1
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Kovalevsky A, Aniana A, Coates L, Ghirlando R, Nashed NT, Louis JM. Visualizing the Active Site Oxyanion Loop Transition Upon Ensitrelvir Binding and Transient Dimerization of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168616. [PMID: 38762033 PMCID: PMC11182712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168616] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
N-terminal autoprocessing from its polyprotein precursor enables creating the mature-like stable dimer interface of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro), concomitant with the active site oxyanion loop equilibrium transitioning to the active conformation (E*) and onset of catalytic activity. Through mutagenesis of critical interface residues and evaluating noncovalent inhibitor (ensitrelvir, ESV) facilitated dimerization through its binding to MPro, we demonstrate that residues extending from Ser1 through Glu14 are critical for dimerization. Combined mutations G11A, E290A and R298A (MPro™) restrict dimerization even upon binding of ESV to monomeric MPro™ with an inhibitor dissociation constant of 7.4 ± 1.6 µM. Contrasting the covalent inhibitor NMV or GC373 binding to monomeric MPro, ESV binding enabled capturing the transition of the oxyanion loop conformations in the absence of a reactive warhead and independent of dimerization. Characterization of complexes by room-temperature X-ray crystallography reveals ESV bound to the E* state of monomeric MPro as well as an intermediate approaching the inactive state (E). It appears that the E* to E equilibrium shift occurs initially from G138-F140 residues, leading to the unwinding of the loop and formation of the 310-helix. Finally, we describe a transient dimer structure of the MPro precursor held together through interactions of residues A5-G11 with distinct states of the active sites, E and E*, likely representing an intermediate in the autoprocessing pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Kovalevsky
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - Annie Aniana
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
| | - Leighton Coates
- Second Target Station, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Rodolfo Ghirlando
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
| | - Nashaat T Nashed
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
| | - John M Louis
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA.
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2
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Blankenship L, Yang KS, Vulupala VR, Alugubelli YR, Khatua K, Coleman D, Ma XR, Sankaran B, Cho CCD, Ma Y, Neuman BW, Xu S, Liu WR. SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors That Leverage Unique Interactions with the Solvent Exposed S3 Site of the Enzyme. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:950-957. [PMID: 38894905 PMCID: PMC11181478 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The main protease (MPro) of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for the virus's replication and pathogenicity. Its active site is characterized by four distinct pockets (S1, S2, S4, and S1-3') and a solvent-exposed S3 site for accommodating a protein substrate. During X-ray crystallographic analyses of MPro bound with dipeptide inhibitors containing a flexible N-terminal group, we often observed an unexpected binding mode. Contrary to the anticipated engagement with the deeper S4 pocket, the N-terminal group frequently assumed a twisted conformation, positioning it for interactions with the S3 site and the inhibitor component bound at the S1 pocket. Capitalizing on this observation, we engineered novel inhibitors to engage both S3 and S4 sites or to adopt a rigid conformation for selective S3 site binding. Several new inhibitors demonstrated high efficacy in MPro inhibition. Our findings underscore the importance of the S3 site's unique interactions in the design of future MPro inhibitors as potential COVID-19 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren
R. Blankenship
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kai S. Yang
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Veerabhadra R. Vulupala
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Yugendar R. Alugubelli
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kaustav Khatua
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Demonta Coleman
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xinyu R. Ma
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Molecular
Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Berkeley Center for Structural
Biology, Laurence Berkeley National National
Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Chia-Chuan D. Cho
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Yuying Ma
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Benjamin W. Neuman
- Department
of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Texas
A&M Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Scienes, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Institute
of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical
Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M
University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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3
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M L SP, Kumari S, Martinek TA, M ES. De novo design of potential peptide analogs against the main protease of Omicron variant using in silico studies. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:14006-14017. [PMID: 38683190 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01199f] [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: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are crossing the immunity barrier induced through vaccination. Recent Omicron sub-variants are highly transmissible and have a low mortality rate. Despite the low severity of Omicron variants, these new variants are known to cause acute post-infectious syndromes. Nowadays, novel strategies to develop new potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 and other Omicron variants have gained prominence. For viral replication and survival the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 plays a vital role. Peptide-like inhibitors that mimic the substrate peptide have already proved to be effective in inhibiting the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our systematic canonical amino acid point mutation analysis on the native peptide has revealed various ways to improve the native peptide of the main protease. Multi mutation analysis has led us to identify and design potent peptide-analog inhibitors that act against the Mpro of the Omicron sub-variants. Our in-depth analysis of all-atom molecular dynamics studies has paved the way to characterize the atomistic behavior of Mpro in Omicron variants. Our goal is to develop potent peptide-analogs that could be therapeutically effective against Omicron and its sub-variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanly Paul M L
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Eotvos u. 6, G-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, India.
| | - Tamás A Martinek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Elizabeth Sobhia M
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, India.
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4
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Lis K, Plewka J, Menezes F, Bielecka E, Chykunova Y, Pustelny K, Niebling S, Garcia AS, Garcia-Alai M, Popowicz GM, Czarna A, Kantyka T, Pyrc K. SARS-CoV-2 M pro oligomerization as a potential target for therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131392. [PMID: 38582483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131392] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in the virus's replication cycle, facilitating the maturation of polyproteins into functional units. Due to its conservation across taxa, Mpro is a promising target for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Targeting Mpro with small molecule inhibitors, such as nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir (Paxlovid™), which the FDA has approved for post-exposure treatment and prophylaxis, can effectively interrupt the replication process of the virus. A key aspect of Mpro's function is its ability to form a functional dimer. However, the mechanics of dimerization and its influence on proteolytic activity remain less understood. In this study, we utilized biochemical, structural, and molecular modelling approaches to explore Mpro dimerization. We evaluated critical residues, specifically Arg4 and Arg298, that are essential for dimerization. Our results show that changes in the oligomerization state of Mpro directly affect its enzymatic activity and dimerization propensity. We discovered a synergistic relationship influencing dimer formation, involving both intra- and intermolecular interactions. These findings highlight the potential for developing allosteric inhibitors targeting Mpro, offering promising new directions for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Lis
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24,31-155 Cracow, Poland
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Filipe Menezes
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ewa Bielecka
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Proteolysis and Post-translational Modification of Proteins, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Yuliya Chykunova
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Microbiology Department, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pustelny
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Stephan Niebling
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelica Struve Garcia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Garcia-Alai
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Czarna
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Kantyka
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Proteolysis and Post-translational Modification of Proteins, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Pyrc
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.
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5
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Lin C, Zhu Z, Jiang H, Zou X, Zeng X, Wang J, Zeng P, Li W, Zhou X, Zhang J, Wang Q, Li J. Structural Basis for Coronaviral Main Proteases Inhibition by the 3CLpro Inhibitor GC376. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168474. [PMID: 38311236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168474] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of coronaviruses participates in viral replication, serving as a hot target for drug design. GC376 is able to effectively inhibit the activity of Mpro, which is due to nucleophilic addition of GC376 by binding covalently with Cys145 in Mpro active site. Here, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay to analyze the IC50 values of GC376 against Mpros from six different coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-229E, HCoV-HUK1, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, HCoV-NL63) and five Mpro mutants (G15S, M49I, K90R, P132H, S46F) from SARS-CoV-2 variants. The results showed that GC376 displays effective inhibition to various coronaviral Mpros and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro mutants. In addition, the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (wide type)-GC376, SARS-CoV Mpro-GC376, MERS-CoV Mpro-GC376, and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro mutants (G15S, M49I, S46F, K90R, and P132H)-GC376 complexes were solved. We found that GC376 is able to fit into the active site of Mpros from different coronaviruses and different SARS-CoV-2 variants properly. Detailed structural analysis revealed key molecular determinants necessary for inhibition and illustrated the binding patterns of GC376 to these different Mpros. In conclusion, we not only proved the inhibitory activity of GC376 against different Mpros including SARS-CoV-2 Mpro mutants, but also revealed the molecular mechanism of inhibition by GC376, which will provide scientific guidance for the development of broad-spectrum drugs against SARS-CoV-2 as well as other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhimin Zhu
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Haihai Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Xiaofang Zou
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiangyi Zeng
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Pei Zeng
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xuelan Zhou
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
| | - Qisheng Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China; Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China.
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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6
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Nguyen HH, Tufts J, Minh DDL. On Inactivation of the Coronavirus Main Protease. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1644-1656. [PMID: 38423522 PMCID: PMC10936523 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01518] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the inactive conformations of the coronavirus main protease (MPro) could inform the design of allosteric drugs. Based on extensive molecular dynamics simulations, we built a Markov State Model to investigate structural changes that can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 MPro. In a subset of structures, one subunit of the homodimer assumes an inactive conformation that resembles an inactive crystal structure. However, contradicting the widely held half-of-sites activity hypothesis, the most populated enzyme structures have two active subunits. We then used transition path theory (TPT) and the Jensen-Shannon Divergence (JSD) to pinpoint residues involved in the inactivation process. A π stack between Phe140 and His163 is a key feature that can distinguish active and inactive conformations of MPro. Each subunit has unique inactive conformations stabilized by π stacking interactions involving residues Phe140, Tyr118, His163, and His172, a hydrogen bonding network centered around His163 and His172, and a modified network of interactions in the dimer interface. The importance of these residues in maintaining an active structure explains the sensitivity of enzymatic activity to site-directed mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ha Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Jim Tufts
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - David D. L. Minh
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
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7
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Aniana A, Nashed NT, Ghirlando R, Coates L, Kneller DW, Kovalevsky A, Louis JM. Insights into the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 main protease autocatalytic maturation from model precursors. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1159. [PMID: 37957287 PMCID: PMC10643566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05469-8] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical step for SARS-CoV-2 assembly and maturation involves the autoactivation of the main protease (MProWT) from precursor polyproteins. Upon expression, a model precursor of MProWT mediates its own release at its termini rapidly to yield a mature dimer. A construct with an E290A mutation within MPro exhibits time dependent autoprocessing of the accumulated precursor at the N-terminal nsp4/nsp5 site followed by the C-terminal nsp5/nsp6 cleavage. In contrast, a precursor containing E290A and R298A mutations (MProM) displays cleavage only at the nsp4/nsp5 site to yield an intermediate monomeric product, which is cleaved at the nsp5/nsp6 site only by MProWT. MProM and the catalytic domain (MPro1-199) fused to the truncated nsp4 region also show time-dependent conversion in vitro to produce MProM and MPro1-199, respectively. The reactions follow first-order kinetics indicating that the nsp4/nsp5 cleavage occurs via an intramolecular mechanism. These results support a mechanism involving an N-terminal intramolecular cleavage leading to an increase in the dimer population and followed by an intermolecular cleavage at the C-terminus. Thus, targeting the predominantly monomeric MPro precursor for inhibition may lead to the identification of potent drugs for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Aniana
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA
| | - Nashaat T Nashed
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA
| | - Rodolfo Ghirlando
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA
| | - Leighton Coates
- Second Target Station, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Daniel W Kneller
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
- New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938-2723, USA
| | - Andrey Kovalevsky
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - John M Louis
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA.
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8
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Alsrhani A, Farhana A, Khan YS, Ashraf GM, Shahwan M, Shamsi A. Phytoconstituents as potential therapeutic agents against COVID-19: a computational study on inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37713337 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2257328] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) has become a global health crisis, and the urgent need for effective treatments is evident. One potential target for COVID-19 therapeutics is the main protease (Mpro) of SARS‑CoV‑2, an essential enzyme for viral replication. Natural compounds have been explored as a source of potential inhibitors for Mpro due to their safety and availability. In this study, we employed a computational approach to screen a library of phytoconstituents and identified potential Mpro inhibitors based on their binding affinities and molecular interactions. The top-ranking compounds were further validated through molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and free energy calculations. As a result of the above procedures, we identified two phytoconstituents, Khelmarin B and Neogitogenin, with appreciable binding affinity and specificity towards the Mpro binding pocket. Our results suggest that Khelmarin B and Neogitogenin could potentially serve as Mpro inhibitors and have the potential to be developed as COVID-19 therapeutics. Further experimental studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of these compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alsrhani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Farhana
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusuf Saleem Khan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHSR), Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHSR), Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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9
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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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10
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Kovalevsky A, Aniana A, Coates L, Bonnesen PV, Nashed NT, Louis JM. Contribution of the catalytic dyad of SARS-CoV-2 main protease to binding covalent and noncovalent inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2023:104886. [PMID: 37271339 PMCID: PMC10238122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104886] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of mutations of the catalytic dyad residues of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MProWT) on the thermodynamics of binding of covalent inhibitors comprising nitrile [nirmatrelvir (NMV), NBH2], aldehyde (GC373) and ketone (BBH1) warheads to MPro is examined together with room temperature X-ray crystallography. When lacking the nucleophilic C145, NMV binding is ∼400-fold weaker corresponding to 3.5 kcal/mol and 13.3 °C decreases in free energy (ΔG) and thermal stability (Tm), respectively, relative to MProWT. The H41A mutation results in a 20-fold increase in the dissociation constant (Kd), and 1.7 kcal/mol and 1.4 °C decreases in ΔG and Tm, respectively. Increasing the pH from 7.2 to 8.2 enhances NMV binding to MProH41A, whereas no significant change is observed in binding to MProWT. Structures of the four inhibitor complexes with MPro1-304/C145A show that the active site geometries of the complexes are nearly identical to that of MProWT with the nucleophilic sulfur of C145 positioned to react with the nitrile or the carbonyl carbon. These results support a two-step mechanism for the formation of the covalent complex involving an initial non-covalent binding followed by a nucleophilic attack by the thiolate anion of C145 on the warhead carbon. Noncovalent inhibitor ensitrelvir (ESV) exhibits a binding affinity to MProWT that is similar to NMV but differs in its thermodynamic signature from NMV. The binding of ESV to MProC145A also results in a significant, but smaller, increase in Kd and decrease in ΔG and Tm, relative to NMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Kovalevsky
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - Annie Aniana
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
| | - Leighton Coates
- Second Target Station, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Peter V Bonnesen
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Nashaat T Nashed
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
| | - John M Louis
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA.
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Unmasking the Conformational Stability and Inhibitor Binding to SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Active Site Mutants and Miniprecursor. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167876. [PMID: 36334779 PMCID: PMC9628131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that inhibitor binding reorganizes the oxyanion loop of a monomeric catalytic domain of SARS CoV-2 main protease (MPro) from an unwound (E) to a wound (active, E*) conformation, independent of dimerization. Here we assess the effect of the flanking N-terminal residues, to imitate the MPro precursor prior to its autoprocessing, on conformational equilibria rendering stability and inhibitor binding. Thermal denaturation (Tm) of C145A mutant, unlike H41A, increases by 6.8 °C, relative to wild-type mature dimer. An inactivating H41A mutation to maintain a miniprecursor containing TSAVL[Q or E] of the flanking nsp4 sequence in an intact form [(-6)MProH41A and (-6*)MProH41A, respectively], and its corresponding mature MProH41A were systematically examined. While the H41A mutation exerts negligible effect on Tm and dimer dissociation constant (Kdimer) of MProH41A, relative to the wild type MPro, both miniprecursors show a 4-5 °C decrease in Tm and > 85-fold increase in Kdimer as compared to MProH41A. The Kd for the binding of the covalent inhibitor GC373 to (-6*)MProH41A increases ∼12-fold, relative to MProH41A, concomitant with its dimerization. While the inhibitor-free dimer exhibits a state in transit from E to E* with a conformational asymmetry of the protomers' oxyanion loops and helical domains, inhibitor binding restores the asymmetry to mature-like oxyanion loop conformations (E*) but not of the helical domains. Disorder of the terminal residues 1-2 and 302-306 observed in both structures suggest that N-terminal autoprocessing is tightly coupled to the E-E* equilibrium and stable dimer formation.
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