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Van Loy B, Stevaert A, Naesens L. The coronavirus nsp15 endoribonuclease: A puzzling protein and pertinent antiviral drug target. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105921. [PMID: 38825019 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has bolstered unprecedented research efforts to better understand the pathogenesis of coronavirus (CoV) infections and develop effective therapeutics. We here focus on non-structural protein nsp15, a hexameric component of the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC). Nsp15 possesses uridine-specific endoribonuclease (EndoU) activity for which some specific cleavage sites were recently identified in viral RNA. By preventing accumulation of viral dsRNA, EndoU helps the virus to evade RNA sensors of the innate immune response. The immune-evading property of nsp15 was firmly established in several CoV animal models and makes it a pertinent target for antiviral therapy. The search for nsp15 inhibitors typically proceeds via compound screenings and is aided by the rapidly evolving insight in the protein structure of nsp15. In this overview, we broadly cover this fascinating protein, starting with its structure, biochemical properties and functions in CoV immune evasion. Next, we summarize the reported studies in which compound screening or a more rational method was used to identify suitable leads for nsp15 inhibitor development. In this way, we hope to raise awareness on the relevance and druggability of this unique CoV protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Van Loy
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
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2
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Krishna N, K P S, G K R. Identifying diseases associated with Post-COVID syndrome through an integrated network biology approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:652-671. [PMID: 36995291 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2195003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research shows that COVID-19 is now recognized as a multi-organ disease with a wide range of manifestations that can have long-lasting repercussions, referred to as post-COVID-19 syndrome. It is unknown why the vast majority of COVID-19 patients develop post-COVID-19 syndrome, or why patients with pre-existing disorders are more likely to experience severe COVID-19. This study used an integrated network biology approach to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and other disorders. The approach involved building a PPI network with COVID-19 genes and identifying highly interconnected regions. The molecular information contained within these subnetworks, as well as the pathway annotations, were used to reveal the link between COVID-19 and other disorders. Using Fisher's exact test and disease-specific gene information, significant COVID-19-disease associations were discovered. The study discovered diseases that affect multiple organs and organ systems, thus proving the theory of multiple organ damage caused by COVID-19. Cancers, neurological disorders, hepatic diseases, cardiac disorders, pulmonary diseases, and hypertensive diseases are just a few of the conditions linked to COVID-19. Pathway enrichment analysis of shared proteins revealed the shared molecular mechanism of COVID-19 and these diseases. The findings of the study shed new light on the major COVID-19-associated disease conditions and how their molecular mechanisms interact with COVID-19. The novelty of studying disease associations in the context of COVID-19 provides new insights into the management of rapidly evolving long-COVID and post-COVID syndromes, which have significant global implications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navami Krishna
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Sijina K P
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Rajanikant G K
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
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3
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Lee HC, Chao HT, Lee SYH, Lin CY, Tsai HJ. The Upstream 1350~1250 Nucleotide Sequences of the Human ENDOU-1 Gene Contain Critical Cis-Elements Responsible for Upregulating Its Transcription during ER Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17393. [PMID: 38139221 PMCID: PMC10744159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417393] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
ENDOU-1 encodes an endoribonuclease that overcomes the inhibitory upstream open reading frame (uORF)-trap at 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the CHOP transcript, allowing the downstream coding sequence of CHOP be translated during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, transcriptional control of ENDOU-1 remains enigmatic. To address this, we cloned an upstream 2.1 kb (-2055~+77 bp) of human ENDOU-1 (pE2.1p) fused with reporter luciferase (luc) cDNA. The promoter strength driven by pE2.1p was significantly upregulated in both pE2.1p-transfected cells and pE2.1p-injected zebrafish embryos treated with stress inducers. Comparing the luc activities driven by pE2.1p and -1125~+77 (pE1.2p) segments, we revealed that cis-elements located at the -2055~-1125 segment might play a critical role in ENDOU-1 upregulation during ER stress. Since bioinformatics analysis predicted many cis-elements clustered at the -1850~-1250, we further deconstructed this segment to generate pE2.1p-based derivatives lacking -1850~-1750, -1749~-1650, -1649~-1486, -1485~-1350 or -1350~-1250 segments. Quantification of promoter activities driven by these five internal deletion plasmids suggested a repressor binding element within the -1649~-1486 and an activator binding element within the -1350~-1250. Since luc activities driven by the -1649~-1486 were not significantly different between normal and stress conditions, we herein propose that the stress-inducible activator bound at the -1350~-1250 segment makes a major contribution to the increased expression of human ENDOU-1 upon ER stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chieh Lee
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Te Chao
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
| | - Selina Yi-Hsuan Lee
- Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cheng-Yung Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Jen Tsai
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
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Quan L, Sun X, Xu L, Chen RA, Liu DX. Coronavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase interacts with the p50 regulatory subunit of host DNA polymerase delta and plays a synergistic role with RNA helicase in the induction of DNA damage response and cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2176008. [PMID: 36724449 PMCID: PMC9937006 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2176008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the cell cycle is a common strategy shared by many viruses to create a conducible cellular microenvironment for their efficient replication. We have previously shown that infection of cells with gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) activated the theataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) Rad3-related (ATR)/checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) pathway and induced cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phases, partially through the interaction of nonstructural protein 13 (nsp13) with the p125 catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase delta (pol δ). In this study, we show, by GST pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining, that IBV nsp12 directly interacts with the p50 regulatory subunit of pol δ in vitro and in cells overexpressing the two proteins as well as in cells infected with a recombinant IBV harbouring an HA-tagged nsp12. Furthermore, nsp12 from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 was also able to interact with p50. These interactions play a synergistic role with nsp13 in the induction of S phase arrest. The fact that subunits of an essential cellular DNA replication machinery physically associate with two core replication enzymes from three different coronaviruses highlights the importance of these associations in coronavirus replication and virus-host interaction, and reveals the potential of targeting these subunits for antiviral intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Quan
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China,Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Sun
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China,Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linghui Xu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Ai Chen
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Ding Xiang Liu
- Zhaoqing Branch Center of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Zhaoqing, China,Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China, Ding Xiang Liu
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Jahankhani K, Ahangari F, Adcock IM, Mortaz E. Possible cancer-causing capacity of COVID-19: Is SARS-CoV-2 an oncogenic agent? Biochimie 2023; 213:130-138. [PMID: 37230238 PMCID: PMC10202899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown diverse life-threatening effects, most of which are considered short-term. In addition to its short-term effects, which has claimed many millions of lives since 2019, the long-term complications of this virus are still under investigation. Similar to many oncogenic viruses, it has been hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 employs various strategies to cause cancer in different organs. These include leveraging the renin angiotensin system, altering tumor suppressing pathways by means of its nonstructural proteins, and triggering inflammatory cascades by enhancing cytokine production in the form of a "cytokine storm" paving the way for the emergence of cancer stem cells in target organs. Since infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurs in several organs either directly or indirectly, it is expected that cancer stem cells may develop in multiple organs. Thus, we have reviewed the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the vulnerability and susceptibility of specific organs to cancer development. It is important to note that the cancer-related effects of SARS-CoV-2 proposed in this article are based on the ability of the virus and its proteins to cause cancer but that the long-term consequences of this infection will only be illustrated in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Jahankhani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahangari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ian M Adcock
- Airways Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Immune Health Program at Hunter Medical Research Institute and the College of Health and Medicine at the University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Esmaeil Mortaz
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Ogarek N, Oboza P, Olszanecka-Glinianowicz M, Kocelak P. SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential risk factor for the development of cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1260776. [PMID: 37753372 PMCID: PMC10518417 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1260776] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on public health and the estimated number of excess deaths may be more than three times higher than documented in official statistics. Numerous studies have shown an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and death in patients with cancer. In addition, the role of SARS-CoV-2 as a potential risk factor for the development of cancer has been considered. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the available data on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on oncogenesis, including but not limited to effects on host signal transduction pathways, immune surveillance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, cell cycle dysregulation, potential viral genome integration, epigenetic alterations and genetic mutations, oncolytic effects and reactivation of dormant cancer cells. We also investigated the potential long-term effects and impact of the antiviral therapy used in COVID-19 on cancer development and its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ogarek
- Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Paulina Oboza
- Students’ Scientific Society at the Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz
- Health Promotion and Obesity Management Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Kocelak
- Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, The Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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7
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Wells EW, Parker MT. Regulating Select Agent Chimeras: Defining the Problem(s) Through the Lens of SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2 Chimeric Viruses. Health Secur 2023; 21:392-406. [PMID: 37703547 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In late 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted an interim final rule (86 FR 64075) to the federal register regulating the possession, use, and transfer of SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2 chimeric viruses. In doing so, the CDC provided the reasoning that viral chimeras combining the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 with the pathogenicity and lethality of SARS-CoV-1 pose a significant risk to public health and should thus be placed on the select agents and toxins list. However, 86 FR 64075 lacked clarity in its definitions and scope, some of which the CDC addressed in response to public comments in the final rule, 88 FR 13322, in early 2023. To evaluate these regulatory actions, we reviewed the existing select agent regulations to understand the landscape of chimeric virus regulation. Based on our findings, we first present clear definitions for the terms "chimeric virus," "viral chimera," and "virulence factor" and provide a list of SARS-CoV-1 virulence factors in an effort to aid researchers and federal rulemaking for these agents moving forward. We then provide suggestions for a combination of similarity and functional characteristic cutoffs that the government could use to enable researchers to distinguish between regulated and nonregulated chimeras. Finally, we discuss current select agent regulations and their overlaps with 86 FR 64075 and 88 FR 13322 and make suggestions for how to address chimera concerns within and/or without these regulations. Collectively, we believe that our findings fill important gaps in current federal regulations and provide forward-looking philosophical and practical analysis that can guide future decisionmaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Wells
- Elizabeth W. Wells is a Student, Department of Biology, Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Michael T Parker
- Michael T. Parker, PhD, is Assistant Dean, Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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8
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Salukhe I, Choi R, Van Voorhis W, Barrett L, Hyde J. Regulation of coronavirus nsp15 cleavage specificity by RNA structure. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290675. [PMID: 37616296 PMCID: PMC10449227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, has had an enduring impact on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is only one of multiple pathogenic human coronaviruses (CoVs) to have emerged since the turn of the century. CoVs encode for several nonstructural proteins (nsps) that are essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. Among them is nsp15, a uridine-specific viral endonuclease that is important in evading the host immune response and promoting viral replication. Despite the established endonuclease function of nsp15, little is known about other determinants of its cleavage specificity. In this study we investigate the role of RNA secondary structure in SARS-CoV-2 nsp15 endonuclease activity. Using a series of in vitro endonuclease assays, we observed that thermodynamically stable RNA structures were protected from nsp15 cleavage relative to RNAs lacking stable structure. We leveraged the s2m RNA from the SARS-CoV-1 3'UTR as a model for our structural studies as it adopts a well-defined structure with several uridines, two of which are unpaired and thus highly probable targets for nsp15 cleavage. We found that SARS-CoV-2 nsp15 specifically cleaves s2m at the unpaired uridine within the GNRNA pentaloop of the RNA. Further investigation revealed that the position of uridine within the pentaloop also impacted nsp15 cleavage efficiency suggesting that positioning within the pentaloop is necessary for optimal presentation of the scissile uridine and alignment within the nsp15 catalytic pocket. Our findings indicate that RNA secondary structure is an important determinant of nsp15 cleavage and provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of RNA recognition by nsp15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indraneel Salukhe
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Ryan Choi
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Wesley Van Voorhis
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Lynn Barrett
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hyde
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Costanzo M, De Giglio MAR, Roviello GN. Deciphering the Relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097803. [PMID: 37175509 PMCID: PMC10178366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Some viruses are known to be associated with the onset of specific cancers. These microorganisms, oncogenic viruses or oncoviruses, can convert normal cells into cancer cells by modulating the central metabolic pathways or hampering genomic integrity mechanisms, consequently inhibiting the apoptotic machinery and/or enhancing cell proliferation. Seven oncogenic viruses are known to promote tumorigenesis in humans: human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human T-cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Recent research indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression may predispose recovered patients to cancer onset and accelerate cancer development. This hypothesis is based on the growing evidence regarding the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to modulate oncogenic pathways, promoting chronic low-grade inflammation and causing tissue damage. Herein, we summarize the main relationships known to date between virus infection and cancer, providing a summary of the proposed biochemical mechanisms behind the cellular transformation. Mechanistically, DNA viruses (such as HPV, HBV, EBV, and MCPyV) encode their virus oncogenes. In contrast, RNA viruses (like HCV, HTLV-1) may encode oncogenes or trigger host oncogenes through cis-/-trans activation leading to different types of cancer. As for SARS-CoV-2, its role as an oncogenic virus seems to occur through the inhibition of oncosuppressors or controlling the metabolic and autophagy pathways in the infected cells. However, these effects could be significant in particular scenarios like those linked to severe COVID-19 or long COVID. On the other hand, looking at the SARS-CoV-2─cancer relationship from an opposite perspective, oncolytic effects and anti-tumor immune response were triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection in some cases. In summary, our work aims to recall comprehensive attention from the scientific community to elucidate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and, more in general, β-coronavirus infection on cancer susceptibility for cancer prevention or supporting therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.ar.l., Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Nicola Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Meo C, Palma G, Bruzzese F, Budillon A, Napoli C, de Nigris F. Spontaneous cancer remission after COVID-19: insights from the pandemic and their relevance for cancer treatment. J Transl Med 2023; 21:273. [PMID: 37085802 PMCID: PMC10119533 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04110-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it emerged that the risk of severe outcomes was greater in patients with co-morbidities, including cancer. The huge effort undertaken to fight the pandemic, affects the management of cancer care, influencing their outcome. Despite the high fatality rate of COVID-19 disease in cancer patients, rare cases of temporary or prolonged clinical remission from cancers after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported. We have reviewed sixteen case reports of COVID-19 disease with spontaneous cancer reduction of progression. Fourteen cases of remission following viral infections and two after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The immune response to COVID-19, may be implicated in both tumor regression, and progression. Specifically, we discuss potential mechanisms which include oncolytic and priming hypotheses, that may have contributed to the cancer regression in these cases and could be useful for future options in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Meo
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bruzzese
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate - National Institute of Cancer - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialistic Units, Division of Clinical Immunology and Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine, and Transplant Immunology (SIMT), Azienda Universitaria Policlinico (AOU), 80138, Naples, Italy
- Advanced Medical and Surgical Science (DAMSS), School of Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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Zamperin G, Festa F, Palumbo E, Quaranta E, Monne I, Terregino C, De Benedictis P, Leopardi S. Discovery of a coronavirus in the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) belonging to a putative new genus. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 109:105406. [PMID: 36764634 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
In the aftermath of COVID-19, coronaviruses gained renewed attention by the scientific community. The study reports the identification and genetic characterization of a novel coronavirus in the European badger (Meles meles) obtained in the framework of passive surveillance implemented in Italian wildlife in response to the pandemic. Positive samples were characterized using next generation sequencing as well as genetic and phylogenetic analyses, aiming for taxonomic placement under ICTV guidelines of the viruses contained in each sample. Results obtained for six conserved domains within the polyprotein showed that the virus clustered as outgroup and shared <46% amino acid identity with other coronaviruses, supporting the assumption that it belongs to a new putative genus Epsiloncoronavirus. This finding highlights that mammals still hide diverse coronaviruses whose zoonotic and epizootic potential remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpiero Zamperin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Francesca Festa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Elisa Palumbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Erika Quaranta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paola De Benedictis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Stefania Leopardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, 70121 Valenzano, Italy.
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12
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Saini T, Bekal S, Liman AD. Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis of Possible Urothelial Origin. Cureus 2023; 15:e36030. [PMID: 37056552 PMCID: PMC10085748 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial cancer with lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a rare clinical phenomenon that is not commonly associated with acute respiratory failure. However, the recent prevalence of COVID-19 may predispose a patient's respiratory system to become more susceptible to metastatic lymphangitic spread. We present a case of a 57-year-old male with progressively worsening hypoxic respiratory failure after testing positive for COVID-19 six months prior. Imaging during the hospitalization showed adenopathy consistent with lymphangitic carcinomatosis that was not present six months prior. Acute respiratory deterioration is associated more commonly with infection rather than the progression of cancer, but infectious, autoimmune, and cardiac processes were deemed minimal contributory factors. The patient's respiratory decline only allowed for a T-11 vertebral biopsy which showed poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma of possible urothelial origin. Urothelial cancer leading to respiratory failure due to lymphangitic carcinomatosis is an uncommon phenomenon, but in the setting of prior COVID-19, it may make the respiratory system more susceptible to lymphangitic spread. However, research is limited due to the recent prevalence of COVID-19, and more research is necessary to investigate a potential correlation with rapid lymphatic carcinomatosis after COVID-19 infection.
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13
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Should We Expect an Increase in the Number of Cancer Cases in People with Long COVID? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030713. [PMID: 36985286 PMCID: PMC10051562 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between viral infections and the risk of developing cancer is well known. Multiple mechanisms participate in and determine this process. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in the deaths of millions of people worldwide. Although the effects of COVID-19 are limited for most people, a large number of people continue to show symptoms for a long period of time (long COVID). Several studies have suggested that cancer could also be a potential long-term complication of the virus; however, the causes of this risk are not yet well understood. In this review, we investigated arguments that could support or reject this possibility.
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14
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction: Implications for post-COVID complications. Mitochondrion 2023; 69:43-56. [PMID: 36690315 PMCID: PMC9854144 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a central role in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), bioenergetics linked with ATP production, fatty acids biosynthesis, calcium signaling, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and innate immune response. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection manipulates the host cellular machinery for its survival and replication in the host cell. The infectiaon causes perturbed the cellular metabolism that favours viral replication leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation. By localizing to the mitochondria, SARS CoV proteins increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, perturbation of Ca2+ signaling, changes in mtDNA copy number, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial mass, and induction of mitophagy. These proteins also influence the fusion and fission kinetics, size, structure, and distribution of mitochondria in the infected host cells. This results in compromised bioenergetics, altered metabolism, and innate immune signaling, and hence can be a key player in determining the outcome of SARS-CoV infection. SARS-CoV infection contributes to stress and activates apoptotic pathways. This review summarizes how mitochondrial function and dynamics are affected by SARS-CoV and how the mitochondria-SARS-CoV interaction benefits viral survival and growth by evading innate host immunity. We also highlight how the SARS-CoV-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to post-COVID complications. Besides, a discussion on targeting virus-mitochondria interactions as a therapeutic strategy is presented.
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15
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Merino VF, Yan Y, Ordonez AA, Bullen CK, Lee A, Saeki H, Ray K, Huang T, Jain SK, Pomper MG. Nucleolin mediates SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral-induced apoptosis of host cells. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105550. [PMID: 36740097 PMCID: PMC9896859 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Host-oriented antiviral therapeutics are promising treatment options to combat COVID-19 and its emerging variants. However, relatively little is known about the cellular proteins hijacked by SARS-CoV-2 for its replication. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 induces expression and cytoplasmic translocation of the nucleolar protein, nucleolin (NCL). NCL interacts with SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins and co-localizes with N-protein in the nucleolus and in stress granules. Knockdown of NCL decreases the stress granule component G3BP1, viral replication and improved survival of infected host cells. NCL mediates viral-induced apoptosis and stress response via p53. SARS-CoV-2 increases NCL expression and nucleolar size and number in lungs of infected hamsters. Inhibition of NCL with the aptamer AS-1411 decreases viral replication and apoptosis of infected cells. These results suggest nucleolin as a suitable target for anti-COVID therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa F Merino
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Yu Yan
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Alvaro A Ordonez
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - C Korin Bullen
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Albert Lee
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harumi Saeki
- Department of Human Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Krishanu Ray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA; Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanjay K Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Latif MB, Shukla S, Del Rio Estrada PM, Ribeiro SP, Sekaly RP, Sharma AA. Immune mechanisms in cancer patients that lead to poor outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transl Res 2022; 241:83-95. [PMID: 34871809 PMCID: PMC8641406 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cancers have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is highlighted by the adverse outcomes in cancer patients with COVID-19 as well as by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care. Patients with cancer constitute a heterogeneous population that exhibits distinct mechanisms of immune dysfunction, associated with distinct systemic features of hot (T-cell-inflamed/infiltrated) and cold (Non-T-cell-inflamed and/or infiltrated) tumors. The former show hyper immune activated cells and a highly inflammatory environment while, contrastingly, the latter show the profile of a senescent and/or quiescent immune system. Thus, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in different types of cancers can show distinct trajectories which could lead to a variety of clinical and pathophysiological outcomes. The altered immunological environment including cytokines that characterizes hot and cold tumors will lead to different mechanisms of immune dysfunction, which will result in downstream effects on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review will focus on defining the known contributions of soluble pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators on immune function including altered T-cells and B-cells responses and as well on how these factors modulate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2, TMPRSS2 expression, and lymph node fibrosis in cancer patients. We will propose immune mechanisms that underlie the distinct courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients and impact on the success of immune based therapies that have significantly improved cancer outcomes. Better understanding of the immune mechanisms prevalent in cancer patients that are associated to the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection will help to identify the high-risk cancer patients and develop immune-based approaches to prevent significant adverse outcomes by targeting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bilal Latif
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sudhanshu Shukla
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Perla Mariana Del Rio Estrada
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Pereira Ribeiro
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rafick Pierre Sekaly
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Ashish Arunkumar Sharma
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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17
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Anjum F, Mohammad T, Asrani P, Shafie A, Singh S, Yadav DK, Uversky VN, Hassan MI. Identification of intrinsically disorder regions in non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2: New insights into drug and vaccine resistance. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1607-1619. [PMID: 35211823 PMCID: PMC8869350 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019 and caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which causes pneumonia and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is a highly infectious pathogen that promptly spread. Like other beta coronaviruses, SARS‐CoV‐2 encodes some non-structural proteins (NSPs), playing crucial roles in viral transcription and replication. NSPs likely have essential roles in viral pathogenesis by manipulating many cellular processes. We performed a sequence-based analysis of NSPs to get insights into their intrinsic disorders, and their functions in viral replication were annotated and discussed in detail. Here, we provide newer insights into the structurally disordered regions of SARS-CoV-2 NSPs. Our analysis reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 proteome has a chunk of the disordered region that might be responsible for increasing its virulence. In addition, mutations in these regions are presumably responsible for drug and vaccine resistance. These findings suggested that the structurally disordered regions of SARS-CoV-2 NSPs might be invulnerable in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Anjum
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Purva Asrani
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Alaa Shafie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP, Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon City, 21924, South Korea.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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18
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Costa BA, da Luz KV, Campos SEV, Lopes GS, Leitão JPDV, Duarte FB. Can SARS-CoV-2 induce hematologic malignancies in predisposed individuals? A case series and review of the literature. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2022; 44:26-31. [PMID: 35075445 PMCID: PMC8768508 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present with extrapulmonary manifestations, including hematologic changes. Previous studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) can interact with the renin-angiotensin system, ultimately causing increased production of angiotensin II. By reporting the cases of previously healthy young adults diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy after experiencing COVID-19, we raise the hypothesis that the SARS-Cov-2 infection could act as a trigger for leukemogenesis in predisposed individuals. Methods This was a case series performed through extraction of relevant clinical information from the medical records of three patients admitted to our Hematology unit between August 2020 and September 2020. Main Results Considering the relatively rapid development of cytopenias following recovery from COVID-19, it cannot be ruled out that SARS-Cov-2 played a role in leukemogenesis in those patients. Based on previous in vitro studies, the renin-angiotensin system imbalance induced by SARS-CoV-2 could potentially promote in vivo leukemogenesis through several mechanisms. Conclusion Despite the advances in pathophysiological and clinical characterization of COVID-19, the consequences of the pandemic to the incidence of hematologic diseases are still to be elucidated. In this context, future dissection of the status of the local bone marrow renin-angiotensin system in leukemogenesis is a clinically relevant basic research area.
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19
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Mesri EA, Lampidis TJ. 2-Deoxy-d-glucose exploits increased glucose metabolism in cancer and viral-infected cells: Relevance to its use in India against SARS-CoV-2. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1198-1204. [PMID: 34418270 PMCID: PMC8653061 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms discovered to drive increased glucose metabolism in cancer cells are found to be similar to those in viral-infected cells. In this mini review, we summarize the major pathways by which the sugar analog, 2-Deoxy-d-glucose, has been shown to exploit increased glucose metabolism in cancer and how this information applies to viral-infected cells. Moreover, we highlight the relevance of these findings to the emergency approval of 2-Deoxy-d-glucose in India to be used against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique A. Mesri
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMiamiFloridaUSA
- Cell BiologySylvester Comprehensive Cancer CenterMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Theodore J. Lampidis
- Cell BiologySylvester Comprehensive Cancer CenterMiamiFloridaUSA
- Department of Cell BiologyMiamiFloridaUSA
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20
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Gerstner N, Kehl T, Lenhof K, Eckhart L, Schneider L, Stöckel D, Backes C, Meese E, Keller A, Lenhof HP. GeneTrail: A Framework for the Analysis of High-Throughput Profiles. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:716544. [PMID: 34604304 PMCID: PMC8481803 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.716544] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental high-throughput techniques, like next-generation sequencing or microarrays, are nowadays routinely applied to create detailed molecular profiles of cells. In general, these platforms generate high-dimensional and noisy data sets. For their analysis, powerful bioinformatics tools are required to gain novel insights into the biological processes under investigation. Here, we present an overview of the GeneTrail tool suite that offers rich functionality for the analysis and visualization of (epi-)genomic, transcriptomic, miRNomic, and proteomic profiles. Our framework enables the analysis of standard bulk, time-series, and single-cell measurements and includes various state-of-the-art methods to identify potentially deregulated biological processes and to detect driving factors within those deregulated processes. We highlight the capabilities of our web service with an analysis of a single-cell COVID-19 data set that demonstrates its potential for uncovering complex molecular mechanisms. GeneTrail can be accessed freely and without login requirements at http://genetrail.bioinf.uni-sb.de.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Gerstner
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tim Kehl
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lenhof
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Lea Eckhart
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Lara Schneider
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Daniel Stöckel
- Healthcare Digital & Data, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christina Backes
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Hans-Peter Lenhof
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarbrücken, Germany
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21
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Cancer and COVID-19: Why are cancer patients more susceptible to COVID-19? Med Oncol 2021; 38:101. [PMID: 34302557 PMCID: PMC8302962 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01553-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has engulfed the entire world and has claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide. This viral disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and mainly characterized by fever, dry cough, fatigue, anosmia, anorexia, and dyspnea. The severity of the disease increases with age and presence of comorbidities, including cancer. Multiple clinical studies have shown that the cancer patients are highly susceptible to the severe form of the viral disease. In this review article, we have summarized the available scientific literature regarding the molecular links between COVID-19 and cancer, which make the cancer patients highly susceptible to COVID-19. Few studies have shown that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and the immune response and inflammation establish the interconnection between the two diseases. Additionally, we have also discussed whether SARS-CoV-2 can contribute to cancer development in COVID-19 patients. A recent study has suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may create a microenvironment that may support cancer cell proliferation and induce the activation of dormant cancer cells (DCCs). In another study, the blood sera of COVID-19 patients were found to activate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells. Overall, this review article will surely help the scientific community to understand why the cancer patients are so much prone to COVID-19 and will also motivate the researchers to find new therapeutic strategies that may save the lives of many COVID-19-infected cancer patients.
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22
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Mahmud S, Elfiky AA, Amin A, Mohanto SC, Rahman E, Acharjee UK, Saleh A. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 15 endoribonuclease: an in silico perspective. Future Virol 2021. [PMID: 34290822 PMCID: PMC8285111 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2020-0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The newly emerged human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, had begun to spread last year and sparked worldwide. In this study, molecular docking is utilized to test some previously approved drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 15 (Nsp15). We screened 23 drugs, from which three (saquinavir, valrubicin and aprepitant) show a paramount predicted binding affinity (-9.1, -9.6 and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively) against SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15. Moreover, saquinavir and aprepitant make nonbonded interactions with Leu201 in the active site cavity of Nsp15, while the drug valrubicin interacts with Arg199 and Leu201. This binding pattern may be effective against the targeted protein, leading to Nsp15 blockage and virus abolition. Additionally, the pharmacological properties of the screened drugs are known since they have been approved against different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafi Mahmud
- Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Abdo A Elfiky
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Al Amin
- Institute of Biological Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Sumon Chandro Mohanto
- Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Ekhtiar Rahman
- Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Uzzal Kumar Acharjee
- Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Saleh
- Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
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23
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Ebrahimi Sadrabadi A, Bereimipour A, Jalili A, Gholipurmalekabadi M, Farhadihosseinabadi B, Seifalian AM. The risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma following SARS-CoV family infection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12948. [PMID: 34155232 PMCID: PMC8217230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID 19 disease has become a global catastrophe over the past year that has claimed the lives of over two million people around the world. Despite the introduction of vaccines against the disease, there is still a long way to completely eradicate it. There are concerns about the complications following infection with SARS-CoV-2. This research aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between infection with SARS-CoV viruses and cancer in an in-silico study model. To do this, the relevent dataset was selected from GEO database. Identification of differentially expressed genes among defined groups including SARS-CoV, SARS-dORF6, SARS-BatSRBD, and H1N1 were screened where the |Log FC| ≥ 1and p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Later, the pathway enrichment analysis and gene ontology (GO) were used by Enrichr and Shiny GO databases. Evaluation with STRING online was applied to predict the functional interactions of proteins, followed by Cytoscape analysis to identify the master genes. Finally, analysis with GEPIA2 server was carried out to reveal the possible correlation between candidate genes and cancer development. The results showed that the main molecular function of up- and down-regulated genes was "double-stranded RNA binding" and actin-binding, respectively. STRING and Cytoscape analysis presented four genes, PTEN, CREB1, CASP3, and SMAD3 as the key genes involved in cancer development. According to TCGA database results, these four genes were up-regulated notably in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Our findings suggest that pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most probably malignancy happening after infection with SARS-CoV family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ebrahimi Sadrabadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Bereimipour
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arsalan Jalili
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Parvaz Research Ideas Supporter Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mazaher Gholipurmalekabadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alexander M Seifalian
- Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine Commercialization Centre (Ltd), London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, UK.
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24
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Mahoney KE, Shabanowitz J, Hunt DF. MHC Phosphopeptides: Promising Targets for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100112. [PMID: 34129940 PMCID: PMC8724925 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex-associated peptides have been considered as potential immunotherapeutic targets for many years. MHC class I phosphopeptides result from dysregulated cell signaling pathways that are common across cancers and both viral and bacterial infections. These antigens are recognized by central memory T cells from healthy donors, indicating that they are considered antigenic by the immune system and that they are presented across different individuals and diseases. Based on these responses and the similar dysregulation, phosphorylated antigens are promising candidates for prevention or treatment of different cancers as well as a number of other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keira E Mahoney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jeffrey Shabanowitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
| | - Donald F Hunt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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25
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Stingi A, Cirillo L. SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer: Evidence for and against a role of SARS-CoV-2 in cancer onset. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000289. [PMID: 34081334 PMCID: PMC8209829 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite huge efforts towards understanding the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pathogenesis, little is known about the long‐term consequences of the disease. Here, we critically review existing literature about oncogenesis as a potential long‐term effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Like other viral infections, SARS‐CoV‐2 may promote cancer onset by inhibiting tumor suppressor genes. We conclude that, although unlikely, such hypothesis cannot be excluded a priori and we delineate an experimental approach to address it. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/TBUTDSLR7vY
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Affiliation(s)
- Aureliano Stingi
- Department of Cellular Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luca Cirillo
- Cancer Biology Division, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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26
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Lee HC, Fu CY, Lin CY, Hu JR, Huang TY, Lo KY, Tsai HY, Sheu JC, Tsai HJ. Poly(U)-specific endoribonuclease ENDOU promotes translation of human CHOP mRNA by releasing uORF element-mediated inhibition. EMBO J 2021; 40:e104123. [PMID: 33511665 PMCID: PMC8167367 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are known to negatively affect translation of the downstream ORF. The regulatory proteins involved in relieving this inhibition are however poorly characterized. In response to cellular stress, eIF2α phosphorylation leads to an inhibition of global protein synthesis, while translation of specific factors such as CHOP is induced. We analyzed a 105‐nt inhibitory uORF in the transcript of human CHOP (huORFchop) and found that overexpression of the zebrafish or human ENDOU poly(U)‐endoribonuclease (Endouc or ENDOU‐1, respectively) increases CHOP mRNA translation also in the absence of stress. We also found that Endouc/ENDOU‐1 binds and cleaves the huORFchop transcript at position 80G‐81U, which induces CHOP translation independently of phosphorylated eIF2α. However, both ENDOU and phospho‐eIF2α are nonetheless required for maximal translation of CHOP mRNA. Increased levels of ENDOU shift a huORFchop reporter as well as endogenous CHOP transcripts from the monosome to polysome fraction, indicating an increase in translation. Furthermore, we found that the uncapped truncated huORFchop‐69‐105‐nt transcript contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), facilitating translation of the cleaved transcript. Therefore, we propose a model where ENDOU‐mediated transcript cleavage positively regulates CHOP translation resulting in increased CHOP protein levels upon stress. Specifically, CHOP transcript cleavage changes the configuration of huORFchop thereby releasing its inhibition and allowing the stalled ribosomes to resume translation of the downstream ORF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chieh Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Yang Fu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yung Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Rung Hu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ying Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yin Lo
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yue Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chuan Sheu
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Jen Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
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Saini G, Aneja R. Cancer as a prospective sequela of long COVID-19. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000331. [PMID: 33914346 PMCID: PMC8206711 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) continues to surge worldwide, our knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is rapidly expanding. Although most COVID‐19 patients recover within weeks of symptom onset, some experience lingering symptoms that last for months (“long COVID‐19”). Early reports of COVID‐19 sequelae, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological conditions, have raised concerns about the long‐term effects of COVID‐19, especially in hard‐hit communities. It is becoming increasingly evident that cancer patients are more susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and are at a higher risk of severe COVID‐19 than the general population. Nevertheless, whether long COVID‐19 increases the risk of cancer in those with no prior malignancies, remains unclear. Given, the disproportionate impact of the disease on the African American community, yet another unanswered question is whether racial disparities are to be expected in COVID‐19 sequelae. Herein, we propose that long COVID‐19 may predispose recovered patients to cancer development and accelerate cancer progression. This hypothesis is based on growing evidence of the ability of SARS‐CoV‐2 to modulate oncogenic pathways, promote chronic low‐grade inflammation, and cause tissue damage. Comprehensive studies are urgently required to elucidate the effects of long COVID‐19 on cancer susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetanjali Saini
- Department of BiologyCollege of Arts and SciencesGeorgia State UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of BiologyCollege of Arts and SciencesGeorgia State UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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28
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Pérez-Moraga R, Forés-Martos J, Suay-García B, Duval JL, Falcó A, Climent J. A COVID-19 Drug Repurposing Strategy through Quantitative Homological Similarities Using a Topological Data Analysis-Based Framework. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040488. [PMID: 33918313 PMCID: PMC8066156 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in March 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic has produced more than 116 million cases and 2.5 million deaths worldwide. Despite the enormous efforts carried out by the scientific community, no effective treatments have been developed to date. We applied a novel computational pipeline aimed to accelerate the process of identifying drug repurposing candidates which allows us to compare three-dimensional protein structures. Its use in conjunction with two in silico validation strategies (molecular docking and transcriptomic analyses) allowed us to identify a set of potential drug repurposing candidates targeting three viral proteins (3CL viral protease, NSP15 endoribonuclease, and NSP12 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase), which included rutin, dexamethasone, and vemurafenib. This is the first time that a topological data analysis (TDA)-based strategy has been used to compare a massive number of protein structures with the final objective of performing drug repurposing to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Pérez-Moraga
- ESI International Chair@CEU-UCH, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (R.P.-M.); (J.F.-M.); (B.S.-G.)
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Física y Ciencias Tecnológicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaume Forés-Martos
- ESI International Chair@CEU-UCH, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (R.P.-M.); (J.F.-M.); (B.S.-G.)
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Física y Ciencias Tecnológicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center of Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Suay-García
- ESI International Chair@CEU-UCH, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (R.P.-M.); (J.F.-M.); (B.S.-G.)
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Física y Ciencias Tecnológicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Falcó
- ESI International Chair@CEU-UCH, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (R.P.-M.); (J.F.-M.); (B.S.-G.)
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Física y Ciencias Tecnológicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (J.C.)
| | - Joan Climent
- ESI International Chair@CEU-UCH, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, San Bartolomé 55, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (R.P.-M.); (J.F.-M.); (B.S.-G.)
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (J.C.)
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Kumar V, Kancharla S, Jena MK. In silico virtual screening-based study of nutraceuticals predicts the therapeutic potentials of folic acid and its derivatives against COVID-19. Virusdisease 2021; 32:29-37. [PMID: 33532517 PMCID: PMC7843005 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-020-00643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the Wuhan province of China has taken millions of lives worldwide. In this pandemic situation and absence of known drugs and vaccines against novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there is an urgent need for the repurposing of the existing drugs against it. So, here we have examined a safe and cheap alternative against this virus by screening hundreds of nutraceuticals compounds against known therapeutic targets of SARS-COV-2 by molecular docking. The virtual screening results were then analyzed for binding energy and interactive residues and compared with some already known hits in the best binding pose. All these analyses of this study strongly predicted the potential of Folic acid and its derivates like Tetrahydrofolic acid and 5-methyl tetrahydrofolic acid against SARS-COV-2. The strong and stable binding affinity of this water-soluble vitamin and its derivatives against the SARS-COV-2, indicating that they could be valuable drugs against the management of this COVID-19 pandemic. This study could serve as the starting point for further investigation of these molecules through in vitro and in vivo assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | | | - Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
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30
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Suryawanshi RK, Koganti R, Agelidis A, Patil CD, Shukla D. Dysregulation of Cell Signaling by SARS-CoV-2. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:224-237. [PMID: 33451855 PMCID: PMC7836829 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogens usurp host pathways to generate a permissive environment for their propagation. The current spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection presents the urgent need to understand the complex pathogen–host interplay for effective control of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 reorganizes the host cytoskeleton for efficient cell entry and controls host transcriptional processes to support viral protein translation. The virus also dysregulates innate cellular defenses using various structural and nonstructural proteins. This results in substantial but delayed hyperinflammation alongside a weakened interferon (IFN) response. We provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 and its uniquely aggressive life cycle and discuss the interactions of various viral proteins with host signaling pathways. We also address the functional changes in SARS-CoV-2 proteins, relative to SARS-CoV. Our comprehensive assessment of host signaling in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis provides some complex yet important strategic clues for the development of novel therapeutics against this rapidly emerging worldwide crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul K Suryawanshi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raghuram Koganti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alex Agelidis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Chandrashekhar D Patil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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31
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Han HJ, Nwagwu C, Anyim O, Ekweremadu C, Kim S. COVID-19 and cancer: From basic mechanisms to vaccine development using nanotechnology. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107247. [PMID: 33307513 PMCID: PMC7709613 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Shows updated understanding of SARS-CoV-2, including the interaction between ACE 2 and the viral spike protein. More effective vaccines are required for immunocompromised cancer patients. Cancer alters the immune system through different levels of D-Dimer, albumin, prothrombin, and neutrophils. Nanomaterials assist vaccine delivery, including viral vector and mRNA vaccines with lipid nanoparticles.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global pandemic which has induced unprecedented ramifications, severely affecting our society due to the long incubation time, unpredictably high prevalence and lack of effective vaccines. One of the interesting notions is that there is an association between COVID-19 and cancer. Cancer patients seem to exhibit exacerbated conditions and a higher mortality rate when exposed to the virus. Therefore, vaccines are the promising solution to minimise the problem amongst cancer patients threatened by the new viral strains. However, there are still limitations to be considered, including the efficacy of COVID vaccines for immunocompromised individuals, possible interactions between the vaccine and cancer, and personalised medicine. Not only to eradicate the pandemic, but also to make it more effective for immunocompromised patients who are suffering from cancer, a successful vaccine platform is required through the implementation of nanotechnology which can also enable scalable manufacturing and worldwide distribution along with its faster and precise delivery. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of COVID-19 with clinical perspectives, highlighting the association between COVID-19 and cancer, followed by a vaccine development for this association using nanotechnology. We suggest different administration methods for the COVID-19 vaccine formulation options. This study will contribute to paving the way towards the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, especially for the immunocompromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jee Han
- University College London, Department of Neonatology, United Kingdom.
| | - Chinekwu Nwagwu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.
| | - Obumneme Anyim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ekweremadu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
| | - San Kim
- Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital, United Kingdom.
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32
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Structural and functional insights into non-structural proteins of coronaviruses. Microb Pathog 2020; 150:104641. [PMID: 33242646 PMCID: PMC7682334 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are causing a number of human and animal diseases because of their zoonotic nature such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These viruses can infect respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic and central nervous systems of human, livestock, birds, bat, mouse, and many wild animals. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly emerging respiratory virus and is causing CoVID-19 with high morbidity and considerable mortality. All CoVs belong to the order Nidovirales, family Coronaviridae, are enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, characterised by club-like spikes on their surfaces and large RNA genome with a distinctive replication strategy. Coronavirus have the largest RNA genomes (~26–32 kilobases) and their expansion was likely enabled by acquiring enzyme functions that counter the commonly high error frequency of viral RNA polymerases. Non-structural proteins (nsp) 7–16 are cleaved from two large replicase polyproteins and guide the replication and processing of coronavirus RNA. Coronavirus replicase has more or less universal activities, such as RNA polymerase (nsp 12) and helicase (nsp 13), as well as a variety of unusual or even special mRNA capping (nsp 14, nsp 16) and fidelity regulation (nsp 14) domains. Besides that, several smaller subunits (nsp 7– nsp 10) serve as essential cofactors for these enzymes and contribute to the emerging “nsp interactome.” In spite of the significant progress in studying coronaviruses structural and functional properties, there is an urgent need to understand the coronaviruses evolutionary success that will be helpful to develop enhanced control strategies. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the structure, function, and interactions of coronaviruses RNA synthesizing machinery and their replication strategies.
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Simabuco FM, Tamura RE, Pavan ICB, Morale MG, Ventura AM. Molecular mechanisms and pharmacological interventions in the replication cycle of human coronaviruses. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 44:e20200212. [PMID: 33237152 PMCID: PMC7731901 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2020-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), as well as SARS-CoV from 2003 along with MERS-CoV from 2012, is a member of the Betacoronavirus genus of the Nidovirales order and is currently the cause of the pandemic called COVID-19 (or Coronavirus disease 2019). COVID-19, which is characterized by cough, fever, fatigue, and severe cases of pneumonia, has affected more than 23 million people worldwide until August 25th, 2020. Here, we present a review of the cellular mechanisms associated with human coronavirus replication, including the unique molecular events related to the replication transcription complex (RTC) of coronaviruses. We also present information regarding the interactions between each viral protein and cellular proteins associated to known host-pathogen implications for the coronavirus biology. Finally, a specific topic addresses the current attempts for pharmacological interventions against COVID-19, highlighting the possible effects of each drug on the molecular events of viral replication. This review intends to aid future studies for a better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle and the development of pharmacological approaches targeting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA), Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Alimentos e Saúde (LABMAS), Limeira, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Esaki Tamura
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Departmento de Ciências Biológicas, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora Carolina Betim Pavan
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA), Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Alimentos e Saúde (LABMAS), Limeira, SP, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mirian Galliote Morale
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Oncologia Translacional, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Armando Morais Ventura
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Departamento de Microbiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Sirpilla O, Bauss J, Gupta R, Underwood A, Qutob D, Freeland T, Bupp C, Carcillo J, Hartog N, Rajasekaran S, Prokop JW. SARS-CoV-2-Encoded Proteome and Human Genetics: From Interaction-Based to Ribosomal Biology Impact on Disease and Risk Processes. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:4275-4290. [PMID: 32686937 PMCID: PMC7418564 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has infected millions of people worldwide, with lethality in hundreds of thousands. The rapid publication of information, both regarding the clinical course and the viral biology, has yielded incredible knowledge of the virus. In this review, we address the insights gained for the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, which we have integrated into the Viral Integrated Structural Evolution Dynamic Database, a publicly available resource. Integrating evolutionary, structural, and interaction data with human proteins, we present how the SARS-CoV-2 proteome interacts with human disorders and risk factors ranging from cytokine storm, hyperferritinemic septic, coagulopathic, cardiac, immune, and rare disease-based genetics. The most noteworthy human genetic potential of SARS-CoV-2 is that of the nucleocapsid protein, where it is known to contribute to the inhibition of the biological process known as nonsense-mediated decay. This inhibition has the potential to not only regulate about 10% of all biological transcripts through altered ribosomal biology but also associate with viral-induced genetics, where suppressed human variants are activated to drive dominant, negative outcomes within cells. As we understand more of the dynamic and complex biological pathways that the proteome of SARS-CoV-2 utilizes for entry into cells, for replication, and for release from human cells, we can understand more risk factors for severe/lethal outcomes in patients and novel pharmaceutical interventions that may mitigate future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Sirpilla
- Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
- Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Walsh
University, North Canton, Ohio 44720,
United States
| | - Jacob Bauss
- Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
| | - Ruchir Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
- Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Adam Underwood
- Walsh
University, North Canton, Ohio 44720,
United States
| | - Dinah Qutob
- Walsh
University, North Canton, Ohio 44720,
United States
| | - Tom Freeland
- Walsh
University, North Canton, Ohio 44720,
United States
| | - Caleb Bupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
- Spectrum Health Medical
Genetics, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
| | - Joseph Carcillo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine
and Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh,
University of Pittsburgh School of
Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15421,
United States
| | - Nicholas Hartog
- Allergy & Immunology,
Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
| | - Surender Rajasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
- Pediatric Intensive Care
Unit, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
- Office of Research,
Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
| | - Jeremy W. Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503,
United States
- Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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Su M, Chen Y, Qi S, Shi D, Feng L, Sun D. A Mini-Review on Cell Cycle Regulation of Coronavirus Infection. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:586826. [PMID: 33251267 PMCID: PMC7674852 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.586826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are widespread in nature and infect humans, mammals and poultry. They cause harm to humans and animals. Virus-mediated cell cycle arrest is an essential strategy for viral survival and proliferation in the host cells. A clarification system of the mechanisms of virus-induced cell cycle arrest is highly desirable to promote the development of antiviral therapies. In this review, molecular mechanisms of coronavirus-induced cell cycle arrest were systematically summarized. Moreover, the common features of coronavirus-mediated cell cycle arrest were discussed. This review will provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the infection mechanisms and prevention of coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Su
- Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Swine Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Swine Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Swine Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Da Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Li Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Dongbo Sun
- Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Swine Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
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36
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Cancer Patients Have a Higher Risk Regarding COVID-19 - and Vice Versa? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13070143. [PMID: 32640723 PMCID: PMC7408191 DOI: 10.3390/ph13070143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is currently suffering from a pandemic which has claimed the lives of over 230,000 people to date. The responsible virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is mainly characterized by fever, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the disease can lead to respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock, which are mostly fatal for the patient. The severity of disease progression was hypothesized to be related to an overshooting immune response and was correlated with age and comorbidities, including cancer. A lot of research has lately been focused on the pathogenesis and acute consequences of COVID-19. However, the possibility of long-term consequences caused by viral infections which has been shown for other viruses are not to be neglected. In this regard, this opinion discusses the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer with special focus on the inflammatory immune response and tissue damage caused by infection. We summarize the available literature on COVID-19 suggesting an increased risk for severe disease progression in cancer patients, and we discuss the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 could contribute to cancer development. We offer lines of thought to provide ideas for urgently needed studies on the potential long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Alpalhão M, Ferreira JA, Filipe P. Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk for cancer. Med Hypotheses 2020; 143:109882. [PMID: 32485314 PMCID: PMC7831646 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current SARS-CoV-2 has put significant strain on healthcare services worldwide due to acute COVID-19. However, the potential long-term effects of this infection haven’t been extensively discussed. We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 may be able to cause persistent infection in some individuals, and should this be the case, that in a few years we may see a rise in cancer incidence due to carcinogenic effects of this coronavirus. Non-retroviral RNA viruses such as Coronaviridae have been shown to cause persistent infection in hosts. Empirical evidence of viral genomic material shedding weeks after apparent clinical and laboratorial resolution of COVID-19 may be an indirect proof for persistent viral infection. Furthermore, tropism towards certain immune-privileged territories may facilitate immune evasion by this virus. Structural homology with SARS-CoV-1 indicates that SARS-CoV-2 may be able to directly impair pRb and p53, which are key gatekeepers with tumor suppressor functions. Additionally, COVID-19 features preeminent inflammatory response with marked oxidative stress, which acts as both as initiator and promotor of carcinogenesis. Should there be a carcinogenic risk associated with SARS-CoV-2, the implications for public health are plenty, as infected patients should be closely watched during long periods of follow-up. Additional investigation to establish or exclude the possibility for persistent infection is paramount to identify and prevent possible complications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alpalhão
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisbon, Portugal; Dermatology Universitary Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Dermatology Research Unit, iMM João Lobo Antunes, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Augusto Ferreira
- Dermatology Universitary Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Dermatology Research Unit, iMM João Lobo Antunes, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Filipe
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisbon, Portugal; Dermatology Universitary Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Dermatology Research Unit, iMM João Lobo Antunes, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Laise P, Bosker G, Sun X, Shen Y, Douglass EF, Karan C, Realubit RB, Pampou S, Califano A, Alvarez MJ. The Host Cell ViroCheckpoint: Identification and Pharmacologic Targeting of Novel Mechanistic Determinants of Coronavirus-Mediated Hijacked Cell States. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.05.12.091256. [PMID: 32511361 PMCID: PMC7263489 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.12.091256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Most antiviral agents are designed to target virus-specific proteins and mechanisms rather than the host cell proteins that are critically dysregulated following virus-mediated reprogramming of the host cell transcriptional state. To overcome these limitations, we propose that elucidation and pharmacologic targeting of host cell Master Regulator proteins-whose aberrant activities govern the reprogramed state of coronavirus-infected cells-presents unique opportunities to develop novel mechanism-based therapeutic approaches to antiviral therapy, either as monotherapy or as a complement to established treatments. Specifically, we propose that a small module of host cell Master Regulator proteins (ViroCheckpoint) is hijacked by the virus to support its efficient replication and release. Conventional methodologies are not well suited to elucidate these potentially targetable proteins. By using the VIPER network-based algorithm, we successfully interrogated 12h, 24h, and 48h signatures from Calu-3 lung adenocarcinoma cells infected with SARS-CoV, to elucidate the time-dependent reprogramming of host cells and associated Master Regulator proteins. We used the NYS CLIA-certified Darwin OncoTreat algorithm, with an existing database of RNASeq profiles following cell perturbation with 133 FDA-approved and 195 late-stage experimental compounds, to identify drugs capable of virtually abrogating the virus-induced Master Regulator signature. This approach to drug prioritization and repurposing can be trivially extended to other viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, as soon as the relevant infection signature becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Laise
- DarwinHealth Inc, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Yao Shen
- DarwinHealth Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene F Douglass
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Karan
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald B Realubit
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sergey Pampou
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariano J Alvarez
- DarwinHealth Inc, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Coronaviruses are pathogens with a serious impact on human and animal health. They mostly cause enteric or respiratory disease, which can be severe and life threatening, e.g., in the case of the zoonotic coronaviruses causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in humans. Despite the economic and societal impact of such coronavirus infections, and the likelihood of future outbreaks of additional pathogenic coronaviruses, our options to prevent or treat coronavirus infections remain very limited. This highlights the importance of advancing our knowledge on the replication of these viruses and their interactions with the host. Compared to other +RNA viruses, coronaviruses have an exceptionally large genome and employ a complex genome expression strategy. Next to a role in basic virus replication or virus assembly, many of the coronavirus proteins expressed in the infected cell contribute to the coronavirus-host interplay. For example, by interacting with the host cell to create an optimal environment for coronavirus replication, by altering host gene expression or by counteracting the host’s antiviral defenses. These coronavirus–host interactions are key to viral pathogenesis and will ultimately determine the outcome of infection. Due to the complexity of the coronavirus proteome and replication cycle, our knowledge of host factors involved in coronavirus replication is still in an early stage compared to what is known for some other +RNA viruses. This review summarizes our current understanding of coronavirus–host interactions at the level of the infected cell, with special attention for the assembly and function of the viral RNA-synthesising machinery and the evasion of cellular innate immune responses.
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Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Endoribonuclease Nsp15 Encoded by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00893-18. [PMID: 30135128 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00893-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonstructural protein 15 (Nsp15) encoded by coronavirus (CoV) is a nidoviral uridylate-specific endoribonuclease (NendoU) that plays an essential role in the life cycle of the virus. Structural information on this crucial protein from the Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), which is lethally pathogenic and has caused severe respiratory diseases worldwide, is lacking. Here, we determined the crystal structure of MERS-CoV Nsp15 at a 2.7-Å resolution and performed the relevant biochemical assays to study how NendoU activity is regulated. Although the overall structure is conserved, MERS-CoV Nsp15 shows unique and novel features compared to its homologs. Serine substitution of residue F285, which harbors an aromatic side chain that disturbs RNA binding compared with that of other homologs, increases catalytic activity. Mutations of residues residing on the oligomerization interfaces that distort hexamerization, namely, N38A, Y58A, and N157A, decrease thermostability, decrease affinity of binding with RNA, and reduce the NendoU activity of Nsp15. In contrast, mutant D39A exhibits increased activity and a higher substrate binding capacity. Importantly, Nsp8 was found to interact with both monomeric and hexameric Nsp15. The Nsp7/Nsp8 complex displays a higher binding affinity for Nsp15. Furthermore, Nsp8 and the Nsp7/Nsp8 complex also enhance the NendoU activity of hexameric Nsp15 in vitro Taking the findings together, this work first provides evidence on how the activity of Nsp15 may be functionally mediated by catalytic residues, oligomeric assembly, RNA binding efficiency, or the possible association with other nonstructural proteins.IMPORTANCE The lethally pathogenic Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) pose serious threats to humans. Endoribonuclease Nsp15 encoded by coronavirus plays an important role in viral infection and pathogenesis. This study determines the structure of MERS-CoV Nsp15 and demonstrates how the catalytic activity of this protein is potentially mediated, thereby providing structural and functional evidence for developing antiviral drugs. We also hypothesize that the primase-like protein Nsp8 and the Nsp7/Nsp8 complex may interact with Nsp15 and affect enzymatic activity. This contributes to the understanding of the association of Nsp15 with the viral replication and transcription machinery.
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An "Old" protein with a new story: Coronavirus endoribonuclease is important for evading host antiviral defenses. Virology 2018; 517:157-163. [PMID: 29307596 PMCID: PMC5869138 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Here we review the evolving story of the coronavirus endoribonuclease (EndoU). Coronavirus EndoU is encoded within the sequence of nonstructural protein (nsp) 15, which was initially identified as a component of the viral replication complex. Biochemical and structural studies revealed the enzymatic nature of nsp15/EndoU, which was postulated to be essential for the unique replication cycle of viruses in the order Nidovirales. However, the role of nsp15 in coronavirus replication was enigmatic as EndoU-deficient coronaviruses were viable and replicated to near wild-type virus levels in fibroblast cells. A breakthrough in our understanding of the role of EndoU was revealed in recent studies, which showed that EndoU mediates the evasion of viral double-stranded RNA recognition by host sensors in macrophages. This new discovery of nsp15/EndoU function leads to new opportunities for investigating how a viral EndoU contributes to pathogenesis and exploiting this enzyme for therapeutics and vaccine design against pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Kindler E, Gil-Cruz C, Spanier J, Li Y, Wilhelm J, Rabouw HH, Züst R, Hwang M, V’kovski P, Stalder H, Marti S, Habjan M, Cervantes-Barragan L, Elliot R, Karl N, Gaughan C, van Kuppeveld FJM, Silverman RH, Keller M, Ludewig B, Bergmann CC, Ziebuhr J, Weiss SR, Kalinke U, Thiel V. Early endonuclease-mediated evasion of RNA sensing ensures efficient coronavirus replication. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006195. [PMID: 28158275 PMCID: PMC5310923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are of veterinary and medical importance and include highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. They are known to efficiently evade early innate immune responses, manifesting in almost negligible expression of type-I interferons (IFN-I). This evasion strategy suggests an evolutionary conserved viral function that has evolved to prevent RNA-based sensing of infection in vertebrate hosts. Here we show that the coronavirus endonuclease (EndoU) activity is key to prevent early induction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) host cell responses. Replication of EndoU-deficient coronaviruses is greatly attenuated in vivo and severely restricted in primary cells even during the early phase of the infection. In macrophages we found immediate induction of IFN-I expression and RNase L-mediated breakdown of ribosomal RNA. Accordingly, EndoU-deficient viruses can retain replication only in cells that are deficient in IFN-I expression or sensing, and in cells lacking both RNase L and PKR. Collectively our results demonstrate that the coronavirus EndoU efficiently prevents simultaneous activation of host cell dsRNA sensors, such as Mda5, OAS and PKR. The localization of the EndoU activity at the site of viral RNA synthesis-within the replicase complex-suggests that coronaviruses have evolved a viral RNA decay pathway to evade early innate and intrinsic antiviral host cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Kindler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Federal Department of Home Affairs, Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Gil-Cruz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Julia Spanier
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Universities Giessen & Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Huib H. Rabouw
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mihyun Hwang
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Philip V’kovski
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Federal Department of Home Affairs, Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Biomedical Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Stalder
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Federal Department of Home Affairs, Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Marti
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Federal Department of Home Affairs, Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ruth Elliot
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Nadja Karl
- Institute for Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christina Gaughan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Frank J. M. van Kuppeveld
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert H. Silverman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Burkhard Ludewig
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia C. Bergmann
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute for Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susan R. Weiss
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Federal Department of Home Affairs, Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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The interaction of nonstructural protein 9 with retinoblastoma protein benefits the replication of genotype 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in vitro. Virology 2014; 464-465:432-440. [PMID: 25146601 PMCID: PMC7112046 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The nonstructural protein 9 (Nsp9) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that plays a vital role in viral replication. This study first demonstrated that the Nsp9 of genotype 2 PRRSV interacted with cellular retinoblastoma protein (pRb), and Nsp9 co-localized with pRb in the cytoplasm of PRRSV-infected MARC-145 cells and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Next, the overexpression of truncated pRb was shown to inhibit the PRRSV replication and silencing the pRb gene could facilitate the PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells. Finally, the pRb level was confirmed to be down-regulated in PRRSV-infected MARC-145 cells, and Nsp9 was shown to promote the pRb degradation by proteasome pathway. These findings indicate that the interaction of Nsp 9 with pRb benefits the replication of genotype 2 PRRSV in vitro, helping to understand the roles of Nsp9 in the replication and pathogenesis of PRRSV. The Nsp9 of genotype 2 PRRSV interacted with retinoblastoma protein (pRb). The pRb level was down-regulated in PRRSV-infected MARC-145 cells. The Nsp9 of genotype 2 PRRSV promoted the pRb degradation by proteasome pathway. The interaction of Nsp 9 with pRb benefits the genotype 2 PRRSV replication in vitro.
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Differential host cell gene expression and regulation of cell cycle progression by nonstructural protein 11 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:430508. [PMID: 24719865 PMCID: PMC3955671 DOI: 10.1155/2014/430508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonstructural protein 11 (nsp11) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a viral endoribonuclease with an unknown function. The regulation of cellular gene expression by nsp11 was examined by RNA microarrays using MARC-nsp11 cells constitutively expressing nsp11. In these cells, the interferon-β, interferon regulatory factor 3, and nuclear factor-κB activities were suppressed compared to those of parental cells, suggesting that nsp11 might serve as a viral interferon antagonist. Differential cellular transcriptome was examined using Affymetrix exon chips representing 28,536 transcripts, and after statistical analyses 66 cellular genes were shown to be upregulated and 104 genes were downregulated by nsp11. These genes were grouped into 5 major signaling pathways according to their functional relations: histone-related, cell cycle and DNA replication, mitogen activated protein kinase signaling, complement, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. Of these, the modulation of cell cycle by nsp11 was further investigated since many of the regulated genes fell in this particular pathway. Flow cytometry showed that nsp11 caused the delay of cell cycle progression at the S phase and the BrdU staining confirmed the cell cycle arrest in nsp11-expressing cells. The study provides insights into the understanding of specific cellular responses to nsp11 during PRRSV infection.
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White spot syndrome virus IE1 and WSV056 modulate the G1/S transition by binding to the host retinoblastoma protein. J Virol 2013; 87:12576-82. [PMID: 24027329 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01551-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA viruses often target cellular proteins to modulate host cell cycles and facilitate viral genome replication. However, whether proliferation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) requires regulation of the host cell cycle remains unclear. In the present study, we show that two WSSV paralogs, IE1 and WSV056, can interact with Litopenaeus vannamei retinoblastoma (Rb)-like protein (lv-RBL) through the conserved LxCxE motif. Further investigation revealed that IE1 and WSV056 could also bind to Drosophila retinoblastoma family protein 1 (RBF1) in a manner similar to how they bind to lv-RBL. Using the Drosophila RBF-E2F pathway as a model system, we demonstrated that both IE1 and WSV056 could sequester RBF1 from Drosophila E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and subsequently activate E2F1 to stimulate the G1/S transition. Our findings provide the first evidence that WSSV may regulate cell cycle progression by targeting the Rb-E2F pathway.
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Functional analysis of the murine coronavirus genomic RNA packaging signal. J Virol 2013; 87:5182-92. [PMID: 23449786 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00100-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses selectively package genomic RNA into assembled virions, despite the great molar excess of subgenomic RNA species that is present in infected cells. The genomic packaging signal (PS) for the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) was originally identified as an element that conferred packaging capability to defective interfering RNAs. The MHV PS is an RNA structure that maps to the region of the replicase gene encoding the nonstructural protein 15 subunit of the viral replicase-transcriptase complex. To begin to understand the role and mechanism of action of the MHV PS in its native genomic locus, we constructed viral mutants in which this cis-acting element was altered, deleted, or transposed. Our results demonstrated that the PS is pivotal in the selection of viral genomic RNA for incorporation into virions. Mutants in which PS RNA secondary structure was disrupted or entirely ablated packaged large quantities of subgenomic RNAs, in addition to genomic RNA. Moreover, the PS retained its function when displaced to an ectopic site in the genome. Surprisingly, the PS was not essential for MHV viability, nor did its elimination have a severe effect on viral growth. However, the PS was found to provide a distinct selective advantage to MHV. Viruses containing the PS readily outcompeted their otherwise isogenic counterparts lacking the PS.
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Recent progress in studies of arterivirus- and coronavirus-host interactions. Viruses 2012; 4:980-1010. [PMID: 22816036 PMCID: PMC3397358 DOI: 10.3390/v4060980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal coronaviruses, such as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and arteriviruses, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), are able to manifest highly contagious infections in their specific native hosts, thereby arising in critical economic damage to animal industries. This review discusses recent progress in studies of virus-host interactions during animal and human coronavirus and arterivirus infections, with emphasis on IBV-host cell interactions. These interactions may be directly involved in viral replication or lead to the alteration of certain signaling pathways, such as cell stress response and innate immunity, to facilitate viral replication and pathogenesis.
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