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Deng J, Gong F, Li Y, Tan X, Liu X, Yang S, Chen X, Wang H, Liu Q, Shen C, Zhou L, Chen Y. Structural and functional insights into the 2'-O-methyltransferase of SARS-CoV-2. Virol Sin 2024; 39:619-631. [PMID: 38969340 PMCID: PMC11401473 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.07.001] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
A unique feature of coronaviruses is their utilization of self-encoded nonstructural protein 16 (nsp16), 2'-O-methyltransferase (2'-O-MTase), to cap their RNAs through ribose 2'-O-methylation modification. This process is crucial for maintaining viral genome stability, facilitating efficient translation, and enabling immune escape. Despite considerable advances in the ultrastructure of SARS-CoV-2 nsp16/nsp10, insights into its molecular mechanism have so far been limited. In this study, we systematically characterized the 2'-O-MTase activity of nsp16 in SARS-CoV-2, focusing on its dependence on nsp10 stimulation. We observed cross-reactivity between nsp16 and nsp10 in various coronaviruses due to a conserved interaction interface. However, a single residue substitution (K58T) in SARS-CoV-2 nsp10 restricted the functional activation of MERS-CoV nsp16. Furthermore, the cofactor nsp10 effectively enhanced the binding of nsp16 to the substrate RNA and the methyl donor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). Mechanistically, His-80, Lys-93, and Gly-94 of nsp10 interacted with Asp-102, Ser-105, and Asp-106 of nsp16, respectively, thereby effectively stabilizing the SAM binding pocket. Lys-43 of nsp10 interacted with Lys-38 and Gly-39 of nsp16 to dynamically regulate the RNA binding pocket and facilitate precise binding of RNA to the nsp16/nsp10 complex. By assessing the conformational epitopes of nsp16/nsp10 complex, we further determined the critical residues involved in 2'-O-MTase activity. Additionally, we utilized an in vitro biochemical platform to screen potential inhibitors targeting 2'-O-MTase activity. Overall, our results significantly enhance the understanding of viral 2'-O methylation process and mechanism, providing valuable targets for antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikai Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Feiyu Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yingjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shimin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xianying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Qianyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory/Institute for Vaccine Research, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory/Institute for Vaccine Research, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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2
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Chan JFW, Yuan S, Chu H, Sridhar S, Yuen KY. COVID-19 drug discovery and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:391-407. [PMID: 38622352 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused substantial morbidity and mortality, and serious social and economic disruptions worldwide. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated older individuals with underlying diseases are especially prone to severe disease. In patients with non-fatal disease, long COVID affecting multiple body systems may persist for months. Unlike SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which have either been mitigated or remained geographically restricted, SARS-CoV-2 has disseminated globally and is likely to continue circulating in humans with possible emergence of new variants that may render vaccines less effective. Thus, safe, effective and readily available COVID-19 therapeutics are urgently needed. In this Review, we summarize the major drug discovery approaches, preclinical antiviral evaluation models, representative virus-targeting and host-targeting therapeutic options, and key therapeutics currently in clinical use for COVID-19. Preparedness against future coronavirus pandemics relies not only on effective vaccines but also on broad-spectrum antivirals targeting conserved viral components or universal host targets, and new therapeutics that can precisely modulate the immune response during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- 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 Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- 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 Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- 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 Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- 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 Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- 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 Special Administrative Region, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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3
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Khan AA, Ahmad R, Mehmood F, Ahmad I. Efficient detection of nitric oxide a biomarker associated with COVID19 via N, P co-doped C 60 fullerene: a computational study. J Mol Model 2024; 30:166. [PMID: 38744728 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05954-9] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a novel respiratory viral infection, causing a relatively large number of deaths especially in people who underly lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary and asthma, and humans are still suffering from the limited testing capacity. In this article, a solution is proposed for the detection of COVID-19 viral infections through the analysis of exhaled breath gasses, i.e., nitric oxide, a prominent biomarker released by respiratory epithelial, as a non-invasive and time-saving approach. Here, we designed a novel and low-cost N and P co-doped C60 fullerene-based breathalyzer for the detection of NO gas exhaled from the respiratory epithelial cells. This breathalyzer shows a quick response to the detection of NO gas by directly converting NO to NO2 without passing any energy barrier (0 kcal/mol activation energy). The recovery time of breathalyzer is very short (0.98 × 103 s), whereas it is highly selective for NO sensing in the mixture of CO2 and H2O gasses. The study provides an idea for the synthesis of low-cost (compared to previously reported Au atom decorated nanostructure and metal-based breathalyzer), efficient, and highly selective N and P co-doped C60 fullerene-based breathalyzer for COVID-19 detection. METHODS The geometries of N and P-doped systems and gas molecules are simulated using spin-polarized density functional theory calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Ali Khan
- Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan.
| | - Rashid Ahmad
- Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan.
| | - Fazal Mehmood
- Institiute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 558060, China
| | - Iftikhar Ahmad
- Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
- Department of Physics, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
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4
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Okasha NI, Abdel-Rahman MA, Nafie MS, Abo Shama NM, Mahmoud SH, El-Ebeedy DA, Abdel Azeiz AZ. Identification of potential antiviral compounds from Egyptian sea stars against MERS-CoV with the in vitro and in silico experiments. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38563220 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2335361] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the world faced many epidemics which were caused by viral respiratory pathogens. Marine creatures including Asteroidea class have been one of the recent research topics due to their diverse and complex secondary metabolites. Some of these constituents exhibit antiviral activities. The present study aimed to extract and identify the potential antiviral compounds from Pentaceraster cumingi, Astropecten polyacanthus and Pentaceraster mammillatus. The results showed that promising activity of the methanolic extract of P. cumingi with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.21 mg/ml against MERS-CoV with a selective index (SI) of 13.975. The biochemical components of the extracts were identified by GC/MS analysis. The Molecular docking study highlighted the virtual mechanism of binding the identified compounds towards three PDB codes of MERS-CoV non-structural protein 10/16. Interestingly, 2-mono Linolein showed promising binding energy of -14.75 Kcal/mol with the second PDB code (5YNI) and -15.22 Kcal/mol with the third PDB code (5YNQ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia I Okasha
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), 6th of October, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed S Nafie
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Noura M Abo Shama
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sara H Mahmoud
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia A El-Ebeedy
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), 6th of October, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Z Abdel Azeiz
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), 6th of October, Egypt
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5
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Trepte P, Secker C, Olivet J, Blavier J, Kostova S, Maseko SB, Minia I, Silva Ramos E, Cassonnet P, Golusik S, Zenkner M, Beetz S, Liebich MJ, Scharek N, Schütz A, Sperling M, Lisurek M, Wang Y, Spirohn K, Hao T, Calderwood MA, Hill DE, Landthaler M, Choi SG, Twizere JC, Vidal M, Wanker EE. AI-guided pipeline for protein-protein interaction drug discovery identifies a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:428-457. [PMID: 38467836 PMCID: PMC10987651 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00019-8] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) offer great opportunities to expand the druggable proteome and therapeutically tackle various diseases, but remain challenging targets for drug discovery. Here, we provide a comprehensive pipeline that combines experimental and computational tools to identify and validate PPI targets and perform early-stage drug discovery. We have developed a machine learning approach that prioritizes interactions by analyzing quantitative data from binary PPI assays or AlphaFold-Multimer predictions. Using the quantitative assay LuTHy together with our machine learning algorithm, we identified high-confidence interactions among SARS-CoV-2 proteins for which we predicted three-dimensional structures using AlphaFold-Multimer. We employed VirtualFlow to target the contact interface of the NSP10-NSP16 SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase complex by ultra-large virtual drug screening. Thereby, we identified a compound that binds to NSP10 and inhibits its interaction with NSP16, while also disrupting the methyltransferase activity of the complex, and SARS-CoV-2 replication. Overall, this pipeline will help to prioritize PPI targets to accelerate the discovery of early-stage drug candidates targeting protein complexes and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Trepte
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
- Brain Development and Disease, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christopher Secker
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
- Zuse Institute Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Julien Olivet
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Structural Biology Unit, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeremy Blavier
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Simona Kostova
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sibusiso B Maseko
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Igor Minia
- RNA Biology and Posttranscriptional Regulation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduardo Silva Ramos
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Cassonnet
- Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Golusik
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Zenkner
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Beetz
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mara J Liebich
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Scharek
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Schütz
- Protein Production & Characterization, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Sperling
- Multifunctional Colloids and Coating, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Michael Lisurek
- Structural Chemistry and Computational Biophysics, Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yang Wang
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kerstin Spirohn
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Tong Hao
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Michael A Calderwood
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David E Hill
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Markus Landthaler
- RNA Biology and Posttranscriptional Regulation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soon Gang Choi
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Jean-Claude Twizere
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- TERRA Teaching and Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030, Gembloux, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Algal Synthetic and Systems Biology, Division of Science and Math, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Marc Vidal
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
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He M, Cao L, Liu L, Jin X, Zheng B, Liu X, Zhuang J, Zhang F, Yang Z, Ji Y, Xu T, Huang S, Chen J, Xie L, Li K, Hou P, Pan J, Guo D, Li C. Reconstitution of RNA cap methylation reveals different features of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV methyltransferases. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29411. [PMID: 38285434 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29411] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Cap RNA methylations play important roles in the replication, evasion of host RNA sensor recognition, and pathogenesis. Coronaviruses possess both guanine N7- and 2'-O-ribose methyltransferases (N7-MTase and 2'-O-MTase) encoded by nonstructural protein (nsp) 14 and nsp16/10 complex, respectively. In this study, we reconstituted the two-step RNA methylations of N7-MTase and 2'-O-MTase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro and demonstrated its common and different features in comparison with that of SARS-CoV. We revealed that the nsp16/10 2'-O-MTase of SARS-CoV-2 has a broader substrate selectivity than the counterpart of SARS-CoV and can accommodate both unmethylated and uncapped RNA substrates in a sequence-independent manner. Most intriguingly, the substrate selectivity of nsp16/10 complex is not determined by the apoenzyme of nsp16 MTase but by its cofactor nsp10. These results provide insight into the unique features of SARS-CoV-2 MTases and may help develop strategies to precisely intervene in the methylation pathway and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Birong Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhuang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fushi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zixiao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxi Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiefeng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyao Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhai Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Luyang Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Panpan Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Pan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Deyin Guo
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunmei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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7
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Sulimov AV, Ilin IS, Tashchilova AS, Kondakova OA, Kutov DC, Sulimov VB. Docking and other computing tools in drug design against SARS-CoV-2. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 35:91-136. [PMID: 38353209 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2024.2306336] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The use of computer simulation methods has become an indispensable component in identifying drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. There is a huge body of literature on application of molecular modelling to predict inhibitors against target proteins of SARS-CoV-2. To keep our review clear and readable, we limited ourselves primarily to works that use computational methods to find inhibitors and test the predicted compounds experimentally either in target protein assays or in cell culture with live SARS-CoV-2. Some works containing results of experimental discovery of corresponding inhibitors without using computer modelling are included as examples of a success. Also, some computational works without experimental confirmations are also included if they attract our attention either by simulation methods or by databases used. This review collects studies that use various molecular modelling methods: docking, molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, machine learning, and others. Most of these studies are based on docking, and other methods are used mainly for post-processing to select the best compounds among those found through docking. Simulation methods are presented concisely, information is also provided on databases of organic compounds that can be useful for virtual screening, and the review itself is structured in accordance with coronavirus target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Sulimov
- Dimonta Ltd., Moscow, Russia
- Research Computing Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - I S Ilin
- Research Computing Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Tashchilova
- Dimonta Ltd., Moscow, Russia
- Research Computing Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - O A Kondakova
- Research Computing Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - D C Kutov
- Dimonta Ltd., Moscow, Russia
- Research Computing Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - V B Sulimov
- Dimonta Ltd., Moscow, Russia
- Research Computing Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Tsukamoto Y, Igarashi M, Kato H. Targeting cap1 RNA methyltransferases as an antiviral strategy. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:86-99. [PMID: 38091983 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.011] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Methylation is one of the critical modifications that regulates numerous biological processes. Guanine capping and methylation at the 7th position (m7G) have been shown to mature mRNA for increased RNA stability and translational efficiency. The m7G capped cap0 RNA remains immature and requires additional methylation at the first nucleotide (N1-2'-O-Me), designated as cap1, to achieve full maturation. This cap1 RNA with N1-2'-O-Me prevents its recognition by innate immune sensors as non-self. Viruses have also evolved various strategies to produce self-like capped RNAs with the N1-2'-O-Me that potentially evades the antiviral response and establishes an efficient replication. In this review, we focus on the importance of the presence of N1-2'-O-Me in viral RNAs and discuss the potential for drug development by targeting host and viral N1-2'-O-methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Tsukamoto
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manabu Igarashi
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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9
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Schindewolf C, Menachery VD. Coronavirus 2'-O-methyltransferase: A promising therapeutic target. Virus Res 2023; 336:199211. [PMID: 37634741 PMCID: PMC10485632 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been the source of multiple epidemics and a global pandemic since the start of century, and there is an urgent need to understand CoV biology and develop better therapeutics. Here, we review the role of NSP16 in CoV replication, specifically its importance to 2'-O-methylation and CoV RNA capping. We describe the attenuation phenotypes of NSP16-mutant CoVs, the roles of MDA5 and IFITs in sensing and antagonizing viral RNA lacking 2'O methylation, and the dependence on 2'-O-methylation in other virus families. We also detail the growing body of research into targeting 2'-O-methylation for therapeutics or as a platform for live attenuated vaccines. Beyond its role in RNA capping, NSP16 may have yet uncharacterized importance to CoV replication, highlighting the need for continued studies into NSP16 functions. Understanding the full contribution of NSP16 to the replicative fitness of CoVs will better inform the development of treatments against future CoV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Schindewolf
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Vineet D Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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10
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Inniss NL, Kozic J, Li F, Rosas-Lemus M, Minasov G, Rybáček J, Zhu Y, Pohl R, Shuvalova L, Rulíšek L, Brunzelle JS, Bednárová L, Štefek M, Kormaník JM, Andris E, Šebestík J, Li ASM, Brown PJ, Schmitz U, Saikatendu K, Chang E, Nencka R, Vedadi M, Satchell KJ. Discovery of a Druggable, Cryptic Pocket in SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 Using Allosteric Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1918-1931. [PMID: 37728236 PMCID: PMC10961098 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00203] [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] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
A collaborative, open-science team undertook discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp16-nsp10 2'-O-methyltransferase using a high throughput screening approach with the potential to reveal new inhibition strategies. This screen yielded compound 5a, a ligand possessing an electron-deficient double bond, as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 activity. Surprisingly, X-ray crystal structures revealed that 5a covalently binds within a previously unrecognized cryptic pocket near the S-adenosylmethionine binding cleft in a manner that prevents occupation by S-adenosylmethionine. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we examined the mechanism of binding of compound 5a to the nsp16 cryptic pocket and developed 5a derivatives that inhibited nsp16 activity and murine hepatitis virus replication in rat lung epithelial cells but proved cytotoxic to cell lines canonically used to examine SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study reveals the druggability of this newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 nsp16 cryptic pocket, provides novel tool compounds to explore the site, and suggests a new approach for discovery of nsp16 inhibition-based pan-coronavirus therapeutics through structure-guided drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L. Inniss
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - Ján Kozic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Monica Rosas-Lemus
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - George Minasov
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - Jiří Rybáček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 201308, China
| | - Radek Pohl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmilla Shuvalova
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
| | - Lubomír Rulíšek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph S. Brunzelle
- Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, Life Sciences Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, IL, 60439, United States
| | - Lucie Bednárová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Štefek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Michael Kormaník
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Andris
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Šebestík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Shi Ming Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada, and Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Peter J. Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Uli Schmitz
- Structural Chemistry, Gilead Pharmaceuticals, San Mateo, CA, 94404, United States
| | - Kumar Saikatendu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Edcon Chang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 6, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada, and Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Karla J.F. Satchell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
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11
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Mihalič F, Benz C, Kassa E, Lindqvist R, Simonetti L, Inturi R, Aronsson H, Andersson E, Chi CN, Davey NE, Överby AK, Jemth P, Ivarsson Y. Identification of motif-based interactions between SARS-CoV-2 protein domains and human peptide ligands pinpoint antiviral targets. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5636. [PMID: 37704626 PMCID: PMC10499821 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41312-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The virus life cycle depends on host-virus protein-protein interactions, which often involve a disordered protein region binding to a folded protein domain. Here, we used proteomic peptide phage display (ProP-PD) to identify peptides from the intrinsically disordered regions of the human proteome that bind to folded protein domains encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Eleven folded domains of SARS-CoV-2 proteins were found to bind 281 peptides from human proteins, and affinities of 31 interactions involving eight SARS-CoV-2 protein domains were determined (KD ∼ 7-300 μM). Key specificity residues of the peptides were established for six of the interactions. Two of the peptides, binding Nsp9 and Nsp16, respectively, inhibited viral replication. Our findings demonstrate how high-throughput peptide binding screens simultaneously identify potential host-virus interactions and peptides with antiviral properties. Furthermore, the high number of low-affinity interactions suggest that overexpression of viral proteins during infection may perturb multiple cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Mihalič
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Caroline Benz
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eszter Kassa
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Richard Lindqvist
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Leandro Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Raviteja Inturi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Aronsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Celestine N Chi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Norman E Davey
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Anna K Överby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Jemth
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Ivarsson
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
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12
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Trepte P, Secker C, Kostova S, Maseko SB, Choi SG, Blavier J, Minia I, Ramos ES, Cassonnet P, Golusik S, Zenkner M, Beetz S, Liebich MJ, Scharek N, Schütz A, Sperling M, Lisurek M, Wang Y, Spirohn K, Hao T, Calderwood MA, Hill DE, Landthaler M, Olivet J, Twizere JC, Vidal M, Wanker EE. AI-guided pipeline for protein-protein interaction drug discovery identifies a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.14.544560. [PMID: 37398436 PMCID: PMC10312674 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) offer great opportunities to expand the druggable proteome and therapeutically tackle various diseases, but remain challenging targets for drug discovery. Here, we provide a comprehensive pipeline that combines experimental and computational tools to identify and validate PPI targets and perform early-stage drug discovery. We have developed a machine learning approach that prioritizes interactions by analyzing quantitative data from binary PPI assays and AlphaFold-Multimer predictions. Using the quantitative assay LuTHy together with our machine learning algorithm, we identified high-confidence interactions among SARS-CoV-2 proteins for which we predicted three-dimensional structures using AlphaFold Multimer. We employed VirtualFlow to target the contact interface of the NSP10-NSP16 SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase complex by ultra-large virtual drug screening. Thereby, we identified a compound that binds to NSP10 and inhibits its interaction with NSP16, while also disrupting the methyltransferase activity of the complex, and SARS-CoV-2 replication. Overall, this pipeline will help to prioritize PPI targets to accelerate the discovery of early-stage drug candidates targeting protein complexes and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Trepte
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Brain Development and Disease, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Secker
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Zuse Institute Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simona Kostova
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sibusiso B. Maseko
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Soon Gang Choi
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jeremy Blavier
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Igor Minia
- RNA Biology and Posttranscriptional Regulation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduardo Silva Ramos
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Cassonnet
- Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Golusik
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Zenkner
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Beetz
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mara J. Liebich
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Scharek
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Schütz
- Protein Production & Characterization, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Sperling
- Multifunctional Colloids and Coating, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Michael Lisurek
- Structural Chemistry and Computational Biophysics, Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yang Wang
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kerstin Spirohn
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Tong Hao
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Michael A. Calderwood
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David E. Hill
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Markus Landthaler
- RNA Biology and Posttranscriptional Regulation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien Olivet
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Structural Biology Unit, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Twizere
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA)-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- TERRA Teaching and Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030, Gembloux, Belgium
- Laboratory of Algal Synthetic and Systems Biology, Division of Science and Math, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marc Vidal
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Erich E. Wanker
- Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Escalera-Zamudio M, Kosakovsky Pond SL, de la Viña NM, Gutiérrez B, Inward RPD, Thézé J, van Dorp L, Castelán-Sánchez HG, Bowden TA, Pybus OG, Hulswit RJG. Identification of evolutionary trajectories shared across human betacoronaviruses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2021.05.24.445313. [PMID: 34075377 PMCID: PMC8168386 DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.24.445313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Comparing the evolution of distantly related viruses can provide insights into common adaptive processes related to shared ecological niches. Phylogenetic approaches, coupled with other molecular evolution tools, can help identify mutations informative on adaptation, whilst the structural contextualization of these to functional sites of proteins may help gain insight into their biological properties. Two zoonotic betacoronaviruses capable of sustained human-to-human transmission have caused pandemics in recent times (SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2), whilst a third virus (MERS-CoV) is responsible for sporadic outbreaks linked to animal infections. Moreover, two other betacoronaviruses have circulated endemically in humans for decades (HKU1 and OC43). To search for evidence of adaptive convergence between established and emerging betacoronaviruses capable of sustained human-to-human transmission (HKU1, OC43, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2), we developed a methodological pipeline to classify shared non-synonymous mutations as putatively denoting homoplasy (repeated mutations that do not share direct common ancestry) or stepwise evolution (sequential mutations leading towards a novel genotype). In parallel, we look for evidence of positive selection, and draw upon protein structure data to identify potential biological implications. We find 30 mutations, with four of these [codon sites 18121 (nsp14/residue 28), 21623 (spike/21), 21635 (spike/25) and 23948 (spike/796); SARS-CoV-2 genome numbering] displaying evolution under positive selection and proximity to functional protein regions. Our findings shed light on potential mechanisms underlying betacoronavirus adaptation to the human host and pinpoint common mutational pathways that may occur during establishment of human endemicity.
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14
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Arabi-Jeshvaghani F, Javadi‐Zarnaghi F, Ganjalikhany MR. Analysis of critical protein-protein interactions of SARS-CoV-2 capping and proofreading molecular machineries towards designing dual target inhibitory peptides. Sci Rep 2023; 13:350. [PMID: 36611052 PMCID: PMC9825083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26778-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as the cause of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic, and its variants, especially those with higher transmissibility and substantial immune evasion, have highlighted the imperative for developing novel therapeutics as sustainable solutions other than vaccination to combat coronaviruses (CoVs). Beside receptor recognition and virus entry, members of the SARS-CoV-2 replication/transcription complex are promising targets for designing antivirals. Here, the interacting residues that mediate protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of nsp10 with nsp16 and nsp14 were comprehensively analyzed, and the key residues' interaction maps, interaction energies, structural networks, and dynamics were investigated. Nsp10 stimulates both nsp14's exoribonuclease (ExoN) and nsp16's 2'O-methyltransferase (2'O-MTase). Nsp14 ExoN is an RNA proofreading enzyme that supports replication fidelity. Nsp16 2'O-MTase is responsible for the completion of RNA capping to ensure efficient replication and translation and escape from the host cell's innate immune system. The results of the PPIs analysis proposed crucial information with implications for designing SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drugs. Based on the predicted shared protein-protein interfaces of the nsp16-nsp10 and nsp14-nsp10 interactions, a set of dual-target peptide inhibitors was designed. The designed peptides were evaluated by molecular docking, peptide-protein interaction analysis, and free energy calculations, and then further optimized by in silico saturation mutagenesis. Based on the predicted evolutionary conservation of the interacted target residues among CoVs, the designed peptides have the potential to be developed as dual target pan-coronavirus inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Arabi-Jeshvaghani
- grid.411750.60000 0001 0454 365XDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Javadi‐Zarnaghi
- grid.411750.60000 0001 0454 365XDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Ganjalikhany
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
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15
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Malik A, Kohli M, Jacob NA, Kayal A, Raj TK, Kulkarni N, Chandramohan V. In silico screening of phytochemical compounds and FDA drugs as potential inhibitors for NSP16/10 5' methyl transferase activity. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:221-233. [PMID: 34844519 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2005680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The recent global pandemic associated with the highly contagious novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an unpredictable loss of life and economy worldwide, and the discovery of antiviral drugs is an urgent necessity. For the discovery of new drug leads and for the treatment of various diseases, natural products and purified photochemical from medicinal plants are used. The RNA cap was methylated by two S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), catalyzed by NSP16 2'-O-Mtase. Natural substrate SAM, 128 Phytocompounds retrieved from the Phytocompounds database, and 11 standard FDA-approved HIV drugs reclaimed from the PubChem database are subjected to docking analysis. The docking study was done using AutoDock Vina. Further, admetSAR and DruLiTO servers are used to analyze the drug-likeness properties. The NSP16/10 structure and natural substrate SAM, Phytocompounds Withanolide (WTL), and HIV standard drug Dolutegravir (DLT) as hit compounds were identified by molecular dynamics using the Gromacs GPU-enabled package. To examine the effectiveness of the identified drugs versus COVID-19, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayank Kohli
- Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Programme, Department of Biotechnology, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India
| | - Neethu Anju Jacob
- Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Programme, Department of Biotechnology, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | | | - Vivek Chandramohan
- Department of Biotechnology, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India
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16
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Sarkar M, Saha S. Modeling of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Proteins: Implications on Its Proteome. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2627:265-299. [PMID: 36959453 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2974-1_15] [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: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by a group of beta coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is similar to previous SARS- and MERS-causing strains and has infected nearly six hundred and fifty million people all over the globe, while the death toll has crossed the six million mark (as of December, 2022). In this chapter, we look at how computational modeling approaches of the viral proteins could help us understand the various processes in the viral life cycle inside the host, an understanding of which might provide key insights in mitigating this and future threats. This understanding helps us identify key targets for the purpose of drug discovery and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Sarkar
- Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (HTW) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- MedInsights SAS, Paris, France
| | - Soham Saha
- MedInsights, Veuilly la Poterie, France.
- MedInsights SAS, Paris, France.
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17
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Hsiao K, Zegzouti H, Goueli S. High throughput bioluminescent assay to characterize and monitor the activity of SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferases. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274343. [PMID: 36445904 PMCID: PMC9707771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The fast rate of viral mutations of SARS CoV-2 result in decrease in the efficacy of the vaccines that have been developed before the emergence of these mutations. Thus, it is believed that using additional measures to combat the virus is not only advisable but also beneficial. Two antiviral drugs were authorized for emergency use by the FDA, namely Pfizer's two-drug regimen sold under the brand name Paxlovid, and Merck's drug Lagevrio. Pfizer's two-drug combination consists of nirmatrelvir, a protease inhibitor that blocks coronavirus ability to multiply and another antiviral, ritonavir, that lowers the rate of drug clearance to boost the longevity and activity of the protease inhibitor. Merck's drug Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is a nucleoside analogue with a mechanism of action that aims to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus. We believe the armament against the virus can be augmented by the addition of another class of enzyme inhibitors that are required for viral survival and its ability to replicate. Enzymes like nsp14 and nsp10/16 methyltransferases (MTases) represent another class of drug targets since they are required for viral RNA translation and evading the host immune system. In this communication, we have successfully verified that the MTase-Glo, which is universal and homogeneous MTase assay can be used to screen for inhibitors of the two pivotal enzymes nsp14 and nsp16 of SARS CoV-2. Furthermore, we have carried out extensive studies on those enzymes using different RNA substrates and tested their activity using various inhibitors and verified the utility of this assay for use in drug screening programs. We anticipate our work will be pursued further to screen for large libraries to discover new and selective inhibitors for the viral enzymes particularly that these enzymes are structurally different from their mammalian counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Hsiao
- Research and Development, Promega Corp. Kornberg Center, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Hicham Zegzouti
- Research and Development, Promega Corp. Kornberg Center, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Said Goueli
- Research and Development, Promega Corp. Kornberg Center, Madison, WI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Iyengar SM, Barnsley KK, Vu HY, Bongalonta IJA, Herrod AS, Scott JA, Ondrechen MJ. Identification and characterization of alternative sites and molecular probes for SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Front Chem 2022; 10:1017394. [PMID: 36385993 PMCID: PMC9659918 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1017394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Three protein targets from SARS-CoV-2, the viral pathogen that causes COVID-19, are studied: the main protease, the 2'-O-RNA methyltransferase, and the nucleocapsid (N) protein. For the main protease, the nucleophilicity of the catalytic cysteine C145 is enabled by coupling to three histidine residues, H163 and H164 and catalytic dyad partner H41. These electrostatic couplings enable significant population of the deprotonated state of C145. For the RNA methyltransferase, the catalytic lysine K6968 that serves as a Brønsted base has significant population of its deprotonated state via strong coupling with K6844 and Y6845. For the main protease, Partial Order Optimum Likelihood (POOL) predicts two clusters of biochemically active residues; one includes the catalytic H41 and C145 and neighboring residues. The other surrounds a second pocket adjacent to the catalytic site and includes S1 residues F140, L141, H163, E166, and H172 and also S2 residue D187. This secondary recognition site could serve as an alternative target for the design of molecular probes. From in silico screening of library compounds, ligands with predicted affinity for the secondary site are reported. For the NSP16-NSP10 complex that comprises the RNA methyltransferase, three different sites are predicted. One is the catalytic core at the conserved K-D-K-E motif that includes catalytic residues D6928, K6968, and E7001 plus K6844. The second site surrounds the catalytic core and consists of Y6845, C6849, I6866, H6867, F6868, V6894, D6895, D6897, I6926, S6927, Y6930, and K6935. The third is located at the heterodimer interface. Ligands predicted to have high affinity for the first or second sites are reported. Three sites are also predicted for the nucleocapsid protein. This work uncovers key interactions that contribute to the function of the three viral proteins and also suggests alternative sites for ligand design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Jo Ondrechen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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19
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Comprehensive Subcellular Localization of Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus Proteins. J Virol 2022; 96:e0077222. [PMID: 35972293 PMCID: PMC9472759 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00772-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are reservoirs for diverse coronaviruses, including swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV). SADS-CoV was first identified in diarrheal piglets in 2017. As a novel alphacoronavirus, SADS-CoV shares ~95% identity with bat alphacoronavirus HKU2. SADS-CoV has been reported to have broad cell tropism and inherent potential to cross host species barriers for dissemination. Thus far, no effective antiviral drugs or vaccines are available to treat infections with SADS-CoV. Therefore, knowledge of the protein-coding gene set and a subcellular localization map of SADS-CoV proteins are fundamental first steps in this endeavor. Here, all SADS-CoV genes were cloned separately into Flag-tagged plasmids, and the subcellular localizations of viral proteins, with the exception of nsp11, were detected using confocal microscopy techniques. As a result, nsp1, nsp3-N, nsp4, nsp5, nsp7, nsp8, nsp9, nsp10, nsp14, and nsp15 were localized in the cytoplasm and nuclear spaces, and these viral proteins may perform specific functions in the nucleus. All structural and accessory proteins were mainly localized in the cytoplasm. NS7a and membrane protein M colocalized with the Golgi compartment, and they may regulate the assembly of SADS-CoV virions. Maturation of SADS-CoV may occur in the late endosomes, during which envelope protein E is involved in the assembly and release of the virus. In summary, the present study demonstrates for the first time the location of all the viral proteins of SADS-CoV. These fundamental studies of SADS-CoV will promote studies of basic virology of SADS-CoV and support preventive strategies for animals with infection of SADS-CoV. IMPORTANCE SADS-CoV is the first documented spillover of a bat coronavirus that causes severe diseases in domestic animals. Our study is an in-depth annotation of the newly discovered swine coronavirus SADS-CoV genome and viral protein expression. Systematic subcellular localization of SADS-CoV proteins can have dramatic significance in revealing viral protein biological functions in the subcellular locations. Furthermore, our study promote understanding the fundamental science behind the novel swine coronavirus to pave the way for treatments and cures.
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20
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Zhao H, Liu J, He L, Zhang L, Yu R, Kang C. Virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation for identification of natural antiviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 NSP10. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 626:114-120. [PMID: 35988295 PMCID: PMC9376029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
New variations of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge in the global pandemic, which may be resistant to at least some vaccines in COVID-19, indicating that drug and vaccine development must be continuously strengthened. NSP10 plays an essential role in SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle. It stimulates the enzymatic activities of NSP14-ExoN and NSP16-O-MTase by the formation of NSP10/NSP14 and NSP10/NSP16 complexes. Inhibiting NSP10 can block the binding of NSP10 to NSP14 and NSP16. This study has identified potential natural NSP10 inhibitors from ZINC database. The protein druggable pocket was identified for screening candidates. Molecular docking of the selected compounds was performed and MM-GBSA binding energy was calculated. After ADMET assessment, 4 hits were obtained for favorable druggability. The analysis of site interactions suggested that the hits all had excellent binding. Molecular dynamics studies revealed that selected natural compounds stably bind to NSP10. These compounds were identified as potential leads against NSP10 for the development of strategies to combat SARS-CoV-2 replication and could serve as the basis for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Lei He
- School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Lichuan Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Congmin Kang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
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21
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Whole-genome analysis and mutation pattern of SARS-CoV-2 during first and second wave outbreak in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11354. [PMID: 35790838 PMCID: PMC9255444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the specific genomic features and mutation pattern, whole and near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were analyzed. Clinical samples were collected from 18 COVID-19–positive patients and subjected to nucleic acid purification. Cell culture was performed to extract various SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Whole-genome analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine genetic diversity of the various SARS-CoV-2 isolates. The next-generation sequencing data identified 8 protein-coding regions with 17 mutated proteins. We identified 51 missense point mutations and deletions in 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that V and GH are the dominant clades of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the Gwangju region of South Korea. Moreover, statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between viral load (P < 0.001) and number of mutations (P < 0.0001) in 2 mutually exclusive SARS-CoV-2 clades which indicates frequent genomic alterations in SARS-CoV-2 in patients with high viral load. Our results provide an in-depth analysis of SARS-COV-2 whole genome which we believe, can shed light in the understanding of SARS-COV-2 pathogenesis and mutation pattern which can aid in the development of prevention methods as well as future research into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic development.
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22
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Arias M, Oliveros H, Lechtig S, Bustos RH. Biologics in COVID-19 So Far: Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070783. [PMID: 35890081 PMCID: PMC9321859 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to reevaluate the available evidence of the use of biologics as treatment candidates for the treatment of severe and advanced COVID-19 disease; what are the rationale for their use, which are the most studied, and what kind of efficacy measures are described? A search through Cochrane, Embase, Pubmed, Medline, medrxiv.org, and Google scholar was performed on the use of biologic interventions in COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral pneumonia, and sepsis, until 11 January 2022. Throughout the research, we identified 4821 records, of which 90 were selected for qualitative analysis. Amongst the results, we identified five popular targets of use: IL6 and IL1 inhibitors, interferons, mesenchymal stem cells treatment, and anti-spike antibodies. None of them offered conclusive evidence of their efficacy with consistency and statistical significance except for some studies with anti-spike antibodies; however, Il6 and IL1 inhibitors as well as interferons show encouraging data in terms of increased survival and favorable clinical course that require further studies with better methodology standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Arias
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Therapeutics Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana and Clínica Universidad de La Sabana, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 140013, Colombia; (M.A.); (S.L.)
| | - Henry Oliveros
- Department of Epidemiology, Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Campus del Puente del Común, Km. 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 140013, Colombia;
| | - Sharon Lechtig
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Therapeutics Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana and Clínica Universidad de La Sabana, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 140013, Colombia; (M.A.); (S.L.)
| | - Rosa-Helena Bustos
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Therapeutics Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana and Clínica Universidad de La Sabana, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 140013, Colombia; (M.A.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1608615555
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23
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Zhu L, Liu S, Zhuo Z, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Wang X, Kong L, Wang T. Expression and immunogenicity of nsp10 protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Res Vet Sci 2022; 144:34-43. [PMID: 35038674 PMCID: PMC8721950 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a swine enteropathogenic coronavirus, causes lethal watery diarrhea to the piglets, which poses significant economic losses and public health concerns. The nsp10 protein of PEDV is essential regulatory subunits that are critical for virus replication. Since PEDV nsp10 is a crucial regulator of viral RNA synthesis, it is promising that nsp10 might become anti-virus drugs target or candidate for rapid diagnosis of PEDV infection. In this study, the PEDV nsp10 was inserted into pMAL-c2x-MBP / pET-28a vector, efficiently and stably expressed in E.coli system. Then the purified nsp10 protein was found to mediate potent antibody responses in immunized mice. The antibodies of immunized mice and PEDV infection swine strongly recognized purified nsp10 protein from cell lysates. Furthermore, cytokines test revealed that the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ were significantly higher than those in control group, indicated that purified nsp10 protein induce the cellular immune response mechanism in mice. Using modified seroneutralization test, we also demonstrated that sera from nsp10-immunized mice inhibited PEDV replication to some extent. These findings suggest that nsp10 has a high immunogenicity. This study may have implications for future development of PEDV detection or anti-virus drugs for swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Zhu
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zewen Zhuo
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanxi Lin
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanni Zhang
- Jiangxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lingbao Kong
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganism, College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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24
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Fischer TR, Meidner L, Schwickert M, Weber M, Zimmermann RA, Kersten C, Schirmeister T, Helm M. Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry of RNA methyltransferases. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4216-4245. [PMID: 35412633 PMCID: PMC9071492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methyltransferases (MTases) are ubiquitous enzymes whose hitherto low profile in medicinal chemistry, contrasts with the surging interest in RNA methylation, the arguably most important aspect of the new field of epitranscriptomics. As MTases become validated as drug targets in all major fields of biomedicine, the development of small molecule compounds as tools and inhibitors is picking up considerable momentum, in academia as well as in biotech. Here we discuss the development of small molecules for two related aspects of chemical biology. Firstly, derivates of the ubiquitous cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) are being developed as bioconjugation tools for targeted transfer of functional groups and labels to increasingly visible targets. Secondly, SAM-derived compounds are being investigated for their ability to act as inhibitors of RNA MTases. Drug development is moving from derivatives of cosubstrates towards higher generation compounds that may address allosteric sites in addition to the catalytic centre. Progress in assay development and screening techniques from medicinal chemistry have led to recent breakthroughs, e.g. in addressing human enzymes targeted for their role in cancer. Spurred by the current pandemic, new inhibitors against coronaviral MTases have emerged at a spectacular rate, including a repurposed drug which is now in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Laurenz Meidner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlies Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
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25
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Cattaneo AM. Reviewing findings on the polypeptide sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein to discuss the origins of the virus. Future Virol 2022; 0. [PMID: 35419073 PMCID: PMC8982992 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several investigations suggested origins of SARS-CoV-2 from the recombination of coronaviruses of various animals, including the bat Rhinolophus affinis and the pangolin Manis javanica, despite the processes describing the adaptation from a reservoir of animals to human are still debated. In this perspective, I will remark two main inconsistencies on the origins of SARS-CoV-2: polypeptide sequence alignment of the S-proteins does not return the expected identity of the receptor-binding motif among most of pangolin-CoVs and SARS-CoV-2; accurate referencing for samplings and sequencing deposition of the ancestral bat coronavirus named RaTG13 was missing since the first reports on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This contribution aims to stimulate discussion about the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and considers other intermediate hosts as a reservoir for coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Cattaneo
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Chemical Ecology Group, Lomma, Box 190 234 22, Sweden
- University of Lausanne, Center for Integrative Genomics, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
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26
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Chourasia R, Padhi S, Phukon LC, Abedin MM, Sirohi R, Singh SP, Rai AK. Peptide candidates for the development of therapeutics and vaccines against β-coronavirus infection. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9435-9454. [PMID: 35387556 PMCID: PMC9161909 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2060453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses (β-CoVs) have caused major viral outbreaks in the last two decades in the world. The mutation and recombination abilities in β-CoVs resulted in zoonotic diseases in humans. Proteins responsible for viral attachment and replication are highly conserved in β-CoVs. These conserved proteins have been extensively studied as targets for preventing infection and the spread of β-CoVs. Peptides are among the most promising candidates for developing vaccines and therapeutics against viral pathogens. The immunostimulatory and viral inhibitory potential of natural and synthetic peptides has been extensively studied since the SARS-CoV outbreak. Food-derived peptides demonstrating high antiviral activity can be used to develop effective therapeutics against β-CoVs. Specificity, tolerability, and customizability of peptides can be explored to develop potent drugs against β-CoVs. However, the proteolytic susceptibility and low bioavailability of peptides pose challenges for the development of therapeutics. This review illustrates the potential role of peptides in eliciting an adaptive immune response and inhibiting different stages of the β-CoV life cycle. Further, the challenges and future directions associated with developing peptide-based therapeutics and vaccines against existing and future β-CoV pathogens have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rounak Chourasia
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Srichandan Padhi
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Loreni Chiring Phukon
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Md Minhajul Abedin
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
| | - Ranjana Sirohi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sudhir P Singh
- Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (DBT-CIAB), Sector-81, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali- 140306, India
| | - Amit Kumar Rai
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Tadong- 737102, India
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Mizoram Node, Aizawl, India
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27
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Esposito S, D’Abrosca G, Antolak A, Pedone PV, Isernia C, Malgieri G. Host and Viral Zinc-Finger Proteins in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073711. [PMID: 35409070 PMCID: PMC8998646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An unprecedented effort to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has characterized the activity of the global scientific community over the last two years. Hundreds of published studies have focused on the comprehension of the immune response to the virus and on the definition of the functional role of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Proteins containing zinc fingers, both belonging to SARS-CoV-2 or to the host, play critical roles in COVID-19 participating in antiviral defenses and regulation of viral life cycle. Differentially expressed zinc finger proteins and their distinct activities could thus be important in determining the severity of the disease and represent important targets for drug development. Therefore, we here review the mechanisms of action of host and viral zinc finger proteins in COVID-19 as a contribution to the comprehension of the disease and also highlight strategies for therapeutic developments.
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Davies E, Farooq HZ, Brown B, Tilston P, McEwan A, Birtles A, O'Hara RW, Ahmad S, Machin N, Hesketh L, Guiver M. An Overview of SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Diagnostics in Europe. Clin Lab Med 2022; 42:161-191. [PMID: 35636820 PMCID: PMC8901364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Davies
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Hamzah Z Farooq
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Benjamin Brown
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Peter Tilston
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Ashley McEwan
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Andrew Birtles
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Robert William O'Hara
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Shazaad Ahmad
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Nicholas Machin
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Louise Hesketh
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Malcolm Guiver
- Department of Virology, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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Hamre JR, Jafri MS. Optimizing peptide inhibitors of SARS-Cov-2 nsp10/nsp16 methyltransferase predicted through molecular simulation and machine learning. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022; 29:100886. [PMID: 35252541 PMCID: PMC8883729 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses, including the recent pandemic strain SARS-Cov-2, use a multifunctional 2'-O-methyltransferase (2'-O-MTase) to restrict the host defense mechanism and to methylate RNA. The nonstructural protein 16 2'-O-MTase (nsp16) becomes active when nonstructural protein 10 (nsp10) and nsp16 interact. Novel peptide drugs have shown promise in the treatment of numerous diseases and new research has established that nsp10 derived peptides can disrupt viral methyltransferase activity via interaction of nsp16. This study had the goal of optimizing new analogous nsp10 peptides that have the ability to bind nsp16 with equal to or higher affinity than those naturally occurring. The following research demonstrates that in silico molecular simulations can shed light on peptide structures and predict the potential of new peptides to interrupt methyltransferase activity via the nsp10/nsp16 interface. The simulations suggest that misalignments at residues F68, H80, I81, D94, and Y96 or rotation at H80 abrogate MTase function. We develop a new set of peptides based on conserved regions of the nsp10 protein in the Coronaviridae species and test these to known MTase variant values. This results in the prediction that the H80R variant is a solid new candidate for potential new testing. We envision that this new lead is the beginning of a reputable foundation of a new computational method that combats coronaviruses and that is beneficial for new peptide drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Hamre
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - M Saleet Jafri
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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BHARDWAJ A, SHARMA S, SINGH SK. Molecular Docking Studies to Identify Promising Natural Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Nsp10-Nsp16 Protein Complex. Turk J Pharm Sci 2022; 19:93-100. [DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2021.56957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Yan W, Zheng Y, Zeng X, He B, Cheng W. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2: open the door for novel therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:26. [PMID: 35087058 PMCID: PMC8793099 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic disease COVID-19, which is so far without efficacious treatment. The discovery of therapy reagents for treating COVID-19 are urgently needed, and the structures of the potential drug-target proteins in the viral life cycle are particularly important. SARS-CoV-2, a member of the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily containing the largest RNA genome, encodes 29 proteins including nonstructural, structural and accessory proteins which are involved in viral adsorption, entry and uncoating, nucleic acid replication and transcription, assembly and release, etc. These proteins individually act as a partner of the replication machinery or involved in forming the complexes with host cellular factors to participate in the essential physiological activities. This review summarizes the representative structures and typically potential therapy agents that target SARS-CoV-2 or some critical proteins for viral pathogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying viral infection, prevention of infection, and treatment. Indeed, these studies open the door for COVID therapies, leading to ways to prevent and treat COVID-19, especially, treatment of the disease caused by the viral variants are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhu Yan
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhui Zheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaotao Zeng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
- The First People's Hospital of Longquanyi District Chengdu, 610100, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Nencka R, Silhan J, Klima M, Otava T, Kocek H, Krafcikova P, Boura E. Coronaviral RNA-methyltransferases: function, structure and inhibition. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:635-650. [PMID: 35018474 PMCID: PMC8789044 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviral methyltransferases (MTases), nsp10/16 and nsp14, catalyze the last two steps of viral RNA-cap creation that takes place in cytoplasm. This cap is essential for the stability of viral RNA and, most importantly, for the evasion of innate immune system. Non-capped RNA is recognized by innate immunity which leads to its degradation and the activation of antiviral immunity. As a result, both coronaviral MTases are in the center of scientific scrutiny. Recently, X-ray and cryo-EM structures of both enzymes were solved even in complex with other parts of the viral replication complex. High-throughput screening as well as structure-guided inhibitor design have led to the discovery of their potent inhibitors. Here, we critically summarize the tremendous advancement of the coronaviral MTase field since the beginning of COVID pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Silhan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Klima
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Otava
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hugo Kocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Krafcikova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Kalamvoki M, Norris V. A Defective Viral Particle Approach to COVID-19. Cells 2022; 11:302. [PMID: 35053418 PMCID: PMC8774189 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. While multiple vaccines have been developed, insufficient vaccination combined with adaptive mutations create uncertainty for the future. Here, we discuss novel strategies to control COVID-19 relying on Defective Interfering Particles (DIPs) and related particles that arise naturally during an infection. Our intention is to encourage and to provide the basis for the implementation of such strategies by multi-disciplinary teams. We therefore provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 for a multi-disciplinary readership that is specifically tailored to these strategies, we identify potential targets based on the current knowledge of the properties and functions of coronaviruses, and we propose specific strategies to engineer DIPs and other interfering or therapeutic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalamvoki
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Vic Norris
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan, France;
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Azeem M, Mustafa G, Mahrosh HS. Virtual screening of phytochemicals by targeting multiple proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:3946320221142793. [PMID: 36442514 PMCID: PMC9716588 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221142793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medicinal herbs are being investigated for medicationhg development against SARS-CoV-2 as a rich source of bioactive chemicals. One of the finest approaches for finding therapeutically effective drug molecules in real time is virtual screening scheme such as molecular docking in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. These virtual techniques provide an ample opportunity for the screening of plausible inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 different target proteins from a comprehensive and extensive phytochemical library. The study was designed to identify potential phytochemicals by virtual screening against different receptor proteins. METHODS In the current study, a library of plant secondary metabolites was created by manually curating 120 phytochemicals known to have antimicrobial as well as antiviral properties. In the current study, different potential phytochemicals were identified by virtual screening against various selected receptor proteins (i.e., viral main proteases, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), ADP ribose phosphatase, nonstructural proteins NSP7, NSP8, and NSP9) which are key proteins responsible for transcription, replication and maturation of SARS-CoV-2 in the host. Top three phytochemicals were selected against each viral receptor protein based on their best S-scores, RMSD values, molecular interactions, binding patterns and drug-likeness properties. RESULTS The results of molecular docking study revealed that phytochemicals (i.e., baicalin, betaxanthin, epigallocatechin, fomecin A, gallic acid, hortensin, ichangin, kaempferol, limonoic acid, myricetin hexaacetat, pedalitin, quercetin, quercitrin, and silvestrol) have strong antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the reported preeminent reliable phytochemicals also revealed toxicity by no means during the evaluation through ADMET profiling. Moreover, the MD simulation study also exhibited thermal stability and stable binding affinity of the pedalitin with SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and SARS-CoV-2 main protease which suggests appreciable efficacy of the lead optimization. CONCLUSION The biological activity and pharmacologically distinguishing characteristics of these lead compounds also satisfied as repurposing antiviral drug contenders and are worth substantial evaluation in the biological laboratory for the recommendation of being plausible antiviral drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafiza S Mahrosh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Murugan C, Ramamoorthy S, Kuppuswamy G, Murugan RK, Sivalingam Y, Sundaramurthy A. COVID-19: A review of newly formed viral clades, pathophysiology, therapeutic strategies and current vaccination tasks. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:1165-1200. [PMID: 34710479 PMCID: PMC8545698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Today, the world population is facing an existential threat by an invisible enemy known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) or COVID-19. It is highly contagious and has infected a larger fraction of human population across the globe on various routes of transmission. The detailed knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 structure and clinical aspects offers an important insight into the evolution of infection, disease progression and helps in executing the different therapies effectively. Herein, we have discussed in detail about the genome structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its role in the proteomic rational spread of different muted species and pathogenesis in infecting the host cells. The mechanisms behind the viral outbreak and its immune response, the availability of existing diagnostics techniques, the treatment efficacy of repurposed drugs and the emerging vaccine trials for the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak also have been highlighted. Furthermore, the possible antiviral effects of various herbal products and their extracted molecules in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and cellular entry are also reported. Finally, we conclude our opinion on current challenges involved in the drug development, bulk production of drug/vaccines and their storage requirements, logistical procedures and limitations related to dosage trials for larger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandran Murugan
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sharmiladevi Ramamoorthy
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Guruprasad Kuppuswamy
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Murugan
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yuvaraj Sivalingam
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anandhakumar Sundaramurthy
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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36
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Ogando NS, El Kazzi P, Zevenhoven-Dobbe JC, Bontes BW, Decombe A, Posthuma CC, Thiel V, Canard B, Ferron F, Decroly E, Snijder EJ. Structure-function analysis of the nsp14 N7-guanine methyltransferase reveals an essential role in Betacoronavirus replication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2108709118. [PMID: 34845015 PMCID: PMC8670481 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108709118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As coronaviruses (CoVs) replicate in the host cell cytoplasm, they rely on their own capping machinery to ensure the efficient translation of their messenger RNAs (mRNAs), protect them from degradation by cellular 5' exoribonucleases (ExoNs), and escape innate immune sensing. The CoV nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14) is a bifunctional replicase subunit harboring an N-terminal 3'-to-5' ExoN domain and a C-terminal (N7-guanine)-methyltransferase (N7-MTase) domain that is presumably involved in viral mRNA capping. Here, we aimed to integrate structural, biochemical, and virological data to assess the importance of conserved N7-MTase residues for nsp14's enzymatic activities and virus viability. We revisited the crystal structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV nsp14 to perform an in silico comparative analysis between betacoronaviruses. We identified several residues likely involved in the formation of the N7-MTase catalytic pocket, which presents a fold distinct from the Rossmann fold observed in most known MTases. Next, for SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV, site-directed mutagenesis of selected residues was used to assess their importance for in vitro enzymatic activity. Most of the engineered mutations abolished N7-MTase activity, while not affecting nsp14-ExoN activity. Upon reverse engineering of these mutations into different betacoronavirus genomes, we identified two substitutions (R310A and F426A in SARS-CoV nsp14) abrogating virus viability and one mutation (H424A) yielding a crippled phenotype across all viruses tested. Our results identify the N7-MTase as a critical enzyme for betacoronavirus replication and define key residues of its catalytic pocket that can be targeted to design inhibitors with a potential pan-coronaviral activity spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha S Ogando
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Priscila El Kazzi
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université 13288 Marseille, France
| | | | - Brenda W Bontes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alice Decombe
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Clara C Posthuma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) 3350 Bern, Switzerland
- De partment of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Canard
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université 13288 Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena 07743, Germany
| | - François Ferron
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université 13288 Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Etienne Decroly
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université 13288 Marseille, France;
| | - Eric J Snijder
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
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Abayomi A, Osibogun A, Ezechi O, Wright K, Ola B, Ojo O, Kuyinu Y, Zamba E, Abdur-Razzaq H, Erinoso OA, Anya SE. A multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of chloroquine phosphate, hydroxychloroquine sulphate and lopinavir/ritonavir for the treatment of COVID-19 in Lagos State: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:869. [PMID: 34863267 PMCID: PMC8642768 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019. It was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020. Outbreak forecasting and mathematical modelling suggest that these numbers will continue to rise. Early identification of effective remedies that can shorten the duration and severity of illness is critical for Lagos State, which is the epi-centre of the disease in Nigeria. Methods This is a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled superiority trial. The study investigates the efficacy of chloroquine phosphate, hydroxychloroquine sulphate and lopinavir/ritonavir added on to standard of care compared to standard of care only in patients with COVID-19 disease. The primary outcome is the clinical status of patients measured using a 7-point ordinal scale at day 15. Research participants and clinicians will be blinded to the allocated intervention. Outcome measures will be directly assessed by clinicians. Statistical analysis will be done by a team blinded to the identity and allocation of research participants. Data analysis will follow intention-to-treat methods, using R software. Discussion The current study is of strategic importance for Lagos State in potentially curbing the health, social and economic burden of COVID-19 disease. Should the current study demonstrate that either of the three intervention drugs is more efficacious than standard therapy alone, the State Ministry of Health will develop an evidence-based guideline for the management of COVID-19 in Lagos State. The findings will also be shared nationally and with other states which may lead to a standardized national guideline for the treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Register PACTR202004801273802. Registered prospectively on April 2, 2020 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05675-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Abayomi
- Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - A Osibogun
- Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - O Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - K Wright
- Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B Ola
- Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - O Ojo
- Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Y Kuyinu
- Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - E Zamba
- Lagos State Health Management Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - H Abdur-Razzaq
- Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - O A Erinoso
- Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - S E Anya
- Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.
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Kasprzyk R, Jemielity J. Enzymatic Assays to Explore Viral mRNA Capping Machinery. Chembiochem 2021; 22:3236-3253. [PMID: 34291555 PMCID: PMC8426721 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, mRNA is modified by the addition of the 7-methylguanosine (m7 G) 5' cap to protect mRNA from premature degradation, thereby enhancing translation and enabling differentiation between self (endogenous) and non-self RNAs (e. g., viral ones). Viruses often develop their own mRNA capping pathways to augment the expression of their proteins and escape host innate immune response. Insights into this capping system may provide new ideas for therapeutic interventions and facilitate drug discovery, e. g., against viruses that cause pandemic outbreaks, such as beta-coronaviruses SARS-CoV (2002), MARS-CoV (2012), and the most recent SARS-CoV-2. Thus, proper methods for the screening of large compound libraries are required to identify lead structures that could serve as a basis for rational antiviral drug design. This review summarizes the methods that allow the monitoring of the activity and inhibition of enzymes involved in mRNA capping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New TechnologiesUniversity of WarsawBanacha 2c02-097WarsawPoland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies inMathematics and Natural SciencesUniversity of WarsawBanacha 2c02-097WarsawPoland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New TechnologiesUniversity of WarsawBanacha 2c02-097WarsawPoland
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Hanna GS, Choo YM, Harbit R, Paeth H, Wilde S, Mackle J, Verga JU, Wolf BJ, Thomas OP, Croot P, Cray J, Thomas C, Li LZ, Hardiman G, Hu JF, Wang X, Patel D, Schinazi RF, O’Keefe BR, Hamann MT. Contemporary Approaches to the Discovery and Development of Broad-Spectrum Natural Product Prototypes for the Control of Coronaviruses. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:3001-3007. [PMID: 34677966 PMCID: PMC8547502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The pressing need for SARS-CoV-2 controls has led to a reassessment of strategies to identify and develop natural product inhibitors of zoonotic, highly virulent, and rapidly emerging viruses. This review article addresses how contemporary approaches involving computational chemistry, natural product (NP) and protein databases, and mass spectrometry (MS) derived target-ligand interaction analysis can be utilized to expedite the interrogation of NP structures while minimizing the time and expense of extraction, purification, and screening in BioSafety Laboratories (BSL)3 laboratories. The unparalleled structural diversity and complexity of NPs is an extraordinary resource for the discovery and development of broad-spectrum inhibitors of viral genera, including Betacoronavirus, which contains MERS, SARS, SARS-CoV-2, and the common cold. There are two key technological advances that have created unique opportunities for the identification of NP prototypes with greater efficiency: (1) the application of structural databases for NPs and target proteins and (2) the application of modern MS techniques to assess protein-ligand interactions directly from NP extracts. These approaches, developed over years, now allow for the identification and isolation of unique antiviral ligands without the immediate need for BSL3 facilities. Overall, the goal is to improve the success rate of NP-based screening by focusing resources on source materials with a higher likelihood of success, while simultaneously providing opportunities for the discovery of novel ligands to selectively target proteins involved in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S. Hanna
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Yeun-Mun Choo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ryan Harbit
- College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Heather Paeth
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Sarah Wilde
- Department of Biology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29631, United States
| | - James Mackle
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Jacopo-Umberto Verga
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany J. Wolf
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Olivier P. Thomas
- Marine Biodiscovery, School of Chemistry and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91Tk33, Ireland
| | - Peter Croot
- Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - James Cray
- Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy, College of Medicine and Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Courtney Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States
| | - Ling-Zhi Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University/SPU, Shenyang, China
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Jin-Feng Hu
- School of Advanced Study, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dharmeshkhumar Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Barry R. O’Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Mark T. Hamann
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
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Gupta Y, Maciorowski D, Zak SE, Jones KA, Kathayat RS, Azizi SA, Mathur R, Pearce CM, Ilc DJ, Husein H, Herbert AS, Bharti A, Rathi B, Durvasula R, Becker DP, Dickinson BC, Dye JM, Kempaiah P. Bisindolylmaleimide IX: A novel anti-SARS-CoV2 agent targeting viral main protease 3CLpro demonstrated by virtual screening pipeline and in-vitro validation assays. Methods 2021; 195:57-71. [PMID: 33453392 PMCID: PMC7807167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 consists of several enzymes with essential functions within its proteome. Here, we focused on repurposing approved and investigational drugs/compounds. We targeted seven proteins with enzymatic activities known to be essential at different stages of the viral cycle including PLpro, 3CLpro, RdRP, Helicase, ExoN, NendoU, and 2'-O-MT. For virtual screening, energy minimization of a crystal structure of the modeled protein was carried out using the Protein Preparation Wizard (Schrodinger LLC 2020-1). Following active site selection based on data mining and COACH predictions, we performed a high-throughput virtual screen of drugs and investigational molecules (n = 5903). The screening was performed against viral targets using three sequential docking modes (i.e., HTVS, SP, and XP). Virtual screening identified ∼290 potential inhibitors based on the criteria of energy, docking parameters, ligand, and binding site strain and score. Drugs specific to each target protein were further analyzed for binding free energy perturbation by molecular mechanics (prime MM-GBSA) and pruning the hits to the top 32 candidates. The top lead from each target pool was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond module. The resulting top eight hits were tested for their SARS-CoV-2 anti-viral activity in-vitro. Among these, a known inhibitor of protein kinase C isoforms, Bisindolylmaleimide IX (BIM IX), was found to be a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. Further, target validation through enzymatic assays confirmed 3CLpro to be the target. This is the first study that has showcased BIM IX as a COVID-19 inhibitor thereby validating our pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Gupta
- Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Samantha E Zak
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA; The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
| | - Krysten A Jones
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rahul S Kathayat
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Saara-Anne Azizi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew S Herbert
- The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
| | - Ajay Bharti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Bryan C Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John M Dye
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA; The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA.
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Krishnan S, Thirunavukarasu A, Jha NK, Gahtori R, Roy AS, Dholpuria S, Kesari KK, Singh SK, Dua K, Gupta PK. Nanotechnology-based therapeutic formulations in the battle against animal coronaviruses: an update. JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUM FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 23:229. [PMID: 34690535 PMCID: PMC8520458 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-021-05341-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Outbreak of infectious diseases imposes a serious threat to human population and also causes a catastrophic impact on global economy. Animal coronaviruses remain as one of the intriguing problems, known to cause deadly viral diseases on economically important animal population, and also these infections may spread to other animals and humans. Through isolation of the infected animals from others and providing appropriate treatment using antiviral drugs, it is possible to prevent the virus transmission from animals to other species. In recent times, antiviral drug-resistant strains are being emerged as a deadly virus which are known to cause pandemic. To overcome this, nanoparticles-based formulations are developed as antiviral agent which attacks the animal coronaviruses at multiple sites in the virus replication cycle. Nanovaccines are also being formulated to protect the animals from coronaviruses. Nanoformulations contain particles of one or more dimensions in nano-scale (few nanometers to 1000 nm), which could be inorganic or organic in nature. This review presents the comprehensive outline of the nanotechnology-based therapeutics formulated against animal coronaviruses, which includes the nanoparticles-based antiviral formulations and nanoparticles-based adjuvant vaccines. The mechanism of action of these nanoparticles-based antivirals against animal coronavirus is also discussed using relevant examples. In addition, the scope of repurposing the existing nano-enabled antivirals and vaccines to combat the coronavirus infections in animals is elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Plot no. 32 – 34, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, 201310 Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Rekha Gahtori
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J. C. Bose Technical Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263136 Uttarakhand India
| | - Ayush Singha Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity School of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206 India
| | - Sunny Dholpuria
- Department of Life Sciences, J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, 121006 Haryana India
| | | | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research (SBSR), Sharda University, Plot no. 32 – 34, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, 201310 Uttar Pradesh India
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78495111110.1152/physrev.00046.2020" />
Abstract
This medical review addresses the hypothesis that CD38/NADase is at the center of a functional axis (i.e., intracellular Ca2+ mobilization/IFNγ response/reactive oxygen species burst) driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, as already verified in respiratory syncytial virus pathology and CD38 activity in other cellular settings. Key features of the hypothesis are that 1) the substrates of CD38 (e.g., NAD+ and NADP+) are depleted by viral-induced metabolic changes; 2) the products of the enzymatic activity of CD38 [e.g., cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (ADPR)/ADPR/nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate] and related enzymes [e.g., poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, Sirtuins, and ADP-ribosyl hydrolase] are involved in the anti‐viral and proinflammatory response that favors the onset of lung immunopathology (e.g., cytokine storm and organ fibrosis); and 3) the pathological changes induced by this kinetic mechanism may be reduced by distinct modulators of the CD38/NAD+ axis (e.g., CD38 blockers, NAD+ suppliers, among others). This view is supported by arrays of associative basic and applied research data that are herein discussed and integrated with conclusions reported by others in the field of inflammatory, immune, tumor, and viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto L. Horenstein
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo C. Faini
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
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Ataei-Pirkooh A, Alavi A, Kianirad M, Bagherzadeh K, Ghasempour A, Pourdakan O, Adl R, Kiani SJ, Mirzaei M, Mehravi B. Destruction mechanisms of ozone over SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18851. [PMID: 34552128 PMCID: PMC8458291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this pandemic SARS-CoV-2 crisis, any attempt to contain and eliminate the virus will also stop its spread and consequently decrease the risk of severe illness and death. While ozone treatment has been suggested as an effective disinfection process, no precise mechanism of action has been previously reported. This study aimed to further investigate the effect of ozone treatment on SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, virus collected from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab and sputum samples from symptomatic patients was exposed to ozone for different exposure times. The virus morphology and structure were monitored and analyzed through Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and ATR-FTIR. The obtained results showed that ozone treatment not only unsettles the virus morphology but also alters the virus proteins' structure and conformation through amino acid disturbance and Zn ion release from the virus non-structural proteins. These results could provide a clearer pathway for virus elimination and therapeutics preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angila Ataei-Pirkooh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Alavi
- Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Kianirad
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Nano Fanavari Kian Gostar Company, Technologies Incubator Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kowsar Bagherzadeh
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical, Tehran, Iran
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasempour
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Pourdakan
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Adl
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalal Kiani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Deputy Ministry for Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Mehravi
- Nano Fanavari Kian Gostar Company, Technologies Incubator Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 1449614535, Tehran, Iran.
- Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical, Tehran, Iran.
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Ayipo YO, Yahaya SN, Alananzeh WA, Babamale HF, Mordi MN. Pathomechanisms, therapeutic targets and potent inhibitors of some beta-coronaviruses from bench-to-bedside. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 93:104944. [PMID: 34052418 PMCID: PMC8159710 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of their primitive strains, the complexity surrounding their pathogenesis, constant genetic mutation and translation are contributing factors to the scarcity of a successful vaccine for coronaviruses till moment. Although, the recent announcement of vaccine breakthrough for COVID-19 renews the hope, however, there remains a major challenge of accessibility to urgently match the rapid global therapeutic demand for curtailing the pandemic, thereby creating an impetus for further search. The reassessment of results from a stream of experiments is of enormous importance in identifying bona fide lead-like candidates to fulfil this quest. This review comprehensively highlights the common pathomechanisms and pharmacological targets of HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and potent therapeutic potentials from basic and clinical experimental investigations. The implicated targets for the prevention and treatment include the viral proteases (Mpro, PLpro, 3CLpro), viral structural proteins (S- and N-proteins), non-structural proteins (nsp 3, 8, 10, 14, 16), accessory protein (ns12.9), viroporins (3a, E, 8a), enzymes (RdRp, TMPRSS2, ADP-ribosyltransferase, MTase, 2'-O-MTase, TATase, furin, cathepsin, deamidated human triosephosphate isomerase), kinases (MAPK, ERK, PI3K, mTOR, AKT, Abl2), interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and the human host receptor, ACE2. Notably among the 109 overviewed inhibitors include quercetin, eriodictyol, baicalin, luteolin, melatonin, resveratrol and berberine from natural products, GC373, NP164 and HR2P-M2 from peptides, 5F9, m336 and MERS-GD27 from specific human antibodies, imatinib, remdesivir, ivermectin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, nafamostat, interferon-β and HCQ from repurposing libraries, some iron chelators and traditional medicines. This review represents a model for further translational studies for effective anti-CoV therapeutic designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Oloruntoyin Ayipo
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,Department of Chemistry, Kwara State University, P. M. B. 1530, Malete, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Sani Najib Yahaya
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Waleed A. Alananzeh
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Nizam Mordi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,Corresponding author
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Zhang Z, Liu Q, Sun Y, Li J, Liu J, Pan R, Cao L, Chen X, Li Y, Zhang Y, Xu K, Guo D, Zhou L, Lan K, Chen Y. Live attenuated coronavirus vaccines deficient in N7-Methyltransferase activity induce both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1626-1637. [PMID: 34365904 PMCID: PMC8381960 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1964385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) can infect a variety of hosts, including humans, livestock and companion animals, and pose a serious threat to human health and the economy. The current COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has killed millions of people. Unfortunately, effective treatments for CoVs infection are still lacking, suggesting the importance of coronavirus vaccines. Our previous work showed that CoV nonstuctural protein 14 (nsp14) functions as (guanine-N7)-methyltransferase (N7-MTase), which is involved in RNA cap formation. Moreover, we found that N7-MTase is well conserved among different CoVs and is a universal target for developing antivirals against CoVs. Here, we show that N7-MTase of CoVs can be an ideal target for designing live attenuated vaccines. Using murine hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-A59), a representative and well-studied model of coronaviruses, we constructed N7-MTase-deficient recombinant MHV D330A and Y414A. These two mutants are highly attenuated in mice and exhibit similar replication efficiency to the wild-type (WT) virus in the cell culture. Furthermore, a single dose immunization of D330A or Y414A can induce long-term humoral immune responses and robust CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, which can provide full protection against the challenge of a lethal-dose of MHV-A59. Collectively, this study provides an ideal strategy to design live attenuated vaccines for coronavirus by abolishing viral RNA N7-MTase activity. This approach may apply to other RNA viruses that encode their own conservative viral N7-methyltransferase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine (Zhongjing School), Henan Univesity of Chinese Medicne, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiejie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruangang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Cao
- Center for Infection & Immunity Study, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhen Zhang
- Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory at Center for Animal Experiments, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Deyin Guo
- Center for Infection & Immunity Study, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory at Center for Animal Experiments, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, Institute for Vaccine Research, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Madhavan M, AlOmair LA, Ks D, Mustafa S. Exploring peptide studies related to SARS-CoV to accelerate the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic solutions against COVID-19. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1106-1119. [PMID: 34280732 PMCID: PMC8253661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in peptide research revolutionized therapeutic discoveries for various infectious diseases. In view of the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop potential therapeutic options. Intense and accomplishing research is being carried out to develop broad-spectrum vaccines and treatment options for corona viruses, due to the risk of recurrent infection by the existing strains or pandemic outbreaks by new mutant strains. Developing a novel medicine is costly and time consuming, which increases the value of repurposing existing therapies. Since, SARS-CoV-2 shares significant genomic homology with SARS-CoV, we have summarized various peptides identified against SARS-CoV using in silico and molecular studies and also the peptides effective against SARS-CoV-2. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying viral infection could yield fundamental insights in the discovery of new antiviral agents, targeting viral proteins or host factors. We postulate that these peptides can serve as effective components for therapeutic options against SARS-CoV-2, supporting clinical scientists globally in selectively identifying and testing the therapeutic and prophylactic agents for COVID-19 treatment. In addition, we also summarized the latest updates on peptide therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Madhavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
| | - Lamya A AlOmair
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Deepthi Ks
- Department of Microbiology, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
| | - Sabeena Mustafa
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Jiang Y, Tong K, Yao R, Zhou Y, Lin H, Du L, Jin Y, Cao L, Tan J, Zhang XD, Guo D, Pan JA, Peng X. Genome-wide analysis of protein-protein interactions and involvement of viral proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:140. [PMID: 34294141 PMCID: PMC8295636 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00644-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of viral protein-protein interactions is an essential step to uncover the viral protein functions and the molecular mechanism for the assembly of a viral protein complex. We employed a mammalian two-hybrid system to screen all the viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2 for the protein-protein interactions. RESULTS Our study detected 48 interactions, 14 of which were firstly reported here. Unlike Nsp1 of SARS-CoV, Nsp1 of SARS-CoV-2 has the most interacting partners among all the viral proteins and likely functions as a hub for the viral proteins. Five self-interactions were confirmed, and five interactions, Nsp1/Nsp3.1, Nsp3.1/N, Nsp3.2/Nsp12, Nsp10/Nsp14, and Nsp10/Nsp16, were determined to be positive bidirectionally. Using the replicon reporter system of SARS-CoV-2, we screened all viral Nsps for their impacts on the viral replication and revealed Nsp3.1, the N-terminus of Nsp3, significantly inhibited the replicon reporter gene expression. We found Nsp3 interacted with N through its acidic region at N-terminus, while N interacted with Nsp3 through its NTD, which is rich in the basic amino acids. Furthermore, using purified truncated N and Nsp3 proteins, we determined the direct interactions between Nsp3 and N protein. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provided a basis for understanding the functions of coronavirus proteins and supported the potential of interactions as the target for antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Jiang
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Kuijie Tong
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Roubin Yao
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuanze Zhou
- Nanjing CRYCISION Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Hanwen Lin
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Liubing Du
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yunyun Jin
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Liu Cao
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jingquan Tan
- Nanjing CRYCISION Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Xing-Ding Zhang
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Deyin Guo
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Ji-An Pan
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Peng
- The Center for Infection and Immunity Study and Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangming Science City, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Vithani N, Ward MD, Zimmerman MI, Novak B, Borowsky JH, Singh S, Bowman GR. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp16 activation mechanism and a cryptic pocket with pan-coronavirus antiviral potential. Biophys J 2021; 120:2880-2889. [PMID: 33794150 PMCID: PMC8007187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses have caused multiple epidemics in the past two decades, in addition to the current COVID-19 pandemic that is severely damaging global health and the economy. Coronaviruses employ between 20 and 30 proteins to carry out their viral replication cycle, including infection, immune evasion, and replication. Among these, nonstructural protein 16 (Nsp16), a 2'-O-methyltransferase, plays an essential role in immune evasion. Nsp16 achieves this by mimicking its human homolog, CMTr1, which methylates mRNA to enhance translation efficiency and distinguish self from other. Unlike human CMTr1, Nsp16 requires a binding partner, Nsp10, to activate its enzymatic activity. The requirement of this binding partner presents two questions that we investigate in this manuscript. First, how does Nsp10 activate Nsp16? Although experimentally derived structures of the active Nsp16/Nsp10 complex exist, structures of inactive, monomeric Nsp16 have yet to be solved. Therefore, it is unclear how Nsp10 activates Nsp16. Using over 1 ms of molecular dynamics simulations of both Nsp16 and its complex with Nsp10, we investigate how the presence of Nsp10 shifts Nsp16's conformational ensemble to activate it. Second, guided by this activation mechanism and Markov state models, we investigate whether Nsp16 adopts inactive structures with cryptic pockets that, if targeted with a small molecule, could inhibit Nsp16 by stabilizing its inactive state. After identifying such a pocket in SARS-CoV2 Nsp16, we show that this cryptic pocket also opens in SARS-CoV1 and MERS but not in human CMTr1. Therefore, it may be possible to develop pan-coronavirus antivirals that target this cryptic pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Vithani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael D Ward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Maxwell I Zimmerman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Borna Novak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jonathan H Borowsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sukrit Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gregory R Bowman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Polat C, Ergunay K. Insights into the virologic and immunologic features of SARS-COV-2. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:5007-5018. [PMID: 34307551 PMCID: PMC8283606 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i19.5007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The host immunity is crucial in determining the clinical course and prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019, where some systemic and severe manifestations are associated with excessive or suboptimal responses. Several antigenic epitopes in spike, nucleocapsid and membrane proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are targeted by the immune system, and a robust response with innate and adaptive components develops in infected individuals. High titer neutralizing antibodies and a balanced T cell response appears to constitute the optimal immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, where innate and mucosal defenses also contribute significantly. Following exposure, immunological memory seems to develop and be maintained for substantial periods. Here, we provide an overview of the main aspects in antiviral immunity involving innate and adaptive responses with insights into virus structure, individual variations pertaining to disease severity as well as long-term protective immunity expected to be attained by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Koray Ergunay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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Srivastava V, Ahmad A. New perspective towards therapeutic regimen against SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:852-862. [PMID: 34118735 PMCID: PMC8152204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing enormous loss of human life owing to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to a global crisis ranging from the collapse of health - care systems to socio-economic instability. As SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, very little information is available from researchers and therefore, a rigorous effort is required to decode its pathogenicity. There are no licenced treatment options available for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections and the development of a new antiviral drug targeting coronavirus cannot happen soon. Consequently, drug repurposing is a promising solution for combating the present pandemic. In this review, we have thoroughly discussed all the proteins encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome; their importance in pathogenicity and their potential role in drug discovery. Also, the budding threat of co-infections by other pathogenic microbes has been highlighted. Furthermore, the advances made in the medicinal field for the treatment and prevention of this viral infection is explained. Altogether, this review will provide some insightful discussions about this infectious disease and will meet certain of the knowledge gaps which exist by presenting an exhaustive and extensive scientific report on the ongoing mission for COVID-19 drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartika Srivastava
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
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