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Mustafa NF, Cheng KK, Nadri MH, Razali SA, Zakaria II, Salin NH, Amran SI. Discovery of azaleatin as a potential allosteric inhibitor for dengue NS2B-NS3 protease using in vitro and in silico studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38881303 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2335296] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The rise in dengue cases in tropical and sub-tropical areas has become a significant health concern. At present, there is no definitive cure for dengue fever, which underscores the importance of identifying potent inhibitors. Dengue NS2B-NS3 protease is the prime drug target due to its vital function for replication. Quercetin, a flavone, has anti-dengue virus properties but is limited by low bioavailability. Previous studies have shown that methoxy substitution in flavones improves bioavailability and metabolic stability. Azaleatin is a derivative of quercetin with a methoxy substitution at the C5 position, however its ability to inhibit dengue is unknown. In this study, azaleatin was investigated for its inhibition against dengue NS2B-NS3 protease using in vitro and in silico techniques. The fluorescence assay was used to determine the IC50 value and inhibition kinetics. The molecular interaction between azaleatin and NS2B-NS3 was studied using CB-Dock2 and AutoDock Vina. The complex's stability was then analysed using GROMACS. Besides, the ADMETlab 2.0 was utilized to predict pharmacokinetic of the azaleatin. Results showed that azaleatin inhibits dengue NS2B-NS3 protease non-competitively with a Ki of 26.82 µg/ml and an IC50 of 38 µg/ml. Molecular docking indicated binding of the azaleatin to the allosteric pocket of NS2B-NS3 with a docking score of -8.2 kcal/mol. Azaleatin was found stable in the pocket along 100 ns, supporting its inhibitory mode. The compound has favourable pharmacokinetic profiles and conformed to Lipinski's Rule of Five. Taken together, azaleatin inhibits NS2B-NS3 protease in a non-competitive mode, suggesting its potential as safer anti-dengue compound.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Farhana Mustafa
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Kian-Kai Cheng
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Helmi Nadri
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aisyah Razali
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Nerus, Kuala, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Iffah Izzati Zakaria
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Jalan Bangi, Kajang Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Hanim Salin
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Syazwani Itri Amran
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
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2
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Behnam MAM, Klein CD. Alternate recognition by dengue protease: Proteolytic and binding assays provide functional evidence beyond an induced-fit. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00138-X. [PMID: 38871044 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.06.002] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Proteases are key enzymes in viral replication, and interfering with these targets is the basis for therapeutic interventions. We previously introduced a hypothesis about conformational selection in the protease of dengue virus and related flaviviruses, based on conformational plasticity noted in X-ray structures. The present work presents the first functional evidence for alternate recognition by the dengue protease, in a mechanism based primarily on conformational selection rather than induced-fit. Recognition of distinct substrates and inhibitors in proteolytic and binding assays varies to a different extent, depending on factors reported to influence the protease structure. The pH, salinity, buffer type, and temperature cause a change in binding, proteolysis, or inhibition behavior. Using representative inhibitors with distinct structural scaffolds, we identify two contrasting binding profiles to dengue protease. Noticeable effects are observed in the binding assay upon inclusion of a non-ionic detergent in comparison to the proteolytic assay. The findings highlight the impact of the selection of testing conditions on the observed ligand affinity or inhibitory potency. From a broader scope, the dengue protease presents an example, where the induced-fit paradigm appears insufficient to explain binding events with the biological target. Furthermore, this protein reveals the complexity of comparing or combining biochemical assay data obtained under different conditions. This can be particularly critical for artificial intelligence (AI) approaches in drug discovery that rely on large datasets of compounds activity, compiled from different sources using non-identical testing procedures. In such cases, mismatched results will compromise the model quality and its predictive power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Voss S, Rademann J, Nitsche C. Characterisation of ten NS2B-NS3 proteases: Paving the way for pan-flavivirus drugs. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105878. [PMID: 38582134 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105878] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviruses can cause severe illness in humans. Effective and safe vaccines are available for some species; however, for many flaviviruses disease prevention or specific treatments remain unavailable. The viral replication cycle depends on the proteolytic activity of the NS2B-NS3 protease, which releases functional viral proteins from a non-functional polyprotein precursor, rendering the protease a promising drug target. In this study, we characterised recombinant NS2B-NS3 proteases from ten flaviviruses including three unreported proteases from the Usutu, Kyasanur forest disease and Powassan viruses. All protease constructs comprise a covalent Gly4-Ser-Gly4 linker connecting the NS3 serine protease domain with its cofactor NS2B. We conducted a comprehensive cleavage site analysis revealing areas of high conversion. While all proteases were active in enzymatic assays, we noted a 1000-fold difference in catalytic efficiency across proteases from different flaviviruses. Two bicyclic peptide inhibitors displayed anti-pan-flaviviral protease activity with inhibition constants ranging from 10 to 1000 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saan Voss
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Jörg Rademann
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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Qianzhu H, Abdelkader EH, Otting G, Huber T. Genetic Encoding of Fluoro-l-tryptophans for Site-Specific Detection of Conformational Heterogeneity in Proteins by NMR Spectroscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13641-13650. [PMID: 38687675 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The substitution of a single hydrogen atom in a protein by fluorine yields a site-specific probe for sensitive detection by 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, where the absence of background signal from the protein facilitates the detection of minor conformational species. We developed genetic encoding systems for the site-selective incorporation of 4-fluorotryptophan, 5-fluorotryptophan, 6-fluorotryptophan, and 7-fluorotryptophan in response to an amber stop codon and used them to investigate conformational heterogeneity in a designed amino acid binding protein and in flaviviral NS2B-NS3 proteases. These proteases have been shown to present variable conformations in X-ray crystal structures, including flips of the indole side chains of tryptophan residues. The 19F NMR spectra of different fluorotryptophan isomers installed at the conserved site of Trp83 indicate that the indole ring flip is common in flaviviral NS2B-NS3 proteases in the apo state and suppressed by an active-site inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Qianzhu
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Elwy H Abdelkader
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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5
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Agback T, Lesovoy D, Han X, Lomzov A, Sun R, Sandalova T, Orekhov VY, Achour A, Agback P. Combined NMR and molecular dynamics conformational filter identifies unambiguously dynamic ensembles of Dengue protease NS2B/NS3pro. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1193. [PMID: 38001280 PMCID: PMC10673835 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05584-6] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The dengue protease NS2B/NS3pro has been reported to adopt either an 'open' or a 'closed' conformation. We have developed a conformational filter that combines NMR with MD simulations to identify conformational ensembles that dominate in solution. Experimental values derived from relaxation parameters for the backbone and methyl side chains were compared with the corresponding back-calculated relaxation parameters of different conformational ensembles obtained from free MD simulations. Our results demonstrate a high prevalence for the 'closed' conformational ensemble while the 'open' conformation is absent, indicating that the latter conformation is most probably due to crystal contacts. Conversely, conformational ensembles in which the positioning of the co-factor NS2B results in a 'partially' open conformation, previously described in both MD simulations and X-ray studies, were identified by our conformational filter. Altogether, we believe that our approach allows for unambiguous identification of true conformational ensembles, an essential step for reliable drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dmitry Lesovoy
- Department of Structural Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xiao Han
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Lomzov
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Renhua Sun
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatyana Sandalova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladislav Yu Orekhov
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Peter Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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6
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Miao Q, Nitsche C, Orton H, Overhand M, Otting G, Ubbink M. Paramagnetic Chemical Probes for Studying Biological Macromolecules. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9571-9642. [PMID: 35084831 PMCID: PMC9136935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Paramagnetic chemical probes have been used in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for more than four decades. Recent years witnessed a great increase in the variety of probes for the study of biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and oligosaccharides). This Review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing paramagnetic chemical probes, including chemical synthetic approaches, functional properties, and selected applications. Recent developments have seen, in particular, a rapid expansion of the range of lanthanoid probes with anisotropic magnetic susceptibilities for the generation of structural restraints based on residual dipolar couplings and pseudocontact shifts in solution and solid state NMR spectroscopy, mostly for protein studies. Also many new isotropic paramagnetic probes, suitable for NMR measurements of paramagnetic relaxation enhancements, as well as EPR spectroscopic studies (in particular double resonance techniques) have been developed and employed to investigate biological macromolecules. Notwithstanding the large number of reported probes, only few have found broad application and further development of probes for dedicated applications is foreseen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Miao
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- School
of Chemistry &Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an710021, China
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research
School of Chemistry, The Australian National
University, Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Henry Orton
- Research
School of Chemistry, The Australian National
University, Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science,
Research School of Chemistry, Australian
National University, Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Mark Overhand
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research
School of Chemistry, The Australian National
University, Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science,
Research School of Chemistry, Australian
National University, Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Marcellus Ubbink
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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7
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Agback P, Lesovoy DM, Han X, Sun R, Sandalova T, Agback T, Achour A, Orekhov VY. 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignment of backbone and IVL-methyl side chain of the S135A mutant NS3pro/NS2B protein of Dengue II virus reveals unique secondary structure features in solution. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2022; 16:135-145. [PMID: 35149939 PMCID: PMC9068680 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-022-10071-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The serotype II Dengue (DENV 2) virus is the most prevalent of all four known serotypes. Herein, we present nearly complete 1H, 15N, and 13C backbone and 1H, 13C isoleucine, valine, and leucine methyl resonance assignment of the apo S135A catalytically inactive variant of the DENV 2 protease enzyme folded as a tandem formed between the serine protease domain NS3pro and the cofactor NS2B, as well as the secondary structure prediction of this complex based on the assigned chemical shifts using the TALOS-N software. Our results provide a solid ground for future elucidation of the structure and dynamic of the apo NS3pro/NS2B complex, key for adequate development of inhibitors, and a thorough molecular understanding of their function(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Dmitry M Lesovoy
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RA, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Xiao Han
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renhua Sun
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatyana Sandalova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatiana Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladislav Yu Orekhov
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
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8
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Li Q, Kang C. Structures and Dynamics of Dengue Virus Nonstructural Membrane Proteins. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020231. [PMID: 35207152 PMCID: PMC8880049 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus is an important human pathogen threating people, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The viral genome has one open reading frame and encodes one polyprotein which can be processed into structural and nonstructural (NS) proteins. Four of the seven nonstructural proteins, NS2A, NS2B, NS4A and NS4B, are membrane proteins. Unlike NS3 or NS5, these proteins do not harbor any enzymatic activities, but they play important roles in viral replication through interactions with viral or host proteins to regulate important pathways and enzymatic activities. The location of these proteins on the cell membrane and the functional roles in viral replication make them important targets for antiviral development. Indeed, NS4B inhibitors exhibit antiviral activities in different assays. Structural studies of these proteins are hindered due to challenges in crystallization and the dynamic nature of these proteins. In this review, the function and membrane topologies of dengue nonstructural membrane proteins are presented. The roles of solution NMR spectroscopy in elucidating the structure and dynamics of these proteins are introduced. The success in the development of NS4B inhibitors proves that this class of proteins is an attractive target for antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Congbao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 10 Biopolis Road, #5-01, Singapore 138670, Singapore
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (C.K.)
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9
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Santos NP, Santos LH, Torquato Quezado de Magalhães M, Lei J, Hilgenfeld R, Salgado Ferreira R, Bleicher L. Characterization of an Allosteric Pocket in Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:945-957. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naiá Porã Santos
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Helene Santos
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana Torquato Quezado de Magalhães
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jian Lei
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, University of Lübeck, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, University of Lübeck, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bleicher
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
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Dang M, Lim L, Roy A, Song J. Myricetin Allosterically Inhibits the Dengue NS2B-NS3 Protease by Disrupting the Active and Locking the Inactive Conformations. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:2798-2808. [PMID: 35097276 PMCID: PMC8793048 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The dengue NS2B-NS3 protease existing in equilibrium between the active and inactive forms is essential for virus replication, thus representing a key drug target. Here, myricetin, a plant flavonoid, was characterized to noncompetitively inhibit the dengue protease. Further NMR study identified the protease residues perturbed by binding to myricetin, which were utilized to construct the myricetin-protease complexes. Strikingly, in the active form, myricetin binds to a new allosteric site (AS2) far away from the active site pocket and the allosteric site (AS1) for binding curcumin, while in the inactive form, it binds to both AS1 and AS2. To decipher the mechanism for the allosteric inhibition by myricetin, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations on different forms of dengue NS2B-NS3 proteases. Unexpectedly, the binding of myricetin to AS2 is sufficient to disrupt the active conformation by displacing the characteristic NS2B C-terminal β-hairpin from the active site pocket. By contrast, the binding of myricetin to AS1 and AS2 results in locking the inactive conformation. Therefore, myricetin represents the first small molecule, which allosterically inhibits the dengue protease by both disrupting the active conformation and locking the inactive conformation. The results enforce the notion that a global allosteric network exists in the dengue NS2B-NS3 protease, which is susceptible to allosteric inhibition by small molecules such as myricetin and curcumin. As myricetin has been extensively used as a food additive, it might be directly utilized to fight the dengue infections and as a promising starting material for further design of potent allosteric inhibitors.
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11
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Müntener T, Joss D, Häussinger D, Hiller S. Pseudocontact Shifts in Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9422-9467. [PMID: 35005884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Paramagnetic centers in biomolecules, such as specific metal ions that are bound to a protein, affect the nuclei in their surrounding in various ways. One of these effects is the pseudocontact shift (PCS), which leads to strong chemical shift perturbations of nuclear spins, with a remarkably long range of 50 Å and beyond. The PCS in solution NMR is an effect originating from the anisotropic part of the dipole-dipole interaction between the magnetic momentum of unpaired electrons and nuclear spins. The PCS contains spatial information that can be exploited in multiple ways to characterize structure, function, and dynamics of biomacromolecules. It can be used to refine structures, magnify effects of dynamics, help resonance assignments, allows for an intermolecular positioning system, and gives structural information in sensitivity-limited situations where all other methods fail. Here, we review applications of the PCS in biomolecular solution NMR spectroscopy, starting from early works on natural metalloproteins, following the development of non-natural tags to chelate and attach lanthanoid ions to any biomolecular target to advanced applications on large biomolecular complexes and inside living cells. We thus hope to not only highlight past applications but also shed light on the tremendous potential the PCS has in structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müntener
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Joss
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Häussinger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Hiller
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Structure and Dynamics of Zika Virus Protease and Its Insights into Inhibitor Design. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081044. [PMID: 34440248 PMCID: PMC8394600 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV)—a member of the Flaviviridae family—is an important human pathogen. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that can be further processed into structural and non-structural proteins. ZIKV protease is an important target for antiviral development due to its role in cleaving the polyprotein to release functional viral proteins. The viral protease is a two-component protein complex formed by NS2B and NS3. Structural studies using different approaches demonstrate that conformational changes exist in the protease. The structures and dynamics of this protease in the absence and presence of inhibitors were explored to provide insights into the inhibitor design. The dynamic nature of residues binding to the enzyme cleavage site might be important for the function of the protease. Due to the charges at the protease cleavage site, it is challenging to develop small-molecule compounds acting as substrate competitors. Developing small-molecule compounds to inhibit protease activity through an allosteric mechanism is a feasible strategy because conformational changes are observed in the protease. Herein, structures and dynamics of ZIKV protease are summarized. The conformational changes of ZIKV protease and other proteases in the same family are discussed. The progress in developing allosteric inhibitors is also described. Understanding the structures and dynamics of the proteases are important for designing potent inhibitors.
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13
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Lee WHK, Liu W, Fan JS, Yang D. Dengue virus protease activity modulated by dynamics of protease cofactor. Biophys J 2021; 120:2444-2453. [PMID: 33894215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The viral protease domain (NS3pro) of dengue virus is essential for virus replication, and its cofactor NS2B is indispensable for the proteolytic function. Although several NS3pro-NS2B complex structures have been obtained, the dynamic property of the complex remains poorly understood. Using NMR relaxation techniques, here we found that NS3pro-NS2B exists in both closed and open conformations that are in dynamic equilibrium on a submillisecond timescale in aqueous solution. Our structural information indicates that the C-terminal region of NS2B is disordered in the minor open conformation but folded in the major closed conformation. Using mutagenesis, we showed that the closed-open conformational equilibrium can be shifted by changing NS2B stability. Moreover, we revealed that the proteolytic activity of NS3pro-NS2B correlates well with the population of the closed conformation. Our results suggest that the closed-open conformational equilibrium can be used by both nature and humanity to control the replication of dengue virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hao Kenneth Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing-Song Fan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daiwen Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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14
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Kühl N, Leuthold MM, Behnam MAM, Klein CD. Beyond Basicity: Discovery of Nonbasic DENV-2 Protease Inhibitors with Potent Activity in Cell Culture. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4567-4587. [PMID: 33851839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The viral serine protease NS2B-NS3 is one of the promising targets for drug discovery against dengue virus and other flaviviruses. The molecular recognition preferences of the protease favor basic, positively charged moieties as substrates and inhibitors, which leads to pharmacokinetic liabilities and off-target interactions with host proteases such as thrombin. We here present the results of efforts that were aimed specifically at the discovery and development of noncharged, small-molecular inhibitors of the flaviviral proteases. A key factor in the discovery of these compounds was a cellular reporter gene assay for the dengue protease, the DENV2proHeLa system. Extensive structure-activity relationship explorations resulted in novel benzamide derivatives with submicromolar activities in viral replication assays (EC50 0.24 μM), selectivity against off-target proteases, and negligible cytotoxicity. This structural class has increased drug-likeness compared to most of the previously published active-site-directed flaviviral protease inhibitors and includes promising candidates for further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Kühl
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mila M Leuthold
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Liu L, Downs M, Guidry J, Wojcik EJ. Inter-organelle interactions between the ER and mitotic spindle facilitates Zika protease cleavage of human Kinesin-5 and results in mitotic defects. iScience 2021; 24:102385. [PMID: 33997675 PMCID: PMC8100630 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we identify human Kinesin-5, Kif11/HsEg5, as a cellular target of Zika protease. We show that Zika NS2B-NS3 protease targets several sites within the motor domain of HsEg5 irrespective of motor binding to microtubules. The native integral ER-membrane protease triggers mitotic spindle positioning defects and a prolonged metaphase delay in cultured cells. Our data support a model whereby loss of function of HsEg5 is mediated by Zika protease and is spatially restricted to the ER-mitotic spindle interface during mitosis. The resulting phenotype is distinct from the monopolar phenotype that typically results from uniform inhibition of HsEg5 by RNAi or drugs. In addition, our data reveal novel inter-organelle interactions between the mitotic apparatus and the surrounding reticulate ER network. Given that Kif11 is haplo-insufficient in humans, and reduced dosage results in microcephaly, we propose that Zika protease targeting of HsEg5 may be a key event in the etiology of Zika syndrome microcephaly. Zika protease cleavage of Kinesin-5 impairs mitotic progression Inter-organelle interactions spatially control Zika proteolysis of Kinesin-5 Native Zika protease affects mitosis differently than soluble Zika protease Zika protease may elicit fetal microcephaly and blindness via Kif11/Kinesin-5
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Micquel Downs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jesse Guidry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- The Proteomics Core Facility, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Edward J Wojcik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU School of Medicine & Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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16
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Lim L, Dang M, Roy A, Kang J, Song J. Curcumin Allosterically Inhibits the Dengue NS2B-NS3 Protease by Disrupting Its Active Conformation. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:25677-25686. [PMID: 33073093 PMCID: PMC7557217 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses including dengue virus and Zika virus encode a unique two-component NS2B-NS3 protease essential for maturation/infectivity, thus representing a key target for designing antiflavivirus drugs. Here, for the first time, by NMR and molecular docking, we reveal that curcumin allosterically inhibits the dengue protease by binding to a cavity with no overlap with the active site. Further molecular dynamics simulations decode that the binding of curcumin leads to unfolding/displacing the characteristic β-hairpin of the C-terminal NS2B and consequently disrupting the closed (active) conformation of the protease. Our study identified a cavity most likely conserved in all flaviviral NS2B-NS3 proteases, which could thus serve as a therapeutic target for the discovery/design of small-molecule allosteric inhibitors. Moreover, as curcumin has been used as a food additive for thousands of years in many counties, it can be directly utilized to fight the flaviviral infections and as a promising starting for further design of potent allosteric inhibitors.
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17
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Crystal structures of full length DENV4 NS2B-NS3 reveal the dynamic interaction between NS2B and NS3. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104900. [PMID: 32763315 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Flavivirus is a genus of the Flaviviridae family which includes significant emerging and re-emerging human disease-causing arboviruses such as dengue and Zika viruses. Flaviviral non-structural protein 3 (NS3) protease-helicase plays essential roles in viral replication and is an attractive antiviral target. A construct which connects the cytoplasmic cofactor region of NS2B and NS3 protease with an artificial glycine-rich flexible linker has been widely used for structural, biochemical and drug-screening studies. The effect of this linker on the dynamics and enzymatic activity of the protease has been studied by several biochemical and NMR methods but the findings remained inconclusive. Here, we designed and carried out a comparative study of constructs of NS2B cofactor joined to the full length DENV4 NS3 in three different ways, namely bNS2B47NS3 (bivalent), eNS2B47NS3(enzymatically cleavable) and gNS2B47NS3 (glycine-rich linker). We report the crystal structures of linked and unlinked NS2B47-NS3 constructs in their free state and in complex with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI). These structures demonstrate that the NS2B cofactor predominantly adopts a closed conformation in complex with full-length NS3. The glycine-rich linker between NS2B and NS3 may promote the open conformation which interferes with protease activity. This negative impact on the enzyme structure and function is restricted to the protease activity as the ATPase activity is not affected in vitro.
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18
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Behnam MA, Klein CD. Conformational selection in the flaviviral NS2B-NS3 protease. Biochimie 2020; 174:117-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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Agback P, Woestenenk E, Agback T. Probing contacts of inhibitor locked in transition states in the catalytic triad of DENV2 type serine protease and its mutants by 1H, 19F and 15 N NMR spectroscopy. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:38. [PMID: 32450796 PMCID: PMC7249419 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-020-00283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Detailed structural knowledge of enzyme-inhibitor complexes trapped in intermediate state is the key for a fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms taking place in enzymes and is indispensable as a structure-guided drug design tool. Solution state NMR uniquely allows the study of active sites of enzymes in equilibrium between different tautomeric forms. In this study 1H, 19F and 15 N NMR spectroscopy has been used to probe the interaction contacts of inhibitors locked in transition states of the catalytic triad of a serine protease. It was demonstrated on the serotype II Dengue virus NS2B:NS3pro serine protease and its mutants, H51N and S135A, in complex with high-affinity ligands containing trifluoromethyl ketone (tfk) and boronic groups in the C-terminal of tetra-peptides. Results Monitoring 19F resonances, shows that only one of the two isomers of the tfk tetra-peptide binds with NS2B:NS3pro and that access to the bulk of the active site is limited. Moreover, there were no bound water found in proximity of the active site for any of the ligands manifesting in a favorable condition for formation of low barrier hydrogen bonds (LBHB) in the catalytic triad. Based on this data we were able to identify a locked conformation of the protein active site. The data also indicates that the different parts of the binding site most likely act independently of each other. Conclusions Our reported findings increases the knowledge of the detailed function of the catalytic triad in serine proteases and could facilitate the development of rational structure based inhibitors that can selectively target the NS3 protease of Dengue type II (DENV2) virus. In addition the results shows the usefulness of probing active sites using 19F NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Esmeralda Woestenenk
- Protein Expression and Characterization Drug Discovery and Development Platform, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tatiana Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Insights into Structures and Dynamics of Flavivirus Proteases from NMR Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072527. [PMID: 32260545 PMCID: PMC7177695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy plays important roles in structural biology and drug discovery, as it is a powerful tool to understand protein structures, dynamics, and ligand binding under physiological conditions. The protease of flaviviruses is an attractive target for developing antivirals because it is essential for the maturation of viral proteins. High-resolution structures of the proteases in the absence and presence of ligands/inhibitors were determined using X-ray crystallography, providing structural information for rational drug design. Structural studies suggest that proteases from Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) exist in open and closed conformations. Solution NMR studies showed that the closed conformation is predominant in solution and should be utilized in structure-based drug design. Here, we reviewed solution NMR studies of the proteases from these viruses. The accumulated studies demonstrated that NMR spectroscopy provides additional information to understand conformational changes of these proteases in the absence and presence of substrates/inhibitors. In addition, NMR spectroscopy can be used for identifying fragment hits that can be further developed into potent protease inhibitors.
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21
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Campos DMO, Bezerra KS, Esmaile SC, Fulco UL, Albuquerque EL, Oliveira JIN. Intermolecular interactions of cn-716 and acyl-KR-aldehyde dipeptide inhibitors against Zika virus. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:15683-15695. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp02254c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Structural representation and graphic panel showing the most relevant residues that contribute to the ZIKV NS2B–NS3–ligand complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. O. Campos
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | - Katyanna S. Bezerra
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | - Stephany C. Esmaile
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | - Umberto L. Fulco
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | | | - Jonas I. N. Oliveira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
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22
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Lim WZ, Cheng PG, Abdulrahman AY, Teoh TC. The identification of active compounds in Ganoderma lucidum var. antler extract inhibiting dengue virus serine protease and its computational studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:4273-4288. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1678523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wui Zhuan Lim
- Bioinformatics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Poh Guat Cheng
- Bioinformatics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Teow Chong Teoh
- Bioinformatics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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23
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Joss D, Häussinger D. Design and applications of lanthanide chelating tags for pseudocontact shift NMR spectroscopy with biomacromolecules. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2019; 114-115:284-312. [PMID: 31779884 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In this review, lanthanide chelating tags and their applications to pseudocontact shift NMR spectroscopy as well as analysis of residual dipolar couplings are covered. A complete overview is presented of DOTA-derived and non-DOTA-derived lanthanide chelating tags, critical points in the design of lanthanide chelating tags as appropriate linker moieties, their stability under reductive conditions, e.g., for in-cell applications, the magnitude of the anisotropy transferred from the lanthanide chelating tag to the biomacromolecule under investigation and structural properties, as well as conformational bias of the lanthanide chelating tags are discussed. Furthermore, all DOTA-derived lanthanide chelating tags used for PCS NMR spectroscopy published to date are displayed in tabular form, including their anisotropy parameters, with all employed lanthanide ions, CB-Ln distances and tagging reaction conditions, i.e., the stoichiometry of lanthanide chelating tags, pH, buffer composition, temperature and reaction time. Additionally, applications of lanthanide chelating tags for pseudocontact shifts and residual dipolar couplings that have been reported for proteins, protein-protein and protein-ligand complexes, carbohydrates, carbohydrate-protein complexes, nucleic acids and nucleic acid-protein complexes are presented and critically reviewed. The vast and impressive range of applications of lanthanide chelating tags to structural investigations of biomacromolecules in solution clearly illustrates the significance of this particular field of research. The extension of the repertoire of lanthanide chelating tags from proteins to nucleic acids holds great promise for the determination of valuable structural parameters and further developments in characterizing intermolecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Joss
- University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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24
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Nitsche C. Proteases from dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses as drug targets. Biophys Rev 2019; 11:157-165. [PMID: 30806881 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-019-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases from flaviviruses have gained substantial interest as potential drug targets to combat infectious diseases caused by dengue, West Nile, Zika and related viruses. Despite nearly two decades of drug discovery campaigns, promising lead compounds for clinical trials have not yet been identified. The main challenges for successful lead compound development are associated with limited drug-likeness of inhibitors and structural ambiguity of the protease target. This brief review focuses on the available information on the structure of flavivirus proteases and their interactions with inhibitors and attempts to point the way forward for successful identification of future lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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25
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Hill ME, Yildiz M, Hardy JA. Cysteine Disulfide Traps Reveal Distinct Conformational Ensembles in Dengue Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease. Biochemistry 2018; 58:776-787. [PMID: 30472839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dengue virus protease (NS2B-NS3pro) plays a critical role in the dengue viral life cycle, making it an attractive drug target for dengue-related pathologies, including dengue hemorrhagic fever. A number of studies indicate that NS2B-NS3pro undergoes a transition between two widely different conformational states: an "open" (inactive) conformation and a "closed" (active) conformation. For the past several years, the equilibrium between these states and the resting conformation of NS2B-NS3pro have been debated, although a strong consensus is emerging. To investigate the importance of such conformational states, we developed versions of NS2B-NS3pro that allow us to trap the enzyme in various distinct conformations. Our data from these variants suggest that the enzymatic activity appears to be dependent on the movement of NS2B and may rely on the flexibility of the protease core. Locking the enzyme into the "closed" conformation dramatically increased activity, strongly suggesting that the "closed" conformation is the active conformation. The observed resting state of the enzyme depends largely on the construct used to express the NS2B-NS3pro complex. In an "unlinked" construct, in which the NS2B and NS3 regions exist as independent, co-expressed polypeptides, the enzyme rests predominantly in a "closed", active conformation. In contrast, in a "linked" construct, in which NS2B and NS3 are attached by a nine-amino acid linker, NS2B-NS3pro adopts a more relaxed, alternative conformation. Nevertheless, even the unlinked construct samples both the "closed" and other alternative conformations. Given our findings, and the more realistic resemblance of NS2B-NS3pro to the native enzyme, these data strongly suggest that studies should focus on the "unlinked" constructs moving forward. Additionally, the results from these studies provide a more detailed understanding of the various poses of the dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease and should help guide future drug discovery efforts aimed at this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen E Hill
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , 374 LGRT, 710 North Pleasant Street , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Muslum Yildiz
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , 374 LGRT, 710 North Pleasant Street , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Jeanne A Hardy
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , 374 LGRT, 710 North Pleasant Street , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
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26
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Li Y, Loh YR, Hung AW, Kang C. Characterization of molecular interactions between Zika virus protease and peptides derived from the C-terminus of NS2B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:691-696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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27
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Qadir A, Riaz M, Saeed M, Shahzad-Ul-Hussan S. Potential targets for therapeutic intervention and structure based vaccine design against Zika virus. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 156:444-460. [PMID: 30015077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Continuously increasing number of reports of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections and associated severe clinical manifestations, including autoimmune abnormalities and neurological disorders such as neonatal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome have created alarming situation in various countries. To date, no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine is available against ZIKV. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the potential therapeutic targets and describes viral epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) in vaccine design perspective. Interactions between ZIKV envelope glycoprotein E and cellular receptors mediate the viral fusion and entry to the target cell. Blocking these interactions by targeting cellular receptors or viral structural proteins mediating these interactions or viral surface glycans can inhibit viral entry to the cell. Similarly, different non-structural proteins of ZIKV and un-translated regions (UTRs) of its RNA play essential roles in viral replication cycle and potentiate for therapeutic interventions. Structure based vaccine design requires identity and structural description of the epitopes of bNAbs. We have described different conserved bNAb epitopes present in the ZIKV envelope as potential targets for structure based vaccine design. This review also highlights successes, unanswered questions and future perspectives in relation to therapeutic and vaccine development against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Qadir
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, 54792, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Riaz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, 54792, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Shahzad-Ul-Hussan
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, 54792, Pakistan.
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28
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Strategies Towards Protease Inhibitors for Emerging Flaviviruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:175-186. [PMID: 29845533 PMCID: PMC7121277 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_13] [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: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infections with flaviviruses are a continuing public health threat. In addition to vaccine development and vector control, the search for antiviral agents that alleviate symptoms in patients are of considerable interest. Among others, the flaviviral protease NS2B-NS3 is a promising drug target to inhibit viral replication. Flaviviral proteases share a high degree of structural similarity and substrate-recognition profile, which may facilitate a strategy towards development of pan-flaviviral protease inhibitors. However, the success of various drug discovery attempts during the last decade has been limited by the nature of the viral enzyme as well as a lack of robust structural templates. Small-molecular, structurally diverse protease inhibitors have been reported to reach affinities in the lower micromolar range. Peptide-based, substrate-derived compounds are often nanomolar inhibitors, however, with highly compromised drug-likeness. With some exceptions, the antiviral cellular activity of most of the reported compounds have been patchy and insufficient for further development. Recent progress has been made in the elucidation of inhibitor binding using different structural methods. This will hopefully lead to more rational attempts for the identification of various lead compounds that may be successful in cellular assays, animal models and ultimately translated to patients.
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29
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Gibbs AC, Steele R, Liu G, Tounge BA, Montelione GT. Inhibitor Bound Dengue NS2B-NS3pro Reveals Multiple Dynamic Binding Modes. Biochemistry 2018; 57:1591-1602. [PMID: 29447443 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus poses a significant global health threat as the source of increasingly deleterious dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. As no specific antiviral treatment exists for dengue infection, considerable effort is being applied to discover therapies and drugs for maintenance and prevention of these afflictions. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, and infection occurs following viral endocytosis by host cells. Upon entering the cell, viral RNA is translated into a large multisubunit polyprotein which is post-translationally cleaved into mature, structural and nonstructural (NS) proteins. The viral genome encodes the enzyme to carry out cleavage of the large polyprotein, specifically the NS2B-NS3pro cofactor-protease complex-a target of high interest for drug design. One class of recently discovered NS2B-NS3pro inhibitors is the substrate-based trifluoromethyl ketone containing peptides. These compounds interact covalently with the active site Ser135 via a hemiketal adduct. A detailed picture of the intermolecular protease/inhibitor interactions of the hemiketal adduct is crucial for rational drug design. We demonstrate, through the use of protein- and ligand-detected solution-state 19F and 1H NMR methods, an unanticipated multibinding mode behavior of a representative of this class of inhibitors to dengue NS2B-NS3pro. Our results illustrate the highly dynamic nature of both the covalently bound ligand and protease protein structure, and the need to consider these dynamics when designing future inhibitors in this class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Gibbs
- Janssen Research and Development LLC , Welsh & McKean Roads , Spring House , Pennsylvania 19477 , United States
| | - Ruth Steele
- Janssen Research and Development LLC , Welsh & McKean Roads , Spring House , Pennsylvania 19477 , United States
| | - Gaohua Liu
- Nexomics Biosciences, Inc. , 1200 Florence Columbus Road , Bordentown , New Jersey 08505 , United States
| | - Brett A Tounge
- Janssen Research and Development LLC , Welsh & McKean Roads , Spring House , Pennsylvania 19477 , United States
| | - Gaetano T Montelione
- Nexomics Biosciences, Inc. , 1200 Florence Columbus Road , Bordentown , New Jersey 08505 , United States
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30
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Mahawaththa MC, Lee MD, Giannoulis A, Adams LA, Feintuch A, Swarbrick JD, Graham B, Nitsche C, Goldfarb D, Otting G. Small neutral Gd(iii) tags for distance measurements in proteins by double electron–electron resonance experiments. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:23535-23545. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cp03532f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Small Gd(iii) tags based on DO3A deliver narrow and readily predictable distances by double electron–electron resonance (DEER) measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael D. Lee
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Monash University
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Angeliki Giannoulis
- Department of Chemical Physics
- Weizmann Institute of Science
- Rehovot 76100
- Israel
| | - Luke A. Adams
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Monash University
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Akiva Feintuch
- Department of Chemical Physics
- Weizmann Institute of Science
- Rehovot 76100
- Israel
| | - James D. Swarbrick
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Monash University
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Bim Graham
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Monash University
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry
- The Australian National University
- Canberra
- Australia
| | - Daniella Goldfarb
- Department of Chemical Physics
- Weizmann Institute of Science
- Rehovot 76100
- Israel
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research School of Chemistry
- The Australian National University
- Canberra
- Australia
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31
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Woestenenk E, Agback P, Unnerståle S, Henderson I, Agback T. Co-refolding of a functional complex of Dengue NS3 protease and NS2B co-factor domain and backbone resonance assignment by solution NMR. Protein Expr Purif 2017; 140:16-27. [PMID: 28751017 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A novel approach for separate expression of dengue virus NS3 protease and its NS2B cofactor domain is described in this paper. The two proteins are expressed in E.coli and purified separately and subsequently efficiently co-refolded to form a stable complex. This straightforward and robust method allows for separate isotope labeling of the two proteins, facilitating analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Unlinked NS2B-NS3pro behaves better in NMR spectroscopy than linked NS2B-NS3pro, which has resulted in the backbone resonance assignment of the unlinked NS2B-NS3 complex bound to a peptidic boronic acid inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Ian Henderson
- Medivir AB, PO Box 1086, SE-141 22, Huddinge, Sweden
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32
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Li Y, Phoo WW, Loh YR, Zhang Z, Ng EY, Wang W, Keller TH, Luo D, Kang C. Structural characterization of the linked NS2B-NS3 protease of Zika virus. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:2338-2347. [PMID: 28675775 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) NS2B-NS3 protease is an important drug target. The conventional flaviviral protease constructs used for structural studies contain the NS2B cofactor region linked to the NS3 protease domain via a glycine-rich flexible linker. Here, we examined the structural dynamics of this conventional Zika protease (gZiPro) using NMR spectroscopy. Although the glycine-rich linker in gZiPro does not alter the overall folding of the protease in solution, gZiPro is not homogenous in ion exchange chromatography. Compared to the unlinked protease construct, the artificial linker affects the chemical environment of many residues including H51 in the catalytic triad. Our study provides a direct comparison of ZIKV protease constructs with and without an artificial linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wint Wint Phoo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Ru Loh
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth Yihui Ng
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weiling Wang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thomas H Keller
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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33
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Mahawaththa MC, Pearce BJ, Szabo M, Graham B, Klein CD, Nitsche C, Otting G. Solution conformations of a linked construct of the Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease. Antiviral Res 2017; 142:141-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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34
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A conformational switch high-throughput screening assay and allosteric inhibition of the flavivirus NS2B-NS3 protease. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006411. [PMID: 28542603 PMCID: PMC5462475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The flavivirus genome encodes a single polyprotein precursor requiring multiple cleavages by host and viral proteases in order to produce the individual proteins that constitute an infectious virion. Previous studies have revealed that the NS2B cofactor of the viral NS2B-NS3 heterocomplex protease displays a conformational dynamic between active and inactive states. Here, we developed a conformational switch assay based on split luciferase complementation (SLC) to monitor the conformational change of NS2B and to characterize candidate allosteric inhibitors. Binding of an active-site inhibitor to the protease resulted in a conformational change of NS2B and led to significant SLC enhancement. Mutagenesis of key residues at an allosteric site abolished this induced conformational change and SLC enhancement. We also performed a virtual screen of NCI library compounds to identify allosteric inhibitors, followed by in vitro biochemical screening of the resultant candidates. Only three of these compounds, NSC135618, 260594, and 146771, significantly inhibited the protease of Dengue virus 2 (DENV2) in vitro, with IC50 values of 1.8 μM, 11.4 μM, and 4.8 μM, respectively. Among the three compounds, only NSC135618 significantly suppressed the SLC enhancement triggered by binding of active-site inhibitor in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that it inhibits the conformational change of NS2B. Results from virus titer reduction assays revealed that NSC135618 is a broad spectrum flavivirus protease inhibitor, and can significantly reduce titers of DENV2, Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Yellow fever virus (YFV) on A549 cells in vivo, with EC50 values in low micromolar range. In contrast, the cytotoxicity of NSC135618 is only moderate with CC50 of 48.8 μM on A549 cells. Moreover, NSC135618 inhibited ZIKV in human placental and neural progenitor cells relevant to ZIKV pathogenesis. Results from binding, kinetics, Western blot, mass spectrometry and mutagenesis experiments unambiguously demonstrated an allosteric mechanism for inhibition of the viral protease by NSC135618.
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35
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Nitsche C, Otting G. Pseudocontact shifts in biomolecular NMR using paramagnetic metal tags. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 98-99:20-49. [PMID: 28283085 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Australian National University, Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Australian National University, Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. http://www.rsc.anu.edu.au/~go/index.html
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36
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Zhang Z, Li Y, Loh YR, Phoo WW, Hung AW, Kang C, Luo D. Crystal structure of unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease from Zika virus. Science 2016; 354:1597-1600. [PMID: 27940580 DOI: 10.1126/science.aai9309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has rapidly emerged as a global public health concern. Viral NS2B-NS3 protease processes viral polyprotein and is essential for the virus replication, making it an attractive antiviral drug target. We report crystal structures at 1.58-angstrom resolution of the unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease from ZIKV as free enzyme and bound to a peptide reversely oriented at the active site. The unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease adopts a closed conformation in which NS2B engages NS3 to form an empty substrate-binding site. A second protease in the same crystal binds to the residues K14K15G16E17 from the neighboring NS3 in reverse orientation, resisting proteolysis. These features of ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease may accelerate the discovery of structure-based antiviral drugs against ZIKV and related pathogenic flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921
| | - Yan Li
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos, #03-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Ying Ru Loh
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos, #03-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Wint Wint Phoo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Alvin W Hung
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos, #03-01, Singapore 138669
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos, #03-01, Singapore 138669.
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921. .,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Experimental Medicine Building 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921
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37
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Product release is rate-limiting for catalytic processing by the Dengue virus protease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37539. [PMID: 27897196 PMCID: PMC5126634 DOI: 10.1038/srep37539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue Virus (DENV) is the most prevalent global arbovirus, yet despite an increasing burden to health care there are currently no therapeutics available to treat infection. A potential target for antiviral drugs is the two-component viral protease NS2B-NS3pro, which is essential for viral replication. Interactions between the two components have been investigated here by probing the effect on the rate of enzyme catalysis of key mutations in a mobile loop within NS2B that is located at the interface of the two components. Steady-state kinetic assays indicated that the mutations greatly affect catalytic turnover. However, single turnover and fluorescence experiments have revealed that the mutations predominantly affect product release rather than substrate binding. Fluorescence analysis also indicated that the addition of substrate triggers a near-irreversible change in the enzyme conformation that activates the catalytic centre. Based on this mechanistic insight, we propose that residues within the mobile loop of NS2B control product release and present a new target for design of potent Dengue NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors.
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38
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Liew LSY, Lee MY, Wong YL, Cheng J, Li Q, Kang C. Selection of suitable detergents for obtaining an active dengue protease in its natural form from E. coli. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 121:141-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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39
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Chen WN, Nitsche C, Pilla KB, Graham B, Huber T, Klein CD, Otting G. Sensitive NMR Approach for Determining the Binding Mode of Tightly Binding Ligand Molecules to Protein Targets. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:4539-46. [PMID: 26974502 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Structure-guided drug design relies on detailed structural knowledge of protein-ligand complexes, but crystallization of cocomplexes is not always possible. Here we present a sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approach to determine the binding mode of tightly binding lead compounds in complex with difficult target proteins. In contrast to established NMR methods, it does not depend on rapid exchange between bound and free ligand or on stable isotope labeling, relying instead on a tert-butyl group as a chemical label. tert-Butyl groups are found in numerous protein ligands and deliver an exceptionally narrow and tall (1)H NMR signal. We show that a tert-butyl group also produces outstandingly intense intra- and intermolecular NOESY cross-peaks. These enable measurements of pseudocontact shifts generated by lanthanide tags attached to the protein, which in turn allows positioning of the ligand on the protein. Once the ligand has been located, assignments of intermolecular NOEs become possible even without prior resonance assignments of protein side chains. The approach is demonstrated with the dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease in complex with a high-affinity ligand containing a tert-butyl group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Na Chen
- Australian National University , Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Australian National University , Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kala Bharath Pilla
- Australian National University , Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Bim Graham
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University , Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Australian National University , Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Australian National University , Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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40
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Piccirillo E, Merget B, Sotriffer CA, do Amaral AT. Conformational flexibility of DENV NS2B/NS3pro: from the inhibitor effect to the serotype influence. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2016; 30:251-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-016-9901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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41
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Gupta G, Lim L, Song J. NMR and MD Studies Reveal That the Isolated Dengue NS3 Protease Is an Intrinsically Disordered Chymotrypsin Fold Which Absolutely Requests NS2B for Correct Folding and Functional Dynamics. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134823. [PMID: 26258523 PMCID: PMC4530887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue genome encodes a two component protease complex (NS2B-NS3pro) essential for the viral maturation/infectivity, thus representing a key drug target. Previously, due to its “complete insolubility”, the isolated NS3pro could not be experimentally studied and it remains elusive what structure it adopts without NS2B and why NS2B is indispensable. Here as facilitated by our previous discovery, the isolated NS3pro has been surprisingly deciphered by NMR to be the first intrinsically-disordered chymotrypsin-like fold, which exists in a loosely-packed state with non-native long-range interactions as revealed by paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE). The disordered NS3pro appears to be needed for binding a human host factor to trigger the membrane remodeling. Moreover, we have in vitro refolded the NS3pro in complex with either NS2B (48–100) or the full-length NS2B (1–130) anchored into the LMPC micelle, and the two complexes have similar activities but different dynamics. We also performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the results revealed that NS2B shows the highest structural fluctuations in the complex, thus providing the dynamic basis for the observation on its conformational exchange between open and closed states. Remarkably, the NS2B cofactor plays a central role in maintaining the correlated motion network required for the catalysis as we previously decoded for the SARS 3CL protease. Indeed, a truncated NS2B (48–100;Δ77–84) with the flexible loop deleted is able to trap the NS2B-NS3pro complex in a highly dynamic and catalytically-impotent state. Taken together, our study implies potential strategies to perturb the NS2B-NS3pro interface for design of inhibitors for treating dengue infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garvita Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liangzhong Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianxing Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore, Singapore
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42
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Zhu L, Yang J, Li H, Sun H, Liu J, Wang J. Conformational change study of dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease using 19F NMR spectroscopy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 461:677-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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43
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Pilla KB, Leman JK, Otting G, Huber T. Capturing conformational States in proteins using sparse paramagnetic NMR data. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127053. [PMID: 25992808 PMCID: PMC4436263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Capturing conformational changes in proteins or protein-protein complexes is a challenge for both experimentalists and computational biologists. Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is unique in that it permits structural studies of proteins under greatly varying conditions, and thus allows us to monitor induced structural changes. Paramagnetic effects are increasingly used to study protein structures as they give ready access to rich structural information of orientation and long-range distance restraints from the NMR signals of backbone amides, and reliable methods have become available to tag proteins with paramagnetic metal ions site-specifically and at multiple sites. In this study, we show how sparse pseudocontact shift (PCS) data can be used to computationally model conformational states in a protein system, by first identifying core structural elements that are not affected by the environmental change, and then computationally completing the remaining structure based on experimental restraints from PCS. The approach is demonstrated on a 27 kDa two-domain NS2B-NS3 protease system of the dengue virus serotype 2, for which distinct closed and open conformational states have been observed in crystal structures. By changing the input PCS data, the observed conformational states in the dengue virus protease are reproduced without modifying the computational procedure. This data driven Rosetta protocol enables identification of conformational states of a protein system, which are otherwise difficult to obtain either experimentally or computationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kala Bharath Pilla
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Julia Koehler Leman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, United States of America
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- * E-mail:
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44
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Luo D, Vasudevan SG, Lescar J. The flavivirus NS2B-NS3 protease-helicase as a target for antiviral drug development. Antiviral Res 2015; 118:148-58. [PMID: 25842996 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The flavivirus NS3 protein is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane via its close interaction with the central hydrophilic region of the NS2B integral membrane protein. The multiple roles played by the NS2B-NS3 protein in the virus life cycle makes it an attractive target for antiviral drug discovery. The N-terminal region of NS3 and its cofactor NS2B constitute the protease that cleaves the viral polyprotein. The NS3 C-terminal domain possesses RNA helicase, nucleoside and RNA triphosphatase activities and is involved both in viral RNA replication and virus particle formation. In addition, NS2B-NS3 serves as a hub for the assembly of the flavivirus replication complex and also modulates viral pathogenesis and the host immune response. Here, we review biochemical and structural advances on the NS2B-NS3 protein, including the network of interactions it forms with NS5 and NS4B and highlight recent drug development efforts targeting this protein. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on flavivirus drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos Building, #07-03, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
| | - Subhash G Vasudevan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
| | - Julien Lescar
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; UPMC UMRS CR7 - CNRS ERL 8255-INSERM U1135 Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Faculté de Médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.
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45
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Crick DJ, Wang JX, Graham B, Swarbrick JD, Mott HR, Nietlispach D. Integral membrane protein structure determination using pseudocontact shifts. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2015; 61:197-207. [PMID: 25604936 PMCID: PMC4412549 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-015-9899-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Obtaining enough experimental restraints can be a limiting factor in the NMR structure determination of larger proteins. This is particularly the case for large assemblies such as membrane proteins that have been solubilized in a membrane-mimicking environment. Whilst in such cases extensive deuteration strategies are regularly utilised with the aim to improve the spectral quality, these schemes often limit the number of NOEs obtainable, making complementary strategies highly beneficial for successful structure elucidation. Recently, lanthanide-induced pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) have been established as a structural tool for globular proteins. Here, we demonstrate that a PCS-based approach can be successfully applied for the structure determination of integral membrane proteins. Using the 7TM α-helical microbial receptor pSRII, we show that PCS-derived restraints from lanthanide binding tags attached to four different positions of the protein facilitate the backbone structure determination when combined with a limited set of NOEs. In contrast, the same set of NOEs fails to determine the correct 3D fold. The latter situation is frequently encountered in polytopical α-helical membrane proteins and a PCS approach is thus suitable even for this particularly challenging class of membrane proteins. The ease of measuring PCSs makes this an attractive route for structure determination of large membrane proteins in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan J. Crick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jue X. Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bim Graham
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James D. Swarbrick
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helen R. Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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46
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Nitsche C, Holloway S, Schirmeister T, Klein CD. Biochemistry and medicinal chemistry of the dengue virus protease. Chem Rev 2014; 114:11348-81. [PMID: 25268322 DOI: 10.1021/cr500233q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steven Holloway
- Institut für Pharmazie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz , Staudingerweg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institut für Pharmazie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz , Staudingerweg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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47
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Li H, Zhu L, Hou S, Yang J, Wang J, Liu J. An inhibition model of BPTI to unlinked dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:2794-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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48
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Chen WN, Loscha KV, Nitsche C, Graham B, Otting G. The dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease retains the closed conformation in the complex with BPTI. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:2206-11. [PMID: 24859037 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The C-terminal β-hairpin of NS2B (NS2Bc) in the dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease is required for full enzymatic activity. In crystal structures without inhibitor and in the complex with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), NS2Bc is displaced from the active site. In contrast, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies in solution only ever showed NS2Bc in the enzymatically active closed conformation. Here we demonstrate by pseudocontact shifts from a lanthanide tag that NS2Bc remains in the closed conformation also in the complex with BPTI. Therefore, the closed conformation is the best template for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Na Chen
- Australian National University, Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Karin V Loscha
- Australian National University, Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bim Graham
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Australian National University, Research School of Chemistry, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
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