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Tapia-Rojo R. Construction and operation of high-resolution magnetic tape head tweezers for measuring single-protein dynamics under force. Methods Enzymol 2024; 694:83-107. [PMID: 38492959 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are critical to protein function across many biological contexts-from bacterial adhesion to muscle mechanics and mechanotransduction processes. Hence, understanding how mechanical forces govern protein activity has developed into a central scientific question. In this context, single-molecule magnetic tweezers has recently emerged as a valuable experimental tool, offering the capability to measure single proteins over physiologically relevant forces and timescales. In this chapter, we present a detailed protocol for the assembly and operation of our magnetic tape head tweezers instrument, specifically tailored to investigate protein dynamics. Our instrument boasts a simplified microscope design and incorporates a magnetic tape head as the force-generating apparatus, facilitating precise force control and enhancing its temporal stability, enabling the study of single protein mechanics over extended timescales spanning several hours or even days. Moreover, its straightforward and cost-effective design ensures its accessibility to the wider scientific community. We anticipate that this technique will attract widespread interest within the growing field of mechanobiology and expect that this chapter will provide facilitated accessibility to this technology.
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2
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Dohnalová H, Seifert M, Matoušková E, Klein M, Papini FS, Lipfert J, Dulin D, Lankaš F. Temperature-Dependent Twist of Double-Stranded RNA Probed by Magnetic Tweezer Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:664-675. [PMID: 38197365 PMCID: PMC10823466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
RNA plays critical roles in the transmission and regulation of genetic information and is increasingly used in biomedical and biotechnological applications. Functional RNAs contain extended double-stranded regions, and the structure of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been revealed at high resolution. However, the dependence of the properties of the RNA double helix on environmental effects, notably temperature, is still poorly understood. Here, we use single-molecule magnetic tweezer measurements to determine the dependence of the dsRNA twist on temperature. We find that dsRNA unwinds with increasing temperature, even more than DNA, with ΔTwRNA = -14.4 ± 0.7°/(°C·kbp), compared to ΔTwDNA = -11.0 ± 1.2°/(°C·kbp). All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using a range of nucleic acid force fields, ion parameters, and water models correctly predict that dsRNA unwinds with rising temperature but significantly underestimate the magnitude of the effect. These MD data, together with additional MD simulations involving DNA and DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes, reveal a linear correlation between the twist temperature decrease and the helical rise, in line with DNA but at variance with RNA experimental data. We speculate that this discrepancy might be caused by some unknown bias in the RNA force fields tested or by as yet undiscovered transient alternative structures in the RNA duplex. Our results provide a baseline to model more complex RNA assemblies and to test and develop new parametrizations for RNA simulations. They may also inspire physical models of the temperature-dependent dsRNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Dohnalová
- Department
of Informatics and Chemistry, University
of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha
6, Czech Republic
| | - Mona Seifert
- Junior
Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 3, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Eva Matoušková
- Department
of Informatics and Chemistry, University
of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha
6, Czech Republic
| | - Misha Klein
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Flávia S. Papini
- Junior
Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 3, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Jan Lipfert
- Soft
Condensed Matter and Biophysics, Department of Physics and Debye Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CC, The Netherlands
| | - David Dulin
- Junior
Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 3, Erlangen 91058, Germany
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Filip Lankaš
- Department
of Informatics and Chemistry, University
of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha
6, Czech Republic
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3
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Levanova AA, Poranen MM. Utilization of Bacteriophage phi6 for the Production of High-Quality Double-Stranded RNA Molecules. Viruses 2024; 16:166. [PMID: 38275976 PMCID: PMC10818839 DOI: 10.3390/v16010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules are mediators of RNA interference (RNAi) in eukaryotic cells. RNAi is a conserved mechanism of post-transcriptional silencing of genes cognate to the sequences of the applied dsRNA. RNAi-based therapeutics for the treatment of rare hereditary diseases have recently emerged, and the first sprayable dsRNA biopesticide has been proposed for registration. The range of applications of dsRNA molecules will likely expand in the future. Therefore, cost-effective methods for the efficient large-scale production of high-quality dsRNA are in demand. Conventional approaches to dsRNA production rely on the chemical or enzymatic synthesis of single-stranded (ss)RNA molecules with a subsequent hybridization of complementary strands. However, the yield of properly annealed biologically active dsRNA molecules is low. As an alternative approach, we have developed methods based on components derived from bacteriophage phi6, a dsRNA virus encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Phi6 RdRp can be harnessed for the enzymatic production of high-quality dsRNA molecules. The isolated RdRp efficiently synthesizes dsRNA in vitro on a heterologous ssRNA template of any length and sequence. To scale up dsRNA production, we have developed an in vivo system where phi6 polymerase complexes produce target dsRNA molecules inside Pseudomonas cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia A. Levanova
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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4
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Mierke CT. Magnetic tweezers in cell mechanics. Methods Enzymol 2024; 694:321-354. [PMID: 38492957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The chapter provides an overview of the applications of magnetic tweezers in living cells. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic tweezers technology with a focus on individual magnetic tweezers configurations, such as electromagnetic tweezers. Solutions to the disadvantages identified are also outlined. The specific role of magnetic tweezers in the field of mechanobiology, such as mechanosensitivity, mechano-allostery and mechanotransduction are also emphasized. The specific usage of magnetic tweezers in mechanically probing cells via specific cell surface receptors, such as mechanosensitive channels is discussed and why mechanical probing has revealed the opening and closing of the channels. Finally, the future direction of magnetic tweezers is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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5
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Dulin D. An Introduction to Magnetic Tweezers. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2694:375-401. [PMID: 37824014 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3377-9_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic tweezers are a single-molecule force and torque spectroscopy technique that enable the mechanical interrogation in vitro of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins. They use a magnetic field originating from either permanent magnets or electromagnets to attract a magnetic particle, thus stretching the tethering biomolecule. They nicely complement other force spectroscopy techniques such as optical tweezers and atomic force microscopy (AFM) as they operate as a very stable force clamp, enabling long-duration experiments over a very broad range of forces spanning from 10 fN to 1 nN, with 1-10 milliseconds time and sub-nanometer spatial resolution. Their simplicity, robustness, and versatility have made magnetic tweezers a key technique within the field of single-molecule biophysics, being broadly applied to study the mechanical properties of, e.g., nucleic acids, genome processing molecular motors, protein folding, and nucleoprotein filaments. Furthermore, magnetic tweezers allow for high-throughput single-molecule measurements by tracking hundreds of biomolecules simultaneously both in real-time and at high spatiotemporal resolution. Magnetic tweezers naturally combine with surface-based fluorescence spectroscopy techniques, such as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, enabling correlative fluorescence and force/torque spectroscopy on biomolecules. This chapter presents an introduction to magnetic tweezers including a description of the hardware, the theory behind force calibration, its spatiotemporal resolution, combining it with other techniques, and a (non-exhaustive) overview of biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dulin
- LaserLaB Amsterdam and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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6
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Zhou Y, Tang Q, Zhao X, Zeng X, Chong C, Yan J. A novel design for magnetic tweezers with wide-range temperature control. Biophys J 2023; 122:3860-3868. [PMID: 37563833 PMCID: PMC10560670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-molecule manipulation technologies have proven to be powerful tools for studying the molecular mechanisms and physical principles underlying many essential biological processes. However, achieving wide-range temperature control has been challenging due to thermal drift that undermines the stability of the instrument. This limitation has made it difficult to study biomolecules from thermophiles at their physiologically relevant temperatures and has also hindered the convenient measurement of temperature-sensitive biomolecular interactions and the fundamental thermodynamic properties of biomolecules. In this work, we present a novel design of magnetic tweezers that uses a reflective coverslip and dry objective lens to insulate the heat conductance between the sample and the objective lens, enabling stable temperature changes from ambient up to 70°C during experiments without significant thermal drift of the instrument. The performance of the technology is demonstrated through the quantification of the free energy change of a DNA hairpin over a temperature range of 22°C-72°C, from which the entropy and enthalpy changes are determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingnan Tang
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaodan Zhao
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiangjun Zeng
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clarence Chong
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, China.
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7
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Yang YJ, Fu H, Li XL, Yang HY, Zhou EC, Xie CY, Wu SW, He F, Zhang Y, Zhang XH. A mutation-sensitive, multiplexed and amplification-free detection of nucleic acids by stretching single-molecule tandem hairpin probes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e90. [PMID: 37562941 PMCID: PMC10516651 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of nucleic acid sequences in parallel with the discrimination of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) is critical for research and clinical applications. A few limitations make the detection technically challenging, such as too small variation in probe-hybridization energy caused by SNVs, the non-specific amplification of false nucleic acid fragments and the few options of dyes limited by spectral overlaps. To circumvent these limitations, we developed a single-molecule nucleic acid detection assay without amplification or fluorescence termed THREF (hybridization-induced tandem DNA hairpin refolding failure) based on multiplexed magnetic tweezers. THREF can detect DNA and RNA sequences at femtomolar concentrations within 30 min, monitor multiple probes in parallel, quantify the expression level of miR-122 in patient tissues, discriminate SNVs including the hard-to-detect G-U or T-G wobble mutations and reuse the probes to save the cost. In our demonstrative detections using mock clinic samples, we profiled the let-7 family microRNAs in serum and genotyped SARS-CoV-2 strains in saliva. Overall, the THREF assay can discriminate SNVs with the advantages of high sensitivity, ultra-specificity, multiplexing, reusability, sample hands-free and robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hang Fu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325011, China
- School of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hong-Yu Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Er-Chi Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Xie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shu-Wen Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fan He
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xing-Hua Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Chu J, Romero A, Taulbee J, Aran K. Development of Single Molecule Techniques for Sensing and Manipulation of CRISPR and Polymerase Enzymes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300328. [PMID: 37226388 PMCID: PMC10524706 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300328] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and polymerases are powerful enzymes and their diverse applications in genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have revolutionized the biotechnology industry today. CRISPR has been widely adopted for genomic editing applications and Polymerases can efficiently amplify genomic transcripts via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further investigations into these enzymes can reveal specific details about their mechanisms that greatly expand their use. Single-molecule techniques are an effective way to probe enzymatic mechanisms because they may resolve intermediary conformations and states with greater detail than ensemble or bulk biosensing techniques. This review discusses various techniques for sensing and manipulation of single biomolecules that can help facilitate and expedite these discoveries. Each platform is categorized as optical, mechanical, or electronic. The methods, operating principles, outputs, and utility of each technique are briefly introduced, followed by a discussion of their applications to monitor and control CRISPR and Polymerases at the single molecule level, and closing with a brief overview of their limitations and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Chu
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Andres Romero
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Jeffrey Taulbee
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Kiana Aran
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
- Cardea, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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9
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Howe-Kerr LI, Grupstra CGB, Rabbitt KM, Conetta D, Coy SR, Klinges JG, Maher RL, McConnell KM, Meiling SS, Messyasz A, Schmeltzer ER, Seabrook S, Sims JA, Veglia AJ, Thurber AR, Thurber RLV, Correa AMS. Viruses of a key coral symbiont exhibit temperature-driven productivity across a reefscape. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:27. [PMID: 37009785 PMCID: PMC10068613 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Viruses can affect coral health by infecting their symbiotic dinoflagellate partners (Symbiodiniaceae). Yet, viral dynamics in coral colonies exposed to environmental stress have not been studied at the reef scale, particularly within individual viral lineages. We sequenced the viral major capsid protein (mcp) gene of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses known to infect symbiotic dinoflagellates ('dinoRNAVs') to analyze their dynamics in the reef-building coral, Porites lobata. We repeatedly sampled 54 colonies harboring Cladocopium C15 dinoflagellates, across three environmentally distinct reef zones (fringing reef, back reef, and forereef) around the island of Moorea, French Polynesia over a 3-year period and spanning a reef-wide thermal stress event. By the end of the sampling period, 28% (5/18) of corals in the fringing reef experienced partial mortality versus 78% (14/18) of corals in the forereef. Over 90% (50/54) of colonies had detectable dinoRNAV infections. Reef zone influenced the composition and richness of viral mcp amino acid types ('aminotypes'), with the fringing reef containing the highest aminotype richness. The reef-wide thermal stress event significantly increased aminotype dispersion, and this pattern was strongest in the colonies that experienced partial mortality. These findings demonstrate that dinoRNAV infections respond to environmental fluctuations experienced in situ on reefs. Further, viral productivity will likely increase as ocean temperatures continue to rise, potentially impacting the foundational symbiosis underpinning coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carsten G B Grupstra
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristen M Rabbitt
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Conetta
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha R Coy
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J Grace Klinges
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, Summerland Key, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca L Maher
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | | | - Sonora S Meiling
- University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, USA
| | - Adriana Messyasz
- Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Sarah Seabrook
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jordan A Sims
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Alex J Veglia
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Abstract
RNA viruses include respiratory viruses, such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses, as well as vector-borne viruses, like dengue and West Nile virus. RNA viruses like these encounter various environments when they copy themselves and spread from cell to cell or host to host. Ex vivo differences, such as geographical location and humidity, affect their stability and transmission, while in vivo differences, such as pH and host gene expression, impact viral receptor binding, viral replication, and the host immune response against the viral infection. A critical factor affecting RNA viruses both ex vivo and in vivo, and defining the outcome of viral infections and the direction of viral evolution, is temperature. In this minireview, we discuss the impact of temperature on viral replication, stability, transmission, and adaptation, as well as the host innate immune response. Improving our understanding of how RNA viruses function, survive, and spread at different temperatures will improve our models of viral replication and transmission risk analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Bisht
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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11
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Bera SC, America PPB, Maatsola S, Seifert M, Ostrofet E, Cnossen J, Spermann M, Papini FS, Depken M, Malinen AM, Dulin D. Quantitative parameters of bacterial RNA polymerase open-complex formation, stabilization and disruption on a consensus promoter. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7511-7528. [PMID: 35819191 PMCID: PMC9303404 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription initiation is the first step in gene expression, and is therefore strongly regulated in all domains of life. The RNA polymerase (RNAP) first associates with the initiation factor \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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}{}$\sigma$\end{document} to form a holoenzyme, which binds, bends and opens the promoter in a succession of reversible states. These states are critical for transcription regulation, but remain poorly understood. Here, we addressed the mechanism of open complex formation by monitoring its assembly/disassembly kinetics on individual consensus lacUV5 promoters using high-throughput single-molecule magnetic tweezers. We probed the key protein–DNA interactions governing the open-complex formation and dissociation pathway by modulating the dynamics at different concentrations of monovalent salts and varying temperatures. Consistent with ensemble studies, we observed that RNAP-promoter open (RPO) complex is a stable, slowly reversible state that is preceded by a kinetically significant open intermediate (RPI), from which the holoenzyme dissociates. A strong anion concentration and type dependence indicates that the RPO stabilization may involve sequence-independent interactions between the DNA and the holoenzyme, driven by a non-Coulombic effect consistent with the non-template DNA strand interacting with \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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}{}$\sigma$\end{document} and the RNAP \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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}{}$\beta$\end{document} subunit. The temperature dependence provides the energy scale of open-complex formation and further supports the existence of additional intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhas C Bera
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pim P B America
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Santeri Maatsola
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 6th floor, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Mona Seifert
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eugeniu Ostrofet
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jelmer Cnossen
- Delft Center for Systems and Control, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Monika Spermann
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Flávia S Papini
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Depken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Anssi M Malinen
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 6th floor, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - David Dulin
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Grupstra CGB, Howe-Kerr LI, Veglia AJ, Bryant RL, Coy SR, Blackwelder PL, Correa AMS. Thermal stress triggers productive viral infection of a key coral reef symbiont. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:1430-1441. [PMID: 35046559 PMCID: PMC9038915 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Climate change-driven ocean warming is increasing the frequency and severity of bleaching events, in which corals appear whitened after losing their dinoflagellate endosymbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae). Viral infections of Symbiodiniaceae may contribute to some bleaching signs, but little empirical evidence exists to support this hypothesis. We present the first temporal analysis of a lineage of Symbiodiniaceae-infecting positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses ("dinoRNAVs") in coral colonies, which were exposed to a 5-day heat treatment (+2.1 °C). A total of 124 dinoRNAV major capsid protein gene "aminotypes" (unique amino acid sequences) were detected from five colonies of two closely related Pocillopora-Cladocopium (coral-symbiont) combinations in the experiment; most dinoRNAV aminotypes were shared between the two coral-symbiont combinations (64%) and among multiple colonies (82%). Throughout the experiment, seventeen dinoRNAV aminotypes were found only in heat-treated fragments, and 22 aminotypes were detected at higher relative abundances in heat-treated fragments. DinoRNAVs in fragments of some colonies exhibited higher alpha diversity and dispersion under heat stress. Together, these findings provide the first empirical evidence that exposure to high temperatures triggers some dinoRNAVs to switch from a persistent to a productive infection mode within heat-stressed corals. Over extended time frames, we hypothesize that cumulative dinoRNAV production in the Pocillopora-Cladocopium system could affect colony symbiotic status, for example, by decreasing Symbiodiniaceae densities within corals. This study sets the stage for reef-scale investigations of dinoRNAV dynamics during bleaching events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alex J Veglia
- BioSciences at Rice, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reb L Bryant
- BioSciences at Rice, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | - Patricia L Blackwelder
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami Center for Advanced Microscopy (UMCAM), 1301 Memorial Dr, Coral Gables, FL, 33146-0630, USA
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13
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Becskei A, Rahaman S. The life and death of RNA across temperatures. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4325-4336. [PMID: 36051884 PMCID: PMC9411577 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Temperature is an environmental condition that has a pervasive effect on cells along with all the molecules and reactions in them. The mechanisms by which prototypical RNA molecules sense and withstand heat have been identified mostly in bacteria and archaea. The relevance of these phenomena is, however, broader, and similar mechanisms have been recently found throughout the tree of life, from sex determination in reptiles to adaptation of viral RNA polymerases, to genetic disorders in humans. We illustrate the temperature dependence of RNA metabolism with examples from the synthesis to the degradation of mRNAs, and review recently emerged questions. Are cells exposed to greater temperature variations and gradients than previously surmised? How do cells reconcile the conflicting thermal stability requirements of primary and tertiary structures of RNAs? To what extent do enzymes contribute to the temperature compensation of the reaction rates in mRNA turnover by lowering the energy barrier of the catalyzed reactions? We conclude with the ecological, forensic applications of the temperature-dependence of RNA degradation and the biotechnological aspects of mRNA vaccine production.
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14
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Zhou Y, Liu J, Yan J, Guo S, Li T. Soft-Contact Acoustic Microgripper Based on a Controllable Gas-Liquid Interface for Biomicromanipulations. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2104579. [PMID: 34738717 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The manipulation of microscale bioentities is desired in many biological and biomedical applications. However, the potential unobservable damage to bioparticles due to rigid contact has always been a source of concern. Herein, a soft-contact acoustic microgripper to handle microparticles to improve the interaction safety is introduced. The system takes advantage of the acoustic-enhanced adhesion of flexible gas-liquid interfaces to capture-release, transport, and rotate the target, such as microbeads (20-65 µm) and zebrafish embryos (from 950 µm to 1.4 mm). The gas-liquid interface generated at the tip of a microcapillary can be precisely controlled by a pneumatic pressure source. The gas-liquid interface oscillation excited by acoustic energy imposes coupled radiation force and drag force on the microparticles, enabling multidimensional movements. Experiments with the microbeads are conducted to evaluate the claimed function and quantify the key parameters that influence the manipulation result. Additionally, 250 zebrafish embryos are captured, transported, and rotated. The hatching rate of the 250 manipulated embryos is approximately 98% similar to that of the nonmanipulated group, which proves the noninvasiveness of the method. The derived theories and experimental data indicate that the developed soft-contact microgripper is functional and beneficial for biological and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
| | - Jixiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
| | - Junjia Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
| | - Shijie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300132, China
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15
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Abstract
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has spurred research in the biology of the nidovirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Much focus has been on the viral RNA synthesis machinery due to its fundamental role in viral propagation. The central and essential enzyme of the RNA synthesis process, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), functions in conjunction with a coterie of viral-encoded enzymes that mediate crucial nucleic acid transactions. Some of these enzymes share common features with other RNA viruses, while others play roles unique to nidoviruses or CoVs. The RdRps are proven targets for viral pathogens, and many of the other nucleic acid processing enzymes are promising targets. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of RNA synthesis in CoVs. By reflecting on these studies, we hope to emphasize the remaining gaps in our knowledge. The recent onslaught of structural information related to SARS-CoV-2 RNA synthesis, in combination with previous structural, genetic and biochemical studies, have vastly improved our understanding of how CoVs replicate and process their genomic RNA. Structural biology not only provides a blueprint for understanding the function of the enzymes and cofactors in molecular detail, but also provides a basis for drug design and optimization. The concerted efforts of researchers around the world, in combination with the renewed urgency toward understanding this deadly family of viruses, may eventually yield new and improved antivirals that provide relief to the current global devastation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Malone
- The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States
| | | | - Seth A Darst
- The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States.
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16
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Xue Y, Braslavsky I, Quake SR. Temperature effect on polymerase fidelity. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101270. [PMID: 34695416 PMCID: PMC8592868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of extremophiles helped enable the development of groundbreaking technology such as PCR. Temperature variation is often an essential step of these technology platforms, but the effect of temperature on the error rate of polymerases from different origins is underexplored. Here, we applied high-throughput sequencing to profile the error rates of DNA polymerases from psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic origins with single-molecule resolution. We found that the reaction temperature substantially increases substitution and deletion error rates of psychrophilic and mesophilic DNA polymerases. Our motif analysis shows that the substitution error profiles cluster according to phylogenetic similarity of polymerases, not the reaction temperature, thus suggesting that the reaction temperature increases the global error rate of polymerases independent of the sequence context. Intriguingly, we also found that the DNA polymerase I of psychrophilic bacteria exhibits higher polymerization activity than its mesophilic ortholog across all temperature ranges, including down to −19 °C, which is well below the freezing temperature of water. Our results provide a useful reference for how the reaction temperature, a crucial parameter of biochemistry, can affect DNA polymerase fidelity in organisms adapted to a wide range of thermal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ido Braslavsky
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stephen R Quake
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA; Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Mission Bay, California, USA.
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17
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Seifert M, Bera SC, van Nies P, Kirchdoerfer RN, Shannon A, Le TTN, Meng X, Xia H, Wood JM, Harris LD, Papini FS, Arnold JJ, Almo S, Grove TL, Shi PY, Xiang Y, Canard B, Depken M, Cameron CE, Dulin D. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase by nucleotide analogs from a single-molecule perspective. eLife 2021; 10:e70968. [PMID: 34617885 PMCID: PMC8497053 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of 'shovel-ready' anti-coronavirus drugs during vaccine development has exceedingly worsened the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Furthermore, new vaccine-resistant variants and coronavirus outbreaks may occur in the near future, and we must be ready to face this possibility. However, efficient antiviral drugs are still lacking to this day, due to our poor understanding of the mode of incorporation and mechanism of action of nucleotides analogs that target the coronavirus polymerase to impair its essential activity. Here, we characterize the impact of remdesivir (RDV, the only FDA-approved anti-coronavirus drug) and other nucleotide analogs (NAs) on RNA synthesis by the coronavirus polymerase using a high-throughput, single-molecule, magnetic-tweezers platform. We reveal that the location of the modification in the ribose or in the base dictates the catalytic pathway(s) used for its incorporation. We show that RDV incorporation does not terminate viral RNA synthesis, but leads the polymerase into backtrack as far as 30 nt, which may appear as termination in traditional ensemble assays. SARS-CoV-2 is able to evade the endogenously synthesized product of the viperin antiviral protein, ddhCTP, though the polymerase incorporates this NA well. This experimental paradigm is essential to the discovery and development of therapeutics targeting viral polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Seifert
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)ErlangenGermany
| | - Subhas C Bera
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)ErlangenGermany
| | - Pauline van Nies
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)ErlangenGermany
| | - Robert N Kirchdoerfer
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute of Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Ashleigh Shannon
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Thi-Tuyet-Nhung Le
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioUnited States
| | - Hongjie Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonUnited States
| | - James M Wood
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Lawrence D Harris
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Flavia S Papini
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)ErlangenGermany
| | - Jamie J Arnold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillUnited States
| | - Steven Almo
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, Institute for Protein InnovationBostonUnited States
| | - Tyler L Grove
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, Institute for Protein InnovationBostonUnited States
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonUnited States
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioUnited States
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Martin Depken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of TechnologyDelftNetherlands
| | - Craig E Cameron
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillUnited States
| | - David Dulin
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)ErlangenGermany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
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18
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The nucleotide addition cycle of the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109650. [PMID: 34433083 PMCID: PMC8367775 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses have evolved elaborate multisubunit machines to replicate and transcribe their genomes. Central to these machines are the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit (nsp12) and its intimately associated cofactors (nsp7 and nsp8). We use a high-throughput magnetic-tweezers approach to develop a mechanochemical description of this core polymerase. The core polymerase exists in at least three catalytically distinct conformations, one being kinetically consistent with incorporation of incorrect nucleotides. We provide evidence that the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) uses a thermal ratchet instead of a power stroke to transition from the pre- to post-translocated state. Ultra-stable magnetic tweezers enable the direct observation of coronavirus polymerase deep and long-lived backtracking that is strongly stimulated by secondary structures in the template. The framework we present here elucidates one of the most important structure-dynamics-function relationships in human health today and will form the grounds for understanding the regulation of this complex.
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19
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Winston DS, Boehr DD. Allosteric and dynamic control of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase function and fidelity. Enzymes 2021; 49:149-193. [PMID: 34696831 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
All RNA viruses encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) responsible for genome replication. It is now recognized that enzymes in general, and RdRps specifically, are dynamic macromolecular machines such that their moving parts, including active site loops, play direct functional roles. While X-ray crystallography has provided deep insight into structural elements important for RdRp function, this methodology generally provides only static snapshots, and so is limited in its ability to report on dynamic fluctuations away from the lowest energy conformation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and other biophysical techniques have brought new insight into RdRp function by their ability to characterize the trajectories, kinetics and thermodynamics of conformational motions. In particular, these methodologies have identified coordinated motions among conserved structural motifs necessary for nucleotide selection and incorporation. Disruption of these motions through amino acid substitutions or inhibitor binding impairs RdRp function. Understanding and re-engineering these motions thus provides exciting new avenues for anti-viral strategies. This chapter outlines the basics of these methodologies, summarizes the dynamic motions observed in different RdRps important for nucleotide selection and incorporation, and illustrates how this information can be leveraged towards rational vaccine strain development and anti-viral drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis S Winston
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - David D Boehr
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.
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20
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Seifert M, Bera SC, van Nies P, Kirchdoerfer RN, Shannon A, Le TTN, Meng X, Xia H, Wood JM, Harris LD, Papini FS, Arnold JJ, Almo SC, Grove TL, Shi PY, Xiang Y, Canard B, Depken M, Cameron CE, Dulin D. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase by nucleotide analogs: a single molecule perspective. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2020.08.06.240325. [PMID: 33851161 PMCID: PMC8043451 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.06.240325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The nucleotide analog Remdesivir (RDV) is the only FDA-approved antiviral therapy to treat infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The physical basis for efficient utilization of RDV by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase is unknown. Here, we characterize the impact of RDV and other nucleotide analogs on RNA synthesis by the polymerase using a high-throughput, single-molecule, magnetic-tweezers platform. The location of the modification in the ribose or in the base dictates the catalytic pathway(s) used for its incorporation. We reveal that RDV incorporation does not terminate viral RNA synthesis, but leads the polymerase into deep backtrack, which may appear as termination in traditional ensemble assays. SARS-CoV-2 is able to evade the endogenously synthesized product of the viperin antiviral protein, ddhCTP, though the polymerase incorporates this nucleotide analog well. This experimental paradigm is essential to the discovery and development of therapeutics targeting viral polymerases. TEASER We revise Remdesivir's mechanism of action and reveal SARS-CoV-2 ability to evade interferon-induced antiviral ddhCTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Seifert
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Subhas Chandra Bera
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pauline van Nies
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert N. Kirchdoerfer
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute of Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Ashleigh Shannon
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Thi-Tuyet-Nhung Le
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hongjie Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - James M. Wood
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence D. Harris
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Flávia S. Papini
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jamie J. Arnold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Steven C. Almo
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA Institute for Protein Innovation, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tyler L. Grove
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA Institute for Protein Innovation, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Martin Depken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Craig E. Cameron
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - David Dulin
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Bera SC, Seifert M, Kirchdoerfer RN, van Nies P, Wubulikasimu Y, Quack S, Papini FS, Arnold JJ, Canard B, Cameron CE, Depken M, Dulin D. The nucleotide addition cycle of the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.03.27.437309. [PMID: 33791706 PMCID: PMC8010733 DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.27.437309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have evolved elaborate multisubunit machines to replicate and transcribe their genomes. Central to these machines are the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit (nsp12) and its intimately associated cofactors (nsp7 and nsp8). We have used a high-throughput magnetic-tweezers approach to develop a mechanochemical description of this core polymerase. The core polymerase exists in at least three catalytically distinct conformations, one being kinetically consistent with incorporation of incorrect nucleotides. We provide the first evidence that an RdRp uses a thermal ratchet instead of a power stroke to transition from the pre- to post-translocated state. Ultra-stable magnetic tweezers enables the direct observation of coronavirus polymerase deep and long-lived backtrack that are strongly stimulated by secondary structure in the template. The framework presented here elucidates one of the most important structure-dynamics-function relationships in human health today, and will form the grounds for understanding the regulation of this complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhas Chandra Bera
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mona Seifert
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert N. Kirchdoerfer
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Pauline van Nies
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yibulayin Wubulikasimu
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Salina Quack
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Flávia S. Papini
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jamie J. Arnold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Craig E. Cameron
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Martin Depken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - David Dulin
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Shannon A, Selisko B, Le NTT, Huchting J, Touret F, Piorkowski G, Fattorini V, Ferron F, Decroly E, Meier C, Coutard B, Peersen O, Canard B. Rapid incorporation of Favipiravir by the fast and permissive viral RNA polymerase complex results in SARS-CoV-2 lethal mutagenesis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4682. [PMID: 32943628 PMCID: PMC7499305 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18463-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emphasized the urgent need for antiviral therapeutics. The viral RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) is a promising target with polymerase inhibitors successfully used for the treatment of several viral diseases. We demonstrate here that Favipiravir predominantly exerts an antiviral effect through lethal mutagenesis. The SARS-CoV RdRp complex is at least 10-fold more active than any other viral RdRp known. It possesses both unusually high nucleotide incorporation rates and high-error rates allowing facile insertion of Favipiravir into viral RNA, provoking C-to-U and G-to-A transitions in the already low cytosine content SARS-CoV-2 genome. The coronavirus RdRp complex represents an Achilles heel for SARS-CoV, supporting nucleoside analogues as promising candidates for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Shannon
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Nhung-Thi-Tuyet Le
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Johanna Huchting
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, D-20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franck Touret
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Géraldine Piorkowski
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Véronique Fattorini
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - François Ferron
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Etienne Decroly
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Chris Meier
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, D-20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Olve Peersen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1870, USA.
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, 13009, Marseille, France.
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Shannon A, Selisko B, Le NTT, Huchting J, Touret F, Piorkowski G, Fattorini V, Ferron F, Decroly E, Meier C, Coutard B, Peersen O, Canard B. Favipiravir strikes the SARS-CoV-2 at its Achilles heel, the RNA polymerase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.05.15.098731. [PMID: 32511380 PMCID: PMC7263509 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.15.098731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emphasized the urgent need for antiviral therapeutics. The viral RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) is a promising target with polymerase inhibitors successfully used for the treatment of several viral diseases. Here we show that Favipiravir exerts an antiviral effect as a nucleotide analogue through a combination of chain termination, slowed RNA synthesis and lethal mutagenesis. The SARS-CoV RdRp complex is at least 10-fold more active than any other viral RdRp known. It possesses both unusually high nucleotide incorporation rates and high-error rates allowing facile insertion of Favipiravir into viral RNA, provoking C-to-U and G-to-A transitions in the already low cytosine content SARS-CoV-2 genome. The coronavirus RdRp complex represents an Achilles heel for SARS-CoV, supporting nucleoside analogues as promising candidates for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Shannon
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - B. Selisko
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - NTT Le
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - J. Huchting
- University of Hamburg, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - F. Touret
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - G. Piorkowski
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - V. Fattorini
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - F. Ferron
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - E. Decroly
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - C Meier
- University of Hamburg, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - B. Coutard
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - O. Peersen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1870, USA
| | - B. Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, UMR 7257, Polytech Case 925, 13009 Marseille, France
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