1
|
The SARS-CoV-2 Virus and the Cholinergic System: Spike Protein Interaction with Human Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and the Nicotinic Agonist Varenicline. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065597. [PMID: 36982671 PMCID: PMC10051900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still being elucidated, the nicotinic cholinergic system may play a role. To evaluate the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), we assessed the in vitro interaction of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with various subunits of nAChRs. Electrophysiology recordings were conducted at α4β2, α3β4, α3α5β4, α4α6β2, and α7 neuronal nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In cells expressing the α4β2 or α4α6β2 nAChRs, exposure to the 1 µg/mL Spike-RBD protein caused a marked reduction of the current amplitude; effects at the α3α5β4 receptor were equivocal and effects at the α3β4 and α7 receptors were absent. Overall, the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can interact with select nAChRs, namely the α4β2 and/or α4α6β2 subtypes, likely at an allosteric binding site. The nAChR agonist varenicline has the potential to interact with Spike-RBD and form a complex that may interfere with spike function, although this effect appears to have been lost with the omicron mutation. These results help understand nAChR’s involvement with acute and long-term sequelae associated with COVID-19, especially within the central nervous system.
Collapse
|
2
|
Is SARS-CoV-2 a Risk Factor of Bipolar Disorder?-A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206060. [PMID: 36294388 PMCID: PMC9604904 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206060] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
For 2.5 years we have been facing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its health, social and economic effects. One of its known consequences is the development of neuropsychiatric diseases such as anxiety and depression. However, reports of manic episodes related to COVID-19 have emerged. Mania is an integral part of the debilitating illness-bipolar disorder (BD). Due to its devastating effects, it is therefore important to establish whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is a causative agent of this severe mental disorder. In this narrative review, we discuss the similarities between the disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2 and those found in patients with BD, and we also try to answer the question of whether SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a risk factor for the development of this affective disorder. Our observation shows that disorders in COVID-19 showing the greatest similarity to those in BD are cytokine disorders, tryptophan metabolism, sleep disorders and structural changes in the central nervous system (CNS). These changes, especially intensified in severe infections, may be a trigger for the development of BD in particularly vulnerable people, e.g., with family history, or cause an acute episode in patients with a pre-existing BD.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yadav R, Chaudhary JK, Jain N, Chaudhary PK, Khanra S, Dhamija P, Sharma A, Kumar A, Handu S. Role of Structural and Non-Structural Proteins and Therapeutic Targets of SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040821. [PMID: 33917481 PMCID: PMC8067447 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus belongs to the family of Coronaviridae, comprising single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome (+ ssRNA) of around 26 to 32 kilobases, and has been known to cause infection to a myriad of mammalian hosts, such as humans, cats, bats, civets, dogs, and camels with varied consequences in terms of death and debilitation. Strikingly, novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), later renamed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and found to be the causative agent of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), shows 88% of sequence identity with bat-SL-CoVZC45 and bat-SL-CoVZXC21, 79% with SARS-CoV and 50% with MERS-CoV, respectively. Despite key amino acid residual variability, there is an incredible structural similarity between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. During infection, spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 compared to SARS-CoV displays 10-20 times greater affinity for its cognate host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), leading proteolytic cleavage of S protein by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Following cellular entry, the ORF-1a and ORF-1ab, located downstream to 5' end of + ssRNA genome, undergo translation, thereby forming two large polyproteins, pp1a and pp1ab. These polyproteins, following protease-induced cleavage and molecular assembly, form functional viral RNA polymerase, also referred to as replicase. Thereafter, uninterrupted orchestrated replication-transcription molecular events lead to the synthesis of multiple nested sets of subgenomic mRNAs (sgRNAs), which are finally translated to several structural and accessory proteins participating in structure formation and various molecular functions of virus, respectively. These multiple structural proteins assemble and encapsulate genomic RNA (gRNA), resulting in numerous viral progenies, which eventually exit the host cell, and spread infection to rest of the body. In this review, we primarily focus on genomic organization, structural and non-structural protein components, and potential prospective molecular targets for development of therapeutic drugs, convalescent plasm therapy, and a myriad of potential vaccines to tackle SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohitash Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh 249203, India; (P.D.); (S.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-94-1415-3849
| | | | - Neeraj Jain
- Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh 249203, India;
| | - Pankaj Kumar Chaudhary
- Molecular Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee 247667, India;
| | - Supriya Khanra
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Puneet Dhamija
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh 249203, India; (P.D.); (S.H.)
| | - Ambika Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, U.P. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University, Mathura 281001, India;
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh 249203, India;
| | - Shailendra Handu
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh 249203, India; (P.D.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maggi F, Rosellini A, Spezia PG, Focosi D, Macera L, Lai M, Pistello M, de Iure A, Tomino C, Bonassi S, Russo P. Nicotine upregulates ACE2 expression and increases competence for SARS-CoV-2 in human pneumocytes. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00713-2020. [PMID: 33850935 PMCID: PMC7942220 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00713-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a variable degree of severity according to underlying comorbidities and life-style. Several research groups have reported an association between cigarette smoking and increased severity of COVID-19. The exact mechanism of action is largely unclear. We exposed low angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-expressing human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 epithelial cells to nicotine and assessed ACE2 expression at different times. We further used the nicotine-exposed cells in a virus neutralisation assay. Nicotine exposure induces rapid and long-lasting increases in gene and protein expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) receptor ACE2, which in turn translates into increased competence for SARS-CoV-2 replication and cytopathic effect. These findings show that nicotine worsens SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection and have implications for public health policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Maggi
- Dept of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lisa Macera
- Virology Division, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Dept of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lai
- Dept of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Virology Division, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Dept of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio de Iure
- Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Tomino
- Scientific Direction, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Bonassi
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Dept of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Russo
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Dept of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shoemark DK, Colenso CK, Toelzer C, Gupta K, Sessions RB, Davidson AD, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Spencer J, Mulholland AJ. Molecular Simulations suggest Vitamins, Retinoids and Steroids as Ligands of the Free Fatty Acid Pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:7098-7110. [PMID: 33469977 PMCID: PMC8013358 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202015639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We investigate binding of linoleate and other potential ligands to the recently discovered fatty acid binding site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Simulations suggest that linoleate and dexamethasone stabilize the locked spike conformation, thus reducing the opportunity for ACE2 interaction. In contrast, cholesterol may expose the receptor-binding domain by destabilizing the closed structure, preferentially binding to a different site in the hinge region of the open structure. We docked a library of FDA-approved drugs to the fatty acid site using an approach that reproduces the structure of the linoleate complex. Docking identifies steroids (including dexamethasone and vitamin D); retinoids (some known to be active in vitro, and vitamin A); and vitamin K as potential ligands that may stabilize the closed conformation. The SARS-CoV-2 spike fatty acid site may bind a diverse array of ligands, including dietary components, and therefore provides a promising target for therapeutics or prophylaxis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Shoemark
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio24 Tyndall AveBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - Charlotte K. Colenso
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | - Christine Toelzer
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio24 Tyndall AveBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - Kapil Gupta
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio24 Tyndall AveBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - Richard B. Sessions
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | - Andrew D. Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | - Imre Berger
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio24 Tyndall AveBristolBS8 1TQUK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal BiologyCantock's CloseBristolBS8 1TSUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TSUK
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio24 Tyndall AveBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - James Spencer
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shoemark DK, Colenso CK, Toelzer C, Gupta K, Sessions RB, Davidson AD, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Spencer J, Mulholland AJ. Molecular Simulations suggest Vitamins, Retinoids and Steroids as Ligands of the Free Fatty Acid Pocket of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202015639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Shoemark
- School of Biochemistry University of Bristol 1 Tankard's Close Bristol BS8 1TD UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio 24 Tyndall Ave Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
| | - Charlotte K. Colenso
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TD UK
| | - Christine Toelzer
- School of Biochemistry University of Bristol 1 Tankard's Close Bristol BS8 1TD UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio 24 Tyndall Ave Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
| | - Kapil Gupta
- School of Biochemistry University of Bristol 1 Tankard's Close Bristol BS8 1TD UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio 24 Tyndall Ave Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
| | - Richard B. Sessions
- School of Biochemistry University of Bristol 1 Tankard's Close Bristol BS8 1TD UK
| | - Andrew D. Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TD UK
| | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry University of Bristol 1 Tankard's Close Bristol BS8 1TD UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio 24 Tyndall Ave Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology Cantock's Close Bristol BS8 1TS UK
- School of Chemistry University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- School of Biochemistry University of Bristol 1 Tankard's Close Bristol BS8 1TD UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio 24 Tyndall Ave Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
| | - James Spencer
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TD UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lupacchini L, Maggi F, Tomino C, De Dominicis C, Mollinari C, Fini M, Bonassi S, Merlo D, Russo P. Nicotine Changes Airway Epithelial Phenotype and May Increase the SARS-COV-2 Infection Severity. Molecules 2020; 26:E101. [PMID: 33379366 PMCID: PMC7794754 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Nicotine is implicated in the SARS-COV-2 infection through activation of the α7-nAChR and over-expression of ACE2. Our objective was to clarify the role of nicotine in SARS-CoV-2 infection exploring its molecular and cellular activity. (2) Methods: HBEpC or si-mRNA-α7-HBEpC were treated for 1 h, 48 h or continuously with 10-7 M nicotine, a concentration mimicking human exposure to a cigarette. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion and cell counting, migration by cell migration assay, senescence by SA-β-Gal activity, and anchorage-independent growth by cloning in soft agar. Expression of Ki67, p53/phospho-p53, VEGF, EGFR/pEGFR, phospho-p38, intracellular Ca2+, ATP and EMT were evaluated by ELISA and/or Western blotting. (3) Results: nicotine induced through α7-nAChR (i) increase in cell viability, (ii) cell proliferation, (iii) Ki67 over-expression, (iv) phospho-p38 up-regulation, (v) EGFR/pEGFR over-expression, (vi) increase in basal Ca2+ concentration, (vii) reduction of ATP production, (viii) decreased level of p53/phospho-p53, (ix) delayed senescence, (x) VEGF increase, (xi) EMT and consequent (xii) enhanced migration, and (xiii) ability to grow independently of the substrate. (4) Conclusions: Based on our results and on evidence showing that nicotine potentiates viral infection, it is likely that nicotine is involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Lupacchini
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, viale Luigi Borri 57, I-21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Carlo Tomino
- Scientific Direction, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy;
| | - Chiara De Dominicis
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (C.D.D.)
| | - Cristiana Mollinari
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Fini
- Scientific Direction, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Bonassi
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Merlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Russo
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, I-00166 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Timpani CA, Rybalka E. Calming the (Cytokine) Storm: Dimethyl Fumarate as a Therapeutic Candidate for COVID-19. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:15. [PMID: 33375288 PMCID: PMC7824470 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide and incidences of hospitalisation from respiratory distress are significant. While a vaccine is in the pipeline, there is urgency for therapeutic options to address the immune dysregulation, hyperinflammation and oxidative stress that can lead to death. Given the shared pathogenesis of severe cases of COVID-19 with aspects of multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, we propose dimethyl fumarate as a viable treatment option. Currently approved for multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, dimethyl fumarate is an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative drug that could be rapidly implemented into the clinic to calm the cytokine storm which drives severe COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara A. Timpani
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Emma Rybalka
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| |
Collapse
|