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Chakraborty A, Ghosh R, Soumya Mohapatra S, Barik S, Biswas A, Chowdhuri S. Repurposing of antimycobacterium drugs for COVID-19 treatment by targeting SARS CoV-2 main protease: An in-silico perspective. Gene 2024; 922:148553. [PMID: 38734190 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148553] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The global mortality rate has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus. Although the pursuit for a potent antiviral is still in progress, experimental therapies based on repurposing of existing drugs is being attempted. One important therapeutic target for COVID-19 is the main protease (Mpro) that cleaves the viral polyprotein in its replication process. Recently minocycline, an antimycobacterium drug, has been successfully implemented for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. But it's mode of action is still far from clear. Furthermore, it remains unresolved whether alternative antimycobacterium drugs can effectively regulate SARS CoV-2 by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Mpro. To comprehend these facets, eight well-established antimycobacterium drugs were put through molecular docking experiments. Four of the antimycobacterium drugs (minocycline, rifampicin, clofazimine and ofloxacin) were selected by comparing their binding affinities towards Mpro. All of the four drugs interacted with both the catalytic residues of Mpro (His41 and Cys145). Additionally, molecular dynamics experiments demonstrated that the Mpro-minocyline complex has enhanced stability, experiences reduced conformational fluctuations and greater compactness than other three Mpro-antimycobacterium and Mpro-N3/lopinavir complexes. This research furnishes evidences for implementation of minocycline against SARS CoV-2. In addition, our findings also indicate other three antimycobacterium/antituberculosis drugs (rifampicin, clofazimine and ofloxacin) could potentially be evaluated for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayon Chakraborty
- University Institute of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajesh Ghosh
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Subhashree Barik
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ashis Biswas
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
| | - Snehasis Chowdhuri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
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2
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Grimes SL, Denison MR. The Coronavirus helicase in replication. Virus Res 2024; 346:199401. [PMID: 38796132 PMCID: PMC11177069 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus nonstructural protein (nsp) 13 encodes an RNA helicase (nsp13-HEL) with multiple enzymatic functions, including unwinding and nucleoside phosphatase (NTPase) activities. Attempts for enzymatic inactivation have defined the nsp13-HEL as a critical enzyme for viral replication and a high-priority target for antiviral development. Helicases have been shown to play numerous roles beyond their canonical ATPase and unwinding activities, though these functions are just beginning to be explored in coronavirus biology. Recent genetic and biochemical studies, as well as work in structurally-related helicases, have provided evidence that supports new hypotheses for the helicase's potential role in coronavirus replication. Here, we review several aspects of the coronavirus nsp13-HEL, including its reported and proposed functions in viral replication and highlight fundamental areas of research that may aid the development of helicase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Grimes
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mark R Denison
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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3
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Baliga-Gil A, Soszynska-Jozwiak M, Ruszkowska A, Szczesniak I, Kierzek R, Ciechanowska M, Trybus M, Jackowiak P, Peterson JM, Moss WN, Kierzek E. Targeting sgRNA N secondary structure as a way of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105946. [PMID: 38925369 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus that causes COVID-19, a global pandemic that has resulted in many infections, deaths, and socio-economic challenges. The virus has a large positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome of ∼30 kb, which produces subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) through discontinuous transcription. The most abundant sgRNA is sgRNA N, which encodes the nucleocapsid (N) protein. In this study, we probed the secondary structure of sgRNA N and a shorter model without a 3' UTR in vitro, using the SHAPE (selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by a primer extension) method and chemical mapping with dimethyl sulfate and 1-cyclohexyl-(2-morpholinoethyl) carbodiimide metho-p-toluene sulfonate. We revealed the secondary structure of sgRNA N and its shorter variant for the first time and compared them with the genomic RNA N structure. Based on the structural information, we designed gapmers, siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to target the N protein coding region of sgRNA N. We also generated eukaryotic expression vectors containing the complete sequence of sgRNA N and used them to screen for new SARS-CoV-2 gene N expression inhibitors. Our study provides novel insights into the structure and function of sgRNA N and potential therapeutic tools against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Baliga-Gil
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Soszynska-Jozwiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Ruszkowska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Izabela Szczesniak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kierzek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maria Ciechanowska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Trybus
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Jackowiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jake M Peterson
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Walter N Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Elzbieta Kierzek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland.
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4
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Ibrahim PEGF, Zuccotto F, Zachariae U, Gilbert I, Bodkin M. Accurate prediction of dynamic protein-ligand binding using P-score ranking. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:1762-1778. [PMID: 38647338 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Protein-ligand binding prediction typically relies on docking methodologies and associated scoring functions to propose the binding mode of a ligand in a biological target. Significant challenges are associated with this approach, including the flexibility of the protein-ligand system, solvent-mediated interactions, and associated entropy changes. In addition, scoring functions are only weakly accurate due to the short time required for calculating enthalpic and entropic binding interactions. The workflow described here attempts to address these limitations by combining supervised molecular dynamics with dynamical averaging quantum mechanics fragment molecular orbital. This combination significantly increased the ability to predict the experimental binding structure of protein-ligand complexes independent from the starting position of the ligands or the binding site conformation. We found that the predictive power could be enhanced by combining the residence time and interaction energies as descriptors in a novel scoring function named the P-score. This is illustrated using six different protein-ligand targets as case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E G F Ibrahim
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ulrich Zachariae
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ian Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Mike Bodkin
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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5
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Ueno S, Amarbayasgalan S, Sugiura Y, Takahashi T, Shimizu K, Nakagawa K, Kawabata-Iwakawa R, Kamitani W. Eight-amino-acid sequence at the N-terminus of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 is involved in stabilizing viral genome replication. Virology 2024; 595:110068. [PMID: 38593595 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) enveloped virus with a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome. The CoV non-structural protein (nsp) 1 is a multifunctional protein that undergoes translation shutoff, messenger RNA (mRNA) cleavage, and RNA binding. The C-terminal region is involved in translational shutoff and RNA cleavage. The N-terminal region of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 is highly conserved among isolated SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, the I-004 variant, isolated during the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, lost eight amino acids in the nsp1 region. In this study, we showed that the eight amino acids are important for viral replication in infected interferon-incompetent cells and that the recombinant virus that lost these amino acids had low pathogenicity in the lungs of hamster models. The loss of eight amino acids-induced mutations occurred in the 5' untranslated region (UTR), suggesting that nsp1 contributes to the stability of the viral genome during replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Ueno
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | | | - Yoshiro Sugiura
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Takahashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kenta Shimizu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nakagawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu, Japan
| | - Reika Kawabata-Iwakawa
- Division of Integrated Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Wataru Kamitani
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan.
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6
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Li M, Hou Y, Zhou Y, Yang Z, Zhao H, Jian T, Yu Q, Zeng F, Liu X, Zhang Z, Zhao YG. LLPS of FXR proteins drives replication organelle clustering for β-coronaviral proliferation. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309140. [PMID: 38587486 PMCID: PMC11001562 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309140] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Coronaviruses remodel host endomembranes to form double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) as replication organelles (ROs) that provide a shielded microenvironment for viral RNA synthesis in infected cells. DMVs are clustered, but the molecular underpinnings and pathophysiological functions remain unknown. Here, we reveal that host fragile X-related (FXR) family proteins (FXR1/FXR2/FMR1) are required for DMV clustering induced by expression of viral non-structural proteins (Nsps) Nsp3 and Nsp4. Depleting FXRs results in DMV dispersion in the cytoplasm. FXR1/2 and FMR1 are recruited to DMV sites via specific interaction with Nsp3. FXRs form condensates driven by liquid-liquid phase separation, which is required for DMV clustering. FXR1 liquid droplets concentrate Nsp3 and Nsp3-decorated liposomes in vitro. FXR droplets facilitate recruitment of translation machinery for efficient translation surrounding DMVs. In cells depleted of FXRs, SARS-CoV-2 replication is significantly attenuated. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 exploits host FXR proteins to cluster viral DMVs via phase separation for efficient viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yali Hou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Jian
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, P.R. China
| | - Qianxi Yu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Fuxing Zeng
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotian Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yan G. Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
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7
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van Vliet VJE, De Silva A, Mark BL, Kikkert M. Viral deubiquitinating proteases and the promising strategies of their inhibition. Virus Res 2024; 344:199368. [PMID: 38588924 PMCID: PMC11025011 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Several viruses are now known to code for deubiquitinating proteases in their genomes. Ubiquitination is an essential post-translational modification of cellular substrates involved in many processes in the cell, including in innate immune signalling. This post-translational modification is regulated by the ubiquitin conjugation machinery, as well as various host deubiquitinating enzymes. The conjugation of ubiquitin chains to several innate immune related factors is often needed to induce downstream signalling, shaping the antiviral response. Viral deubiquitinating proteins, besides often having a primary function in the viral replication cycle by cleaving the viral polyprotein, are also able to cleave ubiquitin chains from such host substrates, in that way exerting a function in innate immune evasion. The presence of viral deubiquitinating enzymes has been firmly established for numerous animal-infecting viruses, such as some well-researched and clinically important nidoviruses, and their presence has now been confirmed in several plant viruses as well. Viral proteases in general have long been highlighted as promising drug targets, with a current focus on small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss the range of viral deubiquitinating proteases known to date, summarise the various avenues explored to inhibit such proteases and discuss novel strategies and models intended to inhibit and study these specific viral enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera J E van Vliet
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands; The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anuradha De Silva
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian L Mark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands.
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8
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Maio N, Heffner AL, Rouault TA. Iron‑sulfur clusters in viral proteins: Exploring their elusive nature, roles and new avenues for targeting infections. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119723. [PMID: 38599324 PMCID: PMC11139609 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119723] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Viruses have evolved complex mechanisms to exploit host factors for replication and assembly. In response, host cells have developed strategies to block viruses, engaging in a continuous co-evolutionary battle. This dynamic interaction often revolves around the competition for essential resources necessary for both host cell and virus replication. Notably, iron, required for the biosynthesis of several cofactors, including iron‑sulfur (FeS) clusters, represents a critical element in the ongoing competition for resources between infectious agents and host. Although several recent studies have identified FeS cofactors at the core of virus replication machineries, our understanding of their specific roles and the cellular processes responsible for their incorporation into viral proteins remains limited. This review aims to consolidate our current knowledge of viral components that have been characterized as FeS proteins and elucidate how viruses harness these versatile cofactors to their benefit. Its objective is also to propose that viruses may depend on incorporation of FeS cofactors more extensively than is currently known. This has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of viral replication, thereby carrying significant implications for the development of strategies to target infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunziata Maio
- Molecular Medicine Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Audrey L Heffner
- Molecular Medicine Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Tracey A Rouault
- Molecular Medicine Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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9
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Becker MA, Meiser N, Schmidt-Dengler M, Richter C, Wacker A, Schwalbe H, Hengesbach M. m 6A Methylation of Transcription Leader Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 Impacts Discontinuous Transcription of Subgenomic mRNAs. Chemistry 2024:e202401897. [PMID: 38785102 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401897] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 genome has been shown to be m6A methylated at several positions in vivo. Strikingly, a DRACH motif, the recognition motif for adenosine methylation, resides in the core of the transcriptional regulatory leader sequence (TRS-L) at position A74, which is highly conserved and essential for viral discontinuous transcription. Methylation at position A74 correlates with viral pathogenicity. Discontinuous transcription produces a set of subgenomic mRNAs that function as templates for translation of all structural and accessory proteins. A74 is base-paired in the short stem-loop structure 5'SL3 that opens during discontinuous transcription to form long-range RNA-RNA interactions with nascent (-)-strand transcripts at complementary TRS-body sequences. A74 can be methylated by the human METTL3/METTL14 complex in vitro. Here, we investigate its impact on the structural stability of 5'SL3 and the long-range TRS-leader:TRS-body duplex formation necessary for synthesis of subgenomic mRNAs of all four viral structural proteins. Methylation uniformly destabilizes 5'SL3 and long-range duplexes and alters their relative equilibrium populations, suggesting that the m6A74 modification acts as a regulator for the abundance of viral structural proteins due to this destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias A Becker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Meiser
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martina Schmidt-Dengler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anna Wacker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Hengesbach
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBS), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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10
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Combe M, Cherif E, Deremarque T, Rivera-Ingraham G, Seck-Thiam F, Justy F, Doudou JC, Carod JF, Carage T, Procureur A, Gozlan RE. Wastewater sequencing as a powerful tool to reveal SARS-CoV-2 variant introduction and spread in French Guiana, South America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171645. [PMID: 38479523 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171645] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The origin of introduction of a new pathogen in a country, the evolutionary dynamics of an epidemic within a country, and the role of cross-border areas on pathogen dynamics remain complex to disentangle and are often poorly understood. For instance, cross-border areas represent the ideal location for the sharing of viral variants between countries, with international air travel, land travel and waterways playing an important role in the cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, monitoring the point of entry and the evolutionary dynamics of viruses in space and time within local populations remain challenging. Here we tested the efficiency of wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping in monitoring Covid-19 epidemiology and SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics in French Guiana, a tropical country located in South America. Our results suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping are powerful tools to monitor variant introduction and disease evolution within a tropical country but the inclusion of both clinical and wastewater samples could still improve our understanding of genetic diversity co-circulating. Wastewater sequencing also revealed the cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants within the country. Interestingly, we found some amino acid changes specific to the variants co-circulating in French Guiana, suggesting a local evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 variants after their introduction. More importantly, our results showed that the proximity to bordering countries was not the origin of the emergence of the French Guianese B.1.160.25 variant, but rather that this variant emerged from an ancestor B.1.160 variant introduced by European air plane travelers, suggesting thus that air travel remains a significant risk for cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Overall, we suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping provides a cost effective and non-invasive approach for pathogen monitoring and an early-warning tool for disease emergence and spread within a tropical country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Combe
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emira Cherif
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Georgina Rivera-Ingraham
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France; Centre IRD de Cayenne, Guyane Française, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-François Carod
- Laboratoire et Pôle Appui aux Fonctions Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier de l'Ouest Guyanais (CHOG), 97320 Saint-Laurent du Maroni, Guyane Française, France
| | - Thierry Carage
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Carage de Kourou, 6 avenue Leopold Heder, 97310 Kourou, Guyane Française, France
| | - Angélique Procureur
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Carage de Kourou, 6 avenue Leopold Heder, 97310 Kourou, Guyane Française, France
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11
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Kumar A, Vashisth H. Quantitative Assessment of Energetic Contributions of Residues in a SARS-CoV-2 Viral Enzyme/Nanobody Interface. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2068-2076. [PMID: 38460144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01933] [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] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The highly conserved protease enzyme from SARS-CoV-2 (MPro) is crucial for viral replication and is an attractive target for the design of novel inhibitory compounds. MPro is known to be conformationally flexible and has been stabilized in an extended conformation in a complex with a novel nanobody (NB2B4), which inhibits the dimerization of the enzyme via binding to an allosteric site. However, the energetic contributions of the nanobody residues stabilizing the MPro/nanobody interface remain unresolved. We probed these residues using all-atom MD simulations in combination with alchemical free energy calculations by studying the physical residue-residue interactions and discovered the role of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in stabilizing the complex. Specifically, we found via mutational analysis that three interfacial nanobody residues (Y59, R106, and L109) contributed significantly, two residues (L107 and P110) contributed moderately, and two residues (H112 and T113) contributed minimally to the overall binding affinity of the nanobody. We also discovered that the nanobody affinity could be enhanced via a charge-reversal mutation (D62R) that alters the local interfacial electrostatic environment of this residue in the complex. These findings are potentially useful in designing novel synthetic nanobodies as allosteric inhibitors of MPro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
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12
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Li Z, Xiao W, Yang Z, Guo J, Zhou J, Xiao S, Fang P, Fang L. Cleavage of HDAC6 to dampen its antiviral activity by nsp5 is a common strategy of swine enteric coronaviruses. J Virol 2024; 98:e0181423. [PMID: 38289103 PMCID: PMC10878235 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01814-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
HDAC6, a structurally and functionally unique member of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family, is an important host factor that restricts viral infection. The broad-spectrum antiviral activity of HDAC6 makes it a potent antiviral agent. Previously, we found that HDAC6 functions to antagonize porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an emerging enteropathogenic coronavirus with zoonotic potential. However, the final outcome is typically a productive infection that materializes as cells succumb to viral infection, indicating that the virus has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to combat the antiviral effect of HDAC6. Here, we demonstrate that PDCoV nonstructural protein 5 (nsp5) can cleave HDAC6 at glutamine 519 (Q519), and cleavage of HDAC6 was also detected in the context of PDCoV infection. More importantly, the anti-PDCoV activity of HDAC6 was damaged by nsp5 cleavage. Mechanistically, the cleaved HDAC6 fragments (amino acids 1-519 and 520-1159) lost the ability to degrade PDCoV nsp8 due to their impaired deacetylase activity. Furthermore, nsp5-mediated cleavage impaired the ability of HDAC6 to activate RIG-I-mediated interferon responses. We also tested three other swine enteric coronaviruses (transmissible gastroenteritis virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, and swine acute diarrhea syndrome-coronavirus) and found that all these coronaviruses have adopted similar mechanisms to cleave HDAC6 in both an overexpression system and virus-infected cells, suggesting that cleavage of HDAC6 is a common strategy utilized by swine enteric coronaviruses to antagonize the host's antiviral capacity. Together, these data illustrate how swine enteric coronaviruses antagonize the antiviral function of HDAC6 to maintain their infection, providing new insights to the interaction between virus and host.IMPORTANCEViral infections and host defenses are in constant opposition. Once viruses combat or evade host restriction, productive infection is achieved. HDAC6 is a broad-spectrum antiviral protein that has been demonstrated to inhibit many viruses, including porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV). However, whether HDAC6 is reciprocally targeted and disabled by viruses remains unclear. In this study, we used PDCoV as a model and found that HDAC6 is targeted and cleaved by nsp5, a viral 3C-like protease. The cleaved HDAC6 loses its deacetylase activity as well as its ability to degrade viral proteins and activate interferon responses. Furthermore, this cleavage mechanism is shared among other swine enteric coronaviruses. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay between viruses and HDAC6, highlighting the strategies employed by viruses to evade host antiviral defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenwen Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixiang Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahui Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Junwei Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaobo Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Puxian Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Liurong Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
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13
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Manfrini N, Notarbartolo S, Grifantini R, Pesce E. SARS-CoV-2: A Glance at the Innate Immune Response Elicited by Infection and Vaccination. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:13. [PMID: 38390874 PMCID: PMC10885122 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010013] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to almost seven million deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 causes infection through respiratory transmission and can occur either without any symptoms or with clinical manifestations which can be mild, severe or, in some cases, even fatal. Innate immunity provides the initial defense against the virus by sensing pathogen-associated molecular patterns and triggering signaling pathways that activate the antiviral and inflammatory responses, which limit viral replication and help the identification and removal of infected cells. However, temporally dysregulated and excessive activation of the innate immune response is deleterious for the host and associates with severe COVID-19. In addition to its defensive role, innate immunity is pivotal in priming the adaptive immune response and polarizing its effector function. This capacity is relevant in the context of both SARS-CoV-2 natural infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Manfrini
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Notarbartolo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Grifantini
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
- CheckmAb Srl, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pesce
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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14
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Haghir Ebrahim Abadi MH, Ghasemlou A, Bayani F, Sefidbakht Y, Vosough M, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Uversky VN. AI-driven covalent drug design strategies targeting main protease (m pro) against SARS-CoV-2: structural insights and molecular mechanisms. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38287509 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. To address this challenge, small-molecule antivirals have been proposed as a crucial therapeutic option. Among potential targets for anti-COVID-19 therapy, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is important due to its essential role in the virus's life cycle and high conservation. The substrate-binding region of the core proteases of various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), could be used for the generation of new protease inhibitors. Various drug discovery methods have employed a diverse range of strategies, targeting both monomeric and dimeric forms, including drug repurposing, integrating virtual screening with high-throughput screening (HTS), and structure-based drug design, each demonstrating varying levels of efficiency. Covalent inhibitors, such as Nirmatrelvir and MG-101, showcase robust and high-affinity binding to Mpro, exhibiting stable interactions confirmed by molecular docking studies. Development of effective antiviral drugs is imperative to address potential pandemic situations. This review explores recent advances in the search for Mpro inhibitors and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug design. AI leverages vast datasets and advanced algorithms to streamline the design and identification of promising Mpro inhibitors. AI-driven drug discovery methods, including molecular docking, predictive modeling, and structure-based drug repurposing, are at the forefront of identifying potential candidates for effective antiviral therapy. In a time when COVID-19 potentially threat global health, the quest for potent antiviral solutions targeting Mpro could be critical for inhibiting the virus.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatemeh Bayani
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Sefidbakht
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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15
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Noh HE, Rha MS. Mucosal Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in the Respiratory Tract. Pathogens 2024; 13:113. [PMID: 38392851 PMCID: PMC10892713 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020113] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The respiratory tract, the first-line defense, is constantly exposed to inhaled allergens, pollutants, and pathogens such as respiratory viruses. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses in the respiratory tract plays a crucial role in the protection against invading respiratory pathogens. Therefore, a better understanding of mucosal immunity in the airways is critical for the development of novel therapeutics and next-generation vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory viruses. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, our knowledge of mucosal immune responses in the airways has expanded. In this review, we describe the latest knowledge regarding the key components of the mucosal immune system in the respiratory tract. In addition, we summarize the host immune responses in the upper and lower airways following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, and discuss the impact of allergic airway inflammation on mucosal immune responses against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Eun Noh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min-Seok Rha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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16
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Li X, Wu Y, Yan Z, Li G, Luo J, Huang S, Guo X. A Comprehensive View on the Protein Functions of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:165. [PMID: 38397155 PMCID: PMC10887554 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020165] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus (PEDV) is one of the main pathogens causing diarrhea in piglets and fattening pigs. The clinical signs of PED are vomiting, acute diarrhea, dehydration, and mortality resulting in significant economic losses and becoming a major challenge in the pig industry. PEDV possesses various crucial structural and functional proteins, which play important roles in viral structure, infection, replication, assembly, and release, as well as in escaping host innate immunity. Over the past few years, there has been progress in the study of PEDV pathogenesis, revealing the crucial role of the interaction between PEDV viral proteins and host cytokines in PEDV infection. At present, the main control measure against PEDV is vaccine immunization of sows, but the protective effect for emerging virus strains is still insufficient, and there is no ideal safe and efficient vaccine. Although scientists have persistently delved their research into the intricate structure and functionalities of the PEDV genome and viral proteins for years, the pathogenic mechanism of PEDV remains incompletely elucidated. Here, we focus on reviewing the research progress of PEDV structural and nonstructural proteins to facilitate the understanding of biological processes such as PEDV infection and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.Y.); (G.L.); (J.L.)
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China
| | - Yiwan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.Y.); (G.L.); (J.L.)
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China
| | - Zhibin Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.Y.); (G.L.); (J.L.)
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China
| | - Gen Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.Y.); (G.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.Y.); (G.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.Y.); (G.L.); (J.L.)
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing 526238, China
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17
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Liao Y, Wang H, Liao H, Sun Y, Tan L, Song C, Qiu X, Ding C. Classification, replication, and transcription of Nidovirales. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1291761. [PMID: 38328580 PMCID: PMC10847374 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1291761] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nidovirales is one order of RNA virus, with the largest single-stranded positive sense RNA genome enwrapped with membrane envelope. It comprises four families (Arterividae, Mesoniviridae, Roniviridae, and Coronaviridae) and has been circulating in humans and animals for almost one century, posing great threat to livestock and poultry,as well as to public health. Nidovirales shares similar life cycle: attachment to cell surface, entry, primary translation of replicases, viral RNA replication in cytoplasm, translation of viral proteins, virion assembly, budding, and release. The viral RNA synthesis is the critical step during infection, including genomic RNA (gRNA) replication and subgenomic mRNAs (sg mRNAs) transcription. gRNA replication requires the synthesis of a negative sense full-length RNA intermediate, while the sg mRNAs transcription involves the synthesis of a nested set of negative sense subgenomic intermediates by a discontinuous strategy. This RNA synthesis process is mediated by the viral replication/transcription complex (RTC), which consists of several enzymatic replicases derived from the polyprotein 1a and polyprotein 1ab and several cellular proteins. These replicases and host factors represent the optimal potential therapeutic targets. Hereby, we summarize the Nidovirales classification, associated diseases, "replication organelle," replication and transcription mechanisms, as well as related regulatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liao
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyu Liao
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Tan
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuiping Song
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xusheng Qiu
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chan Ding
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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18
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Wang G, Venegas FA, Rueda AM, Weerasinghe NW, Uggowitzer KA, Thibodeaux CJ, Moitessier N, Mittermaier AK. A naturally occurring G11S mutation in the 3C-like protease from the SARS-CoV-2 virus dramatically weakens the dimer interface. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4857. [PMID: 38058248 PMCID: PMC10731504 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4857] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The 3C-like protease (3CLpro ) is crucial to the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, and is the target of several successful drugs including Paxlovid and Xocova. Nevertheless, the emergence of viral resistance underlines the need for alternative drug strategies. 3CLpro only functions as a homodimer, making the protein-protein interface an attractive drug target. Dimerization is partly mediated by a conserved glycine at position 11. However, some naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 sequences contain a serine at this position, potentially disrupting the dimer. We have used concentration-dependent activity assays and mass spectrometry to show that indeed the G11S mutation reduces the stability of the dimer by 600-fold. This helps to set a quantitative benchmark for the minimum potency required of any future protein-protein interaction inhibitors targeting 3CLpro and raises interesting questions regarding how coronaviruses bearing such weakly dimerizing 3CLpro enzymes are capable of replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyu Wang
- Department of ChemistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | - Andres M. Rueda
- Department of ChemistryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
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19
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Lavezzari D, Mori A, Pomari E, Deiana M, Fadda A, Bertoli L, Sinigaglia A, Riccetti S, Barzon L, Piubelli C, Delledonne M, Capobianchi MR, Castilletti C. Comparative analysis of bioinformatics tools to characterize SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNAs. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302017. [PMID: 37748810 PMCID: PMC10520259 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302017] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), positive-sense genomic RNA and subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) are synthesized by a discontinuous process of transcription characterized by a template switch, regulated by transcription-regulating sequences (TRS). Although poorly known about makeup and dynamics of sgRNAs population and function of its constituents, next-generation sequencing approaches with the help of bioinformatics tools have made a significant contribution to expand the knowledge of sgRNAs in SARS-CoV-2. For this scope to date, Periscope, LeTRS, sgDI-tector, and CORONATATOR have been developed. However, limited number of studies are available to compare the performance of such tools. To this purpose, we compared Periscope, LeTRS, and sgDI-tector in the identification of canonical (c-) and noncanonical (nc-) sgRNA species in the data obtained with the Illumina ARTIC sequencing protocol applied to SARS-CoV-2-infected Caco-2 cells, sampled at different time points. The three software showed a high concordance rate in the identification and in the quantification of c-sgRNA, whereas more differences were observed in nc-sgRNA. Overall, LeTRS and sgDI-tector result to be adequate alternatives to Periscope to analyze Fastq data from sequencing platforms other than Nanopore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Lavezzari
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Mori
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Deiana
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Fadda
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Bertoli
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
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20
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Dhaka P, Singh A, Choudhary S, Peddinti RK, Kumar P, Sharma GK, Tomar S. Mechanistic and thermodynamic characterization of antiviral inhibitors targeting nucleocapsid N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 750:109820. [PMID: 37956938 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109820] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in encapsulating the viral genome. Developing antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2 is imperative due to the diminishing immunity of the available vaccines. This study targets the RNA-binding site located in the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the N-protein to identify the potential antiviral molecules against SARS-CoV-2. A structure-based repurposing approach identified the twelve high-affinity molecules from FDA-approved drugs, natural products, and the LOPAC1280 compound libraries that precisely bind to the RNA binding site within the NTD. The interaction of these potential antiviral agents with the purified NTD protein was thermodynamically characterized using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). A fluorescence-based plate assay to assess the RNA binding inhibitory activity of small molecules against the NTD has been employed, and the selected compounds exhibited significant RNA binding inhibition with calculated IC50 values ranging from 8.8 μM to 15.7 μM. Furthermore, the antiviral efficacy of these compounds was evaluated using in vitro cell-based assays targeting the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, two compounds, Telmisartan and BMS-189453, displayed potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, with EC50 values of approximately 1.02 μM and 0.98 μM, and a notable selective index of >98 and > 102, respectively. This study gives valuable insight into developing therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the N-protein, a significant effort given the global public health concern posed due to the virus re-emergence and long COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Dhaka
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Ankur Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Shweta Choudhary
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Rama Krishna Peddinti
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Pravindra Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
| | - Gaurav Kumar Sharma
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India.
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
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21
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Quan L, Sun X, Xu L, Chen RA, Liu DX. Coronavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase interacts with the p50 regulatory subunit of host DNA polymerase delta and plays a synergistic role with RNA helicase in the induction of DNA damage response and cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2176008. [PMID: 36724449 PMCID: PMC9937006 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2176008] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the cell cycle is a common strategy shared by many viruses to create a conducible cellular microenvironment for their efficient replication. We have previously shown that infection of cells with gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) activated the theataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) Rad3-related (ATR)/checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) pathway and induced cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phases, partially through the interaction of nonstructural protein 13 (nsp13) with the p125 catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase delta (pol δ). In this study, we show, by GST pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining, that IBV nsp12 directly interacts with the p50 regulatory subunit of pol δ in vitro and in cells overexpressing the two proteins as well as in cells infected with a recombinant IBV harbouring an HA-tagged nsp12. Furthermore, nsp12 from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 was also able to interact with p50. These interactions play a synergistic role with nsp13 in the induction of S phase arrest. The fact that subunits of an essential cellular DNA replication machinery physically associate with two core replication enzymes from three different coronaviruses highlights the importance of these associations in coronavirus replication and virus-host interaction, and reveals the potential of targeting these subunits for antiviral intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Quan
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China,Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Sun
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China,Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linghui Xu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Ai Chen
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Ding Xiang Liu
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China,Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China, Ding Xiang Liu
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22
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Pahmeier F, Lavacca TM, Goellner S, Neufeldt CJ, Prasad V, Cerikan B, Rajasekharan S, Mizzon G, Haselmann U, Funaya C, Scaturro P, Cortese M, Bartenschlager R. Identification of host dependency factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle formation through proteomics and ultrastructural analysis. J Virol 2023; 97:e0087823. [PMID: 37905840 PMCID: PMC10688318 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00878-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Remodeling of the cellular endomembrane system by viruses allows for efficient and coordinated replication of the viral genome in distinct subcellular compartments termed replication organelles. As a critical step in the viral life cycle, replication organelle formation is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, but factors central to this process are only partially understood. In this study, we corroborate that two viral proteins, nsp3 and nsp4, are the major drivers of membrane remodeling in SARS-CoV-2 infection. We further report a number of host cell factors interacting with these viral proteins and supporting the viral replication cycle, some of them by contributing to the formation of the SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Pahmeier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teresa-Maria Lavacca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Goellner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher J. Neufeldt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vibhu Prasad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Berati Cerikan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Giulia Mizzon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg partner site, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Haselmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotta Funaya
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pietro Scaturro
- Systems Arbovirology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mirko Cortese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg partner site, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division “Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Havranek B, Demissie R, Lee H, Lan S, Zhang H, Sarafianos SG, Jean-Luc Ayitou A, Islam SM. Discovery of Nirmatrelvir Resistance Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro: A Computational-Experimental Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7180-7188. [PMID: 37947496 PMCID: PMC10976418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01269] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the urgency for effective antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-2. Targeting the main protease (3CLpro) of the virus has emerged as a promising approach, and nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332), the active component of Pfizer's oral drug Paxlovid, has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy. However, the emergence of resistance mutations poses a challenge to its continued success. In this study, we employed alchemical free energy perturbation (FEP) alanine scanning to identify nirmatrelvir-resistance mutations within SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. FEP identified several mutations, which were validated through in vitro IC50 experiments and found to result in 8- and 72-fold increases in nirmatrelvir IC50 values. Additionally, we constructed SARS-CoV-2 omicron replicons containing these mutations, and one of the mutants (S144A/E166A) displayed a 20-fold increase in EC50, confirming the role of FEP in identifying drug-resistance mutations. Our findings suggest that FEP can be a valuable tool in proactively monitoring the emergence of resistant strains and guiding the design of future inhibitors with reduced susceptibility to drug resistance. As nirmatrelvir is currently widely used for treating COVID-19, this research has important implications for surveillance efforts and antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Havranek
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA, 60607
| | - Robel Demissie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Biophysics Core at Research Resource Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Hyun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Biophysics Core at Research Resource Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Shuiyun Lan
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Huanchun Zhang
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stefan G. Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Shahidul M. Islam
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA, 60607
- Department of Chemistry, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, 19901, USA
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24
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Brewitz L, Henry Chan HT, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Walsh MA, Duarte F, Schofield CJ. Mass spectrometric assays monitoring the deubiquitinase activity of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inform on the basis of substrate selectivity and have utility for substrate identification. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 95:117498. [PMID: 37857256 PMCID: PMC10933793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117498] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) and main protease (Mpro) are nucleophilic cysteine enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis of the viral polyproteins pp1a/1ab. By contrast with Mpro, PLpro is also a deubiquitinase (DUB) that accepts post-translationally modified human proteins as substrates. Here we report studies on the DUB activity of PLpro using synthetic Nε-lysine-branched oligopeptides as substrates that mimic post-translational protein modifications by ubiquitin (Ub) or Ub-like modifiers (UBLs), such as interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). Mass spectrometry (MS)-based assays confirm the DUB activity of isolated recombinant PLpro. They reveal that the sequence of both the peptide fragment derived from the post-translationally modified protein and that derived from the UBL affects PLpro catalysis; the nature of substrate binding in the S sites appears to be more important for catalytic efficiency than binding in the S' sites. Importantly, the results reflect the reported cellular substrate selectivity of PLpro, i.e. human proteins conjugated to ISG15 are better substrates than those conjugated to Ub or other UBLs. The combined experimental and modelling results imply that PLpro catalysis is affected not only by the identity of the substrate residues binding in the S and S' sites, but also by the substrate fold and the conformational dynamics of the blocking loop 2 of the PLpro:substrate complex. Nε-Lysine-branched oligopeptides thus have potential to help the identification of PLpro substrates. More generally, the results imply that MS-based assays with Nε-lysine-branched oligopeptides have potential to monitor catalysis by human DUBs and hence to inform on their substrate preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom; The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - H T Henry Chan
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A Walsh
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Fernanda Duarte
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom; The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom.
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25
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Taha BA, Al Mashhadany Y, Al-Jubouri Q, Haider AJ, Chaudhary V, Apsari R, Arsad N. Uncovering the morphological differences between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV based on transmission electron microscopy images. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105187. [PMID: 37517605 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105187] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Comprehending the morphological disparities between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV viruses can shed light on the underlying mechanisms of infection and facilitate the development of effective diagnostic tools and treatments. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis and comparative assessment of the morphology of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The dataset encompassed 519 isolated SARS-CoV-2 images obtained from patients in Italy (INMI) and 248 isolated SARS-CoV images from patients in Germany (Frankfurt). In this paper, we employed TEM images to scrutinize morphological features, and the outcomes were contrasted with those of SARS-CoV viruses. The findings reveal disparities in the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, such as envelope protein (E) 98.6 and 102.2 nm, length of spike protein (S) 10.11 and 9.50 nm, roundness 0.86 and 0.88, circularity 0.78 and 0.76, and area sizes 25145.54 and 38591.35 pixels, respectively. In conclusion, these results will augment the identification of virus subtypes, aid in the study of antiviral medications, and enhance our understanding of disease progression and the virus life cycle. Moreover, these findings have the potential to assist in the development of more accurate epidemiological prediction models for COVID-19, leading to better outbreak management and saving lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakr Ahmed Taha
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia.
| | - Yousif Al Mashhadany
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Anbar, Anbar, 00964, Iraq.
| | - Qussay Al-Jubouri
- Department of Communication Engineering, University of Technology, Iraq.
| | - Adawiya J Haider
- Applied Sciences Department/Laser Science and Technology Branch, University of Technology, Iraq.
| | - Vishal Chaudhary
- Research Cell & Department of Physics, Bhagini Nivedita College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110045, India.
| | - Retna Apsari
- Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia.
| | - Norhana Arsad
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia.
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26
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Peng Q, Fan B, Song X, He W, Wang C, Zhao Y, Guo W, Zhang X, Liu S, Gao J, Li K, Zhang B, Zhou J, Li Y, Guo R, Li B. Genetic signatures associated with the virulence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus AH2012/12. J Virol 2023; 97:e0106323. [PMID: 37732788 PMCID: PMC10617547 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01063-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) caused by PED virus (PEDV) remains a big threat to the swine industry worldwide. Vaccination with live attenuated vaccine is a promising method to prevent and control PED, because it can elicit a more protective immunity than the killed vaccine, subunit vaccine, and so on. In this study, we found two obvious deletions in the genome of a high passage of AH2012/12. We further confirmed the second deletion which contains seven amino acids at the carboxy-terminus of the S2 gene and the start codon of ORF3 can reduce its pathogenicity in vivo. Animal experiments indicated that the recombinant PEDV with deleted carboxy-terminus of S gene showed higher IgG, IgA, neutralization antibodies, and protection effects against virus challenge than the killed vaccine. These data reveal that the engineering of the carboxy-terminus of the S2 gene may be a promising method to develop live attenuated vaccine candidates of PEDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Peng
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baochao Fan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- GuoTai (Taizhou) Center of Technology Innovation for Veterinary Biologicals, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Song
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Wenlong He
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Chuanhong Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Academy of Life Science, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weilu Guo
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kemang Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baotai Zhang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinzhu Zhou
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongli Guo
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- GuoTai (Taizhou) Center of Technology Innovation for Veterinary Biologicals, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
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27
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Jones T, Monakhova N, Guivel-Benhassine F, Lepioshkin A, Bruel T, Lane TR, Schwartz O, Puhl AC, Makarov V, Ekins S. Synthesis and Evaluation of 9-Aminoacridines with SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Activity. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40817-40822. [PMID: 37929131 PMCID: PMC10620940 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
There have been relatively few small molecules developed with direct activity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Two existing antimalarial drugs, pyronaridine and quinacrine, display whole cell activity against SARS-CoV-2 in A549 + ACE2 cells (pretreatment, IC50 = 0.23 and 0.19 μM, respectively) with moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 = 11.53 and 9.24 μM, respectively). Moreover, pyronaridine displays in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro (IC50 = 1.8 μM). Given their existing antiviral activity, these compounds are strong candidates for repurposing against COVID-19 and prompt us to study the structure-activity relationship of the 9-aminoacridine scaffold against SARS-CoV-2 using traditional medicinal chemistry to identify promising new analogs. Our studies identified several novel analogs possessing potent in vitro activity in U2-OS ACE2 GFP 1-10 and 1-11 (IC50 < 1.0 μM) as well as moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 > 4.0 μM). Compounds such as 7g, 9c, and 7e were more active, demonstrating selectivity indices SI > 10, and 9c displayed the strongest activity (IC50 ≤ 0.42 μM, CC50 ≥ 4.41 μM, SI > 10) among them, indicating that it has potential as a new lead molecule in this series against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thane Jones
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Natalia Monakhova
- Federal
Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the
Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS), 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | | | - Alexander Lepioshkin
- Federal
Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the
Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS), 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Timothée Bruel
- Institut
Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris Cedex 15 75724, France
| | - Thomas R. Lane
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Olivier Schwartz
- Institut
Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris Cedex 15 75724, France
| | - Ana C. Puhl
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Vadim Makarov
- Federal
Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the
Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS), 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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28
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Zhan Y, Ye L, Ouyang Q, Yin J, Cui J, Liu K, Guo C, Zhang H, Zhai J, Zheng C, Guo A, Sun B. The binding profile of SARS-CoV-2 with human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms reveals critical alleles involved in immune evasion. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29113. [PMID: 37750416 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), astonished the world and led to millions of deaths. Due to viral new mutations and immune evasion, SARS-CoV-2 ranked first in transmission and influence. The binding affinity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms to SARS-CoV-2 might be related to immune escape, but the mechanisms remained unclear. In this study, we obtained the binding affinity of SARS-CoV-2 strains with different HLA proteins and identified 31 risk alleles. Subsequent structural predictions identified 10 active binding sites in these HLA proteins that may promote immune evasion. Particularly, we also found that the weak binding ability with HLA class I polymorphisms could contribute to the immune evasion of Omicron. These findings suggest important implications for preventing the immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 and providing new insights for the vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Ye
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianying Ouyang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jiye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jiajia Cui
- Department of Geriatric Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Chengxian Guo
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jingbo Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aoxiang Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bao Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Das T, Sikdar S, Chowdhury MHU, Nyma KJ, Adnan M. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in domestic and wildlife animals: A genomic and docking based structural comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19345. [PMID: 37662720 PMCID: PMC10474441 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19345] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been identified as the infectious agent that led to the COVID-19 pandemic, which the world has seen very recently. Researchers have linked the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak to bats for the zoonotic spread of the virus to humans. Coronaviruses have a crown-like shape and positive-sense RNA nucleic acid. It attaches its spike glycoprotein to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Coronavirus genome comprises 14 ORFs and 27 proteins, spike glycoprotein being one of the most critical proteins for viral pathogenesis. Many mammals and reptiles, including bats, pangolins, ferrets, snakes, and turtles, serve as the principal reservoirs for this virus. But many experimental investigations have shown that certain domestic animals, including pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and others, may also be able to harbor this virus, whether they exhibit any symptoms. These animals act as reservoirs for SARS-CoV, facilitating its zoonotic cross-species transmission to other species, including humans. In this review, we performed a phylogenetic analysis with multiple sequence alignment and pairwise evolutionary distance analysis, which revealed the similarity of ACE2 receptors in humans, chimpanzees, domestic rabbits, house mice, and golden hamsters. Pairwise RMSD analysis of the spike protein from some commonly reported SARS-CoV revealed that bat and pangolin coronavirus shared the highest structural similarity with human coronavirus. In a further experiment, molecular docking confirmed a higher affinity of pig, bat, and pangolin coronavirus spike proteins' affinity to the human ACE2 receptor. Such comprehensive structural and genomic analysis can help us to forecast the next likely animal source of these coronaviruses that may infect humans. To combat these zoonotic illnesses, we need a one health strategy that considers the well-being of people and animals and the local ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhin Das
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Suranjana Sikdar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Helal Uddin Chowdhury
- Ethnobotany and Pharmacognosy Lab, Department of Botany, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Adnan
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chattogram, 4318, Bangladesh
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Hetmann M, Langner C, Durmaz V, Cespugli M, Köchl K, Krassnigg A, Blaschitz K, Groiss S, Loibner M, Ruau D, Zatloukal K, Gruber K, Steinkellner G, Gruber CC. Identification and validation of fusidic acid and flufenamic acid as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication using DrugSolver CavitomiX. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11783. [PMID: 37479788 PMCID: PMC10362000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we present DrugSolver CavitomiX, a novel computational pipeline for drug repurposing and identifying ligands and inhibitors of target enzymes. The pipeline is based on cavity point clouds representing physico-chemical properties of the cavity induced solely by the protein. To test the pipeline's ability to identify inhibitors, we chose enzymes essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication as a test system. The active-site cavities of the viral enzymes main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (Plpro), as well as of the human transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), were selected as target cavities. Using active-site point-cloud comparisons, it was possible to identify two compounds-flufenamic acid and fusidic acid-which show strong inhibition of viral replication. The complexes from which fusidic acid and flufenamic acid were derived would not have been identified using classical sequence- and structure-based methods as they show very little structural (TM-score: 0.1 and 0.09, respectively) and very low sequence (~ 5%) identity to Mpro and TMPRSS2, respectively. Furthermore, a cavity-based off-target screening was performed using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as an example. Using cavity comparisons, the human carboxylesterase was successfully identified, which is a described off-target for AChE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hetmann
- Innophore, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria
| | - C Langner
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - V Durmaz
- Innophore, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - K Köchl
- Innophore, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - S Groiss
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Loibner
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - D Ruau
- NVIDIA, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - K Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - K Gruber
- Innophore, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - G Steinkellner
- Innophore, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - C C Gruber
- Innophore, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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31
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Pennacchietti V, Toto A. Different electrostatic forces drive the binding kinetics of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV Envelope proteins with the PDZ2 domain of ZO1. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7906. [PMID: 37193746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Envelope protein (E) is a structural protein encoded by the genome of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV Coronaviruses. It is poorly present in the virus but highly expressed in the host cell, with prominent role in virus assembly and virulence. The E protein possesses a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) at its C terminus that allows it to interact with host PDZ domain containing proteins. ZO1 is a key protein in assembling the cytoplasmic plaque of epithelial and endothelial Tight Junctions (TJs) as well as in determining cell differentiation, proliferation and polarity. The PDZ2 domain of ZO1 is known to interact with the Coronaviruses Envelope proteins, however the molecular details of such interaction have not been established. In this paper we directly measured, through Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer and Stopped-Flow methodology, the binding kinetics of the PDZ2 domain of ZO1 with peptides mimicking the C-terminal portion of the Envelope protein from SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV in different ionic strength conditions. Interestingly, the peptide mimicking the E protein from MERS-CoV display much higher microscopic association rate constant with PDZ2 compared to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 suggesting a stronger contribution of electrostatic forces in the early events of binding. A comparison of thermodynamic and kinetic data obtained at increasing ionic strengths put in evidence different contribution of electrostatics in the recognition and complex formation events for the three peptides. Our data are discussed under the light of available structural data of PDZ2 domain of ZO1 and of previous works about these protein systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pennacchietti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Toto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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32
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Li Y, Guo M, Ma L, Dang B. Identification of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and 3CLpro human proteome substrates using substrate phage display coupled with protein network analysis. J Biol Chem 2023:104831. [PMID: 37201587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases play key roles in viral replication, and they also facilitate immune escape by proteolyzing diverse target proteins. Deep profiling of viral protease substrates in host cells is beneficial for understanding viral pathogenesis and for antiviral drug discovery. Here, we utilized substrate phage display coupled with protein network analysis (SPD-PNA) to identify human proteome substrates of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases, including papain-like protease (PLpro) and 3C-like protease (3CLpro). We first performed peptide substrates selection of PLpro and 3CLpro, and we then used the top 24 preferred substrate sequences to identify a total of 290 putative protein substrates. Protein network analysis revealed that the top clusters of PLpro and 3CLpro substrate proteins contain ubiquitin-related proteins and cadherin-related proteins respectively. We verified that cadherin-6 (CDH6) and cadherin-12 (CDH12) are novel substrates of 3CLpro and CD177 is a novel substrate of PLpro using in vitro cleavage assays. We thus demonstrated SPD-PNA is a simple and high throughput method to identify human proteome substrates of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases for further understanding of virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Li
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengzhun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijia Ma
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bobo Dang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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33
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Taha BA, Al-Jubouri Q, Al Mashhadany Y, Hafiz Mokhtar MH, Bin Zan MSD, Bakar AAA, Arsad N. Density estimation of SARS-CoV2 spike proteins using super pixels segmentation technique. Appl Soft Comput 2023; 138:110210. [PMID: 36960080 PMCID: PMC10019041 DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2023.110210] [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: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 disease was caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2). The existence of spike proteins, which allow these viruses to infect host cells, is one of the distinctive biological traits of various prior viruses. As a result, the process by which these viruses infect people is largely dependent on spike proteins. The density of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins must be estimated to better understand and develop diagnostics and vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic. CT scans and X-rays have three issues: frosted glass, consolidation, and strange roadway layouts. Each of these issues can be graded separately or together. Although CT scan is sensitive to COVID-19, it is not very specific. Therefore, patients who obtain these results should have more comprehensive clinical and laboratory tests to rule out other probable reasons. This work collected 586 SARS-CoV 2 transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images from open source for density estimation of virus spike proteins through a segmentation approach based on the superpixel technique. As a result, the spike density means of SARS-CoV2 and SARS-CoV were 21,97 nm and 22,45 nm, respectively. Furthermore, in the future, we aim to include this model in an intelligent system to enhance the accuracy of viral detection and classification. Moreover, we can remotely connect hospitals and public sites to conduct environmental hazard assessments and data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakr Ahmed Taha
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Qussay Al-Jubouri
- Department of Communication Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Yousif Al Mashhadany
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Anbar, Anbar, 00964, Iraq
| | - Mohd Hadri Hafiz Mokhtar
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly Bin Zan
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Ashrif A Bakar
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Norhana Arsad
- UKM-Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia
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Mori A, Lavezzari D, Pomari E, Deiana M, Piubelli C, Capobianchi MR, Castilletti C. sgRNAs: A SARS-CoV-2 emerging issue. ASPECTS OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 1:100008. [PMID: 37519862 PMCID: PMC10105645 DOI: 10.1016/j.amolm.2023.100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Like for other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 gene expression strategy is based on the synthesis of a nested set of subgenomic mRNA species (sgRNAs). These sgRNA are synthesized using a "discontinuous transcription" mechanism that relies on template switching at Transcription Regulatory Sequences (TRS). Both canonical (c-sgRNA) and non-canonical (nc-sgRNA, less numerous) subgenomic RNA species can be produced. Currently, sgRNAs are investigated on the basis of sequence data obtained through next generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatic tools are crucial for their identification, characterization and quantification. To date, few software have been developed to this aim, whose reliability and applicability to all the available NGS platforms need to be established, to build confidence on the information resulting from such tools. In fact, these information may be crucial for the in depth elucidation of viral expression strategy, particularly in respect of the significance of nc-sgRNAs, and for the possible use of sgRNAs as potential markers of virus replicative activity in infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Mori
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - Denise Lavezzari
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Deiana
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
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35
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Metallo-antiviral aspirants: Answer to the upcoming virusoutbreak. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY REPORTS 2023; 8:100104. [PMID: 37035854 PMCID: PMC10070197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmcr.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
In light of the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, about one million research papers (articles, reviews, communications, etc.) were published in the last one and a half years. It was also noticed that in the past few years; infectious diseases, mainly those of viral origin, burdened the public health systems worldwide. The current wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has unmasked critical demand for compounds that can be swiftly mobilized for the treatment of re-emerging or emerging viral infections. With the potential chemical and structural characteristics of organic motifs, the coordination compounds might be a promising and flexible option for drug development. Their therapeutic consequence may be tuned by varying metal nature and its oxidation number, ligands characteristics, and stereochemistry of the species formed. The emerging successes of cisplatin in cancer chemotherapy inspire researchers to make new efforts for studying metallodrugs as antivirals. Metal-based compounds have immense therapeutic potential in terms of structural diversity and possible mechanisms of action; therefore, they might offer an excellent opportunity to achieve new antivirals. This review is an attempt to summarize the current status of antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-2 from the available literature sources, discuss the specific challenges and solutions in the development of metal-based antivirals, and also talk about the possibility to accelerate discovery efforts in this direction.
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36
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Diabate O, Cisse C, Sangare M, Soremekun O, Fatumo S, Shaffer JG, Doumbia S, Wele M. Identification of promising high-affinity inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease from African Natural Products Databases by Virtual Screening. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2673755. [PMID: 36993208 PMCID: PMC10055610 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2673755/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid spread of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen agent of COVID-19 pandemic created a serious threat to global public health, requiring the most urgent research for potential therapeutic agents. The availability of genomic data of SARS-CoV-2 and efforts to determine the protein structure of the virus facilitated the identification of potent inhibitors by using structure-based approach and bioinformatics tools. Many pharmaceuticals have been proposed for the treatment of COVID-19, although their effectiveness has not been assessed yet. However, it is important to find out new-targeted drugs to overcome the resistance concern. Several viral proteins such as proteases, polymerases or structural proteins have been considered as potential therapeutic targets. But the virus target must be essential for host invasion match some drugability criterion. In this Work, we selected the highly validated pharmacological target main protease Mpro and we performed high throughput virtual screening of African Natural Products Databases such as NANPDB, EANPDB, AfroDb, and SANCDB to identify the most potent inhibitors with the best pharmacological properties. In total, 8753 natural compounds were virtually screened by AutoDock vina against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Two hundred and five (205) compounds showed high-affinity scores (less than - 10.0 Kcal/mol), while fifty-eight (58) filtered through Lipinski's rules showed better affinity than known Mpro inhibitors (i.e., ABBV-744, Onalespib, Daunorubicin, Alpha-ketoamide, Perampanel, Carprefen, Celecoxib, Alprazolam, Trovafloxacin, Sarafloxacin, Ethyl biscoumacetate…). Those promising compounds could be considered for further investigations toward the developpement of SARS-CoV-2 drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oudou Diabate
- University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)
| | - Cheickna Cisse
- University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)
| | | | | | - Segun Fatumo
- University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)
| | | | - Seydou Doumbia
- University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)
| | - Mamadou Wele
- University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)
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37
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Identification of medicinal plant-based phytochemicals as a potential inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro) using molecular docking and deep learning methods. Comput Biol Med 2023; 157:106785. [PMID: 36931201 PMCID: PMC10008098 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106785] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Highly transmissive and rapidly evolving Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), triggered a global pandemic, which is one of the most researched viruses in the academia. Effective drugs to treat people with COVID-19 have yet to be developed to reduce mortality and transmission. Studies on the SARS-CoV-2 virus identified that its main protease (Mpro) might be a potential therapeutic target for drug development, as this enzyme plays a key role in viral replication. In search of potential inhibitors of Mpro, we developed a phytochemical library consisting of 2431 phytochemicals from 104 Korean medicinal plants that exhibited medicinal and antioxidant properties. The library was screened by molecular docking, followed by revalidation by re-screening with a deep learning method. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) computing system was used to develop an inhibitory predictive model using SARS coronavirus Mpro dataset. It was deployed to screen the top 12 compounds based on their docked binding affinity that ranged from -8.0 to -8.9 kcal/mol. The top two lead compounds, Catechin gallate and Quercetin 3-O-malonylglucoside, were selected depending on inhibitory potency against Mpro. Interactions with the target protein active sites, including His41, Met49, Cys145, Met165, and Thr190 were also examined. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed to analyze root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (RG), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), and number of hydrogen bonds. Results confirmed the inflexible nature of the docked complexes. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), as well as bioactivity prediction confirmed the pharmaceutical activities of the lead compound. Findings of this research might help scientists to optimize compatible drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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38
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Kandwal S, Fayne D. Genetic conservation across SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins - Insights into possible targets for treatment of future viral outbreaks. Virology 2023; 581:97-115. [PMID: 36940641 PMCID: PMC9999249 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The majority of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic development work has focussed on targeting the spike protein, viral polymerase and proteases. As the pandemic progressed, many studies reported that these proteins are prone to high levels of mutation and can become drug resistant. Thus, it is necessary to not only target other viral proteins such as the non-structural proteins (NSPs) but to also target the most conserved residues of these proteins. In order to understand the level of conservation among these viruses, in this review, we have focussed on the conservation across RNA viruses, conservation across the coronaviruses and then narrowed our focus to conservation of NSPs across coronaviruses. We have also discussed the various treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection. A synergistic melding of bioinformatics, computer-aided drug-design and in vitro/vivo studies can feed into better understanding of the virus and therefore help in the development of small molecule inhibitors against the viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Kandwal
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Fayne
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
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39
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Ali Z, Cardoza JV, Basak S, Narsaria U, Singh VP, Isaac SP, França TCC, LaPlante SR, George SS. Computational design of candidate multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 targeting structural (S and N) and non-structural (NSP3 and NSP12) proteins. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:13348-13367. [PMID: 36744449 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2173297] [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: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has created a global damage and has exposed the vulnerable side of scientific research towards novel diseases. The intensity of the pandemic is huge, with mortality rates of more than 6 million people worldwide in a span of 2 years. Considering the gravity of the situation, scientists all across the world are continuously attempting to create successful therapeutic solutions to combat the virus. Various vaccination strategies are being devised to ensure effective immunization against SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 spreads very rapidly, and the infection rate is remarkably high than other respiratory tract viruses. The viral entry and recognition of the host cell is facilitated by S protein of the virus. N protein along with NSP3 is majorly responsible for viral genome assembly and NSP12 performs polymerase activity for RNA synthesis. In this study, we have designed a multi-epitope, chimeric vaccine considering the two structural (S and N protein) and two non-structural proteins (NSP3 and NSP12) of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim is to induce immune response by generating antibodies against these proteins to target the viral entry and viral replication in the host cell. In this study, computational tools were used, and the reliability of the vaccine was verified using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and immune simulation studies in silico. These studies demonstrate that the vaccine designed shows steady interaction with Toll like receptors with good stability and will be effective in inducing a strong and specific immune response in the body.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Ali
- Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | | | - Vijay Pratap Singh
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal academy of higher education, Mangalore, Manipal, India
| | | | - Tanos C C França
- Université de Québec, INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Université de Québec, INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
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40
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Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir): A new approach to Covid-19 therapy? Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114367. [PMID: 37018987 PMCID: PMC9899776 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the need for novel, effective therapeutics for the COVID-19 pandemic, no curative regimen is yet available, therefore patients are forced to rely on supportive and nonspecific therapies. Some SARS-CoV-2 proteins, like the 3C-like protease (3CLpro) or the major protease (Mpro), have been identified as promising targets for antiviral drugs. The Mpro has major a role in protein processing as well as pathogenesis of the virus, and could be a useful therapeutic target. The antiviral drug nirmatrelvir can keep SARS-CoV-2 from replicating through inhibiting Mpro. Nirmatrelvir was combined with another HIV protease inhibitor, ritonavir, to create Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir). The metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 3 A is inhibited by ritonavir to lengthen the half-life of nirmatrelvir, so rintonavir acts as a pharmacological enhancer. Nirmatrelvir exhibits potent antiviral activity against current coronavirus variants, despite significant alterations in the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome. Nevertheless, there are still several unanswered questions. This review summarizes the current literature on nirmatrelvir and ritonavir efficacy in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, and also their safety and possible side effects.
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Mengist HM, Khalid Z, Adane F. In silico Screening of Potential SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Thymus schimperi. Adv Appl Bioinform Chem 2023; 16:1-13. [PMID: 36699952 PMCID: PMC9868284 DOI: 10.2147/aabc.s393084] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is still instigating significant social and economic chaos worldwide; however, there is no approved antiviral drug yet. Here, we used in silico analysis to screen potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitors extracted from the essential oil of Thymus schimperi which could contribute to the discovery of potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 phytochemicals. Methods The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles of compounds were determined through SwissADME and ProToxII servers. AutoDock tools were used for molecular docking analysis studies, while Chimera, DS studio, and LigPlot were used for post-docking studies. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed for 200 ns under constant pressure. Results All compounds exhibited a bioavailability score of ≥0.55 entailing that at least 55% of the drugs can be absorbed unchanged. Only five (9%), nine (16%) and two (3.6%) of the compounds showed active hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and immunotoxicity, respectively. Except for flourazophore P, which showed a little mutagenicity, all other compounds did not show mutagenic properties. On the other hand, only pinene beta was found to have a little cytotoxicity. Five compounds demonstrated effective binding to the catalytic dyad of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro substrate binding pocket, while two of them (geranylisobutanoate and 3-octane) are found to be the best hits that formed hydrogen bonds with Glu166 and Ser144 of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Conclusion Based on our in silico analysis, top hits from Thymus schimperi may serve as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended to characterize these compounds for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist, Email
| | - Zunera Khalid
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Langfang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fentahun Adane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Sukumaran S, Zochedh A, Viswanathan TM, Sultan AB, Kathiresan T. Theoretical Investigation of 5-Fluorouracil and Tamoxifen Complex – Structural, Spectrum, DFT, ADMET and Docking Simulation. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2164018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sureba Sukumaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Azar Zochedh
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thimma Mohan Viswanathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Asath Bahadur Sultan
- Department of Physics, Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thandavarayan Kathiresan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, India
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Dey S, Anand U, Kumar V, Kumar S, Ghorai M, Ghosh A, Kant N, Suresh S, Bhattacharya S, Bontempi E, Bhat SA, Dey A. Microbial strategies for degradation of microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114438. [PMID: 36179880 PMCID: PMC9514963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to the generation of massive plastic wastes, comprising of onetime useable gloves, masks, tissues, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommendations for the employ of single-use disposable masks made up of various polymeric materials like polyethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene, polystyrene, can have significant aftermath on environmental, human as well as animal health. Improper disposal and handling of healthcare wastes and lack of proper management practices are creating serious health hazards and an extra challenge for the local authorities designated for management of solid waste. Most of the COVID-19 medical wastes generated are now being treated by incineration which generates microplastic particles (MPs), dioxin, furans, and various toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead. Moreover, natural degradation and mechanical abrasion of these wastes can lead to the generation of MPs which cause a serious health risk to living beings. It is a major threat to aquatic lives and gets into foods subsequently jeopardizing global food safety. Moreover, the presence of plastic is also considered a threat owing to the increased carbon emission and poses a profound danger to the global food chain. Degradation of MPs by axenic and mixed culture microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae etc. can be considered an eco-sustainable technique for the mitigation of the microplastic menace. This review primarily deals with the increase in microplastic pollution due to increased use of PPE along with different disinfection methods using chemicals, steam, microwave, autoclave, and incineration which are presently being employed for the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic-related wastes. The biological treatment of the MPs by diverse groups of fungi and bacteria can be an alternative option for the mitigation of microplastic wastes generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya (affiliated to University of Calcutta), Howrah-711312, West Bengal, India.
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Waste Re-processing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India; Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Engineering and Sciences, GD Goenka University, Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana,122103, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Waste Re-processing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mimosa Ghorai
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati, 781014, Assam, India
| | - Nishi Kant
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - S Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, 462 003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, 803116, Bihar, India
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sartaj Ahmad Bhat
- Waste Re-processing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India; River Basin Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India.
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D'Souza S, Balaji S, K V P. QSAR, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-GBSA approach for identification of prospective benzotriazole-based SARS-CoV 3CL protease inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:14247-14261. [PMID: 34877897 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2002718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The 3CL Protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), responsible for viral replication, has emerged as an essential target for designing anti-coronaviral inhibitors in drug discovery. In recent years, small molecule and peptidomimetic inhibitors have been used to target the inhibition of SARS-CoV 3CL Protease. In this study, we have developed 2D and 3D Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models on 3CL protease inhibitors with good predictive capability to propose inhibitors with improved affinities. Based on the 3 D contour maps, three new inhibitors were designed in silico, which were further subjected to molecular docking to explore their binding modes. The newly designed compounds showed improved interaction energies toward SARS-CoV-3CLPro due to additional interactions with the active site residues. The molecular docking studies of the most potent compounds revealed specific interactions with Glu 166 and Cys 145. Furthermore, absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination (ADME) and drug-likeness evaluation revealed improved pharmacokinetic properties for these compounds. The molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the interactions identified by docking. The results presented would guide the development of new 3CL protease inhibitors with improved affinities in the future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia D'Souza
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - S Balaji
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Prema K V
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Zheng L, Chen Y, Bao J, He L, Dong S, Qi Y, Zhang JZH. Discovery of novel inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:12526-12534. [PMID: 34472424 PMCID: PMC8436407 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1972041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), referred to as 'New Coronary Pneumonia', is a type of acute infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Mpro is one of the main targets for treating COVID-19. The current research on Mpro mainly focuses on the repurposing of old drugs, and there are only a few novel ligands that inhibit Mpro. In this research, we used computational free energy calculation to screen a compound library against Mpro, and discovered four novel compounds with the two best compounds (AG-690/13507628 and AG-690/13507724) having experimental measured IC50 of just under 3 μM and low cell toxicity. Detailed decomposition of the interactions between the inhibitors and Mpro reveals key interacting residues and interactions that determine the activity. The results from this study should provide a basis for further development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zheng
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxiao Bao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping He
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suzhen Dong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China,Suzhen Dong ;
| | - Yifei Qi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China,NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China,CONTACT Yifei Qi ;
| | - John Z. H. Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China,NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China,Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China,John Z. H. Zhang Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai200062, China
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Khan J, Sakib SA, Mahmud S, Khan Z, Islam MN, Sakib MA, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J. Identification of potential phytochemicals from Citrus Limon against main protease of SARS-CoV-2: molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations and quantum computations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:10741-10752. [PMID: 34278965 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1947893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a novel RNA virus emerged at the end of 2019. Most of the patient's symptoms are mild to moderate, and influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure are common. The disease is mild to moderate in most patients and is reported in many cases such as pneumonia, ARDS and multi-organ dysfunction. This study's objective is to evaluate 25 natural compounds from Citrus limon (CL) used by comprehensive molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics analysis against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Among all the experimental compounds, diosmetin has shown the best docking values against the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 compared to the standard antiviral drug. In DFT calculations, the order associated with biochemical reactivity is as follows: eriodictoyl > quercetin > spinacetin > diosmetin > luteolin > apigenin, whereas the regions of oxygen and hydrogen atoms from the selected isolated compounds are appropriate for electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks, respectively. Also, HOMO-LUMO and global descriptors values indicated a promising result of these compounds. Moreover, a molecular dynamics simulation study revealed the stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment of natural compounds CL. Considering molecular docking, simulation, and DFT analysis of the selected compounds, notably eriodictoyl, quercetin, and diosmetin showed good potential against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Our in silico study revealed promising antiviral activity, which may be considered a potential key factor or a therapeutic target for COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jishan Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Shahenur Alam Sakib
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Microbiology Laboratory, Bioinformatics Division, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Zidan Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Nazmul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuz Ahmed Sakib
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo-Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
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Dolliver SM, Kleer M, Bui-Marinos MP, Ying S, Corcoran JA, Khaperskyy DA. Nsp1 proteins of human coronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV2 inhibit stress granule formation. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1011041. [PMID: 36534661 PMCID: PMC9810206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic condensates that often form as part of the cellular antiviral response. Despite the growing interest in understanding the interplay between SGs and other biological condensates and viral replication, the role of SG formation during coronavirus infection remains poorly understood. Several proteins from different coronaviruses have been shown to suppress SG formation upon overexpression, but there are only a handful of studies analyzing SG formation in coronavirus-infected cells. To better understand SG inhibition by coronaviruses, we analyzed SG formation during infection with the human common cold coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and the pandemic SARS-CoV2. We did not observe SG induction in infected cells and both viruses inhibited eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation and SG formation induced by exogenous stress. Furthermore, in SARS-CoV2 infected cells we observed a sharp decrease in the levels of SG-nucleating protein G3BP1. Ectopic overexpression of nucleocapsid (N) and non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) from both HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV2 inhibited SG formation. The Nsp1 proteins of both viruses inhibited arsenite-induced eIF2α phosphorylation, and the Nsp1 of SARS-CoV2 alone was sufficient to cause a decrease in G3BP1 levels. This phenotype was dependent on the depletion of cytoplasmic mRNA mediated by Nsp1 and associated with nuclear accumulation of the SG-nucleating protein TIAR. To test the role of G3BP1 in coronavirus replication, we infected cells overexpressing EGFP-tagged G3BP1 with HCoV-OC43 and observed a significant decrease in virus replication compared to control cells expressing EGFP. The antiviral role of G3BP1 and the existence of multiple SG suppression mechanisms that are conserved between HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV2 suggest that SG formation may represent an important antiviral host defense that coronaviruses target to ensure efficient replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacia M. Dolliver
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Mariel Kleer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Charbonneau Institute for Cancer Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Maxwell P. Bui-Marinos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Charbonneau Institute for Cancer Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Shan Ying
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Jennifer A. Corcoran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Charbonneau Institute for Cancer Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Denys A. Khaperskyy
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- * E-mail:
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van Vliet VJE, Huynh N, Palà J, Patel A, Singer A, Slater C, Chung J, van Huizen M, Teyra J, Miersch S, Luu GK, Ye W, Sharma N, Ganaie SS, Russell R, Chen C, Maynard M, Amarasinghe GK, Mark BL, Kikkert M, Sidhu SS. Ubiquitin variants potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and viral replication via a novel site distal to the protease active site. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1011065. [PMID: 36548304 PMCID: PMC9822107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has made it clear that combating coronavirus outbreaks benefits from a combination of vaccines and therapeutics. A promising drug target common to all coronaviruses-including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2-is the papain-like protease (PLpro). PLpro cleaves part of the viral replicase polyproteins into non-structural protein subunits, which are essential to the viral replication cycle. Additionally, PLpro can cleave both ubiquitin and the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 from host cell substrates as a mechanism to evade innate immune responses during infection. These roles make PLpro an attractive antiviral drug target. Here we demonstrate that ubiquitin variants (UbVs) can be selected from a phage-displayed library and used to specifically and potently block SARS-CoV-2 PLpro activity. A crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro in complex with a representative UbV reveals a dimeric UbV bound to PLpro at a site distal to the catalytic site. Yet, the UbV inhibits the essential cleavage activities of the protease in vitro and in cells, and it reduces viral replication in cell culture by almost five orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera J. E. van Vliet
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Nhan Huynh
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judith Palà
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ankoor Patel
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alex Singer
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cole Slater
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jacky Chung
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariska van Huizen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Joan Teyra
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane Miersch
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gia-Khanh Luu
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Ye
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nitin Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Safder S. Ganaie
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Raquel Russell
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Chao Chen
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mindy Maynard
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gaya K. Amarasinghe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brian L. Mark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Sachdev S. Sidhu
- The Anvil Institute, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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49
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Panzera Y, Cortinas MN, Marandino A, Calleros L, Bormida V, Goñi N, Techera C, Grecco S, Williman J, Ramas V, Coppola L, Mogdasy C, Chiparelli H, Pérez R. Emergence and spreading of the largest SARS-CoV-2 deletion in the Delta AY.20 lineage from Uruguay. GENE REPORTS 2022; 29:101703. [PMID: 36338321 PMCID: PMC9617655 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101703] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2 (genus Betacoronavirus, family Coronaviridae) has been scrutinized since its first detection in December 2019. Although the role of structural variants, particularly deletions, in virus evolution is little explored, these genome changes are extremely frequent. They are associated with relevant processes, including immune escape and attenuation. Deletions commonly occur in accessory ORFs and might even lead to the complete loss of one or more ORFs. This scenario poses an interesting question about the origin and spreading of extreme structural rearrangements that persist without compromising virus viability. Here, we analyze the genome of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2021 in Uruguay and identify a Delta lineage (AY.20) that experienced a large deletion (872 nucleotides according to the reference Wuhan strain) that removes the 7a, 7b, and 8 ORFs. Deleted viruses coexist with wild-type (without deletion) AY.20 and AY.43 strains. The Uruguayan deletion is like those identified in Delta strains from Poland and Japan but occurs in a different Delta clade. Besides providing proof of the circulation of this large deletion in America, we infer that the 872-deletion arises by the consecutive occurrence of a 6-nucleotide deletion, characteristic of delta strains, and an 866-nucleotide deletion that arose independently in the AY.20 Uruguayan lineage. The largest deletion occurs adjacent to transcription regulatory sequences needed to synthesize the nested set of subgenomic mRNAs that serve as templates for transcription. Our findings support the role of transcription sequences as a hotspot for copy-choice recombination and highlight the remarkable dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Panzera
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Noel Cortinas
- Genómica, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Marandino
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Calleros
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Bormida
- Genómica, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Goñi
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Techera
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofía Grecco
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquín Williman
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Viviana Ramas
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Coppola
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Mogdasy
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Héctor Chiparelli
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Departamento de Laboratorios de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Alfredo Navarro 3051 (entrada N), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ruben Pérez
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología Animal, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Ahmadi M, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Haghshenas M, Mousavi T, Saeedi M, Hedayatizadeh-Omran A, Valadan R. Differential gene expression of SARS-CoV-2 transcriptome provides insight into the design of more sensitive diagnostic tests. HUMAN GENE 2022; 34. [PMID: 37521443 PMCID: PMC9549717 DOI: 10.1016/j.humgen.2022.201116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is being addressed through RT-PCR, a frontline diagnostic technique. We evaluated gene expression patterns to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of current diagnostic tests. We downloaded relevant next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database, checked for quality, and mapped them onto the target reference sequence. It was determined that ORF1ab, N, S, and ORF8 genes are mainly expressed based on the results of the quantitative evaluation after normalization by HPRT and elimination of insufficient expression data. ORF8, ORF3a, and M genes were found to have higher expression values than the E gene as a routine RT-PCR detector gene (p*0.05). M gene expression values are also close to ORF8 values. Taking into account the importance of differential expression of genes in the design of diagnostic kits as well as the findings of from this study, it is likely that the M gene is worth further investigation due to its high expression and low mutation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Ahmadi
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Haghshenas
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular and Cell-Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahoora Mousavi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Majid Saeedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Akbar Hedayatizadeh-Omran
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran,Corresponding author
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