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Su HH, Lin ES, Huang YH, Lien Y, Huang CY. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9 ssDNA-Binding Activity and Cytotoxic Effects on H838, H1975, and A549 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells: Exploring the Potential of Nepenthes miranda Leaf Extract for Pulmonary Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6120. [PMID: 38892307 PMCID: PMC11173125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116120] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Carnivorous pitcher plants from the genus Nepenthes are renowned for their ethnobotanical uses. This research explores the therapeutic potential of Nepenthes miranda leaf extract against nonstructural protein 9 (Nsp9) of SARS-CoV-2 and in treating human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines. Nsp9, essential for SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication, was expressed and purified, and its interaction with ssDNA was assessed. Initial tests with myricetin and oridonin, known for targeting ssDNA-binding proteins and Nsp9, respectively, did not inhibit the ssDNA-binding activity of Nsp9. Subsequent screenings of various N. miranda extracts identified those using acetone, methanol, and ethanol as particularly effective in disrupting Nsp9's ssDNA-binding activity, as evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Molecular docking studies highlighted stigmast-5-en-3-ol and lupenone, major components in the leaf extract of N. miranda, as potential inhibitors. The cytotoxic properties of N. miranda leaf extract were examined across NSCLC lines H1975, A549, and H838, focusing on cell survival, apoptosis, and migration. Results showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in the following order: H1975 > A549 > H838 cells, indicating specificity. Enhanced anticancer effects were observed when the extract was combined with afatinib, suggesting synergistic interactions. Flow cytometry indicated that N. miranda leaf extract could induce G2 cell cycle arrest in H1975 cells, potentially inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) enabled the tentative identification of the 19 most abundant compounds in the leaf extract of N. miranda. These outcomes underscore the dual utility of N. miranda leaf extract in potentially managing SARS-CoV-2 infection through Nsp9 inhibition and offering anticancer benefits against lung carcinoma. These results significantly broaden the potential medical applications of N. miranda leaf extract, suggesting its use not only in traditional remedies but also as a prospective treatment for pulmonary diseases. Overall, our findings position the leaf extract of N. miranda as a promising source of natural compounds for anticancer therapeutics and antiviral therapies, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hui Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 717, Taiwan
| | - En-Shyh Lin
- Department of Beauty Science, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung City 403, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Yi Lien
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Cheng-Yang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
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2
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Martinez DR, Moreira FR, Catanzaro NJ, Diefenbacher MV, Zweigart MR, Gully KL, De la Cruz G, Brown AJ, Adams LE, Yount B, Baric TJ, Mallory ML, Conrad H, May SR, Dong S, Scobey DT, Nguyen C, Montgomery SA, Perry JK, Babusis D, Barrett KT, Nguyen AH, Nguyen AQ, Kalla R, Bannister R, Feng JY, Cihlar T, Baric RS, Mackman RL, Bilello JP, Schäfer A, Sheahan TP. The oral nucleoside prodrug GS-5245 is efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 and other endemic, epidemic, and enzootic coronaviruses. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj4504. [PMID: 38776389 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj4504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the wide availability of several safe and effective vaccines that prevent severe COVID-19, the persistent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) that can evade vaccine-elicited immunity remains a global health concern. In addition, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs that can evade therapeutic monoclonal antibodies underscores the need for additional, variant-resistant treatment strategies. Here, we characterize the antiviral activity of GS-5245, obeldesivir (ODV), an oral prodrug of the parent nucleoside GS-441524, which targets the highly conserved viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). We show that GS-5245 is broadly potent in vitro against alphacoronavirus HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-related bat-CoV RsSHC014, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 WA/1, and the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 Omicron variant. Moreover, in mouse models of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (WA/1 and Omicron B1.1.529), MERS-CoV, and bat-CoV RsSHC014 pathogenesis, we observed a dose-dependent reduction in viral replication, body weight loss, acute lung injury, and pulmonary function with GS-5245 therapy. Last, we demonstrate that a combination of GS-5245 and main protease (Mpro) inhibitor nirmatrelvir improved outcomes in vivo against SARS-CoV-2 compared with the single agents. Together, our data support the clinical evaluation of GS-5245 against coronaviruses that cause or have the potential to cause human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Martinez
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Fernando R Moreira
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nicholas J Catanzaro
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Meghan V Diefenbacher
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mark R Zweigart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kendra L Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gabriela De la Cruz
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ariane J Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lily E Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Boyd Yount
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thomas J Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael L Mallory
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Helen Conrad
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Samantha R May
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - D Trevor Scobey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cameron Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie A Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rao Kalla
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Tomas Cihlar
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Timothy P Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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3
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Mesaros EF, Dugan BJ, Gao M, Sheraz M, McGovern-Gooch K, Xu F, Fan KY, Nguyen D, Kultgen SG, Lindstrom A, Stever K, Tercero B, Binder RJ, Liu F, Micolochick Steuer HM, Mani N, Harasym TO, Thi EP, Cuconati A, Dorsey BD, Cole AG, Lam AM, Sofia MJ. Discovery of C-Linked Nucleoside Analogues with Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1780-1792. [PMID: 38651692 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00122] [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: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic underscored the limitations of currently available direct-acting antiviral treatments against acute respiratory RNA-viral infections and stimulated major research initiatives targeting anticoronavirus agents. Two novel nsp5 protease (MPro) inhibitors have been approved, nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir, along with two existing nucleos(t)ide analogues repurposed as nsp12 polymerase inhibitors, remdesivir and molnupiravir, but a need still exists for therapies with improved potency and systemic exposure with oral dosing, better metabolic stability, and reduced resistance and toxicity risks. Herein, we summarize our research toward identifying nsp12 inhibitors that led to nucleoside analogues 10e and 10n, which showed favorable pan-coronavirus activity in cell-infection screens, were metabolized to active triphosphate nucleotides in cell-incubation studies, and demonstrated target (nsp12) engagement in biochemical assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen F Mesaros
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Benjamin J Dugan
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Min Gao
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Muhammad Sheraz
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | | | - Fran Xu
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Kristi Yi Fan
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Duyan Nguyen
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Steven G Kultgen
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Aaron Lindstrom
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Kim Stever
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Breanna Tercero
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Randall J Binder
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Fei Liu
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | | | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Troy O Harasym
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Emily P Thi
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Andrea Cuconati
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Bruce D Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Andrew G Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Angela M Lam
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
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4
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Min Y, Xiong W, Shen W, Liu X, Qi Q, Zhang Y, Fan R, Fu F, Xue H, Yang H, Sun X, Ning Y, Tian T, Zhou X. Developing nucleoside tailoring strategies against SARS-CoV-2 via ribonuclease targeting chimera. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl4393. [PMID: 38598625 PMCID: PMC11006213 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In response to the urgent need for potent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) therapeutics, this study introduces an innovative nucleoside tailoring strategy leveraging ribonuclease targeting chimeras. By seamlessly integrating ribonuclease L recruiters into nucleosides, we address RNA recognition challenges and effectively inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 replication in human cells. Notably, nucleosides tailored at the ribose 2'-position outperform those modified at the nucleobase. Our in vivo validation using hamster models further bolsters the promise of this nucleoside tailoring approach, positioning it as a valuable asset in the development of innovative antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqin Min
- Wuhan Institute of Virology; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430200, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Qianqian Qi
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Ruochen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Heng Xue
- Wuhan Institute of Virology; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430200, Hubei, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430200, Hubei, China
| | - Xiulian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Virology; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430200, Hubei, China
| | - Yunjia Ning
- Wuhan Institute of Virology; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430200, Hubei, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
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5
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Yang W, Wang Y, Han D, Tang W, Sun L. Recent advances in application of computer-aided drug design in anti-COVID-19 Virials Drug Discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116423. [PMID: 38493593 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic epidemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which poses a serious threat to human health worldwide and results in significant economic losses. With the continuous emergence of new virus strains, small molecule drugs remain the most effective treatment for COVID-19. The traditional drug development process usually requires several years; however, the development of computer-aided drug design (CADD) offers the opportunity to develop innovative drugs quickly and efficiently. The literature review describes the general process of CADD, the viral proteins that play essential roles in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and can serve as therapeutic targets, and examples of drug screening of viral target proteins by applying CADD methods. Finally, the potential of CADD in COVID-19 therapy, the deficiency, and the possible future development direction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ye Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Dongfeng Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenjing Tang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lichao Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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6
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Hedskog C, Spinner CD, Protzer U, Hoffmann D, Ko C, Gottlieb RL, Askar M, Roestenberg M, de Vries JJC, Carbo EC, Martin R, Li J, Han D, Rodriguez L, Parvangada A, Perry JK, Ferrer R, Antón A, Andrés C, Casares V, Günthard HF, Huber M, McComsey GA, Sadri N, Aberg JA, van Bakel H, Porter DP. No Remdesivir Resistance Observed in the Phase 3 Severe and Moderate COVID-19 SIMPLE Trials. Viruses 2024; 16:546. [PMID: 38675889 PMCID: PMC11053423 DOI: 10.3390/v16040546] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir (RDV) is a broad-spectrum nucleotide analog prodrug approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with clinical benefit demonstrated in multiple Phase 3 trials. Here we present SARS-CoV-2 resistance analyses from the Phase 3 SIMPLE clinical studies evaluating RDV in hospitalized participants with severe or moderate COVID-19 disease. The severe and moderate studies enrolled participants with radiologic evidence of pneumonia and a room-air oxygen saturation of ≤94% or >94%, respectively. Virology sample collection was optional in the study protocols. Sequencing and related viral load data were obtained retrospectively from participants at a subset of study sites with local sequencing capabilities (10 of 183 sites) at timepoints with detectable viral load. Among participants with both baseline and post-baseline sequencing data treated with RDV, emergent Nsp12 substitutions were observed in 4 of 19 (21%) participants in the severe study and none of the 2 participants in the moderate study. The following 5 substitutions emerged: T76I, A526V, A554V, E665K, and C697F. The substitutions T76I, A526V, A554V, and C697F had an EC50 fold change of ≤1.5 relative to the wildtype reference using a SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic replicon system, indicating no significant change in the susceptibility to RDV. The phenotyping of E665K could not be determined due to a lack of replication. These data reveal no evidence of relevant resistance emergence and further confirm the established efficacy profile of RDV with a high resistance barrier in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hedskog
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Christoph D. Spinner
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Clinical Medicine—Clinical Department for Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany; (U.P.); (D.H.)
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Hoffmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany; (U.P.); (D.H.)
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Chunkyu Ko
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Munich, Germany
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert L. Gottlieb
- Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA; (R.L.G.); (M.A.)
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Medhat Askar
- Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA; (R.L.G.); (M.A.)
- QU Health and Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Leiden University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (J.J.C.d.V.); (E.C.C.)
| | - Jutte J. C. de Vries
- Leiden University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (J.J.C.d.V.); (E.C.C.)
| | - Ellen C. Carbo
- Leiden University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases (LUCID), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.R.); (J.J.C.d.V.); (E.C.C.)
| | - Ross Martin
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Jiani Li
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Dong Han
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Lauren Rodriguez
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Aiyappa Parvangada
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Jason K. Perry
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Ricard Ferrer
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Medicine Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (A.A.); (C.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Andrés Antón
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Medicine Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (A.A.); (C.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Cristina Andrés
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Medicine Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (A.A.); (C.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Vanessa Casares
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Medicine Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (R.F.); (A.A.); (C.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Huber
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Grace A. McComsey
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (G.A.M.); (N.S.)
| | - Navid Sadri
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (G.A.M.); (N.S.)
| | - Judith A. Aberg
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Danielle P. Porter
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA; (R.M.); (J.L.); (D.H.); (L.R.); (A.P.); (J.K.P.); (D.P.P.)
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7
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Shannon A, Chazot A, Feracci M, Falcou C, Fattorini V, Selisko B, Good S, Moussa A, Sommadossi JP, Ferron F, Alvarez K, Canard B. An exonuclease-resistant chain-terminating nucleotide analogue targeting the SARS-CoV-2 replicase complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1325-1340. [PMID: 38096103 PMCID: PMC10853775 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide analogues (NA) are currently employed for treatment of several viral diseases, including COVID-19. NA prodrugs are intracellularly activated to the 5'-triphosphate form. They are incorporated into the viral RNA by the viral polymerase (SARS-CoV-2 nsp12), terminating or corrupting RNA synthesis. For Coronaviruses, natural resistance to NAs is provided by a viral 3'-to-5' exonuclease heterodimer nsp14/nsp10, which can remove terminal analogues. Here, we show that the replacement of the α-phosphate of Bemnifosbuvir 5'-triphosphate form (AT-9010) by an α-thiophosphate renders it resistant to excision. The resulting α-thiotriphosphate, AT-9052, exists as two epimers (RP/SP). Through co-crystallization and activity assays, we show that the Sp isomer is preferentially used as a substrate by nucleotide diphosphate kinase (NDPK), and by SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, where its incorporation causes immediate chain-termination. The same -Sp isomer, once incorporated by nsp12, is also totally resistant to the excision by nsp10/nsp14 complex. However, unlike AT-9010, AT-9052-RP/SP no longer inhibits the N-terminal nucleotidylation domain of nsp12. We conclude that AT-9052-Sp exhibits a unique mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the thio modification provides a general approach to rescue existing NAs whose activity is hampered by coronavirus proofreading capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Aurélie Chazot
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Mikael Feracci
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Camille Falcou
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Véronique Fattorini
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Steven Good
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Adel Moussa
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | | | - François Ferron
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Karine Alvarez
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
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8
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Romero ME, McElhenney SJ, Yu J. Trapping a non-cognate nucleotide upon initial binding for replication fidelity control in SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1792-1808. [PMID: 38168789 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04410f] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in SARS-CoV-2 is a highly conserved enzyme responsible for viral genome replication/transcription. To understand how the viral RdRp achieves fidelity control during such processes, here we computationally investigate the natural non-cognate vs. cognate nucleotide addition and selectivity during viral RdRp elongation. We focus on the nucleotide substrate initial binding (RdRp active site open) to the prechemical insertion (active site closed) of the RdRp. The current studies were first carried out using microsecond ensemble equilibrium all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Due to the slow conformational changes (from open to closed) during nucleotide insertion and selection, enhanced or umbrella sampling methods have been further employed to calculate the free energy profiles of the nucleotide insertion. Our studies find notable stability of noncognate dATP and GTP upon initial binding in the active-site open state. The results indicate that while natural cognate ATP and Remdesivir drug analogue (RDV-TP) are biased toward stabilization in the closed state to facilitate insertion, the natural non-cognate dATP and GTP can be well trapped in off-path initial binding configurations and prevented from insertion so that to be further rejected. The current work thus presents the intrinsic nucleotide selectivity of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp for natural substrate fidelity control, which should be considered in antiviral drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises E Romero
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Jin Yu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry, NSF-Simmons Center for Multi-scale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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9
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Latosińska M, Latosińska JN. Favipiravir Analogues as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase, Combined Quantum Chemical Modeling, Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship, and Molecular Docking Study. Molecules 2024; 29:441. [PMID: 38257352 PMCID: PMC10818557 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020441] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study was motivated by the urgent need to develop or improve antivirals for effective therapy targeting RNA viruses. We hypothesized that analogues of favipiravir (FVP), an inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), could provide more effective nucleic acid recognition and binding processes while reducing side effects such as cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity, and embryotoxicity. We proposed a set of FVP analogues together with their forms of triphosphate as new SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors. The main aim of our study was to investigate changes in the mechanism and binding capacity resulting from these modifications. Using three different approaches, QTAIM, QSPR, and MD, the differences in the reactivity, toxicity, binding efficiency, and ability to be incorporated by RdRp were assessed. Two new quantum chemical reactivity descriptors, the relative electro-donating and electro-accepting power, were defined and successfully applied. Moreover, a new quantitative method for comparing binding modes was developed based on mathematical metrics and an atypical radar plot. These methods provide deep insight into the set of desirable properties responsible for inhibiting RdRp, allowing ligands to be conveniently screened. The proposed modification of the FVP structure seems to improve its binding ability and enhance the productive mode of binding. In particular, two of the FVP analogues (the trifluoro- and cyano-) bind very strongly to the RNA template, RNA primer, cofactors, and RdRp, and thus may constitute a very good alternative to FVP.
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10
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Ishige T. Molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 and techniques of diagnosis and surveillance. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 118:35-85. [PMID: 38280807 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.11.003] [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: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global pandemic in March 2020. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the reference technique for molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly mutating, and more transmissible variants have emerged, making genomic surveillance a crucial tool for investigating virus transmission dynamics, detecting novel genetic variants, and assessing mutation impact. The S gene, which encodes the spike protein, is frequently mutated, and it plays an important role in transmissibility. Spike protein mutations affect infectivity and vaccine effectiveness. SARS-CoV-2 variants are tracked using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and S-gene analysis. WGS, Sanger sequencing, and many S-gene-targeted RT-PCR methods have been developed. WGS and Sanger sequencing are standard methods for detecting mutations and can be used to identify known and unknown mutations. Melting curve analysis, endpoint genotyping assay, and S-gene target failure are used in the RT-PCR-based method for the rapid detection of specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, these assays are suitable for high-throughput screening. The combinatorial use of RT-PCR-based assays, Sanger sequencing, and WGS enables rapid and accurate tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this review, we described RT-PCR-based detection and surveillance techniques for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Ishige
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
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11
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Small GI, Fedorova O, Olinares PDB, Chandanani J, Banerjee A, Choi YJ, Molina H, Chait BT, Darst SA, Campbell EA. Structural and functional insights into the enzymatic plasticity of the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN domain. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3921-3930.e7. [PMID: 37890482 PMCID: PMC10843261 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.001] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The enzymatic activity of the SARS-CoV-2 nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) domain is essential for viral propagation, with three distinct activities associated with modification of the nsp9 N terminus, NMPylation, RNAylation, and deRNAylation/capping via a GDP-polyribonucleotidyltransferase reaction. The latter two activities comprise an unconventional mechanism for initiating viral RNA 5' cap formation, while the role of NMPylation is unclear. The structural mechanisms for these diverse enzymatic activities have not been properly delineated. Here, we determine high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of catalytic intermediates for the NMPylation and deRNAylation/capping reactions, revealing diverse nucleotide binding poses and divalent metal ion coordination sites to promote its repertoire of activities. The deRNAylation/capping structure explains why GDP is a preferred substrate for the capping reaction over GTP. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the promiscuous coronaviral NiRAN domain, a therapeutic target, and provide an accurate structural platform for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel I Small
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Chandanani
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anoosha Banerjee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Young Joo Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Henrik Molina
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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12
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Valipour M, Irannejad H, Keyvani H. An Overview on Anti-COVID-19 Drug Achievements and Challenges Ahead. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1248-1265. [PMID: 37705590 PMCID: PMC10496143 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of several coronavirus pandemics/epidemics during the last two decades (SARS-CoV-1 in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019) indicates that humanity will face increasing challenges from coronaviruses in the future. The emergence of new strains with similar transmission characteristics as SARS-CoV-2 and mortality rates similar to SARS-CoV-1 (∼10% mortality) or MERS-CoV (∼35% mortality) in the future is a terrifying possibility. Therefore, getting enough preparations to face such risks is an inevitable necessity. The present study aims to review the drug achievements and challenges in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 with a combined perspective derived from pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and medicinal chemistry insights. Appreciating all the efforts made during the past few years, there is strong evidence that the desired results have not yet been achieved and research in this area should still be pursued seriously. By expressing some pessimistic possibilities and concluding that the drug discovery and pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 have not been successful so far, this short essay tries to draw the attention of responsible authorities to be more prepared against future coronavirus epidemics/pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi
Drug Research Center, Iran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran 1134845764, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department
of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1134845764, Iran
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13
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Xu T, Zhang L. Current understanding of nucleoside analogs inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4385-4394. [PMID: 37711189 PMCID: PMC10498173 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.001] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has become a main target for antiviral therapeutics due to its essential role in viral replication and transcription. Thus, nucleoside analogs structurally resemble the natural RdRp substrate and hold great potential as inhibitors. Until now, extensive experimental investigations have been performed to explore nucleoside analogs to inhibit the RdRp, and concerted efforts have been made to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms further. This review begins by discussing the nucleoside analogs that have demonstrated inhibition in the experiments. Second, we examine the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of nucleoside analogs on the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Recent findings in structural biology and computational research are presented through the classification of inhibitory mechanisms. This review summarizes previous experimental findings and mechanistic investigations of nucleoside analogs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. It would guide the rational design of antiviral medications and research into viral transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fujian 361005, China
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14
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Grimes SL, Choi YJ, Banerjee A, Small G, Anderson-Daniels J, Gribble J, Pruijssers AJ, Agostini ML, Abu-Shmais A, Lu X, Darst SA, Campbell E, Denison MR. A mutation in the coronavirus nsp13-helicase impairs enzymatic activity and confers partial remdesivir resistance. mBio 2023; 14:e0106023. [PMID: 37338298 PMCID: PMC10470589 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01060-23] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) encode nonstructural proteins 1-16 (nsps 1-16) which form replicase complexes that mediate viral RNA synthesis. Remdesivir (RDV) is an adenosine nucleoside analog antiviral that inhibits CoV RNA synthesis. RDV resistance mutations have been reported only in the nonstructural protein 12 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12-RdRp). We here show that a substitution mutation in the nsp13-helicase (nsp13-HEL A335V) of the betacoronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV) that was selected during passage with the RDV parent compound confers partial RDV resistance independently and additively when expressed with co-selected RDV resistance mutations in the nsp12-RdRp. The MHV A335V substitution did not enhance replication or competitive fitness compared to WT MHV and remained sensitive to the active form of the cytidine nucleoside analog antiviral molnupiravir (MOV). Biochemical analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase encoding the homologous substitution (A336V) demonstrates that the mutant protein retained the ability to associate with the core replication proteins nsps 7, 8, and 12 but had impaired helicase unwinding and ATPase activity. Together, these data identify a novel determinant of nsp13-HEL enzymatic activity, define a new genetic pathway for RDV resistance, and demonstrate the importance of surveillance for and testing of helicase mutations that arise in SARS-CoV-2 genomes. IMPORTANCE Despite the development of effective vaccines against COVID-19, the continued circulation and emergence of new variants support the need for antivirals such as RDV. Understanding pathways of antiviral resistance is essential for surveillance of emerging variants, development of combination therapies, and for identifying potential new targets for viral inhibition. We here show a novel RDV resistance mutation in the CoV helicase also impairs helicase functions, supporting the importance of studying the individual and cooperative functions of the replicase nonstructural proteins 7-16 during CoV RNA synthesis. The homologous nsp13-HEL mutation (A336V) has been reported in the GISAID database of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, highlighting the importance of surveillance of and genetic testing for nucleoside analog resistance in the helicase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Grimes
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Young J. Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anoosha Banerjee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
- Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel Small
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jordan Anderson-Daniels
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer Gribble
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrea J. Pruijssers
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maria L. Agostini
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alexandra Abu-Shmais
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xiaotao Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Seth A. Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark R. Denison
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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15
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Slanina H, Madhugiri R, Wenk K, Reinke T, Schultheiß K, Schultheis J, Karl N, Linne U, Ziebuhr J. Conserved Characteristics of NMPylation Activities of Alpha- and Betacoronavirus NiRAN Domains. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046523. [PMID: 37199624 PMCID: PMC10308930 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00465-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus genome replication and expression are mediated by the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC) which is assembled from multiple nonstructural proteins (nsp). Among these, nsp12 represents the central functional subunit. It harbors the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain and contains, at its N terminus, an additional domain called NiRAN which is widely conserved in coronaviruses and other nidoviruses. In this study, we produced bacterially expressed coronavirus nsp12s to investigate and compare NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities from representative alpha- and betacoronaviruses. We found that the four coronavirus NiRAN domains characterized to date have a number of conserved properties, including (i) robust nsp9-specific NMPylation activities that appear to operate largely independently of the C-terminal RdRp domain, (ii) nucleotide substrate preference for UTP followed by ATP and other nucleotides, (iii) dependence on divalent metal ions, with Mn2+ being preferred over Mg2+, and (iv) a key role of N-terminal residues (particularly Asn2) of nsp9 for efficient formation of a covalent phosphoramidate bond between NMP and the N-terminal amino group of nsp9. In this context, a mutational analysis confirmed the conservation and critical role of Asn2 across different subfamilies of the family Coronaviridae, as shown by studies using chimeric coronavirus nsp9 variants in which six N-terminal residues were replaced with those from other corona-, pito- and letovirus nsp9 homologs. The combined data of this and previous studies reveal a remarkable degree of conservation among coronavirus NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, supporting a key role of this enzymatic activity in viral RNA synthesis and processing. IMPORTANCE There is strong evidence that coronaviruses and other large nidoviruses evolved a number of unique enzymatic activities, including an additional RdRp-associated NiRAN domain, that are conserved in nidoviruses but not in most other RNA viruses. Previous studies of the NiRAN domain mainly focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and suggested different functions for this domain, such as NMPylation/RNAylation of nsp9, RNA guanylyltransferase activities involved in canonical and/or unconventional RNA capping pathways, and other functions. To help resolve partly conflicting information on substrate specificities and metal ion requirements reported previously for the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN NMPylation activity, we extended these earlier studies by characterizing representative alpha- and betacoronavirus NiRAN domains. The study revealed that key features of NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, such as protein and nucleotide specificity and metal ion requirements, are very well conserved among genetically divergent coronaviruses, suggesting potential avenues for future antiviral drug development targeting this essential viral enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Slanina
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Kai Wenk
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tess Reinke
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin Schultheiß
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Schultheis
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadja Karl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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