/N-WASP condensates. In the presence of membrane-translocating peptide L17E, p1 entered Caco-2 cells in the cytosol, reduced the number of Nck puncta, and rendered Caco-2 cells resistant to EPEC infection. Site-selective covalent blockage of Nck thereby disintegrates intracellular Nck condensates, inhibits actin reorganization, and shuts down the entrance pathway of EPEC. This work showcases the promotion or inhibition of protein phase separation by synthetic peptides and the use of reactive peptides as LLPS disruptors and signal modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Cell & Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunjian Wu
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Cell & Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen
Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Jiaming Qiu
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Cell & Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhentao She
- Departments
of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Center of Systems Biology
and Human Health, School of Science and Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianan Qu
- Departments
of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Center of Systems Biology
and Human Health, School of Science and Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Cell & Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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42
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Khramtsov YV, Ulasov AV, Lupanova TN, Slastnikova TA, Rosenkranz AA, Bunin ES, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Intracellular Degradation of SARS-CoV-2 N-Protein Caused by Modular Nanotransporters Containing Anti-N-Protein Monobody and a Sequence That Recruits the Keap1 E3 Ligase. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:4. [PMID: 38276482 PMCID: PMC10818351 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010004] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The proper viral assembly relies on both nucleic acids and structural viral proteins. Thus a biologically active agent that provides the degradation of one of these key proteins and/or destroys the viral factory could suppress viral replication efficiently. The nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) is a key protein for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a bioactive agent, we offer a modular nanotransporter (MNT) developed by us, which, in addition to an antibody mimetic to the N-protein, contains an amino acid sequence for the attraction of the Keap1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. This should lead to the subsequent degradation of the N-protein. We have shown that the functional properties of modules within the MNT permit its internalization into target cells, endosome escape into the cytosol, and binding to the N-protein. Using flow cytometry and western blotting, we demonstrated significant degradation of N-protein when A549 and A431 cells transfected with a plasmid coding for N-protein were incubated with the developed MNTs. The proposed MNTs open up a new approach for the treatment of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V. Khramtsov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Alexey V. Ulasov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Tatiana N. Lupanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Tatiana A. Slastnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Andrey A. Rosenkranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Egor S. Bunin
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii P. Georgiev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Alexander S. Sobolev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
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Boulton S, Poutou J, Gill R, Alluqmani N, He X, Singaravelu R, Crupi MJ, Petryk J, Austin B, Angka L, Taha Z, Teo I, Singh S, Jamil R, Marius R, Martin N, Jamieson T, Azad T, Diallo JS, Ilkow CS, Bell JC. A T cell-targeted multi-antigen vaccine generates robust cellular and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101110. [PMID: 37822719 PMCID: PMC10562195 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent behind the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has continued to mutate and create new variants with increased resistance against the WHO-approved spike-based vaccines. With a significant portion of the worldwide population still unvaccinated and with waning immunity against newly emerging variants, there is a pressing need to develop novel vaccines that provide broader and longer-lasting protection. To generate broader protective immunity against COVID-19, we developed our second-generation vaccinia virus-based COVID-19 vaccine, TOH-VAC-2, encoded with modified versions of the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins as well as a unique poly-epitope antigen that contains immunodominant T cell epitopes from seven different SARS-CoV-2 proteins. We show that the poly-epitope antigen restimulates T cells from the PBMCs of individuals formerly infected with SARS-CoV-2. In mice, TOH-VAC-2 vaccination produces high titers of S- and N-specific antibodies and generates robust T cell immunity against S, N, and poly-epitope antigens. The immunity generated from TOH-VAC-2 is also capable of protecting mice from heterologous challenge with recombinant VSV viruses that express the same SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our versatile vaccine platform as an alternative or complementary approach to current vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Boulton
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Joanna Poutou
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rida Gill
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Nouf Alluqmani
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Xiaohong He
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Ragunath Singaravelu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Mathieu J.F. Crupi
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Julia Petryk
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Bradley Austin
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Leonard Angka
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Zaid Taha
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Iris Teo
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Siddarth Singh
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Rameen Jamil
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Ricardo Marius
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Nikolas Martin
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Taylor Jamieson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Taha Azad
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Carolina S. Ilkow
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - John C. Bell
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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Rak A, Isakova-Sivak I, Rudenko L. Overview of Nucleocapsid-Targeting Vaccines against COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1810. [PMID: 38140214 PMCID: PMC10747980 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121810] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which emerged in late 2019, is a highly variable causative agent of COVID-19, a contagious respiratory disease with potentially severe complications. Vaccination is considered the most effective measure to prevent the spread and complications of this infection. Spike (S) protein-based vaccines were very successful in preventing COVID-19 caused by the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain; however, their efficacy was significantly reduced when coronavirus variants antigenically different from the original strain emerged in circulation. This is due to the high variability of this major viral antigen caused by escape from the immunity caused by the infection or vaccination with spike-targeting vaccines. The nucleocapsid protein (N) is a much more conserved SARS-CoV-2 antigen than the spike protein and has therefore attracted the attention of scientists as a promising target for broad-spectrum vaccine development. Here, we summarized the current data on various N-based COVID-19 vaccines that have been tested in animal challenge models or clinical trials. Despite the high conservatism of the N protein, escape mutations gradually occurring in the N sequence can affect its protective properties. During the three years of the pandemic, at least 12 mutations have arisen in the N sequence, affecting more than 40 known immunogenic T-cell epitopes, so the antigenicity of the N protein of recent SARS-CoV-2 variants may be altered. This fact should be taken into account as a limitation in the development of cross-reactive vaccines based on N-protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rak
- Department of Virology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia; (I.I.-S.); (L.R.)
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45
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Zheng Y, Yang H, Zhang X, Gao C. Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral innate immunity by ubiquitination and ubiquitin-like conjugation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194984. [PMID: 37717938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
A global pandemic COVID-19 resulting from SARS-CoV-2 has affected a significant portion of the human population. Antiviral innate immunity is critical for controlling and eliminating the viral infection. Ubiquitination is extensively involved in antiviral signaling, and recent studies suggest that ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) modifications also participate in innate antiviral pathways such as RLR and cGAS-STING pathways. Notably, virus infection harnesses ubiquitination and Ubls modifications to facilitate viral replication and counteract innate antiviral immunity. These observations indicate that ubiquitination and Ubls modifications are critical checkpoints for the tug-of-war between virus and host. This review discusses the current progress regarding the modulation of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and antiviral innate immune pathways by ubiquitination and Ubls modifications. This paper emphasizes the arising concept that ubiquitination and Ubls modifications are powerful modulators of virus and host interaction and potential drug targets for treating the infection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Huiyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Gondelaud F, Lozach PY, Longhi S. Viral amyloids: New opportunities for antiviral therapeutic strategies. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 83:102706. [PMID: 37783197 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Amyloidoses are an array of diseases associated with the aggregation of proteins into fibrils. While it was previously thought that amyloid fibril-forming proteins are exclusively host-cell encoded, recent studies have revealed that pathogenic viruses can form amyloid-like fibrils too. Intriguingly, viral amyloids are often composed of virulence factors, known for their contribution to cell death and disease progression. In this review, we survey the literature about viral proteins capable of forming amyloid-like fibrils. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the formation of viral amyloid-like aggregates are explored. In addition, we discuss the functional implications for viral amplification and the complex interplay between viral amyloids, biological functions, virulence, and virus-induced pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Gondelaud
- Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Aix Marseille University and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 163 Avenue de Luminy, Case 932, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Lozach
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INRAE, EPHE, IVPC UMR754, Team iWays, 69007, Lyon, France. https://twitter.com/pylozach
| | - Sonia Longhi
- Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), UMR 7257, Aix Marseille University and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 163 Avenue de Luminy, Case 932, 13288 Marseille, France.
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47
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Khramtsov YV, Ulasov AV, Lupanova TN, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Modular Nanotransporters Capable of Causing Intracellular Degradation of the N-Protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in A549 Cells with Temporary Expression of This Protein Fused with a Fluorescent Protein mRuby3. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 513:S60-S62. [PMID: 38379080 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923700710] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Modular nanotransporters (MNTs) containing an antibody-like molecule, monobody, to the N‑protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as an amino acid sequence that recruits the Keap1 E3 ligase (E3BP) were created. This MNT also included a site for cleavage of the E3BP monobody from the MNT in acidic endocytic compartments. It was shown that this cleavage by the endosomal protease cathepsin B leads to a 2.7-fold increase in the affinity of the E3BP monobody for the N-protein. Using A549 cells with transient expression of the N-protein fused with the fluorescent protein mRuby3, it was shown that incubation with MNT leads to a significant decrease in mRuby3 fluorescence. It is assumed that the developed MNTs can serve as a basis for the creation of new antiviral drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - T N Lupanova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - G P Georgiev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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48
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Yu H, Guan F, Miller H, Lei J, Liu C. The role of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in antiviral immunity and vaccine development. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2164219. [PMID: 36583642 PMCID: PMC9980416 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2164219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused enormous health risks and global economic disruption. This disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein involved in viral replication and assembly. There is accumulating evidence indicating that the nucleocapsid protein is multi-functional, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarize its potential application in the prevention of COVID-19, which is based on its role in inflammation, cell death, antiviral innate immunity, and antiviral adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heather Miller
- Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Chaohong Liu
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49
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Huang C, Yin Y, Pan P, Huang Y, Chen S, Chen J, Wang J, Xu G, Tao X, Xiao X, Li J, Yang J, Jin Z, Li B, Tong Z, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. The Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and UBC9 Inhibits MAVS Ubiquitination by Enhancing Its SUMOylation. Viruses 2023; 15:2304. [PMID: 38140545 PMCID: PMC10747396 DOI: 10.3390/v15122304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe COVID-19 patients exhibit impaired IFN-I response due to decreased IFN-β production, allowing persistent viral load and exacerbated inflammation. While the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein has been implicated in inhibiting innate immunity by interfering with IFN-β signaling, the specific underlying mechanism still needs further investigation for a comprehensive understanding. This study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein enhances interaction between the human SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9 and MAVS. Increased MAVS-UBC9 interaction leads to enhanced SUMOylation of MAVS, inhibiting its ubiquitination, resulting in the inhibition of phosphorylation events involving IKKα, TBK1, and IRF3, thus disrupting IFN-β signaling. This study highlights the role of the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 in modulating the innate immune response by affecting the MAVS SUMOylation and ubiquitination processes, leading to inhibition of the IFN-β signaling pathway. These findings shed light on the complex mechanisms utilized by SARS-CoV-2 to manipulate the host's antiviral defenses and provide potential insights for developing targeted therapeutic strategies against severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yiping Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Pan Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Guoqing Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xuan Tao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Zhaohui Tong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China (J.W.); (J.Y.)
- Institute of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
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50
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Chen Y, Lei X, Jiang Z, Humphries F, Parsi KM, Mustone NJ, Ramos I, Mutetwa T, Fernandez-Sesma A, Maehr R, Caffrey DR, Fitzgerald KA. Cellular nucleic acid-binding protein restricts SARS-CoV-2 by regulating interferon and disrupting RNA-protein condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308355120. [PMID: 37963251 PMCID: PMC10666094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308355120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of the innate immune mechanisms involved in restricting SARS-CoV-2 infection and how the virus disrupts these processes could reveal new strategies to boost antiviral mechanisms and develop therapeutics for COVID-19. Here, we identify cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) as a key host factor controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. In response to RNA-sensing pathways, CNBP is phosphorylated and translocates from the cytosol to the nucleus where it binds to the interferon-β enhancer to initiate transcription. Because SARS-CoV-2 evades immune detection by the host's RNA-sensing pathways, CNBP is largely retained in the cytosol where it restricts SARS-CoV-2 directly, leading to a battle between the host and SARS-CoV-2 that extends beyond antiviral immune signaling pathways. We further demonstrated that CNBP binds SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA directly and competes with the viral nucleocapsid protein to prevent viral RNA and nucleocapsid protein from forming liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) condensates critical for viral replication. Consequently, cells and animals lacking CNBP have higher viral loads, and CNBP-deficient mice succumb rapidly to infection. Altogether, these findings identify CNBP as a key antiviral factor for SARS-CoV-2, functioning both as a regulator of antiviral IFN gene expression and a cell-intrinsic restriction factor that disrupts LLPS to limit viral replication and spread. In addition, our studies also highlight viral condensates as important targets and strategies for the development of drugs to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Chen
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Xuqiu Lei
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Zhaozhao Jiang
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Fiachra Humphries
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Krishna Mohan Parsi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Nicholas J. Mustone
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Irene Ramos
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Tinaye Mutetwa
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Ana Fernandez-Sesma
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - René Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Daniel R. Caffrey
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
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