1
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Jacobs AK, Morley SD, Samuel K, Morgan K, Boswell L, Kendall TJ, Dorward DA, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Plevris JN. Hepatic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and in patients with fatal COVID-19. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:3705-3716. [PMID: 39192998 PMCID: PMC11346159 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i31.3705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), characterised by hepatic lipid accumulation, causes inflammation and oxidative stress accompanied by cell damage and fibrosis. Liver injury (LI) is also frequently reported in patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while pre-existing MASLD increases the risk of LI and the development of COVID-19-associated cholangiopathy. Mechanisms of injury at the cellular level remain unclear, but it may be significant that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which causes COVID-19, uses angiotensin-converting expression enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key regulator of the 'anti-inflammatory' arm of the renin-angiotensin system, for viral attachment and host cell invasion. AIM To determine if hepatic ACE2 levels are altered during progression of MASLD and in patients who died with severe COVID-19. METHODS ACE2 protein levels and localisation, and histological fibrosis and lipid droplet accumulation as markers of MASLD were determined in formalin-fixed liver tissue sections across the MASLD pathological spectrum (isolated hepatocellular steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) +/- fibrosis, end-stage cirrhosis) and in post-mortem tissues from patients who had died with severe COVID-19, using ACE2 immunohistochemistry and haematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius red staining of total collagen and lipid droplet areas, followed by quantification using machine learning-based image pixel classifiers. RESULTS ACE2 staining is primarily intracellular and concentrated in the cytoplasm of centrilobular hepatocytes and apical membranes of bile duct cholangiocytes. Strikingly, ACE2 protein levels are elevated in non-fibrotic MASH compared to healthy controls but not in the progression to MASH with fibrosis and in cirrhosis. ACE2 protein levels and histological fibrosis are not associated, but ACE2 and liver lipid droplet content are significantly correlated across the MASLD spectrum. Hepatic ACE2 levels are also increased in COVID-19 patients, especially those showing evidence of LI, but are not correlated with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the liver. However, there is a clear association between the hepatic lipid droplet content and the presence of the virus, suggesting a possible functional link. CONCLUSION Hepatic ACE2 levels were elevated in nonfibrotic MASH and COVID-19 patients with LI, while lipid accumulation may promote intra-hepatic SARS-CoV-2 replication, accelerating MASLD progression and COVID-19-mediated liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus K Jacobs
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Steven D Morley
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Kay Samuel
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Jack Copland Centre, Edinburgh EH14 4BE, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Morgan
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Boswell
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - David A Dorward
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan A Fallowfield
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - John N Plevris
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
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2
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Michaels TM, Essop MF, Joseph DE. Potential Effects of Hyperglycemia on SARS-CoV-2 Entry Mechanisms in Pancreatic Beta Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:1243. [PMID: 39205219 PMCID: PMC11358987 DOI: 10.3390/v16081243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a bidirectional relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and diabetes mellitus. Existing evidence strongly suggests hyperglycemia as an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Conversely, recent studies have reported new-onset diabetes following SARS-CoV-2 infection, hinting at a potential direct viral attack on pancreatic beta cells. In this review, we explore how hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes, might influence SARS-CoV-2 entry and accessory proteins in pancreatic β-cells. We examine how the virus may enter and manipulate such cells, focusing on the role of the spike protein and its interaction with host receptors. Additionally, we analyze potential effects on endosomal processing and accessory proteins involved in viral infection. Our analysis suggests a complex interplay between hyperglycemia and SARS-CoV-2 in pancreatic β-cells. Understanding these mechanisms may help unlock urgent therapeutic strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of COVID-19 in diabetic patients and unveil if the virus itself can trigger diabetes onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M. Michaels
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
| | - M. Faadiel Essop
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
| | - Danzil E. Joseph
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
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3
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Alkhofash NF, Ali BR. The Evaluation of Drugs as Potential Modulators of the Trafficking and Maturation of ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor. Biomolecules 2024; 14:764. [PMID: 39062478 PMCID: PMC11274373 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ACE2, part of the angiotensin-converting enzyme family and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), plays vital roles in cardiovascular and renal functions. It is also the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2, enabling its entry into cells. This project aimed to study ACE2's cellular trafficking and maturation to the cell surface and assess the impact of various drugs and compounds on these processes. We used cellular and biochemical analyses to evaluate these compounds as potential leads for COVID-19 therapeutics. Our screening assay focused on ACE2 maturation levels and subcellular localization with and without drug treatments. Results showed that ACE2 maturation is generally fast and robust, with certain drugs having a mild impact. Out of twenty-three tested compounds, eight significantly reduced ACE2 maturation levels, and three caused approximately 20% decreases. Screening trafficking inhibitors revealed significant effects from most molecular modulators of protein trafficking, mild effects from most proposed COVID-19 drugs, and no effects from statins. This study noted that manipulating ACE2 levels could be beneficial or harmful, depending on the context. Thus, using this approach to uncover leads for COVID-19 therapeutics requires a thorough understanding ACE2's biogenesis and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen F. Alkhofash
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Bassam R. Ali
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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4
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Wang Z, Fan H, Wu J. Food-Derived Up-Regulators and Activators of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2: A Review. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:12896-12914. [PMID: 38810024 PMCID: PMC11181331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), also serving as an amino acid transporter and a receptor for certain coronaviruses. Its primary role is to protect the cardiovascular system via the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/MasR cascade. Given the critical roles of ACE2 in regulating numerous physiological functions, molecules that can upregulate or activate ACE2 show vast therapeutic value. There are only a few ACE2 activators that have been reported, a wide range of molecules, including food-derived compounds, have been reported as ACE2 up-regulators. Effective doses of bioactive peptides range from 10 to 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day when orally administered for 1 to 7 weeks. Protein hydrolysates require higher doses at 1000 mg/kg BW/day for 20 days. Phytochemicals and vitamins are effective at doses typically ranging from 10 to 200 mg/kg BW/day for 3 days to 6 months, while Traditional Chinese Medicine requires doses of 1.25 to 12.96 g/kg BW/day for 4 to 8 weeks. ACE2 activation is linked to its hinge-bending region, while upregulation involves various signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic modulators. Future studies are expected to explore novel roles of ACE2 activators or up-regulators in disease treatments and translate the discovery to bedside applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- Department
of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
- Cardiovascular
Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Hongbing Fan
- Department
of Animal and Food Sciences, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department
of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
- Cardiovascular
Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
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Mendiola-Salazar XA, Munguía-Laguna MA, Franco M, Cano-Martínez A, Santamaría Sosa J, Bautista-Pérez R. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Enhances Carboxypeptidase Activity of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6276. [PMID: 38892464 PMCID: PMC11172802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116276] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein may modify angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity in the plasma, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and six brain regions (amygdala, brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum) of diabetic and hypertensive rats. We determine ACE2 activity in the plasma and lysates of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and six brain regions. MLN-4760 inhibits ACE2 activity in the plasma and all organs. On the other hand, soluble ACE2 (sACE2) activity increased in the plasma of diabetic rats, and there was no change in the plasma of hypertensive rats. ACE2 activity was augmented in the liver, brain stem, and striatum, while it decreased in the kidney, amygdala, cortex, and hippocampus of diabetic rats. ACE2 activity increased in the kidney, liver, and lung, while it decreased in the heart, amygdala, cortex, and hypothalamus of hypertensive rats. We measured the ACE2 content via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found that ACE2 protein levels increased in the heart, while it decreased in the plasma, kidney, brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum of diabetic rats. ACE2 protein levels decreased in the brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus of hypertensive rats. Our data showed that the spike protein enhanced ACE2 activity in the liver and lungs of diabetic rats, as well as in the heart and three of the brain regions (cortex, hypothalamus, and striatum) of hypertensive rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xóchitl Andrea Mendiola-Salazar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico
| | - Melanie A. Munguía-Laguna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
| | - Martha Franco
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.F.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Agustina Cano-Martínez
- Department of Physiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - José Santamaría Sosa
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.F.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Rocío Bautista-Pérez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
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6
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Luo D, Bai M, Zhang W, Wang J. The possible mechanism and research progress of ACE2 involved in cardiovascular injury caused by COVID-19: a review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1409723. [PMID: 38863899 PMCID: PMC11165996 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1409723] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ACE2 is the earliest receptor discovered to mediate the entry of SARS-CoV-2. In addition to the receptor, it also participates in complex pathological and physiological processes, including regulating the RAS system, apelin, KKS system, and immune system. In addition to affecting the respiratory system, viral infections also interact with cardiovascular diseases. SARS-CoV-2 can directly invade the cardiovascular system through ACE2; Similarly, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease can affect ACE2 levels and exacerbate the disease, and ACE2 dysregulation may also be a potential mechanism for long-term acute sequelae of COVID-19. Since the SARS CoV-2 epidemic, many large population studies have tried to clarify the current focus of debate, that is, whether we should give COVID-19 patients ACEI and ARB drug treatment, but there is still no conclusive conclusion. We also discussed potential disease treatment options for ACE2 at present. Finally, we discussed the researchers' latest findings on ACE2 and their prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Junnan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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7
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Zhang Y, Chen S, Tian Y, Fu X. Host factors of SARS-CoV-2 in infection, pathogenesis, and long-term effects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1407261. [PMID: 38846354 PMCID: PMC11155306 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1407261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative virus of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic that results in an unparalleled global health and economic crisis. Despite unprecedented scientific efforts and therapeutic interventions, the fight against COVID-19 continues as the rapid emergence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and the increasing challenge of long COVID-19, raising a vast demand to understand the pathomechanisms of COVID-19 and its long-term sequelae and develop therapeutic strategies beyond the virus per se. Notably, in addition to the virus itself, the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and clinical severity of COVID-19 is also governed by host factors. In this review, we therefore comprehensively overview the replication cycle and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 from the perspective of host factors and host-virus interactions. We sequentially outline the pathological implications of molecular interactions between host factors and SARS-CoV-2 in multi-organ and multi-system long COVID-19, and summarize current therapeutic strategies and agents targeting host factors for treating these diseases. This knowledge would be key for the identification of new pathophysiological aspects and mechanisms, and the development of actionable therapeutic targets and strategies for tackling COVID-19 and its sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital and Cancer Center, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital and Cancer Center, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
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8
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Barone M. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and AMPK/mTOR pathway in the treatment of liver fibrosis: Should we consider further implications? World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2391-2396. [PMID: 38764773 PMCID: PMC11099390 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i18.2391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This editorial contains comments on the article by Zhao et al in print in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. The mechanisms responsible for hepatic fibrosis are also involved in cancerogenesis. Here, we recapitulated the complexity of the renin-angiotensin system, discussed the role of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) autophagy in liver fibrogenesis, and analyzed the possible implications in the development of hepatocarcinoma (HCC). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers definitively contribute to reducing hepatic fibrogenesis, whereas their involvement in HCC is more evident in experimental conditions than in human studies. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and its product Angiotensin (Ang) 1-7, not only regulate HSC autophagy and liver fibrosis, but they also represent potential targets for unexplored applications in the field of HCC. Finally, ACE2 overexpression inhibits HSC autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. In this case, Ang 1-7 acts binding to the MasR, and its agonists could modulate this pathway. However, since AMPK utilizes different targets to suppress the mTOR downstream complex mTOR complex 1 effectively, we still need to unravel the entire pathway to identify other potential targets for the therapy of fibrosis and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine - Jonian Area- University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
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9
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Kuo TC, Hsu WL, Wu VC, Jan TR, Tsai PSJ, Lee YJ. Urinary angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and its activity in cats with chronic kidney disease. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1362379. [PMID: 38756510 PMCID: PMC11097973 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1362379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) played an important role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and it was proved to be renoprotective in renal disease. Urinary angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (uACE2) has been shown to reflect renal injury in human and experimental studies, but its role in feline kidney disease remains unknown. Aims Our objectives involve comparing uACE2 concentrations and activities in cats across CKD stages with healthy controls, investigating the relationship between uACE2 concentrations, activities, and clinicopathological data in feline CKD patients, and assessing the predictive abilities of both for CKD progression. Methods A retrospective, case-control study. The concentration and activity of uACE2 were measured by commercial ELISA and fluorometric assay kits, respectively. The concentration was adjusted to give uACE2 concentration-to-creatinine ratios (UACCRs). Results In total, 67 cats consisting of 24 control and 43 chronic kidney disease (CKD), including 24 early-stage CKD and 19 late-stage CKD, were enrolled in this study. UACCR values were significantly higher in both early-stage (2.100 [1.142-4.242] x 10-6) and late-stage feline CKD (4.343 [2.992-5.0.71] x 10-6) compared to healthy controls (0.894 [0.610-1.076] x 10-6; p < 0.001), and there was also significant difference between-early stage group and late-stage group (p = 0.026). Urinary ACE2 activity (UAA) was significantly lower in CKD cats (1.338 [0.644-2.755] x pmol/min/ml) compared to the healthy cats (7.989 [3.711-15.903] x pmol/min/ml; p < 0.001). UACCR demonstrated an independent, positive correlation with BUN (p < 0.001), and UAA exhibited an independent, negative correlation with plasma creatinine (p < 0.001). Both UACCR and UAA did not yield significant results in predicting CKD progression based on the ROC curve analysis. Conclusion and clinical importance uACE2 concentration and activity exhibit varying changes as renal function declines, particularly in advanced CKD cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chien Kuo
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Vin-Cent Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tong-Rong Jan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shiue Jason Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Jane Lee
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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10
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Heindl MR, Rupp AL, Schwerdtner M, Bestle D, Harbig A, De Rocher A, Schmacke LC, Staker B, Steinmetzer T, Stein DA, Moulton HM, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E. ACE2 acts as a novel regulator of TMPRSS2-catalyzed proteolytic activation of influenza A virus in airway cells. J Virol 2024; 98:e0010224. [PMID: 38470058 PMCID: PMC11019950 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00102-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) activates the outer structural proteins of a number of respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), parainfluenza viruses, and various coronaviruses for membrane fusion. Previous studies showed that TMPRSS2 interacts with the carboxypeptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface protein that serves as an entry receptor for some coronaviruses. Here, by using protease activity assays, we determine that ACE2 increases the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 in a non-catalytic manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ACE2 knockdown inhibits TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage of IAV hemagglutinin (HA) in Calu-3 human airway cells and suppresses virus titers 100- to 1.000-fold. Transient expression of ACE2 in ACE2-deficient cells increased TMPRSS2-mediated HA cleavage and IAV replication. ACE2 knockdown also reduced titers of MERS-CoV and prevented S cleavage by TMPRSS2 in Calu-3 cells. By contrast, proteolytic activation and multicycle replication of IAV with multibasic HA cleavage site typically cleaved by furin were not affected by ACE2 knockdown. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that ACE2-TMPRSS2 interaction requires the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 and the carboxypeptidase domain of ACE2. Together, our data identify ACE2 as a new co-factor or stabilizer of TMPRSS2 activity and as a novel host cell factor involved in proteolytic activation and spread of IAV in human airway cells. Furthermore, our data indicate that ACE2 is involved in the TMPRSS2-catalyzed activation of additional respiratory viruses including MERS-CoV.IMPORTANCEProteolytic cleavage of viral envelope proteins by host cell proteases is essential for the infectivity of many viruses and relevant proteases provide promising drug targets. The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as a major activating protease of several respiratory viruses, including influenza A virus. TMPRSS2 was previously shown to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we report the mechanistic details of this interaction. We demonstrate that ACE2 increases or stabilizes the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2. Furthermore, we describe ACE2 involvement in TMPRSS2-catalyzed cleavage of the influenza A virus hemagglutinin and MERS-CoV spike protein in human airway cells. These findings expand our knowledge of the activation of respiratory viruses by TMPRSS2 and the host cell factors involved. In addition, our results could help to elucidate a physiological role for TMPRSS2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna-Lena Rupp
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Dorothea Bestle
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Harbig
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Amy De Rocher
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Luna C. Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bart Staker
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - David A. Stein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Hong M. Moulton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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11
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Shukla AK, Awasthi K, Usman K, Banerjee M. Role of renin-angiotensin system/angiotensin converting enzyme-2 mechanism and enhanced COVID-19 susceptibility in type 2 diabetes mellitus. World J Diabetes 2024; 15:606-622. [PMID: 38680697 PMCID: PMC11045416 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v15.i4.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that caused a global pandemic and is caused by infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. It has affected over 768 million people worldwide, resulting in approximately 6900000 deaths. High-risk groups, identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, and chronic kidney disease. Research indicates that those with T2DM face a heightened susceptibility to COVID-19 and increased mortality compared to non-diabetic individuals. Examining the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a vital regulator of blood pressure and pulmonary stability, reveals the significance of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 enzymes. ACE converts angiotensin-I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin-II, while ACE2 counters this by converting angiotensin-II to angiotensin 1-7, a vasodilator. Reduced ACE2 expression, common in diabetes, intensifies RAS activity, contributing to conditions like inflammation and fibrosis. Although ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can be therapeutically beneficial by increasing ACE2 levels, concerns arise regarding the potential elevation of ACE2 receptors on cell membranes, potentially facilitating COVID-19 entry. This review explored the role of the RAS/ACE2 mechanism in amplifying severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and associated complications in T2DM. Potential treatment strategies, including recombinant human ACE2 therapy, broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, and epigenetic signature detection, are discussed as promising avenues in the battle against this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Kumar Shukla
- Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Komal Awasthi
- Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kauser Usman
- Department of Medicine, King Georges’ Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Monisha Banerjee
- Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Institute of Advanced Molecular Genetics, and Infectious Diseases (IAMGID), University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India
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12
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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13
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Lebedin M, Ratswohl C, Garg A, Schips M, García CV, Spatt L, Thibeault C, Obermayer B, Weiner J, Velásquez IM, Gerhard C, Stubbemann P, Hanitsch LG, Pischon T, Witzenrath M, Sander LE, Kurth F, Meyer-Hermann M, de la Rosa K. Soluble ACE2 correlates with severe COVID-19 and can impair antibody responses. iScience 2024; 27:109330. [PMID: 38496296 PMCID: PMC10940809 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109330] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying immune modulators that impact neutralizing antibody responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is of great relevance. We postulated that high serum concentrations of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) might mask the spike and interfere with antibody maturation toward the SARS-CoV-2-receptor-binding motif (RBM). We tested 717 longitudinal samples from 295 COVID-19 patients and showed a 2- to 10-fold increase of enzymatically active sACE2 (a-sACE2), with up to 1 μg/mL total sACE2 in moderate and severe patients. Fifty percent of COVID-19 sera inhibited ACE2 activity, in contrast to 1.3% of healthy donors and 4% of non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. A mild inverse correlation of a-sACE2 with RBM-directed serum antibodies was observed. In silico, we show that sACE2 concentrations measured in COVID-19 sera can disrupt germinal center formation and inhibit timely production of high-affinity antibodies. We suggest that sACE2 is a biomarker for COVID-19 and that soluble receptors may contribute to immune suppression informing vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Lebedin
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Ratswohl
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Free University of Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, 14195 Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amar Garg
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Schips
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Clara Vázquez García
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Spatt
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thibeault
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - January Weiner
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilais Moreno Velásquez
- Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathrin Gerhard
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Stubbemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif-Gunnar Hanitsch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Pischon
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Biobank Technology Platform, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Leif Erik Sander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Kurth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Michael Meyer-Hermann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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14
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Bläsius K, Ludwig L, Knapp S, Flaßhove C, Sonnabend F, Keller D, Tacken N, Gao X, Kahveci-Türköz S, Grannemann C, Babendreyer A, Adrain C, Huth S, Baron JM, Ludwig A, Düsterhöft S. Pathological mutations reveal the key role of the cytosolic iRhom2 N-terminus for phosphorylation-independent 14-3-3 interaction and ADAM17 binding, stability, and activity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:102. [PMID: 38409522 PMCID: PMC10896983 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The protease ADAM17 plays an important role in inflammation and cancer and is regulated by iRhom2. Mutations in the cytosolic N-terminus of human iRhom2 cause tylosis with oesophageal cancer (TOC). In mice, partial deletion of the N-terminus results in a curly hair phenotype (cub). These pathological consequences are consistent with our findings that iRhom2 is highly expressed in keratinocytes and in oesophageal cancer. Cub and TOC are associated with hyperactivation of ADAM17-dependent EGFR signalling. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not understood. We have identified a non-canonical, phosphorylation-independent 14-3-3 interaction site that encompasses all known TOC mutations. Disruption of this site dysregulates ADAM17 activity. The larger cub deletion also includes the TOC site and thus also dysregulated ADAM17 activity. The cub deletion, but not the TOC mutation, also causes severe reductions in stimulated shedding, binding, and stability of ADAM17, demonstrating the presence of additional regulatory sites in the N-terminus of iRhom2. Overall, this study contrasts the TOC and cub mutations, illustrates their different molecular consequences, and reveals important key functions of the iRhom2 N-terminus in regulating ADAM17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bläsius
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lena Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sarah Knapp
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Flaßhove
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Friederike Sonnabend
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Diandra Keller
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nikola Tacken
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Xintong Gao
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Selcan Kahveci-Türköz
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Caroline Grannemann
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Aaron Babendreyer
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Colin Adrain
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Sebastian Huth
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jens Malte Baron
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Düsterhöft
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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15
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Zheng G, Qiu G, Qian H, Shu Q, Xu J. Multifaceted role of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in lung injury. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332440. [PMID: 38375473 PMCID: PMC10875085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third human coronavirus to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and contains four structural proteins: spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that all four structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are capable of causing lung injury, even without the presence of intact virus. Therefore, the topic of SARS-CoV-2 structural protein-evoked lung injury warrants more attention. In the current article, we first synopsize the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Second, we discuss the mechanisms for structural protein-induced inflammatory responses in vitro. Finally, we list the findings that indicate structural proteins themselves are toxic and sufficient to induce lung injury in vivo. Recognizing mechanisms of lung injury triggered by SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins may facilitate the development of targeted modalities in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guanguan Qiu
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huifeng Qian
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Clark CR, Khalil RA. Regulation of vascular angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor and angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR signaling in normal and hypertensive pregnancy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115963. [PMID: 38061417 PMCID: PMC10860599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy (Norm-Preg) is associated with a slight reduction in blood pressure (BP) and decreased BP response to vasoconstrictor stimuli such as angiotensin II (Ang II), although the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is upregulated. Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy manifested as hypertension-in-pregnancy (HTN-Preg), and dysregulation of angiotensin biosynthesis and signaling have been implicated. Ang II activates vascular Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R) and Ang II type-2 receptor (AT2R), while angiotensin-(1-7) promotes Ang-(1-7)/MasR signaling. The role of AT1R in vasoconstriction and the activated cellular mechanisms are well-characterized. The sensitivity of vascular AT1R to Ang II and consequent activation of vasoconstrictor mechanisms decrease during Norm-Preg, but dramatically increase in HTN-Preg. Placental ischemia in late pregnancy could also initiate the release of AT1R agonistic autoantibodies (AT1AA) with significant impact on endothelial dysfunction and activation of contraction pathways in vascular smooth muscle including [Ca2+]c and protein kinase C. On the other hand, the role of AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR in vascular relaxation, particularly during Norm-Preg and PE, is less clear. During Norm-Preg, increases in the expression/activity of vascular AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR promote the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor leading to generalized vasodilation. Aortic segments of Preg rats show prominent endothelial AT2R staining and increased relaxation and NO production in response to AT2R agonist CGP42112A, and treatment with AT2R antagonist PD123319 enhances phenylephrine-induced contraction. Decreased vascular AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR expression and receptor-mediated mechanisms of vascular relaxation have been suggested in HTN-Preg animal models, but their role in human PE needs further testing. Changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) have been observed in COVID-19 patients, and whether ACE2 influences the course of COVID-19 viral infection/immunity in Norm-Preg and PE is an intriguing area for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Clark
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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17
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Li JX, Xiao X, Teng F, Li HH. Myeloid ACE2 protects against septic hypotension and vascular dysfunction through Ang-(1-7)-Mas-mediated macrophage polarization. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103004. [PMID: 38141575 PMCID: PMC10788636 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103004] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a new identified member of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) to Ang (1-7), which exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities via binding with Mas receptor (MasR). However, the functional role of ACE2 in sepsis-related hypotension remains unknown. Our results indicated that sepsis significantly reduced blood pressure and led to disruption between ACE-Ang II and ACE2-Ang (1-7) balance. ACE2 knock-in mice exhibited improved sepsis-induced mortality, hypotension and vascular dysfunction, while ACE2 knockout mice exhibited the opposite effects. Bone marrow transplantation and in vitro experiments confirmed that myeloid ACE2 exerted a protective role by suppressing oxidative stress, NO production and macrophage polarization via the Ang (1-7)-MasR-NF-κB and STAT1 pathways. Thus, ACE2 on myeloid cells could protect against sepsis-mediated hypotension and vascular dysfunction, and upregulating ACE2 may represent a promising therapeutic option for septic patients with hypotension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker's Stadium South Road, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker's Stadium South Road, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker's Stadium South Road, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hui-Hua Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker's Stadium South Road, Beijing, 100020, China.
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18
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Li X, Li X, Kang B, Eom Y, Lee HK, Kim DH, Zhong J, Song JS. Effects of particulate matter exposure on the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 receptor in ocular surface tissues and cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:8768-8780. [PMID: 38180673 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31607-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) has been reported to be one of the risk factor for COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, although the ocular surface is deeply affected by both PM exposure and SARS-COV-2 infection, no studies have investigated the effects of PM exposure on the ocular route of SARS-COV-2 infection. To this end, we explored the effects of PM on the expression of SARS-COV-2-associated receptors and proteins in ocular surface. Herein, short- and long-term PM-exposed rat models were established by topically administering PM for 3 and 10 days, respectively. Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs) were exposed to PM. ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147, and ADAM17 expression levels were measured by western blot analysis. Our results show that short-term PM exposure had little effect on the expressions of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and CD147 in ocular surface tissues. However, long-term PM exposure decreased the ACE2 expression in conjunctival tissues and increased the CD147 expression in corneal or conjunctival tissues. PM exposure reduced the ACE2 expression by increasing the ADAM17 expression and ACE2 shedding level in HCECs and HCjECs. Our findings suggest that long-term PM exposure down-regulate the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 in conjunctival tissues through ADAM17-dependent ACE2 shedding. However, long-term PM exposure up-regulates the expression of another SARS-CoV-2 receptor CD147 in ocular surface tissues, accompanied by ocular surface damage and cytotoxicity. This study provides a new insight into uncovering potential risk factors for infection with SARS-CoV-2 via the ocular route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhe Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuemin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, 80, Guro-Dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea
| | - Boram Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, 80, Guro-Dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea
| | - Youngsub Eom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, 80, Guro-Dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea
| | - Hyung Keun Lee
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, 80, Guro-Dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea
| | - Jingxiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jong Suk Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, 80, Guro-Dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea.
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19
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Ghahramani M, Shahsavani MB, Khaleghinejad SH, Niazi A, Moosavi-Movahedi AA, Yousefi R. Efficient Expression in the Prokaryotic Host System, Purification and Structural Analyses of the Recombinant Human ACE2 Catalytic Subunit as a Hybrid Protein with the B Subunit of Cholera Toxin (CTB-ACE2). Protein J 2024; 43:24-38. [PMID: 38017315 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10164-y] [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] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has a specific interaction with the coronavirus spike protein, enabling its entry into human cells. This membrane enzyme converts angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7, which has an essential role in protecting the heart and improving lung function. Many therapeutic properties have been attributed to the human recombinant ACE2 (hrACE2), especially in combating complications related to diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as, preventing the coronavirus from entering the target tissues. In the current study, we designed an appropriate gene construct for the hybrid protein containing the ACE2 catalytic subunit and the B subunit of cholera toxin (CTB-ACE2). This structural feature will probably help the recombinant hybrid protein enter the mucosal tissues, including the lung tissue. Optimization of this hybrid protein expression was investigated in BL21 bacterial host cells. Also, the hybrid protein was identified with an appropriate antibody using the ELISA method. A large amount of the hybrid protein (molecular weight of ~ 100 kDa) was expressed as the inclusion body when the induction was performed in the presence of 0.25 mM IPTG and 1% sucrose for 10 h. Finally, the protein structural features were assessed using several biophysical methods. The fluorescence emission intensity and oligomeric size distribution of the CTB-ACE2 suggested a temperature-dependent alteration. The β-sheet and α-helix were also dominant in the hybrid protein structure, and this protein also displays acceptable chemical stability. In overall, according to our results, the efficient expression and successful purification of the CTB-ACE2 protein may pave the path for its therapeutic applications against diseases such as covid-19, diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghahramani
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Shahsavani
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Khaleghinejad
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Yousefi
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Guo Z, Niu Q, Mi X, Yang B, Cai M, Liang Y. Sirt1 activation prevents high glucose-induced angiotensin converting enzyme 2 downregulation in renal tubular cells by regulating the TIMP3/ADAM17 pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:81. [PMID: 38183511 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08957-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) exerts renoprotective effects in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by converting angiotensin (Ang) II into Ang (1-7). Previous studies have demonstrated that ACE2 expression in renal tubules is downregulated in DKD, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) is a protein deacetylase that may regulate the activity of the renin-angiotensin system. The present study investigated the effects of Sirt1 on ACE2 expression under high glucose (HG) conditions and the underlying signaling pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS Rats with DKD and NRK-52E cells cultured with HG were employed in this study. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry detection and qRT-PCR were performed for protein and mRNA expression analyses. Rats subjected to DKD displayed downregulated expression of Sirt1 and ACE2 in kidneys. Resveratrol, an activator of Sirt1, restored ACE2 expression and ameliorated renal injuries. Similarly, pharmacological activation of Sirt1 with SRT1720 markedly upregulated ACE2 in NRK-52E cells cultured with HG, while Sirt1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) further suppressed ACE2 expression. In addition, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17 was observed to be upregulated, and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3), was downregulated in the kidneys of diabetic rats and NRK-52E cells incubated with HG. The TIMP3/ADAM17 pathway was involved in the regulation of ACE2 expression, as evidenced by decreased ACE2 expression levels after TIMP3-siRNA pretreatment. SRT1720 ameliorated the imbalance of TIMP3/ADAM17 induced by HG and consequently enhanced the expression of ACE2. Notably, the above effect of SRT1720 on ACE2 was interrupted by TIMP3-siRNA. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that Sirt1 activation may prevent HG-induced downregulation of renal tubular ACE2 by modulating the TIMP3/ADAM17 pathway. Sirt1 stimulation might be a potential strategy for the treatment of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Qingyu Niu
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xinning Mi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Meishun Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yaoxian Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
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21
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Omidkhah N, Hadizadeh F, Ghodsi R, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. In silico Evaluation of NO-Sartans against SARS-CoV-2. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2024; 21:e050324227669. [PMID: 38445698 DOI: 10.2174/0115701638279362240223070810] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous clinical trials are currently investigating the potential of nitric oxide (NO) as an antiviral agent against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, some researchers have reported positive effects of certain Sartans against SARS-CoV-2. METHOD Considering the impact of NO-Sartans on the cardiovascular system, we have compiled information on the general structure, synthesis methods, and biological studies of synthesized NOSartans. In silico evaluation of all NO-Sartans and approved sartans against three key SARS-CoV- -2 targets, namely Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7), NSP16 (PDB ID: 6WKQ), and ACE-2 (PDB ID: 1R4L), was performed using MOE. RESULTS Almost all NO-Sartans and approved sartans demonstrated promising results in inhibiting these SARS-CoV-2 targets. Compound 36 (CLC-1280) showed the best docking scores against the three evaluated targets and was further evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. CONCLUSION Based on our in silico studies, CLC-1280 (a Valsartan dinitrate) has the potential to be considered as an inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, further in vitro and in vivo evaluations are necessary for the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Omidkhah
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzin Hadizadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Razieh Ghodsi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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22
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Papavassiliou KA, Gogou VA, Papavassiliou AG. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Signaling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Underpinning Mechanisms and Potential Targeting Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17441. [PMID: 38139269 PMCID: PMC10744156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating progressive disease characterized by excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction and abnormal vascular remodeling processes that lead to right-ventricular heart failure and, ultimately, death. Although our understanding of its pathophysiology has advanced and several treatment modalities are currently available for the management of PAH patients, none are curative and the prognosis remains poor. Therefore, further research is required to decipher the molecular mechanisms associated with PAH. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role through its vasoprotective functions in cardiopulmonary homeostasis, and accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence shows that the upregulation of the ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/MAS1 proto-oncogene, G protein-coupled receptor (Mas 1 receptor) signaling axis is implicated in the pathophysiology of PAH. Herein, we highlight the molecular mechanisms of ACE2 signaling in PAH and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vassiliki A. Gogou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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23
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Niwa R, Sakai K, Lung MSY, Matsumoto T, Mikawa R, Maehana S, Suzuki M, Yamamoto Y, Maurissen TL, Hirabayashi A, Noda T, Kubo M, Gotoh S, Woltjen K. ACE2 knockout hinders SARS-CoV-2 propagation in iPS cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1290876. [PMID: 38149046 PMCID: PMC10750251 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1290876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, continues to spread around the world with serious cases and deaths. It has also been suggested that different genetic variants in the human genome affect both the susceptibility to infection and severity of disease in COVID-19 patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a cell surface receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. The construction of an experimental model system using human iPS cells would enable further studies of the association between viral characteristics and genetic variants. Airway and alveolar epithelial cells are cell types of the lung that express high levels of ACE2 and are suitable for in vitro infection experiments. Here, we show that human iPS cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial cells are highly susceptible to viral infection of SARS-CoV-2. Using gene knockout with CRISPR-Cas9 in human iPS cells we demonstrate that ACE2 plays an essential role in the airway and alveolar epithelial cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Replication of SARS-CoV-2 was strongly suppressed in ACE2 knockout (KO) lung cells. Our model system based on human iPS cell-derived lung cells may be applied to understand the molecular biology regulating viral respiratory infection leading to potential therapeutic developments for COVID-19 and the prevention of future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Niwa
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kouji Sakai
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mandy Siu Yu Lung
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsumoto
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryuta Mikawa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shotaro Maehana
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design Research Facility, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masato Suzuki
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Thomas L. Maurissen
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ai Hirabayashi
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Kubo
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design Research Facility, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shimpei Gotoh
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Knut Woltjen
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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24
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Olímpio F, Andreata-Santos R, Rosa PC, Santos W, Oliveira C, Aimbire F. Lactobacillus rhamnosus Restores Antiviral Signaling and Attenuates Cytokines Secretion from Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Exposed to Cigarette Smoke and Infected with SARS-CoV-2. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1513-1528. [PMID: 36346611 PMCID: PMC9643982 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09998-2] [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] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more susceptible to exacerbation crisis triggered by secondary lung infections due to the dysfunction of antiviral signaling, principally via suppression of IFN-γ. Although the probiotic is known for controlling pulmonary inflammation in COPD, the influence of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr) on antiviral signaling in bronchial epithelium exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and viruses, remains unknown. Thus, the present study investigated the Lr effect on the antiviral signaling and the secretion of inflammatory mediators from bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE cells) exposed to CSE and SARS-CoV-2. The 16HBE cells were cultured, treated with Lr, stimulated with CSE, and infected with SARS-CoV-2. The cellular viability was evaluated using the MTT assay and cytotoxicity measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. The viral load, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR8, MAVS, MyD88, and TRIF were quantified using specific PCR. The pro-inflammatory mediators were measured by a multiplex biometric immunoassay, and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity, NF-κB, RIG-I, MAD5, and IRF3 were measured using specific ELISA kits. Lr decreased viral load, ACE2, pro-inflammatory mediators, TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR8 as well as TRIF and MyD88 expression in CSE and SARS-CoV-2 -exposed 16HBE cells. Otherwise, RIG-I, MAD5, IRF3, IFN-γ, and the MAVS expression were restored in 16HBE cells exposed to CSE and SARS-CoV-2 and treated with Lr. Lr induces antiviral signaling associated to IFN-γ secreting viral sensors and attenuates cytokine storm associated to NF-κB in bronchial epithelial cells, supporting its emerging role in prevention of COPD exacerbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Olímpio
- Department of Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Pedro De Toledo 720 - 2° Andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-002, Brazil
- Department of Science and Technology, Lab. Immunopharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Talim, 330, Vila Nair, São José dos Campos, SP, 12231-280, Brazil
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Lab. Retrovirology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862 - 6° Andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Paloma Cristina Rosa
- Department of Science and Technology, Lab. Immunopharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Talim, 330, Vila Nair, São José dos Campos, SP, 12231-280, Brazil
| | - Wellington Santos
- Nucleus of Research in Biotechnology - State University of Piaui, Teresina, PI, CEP, 64003-120, Brazil
| | - Carlos Oliveira
- Department of Science and Technology, Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Talim, 330, Vila Nair, São José dos Campos, SP, 12231-280, Brazil
| | - Flavio Aimbire
- Department of Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Pedro De Toledo 720 - 2° Andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-002, Brazil.
- Department of Science and Technology, Lab. Immunopharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Talim, 330, Vila Nair, São José dos Campos, SP, 12231-280, Brazil.
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Shen YL, Hsieh YA, Hu PW, Lo PC, Hsiao YH, Ko HK, Lin FC, Huang CW, Su KC, Perng DW. Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates SARS-CoV2 spike protein-induced interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 production in alveolar epithelial cells through activation of Mas receptor. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023; 56:1147-1157. [PMID: 37802686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins (SP) can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC) and trigger an inflammatory process. Angiotensin-(1-7) may have an anti-inflammatory effect through activation of Mas receptor. This study aims to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 SP can induce inflammation through ACE2 in the alveolar epithelial cells which can be modulated through angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis. METHODS HPAEpiC were treated with SARS-CoV-2 SP in the presence or absence of ACE2 antagonist-dalbavancin and Mas receptor agonist-angiotensin-(1-7). Proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-6 and IL-8) were measured at mRNA and protein levels. MAP kinase phosphorylation and transcription factor activation was determined by Western Blot. Mas receptor was blocked by either antagonist (A779) or knockdown (specific SiRNA). Experiments were replicated using A549 cells. FINDINGS SARS-CoV-2 SP (5 μg/mL) significantly induced MAP kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, downstream transcription factor (activator protein-1, AP-1) activation and cytokine production (IL-6 and IL-8) at both mRNA and protein levels. Pretreatment with dalbavancin (10 μg/mL), or angiotensin-(1-7) (10 μM) significantly reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, AP-1 activation, and cytokine production. However, these angiotensin-(1-7)-related protective effects were significantly abolished by blocking Mas receptor with either antagonist (A799,10 μM) or SiRNA knockdown. INTERPRETATION SARS-CoV-2 SP can induce proinflammatory cytokine production, which can be inhibited by either ACE2 antagonist or Mas receptor agonist-angiotensin-(1-7). Angiotensin-(1-7)-related protective effect on cytokine reduction can be abolished by blocking Mas receptor. Our findings suggest that ACE2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis may serve as a therapeutic target to control inflammatory response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Luen Shen
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-An Hsieh
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Wei Hu
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Chun Lo
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Fenglin Branch, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Han Hsiao
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsin-Kuo Ko
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fang-Chi Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Wen Huang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kang-Cheng Su
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Diahn-Warng Perng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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26
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Xiao Y, Chang L, Ji H, Sun H, Song S, Feng K, Nuermaimaiti A, Halemubieke S, Mei L, Lu Z, Yan Y, Wang L. Posttranslational modifications of ACE2 protein: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection and beyond. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29304. [PMID: 38063421 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The present worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the important function of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry. A deeper understanding of ACE2 could offer insights into the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. While ACE2 is subject to regulation by various factors in vivo, current research in this area is insufficient to fully elucidate the corresponding pathways of control. Posttranslational modification (PTM) is a powerful tool for broadening the variety of proteins. The PTM study of ACE2 will help us to make up for the deficiency in the regulation of protein synthesis and translation. However, research on PTM-related aspects of ACE2 remains limited, mostly focused on glycosylation. Accordingly, a comprehensive review of ACE2 PTMs could help us better understand the infection process and provide a basis for the treatment of COVID-19 and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Xiao
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Song
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaihao Feng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shana Halemubieke
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Mei
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoqun Lu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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O’Keeffe M, Oterhals Å, Vikøren LAS, Drotningsvik A, Mellgren G, Halstensen A, Gudbrandsen OA. Dietary fish intake increased the concentration of soluble ACE2 in rats: can fish consumption reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection through interception of SARS-CoV-2 by soluble ACE2? Br J Nutr 2023; 130:1712-1719. [PMID: 36946006 PMCID: PMC10587383 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523000776] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the cells after binding to the membrane-bound receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), but this may be prevented through interception by soluble ACE2 (sACE2) or by inhibition of the ACE2 receptor, thus obstructing cell entry and replication. The main objective of this study was to investigate if fish intake affected the concentration of sACE2 in rats. The secondary aim was to evaluate the in vitro ACE2-inhibiting activity of fish proteins. Rats were fed cod muscle as 25 % of dietary protein, and blood was collected after 4 weeks of intervention. Muscle, backbone, skin, head, stomach, stomach content, intestine and swim bladder from haddock, saithe, cod and redfish were hydrolysed with trypsin before ACE2-inhibiting activity was measured in vitro. In vivo data were compared using unpaired Student's t test, and in vitro data were compared using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD post hoc test. The mean sACE2 concentration was 47 % higher in rats fed cod when compared with control rats (P 0·034), whereas serum concentrations of angiotensin II and TNF-α were similar between the two experimental groups. Muscle, backbone, skin and head from all four fish species inhibited ACE2 activity in vitro, whereas the remaining fractions had no effect. To conclude, our novel data demonstrate that fish intake increased the sACE2 concentration in rats and that the hydrolysed fish proteins inhibited ACE2 activity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria O’Keeffe
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Centre for Nutrition, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen5021, Norway
| | | | - Linn Anja Slåke Vikøren
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Centre for Nutrition, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen5021, Norway
| | - Aslaug Drotningsvik
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Centre for Nutrition, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen5021, Norway
| | - Gunnar Mellgren
- Mohn Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen5021, Norway
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen5021, Norway
| | - Alfred Halstensen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- K. Halstensen AS, P.O. Box 103, Bekkjarvik5399, Norway
| | - Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen
- Dietary Protein Research Group, Centre for Nutrition, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen5021, Norway
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28
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Xu SQ, Sie ZY, Hsu JI, Tan KT. Small Plasma Membrane-Targeted Fluorescent Dye for Long-Time Imaging and Protein Degradation Analyses. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15549-15555. [PMID: 37816133 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01980] [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: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Plasma membrane (PM)-targeted fluorescent dyes have become an important tool to visualize morphological and dynamic changes in the cell membrane. However, most of these PM dyes are either too large and thus might potentially perturb the membrane and affect its functions or exhibit a short retention time on the cell membrane. The rapid internalization problem is particularly severe for PM dyes based on cationic and neutral hydrophobic fluorescent dyes, which can be easily transported into the cells by transmembrane potential and passive diffusion mechanisms. In this paper, we report a small but highly specific PM fluorescent dye, PM-1, which exhibits a very long retention time on the plasma membrane with a half-life of approximately 15 h. For biological applications, we demonstrated that PM-1 can be used in combination with protein labeling probes to study ectodomain shedding and endocytosis processes of cell surface proteins and successfully demonstrated that native transmembrane human carbonic anhydrase IX (hCAIX) is degraded via the ectodomain shedding mechanism. In contrast, hCAIX undergoes endocytic degradation in the presence of sheddase inhibitors. We believe that PM-1 can be a versatile tool to provide detailed insights into the dynamic processes of the cell surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Qiang Xu
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Zong-Yan Sie
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jung-I Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kui-Thong Tan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Sunil AA, Jose D, Karri SK, Pukhraj P, Varughese JK, Skaria T. Biomolecular interactions between the antibacterial ceftolozane and the human inflammatory disease target ADAM17: a drug repurposing study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37798935 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2263895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17), a metzincin, is proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy to suppress overproduction of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Existing ADAM17 inhibitors generate toxic metabolites in-vivo or haven't progressed in clinical trials. Previous studies suggest that ligands which bind to ADAM17 active site by interacting with the Zn ion and L-shaped hydrophobic S1'- and S3'-pockets and forming favorable hydrogen bonds could act as potential ADAM17 inhibitors. Here, we investigated whether the FDA-approved anti-bacterial drug ceftolozane, a cephalosporin containing aromatic groups and carboxyl groups as probable zinc binding groups (ZBGs), forms non-covalent interactions resulting in its binding in the active site of ADAM17. In this study, the density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations with the catalytic chain of ADAM17 show that carboxyl group of ceftolozane acts as moderate ZBG, and its extended geometry forms hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions resulting in a binding affinity comparable to the co-crystallized known ADAM17 inhibitor. The favorable binding interactions identified here suggest the potential of ceftolozane to modulate ADAM17 activity in inflammatory diseases. ADAM17 cleaves and releases epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands from the cell surface. The shed EGF ligands then bind to the EGF receptors to drive embryonic development. Therefore, our findings also suggest that use of ceftolozane during pregnancy may inhibit ADAM17-mediated shedding of EGF and thus increase the risk of birth defects in humans.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan Anjoom Sunil
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, India
| | - Deepthi Jose
- Department of Chemistry, Providence Women's College, Calicut, India
| | - Sai Kumar Karri
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, India
| | - Pukhraj Pukhraj
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, India
| | | | - Tom Skaria
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, India
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30
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Ratswohl C, Vázquez García C, Ahmad AUW, Gonschior H, Lebedin M, Silvis CE, Spatt L, Gerhard C, Lehmann M, Sander LE, Kurth F, Olsson S, de la Rosa K. A design strategy to generate a SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine that abrogates ACE2 binding and improves neutralizing antibody responses. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350408. [PMID: 37435628 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The structure-based design of antigens holds promise for developing vaccines with higher efficacy and improved safety profiles. We postulate that abrogation of host receptor interaction bears potential for the improvement of vaccines by preventing antigen-induced modification of receptor function as well as the displacement or masking of the immunogen. Antigen modifications may yet destroy epitopes crucial for antibody neutralization. Here, we present a methodology that integrates deep mutational scans to identify and score SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain variants that maintain immunogenicity, but lack interaction with the widely expressed host receptor. Single point mutations were scored in silico, validated in vitro, and applied in vivo. Our top-scoring variant receptor binding domain-G502E prevented spike-induced cell-to-cell fusion, receptor internalization, and improved neutralizing antibody responses by 3.3-fold in rabbit immunizations. We name our strategy BIBAX for body-inert, B-cell-activating vaccines, which in the future may be applied beyond SARS-CoV-2 for the improvement of vaccines by design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ratswohl
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Vázquez García
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ata Ul Wakeel Ahmad
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannes Gonschior
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mikhail Lebedin
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Casper Ewijn Silvis
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Spatt
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathrin Gerhard
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif E Sander
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Simon Olsson
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Västra Götalands län, Sweden
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, Berlin, Germany
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Ali H, Naseem A, Siddiqui ZI. SARS-CoV-2 Syncytium under the Radar: Molecular Insights of the Spike-Induced Syncytia and Potential Strategies to Limit SARS-CoV-2 Replication. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6079. [PMID: 37763019 PMCID: PMC10531702 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186079] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces non-physiological syncytia when its spike fusogenic protein on the surface of the host cells interacts with the ACE2 receptor on adjacent cells. Spike-induced syncytia are beneficial for virus replication, transmission, and immune evasion, and contribute to the progression of COVID-19. In this review, we highlight the properties of viral fusion proteins, mainly the SARS-CoV-2 spike, and the involvement of the host factors in the fusion process. We also highlight the possible use of anti-fusogenic factors as an antiviral for the development of therapeutics against newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and how the fusogenic property of the spike could be exploited for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashim Ali
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Asma Naseem
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Zaheenul Islam Siddiqui
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York, NY 11501, USA
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32
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Potokar M, Zorec R, Jorgačevski J. Astrocytes Are a Key Target for Neurotropic Viral Infection. Cells 2023; 12:2307. [PMID: 37759529 PMCID: PMC10528686 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognized as important viral host cells in the central nervous system. These cells can produce relatively high quantities of new virions. In part, this can be attributed to the characteristics of astrocyte metabolism and its abundant and dynamic cytoskeleton network. Astrocytes are anatomically localized adjacent to interfaces between blood capillaries and brain parenchyma and between blood capillaries and brain ventricles. Moreover, astrocytes exhibit a larger membrane interface with the extracellular space than neurons. These properties, together with the expression of various and numerous viral entry receptors, a relatively high rate of endocytosis, and morphological plasticity of intracellular organelles, render astrocytes important target cells in neurotropic infections. In this review, we describe factors that mediate the high susceptibility of astrocytes to viral infection and replication, including the anatomic localization of astrocytes, morphology, expression of viral entry receptors, and various forms of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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33
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Melano I, Cheng WC, Kuo LL, Liu YM, Chou YC, Hung MC, Lai MMC, Sher YP, Su WC. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 9 facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells with low ACE2 expression. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0385422. [PMID: 37713503 PMCID: PMC10581035 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03854-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for virus infection. However, the expression pattern of ACE2 does not coincide with the tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2, hinting that other host proteins might be involved in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry. To explore potential host factors for SARS-CoV-2 entry, we performed an arrayed shRNA screen in H1650 and HEK293T cells. Here, we identified a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase domain 9 (ADAM9) protein as an important host factor for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Our data showed that silencing ADAM9 reduced virus entry, while its overexpression promoted infection. The knockdown of ADAM9 decreased the infectivity of the variants of concern tested-B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.617.2 (delta), and B.1.1.529 (omicron). Furthermore, mechanistic studies indicated that ADAM9 is involved in the binding and endocytosis stages of SARS-CoV-2 entry. Through immunoprecipitation experiments, we demonstrated that ADAM9 binds to the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike. Additionally, ADAM9 can interact with ACE2, and co-expression of both proteins markedly enhances virus infection. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of ADAM9 facilitates virus entry. Our study reveals an insight into the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and elucidates the role of ADAM9 in virus infection. IMPORTANCE COVID-19, an infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has greatly impacted global public health and the economy. Extensive vaccination efforts have been launched worldwide over the last couple of years. However, several variants of concern that reduce the efficacy of vaccines have kept emerging. Thereby, further understanding of the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 entry is indispensable, which will allow the development of an effective antiviral strategy. Here, we identify a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 9 (ADAM9) protein as a co-factor of ACE2 important for SARS-CoV-2 entry, even for the variants of concern, and show that ADAM9 interacts with Spike to aid virus entry. This virus-host interaction could be exploited to develop novel therapeutics against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Melano
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Lan Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuag-Meng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Changhua Christian Medical Foundation, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chi Chou
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Michael M. C. Lai
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Pyng Sher
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- International Master’s Program of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Su
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- International Master’s Program of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Ren J, Wang XQ, Nakao T, Libby P, Shi GP. Differential Roles of Interleukin-6 in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Infection and Cardiometabolic Diseases. CARDIOLOGY DISCOVERY 2023; 3:166-182. [PMID: 38152628 PMCID: PMC10750760 DOI: 10.1097/cd9.0000000000000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to a cytokine storm, unleashed in part by pyroptosis of virus-infected macrophages and monocytes. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as a key participant in this ominous complication of COVID-19. IL-6 antagonists have improved outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in some, but not all, studies. IL-6 signaling involves at least 3 distinct pathways, including classic-signaling, trans-signaling, and trans-presentation depending on the localization of IL-6 receptor and its binding partner glycoprotein gp130. IL-6 has become a therapeutic target in COVID-19, cardiovascular diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. However, the efficacy of inhibition of IL-6 signaling in metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, may depend in part on cell type-dependent actions of IL-6 in controlling lipid metabolism, glucose uptake, and insulin sensitivity owing to complexities that remain to be elucidated. The present review sought to summarize and discuss the current understanding of how and whether targeting IL-6 signaling ameliorates outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated clinical complications, focusing predominantly on metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Ren
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Xiao-Qi Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Tetsushi Nakao
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Peter Libby
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Guo-Ping Shi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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Kolesov DE, Gaiamova EA, Orlova NA, Vorobiev II. Dimeric ACE2-FC Is Equivalent to Monomeric ACE2 in the Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1274-1283. [PMID: 37770394 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923090079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the main cellular receptor for the dangerous sarbecoviruses SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Its recombinant extracellular domain is used to monitor the level of protective humoral immune response to a viral infection or vaccine using the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Soluble ACE2 is also considered as an option for antiviral therapy potentially insensitive to the changes in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Extensive testing of the samples of patient's serum by the sVNT method requires using preparations of ACE2 or ACE2 conjugates with constant properties. We have previously obtained a cell line that is a producer of a soluble monomeric ACE2 and showed that this ACE2 variant can be used in sVNT, preferably as a conjugate with horseradish peroxidase. A cell line that generates an ACE2-Fc fusion protein with high productivity, more than 150 mg/liter of the target protein when cultured in a stirred flask, was obtained for producing a stable and universally applicable form of soluble ACE2. The affinity-purified ACE2-Fc fusion contains a mixture of dimeric and tetrameric forms, but allows obtaining linear response curves for inhibition of binding with the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by antibodies. The ACE2-Fc-HRP-based sVNT testing system can be used for practical measurements of the levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies against various circulating variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis E Kolesov
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Elizaveta A Gaiamova
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Orlova
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Ivan I Vorobiev
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
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36
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Ferreira-Duarte M, Oliveira LCG, Quintas C, Esteves-Monteiro M, Duarte-Araújo M, Sousa T, Casarini DE, Morato M. ACE and ACE2 catalytic activity in the fecal content along the gut. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14598. [PMID: 37052403 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 are two major enzymes of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which control the formation/degradation of angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang1-7, regulating their opposite effects. We aimed at evaluating the catalytic activity of ACE and ACE2 in the intestinal content and corresponding intestinal tissue along the gut of Wistar Han rats. METHODS Portions of the ileum, cecum, proximal colon, and distal colon, and the corresponding intestinal content were collected from Wistar Han rats. Enzyme activity was evaluated by fluorometric assays using different substrates: Hippuryl-His-Leu for ACE-C-domain, Z-Phe-His-Leu for ACE-N-domain, and Mca-APK(Dnp) for ACE2. ACE and ACE2 concentration was assessed by ELISA. Ratios concerning concentrations and activities were calculated to evaluate the balance of the RAAS. Statistical analysis was performed using Friedman test followed by Dunn's multiple comparisons test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs test whenever needed. KEY RESULTS ACE and ACE2 are catalytically active in the intestinal content along the rat gut. The ACE N-domain shows higher activity than the C-domain both in the intestinal content and in the intestinal tissue. ACE and ACE2 are globally more active in the intestinal content than in the corresponding intestinal tissue. There was a distal-to-proximal prevalence of ACE2 over ACE in the intestinal tissue. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES This work is the first to report the presence of catalytically active ACE and ACE2 in the rat intestinal content, supporting future research on the regulatory role of the intestinal RAAS on gut function and a putative link to the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ferreira-Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Clara Quintas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Marisa Esteves-Monteiro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Duarte-Araújo
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Sousa
- Department of Biomedicine-Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal, & Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Dulce Elena Casarini
- Department of Medicine, Discipline Nephrology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuela Morato
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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37
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Wang CW, Chuang HC, Tan TH. ACE2 in chronic disease and COVID-19: gene regulation and post-translational modification. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:71. [PMID: 37608279 PMCID: PMC10464117 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00965-9] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a counter regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, provides protection against several chronic diseases. Besides chronic diseases, ACE2 is the host receptor for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 virus, mediating the first step of virus infection. ACE2 levels are regulated by transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation or modification. ACE2 transcription is enhanced by transcription factors including Ikaros, HNFs, GATA6, STAT3 or SIRT1, whereas ACE2 transcription is reduced by the transcription factor Brg1-FoxM1 complex or ERRα. ACE2 levels are also regulated by histone modification or miRNA-induced destabilization. The protein kinase AMPK, CK1α, or MAP4K3 phosphorylates ACE2 protein and induces ACE2 protein levels by decreasing its ubiquitination. The ubiquitination of ACE2 is induced by the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 or UBR4 and decreased by the deubiquitinase UCHL1 or USP50. ACE2 protein levels are also increased by the E3 ligase PIAS4-mediated SUMOylation or the methyltransferase PRMT5-mediated ACE2 methylation, whereas ACE2 protein levels are decreased by AP2-mediated lysosomal degradation. ACE2 is downregulated in several human chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or lung injury. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 upregulates ACE2 levels, enhancing host cell susceptibility to virus infection. Moreover, soluble ACE2 protein and exosomal ACE2 protein facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection into host cells. In this review, we summarize the gene regulation and post-translational modification of ACE2 in chronic disease and COVID-19. Understanding the regulation and modification of ACE2 may help to develop prevention or treatment strategies for ACE2-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Wang
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Huai-Chia Chuang
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Tse-Hua Tan
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, 35053 Taiwan
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Bouillet L, Deroux A, Benmarce M, Guérin C, Bouvet L, Garnier O, Martin DK, Vilgrain I. Molecular Mechanisms of Endothelialitis in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Evidence for VE-Cadherin Cleavage by ACE2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12525. [PMID: 37569899 PMCID: PMC10419376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-19 syndrome appears after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection with acute damage to microcapillaries, microthrombi, and endothelialitis. However, the mechanisms involved in these processes remain to be elucidated. All blood vessels are lined with a monolayer of endothelial cells called vascular endothelium, which provides a the major function is to prevent coagulation. A component of endothelial cell junctions is VE-cadherin, which is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the vessels through homophilic interactions of its Ca++-dependent adhesive extracellular domain. Here we provide the first evidence that VE-cadherin is a target in vitro for ACE2 cleavage because its extracellular domain (hrVE-ED) contains two amino acid sequences for ACE2 substrate recognition at the positions 256P-F257 and 321PMKP-325L. Indeed, incubation of hrVE-ED with the active ectopeptidase hrACE2 for 16 hrs in the presence of 10 μM ZnCl2 showed a dose-dependent (from 0.2 ng/μL to 2 ng/μL) decrease of the VE-cadherin immunoreactive band. In vivo, in the blood from patients having severe COVID-19 we detected a circulating form of ACE2 with an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa, which was barely detectable in patients with mild COVID-19. Of importance, in the patients with severe COVID-19 disease, the presence of three soluble fragments of VE-cadherin (70, 62, 54 kDa) were detected using the antiEC1 antibody while only the 54 kDa fragment was present in patients with mild disease. Altogether, these data clearly support a role for ACE2 to cleave VE-cadherin, which leads to potential biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 infection related with the vascular disease in "Long COVID-19".
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Bouillet
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC-IMAG/T-RAIG (UMR 5525), 38000 Grenoble, France; (L.B.)
- Grenoble Hospital Grenoble Alpes (CHUGA), University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
- Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Grenoble Alpes, CEDEX 9, 38043 Grenoble, France;
| | - Alban Deroux
- Grenoble Hospital Grenoble Alpes (CHUGA), University Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Meryem Benmarce
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC-IMAG/SyNaBi (UMR 5525), 38000 Grenoble, France (D.K.M.)
| | - Chloé Guérin
- Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Grenoble Alpes, CEDEX 9, 38043 Grenoble, France;
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U13, CEA, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of Grenoble (IRIG), Laboratory of Biosciences et Bioingénierie Pour la Santé (BGE)-Biomics, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Laura Bouvet
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC-IMAG/T-RAIG (UMR 5525), 38000 Grenoble, France; (L.B.)
| | - Olivia Garnier
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U13, CEA, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of Grenoble (IRIG), Laboratory of Biosciences et Bioingénierie Pour la Santé (BGE)-Biomics, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Donald K. Martin
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC-IMAG/SyNaBi (UMR 5525), 38000 Grenoble, France (D.K.M.)
| | - Isabelle Vilgrain
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U13, CEA, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of Grenoble (IRIG), Laboratory of Biosciences et Bioingénierie Pour la Santé (BGE)-Biomics, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Huang WY, Wu KP. SheddomeDB 2023: A Revision of an Ectodomain Shedding Database Based on a Comprehensive Literature Review and Online Resources. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:2570-2576. [PMID: 37458416 PMCID: PMC10407926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00001] [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: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Ectodomain shedding of membrane proteins is a proteolytic event involved in several biological phenomena, including inflammation, development, diseases, and cancer progression. Though ectodomain shedding is a post-translational modification that plays an important role in cellular regulation, this biological phenomenon is seriously underannotated in public protein databases. Given the importance of the shedding events, we conducted a comprehensive literature review for membrane protein shedding and constructed the database, SheddomeDB in 2017. In response to user feedback, novel shedding findings, more associated biomedical events, and the advance in web technology, we revised SheddomeDB to a new version, SheddomeDB 2023. The revised SheddomeDB 2023 includes 481 protein entries across seven species; all the content was manually verified and curated. The content of SheddomeDB 2023 mainly came from a comprehensive literature survey by our newly developed semiautomated screening tool. We also integrated verified and updated cleavage and secretome information from other databases into the revision. In addition, SheddomeDB 2023 features a graphical presentation of cleavage information and a user-friendly interface for searching and browsing entries in the database. This revised comprehensive database of ectodomain shedding is expected to benefit biomedical researchers across different disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wun-Yi Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Pin Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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Neves RL, Branquinho J, Arata JG, Bittencourt CA, Gomes CP, Riguetti M, da Mata GF, Fernandes DE, Icimoto MY, Kirsztajn GM, Pesquero JB. ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L enzymatic activities in COVID-19: imbalance of ACE2/ACE ratio and potential RAAS dysregulation in severe cases. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:1719-1731. [PMID: 37537367 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Circulating enzymatic activity and RAAS regulation in severe cases of COVID-19 remains unclear, therefore we measured the serum activity of several proteases as potential targets to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS 152 patients with COVID-19-like symptoms were grouped according to the severity of symptoms (COVID-19 negative, mild, moderate and severe). METHODS Serum samples of COVID-19 patients and controls were subjected to biochemical analysis and enzymatic assays of ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L. One-way ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS We detected a positive correlation among comorbidities, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels with disease severity. Enzymatic assays revealed an increase in serum ACE2 and CAT L activities in severe COVID-19 patients, while ACE, DPPIV and PREP activities were significantly reduced. Notably, analysis of ACE2/ACE activity ratio suggests a possible imbalance of ANG II/ANG(1-7) ratio, in a positive association with the disease severity. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a correlation between proteases activity and the severity of COVID-19. These enzymes together contribute to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, trigger a systemic activation of inflammatory mediators, leading to a RAAS dysregulation and generating a significant damage in several organs, contributing to poor outcomes of severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Leão Neves
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Branquinho
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Galanakis Arata
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Azevedo Bittencourt
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio Perez Gomes
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Riguetti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira da Mata
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João Bosco Pesquero
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Benedetti S, Sisti D, Vandini D, Barocci S, Sudano M, Carlotti E, Teng JLL, Zamai L. Circulating ACE2 level and zinc/albumin ratio as potential biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to COVID-19. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100973. [PMID: 37257289 PMCID: PMC10202900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutable influenza is successfully countered based on individual susceptibility and similar precision-like medicine approach should be effective against SARS-COV-2. Among predictive markers to bring precision medicine to COVID-19, circulating ACE2 has potential features being upregulated in both severe COVID-19 and predisposing comorbidities. Spike SARS-CoVs were shown to induce ADAM17-mediated shedding of enzymatic active ACE2, thus accounting for its increased activity that has also been suggested to induce positive feedback loops leading to COVID-19-like manifestations. For this reason, pre-existing ACE2 activity and inhibition of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases through zinc chelating agents have been proposed to predict COVID-19 outcome before infection and to protect from COVID-19, respectively. Since most diagnostic laboratories are not equipped for enzymatic activity determination, other potential predictive markers of disease progression exploitable by diagnostic laboratories were explored. Concentrations of circulating albumin, zinc, ACE2 protein and its activity were investigated in healthy, diabetic (COVID-19-susceptible) and SARS-CoV-2-negative COVID-19 individuals. ACE2 both protein levels and activity significantly increased in COVID-19 and diabetic patients. Abnormal high levels of ACE2 characterised a subgroup (16-19%) of diabetics, while COVID-19 patients were characterised by significantly higher zinc/albumin ratios, pointing to a relative increase of albumin-unbound zinc species, such as free zinc ones. Data on circulating ACE2 levels are in line with the hypothesis that they can drive susceptibility to COVID-19 and elevated zinc/albumin ratios support the therapeutic use of zinc chelating inhibitors of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases in a targeted therapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sudano
- Diabetology and Endocrinology Unit, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy; INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Huynh TTX, Pham TX, Lee GH, Lee JB, Lee SG, Tark D, Lim YS, Hwang SB. Amuvatinib Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Infection at the Entry Step of the Viral Life Cycle. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0510522. [PMID: 36995225 PMCID: PMC10269473 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05105-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 propagation is mediated by the protein interaction between viral proteins and host cells. Tyrosine kinase has been implicated in viral replication, and hence, it has become a target for developing antiviral drugs. We have previously reported that receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor blocks the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the present study, we investigated two receptor tyrosine kinase-specific inhibitors, amuvatinib and imatinib, for their potential antiviral efficacies against SARS-CoV-2. Treatment with either amuvatinib or imatinib displays an effective inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 propagation without an obvious cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells. Notably, amuvatinib exerts a stronger antiviral activity than imatinib against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amuvatinib blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) value ranging from ~0.36 to 0.45 μM in Vero E6 cells. We further demonstrate that amuvatinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 propagation in human lung Calu-3 cells. Using pseudoparticle infection assay, we verify that amuvatinib blocks SARS-CoV-2 at the entry step of the viral life cycle. More specifically, amuvatinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection at the binding-attachment step. Moreover, amuvatinib exhibits highly efficient antiviral activity against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Importantly, we demonstrate that amuvatinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking ACE2 cleavage. Taken together, our data suggest that amuvatinib may provide a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of COVID-19. IMPORTANCE Tyrosine kinase has been implicated in viral replication and has become an antiviral drug target. Here, we chose two well-known receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, amuvatinib and imatinib, and evaluated their drug potencies against SARS-CoV-2. Surprisingly, amuvatinib displays a stronger antiviral activity than imatinib against SARS-CoV-2. Amuvatinib blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2 cleavage and the subsequent soluble ACE2 receptor. All these data suggest that amuvatinib may be a potential therapeutic agent in SARS-CoV-2 prevention for those experiencing vaccine breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang T. X. Huynh
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Thuy X. Pham
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Gun-Hee Lee
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Lee
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Sung-Geun Lee
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Lim
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Soon B. Hwang
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
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43
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Zhao Y, Han X, Li C, Liu Y, Cheng J, Adhikari BK, Wang Y. COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system: a study of pathophysiology and interpopulation variability. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1213111. [PMID: 37350790 PMCID: PMC10282193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1213111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in humans can lead to various degrees of tissue and organ damage, of which cardiovascular system diseases are one of the main manifestations, such as myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia, which threaten the infected population worldwide. These diseases threaten the cardiovascular health of infected populations worldwide. Although the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has slightly improved with virus mutation and population vaccination, chronic infection, post-infection sequelae, and post-infection severe disease patients still exist, and it is still relevant to study the mechanisms linking COVID-19 to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This article introduces the pathophysiological mechanism of COVID-19-mediated cardiovascular disease and analyzes the mechanism and recent progress of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system from the roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cellular and molecular mechanisms, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, iron homeostasis imbalance, and psychosocial factors, respectively. We also discussed the differences and mechanisms involved in cardiovascular system diseases combined with neocoronavirus infection in different populations and provided a theoretical basis for better disease prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaorong Han
- Department of Special Care Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jiayu Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Kanugula AK, Kaur J, Batra J, Ankireddypalli AR, Velagapudi R. Renin-Angiotensin System: Updated Understanding and Role in Physiological and Pathophysiological States. Cureus 2023; 15:e40725. [PMID: 37350982 PMCID: PMC10283427 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical view of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is that of the circulating hormone pathway involved in salt and water homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. It is also involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac and renal disorders. This led to the creation of drugs blocking the actions of this classical pathway, which improved cardiac and renal outcomes. Our understanding of the RAS has significantly expanded with the discovery of new peptides involved in this complex pathway. Over the last two decades, a counter-regulatory or protective pathway has been discovered that opposes the effects of the classical pathway. Components of RAS are also implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and its metabolic diseases. The continued discovery of newer molecules also provides novel therapeutic targets to improve disease outcomes. This article aims to provide an overview of an updated understanding of the RAS, its role in physiological and pathological processes, and potential novel therapeutic options from RAS for managing cardiorenal disorders, obesity, and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar Kanugula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wellstar Health System - Spalding Regional Hospital, Griffin, USA
| | - Jasleen Kaur
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, HealthPartners, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Jaskaran Batra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Univerity of Pittsburg Medical Center (UPMC) McKeesport, McKeesport, USA
| | | | - Ravikanth Velagapudi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Spectrum Health/Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA
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Kummarapurugu AB, Hawkridge AM, Ma J, Osei S, Martin RK, Zheng S, Voynow JA. Neutrophil Elastase decreases SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding to human bronchial epithelia by clipping ACE-2 ectodomian from the epithelial surface. J Biol Chem 2023:104820. [PMID: 37187291 PMCID: PMC10181948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104820] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have decreased severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections, but the underlying cause is unknown. Patients with CF have high levels of neutrophil elastase (NE) in the airway. We examined whether respiratory epithelial angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), the receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, is a proteolytic target of NE. Soluble ACE-2 (sACE-2) levels were quantified by ELISA in airway secretions and serum from patients with and without CF, and the association between sACE-2 levels and NE activity levels was evaluated in CF sputum. We determined that NE activity was directly correlated with increased ACE-2 in CF sputum. Additionally, primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, exposed to NE or control vehicle, were evaluated by western analysis for the release of cleaved ACE-2 ectodomain fragment into conditioned media, and by flow cytometry for the loss of cell surface ACE-2, its impact on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding. We found that NE treatment released ACE-2 ectodomain fragment from HBE and decreased spike protein binding to HBE. Furthermore, we performed NE treatment of recombinant ACE-2-Fc tagged protein in vitro to assess whether NE was sufficient to cleave recombinant ACE-2-Fc protein. Proteomic analysis identified, specific NE cleavage sites in the ACE-2 ectodomain that would result in loss of the putative N-terminal spike binding domain. Collectively, data support that NE plays a disruptive role in SARS-CoV-2 infection by catalyzing ACE-2 ectodomain shedding from the airway epithelia. This mechanism may reduce SARS-CoV-2 virus binding to respiratory epithelial cells and decrease severity of COVID19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apparao B Kummarapurugu
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University.
| | - Adam M Hawkridge
- School of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
| | - Jonathan Ma
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Rebecca K Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
| | - Shuo Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Judith A Voynow
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University
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Petersen E, Chudakova D, Erdyneeva D, Zorigt D, Shabalina E, Gudkov D, Karalkin P, Reshetov I, Mynbaev OA. COVID-19-The Shift of Homeostasis into Oncopathology or Chronic Fibrosis in Terms of Female Reproductive System Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108579. [PMID: 37239926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains a global public health concern due to the systemic nature of the infection and its long-term consequences, many of which remain to be elucidated. SARS-CoV-2 targets endothelial cells and blood vessels, altering the tissue microenvironment, its secretion, immune-cell subpopulations, the extracellular matrix, and the molecular composition and mechanical properties. The female reproductive system has high regenerative potential, but can accumulate damage, including due to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is profibrotic and can change the tissue microenvironment toward an oncogenic niche. This makes COVID-19 and its consequences one of the potential regulators of a homeostasis shift toward oncopathology and fibrosis in the tissues of the female reproductive system. We are looking at SARS-CoV-2-induced changes at all levels in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Petersen
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daria Chudakova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daiana Erdyneeva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Dulamsuren Zorigt
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | - Denis Gudkov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Pavel Karalkin
- P.A. Herzen Moscow Research Institute of Oncology, 125284 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Cluster Oncology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Reshetov
- Institute of Cluster Oncology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ospan A Mynbaev
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Kahveci-Türköz S, Bläsius K, Wozniak J, Rinkens C, Seifert A, Kasparek P, Ohm H, Oltzen S, Nieszporek M, Schwarz N, Babendreyer A, Preisinger C, Sedlacek R, Ludwig A, Düsterhöft S. A structural model of the iRhom-ADAM17 sheddase complex reveals functional insights into its trafficking and activity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:135. [PMID: 37119365 PMCID: PMC10148629 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04783-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Several membrane-anchored signal mediators such as cytokines (e.g. TNFα) and growth factors are proteolytically shed from the cell surface by the metalloproteinase ADAM17, which, thus, has an essential role in inflammatory and developmental processes. The membrane proteins iRhom1 and iRhom2 are instrumental for the transport of ADAM17 to the cell surface and its regulation. However, the structure-function determinants of the iRhom-ADAM17 complex are poorly understood. We used AI-based modelling to gain insights into the structure-function relationship of this complex. We identified different regions in the iRhom homology domain (IRHD) that are differentially responsible for iRhom functions. We have supported the validity of the predicted structure-function determinants with several in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo approaches and demonstrated the regulatory role of the IRHD for iRhom-ADAM17 complex cohesion and forward trafficking. Overall, we provide mechanistic insights into the iRhom-ADAM17-mediated shedding event, which is at the centre of several important cytokine and growth factor pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selcan Kahveci-Türköz
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katharina Bläsius
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Justyna Wozniak
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cindy Rinkens
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anke Seifert
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Petr Kasparek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Henrike Ohm
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Shixin Oltzen
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Nieszporek
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicole Schwarz
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Aaron Babendreyer
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Düsterhöft
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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48
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Baldari CT, Onnis A, Andreano E, Del Giudice G, Rappuoli R. Emerging roles of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 in immune evasion and pathogenesis. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:424-434. [PMID: 37137805 PMCID: PMC10076505 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused an estimated 5 billion infections and 20 million deaths by respiratory failure. In addition to the respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with many extrapulmonary complications not easily explainable by the respiratory infection. A recent study showed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which mediates cell entry by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, signals through ACE2 to change host cell behavior. In CD8+ T cells, spike-dependent ACE2-mediated signaling suppresses immunological synapse (IS) formation and impairs their killing ability, leading to immune escape of virus-infected cells. In this opinion article, we discuss the consequences of ACE2 signaling on the immune response and propose that it contributes to the extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Onnis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Andreano
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Rino Rappuoli
- Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena, Italy; Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Devaux CA, Lagier JC. Unraveling the Underlying Molecular Mechanism of 'Silent Hypoxia' in COVID-19 Patients Suggests a Central Role for Angiotensin II Modulation of the AT1R-Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Signaling Pathway. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062445. [PMID: 36983445 PMCID: PMC10056466 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A few days after being infected with SARS-CoV-2, a fraction of people remain asymptomatic but suffer from a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation in the absence of apparent dyspnea. In light of our clinical investigation on the modulation of molecules belonging to the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in COVID-19 patients, we propose a model that explains 'silent hypoxia'. The RAS imbalance caused by SARS-CoV-2 results in an accumulation of angiotensin 2 (Ang II), which activates the angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor (AT1R) and triggers a harmful cascade of intracellular signals leading to the nuclear translocation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. HIF-1α transactivates many genes including the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), while at the same time, ACE2 is downregulated. A growing number of cells is maintained in a hypoxic condition that is self-sustained by the presence of the virus and the ACE1/ACE2 ratio imbalance. This is associated with a progressive worsening of the patient's biological parameters including decreased oxygen saturation, without further clinical manifestations. When too many cells activate the Ang II-AT1R-HIF-1α axis, there is a 'hypoxic spillover', which marks the tipping point between 'silent' and symptomatic hypoxia in the patient. Immediate ventilation is required to prevent the 'hypoxic spillover'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Albert Devaux
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, 13000 Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, 13000 Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Lagier
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, 13000 Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, 13000 Marseille, France
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50
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Zhou G, Liu J. Prognostic value of elevated plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in cardiometabolic diseases: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33251. [PMID: 36897667 PMCID: PMC9997766 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, as an internal anti regulator of the renin-angiotensin hormone cascade reaction, plays a protective role in vasodilation, inhibition of fibrosis, and initiation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress by degrading angiotensin II and generating angiotensin (1-7). Multiple studies have shown that plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity is low in healthy populations without significant cardiometabolic disease, and elevated plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 levels can be used as a novel biomarker of abnormal myocardial structure and/or adverse events in cardiometabolic diseases. This article aims to elaborate the determinants of plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 concentration, the relevance between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and cardiometabolic disease risk markers, and its relative importance compared with known cardiovascular disease risk factors. Confronted with the known cardiovascular risk factors, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) concentration uniformly emerged as a firm predictor of abnormal myocardial structure and/or adverse events in cardiometabolic diseases and may improve the risk prediction of cardiometabolic diseases when combined with other conventional risk factors. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, while the renin-angiotensin system is the main hormone cascade system involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. A multi-ancestry global cohort study from the general population by Narula et al revealed that plasma ACE2 concentration was strongly associated with cardiometabolic disease and might be an easily measurable indicator of renin-angiotensin system disorder. The association between this atypical hormone disorder marker and cardiometabolic disease is isolated from conventional cardiac risk factors and brain natriuretic peptide, suggesting that a clearer comprehending of the changes in plasma ACE2 concentration and activity may help us to improve the risk prediction of cardiometabolic disease, guide early diagnosis and feasible therapies, and develop and test new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhou
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingchen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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