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Lai HY, Fan KC, Lee YH, Lew WZ, Lai WY, Lee SY, Chang WJ, Huang HM. Using a static magnetic field to attenuate the severity in COVID-19-invaded lungs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16830. [PMID: 39039227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Two important factors affecting the progress of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are the S-protein binding function of ACE2 receptors and the membrane fluidity of host cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on S-protein/ACE2 binding and cellular membrane fluidity of lung cells, and was performed in vitro using a Calu-3 cell model and in vivo using an animal model. The ability of ACE2 receptors to bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on host cell surfaces under SMF stimulation was evaluated using fluorescence images. Host lung cell membrane fluidity was tested using fluorescence polarization to determine the effects of SMF. Our results indicate that 0.4 T SMF can affect binding between S-protein and ACE2 receptors and increase Calu-3 cell membrane fluidity, and that SMF exposure attenuates LPS-induced alveolar wall thickening in mice. These results may be of value for developing future non-contact, non-invasive, and low side-effect treatments to reduce disease severity in COVID-19-invaded lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Yu Lai
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Fan
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Wan Fang Hospital, 11696, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Lee
- Department of Animal Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, 912301, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Zhen Lew
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yi Lai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 112062, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yang Lee
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Wan Fang Hospital, 11696, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chang
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Haw-Ming Huang
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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Hayashi Y, Suzuki T, Horioka N, Dohmae N, Tanikawa T. Phospholipid Scramblase 1 Localizes Proximal to Sphingomyelin Synthase Isoforms but Is Not Involved in Sphingomyelin Synthesis. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:1136-1143. [PMID: 38866522 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00177] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Ceramide (Cer) is synthesized de novo in the bilayer of the endoplasmic reticulum and transported to the cytosolic leaflet of the trans-Golgi apparatus for sphingomyelin (SM) synthesis. As the active site of SM synthase (SMS) is located on the luminal side of the Golgi membrane, Cer translocates to the lumen via transbilayer movement for SM synthesis. However, the mechanism of transbilayer movement is not fully understood. As the Cer-related translocases seem to localize near the SMS, the protein was identified using proximity-dependent biotin identification proteomics. Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1), which is thought to act as a scramblase for phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, was identified as a protein proximal to the SMS isoforms SMS1 and SMS2. Although five isoforms of PLSCR have been reported in humans, only PLSCR1, PLSCR3, and PLSCR4 are expressed in HEK293T cells. Confocal microscopic analysis showed that PLSCR1 and PLSCR4 partially co-localized with p230, a trans-Golgi network marker, where SMS isoforms are localized. We established CRISPR/Cas9-mediated PLSCR1, PLSCR3, and PLSCR4 single-knockout cells and PLSCR1, 3, 4 triple knockout HEK293T cells. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed that the levels of species with distinct acyl chains in Cer and SM were not significantly different in single knockout cells or in the triple knockout cells compared to the wild-type cells. Our findings suggest that PLSCR1 is localized in the vicinity of SMS isoforms, however is not involved in the transbilayer movement of Cer for SM synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
| | | | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
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Cesar-Silva D, Pereira-Dutra FS, Giannini ALM, Maya-Monteiro CM, de Almeida CJG. Lipid compartments and lipid metabolism as therapeutic targets against coronavirus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268854. [PMID: 38106410 PMCID: PMC10722172 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268854] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids perform a series of cellular functions, establishing cell and organelles' boundaries, organizing signaling platforms, and creating compartments where specific reactions occur. Moreover, lipids store energy and act as secondary messengers whose distribution is tightly regulated. Disruption of lipid metabolism is associated with many diseases, including those caused by viruses. In this scenario, lipids can favor virus replication and are not solely used as pathogens' energy source. In contrast, cells can counteract viruses using lipids as weapons. In this review, we discuss the available data on how coronaviruses profit from cellular lipid compartments and why targeting lipid metabolism may be a powerful strategy to fight these cellular parasites. We also provide a formidable collection of data on the pharmacological approaches targeting lipid metabolism to impair and treat coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Cesar-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Genetics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Filipe S. Pereira-Dutra
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Genetics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Moraes Giannini
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Signal Transduction, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clarissa M. Maya-Monteiro
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Genetics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cecília Jacques G. de Almeida
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Genetics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Fenizia S, Gaggini M, Vassalle C. The Sphingolipid-Signaling Pathway as a Modulator of Infection by SARS-CoV-2. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7956-7973. [PMID: 37886946 PMCID: PMC10605018 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramides and other related sphingolipids, important cellular components linked to metabolic homeostasis and cardiometabolic diseases, have been found to be involved in different steps of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Hence, changes in their physiological levels are identified as predictors of COVID-19 severity and prognosis, as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, an overview of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle is given, followed by a description of the sphingolipid metabolism and its role in viral infection, with a particular focus on those steps required to finalize the viral life cycle. Furthermore, the use and development of pharmaceutical strategies to target sphingolipids to prevent and treat severe and long-term symptoms of infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19, are reviewed herein. Finally, research perspectives and current challenges in this research field are highlighted. Although many aspects of sphingolipid metabolism are not fully known, this review aims to highlight how the discovery and use of molecules targeting sphingolipids with reliable and selective properties may offer new therapeutic alternatives to infectious and other diseases, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fenizia
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Melania Gaggini
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Ali H, Naseem A, Siddiqui ZI. SARS-CoV-2 Syncytium under the Radar: Molecular Insights of the Spike-Induced Syncytia and Potential Strategies to Limit SARS-CoV-2 Replication. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6079. [PMID: 37763019 PMCID: PMC10531702 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186079] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces non-physiological syncytia when its spike fusogenic protein on the surface of the host cells interacts with the ACE2 receptor on adjacent cells. Spike-induced syncytia are beneficial for virus replication, transmission, and immune evasion, and contribute to the progression of COVID-19. In this review, we highlight the properties of viral fusion proteins, mainly the SARS-CoV-2 spike, and the involvement of the host factors in the fusion process. We also highlight the possible use of anti-fusogenic factors as an antiviral for the development of therapeutics against newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and how the fusogenic property of the spike could be exploited for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashim Ali
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Asma Naseem
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Zaheenul Islam Siddiqui
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York, NY 11501, USA
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Tzou FY, Hornemann T, Yeh JY, Huang SY. The pathophysiological role of dihydroceramide desaturase in the nervous system. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 91:101236. [PMID: 37187315 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Dihydroceramide desaturase 1 (DEGS1) converts dihydroceramide (dhCer) to ceramide (Cer) by inserting a C4-C5 trans (∆4E) double bond into the sphingoid backbone. Low DEGS activity causes accumulation of dhCer and other dihydrosphingolipid species. Although dhCer and Cer are structurally very similar, their imbalances can have major consequences both in vitro and in vivo. Mutations in the human DEGS1 gene are known to cause severe neurological defects, such as hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Likewise, inhibition of DEGS1 activity in fly and zebrafish models causes dhCer accumulation and subsequent neuronal dysfunction, suggesting that DEGS1 activity plays a conserved and critical role in the nervous system. Dihydrosphingolipids and their desaturated counterparts are known to control various essential processes, including autophagy, exosome biogenesis, ER stress, cell proliferation, and cell death. Furthermore, model membranes with either dihydrosphingolipids or sphingolipids exhibit different biophysical properties, including membrane permeability and packing, thermal stability, and lipid diffusion. However, the links between molecular properties, in vivo functional data, and clinical manifestations that underlie impaired DEGS1 function remain largely unresolved. In this review, we summarize the known biological and pathophysiological roles of dhCer and its derivative dihydrosphingolipid species in the nervous system, and we highlight several possible disease mechanisms that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Yang Tzou
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thorsten Hornemann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital and University Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jui-Yu Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yi Huang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Hayashi Y, Matsuda K, Tanigawa K, Tanikawa T, Maeda K, Tsuchiya K. Dihydroceramide Δ4-Desaturase 1 Is Not Involved in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:1559-1563. [PMID: 36184516 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1 (DEGS1) enzymatic activity is inhibited with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-retinamide (4-HPR). We reported previously that 4-HPR suppresses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry through a DEGS1-independent mechanism. However, it remains unclear whether DEGS1 is involved in other SARS-CoV-2 infection processes, such as virus replication and release. Here we established DEGS1 knockout (KO) in VeroE6TMPRSS2 cells. No significant difference was observed in virus production in the culture supernatant between wild-type (WT) cells and DEGS1-KO cells, although the levels of dihydroceramide (DHCer), a DEGS1 substrate, were significantly higher in DEGS1-KO cells than WT cells. Furthermore, the virus-induced cytopathic effect was also observed in DEGS1-KO cells. Importantly, the EC50 value of 4-HPR in DEGS1-KO cells was almost identical to the value reported previously in WT cells. Our results indicated the lack of involvement of DEGS1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kouki Matsuda
- Department of Refractory Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute
| | | | - Takashi Tanikawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Division of Antiviral Therapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University
| | - Kiyoto Tsuchiya
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine
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