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Biernacki K, Ciupak O, Daśko M, Rachon J, Flis D, Budka J, Inkielewicz-Stępniak I, Czaja A, Rak J, Demkowicz S. Development of potent and effective SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors based on maleimide analogs for the potential treatment of COVID-19. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2290910. [PMID: 38093611 PMCID: PMC10732195 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2290910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present work, we report a new series of potent SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) inhibitors based on maleimide derivatives. The inhibitory activities were tested in an enzymatic assay using recombinant Mpro (3CL Protease from coronavirus SARS-CoV-2). Within the set of new Mpro inhibitors, 6e demonstrated the highest activity in the enzymatic assay with an IC50 value of 8.52 ± 0.44 µM. The IC50 value for Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332, used as a reference) was 0.84 ± 0.37 µM. The cytotoxic properties were determined in the MTT assay using MRC-5 and HEK-293 cell lines. In the course of the investigation, we found that the newly obtained maleimide derivatives are not substantially cytotoxic (IC50 values for most compounds were above 200 µM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Biernacki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Olga Ciupak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Daśko
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Rachon
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Damian Flis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Justyna Budka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Czaja
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Rak
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Sebastian Demkowicz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
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2
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Nemčovičová I, Lopušná K, Štibrániová I, Benedetti F, Berti F, Felluga F, Drioli S, Vidali M, Katrlík J, Pažitná L, Holazová A, Blahutová J, Lenhartová S, Sláviková M, Klempa B, Ondrejovič M, Chmelová D, Legerská B, Miertuš S, Klacsová M, Uhríková D, Kerti L, Frecer V. Identification and evaluation of antiviral activity of novel compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus by enzymatic and antiviral assays, and computational analysis. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2301772. [PMID: 38221792 PMCID: PMC10791089 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2301772] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The viral genome of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the aetiologic agent of COVID-19, encodes structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins. Most of these components undergo rapid genetic variations, though to a lesser extent the essential viral proteases. Consequently, the protease and/or deubiquitinase activities of the cysteine proteases Mpro and PLpro became attractive targets for the design of antiviral agents. Here, we develop and evaluate new bis(benzylidene)cyclohexanones (BBC) and identify potential antiviral compounds. Three compounds were found to be effective in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 load, with EC50 values in the low micromolar concentration range. However, these compounds also exhibited inhibitory activity IC50 against PLpro at approximately 10-fold higher micromolar concentrations. Although originally developed as PLpro inhibitors, the comparison between IC50 and EC50 of BBC indicates that the mechanism of their in vitro antiviral activity is probably not directly related to inhibition of viral cysteine proteases. In conclusion, our study has identified new potential noncytotoxic antiviral compounds suitable for in vivo testing and further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Nemčovičová
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Lopušná
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Iveta Štibrániová
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Fabio Benedetti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Berti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Felluga
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Drioli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mattia Vidali
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jaroslav Katrlík
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Pažitná
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Holazová
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Blahutová
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Simona Lenhartová
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sláviková
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Klempa
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Ondrejovič
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
- ICARST n.o, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Chmelová
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Legerská
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Miertuš
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
- ICARST n.o, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Klacsová
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Uhríková
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lukáš Kerti
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Frecer
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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3
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Shawky AM, Almalki FA, Alzahrani HA, Abdalla AN, Youssif BGM, Ibrahim NA, Gamal M, El-Sherief HAM, Abdel-Fattah MM, Hefny AA, Abdelazeem AH, Gouda AM. Covalent small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro: Insights into their design, classification, biological activity, and binding interactions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116704. [PMID: 39121741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Since 2020, many compounds have been investigated for their potential use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these agents, a huge number of natural products and FDA-approved drugs have been evaluated as potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 using virtual screening and docking studies. However, the identification of the molecular targets involved in viral replication led to the development of rationally designed anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Among these targets, the main protease (Mpro) is one of the key enzymes needed in the replication of the virus. The data gleaned from the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexes with small-molecule covalent inhibitors has been used in the design and discovery of many highly potent and broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors. The current review focuses mainly on the covalent type of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The design, chemistry, and classification of these inhibitors were also in focus. The biological activity of these inhibitors, including their inhibitory activities against Mpro, their antiviral activities, and the SAR studies, were discussed. The review also describes the potential mechanism of the interaction between these inhibitors and the catalytic Cys145 residue in Mpro. Moreover, the binding modes and key binding interactions of these covalent inhibitors were also illustrated. The covalent inhibitors discussed in this review were of diverse chemical nature and origin. Their antiviral activity was mediated mainly by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, with IC50 values in the micromolar to the nanomolar range. Many of these inhibitors exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against the Mpro enzymes of other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV). The dual inhibition of the Mpro and PLpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 could also provide higher therapeutic benefits than Mpro inhibition. Despite the approval of nirmatrelvir by the FDA, many mutations in the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported. Although some of these mutations did not affect the potency of nirmatrelvir, there is an urgent need to develop a second generation of Mpro inhibitors. We hope that the data summarized in this review could help researchers in the design of a new potent generation of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Shawky
- Science and Technology Unit (STU), Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Almalki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayat Ali Alzahrani
- Applied Medical Science College, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicinal And Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Center for Research, Khartoum, 2404, Sudan
| | - Bahaa G M Youssif
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa A Ibrahim
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Gamal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Hany A M El-Sherief
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Maha M Abdel-Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Hefny
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazeem
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gouda
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
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4
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Chakraborty A, Ghosh R, Barik S, Mohapatra SS, Biswas A, Chowdhuri S. Deciphering inhibitory activity of marine algae Ecklonia cava phlorotannins against SARS CoV-2 main protease: A coupled in-silico docking and molecular dynamics simulation study. Gene 2024; 926:148620. [PMID: 38821329 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The onset of COVID-19 due to the SARS CoV-2 virus has spurred an urgent need for potent therapeutics and vaccines to combat this global pandemic. The main protease (Mpro) of the virus, crucial in its replication, has become a focal point in developing anti-COVID-19 drugs. The cysteine protease Mpro in SARS CoV-2 bears a significant resemblance to the same protease found in SARS CoV-1. Previous research highlighted phlorotannins derived from Ecklonia cava, an edible marine algae, as inhibitors of SARS CoV-1 Mpro activity. However, it remains unclear whether these marine-derived phlorotannins also exert a similar inhibitory effect on SARS CoV-2 Mpro. To unravel this, our study utilized diverse in-silico methodologies. We explored the pharmacological potential of various phlorotannins (phloroglucinol, triphloretol-A, eckol, 2-phloroeckol, 7-phloroeckol, fucodiphloroethol G, dieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A) and assessed their binding efficacies alongside established Mpro inhibitors (N3 and lopinavir) through molecular docking studies. Among these compounds, five phlorotannins (eckol, 2-phloroeckol, 7-phloroeckol, dieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A) exhibited potent binding affinities comparable to or surpassing N3 and lopinavir, interacting especially with the catalytic residues His41 and Cys145 of Mpro. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that these five Mpro-phlorotannin complexes displayed enhanced stability and maintained comparable or slightly reduced compactness. They exhibited reduced conformational changes and increased expansion relative to the Mpro-N3 and/or Mpro-lopinavir complex. Our MM-GBSA analysis further supported these findings. Overall, our investigation highlights the potential of these five phlorotannins in inhibiting the proteolytic function of SARS CoV-2 Mpro, offering promise for anti-COVID-19 drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayon Chakraborty
- University Institute of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajesh Ghosh
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Subhashree Barik
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Ashis Biswas
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
| | - Snehasis Chowdhuri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
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5
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Liang L, Zhang Z, You Q, Guo X. Recent advances in the design of small molecular drugs with acrylamides covalent warheads. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 112:117902. [PMID: 39236467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117902] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
In the development of covalent inhibitors, acrylamides warhead is one of the most popular classes of covalent warheads. In recent years, researchers have made different structural modifications to acrylamides warheads, resulting in the creation of fluorinated acrylamide warheads and cyano acrylamide warheads. These new warheads exhibit superior selectivity, intracellular accumulation, and pharmacokinetic properties. Additionally, although ketoamide warheads have been applied in the design of covalent inhibitors for viral proteins, it has not received sufficient attention. Combined with the studies in kinase inhibitors and antiviral drugs, this review presents the structural features and the progression of acrylamides warheads, offering a perspective on future research and development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxia Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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6
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Nazir F, John Kombe Kombe A, Khalid Z, Bibi S, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. SARS-CoV-2 replication and drug discovery. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 77:101973. [PMID: 39025272 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to wreak havoc across the globe. This sudden and deadly pandemic emphasizes the necessity for anti-viral drug development that can be rapidly administered to reduce morbidity, mortality, and virus propagation. Thus, lacking efficient anti-COVID-19 treatment, and especially given the lengthy drug development process as well as the critical death tool that has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak, drug repurposing (or repositioning) constitutes so far, the ideal and ready-to-go best approach in mitigating viral spread, containing the infection, and reducing the COVID-19-associated death rate. Indeed, based on the molecular similarity approach of SARS-CoV-2 with previous coronaviruses (CoVs), repurposed drugs have been reported to hamper SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, understanding the inhibition mechanisms of viral replication by repurposed anti-viral drugs and chemicals known to block CoV and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication is crucial, and it opens the way for particular treatment options and COVID-19 therapeutics. In this review, we highlighted molecular basics underlying drug-repurposing strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discussed inhibition mechanisms of viral replication, involving and including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteases (3C-like protease, 3CLpro or Papain-like protease, PLpro) by protease inhibitors such as Carmofur, Ebselen, and GRL017, polymerases (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, RdRp) by drugs like Suramin, Remdesivir, or Favipiravir, and proteins/peptides inhibiting virus-cell fusion and host cell replication pathways, such as Disulfiram, GC376, and Molnupiravir. When applicable, comparisons with SARS-CoV inhibitors approved for clinical use were made to provide further insights to understand molecular basics in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and draw conclusions for future drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Nazir
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zunera Khalid
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Shaheen Bibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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7
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Zhao C, Rong Y, Shi S, Gao WC, Zhang C. A novel method for synthesizing authentic SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 222:106531. [PMID: 38852715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) plays a crucial role in virus amplification and is an ideal target for antiviral drugs. Currently, authentic Mpro is prepared through two rounds of proteolytic cleavage. In this method, Mpro carries a self-cleavage site at the N-terminus and a protease cleavage site followed by an affinity tag at the C-terminus. This article proposes a novel method for producing authentic Mpro through single digestion. Mpro was constructed by fusing a His tag containing TEV protease cleavage sites at the N-terminus. The expressed recombinant protein was digested by TEV protease, and the generated protein had a decreased molecular weight and significantly increased activity, which was consistent with that of authentic Mpro generated by the previous method. These findings indicated that authentic Mpro was successfully obtained. Moreover, the substrate specificity of Mpro was investigated. Mpro had a strong preference for Phe at position the P2, which suggested that the S2 subsite was an outstanding target for designing inhibitors. This article also provides a reference for the preparation of Mpro for sudden coronavirus infection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Rong
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyuan Shi
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chao Gao
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofeng Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Haribabu J, Madhavan G, Swaminathan S, Panneerselvam M, Moraga D, Dasararaju G, Echeverria C, Arulraj A, Mangalaraja RV, Kokkarachedu V, Santibanez JF, Ramirez-Tagle R. Multifaceted exploration of acylthiourea compounds: In vitro cytotoxicity, DFT calculations, molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134870. [PMID: 39173802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the synthesis and analysis of biologically active acylthiourea compounds (1 and 2) with a cyclohexyl moiety. The compounds were characterized using UV-Visible, FT-IR, 1H/13C NMR, and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of 2 was solved, revealing intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided insights into chemical reactivity and non-covalent interactions. Cytotoxicity assays showed the cyclohexyl group enhanced the activity of compound 2 compared to compound 1. Epoxide hydrolase 1 was predicted as the enzyme target for both compounds. We modeled the structure of epoxide hydrolase 1 and performed molecular dynamics simulation and docking studies. Additionally, in silico docking with SARS-CoV-2 main protease, human ACE2, and avian influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin indicated strong binding potential of the compounds. This integrated approach improves our understanding of the biological potential of acylthiourea derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jebiti Haribabu
- ATACAMA-OMICS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Atacama, Los Carreras 1579, 1532502 Copiapo, Chile; Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Geetha Madhavan
- Chennai Institute of Technology (CIT), Chennai 600069, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srividya Swaminathan
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugesan Panneerselvam
- MolMod-CS - Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campos de Valonginho s/n, Centro, Niterói 24020-14, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Moraga
- Laboratorio de Fisiología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile
| | | | - Cesar Echeverria
- ATACAMA-OMICS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Atacama, Los Carreras 1579, 1532502 Copiapo, Chile
| | - Arunachalam Arulraj
- Departamento de Electricidad, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Av. José Pedro Alessandri 1242, Ñuñoa-7800002, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramalinga Viswanathan Mangalaraja
- Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Diagonal las Torres 2640, Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Varaprasad Kokkarachedu
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan F Santibanez
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Integrative Center for Biology and Applied Chemistry (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Tagle
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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9
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Barkan DT, Garland K, Zhang L, Eastman RT, Hesse M, Knapp M, Ornelas E, Tang J, Cortopassi WA, Wang Y, King F, Jia W, Nguyen Z, Frank AO, Chan R, Fang E, Fuller D, Busby S, Carias H, Donahue K, Tandeske L, Diagana TT, Jarrousse N, Moser H, Sarko C, Dovala D, Moquin S, Marx VM. Identification of Potent, Broad-Spectrum Coronavirus Main Protease Inhibitors for Pandemic Preparedness. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39332817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic transmission of coronaviruses to global health. To prepare for future pandemics, it is essential to develop effective antivirals targeting a broad range of coronaviruses. Targeting the essential and clinically validated coronavirus main protease (Mpro), we constructed a structurally diverse Mpro panel by clustering all known coronavirus sequences by Mpro active site sequence similarity. Through screening, we identified a potent covalent inhibitor that engaged the catalytic cysteine of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and used structure-based medicinal chemistry to develop compounds in the pyrazolopyrimidine sulfone series that exhibit submicromolar activity against multiple Mpro homologues. Additionally, we solved the first X-ray cocrystal structure of Mpro from the human-infecting OC43 coronavirus, providing insights into potency differences among compound-target pairs. Overall, the chemical compounds described in this study serve as starting points for the development of antivirals with broad-spectrum activity, enhancing our preparedness for emerging human-infecting coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Barkan
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Keira Garland
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Lei Zhang
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Richard T Eastman
- Global Health, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Matthew Hesse
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Mark Knapp
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ornelas
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Jenny Tang
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Wilian Augusto Cortopassi
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Frederick King
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Weiping Jia
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Zachary Nguyen
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Andreas O Frank
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Ryan Chan
- Global Health, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Eric Fang
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Daniel Fuller
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Scott Busby
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Heidi Carias
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Kristine Donahue
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Laura Tandeske
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Thierry T Diagana
- Global Health, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Nadine Jarrousse
- Global Health, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Heinz Moser
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Christopher Sarko
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Dustin Dovala
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Stephanie Moquin
- Global Health, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Vanessa M Marx
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
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10
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Butalewicz JP, Sipe SN, Juetten KJ, James VK, Kim K, Zhang YJ, Meek TD, Brodbelt JS. Insights into the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Thermodynamic Analysis, Structural Characterization, and the Impact of Inhibitors. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 39319663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential enzyme for coronaviral maturation and is the target of Paxlovid, which is currently the standard-of-care treatment for COVID-19. There remains a need to identify new inhibitors of Mpro as viral resistance to Paxlovid emerges. Here, we report the use of native mass spectrometry coupled with 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) and integrated with other biophysical tools to structurally characterize Mpro and its interactions with potential covalent inhibitors. The overall energy landscape was obtained using variable temperature nanoelectrospray ionization (vT-nESI), thus providing quantitative evaluation of inhibitor binding on the stability of Mpro. Thermodynamic parameters extracted from van't Hoff plots revealed that the dimeric complexes containing each inhibitor showed enhanced stability through increased melting temperatures as well as overall lower average charge states, giving insight into the basis for inhibition mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie P Butalewicz
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Sarah N Sipe
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kyle J Juetten
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Virginia K James
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kangsan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Y Jessie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Thomas D Meek
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jennifer S Brodbelt
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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11
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Hu R, Yuan H. Design of aggregation-induced emission materials for biosensing of molecules and cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 267:116805. [PMID: 39321612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116805] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials have gained significant attention and have been developed for various applications in different fields including biomedical research, chemical analysis, optoelectronic devices, materials science, and nanotechnology. AIE is a unique luminescence phenomenon, and AIEgens are fluorescent moieties with relatively twisted structures that can overcome the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect. Additionally, AIEgens offer advantages such as non-washing properties, deep tissue penetration, minimal damage to biological structures, high signal-to-noise ratio, and excellent photostability. Fluorescent probes with AIE characteristics exhibit high sensitivity, short response time, simple operation, real-time detection capability, high selectivity, and excellent biocompatibility. As a result, they have been widely applied in cellular imaging, luminescent sensing, detection of physiological abnormalities in the human body, as well as early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This review provides a comprehensive summary and discussion of the progress over the past four years regarding the detection of metal ions, small chemical molecules, biomacromolecules, microbes, and cells based on AIE materials, along with discussing their potential applications and future development prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China
| | - Rong Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Huanxiang Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, PR China.
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12
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Oneto A, Hamwi GA, Schäkel L, Krüger N, Sylvester K, Petry M, Shamleh RA, Pillaiyar T, Claff T, Schiedel AC, Sträter N, Gütschow M, Müller CE. Nonpeptidic Irreversible Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease with Potent Antiviral Activity. J Med Chem 2024; 67:14986-15011. [PMID: 39146284 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00535] [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: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infections pose a high risk for vulnerable patients. In this study, we designed benzoic acid halopyridyl esters bearing a variety of substituents as irreversible inhibitors of the main viral protease (Mpro). Altogether, 55 benzoyl chloro/bromo-pyridyl esters were synthesized, with broad variation of the substitution pattern on the benzoyl moiety. A workflow was employed for multiparametric optimization, including Mpro inhibition assays of SARS-CoV-2 and related pathogenic coronaviruses, the duration of enzyme inhibition, the compounds' stability versus glutathione, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity. Several compounds showed IC50 values in the low nanomolar range, kinact/Ki values of >100,000 M-1 s-1 and high antiviral activity. High-resolution X-ray cocrystal structures indicated an important role of ortho-fluorobenzoyl substitution, forming a water network that stabilizes the inhibitor-bound enzyme. The most potent antiviral compound was the p-ethoxy-o-fluorobenzoyl chloropyridyl ester (PSB-21110, 29b, MW 296 g/mol; EC50 2.68 nM), which may serve as a lead structure for broad-spectrum anticoronaviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Oneto
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Ghazl Al Hamwi
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Laura Schäkel
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Nadine Krüger
- Platform Infection Models, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Katharina Sylvester
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Marvin Petry
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Rasha Abu Shamleh
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Tobias Claff
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Anke C Schiedel
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Norbert Sträter
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
- PharmaCenter Bonn, University of Bonn, Brühler Straße 7, Bonn D-53121, Germany
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13
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Chhetri SP, Bhandari VS, Maharjan R, Lamichhane TR. Identification of lead inhibitors for 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 target using machine learning based virtual screening, ADMET analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. RSC Adv 2024; 14:29683-29692. [PMID: 39297030 PMCID: PMC11408992 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04502e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro is a critical target for COVID-19 therapeutics due to its role in viral replication. We employed a screening pipeline to identify novel inhibitors by combining machine learning classification with similarity checks of approved medications. A voting classifier, integrating three machine learning classifiers, was used to filter a large database (∼10 million compounds) for potential inhibitors. This ensemble-based machine learning technique enhances overall performance and robustness compared to individual classifiers. From the screening, three compounds M1, M2 and M3 were selected for further analysis. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis compared these candidates to nirmatrelvir and azvudine. Molecular docking followed by 200 ns MD simulations showed that only M1 (6-[2,4-bis(dimethylamino)-6,8-dihydro-5H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine-7-carbonyl]-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione) remained stable. For azvudine and M1, the estimated median lethal doses are 1000 and 550 mg kg-1, respectively, with maximum tolerated doses of 0.289 and 0.614 log mg per kg per day. The predicted inhibitory activity of M1 is 7.35, similar to that of nirmatrelvir. The binding free energy based on Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) of M1 is -18.86 ± 4.38 kcal mol-1, indicating strong binding interactions. These findings suggest that M1 merits further investigation as a potential SARS-CoV-2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajesh Maharjan
- Central Department of Physics, Tribhuvan University Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
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14
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Tirehdast A, Sheikhi-Mohammareh S, Sabet-Sarvestani H, Organ MG, Semeniuchenko V, Shiri A. Design and synthesis of novel main protease inhibitors of COVID-19: quinoxalino[2,1- b]quinazolin-12-ones. RSC Adv 2024; 14:29122-29133. [PMID: 39282064 PMCID: PMC11393744 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra06025c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a substantial global challenge, being a significant cause of mortality in numerous countries. Thus, it is imperative to conduct research to develop effective therapies to combat COVID-19. The primary aim of this study is to employ a two-step tandem reaction involving 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline and 2-amino-N-substituted benzamides in alkaline media/DMF at an elevated temperature to design and synthesize a series of polycyclic derivatives endowed with quinoxalino[2,1-b]quinazolin-12-one framework. Following synthesis, the newly synthesized heterocycles were evaluated for their potential as inhibitors of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 by means of molecular docking and dynamic simulation techniques. The in silico investigation demonstrated that all tested compounds effectively establish stable binding interactions, primarily through multiple hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, at the active site of the enzyme. These findings offer crucial structural insights that can be employed in future endeavors toward designing potent inhibitors targeting the main protease (Mpro). Among the investigated compounds, the p-tolylamino-substituted quinoxalino[2,1-b]quinazolinone derivative exhibited the most promise as an inhibitor of the main protease in COVID-19. Consequently, it warrants further investigation both in vitro and in vivo to identify it as a prospective candidate for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Tirehdast
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Mashhad Iran
| | | | | | - Michael G Organ
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa Ottawa Canada
| | - Volodymyr Semeniuchenko
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa Ottawa Canada
| | - Ali Shiri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Mashhad Iran
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15
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Stanisavljević A, Aleksić J, Stojanović M, Baranac-Stojanović M. Solid-state synthesis of polyfunctionalized 2-pyridones and conjugated dienes. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:7218-7230. [PMID: 39163014 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00902a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Functionalized 2-pyridones are important biologically active compounds, DNA base analogues and synthetic intermediates. Herein, we report a simple, green, solid-state synthesis of differently substituted 2-pyridones. It starts from commercially available amines and activated alkynes, uses silica gel (15%Cs2CO3/SiO2) as the solid phase and a reaction vial as the only equipment. If necessary, heating is performed in a laboratory oven. Since most reactions are completed within a few hours, no additional energy consumption is required. The syntheses do not require solvents and other reagents and are easily monitored by standard analytical techniques. The atom economy is high, since all atoms of reactants are present in the products and EtOH is the only by-product. The syntheses produce polyfunctionalized conjugated dienes as the only intermediates, which are also important building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anđela Stanisavljević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, P.O. Box 158, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Jovana Aleksić
- University of Belgrade - Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy - Center for Chemistry, Njegoševa 12, P.O. Box 473, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Milovan Stojanović
- University of Belgrade - Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy - Center for Chemistry, Njegoševa 12, P.O. Box 473, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marija Baranac-Stojanović
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, P.O. Box 158, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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16
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Omotoso OD, Joshua FO, Oyebanmiji AK, Ebenezer O. Molecular Modeling Studies of Similar Molecules to Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader Elacestrant as Inhibitors of SARS-COV-2. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01506-3. [PMID: 39259409 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) strain. Many anticancer compounds have been repurposed as effective anti-coronavirus agents and are currently in a clinical trial to be evaluated for treatment. Elacestrant is a novel selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD). A fingerprint Tanimoto-based 2-dimensional similarity search was performed in the PubChem database using elacestrant as a prototype. The chemical compounds were downloaded, and virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics were further used to identify the most active molecules in the binding pocket SARS-COV-2 main protease. Eight compounds with superior docking score, gscore, and glide binding energy were identified. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) were performed at 100 ns to remove the false interactions between the receptor and the active ligands. The results showed that all the compounds displayed good stability. Further, the ADMET results showed that compounds CID58023104 was observed to be deemed a hit compound; hence, CID58023104 and could be optimize, derivatize, and explore for further development as an anti-coronavirus agent targeting SARS-COV-2 main protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilare D Omotoso
- Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Wybrzeze Stanislawa Wyspianskiego,, Waclow University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Funsho Oyetunde Joshua
- Center of excellence for pharmaceutical sciences Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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17
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Rahmani D, Jafari A, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Molecular targets in SARS-CoV-2 infection: An update on repurposed drug candidates. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 263:155589. [PMID: 39276508 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The 2019 widespread contagion of the human coronavirus novel type (SARS-CoV-2) led to a pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization. A daily increase in patient numbers has formed an urgent necessity to find suitable targets and treatment options for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Despite scientists' struggles to discover quick treatment solutions, few effective specific drugs are approved to control SARS-CoV-2 infections thoroughly. Drug repositioning or Drug repurposing and target-based approaches are promising strategies for facilitating the drug discovery process. Here, we review current in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical updates regarding proposed drugs for prospective treatment options for COVID-19. Drug targets that can direct pharmaceutical sciences efforts to discover new drugs against SARS-CoV-2 are divided into two categories: Virus-based targets, for example, Spike glycoprotein and Nucleocapsid Protein, and host-based targets, for instance, inflammatory cytokines and cell receptors through which the virus infects the cell. A broad spectrum of drugs has been found to show anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential, including antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies, statins, anti-inflammatory agents, and herbal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibachehr Rahmani
- Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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18
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Mou X, Luo F, Zhang W, Cheng Q, Hepojoki J, Zhu S, Liu Y, Xiong H, Guo D, Yu J, Chen L, Li Y, Hou W, Chen S. SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 promotes IL-6 production by regulating the stabilization of HIF-1α. Cell Signal 2024; 124:111387. [PMID: 39251053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111387] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe and fatal COVID-19 cases often display cytokine storm i.e. significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with systemic hypoxia. Understanding the mechanisms of these pathogenic manifestations would be essential for the prevention and especially treatment of COVID-19 patients. Here, using a dual luciferase reporter assay for hypoxia-response element (HRE), we initially identified SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 5 (NSP5), NSP16, and open reading frame 3a (ORF3a) to upregulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling. Further experiments showed NSP16 to have the most prominent effect on HIF-1α, thus contributing to the induction of COVID-19 associated pro-inflammatory response. We demonstrate that NSP16 interrupts von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein interaction with HIF-1α, thereby inhibiting ubiquitin-dependent degradation of HIF-1α and allowing it to bind HRE region in the IL-6 promoter region. Taken together, the findings imply that SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 induces HIF-1α expression, which in turn exacerbates the production of IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510320, China
| | - Fan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Weihao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jussi Hepojoki
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shaowei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Hairong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Deyin Guo
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510320, China
| | - Jingyou Yu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510320, China
| | - Liangjun Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Wei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet 850000, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
| | - Shuliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
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19
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Fatima A, Geethakumari AM, Ahmed WS, Biswas KH. A potential allosteric inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro) identified through metastable state analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1451280. [PMID: 39310374 PMCID: PMC11413593 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1451280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Anti-COVID19 drugs, such as nirmatrelvir, have been developed targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro, based on the critical requirement of its proteolytic processing of the viral polyproteins into functional proteins essential for viral replication. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with Mpro mutations has raised the possibility of developing resistance against these drugs, likely due to therapeutic targeting of the Mpro catalytic site. An alternative to these drugs is the development of drugs that target an allosteric site distant from the catalytic site in the protein that may reduce the chance of the emergence of resistant mutants. Here, we combine computational analysis with in vitro assay and report the discovery of a potential allosteric site and an allosteric inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Specifically, we identified an Mpro metastable state with a deformed catalytic site harboring potential allosteric sites, raising the possibility that stabilization of this metastable state through ligand binding can lead to the inhibition of Mpro activity. We then performed a computational screening of a library (∼4.2 million) of drug-like compounds from the ZINC database and identified several candidate molecules with high predicted binding affinity. MD simulations showed stable binding of the three top-ranking compounds to the putative allosteric sites in the protein. Finally, we tested the three compounds in vitro using a BRET-based Mpro biosensor and found that one of the compounds (ZINC4497834) inhibited the Mpro activity. We envisage that the identification of a potential allosteric inhibitor of Mpro will aid in developing improved anti-COVID-19 therapy.
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20
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Chakraborty A, Ghosh R, Soumya Mohapatra S, Barik S, Biswas A, Chowdhuri S. Repurposing of antimycobacterium drugs for COVID-19 treatment by targeting SARS CoV-2 main protease: An in-silico perspective. Gene 2024; 922:148553. [PMID: 38734190 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The global mortality rate has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus. Although the pursuit for a potent antiviral is still in progress, experimental therapies based on repurposing of existing drugs is being attempted. One important therapeutic target for COVID-19 is the main protease (Mpro) that cleaves the viral polyprotein in its replication process. Recently minocycline, an antimycobacterium drug, has been successfully implemented for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. But it's mode of action is still far from clear. Furthermore, it remains unresolved whether alternative antimycobacterium drugs can effectively regulate SARS CoV-2 by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Mpro. To comprehend these facets, eight well-established antimycobacterium drugs were put through molecular docking experiments. Four of the antimycobacterium drugs (minocycline, rifampicin, clofazimine and ofloxacin) were selected by comparing their binding affinities towards Mpro. All of the four drugs interacted with both the catalytic residues of Mpro (His41 and Cys145). Additionally, molecular dynamics experiments demonstrated that the Mpro-minocyline complex has enhanced stability, experiences reduced conformational fluctuations and greater compactness than other three Mpro-antimycobacterium and Mpro-N3/lopinavir complexes. This research furnishes evidences for implementation of minocycline against SARS CoV-2. In addition, our findings also indicate other three antimycobacterium/antituberculosis drugs (rifampicin, clofazimine and ofloxacin) could potentially be evaluated for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayon Chakraborty
- University Institute of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajesh Ghosh
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Subhashree Barik
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ashis Biswas
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
| | - Snehasis Chowdhuri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
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21
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Zhu Y, Meng J, Feng B, Zhao Y, Zang Y, Lu L, Su M, Yang Q, Zhang Q, Feng L, Zhao J, Shao M, Ma Y, Yang X, Yang H, Li J, Jiang X, Rao Z. De novo design of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors with characteristic binding modes. Structure 2024; 32:1327-1334.e3. [PMID: 38925121 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.05.019] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which spreads rapidly all over the world. The main protease (Mpro) is significant to the replication and transcription of viruses, making it an attractive drug target against coronaviruses. Here, we introduce a series of novel inhibitors which are designed de novo through structure-based drug design approach that have great potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mproin vitro. High-resolution structures show that these inhibitors form covalent bonds with the catalytic cysteine through the novel dibromomethyl ketone (DBMK) as a reactive warhead. At the same time, the designed phenyl group beside the DBMK warhead inserts into the cleft between H41 and C145 through π-π stacking interaction, splitting the catalytic dyad and disrupting proton transfer. This unique binding model provides novel clues for the cysteine protease inhibitor development of SARS-CoV-2 as well as other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Jiaolong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Bo Feng
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China.
| | - Yi Zang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingling Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Mingbo Su
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Response, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jinyi Zhao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Maolin Shao
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiuna Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jia Li
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China.
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Response, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tianjin 300071, China; Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100091, China.
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22
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Poli ANR, Tietjen I, Nandwana NK, Cassel J, Messick TE, Register ET, Keeney F, Rajaiah R, Verma AK, Pandey K, Acharya A, Byrareddy SN, Montaner LJ, Salvino JM. Design of novel and highly selective SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0056224. [PMID: 39225484 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00562-24] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We have synthesized a novel and highly selective severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease peptide mimetic inhibitor mimicking the replicase 1ab recognition sequence -Val-Leu-Gln- and utilizing a cysteine selective acyloxymethyl ketone as the electrophilic warhead to target the active site Cys145. Utilizing a constrained cyclic peptide that locks the conformation between the P3 (Val) and P2 (Leu) residues, we identified a highly selective inhibitor that fills the P2 pocket occupied by the leucine residue sidechain of PF-00835231 and the dimethyl-3-azabicyclo-hexane motif in nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332). This strategy resulted in potent and highly selective Mpro inhibitors without inhibiting essential host cathepsin cysteine or serine proteases. The lead prototype compound 1 (MPro IC50 = 230 ± 18 nM) also inhibits the replication of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro, including SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, and can synergize at lower concentrations with the viral RNA polymerase inhibitor, remdesivir, to inhibit replication. It also reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-infected Syrian golden hamsters without obvious toxicities, demonstrating in vivo efficacy. This novel lead structure provides the basis for optimization of improved agents targeting evolving SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance that can selectively act on Mpro versus host proteases and are less likely to have off-target effects due to non-specific targeting. Developing inhibitors against the active site of the main protease (Mpro), which is highly conserved across coronaviruses, is expected to impart a higher genetic barrier to evolving SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance. Drugs that selectively inhibit the viral Mpro are less likely to have off-target effects warranting efforts to improve this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi N R Poli
- Medicinal Chemistry, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ian Tietjen
- HIV-1 Program in the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nitesh K Nandwana
- Medicinal Chemistry, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joel Cassel
- The Wistar Cancer Center Molecular Screening, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Emery T Register
- HIV-1 Program in the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frederick Keeney
- HIV-1 Program in the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rajesh Rajaiah
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Atul K Verma
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kabita Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Luis J Montaner
- HIV-1 Program in the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph M Salvino
- Medicinal Chemistry, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Wistar Cancer Center Molecular Screening, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Huynh PNH, Khamplong P, Phan MH, Nguyen TP, Vu PNL, Tang QV, Chamsodsai P, Seetaha S, Tuong TL, Vu TY, Vo DD, Choowongkomon K, Vo CVT. Asymmetric imidazole-4,5-dicarboxamide derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: design, synthesis and biological evaluation. RSC Med Chem 2024:d4md00414k. [PMID: 39345712 PMCID: PMC11423687 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00414k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, a vital enzyme for virus replication, is a potential target for developing drugs in COVID-19 treatment. Until now, three SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors have been approved for COVID-19 treatment. This study explored the inhibitory potency of asymmetric imidazole-4,5-dicarboxamide derivatives against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Fourteen derivatives were designed based on the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease active site, the hydrolysis mechanism, and the experience gained from the reported inhibitor structures. They were synthesized through a four-step procedure from benzimidazole and 2-methylbenzimidazole. SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibition was evaluated in vitro by fluorogenic assay with lopinavir, ritonavir, and ebselen as positive references. N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-4-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxamide (5a2) exhibited the highest potency against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease with an IC50 of 4.79 ± 1.37 μM relative to ebselen with an IC50 of 0.04 ± 0.013 μM. Enzyme kinetic and molecular docking studies were carried out to clarify the inhibitory mechanism and to prove that the compound interacts at the active site. We also performed cytotoxicity assay to confirm that these compounds are not toxic to human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Nguyen Hoai Huynh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Phatcharin Khamplong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Minh-Hoang Phan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Phuong Ngoc Lan Vu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Quang-Vinh Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Phumin Chamsodsai
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Supaphorn Seetaha
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Truong Lam Tuong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Thien Y Vu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Duc-Duy Vo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University Husargatan 3 75237 Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University Husargatan 3 75237 Uppsala Sweden
- School of Applied Chemistry, Tra Vinh University 126 Nguyen Thien Thanh Street, Ward 5 Tra Vinh City Vietnam
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Cam-Van T Vo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
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24
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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Lau HLY, Mccubbery CP, Gan H, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Utilization of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals: in silico studies targeting the nsp14 ExoN domain and PL pro naphthalene binding site. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 131:108803. [PMID: 38815531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108803] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome encodes 29 proteins including four structural, 16 nonstructural (nsps), and nine accessory proteins (https://epimedlab.org/sars-cov-2-proteome/). Many of these proteins contain potential targetable sites for the development of antivirals. Despite the widespread use of vaccinations, the emergence of variants necessitates the investigation of new therapeutics and antivirals. Here, the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection (https://epimedlab.org/crl/) was utilized to investigate potential antivirals against the nsp14 exoribonuclease (ExoN) domain. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding characteristics of our chemical library against the nsp14 ExoN site. Based on the initial screen, trisjuglone, ararobinol, corilagin, and naphthofluorescein were identified as potential lead compounds. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were subsequently performed, with the results highlighting the stability of the lead compounds in the nsp14 ExoN site. Protein-RNA docking revealed the potential for the lead compounds to disrupt the interaction with RNA when bound to the ExoN site. Moreover, hypericin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and rutin were previously identified as lead compounds targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) naphthalene binding site. Through performing MD simulations, the stability and interactions of lead compounds with PLpro were further examined. Overall, given the critical role of the exonuclease activity of nsp14 in ensuring viral fidelity and the multifunctional role of PLpro in viral pathobiology and replication, these nsps represent important targets for antiviral drug development. Our databases can be utilized for in silico studies, such as the ones performed here, and this approach can be applied to other potentially druggable SARS-CoV-2 protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Hannah L Y Lau
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cian P Mccubbery
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hockxuen Gan
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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25
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Hu Q, Zhang Y, Chen P, Zhang Y, Zhu G, Liu W, Wang C, Zheng S, Shen N, Wang H, Huang P, Ge G. Discovery and characterization of naturally occurring covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M pro from the antiviral herb Ephedra. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:797-807. [PMID: 39326974 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60577-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The Chinese herb Ephedra (also known as Mahuang) has been extensively utilized for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus-induced diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a highly conserved enzyme responsible for proteolytic processing during the viral life cycle, making it a critical target for the development of antiviral therapies. This study aimed to identify naturally occurring covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro from Ephedra and to investigate their covalent binding sites. The results demonstrated that the non-alkaloid fraction of Ephedra (ENA) exhibited a potent inhibitory effect against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro effect, whereas the alkaloid fraction did not. Subsequently, the chemical constituents in ENA were identified, and the major constituents' anti-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro effects were evaluated. Among the tested constituents, herbacetin (HE) and gallic acid (GA) were found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Their combination displayed a significant synergistic effect on this key enzyme. Additionally, various techniques, including inhibition kinetic assays, chemoproteomic methods, and molecular dynamics simulations, were employed to further elucidate the synergistic anti-Mpro mechanisms of the combination of HE and GA. Overall, this study deciphers the naturally occurring covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro from Ephedra and characterizes their synergistic anti-Mpro synergistic effect, providing robust evidence to support the anti-coronavirus efficacy of Ephedra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Pengcheng Chen
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guanghao Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200021, China
| | - Chaoran Wang
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shuilian Zheng
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Nonger Shen
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Haonan Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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26
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Molaakbari E, Aallae MR, Golestanifar F, Garakani-Nejad Z, Khosravi A, Rezapour M, Eshaghi Malekshah R, Ghomi M, Ren G. In silico assessment of hesperidin on SARS-CoV-2 main protease and RNA polymerase: Molecular docking and dynamics simulation approach. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 39:101804. [PMID: 39193225 PMCID: PMC11347860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101804] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study uses molecular docking and dynamic simulations to evaluate the inhibitory effect of flavonoid glycosides-based compounds on coronavirus Main protease (Mpro) and RNA polymerase. The Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software is utilized to simulate and calculate the binding parameters of compounds with coronavirus. The docking results show that the selected herbal compounds are more effective than those of chemical compounds. It is also revealed that five herbal ligands and two chemical ligands have the best docking scores. Furthermore, a Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted for Hesperidin, confirming docking results. Analysis based on different parameters such as Root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), Root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of gyration (Rg), Solvent accessibility surface area (SASA), and the total number of hydrogen bonds suggests that Hesperidin formed a stable complex with Mpro. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, And Toxicity (ADMET) analysis was performed to compare Hesperidin and Grazoprevir as potential antiviral medicines, evaluating both herbal and chemical ligand results. According to the study, herbal compounds could be effective on coronavirus and are admissible candidates for developing potential operative anti-viral medicines. Hesperidin was found to be the most acceptable interaction. Grazoprevir is an encouraging candidate for drug development and clinical trials, with the potential to become a highly effective Mpro inhibitor. Compared to RNA polymerase, Mpro showed a greater affinity for bonding with Hesperidin. van der Waals and electrostatic energies dominated, creating a stable Hesperidin-Mpro and Hesperidin-RNA polymerase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Molaakbari
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rezapour
- Department of Biostatics and Data Science, University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Mahsa Ghomi
- Students Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Guogang Ren
- School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
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27
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Rut W, Groborz K, Sun X, Hilgenfeld R, Drag M. Profiling of coronaviral M pro and enteroviral 3C pro specificity provides a framework for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5139. [PMID: 39150063 PMCID: PMC11328108 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5139] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The main protease from coronaviruses and the 3C protease from enteroviruses play a crucial role in processing viral polyproteins, making them attractive targets for the development of antiviral agents. In this study, we employed a combinatorial chemistry approach-HyCoSuL-to compare the substrate specificity profiles of the main and 3C proteases from alphacoronaviruses, betacoronaviruses, and enteroviruses. The obtained data demonstrate that coronavirus Mpros exhibit overlapping substrate specificity in all binding pockets, whereas the 3Cpro from enterovirus displays slightly different preferences toward natural and unnatural amino acids at the P4-P2 positions. However, chemical tools such as substrates, inhibitors, and activity-based probes developed for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro can be successfully applied to investigate the activity of the Mpro from other coronaviruses as well as the 3Cpro from enteroviruses. Our study provides a structural framework for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Rut
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Groborz
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Xinyuanyuan Sun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
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28
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Chan CCY, Guo Q, Chan JFW, Tang K, Cai JP, Chik KKH, Huang Y, Dai M, Qin B, Ong CP, Chu AWH, Chan WM, Ip JD, Wen L, Tsang JOL, Wang TY, Xie Y, Qin Z, Cao J, Ye ZW, Chu H, To KKW, Ge XY, Ni T, Jin DY, Cui S, Yuen KY, Yuan S. Identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 by chemical genetics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:4028-4044. [PMID: 39309487 PMCID: PMC11413674 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are only eight approved small molecule antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19. Among them, four are nucleotide analogues (remdesivir, JT001, molnupiravir, and azvudine), while the other four are protease inhibitors (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir, and simnotrelvir-ritonavir). Antiviral resistance, unfavourable drug‒drug interaction, and toxicity have been reported in previous studies. Thus there is a dearth of new treatment options for SARS-CoV-2. In this work, a three-tier cell-based screening was employed to identify novel compounds with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. One compound, designated 172, demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple human pathogenic coronaviruses and different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Mechanistic studies validated by reverse genetics showed that compound 172 inhibits the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) by binding to an allosteric site and reduces 3CLpro dimerization. A drug synergistic checkerboard assay demonstrated that compound 172 can achieve drug synergy with nirmatrelvir in vitro. In vivo studies confirmed the antiviral activity of compound 172 in both Golden Syrian Hamsters and K18 humanized ACE2 mice. Overall, this study identified an alternative druggable site on the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, proposed a potential combination therapy with nirmatrelvir to reduce the risk of antiviral resistance and shed light on the development of allosteric protease inhibitors for treating a range of coronavirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Chun-Yiu Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Qian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Academician Workstation of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University-the University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Kaiming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Kenn Ka-Heng Chik
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yixin Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Mei Dai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Bo Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chon Phin Ong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Allen Wing-Ho Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jonathan Daniel Ip
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Lei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jessica Oi-Ling Tsang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Tong-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yubin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Zhenzhi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jianli Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Zi-Wei Ye
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xing-Yi Ge
- College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Tao Ni
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Dong-Yan Jin
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Academician Workstation of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University-the University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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29
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Kovar P, Richardson PL, Korepanova A, Afanador GA, Stojkovic V, Li T, Schrimpf MR, Ng TI, Degoey DA, Gopalakrishnan SM, Chen J. Development of a sensitive high-throughput enzymatic assay capable of measuring sub-nanomolar inhibitors of SARS-CoV2 Mpro. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100179. [PMID: 39151824 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is essential for viral replication because it is responsible for the processing of most of the non-structural proteins encoded by the virus. Inhibition of Mpro prevents viral replication and therefore constitutes an attractive antiviral strategy. We set out to develop a high-throughput Mpro enzymatic activity assay using fluorescently labeled peptide substrates. A library of fluorogenic substrates of various lengths, sequences and dye/quencher positions was prepared and tested against full length SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme for optimal activity. The addition of buffers containing strongly hydrated kosmotropic anion salts, such as citrate, from the Hofmeister series significantly boosted the enzyme activity and enhanced the assay detection limit, enabling the ranking of sub-nanomolar inhibitors without relying on the low-throughput Morrison equation method. By comparing cooperativity in citrate or non-citrate buffer while titrating the Mpro enzyme concentration, we found full positive cooperativity of Mpro with citrate buffer at less than one nanomolar (nM), but at a much higher enzyme concentration (∼320 nM) with non-citrate buffer. In addition, using a tight binding Mpro inhibitor, we confirmed there was only one active catalytical site in each Mpro monomer. Since cooperativity requires at least two binding sites, we hypothesized that citrate facilitates dimerization of Mpro at sub-nanomolar concentration as one of the mechanisms enhances Mpro catalytic efficiency. This assay has been used in high-throughput screening and structure activity relationship (SAR) studies to support medicinal chemistry efforts. IC50 values determined in this assay correlates well with EC50 values generated by a SARS-CoV-2 antiviral assay after adjusted for cell penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kovar
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Paul L Richardson
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Alla Korepanova
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Gustavo A Afanador
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Vladimir Stojkovic
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Tao Li
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Michael R Schrimpf
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - Teresa I Ng
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | - David A Degoey
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA
| | | | - Jun Chen
- SMTPT, AbbVie Discovery, AbbVie, 1 N Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60065, USA.
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30
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Menacer R, Bouchekioua S, Meliani S, Belattar N. New combined Inverse-QSAR and molecular docking method for scaffold-based drug discovery. Comput Biol Med 2024; 180:108992. [PMID: 39128176 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108992] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Computer-aided drug discovery plays a vital role in developing novel medications for various diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for innovative approaches to design lead compounds with the potential to become effective drugs. Specifically, designing promising inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is crucial, as it plays a key role in viral replication. Phytochemicals, primarily flavonoids and flavonols from medicinal plants, were screened. Fifty small molecules were selected for molecular docking analysis against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7). Binding energies and interactions were analyzed and compared to those of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor Nirmatrelvir. Using these 50 structures as a training set, a QSAR model was built employing simple, reversible topological descriptors. An inverse-QSAR analysis was then performed on 2⁹ = 512 hydroxyl combinations at nine possible positions on the flavone and flavonol scaffold. The model predicted three novel, promising compounds exhibiting the most favorable binding energies (-8.5 kcal/mol) among the 512 possible hydroxyl combinations: 3,6,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone (PF9), 6,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone (PF11), and 3,6,7,4'-tetrahydroxyflavone (PF15). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated the stability of the PF9/Mpro complex over 300 ns of simulation. These predicted structures, reported here for the first time, warrant synthesis and further evaluation of their biological activity through in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafik Menacer
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Constantine, 25000, Algeria; Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques CRAPC, BP 384, Zone Industrielle, Bou-ismail, Tipaza, RP, 42004, Algeria.
| | - Saad Bouchekioua
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Constantine, 25000, Algeria
| | - Saida Meliani
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Constantine, 25000, Algeria
| | - Nadjah Belattar
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Constantine, 25000, Algeria
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31
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Lloyd MD, Gregory KS, Acharya KR. Functional implications of unusual NOS and SONOS covalent linkages found in proteins. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:9463-9471. [PMID: 39109843 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc03191a] [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: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
The tertiary and quaternary structures of many proteins are stabilized by strong covalent forces, of which disulfide bonds are the most well known. A new type of intramolecular and intermolecular covalent bond has been recently reported, consisting of the Lys and Cys side-chains linked by an oxygen atom (NOS). These post-translational modifications are widely distributed amongst proteins, and are formed under oxidative conditions. Similar linkages are observed during antibiotic biosynthesis, where hydroxylamine intermediates are tethered to the sulfur of enzyme active site Cys residues. These linkages open the way to understanding protein structure and function, give new insights into enzyme catalysis and natural product biosynthesis, and offer new strategies for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Lloyd
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Kyle S Gregory
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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32
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Akaberi D, Pourghasemi Lati M, Krambrich J, Berger J, Neilsen G, Strandback E, Turunen SP, Wannberg J, Gullberg H, Moche M, Chinthakindi PK, Nyman T, Sarafianos SG, Sandström A, Järhult JD, Sandberg K, Lundkvist Å, Verho O, Lennerstrand J. Identification of novel and potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease from DNA-encoded chemical libraries. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0090924. [PMID: 39194208 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00909-24] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro screening of large compound libraries with automated high-throughput screening is expensive and time-consuming and requires dedicated infrastructures. Conversely, the selection of DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DECLs) can be rapidly performed with routine equipment available in most laboratories. In this study, we identified novel inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) through the affinity-based selection of the DELopen library (open access for academics), containing 4.2 billion compounds. The identified inhibitors were peptide-like compounds containing an N-terminal electrophilic group able to form a covalent bond with the nucleophilic Cys145 of Mpro, as confirmed by x-ray crystallography. This DECL selection campaign enabled the discovery of the unoptimized compound SLL11 (IC50 = 30 nM), proving that the rapid exploration of large chemical spaces enabled by DECL technology allows for the direct identification of potent inhibitors avoiding several rounds of iterative medicinal chemistry. As demonstrated further by x-ray crystallography, SLL11 was found to adopt a highly unique U-shaped binding conformation, which allows the N-terminal electrophilic group to loop back to the S1' subsite while the C-terminal amino acid sits in the S1 subsite. MP1, a close analog of SLL11, showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in the low micromolar range when tested in Caco-2 and Calu-3 (EC50 = 2.3 µM) cell lines. As peptide-like compounds can suffer from low cell permeability and metabolic stability, the cyclization of the compounds will be explored in the future to improve their antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Akaberi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Janina Krambrich
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julia Berger
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Grace Neilsen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emilia Strandback
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Pauliina Turunen
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
- Drug Discovery and Development, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Johan Wannberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Science for Life Laboratory, BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hjalmar Gullberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Biochemical and Cellular Assay Facility, Drug Discovery and Development Platform, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Moche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Praveen Kumar Chinthakindi
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Nyman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan G Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anja Sandström
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef D Järhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristian Sandberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Drug Discovery & Development Platform, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oscar Verho
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lennerstrand
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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33
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Badawy AM, Donia MSM, Hamdy NG, El-Ayouty MM, Mohamed OG, Darwish KM, Tripathi A, Ahmed SA. Dual SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV inhibitors from Artemisia monosperma: isolation, structure elucidation, molecular modelling studies, and in vitro activities. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:7006-7016. [PMID: 39135436 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00929k] [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: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the whole globe, so it is imperative that all available resources be used to treat this scourge. In reality, the development of new pharmaceuticals has mostly benefited from natural products. The widespread medicinal usage of species in the Asteraceae family is extensively researched. In this study, compounds isolated from methanolic extract of Artemisia monosperma Delile, a wild plant whose grows in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Three compounds, stigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 1, rhamnetin 3, and padmatin 6, were first isolated from this species. In addition, five previously reported compounds, arcapillin 2, jaceosidin 4, hispidulin 5, 7-O-methyleriodictyol 7, and eupatilin 8, were isolated. Applying molecular modelling simulations revealed two compounds, arcapillin 2 and rhamnetin 3 with the best docking interactions and energies within SARS-CoV-2 Mpro-binding site (-6.16, and -6.70 kcal mol-1, respectively). The top-docked compounds (2-3) were further evaluated for inhibitory concentrations (IC50), and half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Interestingly, arcapillin showed high antiviral activity towards SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, with IC50 values of 190.8 μg mL-1 and 16.58 μg mL-1, respectively. These findings may hold promise for further preclinical and clinical research, particularly on arcapillin itself or in collaboration with other drugs for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Badawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, El-Arish 45511, Egypt.
| | - Marwa Samir M Donia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.
| | - Nehal G Hamdy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, El-Arish 45511, Egypt.
| | - Mayada M El-Ayouty
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, El-Arish 45511, Egypt.
| | - Osama G Mohamed
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr el Aini St., Cairo 11562, Egypt.
- Natural Products Discovery Core, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Khaled M Darwish
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.
| | - Ashootosh Tripathi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Natural Products Discovery Core, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Safwat A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.
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34
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Al Adem K, Ferreira JC, Villanueva AJ, Fadl S, El-Sadaany F, Masmoudi I, Gidiya Y, Gurudza T, Cardoso THS, Saksena NK, Rabeh WM. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease in SARS-CoV-2. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231395. [PMID: 39036877 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231395] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses constitute a significant threat to the human population. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, SARS-CoV-2, is a highly pathogenic human coronavirus that has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It has led to a global viral outbreak with an exceptional spread and a high death toll, highlighting the need for effective antiviral strategies. 3-Chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), the main protease in SARS-CoV-2, plays an indispensable role in the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle by cleaving the viral polyprotein to produce 11 individual non-structural proteins necessary for viral replication. 3CLpro is one of two proteases that function to produce new viral particles. It is a highly conserved cysteine protease with identical structural folds in all known human coronaviruses. Inhibitors binding with high affinity to 3CLpro will prevent the cleavage of viral polyproteins, thus impeding viral replication. Multiple strategies have been implemented to screen for inhibitors against 3CLpro, including peptide-like and small molecule inhibitors that covalently and non-covalently bind the active site, respectively. In addition, allosteric sites of 3CLpro have been identified to screen for small molecules that could make non-competitive inhibitors of 3CLpro. In essence, this review serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the structural intricacies and functional dynamics of 3CLpro, emphasizing key findings that elucidate its role as the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, the review is a critical resource in recognizing the advancements in identifying and developing 3CLpro inhibitors as effective antiviral strategies against COVID-19, some of which are already approved for clinical use in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenana Al Adem
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adrian J Villanueva
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar Fadl
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah El-Sadaany
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Imen Masmoudi
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yugmee Gidiya
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tariro Gurudza
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thyago H S Cardoso
- OMICS Centre of Excellence, G42 Healthcare, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nitin K Saksena
- Victoria University, Footscray Campus, Melbourne, VIC. Australia
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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35
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Ji J, Du S, Wang K, Qi Z, Zhang C, Wang R, Bruening G, Wang P, Duanmu D, Fan Q. Cowpea lipid transfer protein 1 regulates plant defense by inhibiting the cysteine protease of cowpea mosaic virus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403424121. [PMID: 39159367 PMCID: PMC11363299 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403424121] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many virus genomes encode proteases that facilitate infection. The molecular mechanism of plant recognition of viral proteases is largely unexplored. Using the system of Vigna unguiculata and cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), we identified a cowpea lipid transfer protein (LTP1) which interacts with CPMV-encoded 24KPro, a cysteine protease, but not with the enzymatically inactive mutant 24KPro(C166A). Biochemical assays showed that LTP1 inhibited 24KPro proteolytic cleavage of the coat protein precursor large coat protein-small coat protein. Transient overexpression of LTP1 in cowpea reduced CPMV infection, whereas RNA interference-mediated LTP1 silencing increased CPMV accumulation in cowpea. LTP1 is mainly localized in the apoplast of uninfected plant cells, and after CPMV infection, most of the LTP1 is relocated to intracellular compartments, including chloroplast. Moreover, in stable LTP1-transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants, LTP1 repressed soybean mosaic virus (SMV) nuclear inclusion a protease activity, and accumulation of SMV was significantly reduced. We propose that cowpea LTP1 suppresses CPMV and SMV accumulation by directly inhibiting viral cysteine protease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Shengli Du
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Kun Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Ziyan Qi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - George Bruening
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Pengwei Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Deqiang Duanmu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Qiuling Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, China
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36
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Chen P, Van Oers TJ, Arutyunova E, Fischer C, Wang C, Lamer T, van Belkum MJ, Young HS, Vederas JC, Lemieux MJ. A Structural Comparison of Oral SARS-CoV-2 Drug Candidate Ibuzatrelvir Complexed with the Main Protease (M pro) of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. JACS AU 2024; 4:3217-3227. [PMID: 39211604 PMCID: PMC11350714 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Ibuzatrelvir (1) was recently disclosed and patented by Pfizer for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has received fast-track status from the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has entered phase III clinical trials as a possible replacement for Paxlovid. Like nirmatrelvir (2) in Paxlovid, this orally active drug candidate is designed to target viral main proteases (Mpro) through reversible covalent interaction of its nitrile warhead with the active site thiol of the chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CL protease). Inhibition of Mpro hinders the processing of the proteins essential for viral replication in vivo. However, ibuzatrelvir apparently does not require ritonavir (3), which is coadministered in Paxlovid to block human oxidative metabolism of nirmatrelvir. Here, we report the crystal structure of the complex of ibuzatrelvir with the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro at 2.0 Å resolution. In addition, we show that ibuzatrelvir also potently inhibits the Mpro of Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which is fortunately not widespread but can be dangerously lethal (∼36% mortality). Co-crystal structures show that the binding mode of the drug to both active sites is similar and that the trifluoromethyl group of the inhibitor fits precisely into a critical S2 substrate binding pocket of the main proteases. However, our results also provide a rationale for the differences in potency of ibuzatrelvir for these two proteases due to minor differences in the substrate preferences leading to a weaker H-bond network in MERS-CoV Mpro. In addition, we examined the reversibility of compound binding to both proteases, which is an important parameter in reducing off-target effects as well as the potential immunogenicity. The crystal structures of the ibuzatrelvir complexes with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 and of MERS-CoV will further assist drug design for coronaviral infections in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Chen
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li Ka
Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Tayla J. Van Oers
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Elena Arutyunova
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li Ka
Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Conrad Fischer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Chaoxiang Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Tess Lamer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Marco J. van Belkum
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Howard S. Young
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - John C. Vederas
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - M. Joanne Lemieux
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Li Ka
Shing Institute of Virology, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
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37
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Chihab A, El Brahmi N, Hamdoun G, El Abbouchi A, Ghammaz H, Touil N, Bousmina M, El Fahime E, El Kazzouli S. Development of a new experimental NMR strategy for covalent cysteine protease inhibitors screening: toward enhanced drug discovery. RSC Adv 2024; 14:26829-26836. [PMID: 39184001 PMCID: PMC11342919 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04938a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the development of antiviral drugs, proteases and polymerases are among the most important targets. Cysteine proteases, also known as thiol proteases, catalyze the degradation of proteins by cleaving peptide bonds using the nucleophilic thiol group of cysteine. As part of our research, we are examining how cysteine, an essential amino acid found in the active site of the main protease (Mpro) enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, interacts with electrophilic groups present in ethacrynic acid (EA) and compounds 4, 6, and 8 to form sulfur-carbon bonds. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the reaction rate between cysteine and Michael acceptors. We found that the inhibitory activity of these compounds towards Mpro is correlated to their chemical reactivity toward cysteine. This approach may serve as a valuable tool in drug development for detecting potential covalent inhibitors of Mpro and other cysteine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hamza Ghammaz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique (CNRST) Angle avenues des FAR et Allal El Fassi, Hay Ryad 10102 Rabat Morocco
| | - Nadia Touil
- Cell Culture Unit, Center of Virology, Infectious, and Tropical Diseases Mohammed V Military Hospital Rabat Morocco
| | | | - Elmostafa El Fahime
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique (CNRST) Angle avenues des FAR et Allal El Fassi, Hay Ryad 10102 Rabat Morocco
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38
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Aniana A, Nashed NT, Ghirlando R, Drago VN, Kovalevsky A, Louis JM. Characterization of alternate encounter assemblies of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107675. [PMID: 39128719 PMCID: PMC11416275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107675] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The assembly of two monomeric constructs spanning segments 1-199 (MPro1-199) and 10-306 (MPro10-306) of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro) was examined to assess the existence of a transient heterodimer intermediate in the N-terminal autoprocessing pathway of MPro model precursor. Together, they form a heterodimer population accompanied by a 13-fold increase in catalytic activity. Addition of inhibitor GC373 to the proteins increases the activity further by ∼7-fold with a 1:1 complex and higher order assemblies approaching 1:2 and 2:2 molecules of MPro1-199 and MPro10-306 detectable by analytical ultracentrifugation and native mass estimation by light scattering. Assemblies larger than a heterodimer (1:1) are discussed in terms of alternate pathways of domain III association, either through switching the location of helix 201 to 214 onto a second helical domain of MPro10-306 and vice versa or direct interdomain III contacts like that of the native dimer, based on known structures and AlphaFold 3 prediction, respectively. At a constant concentration of MPro1-199 with molar excess of GC373, the rate of substrate hydrolysis displays first order dependency on the MPro10-306 concentration and vice versa. An equimolar composition of the two proteins with excess GC373 exhibits half-maximal activity at ∼6 μM MPro1-199. Catalytic activity arises primarily from MPro1-199 and is dependent on the interface interactions involving the N-finger residues 1 to 9 of MPro1-199 and E290 of MPro10-306. Importantly, our results confirm that a single N-finger region with its associated intersubunit contacts is sufficient to form a heterodimeric MPro intermediate with enhanced catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Aniana
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nashaat T Nashed
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rodolfo Ghirlando
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria N Drago
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrey Kovalevsky
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - John M Louis
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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39
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Yang Y, Luo YD, Zhang CB, Xiang Y, Bai XY, Zhang D, Fu ZY, Hao RB, Liu XL. Progress in Research on Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (M pro). ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:34196-34219. [PMID: 39157135 PMCID: PMC11325518 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Since 2019, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has caused significant morbidity and millions of deaths worldwide. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, has further highlighted the urgent need for the development of effective therapeutic agents. Currently, the highly conserved and broad-spectrum nature of main proteases (Mpro) renders them of great importance in the field of inhibitor study. In this study, we categorize inhibitors targeting Mpro into three major groups: mimetic, nonmimetic, and natural inhibitors. We then present the research progress of these inhibitors in detail, including their mechanism of action, antiviral activity, pharmacokinetic properties, animal experiments, and clinical studies. This review aims to provide valuable insights and potential avenues for the development of more effective antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Yi-Dan Luo
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Chen-Bo Zhang
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
- College
of Physical Education, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Xin-Yue Bai
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Die Zhang
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Zhao-Ying Fu
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Ruo-Bing Hao
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Xiao-Long Liu
- School
of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
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40
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Xu YS, Xiang Y, Zhai L, Chen C, Wu XR, Chen WY, Liu L, Zhao MH, Liu XL, Yang KW. Discovery of a Highly Promising Disulfide Derivative Scaffold as Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Chem Biodivers 2024:e202401034. [PMID: 39109873 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202401034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) represents a promising target for antiviral drugs aimed at combating COVID-19. Consequently, the development of Mpro inhibitor is an ideal strategy for combating the virus. In this study, we identified twenty-two dithiocarbamates (1 a-h), dithiocarbamate-Cu(II) complexes (2 a-hCu) and disulfide derivatives (2 a-e, 2 i) as potent inhibitors of Mpro, with IC50 value range of 0.09-0.72, 0.9-24.7, and 15.1-111 μM, respectively, through FRET screening. The enzyme kinetics, inhibition mode, jump dilution, and DTT assay revealed that 1 g may be a partial reversible inhibitor, while 2 d and 2 f-Cu are the irreversible and dose- and time-dependent inhibitors, potentially covalently binding to the target. Binding of 2 d, 2 f-Cu, and 1 g to Mpro was found to decrease the stability of the protein. Additionally, DTT assays and thermal shift assays indicated that 2 f-Cu and 2 d are the nonspecific and promiscuous cysteine protease inhibitor. ICP-MS implied that the inhibitory activity of 2 f-Cu may stem from the uptake of Cu(II) by the enzyme. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that 2 d and 1 g exhibit low cytotoxicity, whereas 2 f-Cu show certain cytotoxicity in L929 cells. Overall, this work presents two promising scaffolds for the development of Mpro inhibitors to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Sui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
| | - Yang Xiang
- College of Physical Education, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, PR China
| | - Le Zhai
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Ferroelectric Functional Materials, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, PR China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
| | - Xiao-Rong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
| | - Wei-Ya Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
| | - Lu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
| | - Mu-Han Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
| | - Xiao-Long Liu
- School of medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, PR China
| | - Ke-Wu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, PR China
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41
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Harrison K, Carlos PW, Ullrich S, Aggarwal A, Johansen-Leete J, Sasi VM, Barter I, Maxwell JWC, Bedding MJ, Larance M, Turville S, Norman A, Jackson CJ, Nitsche C, Payne RJ. Exploiting Hydrophobic Amino Acid Scanning to Develop Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease with Antiviral Activity. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401606. [PMID: 38801240 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401606] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The development of novel antivirals is crucial not only for managing current COVID-19 infections but for addressing potential future zoonotic outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is vital for viral replication and viability and therefore serves as an attractive target for antiviral intervention. Herein, we report the optimization of a cyclic peptide inhibitor that emerged from an mRNA display selection against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to enhance its cell permeability and in vitro antiviral activity. By identifying mutation-tolerant amino acid residues within the peptide sequence, we describe the development of a second-generation Mpro inhibitor bearing five cyclohexylalanine residues. This cyclic peptide analogue exhibited significantly improved cell permeability and antiviral activity compared to the parent peptide. This approach highlights the importance of optimizing cyclic peptide hits for activity against intracellular targets such as the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katriona Harrison
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Patrick W Carlos
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Anupriya Aggarwal
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jason Johansen-Leete
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Vishnu Mini Sasi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Isabel Barter
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Joshua W C Maxwell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Max J Bedding
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Larance
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Stuart Turville
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Alexander Norman
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Richard J Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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42
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Jony MR, Ahn S. Drug-Drug Interactions between COVID-19 and Tuberculosis Medications: A Comprehensive Review of CYP450 and Transporter-Mediated Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1035. [PMID: 39204140 PMCID: PMC11360778 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081035] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Most medications undergo metabolism and elimination via CYP450 enzymes, while uptake and efflux transporters play vital roles in drug elimination from various organs. Interactions often occur when multiple drugs share CYP450-transporter-mediated metabolic pathways, necessitating a unique clinical care strategy to address the diverse types of CYP450 and transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions (DDI). The primary focus of this review is to record relevant mechanisms regarding DDI between COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) treatments, specifically through the influence of CYP450 enzymes and transporters on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and pharmacokinetics. This understanding empowers clinicians to prevent subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic drug levels of COVID medications when co-administered with TB drugs, thereby mitigating potential challenges and ensuring optimal treatment outcomes. A comprehensive analysis is presented, encompassing various illustrative instances of TB drugs that may impact COVID-19 clinical behavior, and vice versa. This review aims to provide valuable insights to healthcare providers, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing patient safety while managing co-infections. Ultimately, this study contributes to the body of knowledge necessary to optimize therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes in the face of the growing challenges posed by infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Rasheduzzaman Jony
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Center, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
- Center for Personalized Precision Medicine of Tuberculosis, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangzin Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Center, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
- Center for Personalized Precision Medicine of Tuberculosis, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
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43
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Philippsen GS, Seixas FAV. In silico identification of D449-0032 compound as a putative SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:6440-6447. [PMID: 37424215 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2234045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic originated the urgency in developing therapeutic resources for the treatment of COVID-19. Despite the current availability of vaccines and some antivirals, the occurence of severe cases of the disease and the risk of the emergence of new virus variants still motivate research in this field. In this context, this study aimed at the computational prospection of likely inhibitors of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 since inhibiting this enzyme leads to disruption of the viral replication process. The virtual screening of the antiviral libraries Asinex, ChemDiv, and Enamine targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was performed, indicating the D449-0032 compound as a promising inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations showed the stability of the protein-ligand complex and in silico predictions of toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters indicated the probable drug-like behavior of the compound. In vitro and in vivo studies are essential to confirm the Mpro inhibition by the D449-0032.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavio Augusto Vicente Seixas
- Laboratory of Structural Biochemistry, Departamento de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Umuarama, Brazil
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44
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Mittal RK, Purohit P, Sankaranarayanan M, Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman M, Taramelli D, Signorini L, Dolci M, Basilico N. In-vitro antiviral activity and in-silico targeted study of quinoline-3-carboxylate derivatives against SARS-Cov-2 isolate. Mol Divers 2024; 28:2651-2665. [PMID: 37480422 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10703-w] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the viral outbreak named COVID-19 showed that infectious diseases have a huge impact on both global health and the financial and economic sectors. The lack of efficacious antiviral drugs worsened the health problem. Based on our previous experience, we investigated in vitro and in silico a series of quinoline-3-carboxylate derivatives against a SARS-CoV-2 isolate. In the present study, the in-vitro antiviral activity of a series of quinoline-3-carboxylate compounds and the in silico target-based molecular dynamics (MD) and metabolic studies are reported. The compounds' activity against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated using plaque assay and RT-qPCR. Moreover, from the docking scores, it appears that the most active compounds (1j and 1o) exhibit stronger binding affinity to the primary viral protease (NSP5) and the exoribonuclease domain of non structural protein 14 (NSP14). Additionally, the in-silico metabolic analysis of 1j and 1o defines CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 as the major P450 enzymes involved in their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kumar Mittal
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S A S Nagar Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
- Galgotias College of Pharmacy, Greater Noida, UttarPradesh, India
| | - Priyank Purohit
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India.
| | - Murugesan Sankaranarayanan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Mohammed Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Pascal Street 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Pascal Street 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Pascal Street 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Pascal Street 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
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45
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Dwivedi M, Devi SS, Singh S, Trivedi M, Hussain N, Yadav S, Dubey KD. Phytocompounds as versatile drug-leads targeting mProtease in the SARS-CoV-2 virus: insights from a molecular dynamics study. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39264734 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2024.2385138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is one of the deadly outbreaks in the present era and still showing its presence around the globe. Researchers have produced various vaccines that offer protection against infection, but we have not yet found a cure for COVID-19. Currently, efforts are focused on identifying effective therapeutic approaches to treat this infectious disease. In the present work, we investigated the main protease (Mpro) protein, a crucial component in SARS-CoV-2 viral particle formation, as a drug target and proposed phytocompounds with therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2. Initially, several plant-based resources were exploited to screen around one thousand phytocompounds and further their physiochemical characterization and assessment of drug likeliness were performed using SwissADME. Eventually, we screened 95 compounds based on docking analysis using AutoDock Vina. Five compounds were selected having the highest affinity for Mpro for the analysis of ligand-receptor interaction using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Docking and MD simulation studies elucidated the promising stable interaction of selected 5 ligands with Mpro. During MD simulation of 100 ns, Abacopterin F showed the lowest binding energy (-37.13 kcal/mol) with the highest affinity towards Mpro and this compound may be proposed as a lead molecule for further investigation. This interaction may result in modulation of the Mpro activity, consequently leading to hindrance in viral particle formation. However, in-vitro and in-vivo experimental validation would be needed to process the selected phytomolecules as a therapeutic lead against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Dwivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
- Research Cell, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Sreevidya S Devi
- Mar Athanasios College for Advanced Studies, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
| | - Sukriti Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Mala Trivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Nadia Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shalini Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
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46
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Huang L, Gish M, Boehlke J, Jeep RH, Chen C. Assay Development and Validation for Innovative Antiviral Development Targeting the N-Terminal Autoprocessing of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Precursors. Viruses 2024; 16:1218. [PMID: 39205192 PMCID: PMC11359197 DOI: 10.3390/v16081218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is initially synthesized as part of polyprotein precursors that undergo autoproteolysis to release the free mature Mpro. To investigate the autoprocessing mechanism in transfected mammalian cells, we examined several fusion precursors, with the mature SARS-CoV-2 Mpro along with the flanking amino acids (to keep the native substrate sequences) sandwiched between different tags. Our analyses revealed differential proteolysis kinetics at the N- and C-terminal cleavage sites. Particularly, N-terminal processing is differentially influenced by various upstream fusion tags (GST, sGST, CD63, and Nsp4) and amino acid variations at the N-terminal P1 position, suggesting that precursor catalysis is flexible and subject to complex regulation. Mutating Q to E at the N-terminal P1 position altered both precursor catalysis and the properties of the released Mpro. Interestingly, the wild-type precursors exhibited different enzymatic activities compared to those of the released Mpro, displaying much lower susceptibility to known inhibitors targeting the mature form. These findings suggest the precursors as alternative targets for antiviral development. Accordingly, we developed and validated a high-throughput screening (HTS)-compatible platform for functional screening of compounds targeting either the N-terminal processing of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro precursor autoprocessing or the released mature Mpro through different mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chaoping Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.H.); (M.G.); (J.B.); (R.H.J.)
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47
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Jiang Z, Feng B, Chen L, Nie T, Chen S, Wang L, Liu H, Yu T, Zhang Y, Zheng M, Xu Y, Liu H, Zang Y, Su H, Zhang L, Li J, Zhou Y. Discovery of Novel Nonpeptidic and Noncovalent Small Molecule 3CL pro Inhibitors as anti-SARS-CoV-2 Drug Candidate. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39072488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has still been threatening global public health with its emerging variants. Our previous work reported lead compound JZD-07 that displayed good 3CLpro inhibitory activity. Here, an in-depth structural optimization for JZD-07 was launched to obtain more desirable drug candidates for the therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in which 54 novel derivatives were designed and synthesized by a structure-based drug design strategy. Among them, 24 compounds show significantly enhanced 3CLpro inhibitory potencies with IC50 values less than 100 nM, and 11 compounds dose-dependently inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. In particular, compound 49 has the most desirable antiviral activity with EC50 of 0.272 ± 0.013 μM against the delta variant, which was more than 20 times stronger than JZD-07. Oral administration of 49 could significantly reduce the lung viral copies of mice, exhibiting a more favorable therapeutic potential. Overall, this investigation presents a promising drug candidate for further development to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Jiang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tianqing Nie
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shizhao Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Pharmaceutical College of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Miao Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Zang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Jia Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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48
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Hangyu W, Panpan L, Jie S, Hongyan W, Linmiao W, Kangning H, Yichen S, Shuai W, Cheng W. Advancements in Antiviral Drug Development: Comprehensive Insights into Design Strategies and Mechanisms Targeting Key Viral Proteins. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1376-1384. [PMID: 38934770 PMCID: PMC11294656 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2403.03008] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases have always been a threat to human survival and quality of life, impeding the stability and progress of human society. As such, researchers have persistently focused on developing highly efficient, low-toxicity antiviral drugs, whether for acute or chronic infectious diseases. This article presents a comprehensive review of the design concepts behind virus-targeted drugs, examined through the lens of antiviral drug mechanisms. The intention is to provide a reference for the development of new, virus-targeted antiviral drugs and guide their clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Hangyu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Li Panpan
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Shen Jie
- School of Medical Laboratory, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wang Hongyan
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wei Linmiao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Han Kangning
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Shi Yichen
- School of Stomatology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wang Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, Inner Mongolia 010110, P.R. China
| | - Wang Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, Inner Mongolia 010110, P.R. China
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49
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Chung YS, Lam CY, Tan PH, Tsang HF, Wong SCC. Comprehensive Review of COVID-19: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Advancement in Diagnostic and Detection Techniques, and Post-Pandemic Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8155. [PMID: 39125722 PMCID: PMC11312261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158155] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, COVID-19 remains a public health concern due to the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and its prevalence in particular countries. This paper provides an updated overview of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of COVID-19, with a focus on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the phenomenon known as 'long COVID'. Meanwhile, diagnostic and detection advances will be mentioned. Though many inventions have been made to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, some outstanding ones include multiplex RT-PCR, which can be used for accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ELISA-based antigen tests also appear to be potential diagnostic tools to be available in the future. This paper also discusses current treatments, vaccination strategies, as well as emerging cell-based therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 underscores the necessity for us to continuously update scientific understanding and treatments for it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sze-Chuen Cesar Wong
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Y.-S.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (P.-H.T.); (H.-F.T.)
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50
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Zhu Y, Yurgelonis I, Noell S, Yang Q, Guan S, Li Z, Hao L, Rothan H, Rai DK, McMonagle P, Baniecki ML, Greasley SE, Plotnikova O, Lee J, Nicki JA, Ferre R, Byrnes LJ, Liu W, Craig TK, Steppan CM, Liberator P, Soares HD, Allerton CMN, Anderson AS, Cardin RD. In vitro selection and analysis of SARS-CoV-2 nirmatrelvir resistance mutations contributing to clinical virus resistance surveillance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl4013. [PMID: 39047088 PMCID: PMC11268423 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
To facilitate the detection and management of potential clinical antiviral resistance, in vitro selection of drug-resistant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) against the virus Mpro inhibitor nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid active component) was conducted. Six Mpro mutation patterns containing T304I alone or in combination with T21I, L50F, T135I, S144A, or A173V emerged, with A173V+T304I and T21I+S144A+T304I mutations showing >20-fold resistance each. Biochemical analyses indicated inhibition constant shifts aligned to antiviral results, with S144A and A173V each markedly reducing nirmatrelvir inhibition and Mpro activity. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance revealed that in vitro resistance-associated mutations from our studies and those reported in the literature were rarely detected in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database. In the Paxlovid Evaluation of Protease Inhibition for COVID-19 in High-Risk Patients trial, E166V was the only emergent resistance mutation, observed in three Paxlovid-treated patients, none of whom experienced COVID-19-related hospitalization or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuao Zhu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Irina Yurgelonis
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Stephen Noell
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Qingyi Yang
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Cambridge MA 02139, USA
| | - Shunjie Guan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Cambridge MA 02139, USA
| | - Zhenghui Li
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Li Hao
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Hussin Rothan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Devendra K. Rai
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Patricia McMonagle
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Mary Lynn Baniecki
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Cambridge MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Olga Plotnikova
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Nicki
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - RoseAnn Ferre
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
| | - Laura J. Byrnes
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
| | - Timothy K. Craig
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Claire M. Steppan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Paul Liberator
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
| | - Holly D. Soares
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | | | | | - Rhonda D. Cardin
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pearl River, NY 10965, USA
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