1
|
Masum MHU, Wajed S, Hossain MI, Moumi NR, Talukder A, Rahman MM. An mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer designed by applying in silico immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology approaches. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305413. [PMID: 38976715 PMCID: PMC11230540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent pancreatic cancer, which is considered a significant global health concern. Chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of current pancreatic cancer treatments; however, a few cases are suitable for surgery, and most of the cases will experience recurrent episodes. Compared to DNA or peptide vaccines, mRNA vaccines for pancreatic cancer have more promise because of their delivery, enhanced immune responses, and lower proneness to mutation. We constructed an mRNA vaccine by analyzing S100 family proteins, which are all major activators of receptors for advanced glycation end products. We applied immunoinformatic approaches, including physicochemical properties analysis, structural prediction and validation, molecular docking study, in silico cloning, and immune simulations. The designed mRNA vaccine was estimated to have a molecular weight of 165023.50 Da and was highly soluble (grand average of hydropathicity of -0.440). In the structural assessment, the vaccine seemed to be a well-stable and functioning protein (Z score of -8.94). Also, the docking analysis suggested that the vaccine had a high affinity for TLR-2 and TLR-4 receptors. Additionally, the molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation analysis of the "Vaccine-TLR-2" (-141.07 kcal/mol) and "Vaccine-TLR-4" (-271.72 kcal/mol) complexes also suggests a strong binding affinity for the receptors. Codon optimization also provided a high expression level with a GC content of 47.04% and a codon adaptation index score 1.0. The appearance of memory B-cells and T-cells was also observed over a while, with an increased level of helper T-cells and immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG). Moreover, the minimum free energy of the mRNA vaccine was predicted at -1760.00 kcal/mol, indicating the stability of the vaccine following its entry, transcription, and expression. This hypothetical vaccine offers a groundbreaking tool for future research and therapeutic development of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Habib Ullah Masum
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Shah Wajed
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Infectiology: Biology of Infectious Diseases, Universite Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Md Imam Hossain
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Rahman Moumi
- Medical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Talukder
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Md Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Motamedi H, Alvandi A, Fathollahi M, Ari MM, Moradi S, Moradi J, Abiri R. In silico designing and immunoinformatics analysis of a novel peptide vaccine against metallo-beta-lactamase (VIM and IMP) variants. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0275237. [PMID: 37471423 PMCID: PMC10358925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of acquired metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) among gram negative pathogens is becoming a global concern. Improper use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can trigger the colonization and spread of resistant strains which lead to increased mortality and significant economic loss. In the present study, diverse immunoinformatic approaches are applied to design a potential epitope-based vaccine against VIM and IMP MBLs. The amino acid sequences of VIM and IMP variants were retrieved from the GenBank database. ABCpred and BCPred online Web servers were used to analyze linear B cell epitopes, while IEDB was used to determine the dominant T cell epitopes. Sequence validation, allergenicity, toxicity and physiochemical analysis were performed using web servers. Seven sequences were identified for linear B cell dominant epitopes and 4 sequences were considered as dominant CD4+ T cell epitopes, and the predicted epitopes were joined by KK and GPGPG linkers. Stabilized multi-epitope protein structure was obtained using molecular dynamics simulation. Molecular docking showed that the designed vaccine exhibited sustainable and strong binding interactions with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Finally, codon adaptation and in silico cloning studies were performed to design an effective vaccine production strategy. Immune simulation significantly provided high levels of immunoglobulins, T helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells and INF-γ. Even though the introduced vaccine candidate demonstrates a very potent immunogenic potential, but wet-lab validation is required to further assessment of the effectiveness of this proposed vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Motamedi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amirhoushang Alvandi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Matin Fathollahi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Marzie Mahdizade Ari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Moradi
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jale Moradi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ramin Abiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moin AT, Ullah MA, Patil RB, Faruqui NA, Araf Y, Das S, Uddin KMK, Hossain MS, Miah MF, Moni MA, Chowdhury DUS, Islam S. A computational approach to design a polyvalent vaccine against human respiratory syncytial virus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9702. [PMID: 37322049 PMCID: PMC10272159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), responsible for infecting people from all age groups-a majority of which comprises infants and children. Primarily, severe RSV infections are accountable for multitudes of deaths worldwide, predominantly of children, every year. Despite several efforts to develop a vaccine against RSV as a potential countermeasure, there has been no approved or licensed vaccine available yet, to control the RSV infection effectively. Therefore, through the utilization of immunoinformatics tools, a computational approach was taken in this study, to design a multi-epitope polyvalent vaccine against two major antigenic subtypes of RSV, RSV-A and RSV-B. Potential predictions of the T-cell and B-cell epitopes were followed by extensive tests of antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, conservancy, homology to human proteome, transmembrane topology, and cytokine-inducing ability. The peptide vaccine was modeled, refined, and validated. Molecular docking analysis with specific Toll-like receptors (TLRs) revealed excellent interactions with suitable global binding energies. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation ensured the stability of the docking interactions between the vaccine and TLRs. Mechanistic approaches to imitate and predict the potential immune response generated by the administration of vaccines were determined through immune simulations. Subsequent mass production of the vaccine peptide was evaluated; however, there remains a necessity for further in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate its efficacy against RSV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Tayab Moin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajesh B Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sinhgad Technical Education Society's, Sinhgad College of Pharmacy, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nairita Ahsan Faruqui
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Sowmen Das
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Khaza Md Kapil Uddin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shakhawat Hossain
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Faruque Miah
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- Bone Biology Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre on eHealth, UNSW Digital Health, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dil Umme Salma Chowdhury
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| | - Saiful Islam
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Chattogram Laboratories, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin BC, Katneni U, Jankowska KI, Meyer D, Kimchi-Sarfaty C. In silico methods for predicting functional synonymous variants. Genome Biol 2023; 24:126. [PMID: 37217943 PMCID: PMC10204308 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02966-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) contribute to human genomic diversity. Synonymous SNVs are previously considered to be "silent," but mounting evidence has revealed that these variants can cause RNA and protein changes and are implicated in over 85 human diseases and cancers. Recent improvements in computational platforms have led to the development of numerous machine-learning tools, which can be used to advance synonymous SNV research. In this review, we discuss tools that should be used to investigate synonymous variants. We provide supportive examples from seminal studies that demonstrate how these tools have driven new discoveries of functional synonymous SNVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Lin
- Hemostasis Branch 1, Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics CMC, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Upendra Katneni
- Hemostasis Branch 1, Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics CMC, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Katarzyna I Jankowska
- Hemostasis Branch 1, Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics CMC, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Douglas Meyer
- Hemostasis Branch 1, Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics CMC, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Chava Kimchi-Sarfaty
- Hemostasis Branch 1, Division of Hemostasis, Office of Plasma Protein Therapeutics CMC, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ruiz-De-La-Cruz G, Sifuentes-Rincón AM, Casas E, Paredes-Sánchez FA, Parra-Bracamonte GM, Riley DG, Perry GA, Welsh TH, Randel RD. Genetic Variants and Their Putative Effects on microRNA-Seed Sites: Characterization of the 3' Untranslated Region of Genes Associated with Temperament. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051004. [PMID: 37239364 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3' untranslated region has an important role in gene regulation through microRNAs, and it has been estimated that microRNAs regulate up to 50% of coding genes in mammals. With the aim of allelic variant identification of 3' untranslated region microRNA seed sites, the 3' untranslated region was searched for seed sites of four temperament-associated genes (CACNG4, EXOC4, NRXN3, and SLC9A4). The microRNA seed sites were predicted in the four genes, and the CACNG4 gene had the greatest number with 12 predictions. To search for variants affecting the predicted microRNA seed sites, the four 3' untranslated regions were re-sequenced in a Brahman cattle population. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the CACNG4, and eleven in the SLC9A4. Rs522648682:T>G of the CACNG4 gene was located at the predicted seed site for bta-miR-191. Rs522648682:T>G evidenced an association with both exit velocity (p = 0.0054) and temperament score (p = 0.0097). The genotype TT had a lower mean exit velocity (2.93 ± 0.4 m/s) compared with the TG and GG genotypes (3.91 ± 0.46 m/s and 3.67 ± 0.46 m/s, respectively). The allele associated with the temperamental phenotype antagonizes the seed site, disrupting the bta-miR-191 recognition. The G allele of CACNG4-rs522648682 has the potential to influence bovine temperament through a mechanism associated with unspecific recognition of bta-miR-191.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Ruiz-De-La-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Ana María Sifuentes-Rincón
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, Unite States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | | | - Gaspar Manuel Parra-Bracamonte
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - David G Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Thomas H Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gurjar P, Karuvantevida N, Rzhepakovsky IV, Khan AA, Khandia R. A Synthetic Biology Approach for Vaccine Candidate Design against Delta Strain of SARS-CoV-2 Revealed Disruption of Favored Codon Pair as a Better Strategy over Using Rare Codons. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020487. [PMID: 36851364 PMCID: PMC9967482 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 delta variant (B.1.617.2) appeared for the first time in December 2020 and later spread worldwide. Currently available vaccines are not so efficacious in curbing the viral pathogenesis of the delta strain of COVID; therefore, the development of a safe and effective vaccine is required. In the present study, we envisaged molecular patterns in the structural genes' spike, nucleoprotein, membrane, and envelope of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. The study was based on determining compositional features, dinucleotide odds ratio, synonymous codon usage, positive and negative codon contexts, rare codons, and insight into relatedness between the human host isoacceptor tRNA and preferred codons from the structural genes. We found specific patterns, including a significant abundance of T nucleotide over all other three nucleotides. The underrepresentation of GpA, GpG, CpC, and CpG dinucleotides and the overrepresentation of TpT, ApA, CpT, and TpG were observed. A preference towards ACT- (Thr), AAT- (Asn), TTT- (Phe), and TTG- (Leu) initiated codons and aversion towards CGG (Arg), CCG (Pro), and CAC (His) was present in the structural genes of the delta strain. The interaction between the host tRNA pool and preferred codons of the envisaged structural genes revealed that the virus preferred the codons for those suboptimal numbers of isoacceptor tRNA were present. We see this as a strategy adapted by the virus to keep the translation rate low to facilitate the correct folding of viral proteins. The information generated in the study helps design the attenuated vaccine candidate against the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant using a synthetic biology approach. Three strategies were tested: changing TpT to TpA, introducing rare codons, and disrupting favored codons. It found that disrupting favored codons is a better approach to reducing virus fitness and attenuating SARS-CoV-2 delta strain using structural genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Gurjar
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (A.A.K.); or (R.K.)
| | - Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah Universty, Bhopal 462026, India
- Correspondence: (A.A.K.); or (R.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moin AT, Singh G, Ahmed N, Saiara SA, Timofeev VI, Ahsan Faruqui N, Sharika Ahsan S, Tabassum A, Nebir SS, Andalib KMS, Araf Y, Ullah MA, Sarkar B, Islam NN, Zohora US. Computational designing of a novel subunit vaccine for human cytomegalovirus by employing the immunoinformatics framework. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:833-855. [PMID: 36617426 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2014969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread virus that can cause serious and irreversible neurological damage in newborns and even death in children who do not have the access to much-needed medications. While some vaccines and drugs are found to be effective against HCMV, their extended use has given rise to dose-limiting toxicities and the development of drug-resistant mutants among patients. Despite half a century's worth of research, the lack of a licensed HCMV vaccine heightens the need to develop newer antiviral therapies and vaccine candidates with improved effectiveness and reduced side effects. In this study, the immunoinformatics approach was utilized to design a potential polyvalent epitope-based vaccine effective against the four virulent strains of HCMV. The vaccine was constructed using seven CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes epitopes, nine CD4+ helper T lymphocyte epitopes, and twelve linear B-cell lymphocyte epitopes that were predicted to be antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, fully conserved, and non-human homologous. Subsequently, molecular docking study, protein-protein interaction analysis, molecular dynamics simulation (including the root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and root mean square deviation (RMSD)), and immune simulation study rendered promising results assuring the vaccine to be stable, safe, and effective. Finally, in silico cloning was conducted to develop an efficient mass production strategy of the vaccine. However, further in vitro and in vivo research studies on the proposed vaccine are required to confirm its safety and efficacy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Tayab Moin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Section of Microbiology, Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Nafisa Ahmed
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Vladimir I Timofeev
- Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Nairita Ahsan Faruqui
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Afrida Tabassum
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sadman Sakib Nebir
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Yusha Araf
- Community of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asad Ullah
- Community of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Bishajit Sarkar
- Community of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Nawal Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Umme Salma Zohora
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sarkar B, Ullah MA, Araf Y, Islam NN, Zohora US. Immunoinformatics-guided designing and in silico analysis of epitope-based polyvalent vaccines against multiple strains of human coronavirus (HCoV). Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1851-1871. [PMID: 33435759 PMCID: PMC7989953 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1874925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The group of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) consists of some highly pathogenic viruses that have caused several outbreaks in the past. The newly emerged strain of HCoV, the SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the recent global pandemic that has already caused the death of hundreds of thousands of people due to the lack of effective therapeutic options. METHODS In this study, immunoinformatics methods were used to design epitope-based polyvalent vaccines which are expected to be effective against four different pathogenic strains of HCoV i.e., HCoV-OC43, HCoV-SARS, HCoV-MERS, and SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS The constructed vaccines consist of highly antigenic, non-allergenic, nontoxic, conserved, and non-homologous T-cell and B-cell epitopes from all the four viral strains. Therefore, they should be able to provide strong protection against all these strains. Protein-protein docking was performed to predict the best vaccine construct. Later, the MD simulation and immune simulation of the best vaccine construct also predicted satisfactory results. Finally, in silico cloning was performed to develop a mass production strategy of the vaccine. CONCLUSION If satisfactory results are achieved in further in vivo and in vitro studies, then the vaccines designed in this study might be effective as preventative measures against the selected HCoV strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bishajit Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Nawal Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Umme Salma Zohora
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a lymphotropic virus responsible for numerous epithelial and lymphoid cell malignancies, including gastric carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and Burkitt lymphoma. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide get infected with this virus, and in most cases, this viral infection leads to cancer. Although researchers are trying to develop potential vaccines and drug therapeutics, there is still no effective vaccine to combat this virus. In this study, the immunoinformatics approach was utilized to develop a potential multiepitope subunit vaccine against the two most common subtypes of EBV, targeting three of their virulent envelope glycoproteins. Eleven cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, 11 helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, and 10 B-cell lymphocyte (BCL) epitopes were predicted to be antigenic, nonallergenic, nontoxic, and fully conserved among the two subtypes, and nonhuman homologs were used for constructing the vaccine after much analysis. Later, further validation experiments, including molecular docking with different immune receptors (e.g., Toll-like receptors [TLRs]), molecular dynamics simulation analyses (including root means square deviation [RMSD], root mean square fluctuation [RMSF], radius of gyration [Rg], principal-component analysis [PCA], dynamic cross-correlation [DCC], definition of the secondary structure of proteins [DSSP], and Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area [MM-PBSA]), and immune simulation analyses generated promising results, ensuring the safe and stable response of the vaccine with specific immune receptors after potential administration within the human body. The vaccine's high binding affinity with TLRs was revealed in the docking study, and a very stable interaction throughout the simulation proved the potential high efficacy of the proposed vaccine. Further, in silico cloning was also conducted to design an efficient mass production strategy for future bulk industrial vaccine production. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccines have been developing for over 30 years, but polyphyletic and therapeutic vaccines have failed to get licensed. Our vaccine surpasses the limitations of many such vaccines and remains very promising, which is crucial because the infection rate is higher than most viral infections, affecting a whopping 90% of the adult population. One of the major identifications covers a holistic analysis of populations worldwide, giving us crucial information about its effectiveness for everyone's unique immunological system. We targeted three glycoproteins that enhance the virulence of the virus to design an epitope-based polyvalent vaccine against two different strains of EBV, type 1 and 2. Our methodology in this study is nonconventional yet swift to show effective results while designing vaccines.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kaissarian NM, Meyer D, Kimchi-Sarfaty C. Synonymous Variants: Necessary Nuance in our Understanding of Cancer Drivers and Treatment Outcomes. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1072-1094. [PMID: 35477782 PMCID: PMC9360466 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Once called "silent mutations" and assumed to have no effect on protein structure and function, synonymous variants are now recognized to be drivers for some cancers. There have been significant advances in our understanding of the numerous mechanisms by which synonymous single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) can affect protein structure and function by affecting pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA expression, stability, folding, miRNA binding, translation kinetics, and co-translational folding. This review highlights the need for considering sSNVs in cancer biology to gain a better understanding of the genetic determinants of human cancers and to improve their diagnosis and treatment. We surveyed the literature for reports of sSNVs in cancer and found numerous studies on the consequences of sSNVs on gene function with supporting in vitro evidence. We also found reports of sSNVs that have statistically significant associations with specific cancer types but for which in vitro studies are lacking to support the reported associations. Additionally, we found reports of germline and somatic sSNVs that were observed in numerous clinical studies and for which in silico analysis predicts possible effects on gene function. We provide a review of these investigations and discuss necessary future studies to elucidate the mechanisms by which sSNVs disrupt protein function and are play a role in tumorigeneses, cancer progression, and treatment efficacy. As splicing dysregulation is one of the most well recognized mechanisms by which sSNVs impact protein function, we also include our own in silico analysis for predicting which sSNVs may disrupt pre-mRNA splicing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayiri M Kaissarian
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Douglas Meyer
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Chava Kimchi-Sarfaty
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Komar AA. A Code Within a Code: How Codons Fine-Tune Protein Folding in the Cell. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:976-991. [PMID: 34488574 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921080083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The genetic code sets the correspondence between the sequence of a given nucleotide triplet in an mRNA molecule, called a codon, and the amino acid that is added to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. With four bases (A, G, U, and C), there are 64 possible triplet codons: 61 sense codons (encoding amino acids) and 3 nonsense codons (so-called, stop codons that define termination of translation). In most organisms, there are 20 common/standard amino acids used in protein synthesis; thus, the genetic code is redundant with most amino acids (with the exception of Met and Trp) are being encoded by more than one (synonymous) codon. Synonymous codons were initially presumed to have entirely equivalent functions, however, the finding that synonymous codons are not present at equal frequencies in mRNA suggested that the specific codon choice might have functional implications beyond coding for amino acid. Observation of nonequivalent use of codons in mRNAs implied a possibility of the existence of auxiliary information in the genetic code. Indeed, it has been found that genetic code contains several layers of such additional information and that synonymous codons are strategically placed within mRNAs to ensure a particular translation kinetics facilitating and fine-tuning co-translational protein folding in the cell via step-wise/sequential structuring of distinct regions of the polypeptide chain emerging from the ribosome at different points in time. This review summarizes key findings in the field that have identified the role of synonymous codons and their usage in protein folding in the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Komar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,DAPCEL, Inc., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bayoumi A, Elsayed A, Han S, Petta S, Adams LA, Aller R, Khan A, García‐Monzón C, Arias‐Loste MT, Miele L, Latchoumanin O, Alenizi S, Gallego‐Durán R, Fischer J, Berg T, Craxì A, Metwally M, Qiao L, Liddle C, Yki‐Järvinen H, Bugianesi E, Romero‐Gomez M, George J, Eslam M. Mistranslation Drives Alterations in Protein Levels and the Effects of a Synonymous Variant at the Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Locus. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004168. [PMID: 34141520 PMCID: PMC8188187 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a liver-derived hormone with pleiotropic beneficial effects on metabolism. Paradoxically, FGF21 levels are elevated in metabolic diseases. Interventions that restore metabolic homeostasis reduce FGF21. Whether abnormalities in FGF21 secretion or resistance in peripheral tissues is the initiating factor in altering FGF21 levels and function in humans is unknown. A genetic approach is used to help resolve this paradox. The authors demonstrate that the primary event in dysmetabolic phenotypes is the elevation of FGF21 secretion. The latter is regulated by translational reprogramming in a genotype- and context-dependent manner. To relate the findings to tissues outcomes, the minor (A) allele of rs838133 is shown to be associated with increased hepatic inflammation in patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease. The results here highlight a dominant role for translation of the FGF21 protein to explain variations in blood levels that is at least partially inherited. These results provide a framework for translational reprogramming of FGF21 to treat metabolic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bayoumi
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Asmaa Elsayed
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Shuanglin Han
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Section of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermo90133Italy
| | - Leon A. Adams
- Medical SchoolSir Charles Gairdner Hospital UnitUniversity of Western AustraliaNedlandsWA6009Australia
| | - Rocio Aller
- GastroenterologyHospital Clinico Universitario de ValladolidSchool of MedicineValladolid UniversityValladolid47002Spain
| | - Anis Khan
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Carmelo García‐Monzón
- Liver Research UnitInstituto de Investigacion Sanitaria PrincesaUniversity Hospital Santa CristinaCIBERehdMadrid28009Spain
| | - María Teresa Arias‐Loste
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology DepartmentMarqués de Valdecilla University HospitalSantander39008Spain
| | - Luca Miele
- Department of Internal MedicineCatholic University of the Sacred HeartRome20123Italy
| | - Olivier Latchoumanin
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Shafi Alenizi
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Rocio Gallego‐Durán
- Virgen del Rocío University HospitalInstitute of Biomedicine of SevilleSevilla41013Spain
| | - Janett Fischer
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of Medicine IILeipzig University Medical CenterLeipzig04103Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of Medicine IILeipzig University Medical CenterLeipzig04103Germany
| | - Antonio Craxì
- Section of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermo90133Italy
| | - Mayada Metwally
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Christopher Liddle
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Hannele Yki‐Järvinen
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital and Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical ResearchHelsinki00290Finland
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of Medical ScienceUniversity of TurinTurin10124Italy
| | - Manuel Romero‐Gomez
- Virgen del Rocío University HospitalInstitute of Biomedicine of SevilleSevilla41013Spain
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver CentreWestmead Institute for Medical ResearchWestmead Hospital and University of SydneyWestmeadNSW2145Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gaither JBS, Lammi GE, Li JL, Gordon DM, Kuck HC, Kelly BJ, Fitch JR, White P. Synonymous variants that disrupt messenger RNA structure are significantly constrained in the human population. Gigascience 2021; 10:6211353. [PMID: 33822938 PMCID: PMC8023685 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of synonymous single-nucleotide variants in human health and disease is poorly understood, yet evidence suggests that this class of “silent” genetic variation plays multiple regulatory roles in both transcription and translation. One mechanism by which synonymous codons direct and modulate the translational process is through alteration of the elaborate structure formed by single-stranded mRNA molecules. While tools to computationally predict the effect of non-synonymous variants on protein structure are plentiful, analogous tools to systematically assess how synonymous variants might disrupt mRNA structure are lacking. Results We developed novel software using a parallel processing framework for large-scale generation of secondary RNA structures and folding statistics for the transcriptome of any species. Focusing our analysis on the human transcriptome, we calculated 5 billion RNA-folding statistics for 469 million single-nucleotide variants in 45,800 transcripts. By considering the impact of all possible synonymous variants globally, we discover that synonymous variants predicted to disrupt mRNA structure have significantly lower rates of incidence in the human population. Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that synonymous variants may play a role in genetic disorders due to their effects on mRNA structure. To evaluate the potential pathogenic impact of synonymous variants, we provide RNA stability, edge distance, and diversity metrics for every nucleotide in the human transcriptome and introduce a “Structural Predictivity Index” (SPI) to quantify structural constraint operating on any synonymous variant. Because no single RNA-folding metric can capture the diversity of mechanisms by which a variant could alter secondary mRNA structure, we generated a SUmmarized RNA Folding (SURF) metric to provide a single measurement to predict the impact of secondary structure altering variants in human genetic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B S Gaither
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Grant E Lammi
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - James L Li
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - David M Gordon
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Harkness C Kuck
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Benjamin J Kelly
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - James R Fitch
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Peter White
- Computational Genomics Group, The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abass OA, Timofeev VI, Sarkar B, Onobun DO, Ogunsola SO, Aiyenuro AE, Aborode AT, Aigboje AE, Omobolanle BN, Imolele AG, Abiodun AA. Immunoinformatics analysis to design novel epitope based vaccine candidate targeting the glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of Lassa mammarenavirus (LASMV) using strains from Nigeria. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:7283-7302. [PMID: 33719908 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1896387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lassa mammarenavirus (LASMV) is responsible for a specific type of acute viral hemorrhagic fever known as Lassa fever. Lack of effective treatments and counter-measures against the virus has resulted in a high mortality rate in its endemic regions. Therefore, in this study, a novel epitope-based vaccine has been designed using the methods of immunoinformatics targeting the glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of the virus. After numerous robust analyses, two CTL epitopes, eight HTL epitopes and seven B-cell epitopes were finally selected for constructing the vaccine. All these most promising epitopes were found to be antigenic, non-allergenic, nontoxic and non-human homolog, which made them suitable for designing the subunit vaccine. Furthermore, the selected T-cell epitopes which were found to be fully conserved across different isolates of the virus, were also considered for final vaccine construction. After that, numerous validation experiments, i.e. molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and immune simulation were conducted, which predicted that our designed vaccine should be stable within the biological environment and effective in combating the LASMV infection. In the end, codon adaptation and in silico cloning studies were performed to design a recombinant plasmid for producing the vaccine industrially. However, further in vitro and in vivo assessments should be done on the constructed vaccine to finally confirm its safety and efficacy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ohilebo Abdulateef Abass
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Centre for BioCode, Benin, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - Vladimir I Timofeev
- Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Bishajit Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Desmond Odiamehi Onobun
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Centre for BioCode, Benin, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Abdullahi Tunde Aborode
- Research & Development, Shaping Women in STEM (SWIS) Africa, Lagos, Nigeria.,Research & Development, Healthy Africans Platform, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Alade Adebowale Abiodun
- Bio-Computing Research Unit, Molecular Biology & Simulations (Mols & Sims) Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sarkar B, Ullah MA, Araf Y, Rahman MS. Engineering a novel subunit vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by exploring immunoinformatics approach. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2020; 21:100478. [PMID: 33200088 PMCID: PMC7656168 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of infections and deaths caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic is increasing dramatically day-by-day, scientists are rushing towards developing possible countermeasures to fight the deadly virus, SARS-CoV-2. Although many efforts have already been put forward for developing potential vaccines; however, most of them are proved to possess negative consequences. Therefore, in this study, immunoinformatics methods were exploited to design a novel epitope-based subunit vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2, targeting four essential proteins of the virus i.e., spike glycoprotein, nucleocapsid phosphoprotein, membrane glycoprotein, and envelope protein. The highly antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, non-human homolog, and 100% conserved (across other isolates from different regions of the world) epitopes were used for constructing the vaccine. In total, fourteen CTL epitopes and eighteen HTL epitopes were used to construct the vaccine. Thereafter, several in silico validations i.e., the molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation (including the RMSF and RMSD studies), and immune simulation studies were also performed which predicted that the designed vaccine should be quite safe, effective, and stable within the biological environment. Finally, in silico cloning and codon adaptation studies were also conducted to design an effective mass production strategy of the vaccine. However, more in vitro and in vivo studies are required on the predicted vaccine to finally validate its safety and efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bishajit Sarkar
- COVID Research Cell (CRC), Wazed Miah Science Research Centre (WMSRC), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asad Ullah
- COVID Research Cell (CRC), Wazed Miah Science Research Centre (WMSRC), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- COVID Research Cell (CRC), Wazed Miah Science Research Centre (WMSRC), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Shahedur Rahman
- COVID Research Cell (CRC), Wazed Miah Science Research Centre (WMSRC), Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fioretti T, Ungari S, Savarese M, Cattaneo F, Pirozzi E, Esposito G. A putative frameshift variant in the CHM gene is associated with an unexpected splicing alteration in a choroideremia patient. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1490. [PMID: 32949230 PMCID: PMC7667377 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the limited availability of mRNA analysis data, the number of exonic variants resulting in splicing impairment is underestimated although aberrant splicing correction is a promising therapeutic option to treat monogenic diseases, including choroideremia (CHM), a rare X‐linked eye disorder arising from sequence alteration of the CHM gene. Herein we report an exonic frameshift variant associated with an mRNA splicing alteration that leads to a CHM hypomorphic allele. Methods Total RNA and genomic DNA were extracted from peripheral blood of a patient affected by a mild form of CHM. The CHM gene was analyzed by PCR‐based methods and Sanger sequencing. Results Besides the known c.1335dup frameshift variant, mRNA analysis revealed a splicing alteration that restored the reading frame of the mutant transcript, likely leading to an aberrant protein with residual activity. Bioinformatic analyses identified novel putative exonic splicing enhancer elements and provided clues that also pre‐mRNA secondary structure should be taken into account when exploring splicing mechanisms. Conclusion A careful molecular characterization of the c.1335dup variant's effect explains the relationship between genotype and phenotype severity in a CHM patient and provides new perspectives for the study of therapeutic strategies based on splicing correction in human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Ungari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Cattaneo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Pirozzi
- Azienda Ospedaliera S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Esposito
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sarkar B, Ullah MA, Araf Y, Das S, Hosen MJ. Blueprint of epitope-based multivalent and multipathogenic vaccines: targeted against the dengue and zika viruses. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:6882-6902. [PMID: 32772811 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1804456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Both dengue virus (DENV) and zika virus (ZIKV) belong to the highly infectious Flaviviridae family that has already caused several outbreaks and epidemics in many countries. DENV and ZIKV cause two of the most wide spread mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world, dengue fever (DENF) and zika fever (ZIKF), respectively. In many regions around the world, both of these diseases can outbreak together and can be lethal as well as life-threatening. Unfortunately, there is no functional and satisfactory vaccine available to combat these viruses. Therefore, in this study, we have attempted to design a blue print of potential multivalent and multipathogenic vaccines using immunoinformatics approach, which can combat both the DENV and ZIKV infections, simultaneously. Initially, three vaccines were designed; containing highly antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic epitopes of T-cell (100% conserved) and B-cell from all the four DENV serotypes and ZIKV. In total, nine cytotoxic T-lymphocytic (CTL), nine helper T-lymphocytic (HTL), and seven B-cell lymphocytic (BCL) epitopes were used to construct three vaccines using three different adjuvants, designated as 'V1', 'V2', and 'V3'. Later, V3 was found to be the best vaccine construct, determined by molecular docking analysis. Thereafter, several in silico validation studies including molecular dynamics simulation and immune simulation were performed which indicated that V3 might be quite stable and should generate substantial immune response in the biological environment. However, further in vivo and in vitro validation might be required to finally confirm the safety and efficacy of our suggested vaccine constructs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bishajit Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Sowmen Das
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Jakir Hosen
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sarkar B, Ullah MA, Araf Y, Das S, Rahman MH, Moin AT. Designing novel epitope-based polyvalent vaccines against herpes simplex virus-1 and 2 exploiting the immunoinformatics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:6585-6605. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1803969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bishajit Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Sowmen Das
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Hasanur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Tayab Moin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gadhavi H, Patel M, Mangukia N, Shah K, Bhadresha K, Patel SK, Rawal RM, Pandya HA. Transcriptome-wide miRNA identification of Bacopa monnieri: a cross-kingdom approach. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2020; 15:1699265. [PMID: 31797719 PMCID: PMC7012157 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2019.1699265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacopa monnieri known as 'Brahmi' is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to Scrophulariaceae family for its nootropic properties. To the best of our knowledge, no characterization data is available on the potential role of micro RNAs (miRNAs) from this plant till date. We present here the first report of computational characterizations of miRNAs from B. monnieri. Owing to the high conservation of miRNAs in nature, new and potential miRNAs can be identified in plants using in silico techniques. Using the plant miRNA sequences present in the miRBase repository, a total of 12 miRNAs were identified from B. monnieri which pertained to 11 miRNA families from the shoot and root transcriptome data. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis of the identified 68 human target genes exhibited significance in various biological processes. These human target genes were associated with signaling pathways like NF-kB and MAPK with TRAF2, CBX1, IL1B, ITGA4 and ITGB1BP1 as the top five hub nodes. This cross-kingdom study provides initial insights about the potential of miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation and unravels the essential target genes of human with implications in numerous human diseases including cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshida Gadhavi
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Maulikkumar Patel
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Naman Mangukia
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Kanisha Shah
- Department of Life Sciences, Food Science and Nutrition, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Kinjal Bhadresha
- Department of Life Sciences, Food Science and Nutrition, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Saumya K. Patel
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rakesh M. Rawal
- Department of Life Sciences, Food Science and Nutrition, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Himanshu A. Pandya
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
- CONTACT Himanshu A. Pandya Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alexaki A, Hettiarachchi GK, Athey JC, Katneni UK, Simhadri V, Hamasaki-Katagiri N, Nanavaty P, Lin B, Takeda K, Freedberg D, Monroe D, McGill JR, Peters R, Kames JM, Holcomb DD, Hunt RC, Sauna ZE, Gelinas A, Janjic N, DiCuccio M, Bar H, Komar AA, Kimchi-Sarfaty C. Effects of codon optimization on coagulation factor IX translation and structure: Implications for protein and gene therapies. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15449. [PMID: 31664102 PMCID: PMC6820528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synonymous codons occur with different frequencies in different organisms, a phenomenon termed codon usage bias. Codon optimization, a common term for a variety of approaches used widely by the biopharmaceutical industry, involves synonymous substitutions to increase protein expression. It had long been presumed that synonymous variants, which, by definition, do not alter the primary amino acid sequence, have no effect on protein structure and function. However, a critical mass of reports suggests that synonymous codon variations may impact protein conformation. To investigate the impact of synonymous codons usage on protein expression and function, we designed an optimized coagulation factor IX (FIX) variant and used multiple methods to compare its properties to the wild-type FIX upon expression in HEK293T cells. We found that the two variants differ in their conformation, even when controlling for the difference in expression levels. Using ribosome profiling, we identified robust changes in the translational kinetics of the two variants and were able to identify a region in the gene that may have a role in altering the conformation of the protein. Our data have direct implications for codon optimization strategies, for production of recombinant proteins and gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Alexaki
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Gaya K Hettiarachchi
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - John C Athey
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Upendra K Katneni
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Vijaya Simhadri
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Nobuko Hamasaki-Katagiri
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Puja Nanavaty
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brian Lin
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Darón Freedberg
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Dougald Monroe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel hill, Chapel hill, NC, USA
| | - Joseph R McGill
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Jacob M Kames
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - David D Holcomb
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ryan C Hunt
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Zuben E Sauna
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Michael DiCuccio
- National Center of Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Haim Bar
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Anton A Komar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chava Kimchi-Sarfaty
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Timing during translation matters: synonymous mutations in human pathologies influence protein folding and function. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:937-944. [PMID: 30065107 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ribosomes translate mRNAs with non-uniform speed. Translation velocity patterns are a conserved feature of mRNA and have evolved to fine-tune protein folding, expression and function. Synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (sSNPs) that alter programmed translational speed affect expression and function of the encoded protein. Synergistic advances in next-generation sequencing have led to the identification of sSNPs associated with disease penetrance. Here, we draw on studies with disease-related proteins to enhance our understanding of mechanistic contributions of sSNPs to functional alterations of the encoded protein. We emphasize the importance of identification of sSNPs along with disease-causing mutations to understand genotype-phenotype relationships.
Collapse
|
22
|
Leal-Gutiérrez JD, Elzo MA, Johnson DD, Scheffler TL, Scheffler JM, Mateescu RG. Association of μ-Calpain and Calpastatin Polymorphisms with Meat Tenderness in a Brahman-Angus Population. Front Genet 2018. [PMID: 29520298 PMCID: PMC5827160 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autogenous proteolytic enzymes of the calpain family are implicated in myofibrillar protein degradation. As a result, the μ-calpain gene and its specific inhibitor, calpastatin, have been repeatedly investigated for their association with meat quality traits in cattle; however, no functional mutation has been identified for these two genes. The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess breed composition effect on tenderness; (2) to perform a linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in μ-calpain and calpastatin genes as well as an association analyses with tenderness; and (3) to analyze putative functional SNPs inside the significant LD block for an effect on tenderness. Tenderness measurements and genotypes for 16 SNPs in μ-calpain gene and 28 SNPs in calpastatin gene from 673 steers were analyzed. A bioinformatic analysis identified “putative functional SNPs” inside the associated LD block – polymorphisms able to produce a physical and/or chemical change in the DNA, mRNA, or translated protein in silico. Breed composition had a significant (P < 0.0001) effect on tenderness where animals with more than 80% Angus composition had the most tender meat. One 11-kb LD-block and three LD-blocks of 37, 17, and 14 kb in length were identified in the μ-calpain and calpastatin genes, respectively. Out of these, the LD-block 3 in calpastatin, tagged by SNPs located at 7-98566391 and 7-98581038, had a significant effect on tenderness with the TG-CG diplotype being approximately 1 kg more tender than the toughest diplotype, TG-CG. A total of 768 SNPs in the LD-block 3 of calpastatin were included in the bioinformatic analysis, and 28 markers were selected as putative functional SNPs inside the LD-block 3 of calpastatin; however, none of them were polymorphic in this population. Out of 15 initial polymorphisms segregating inside the LD-block 3 of calpastatin in this population, markers ARSUSMARC116, Cast5, rs730723459, and rs210861835 were found to be significantly associated with tenderness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel D Leal-Gutiérrez
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mauricio A Elzo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Dwain D Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Tracy L Scheffler
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jason M Scheffler
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Raluca G Mateescu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|