1
|
El-Maradny YA, Badawy MA, Mohamed KI, Ragab RF, Moharm HM, Abdallah NA, Elgammal EM, Rubio-Casillas A, Uversky VN, Redwan EM. Unraveling the role of the nucleocapsid protein in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis: From viral life cycle to vaccine development. Int J Biol Macromol 2024:135201. [PMID: 39216563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is the most abundant protein in SARS-CoV-2. Viral RNA and this protein are bound by electrostatic forces, forming cytoplasmic helical structures known as nucleocapsids. Subsequently, these nucleocapsids interact with the membrane (M) protein, facilitating virus budding into early secretory compartments. SCOPE OF REVIEW Exploring the role of the N protein in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, pathogenesis, post-sequelae consequences, and interaction with host immunity has enhanced our understanding of its function and potential strategies for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAJOR CONCLUSION This review provides an overview of the N protein's involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, highlighting its crucial role in the virus-host protein interaction and immune system modulation, which in turn influences viral spread. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding these aspects identifies the N protein as a promising target for developing effective antiviral treatments and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousra A El-Maradny
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El-Alamein, Egypt.
| | - Moustafa A Badawy
- Industrial Microbiology and Applied Chemistry program, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Kareem I Mohamed
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El-Alamein, Egypt
| | - Renad F Ragab
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El-Alamein, Egypt
| | - Hamssa M Moharm
- Genetics, Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Nada A Abdallah
- Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Esraa M Elgammal
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El-Alamein, Egypt
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan, JAL 48900, Mexico; Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan, JAL 48900, Mexico.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, 21934 Alexandria, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang TH, Shao HP, Zhao BQ, Zhai HL. Molecular Insights into the Variability in Infection and Immune Evasion Capabilities of SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Sequence and Structural Investigation of the RBD Domain. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3503-3523. [PMID: 38517012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants continuously emerge, an increasing number of mutations are accumulating in the Spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) region. Through sequence analysis of various Variants of Concern (VOC), we identified that they predominantly fall within the ο lineage although recent variants introduce any novel mutations in the RBD. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to compute the binding free energy of these variants with human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Structurally, the binding interface of the ο RBD displays a strong positive charge, complementing the negatively charged binding interface of ACE2, resulting in a significant enhancement in the electrostatic potential energy for the ο variants. Although the increased potential energy is partially offset by the rise in polar solvation free energy, enhanced electrostatic potential contributes to the long-range recognition between the ο variant's RBD and ACE2. We also conducted simulations of glycosylated ACE2-RBD proteins. The newly emerged ο (JN.1) variant has added a glycosylation site at N-354@RBD, which significantly weakened its binding affinity with ACE2. Further, our interaction studies with three monoclonal antibodies across multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains revealed a diminished neutralization efficacy against the ο variants, primarily attributed to the electrostatic repulsion between the antibodies and RBD interface. Considering the characteristics of the ο variant and the trajectory of emerging strains, we propose that newly developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD should have surfaces rich in negative potential and, postbinding, exhibit strong van der Waals interactions. These findings provide invaluable guidance for the formulation of future therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Hua Wang
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Hai Ping Shao
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Bing Qiang Zhao
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Hong Lin Zhai
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liao Y, Wang H, Liao H, Sun Y, Tan L, Song C, Qiu X, Ding C. Classification, replication, and transcription of Nidovirales. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1291761. [PMID: 38328580 PMCID: PMC10847374 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1291761] [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] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nidovirales is one order of RNA virus, with the largest single-stranded positive sense RNA genome enwrapped with membrane envelope. It comprises four families (Arterividae, Mesoniviridae, Roniviridae, and Coronaviridae) and has been circulating in humans and animals for almost one century, posing great threat to livestock and poultry,as well as to public health. Nidovirales shares similar life cycle: attachment to cell surface, entry, primary translation of replicases, viral RNA replication in cytoplasm, translation of viral proteins, virion assembly, budding, and release. The viral RNA synthesis is the critical step during infection, including genomic RNA (gRNA) replication and subgenomic mRNAs (sg mRNAs) transcription. gRNA replication requires the synthesis of a negative sense full-length RNA intermediate, while the sg mRNAs transcription involves the synthesis of a nested set of negative sense subgenomic intermediates by a discontinuous strategy. This RNA synthesis process is mediated by the viral replication/transcription complex (RTC), which consists of several enzymatic replicases derived from the polyprotein 1a and polyprotein 1ab and several cellular proteins. These replicases and host factors represent the optimal potential therapeutic targets. Hereby, we summarize the Nidovirales classification, associated diseases, "replication organelle," replication and transcription mechanisms, as well as related regulatory factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liao
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyu Liao
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Tan
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuiping Song
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xusheng Qiu
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chan Ding
- Department of Avian Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Y, Shen Z, Xie Z, Song Y, Li Y, Liang R, Gong L, Di D, Liu J, Liu J, Chen Z, Yu W, Lv L, Zhong Q, Liao X, Tian C, Wang R, Song Q, Wang H, Peng G, Chen H. African swine fever virus I73R is a critical virulence-related gene: A potential target for attenuation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2210808120. [PMID: 37023125 PMCID: PMC10104517 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210808120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large, double-stranded DNA virus that causes a fatal disease in pigs, posing a threat to the global pig industry. Whereas some ASFV proteins have been found to play important roles in ASFV-host interaction, the functional roles of many proteins are still largely unknown. In this study, we identified I73R, an early viral gene in the replication cycle of ASFV, as a key virulence factor. Our findings demonstrate that pI73R suppresses the host innate immune response by broadly inhibiting the synthesis of host proteins, including antiviral proteins. Crystallization and structural characterization results suggest that pI73R is a nucleic-acid-binding protein containing a Zα domain. It localizes in the nucleus and inhibits host protein synthesis by suppressing the nuclear export of cellular messenger RNA (mRNAs). While pI73R promotes viral replication, the deletion of the gene showed that it is a nonessential gene for virus replication. In vivo safety and immunogenicity evaluation results demonstrate that the deletion mutant ASFV-GZΔI73R is completely nonpathogenic and provides effective protection to pigs against wild-type ASFV. These results reveal I73R as a virulence-related gene critical for ASFV pathogenesis and suggest that it is a potential target for virus attenuation. Accordingly, the deletion mutant ASFV-GZΔI73R can be a potent live-attenuated vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Zhou Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention & Control for African Swine Fever and Other Major Pig Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei430070, China
| | - Zhenhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Yingying Song
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Yao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Rui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention & Control for African Swine Fever and Other Major Pig Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei430070, China
| | - Lang Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510642, China
| | - Dongdong Di
- The Spirit Jinyu Biological Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hohhot, Inner, Mongolia010030, China
| | - Jianqi Liu
- The Spirit Jinyu Biological Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hohhot, Inner, Mongolia010030, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Zongyan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Wanqi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Lu Lv
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Qiuping Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Xinxin Liao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Chuanwen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| | - Qingqing Song
- The Spirit Jinyu Biological Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hohhot, Inner, Mongolia010030, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510642, China
| | - Guiqing Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Prevention & Control for African Swine Fever and Other Major Pig Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei430070, China
| | - Hongjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Prevention and Control (North), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, P.R. China, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Suramin Disturbs the Association of the N-Terminal Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein with RNA. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062534. [PMID: 36985506 PMCID: PMC10051649 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Suramin was originally used as an antiparasitic drug in clinics. Here, we demonstrate that suramin can bind to the N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-NTD) and disturb its interaction with RNA. The BLI experiments showed that N-NTD interacts suramin with a dissociate constant (Kd = 2.74 μM) stronger than that of N-NTD with ssRNA-16 (Kd = 8.37 μM). Furthermore, both NMR titration experiments and molecular docking analysis suggested that suramin mainly binds to the positively charged cavity between the finger and the palm subdomains of N-NTD, and residues R88, R92, R93, I94, R95, K102 and A156 are crucial for N-NTD capturing suramin. Besides, NMR dynamics experiments showed that suramin-bound N-NTD adopts a more rigid structure, and the loop between β2-β3 exhibits fast motion on the ps-ns timescale, potentially facilitating suramin binding. Our findings not only reveal the molecular basis of suramin disturbing the association of SARS-CoV-2 N-NTD with RNA but also provide valuable structural information for the development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|
6
|
Iyengar SM, Barnsley KK, Vu HY, Bongalonta IJA, Herrod AS, Scott JA, Ondrechen MJ. Identification and characterization of alternative sites and molecular probes for SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Front Chem 2022; 10:1017394. [PMID: 36385993 PMCID: PMC9659918 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1017394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Three protein targets from SARS-CoV-2, the viral pathogen that causes COVID-19, are studied: the main protease, the 2′-O-RNA methyltransferase, and the nucleocapsid (N) protein. For the main protease, the nucleophilicity of the catalytic cysteine C145 is enabled by coupling to three histidine residues, H163 and H164 and catalytic dyad partner H41. These electrostatic couplings enable significant population of the deprotonated state of C145. For the RNA methyltransferase, the catalytic lysine K6968 that serves as a Brønsted base has significant population of its deprotonated state via strong coupling with K6844 and Y6845. For the main protease, Partial Order Optimum Likelihood (POOL) predicts two clusters of biochemically active residues; one includes the catalytic H41 and C145 and neighboring residues. The other surrounds a second pocket adjacent to the catalytic site and includes S1 residues F140, L141, H163, E166, and H172 and also S2 residue D187. This secondary recognition site could serve as an alternative target for the design of molecular probes. From in silico screening of library compounds, ligands with predicted affinity for the secondary site are reported. For the NSP16-NSP10 complex that comprises the RNA methyltransferase, three different sites are predicted. One is the catalytic core at the conserved K-D-K-E motif that includes catalytic residues D6928, K6968, and E7001 plus K6844. The second site surrounds the catalytic core and consists of Y6845, C6849, I6866, H6867, F6868, V6894, D6895, D6897, I6926, S6927, Y6930, and K6935. The third is located at the heterodimer interface. Ligands predicted to have high affinity for the first or second sites are reported. Three sites are also predicted for the nucleocapsid protein. This work uncovers key interactions that contribute to the function of the three viral proteins and also suggests alternative sites for ligand design.
Collapse
|
7
|
Parvez MSA, Saha MK, Ibrahim M, Araf Y, Islam MT, Ohtsuki G, Hosen MJ. Insights from a computational analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: Host-pathogen interaction, pathogenicity, and possible drug therapeutics. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e639. [PMID: 35759231 PMCID: PMC9210926 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prominently accountable for the upsurge of COVID-19 cases as the world attempts to recover from the previous two waves, Omicron has further threatened the conventional therapeutic approaches. The lack of extensive research regarding Omicron has raised the need to establish correlations to understand this variant by structural comparisons. Here, we evaluate, correlate, and compare its genomic sequences through an immunoinformatic approach to understand its epidemiological characteristics and responses to existing drugs. METHODS We reconstructed the phylogenetic tree and compared the mutational spectrum. We analyzed the mutations that occurred in the Omicron variant and correlated how these mutations affect infectivity and pathogenicity. Then, we studied how mutations in the receptor-binding domain affect its interaction with host factors through molecular docking. Finally, we evaluated the drug efficacy against the main protease of the Omicron through molecular docking and validated the docking results with molecular dynamics simulation. RESULTS Phylogenetic and mutational analysis revealed the Omicron variant is similar to the highly infectious B.1.620 variant, while mutations within the prominent proteins are hypothesized to alter its pathogenicity. Moreover, docking evaluations revealed significant differences in binding affinity with human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and NRP1. Surprisingly, most of the tested drugs were proven to be effective. Nirmatrelvir, 13b, and Lopinavir displayed increased effectiveness against Omicron. CONCLUSION Omicron variant may be originated from the highly infectious B.1.620 variant, while it was less pathogenic due to the mutations in the prominent proteins. Nirmatrelvir, 13b, and Lopinavir would be the most effective, compared to other promising drugs that were proven effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Sorwer Alam Parvez
- Department of Drug Discovery MedicineKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
- Department of Genetic Engineering & BiotechnologyShahjalal University of Science & TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Manash Kumar Saha
- Department of Genetic Engineering & BiotechnologyShahjalal University of Science & TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md. Ibrahim
- Department of Genetic Engineering & BiotechnologyShahjalal University of Science & TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering & BiotechnologyShahjalal University of Science & TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md. Taufiqul Islam
- Department of Genetic Engineering & BiotechnologyShahjalal University of Science & TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Gen Ohtsuki
- Department of Drug Discovery MedicineKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Mohammad Jakir Hosen
- Department of Genetic Engineering & BiotechnologyShahjalal University of Science & TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu M, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zahra QUA, Huang Z, Chen Y, Song C, Song M, Jiang H, Luo Z, Lu Y. An electrochemical aptasensor with N protein binding aptamer-complementary oligonucleotide as probe for ultra-sensitive detection of COVID-19. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 213:114436. [PMID: 35716641 PMCID: PMC9176179 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the lives of hundreds of millions of people globally. There is no doubt that the development of fast and sensitive detection methods is crucial while the worldwide effective vaccination programs are miles away from actualization. In this study, we have reported an electrochemical N protein aptamer sensor with complementary oligonucleotide as probe for the specific detection of COVID-19. The electrochemical aptasensor was prepared by fixing the double-stranded DNA hybrid obtained by the hybridization of N protein aptamer and its Fc-labeled complementary strand on the surface of a gold electrode. After incubation with the target, the aptamer dissociated from the labeled complementary DNA oligonucleotide hybrid to preferentially bind with N protein in the solution. The concentration of N protein was measured by detecting the changes in electrochemical current signals induced by the conformational transformation of the complementary DNA oligonucleotide left on the electrode surface. The sensor had a linear relationship between the logarithm of the N protein concentration from 10 fM to 100 nM (ΔIp = 0.098 log CN protein/fM - 0.08433, R2 = 0.99), and the detection limitation was 1 fM (S/N = 3). The electrochemical aptamer sensor was applied to test the spiked concentrations of throat swabs and blood samples from three volunteers, and the obtained results proved that the sensor has great potentials for the early detection of COVID-19 in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Yu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Qurat Ul Ain Zahra
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and the Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, PR China; Core Facility Center for Life Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, University of Sciences and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, PR China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Chunxia Song
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Min Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Hongjuan Jiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China
| | - Zhaofeng Luo
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China; The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Aptamer Selection Center, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, PR China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Johnson BA, Zhou Y, Lokugamage KG, Vu MN, Bopp N, Crocquet-Valdes PA, Kalveram B, Schindewolf C, Liu Y, Scharton D, Plante JA, Xie X, Aguilar P, Weaver SC, Shi PY, Walker DH, Routh AL, Plante KS, Menachery VD. Nucleocapsid mutations in SARS-CoV-2 augment replication and pathogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010627. [PMID: 35728038 PMCID: PMC9275689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While SARS-CoV-2 continues to adapt for human infection and transmission, genetic variation outside of the spike gene remains largely unexplored. This study investigates a highly variable region at residues 203-205 in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Recreating a mutation found in the alpha and omicron variants in an early pandemic (WA-1) background, we find that the R203K+G204R mutation is sufficient to enhance replication, fitness, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. The R203K+G204R mutant corresponds with increased viral RNA and protein both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the R203K+G204R mutation increases nucleocapsid phosphorylation and confers resistance to inhibition of the GSK-3 kinase, providing a molecular basis for increased virus replication. Notably, analogous alanine substitutions at positions 203+204 also increase SARS-CoV-2 replication and augment phosphorylation, suggesting that infection is enhanced through ablation of the ancestral 'RG' motif. Overall, these results demonstrate that variant mutations outside spike are key components in SARS-CoV-2's continued adaptation to human infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yiyang Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kumari G Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michelle N Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathen Bopp
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Craig Schindewolf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dionna Scharton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jessica A Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patricia Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew L Routh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Vineet D Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ribeiro-Filho HV, Jara GE, Batista FAH, Schleder GR, Costa Tonoli CC, Soprano AS, Guimarães SL, Borges AC, Cassago A, Bajgelman MC, Marques RE, Trivella DBB, Franchini KG, Figueira ACM, Benedetti CE, Lopes-de-Oliveira PS. Structural dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein induced by RNA binding. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010121. [PMID: 35551296 PMCID: PMC9129039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causal agent of COVID-19, is a multifunction phosphoprotein that plays critical roles in the virus life cycle, including transcription and packaging of the viral RNA. To play such diverse roles, the N protein has two globular RNA-binding modules, the N- (NTD) and C-terminal (CTD) domains, which are connected by an intrinsically disordered region. Despite the wealth of structural data available for the isolated NTD and CTD, how these domains are arranged in the full-length protein and how the oligomerization of N influences its RNA-binding activity remains largely unclear. Herein, using experimental data from electron microscopy and biochemical/biophysical techniques combined with molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that, in the absence of RNA, the N protein formed structurally dynamic dimers, with the NTD and CTD arranged in extended conformations. However, in the presence of RNA, the N protein assumed a more compact conformation where the NTD and CTD are packed together. We also provided an octameric model for the full-length N bound to RNA that is consistent with electron microscopy images of the N protein in the presence of RNA. Together, our results shed new light on the dynamics and higher-order oligomeric structure of this versatile protein. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus plays an essential role in virus particle assembly as it specifically binds to and wraps the virus genomic RNA into a well-organized structure known as the ribonucleoprotein. Understanding how the N protein wraps around the virus RNA is critical for the development of strategies to inhibit virus assembly within host cells. One of the limitations regarding the molecular structure of the ribonucleoprotein, however, is that the N protein has several unstructured and mobile regions that preclude the resolution of its full atomic structure. Moreover, the N protein can form higher-order oligomers, both in the presence and absence of RNA. Here we employed computational methods, supported by experimental data, to simulate the N protein structural dynamics in the absence and presence of RNA. Our data suggest that the N protein forms structurally dynamic dimers in the absence of RNA, with its structured N- and C-terminal domains oriented in extended conformations. In the presence of RNA, however, the N protein assumes a more compact conformation. Our model for the oligomeric structure of the N protein bound to RNA helps to understand how N protein dimers interact to each other to form the ribonucleoprotein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helder Veras Ribeiro-Filho
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Ernesto Jara
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Ravanhani Schleder
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Celisa Caldana Costa Tonoli
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Adriana Santos Soprano
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Samuel Leite Guimarães
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Borges
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Cassago
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcio Chaim Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Elias Marques
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Kleber Gomes Franchini
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Celso Eduardo Benedetti
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail: (CEB); (PSLO)
| | - Paulo Sergio Lopes-de-Oliveira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail: (CEB); (PSLO)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnson BA, Zhou Y, Lokugamage KG, Vu MN, Bopp N, Crocquet-Valdes PA, Kalveram B, Schindewolf C, Liu Y, Scharton D, Plante JA, Xie X, Aguilar P, Weaver SC, Shi PY, Walker DH, Routh AL, Plante KS, Menachery VD. Nucleocapsid mutations in SARS-CoV-2 augment replication and pathogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2021.10.14.464390. [PMID: 34671771 PMCID: PMC8528077 DOI: 10.1101/2021.10.14.464390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
While SARS-CoV-2 continues to adapt for human infection and transmission, genetic variation outside of the spike gene remains largely unexplored. This study investigates a highly variable region at residues 203-205 in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Recreating a mutation found in the alpha and omicron variants in an early pandemic (WA-1) background, we find that the R203K+G204R mutation is sufficient to enhance replication, fitness, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. The R203K+G204R mutant corresponds with increased viral RNA and protein both in vitro and in vivo . Importantly, the R203K+G204R mutation increases nucleocapsid phosphorylation and confers resistance to inhibition of the GSK-3 kinase, providing a molecular basis for increased virus replication. Notably, analogous alanine substitutions at positions 203+204 also increase SARS-CoV-2 replication and augment phosphorylation, suggesting that infection is enhanced through ablation of the ancestral 'RG' motif. Overall, these results demonstrate that variant mutations outside spike are key components in SARS-CoV-2's continued adaptation to human infection. AUTHOR SUMMARY Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has continued to adapt for human infection resulting in the emergence of variants with unique genetic profiles. Most studies of genetic variation have focused on spike, the target of currently available vaccines, leaving the importance of variation elsewhere understudied. Here, we characterize a highly variable motif at residues 203-205 in nucleocapsid. Recreating the prominent nucleocapsid R203K+G204R mutation in an early pandemic background, we show that this mutation is alone sufficient to enhance SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis. We also link augmentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection by the R203K+G204R mutation to its modulation of nucleocapsid phosphorylation. Finally, we characterize an analogous alanine double substitution at positions 203-204. This mutant was found to mimic R203K+G204R, suggesting augmentation of infection occurs by disrupting the ancestral sequence. Together, our findings illustrate that mutations outside of spike are key components of SARS-CoV-2's adaptation to human infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yiyang Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kumari G. Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michelle N. Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathen Bopp
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Craig Schindewolf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dionna Scharton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jessica A. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patricia Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew L. Routh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kenneth S. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Vineet D. Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moabelo KL, Martin DR, Fadaka AO, Sibuyi NRS, Meyer M, Madiehe AM. Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Effective and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:7851. [PMID: 34947447 PMCID: PMC8703409 DOI: 10.3390/ma14247851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gained worldwide attention and has prompted the development of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to mitigate the pandemic. Diagnostic methods based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology are the gold standard in the fight against COVID-19. However, this test might not be easily accessible in low-resource settings for the early detection and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of access to well-equipped clinical laboratories, requirement for the high level of technical competence, and the cost of the RT-PCR test are the major limitations. Moreover, RT-PCR is unsuitable for application at the point-of-care testing (PoCT) as it is time-consuming and lab-based. Due to emerging mutations of the virus and the burden it has placed on the health care systems, there is a growing urgency to develop sensitive, selective, and rapid diagnostic devices for COVID-19. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile technology in the production of reliable diagnostic tools for various diseases and offers new opportunities for the development of COVID-19 diagnostic systems. This review summarizes some of the nano-enabled diagnostic systems that were explored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. It highlights how the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were exploited in the development of novel colorimetric assays and biosensors for COVID-19 at the PoCT. The potential to improve the efficiency of the current assays, as well as the challenges associated with the development of these innovative diagnostic tools, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mervin Meyer
- Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC), Biolabels Research Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape (UWC), Bellville 7535, South Africa; (K.L.M.); (D.R.M.); (A.O.F.); (N.R.S.S.)
| | - Abram M. Madiehe
- Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC), Biolabels Research Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape (UWC), Bellville 7535, South Africa; (K.L.M.); (D.R.M.); (A.O.F.); (N.R.S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao D, Xu W, Zhang X, Wang X, Ge Y, Yuan E, Xiong Y, Wu S, Li S, Wu N, Tian T, Feng X, Shu H, Lang P, Li J, Zhu F, Shen X, Li H, Li P, Zeng J. Understanding the phase separation characteristics of nucleocapsid protein provides a new therapeutic opportunity against SARS-CoV-2. Protein Cell 2021; 12:734-740. [PMID: 33770364 PMCID: PMC7994959 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-021-00832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhao
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weifan Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Silexon AI Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210033, China
| | - Yiyue Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Enming Yuan
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuanpeng Xiong
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST/Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shenyang Wu
- Protein Preparation and Identification Facility, Technology Center for Protein Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shuya Li
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Nian Wu
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tingzhong Tian
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaolong Feng
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Hantao Shu
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peng Lang
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jingxin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fengcai Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaokun Shen
- Convalife (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Pilong Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jianyang Zeng
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cai T, Yu Z, Wang Z, Liang C, Richard S. Arginine methylation of SARS-Cov-2 nucleocapsid protein regulates RNA binding, its ability to suppress stress granule formation, and viral replication. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100821. [PMID: 34029587 PMCID: PMC8141346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral proteins are known to be methylated by host protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) necessary for the viral life cycle, but it remains unknown whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins are methylated. Herein, we show that PRMT1 methylates SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein at residues R95 and R177 within RGG/RG motifs, preferred PRMT target sequences. We confirmed arginine methylation of N protein by immunoblotting viral proteins extracted from SARS-CoV-2 virions isolated from cell culture. Type I PRMT inhibitor (MS023) or substitution of R95 or R177 with lysine inhibited interaction of N protein with the 5'-UTR of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, a property required for viral packaging. We also defined the N protein interactome in HEK293 cells, which identified PRMT1 and many of its RGG/RG substrates, including the known interacting protein G3BP1 as well as other components of stress granules (SGs), which are part of the host antiviral response. Methylation of R95 regulated the ability of N protein to suppress the formation of SGs, as R95K substitution or MS023 treatment blocked N-mediated suppression of SGs. Also, the coexpression of methylarginine reader Tudor domain-containing protein 3 quenched N protein-mediated suppression of SGs in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, pretreatment of VeroE6 cells with MS023 significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication. Because type I PRMT inhibitors are already undergoing clinical trials for cancer treatment, inhibiting arginine methylation to target the later stages of the viral life cycle such as viral genome packaging and assembly of virions may represent an additional therapeutic application of these drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Cai
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Zhenbao Yu
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Zhen Wang
- McGill Centre for Viral Diseases, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Chen Liang
- McGill Centre for Viral Diseases, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhu L, Gao T, Fu Y, Han X, Yue J, Liu Y, Liu H, Dong Q, Yang W, Hu Y, Jin Y, Li P, Liu X, Cao C. The MERS-CoV N Protein Regulates Host Cytokinesis and Protein Translation via Interaction With EF1A. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:551602. [PMID: 34248858 PMCID: PMC8261062 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.551602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a pathogen causing severe respiratory disease in humans that emerged in June 2012, is a novel beta coronavirus similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In this study, immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays revealed that the nucleocapsid (N) protein of MERS-CoV interacted with human translation elongation factor 1A (EF1A), an essential component of the translation system with important roles in protein translation, cytokinesis, and filamentous actin (F-actin) bundling. The C-terminal motif (residues 359–363) of the N protein was the crucial domain involved in this interaction. The interaction between the MERS-CoV N protein and EF1A resulted in cytokinesis inhibition due to the formation of inactive F-actin bundles, as observed in an in vitro actin polymerization assay and in MERS-CoV-infected cells. Furthermore, the translation of a CoV-like reporter mRNA carrying the MERS-CoV 5′UTR was significantly potentiated by the N protein, indicating that a similar process may contribute to EF1A-associated viral protein translation. This study highlights the crucial role of EF1A in MERS-CoV infection and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of coronavirus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yangbo Fu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiujing Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Yue
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoning Liu
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Hainan Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qincai Dong
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Yang
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwen Jin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Army Institute of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gorkhali R, Koirala P, Rijal S, Mainali A, Baral A, Bhattarai HK. Structure and Function of Major SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV Proteins. Bioinform Biol Insights 2021; 15:11779322211025876. [PMID: 34220199 PMCID: PMC8221690 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211025876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic, has a genomic organization consisting of 16 nonstructural proteins (nsps), 4 structural proteins, and 9 accessory proteins. Relative of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, has genomic organization, which is very similar. In this article, the function and structure of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are described in great detail. The nsps are expressed as a single or two polyproteins, which are then cleaved into individual proteins using two proteases of the virus, a chymotrypsin-like protease and a papain-like protease. The released proteins serve as centers of virus replication and transcription. Some of these nsps modulate the host’s translation and immune systems, while others help the virus evade the host immune system. Some of the nsps help form replication-transcription complex at double-membrane vesicles. Others, including one RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and one exonuclease, help in the polymerization of newly synthesized RNA of the virus and help minimize the mutation rate by proofreading. After synthesis of the viral RNA, it gets capped. The capping consists of adding GMP and a methylation mark, called cap 0 and additionally adding a methyl group to the terminal ribose called cap1. Capping is accomplished with the help of a helicase, which also helps remove a phosphate, two methyltransferases, and a scaffolding factor. Among the structural proteins, S protein forms the receptor of the virus, which latches on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the host and N protein binds and protects the genomic RNA of the virus. The accessory proteins found in these viruses are small proteins with immune modulatory roles. Besides functions of these proteins, solved X-ray and cryogenic electron microscopy structures related to the function of the proteins along with comparisons to other coronavirus homologs have been described in the article. Finally, the rate of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 residues of the proteome during the 2020 pandemic has been described. Some proteins are mutated more often than other proteins, but the significance of these mutation rates is not fully understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Gorkhali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | - Sadikshya Rijal
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Ashmita Mainali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Adesh Baral
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sahu AK, Sreepadmanabh M, Rai M, Chande A. SARS-CoV-2: phylogenetic origins, pathogenesis, modes of transmission, and the potential role of nanotechnology. Virusdisease 2021; 32:1-12. [PMID: 33644261 PMCID: PMC7897733 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-021-00653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited a rapid response from the scientific community with significant advances in understanding the causative pathogen (SARS-CoV-2). Mechanisms of viral transmission and pathogenesis, as well as structural and genomic details, have been reported, which are essential in guiding containment, treatment, and vaccine development efforts. Here, we present a concise review of the recent research in these domains and an exhaustive analysis of the genomic origins of SARS-CoV-2. Particular emphasis has been placed on the pathology and disease progression of COVID-19 as documented by recent clinical studies, in addition to the characteristic immune responses involved therein. Furthermore, we explore the potential of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to develop diagnostic tools, drug delivery systems, and personal protective equipment design within the ongoing pandemic context. We present this as a ready resource for researchers to gain succinct, up-to-date insights on SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Sahu
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Indore By-Pass Road, Bhopal, 462066 India
| | - M. Sreepadmanabh
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Indore By-Pass Road, Bhopal, 462066 India
| | - Mahendra Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, SGB Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra 444602 India
| | - Ajit Chande
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Indore By-Pass Road, Bhopal, 462066 India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gorgulla C, Padmanabha Das KM, Leigh KE, Cespugli M, Fischer PD, Wang ZF, Tesseyre G, Pandita S, Shnapir A, Calderaio A, Gechev M, Rose A, Lewis N, Hutcheson C, Yaffe E, Luxenburg R, Herce HD, Durmaz V, Halazonetis TD, Fackeldey K, Patten J, Chuprina A, Dziuba I, Plekhova A, Moroz Y, Radchenko D, Tarkhanova O, Yavnyuk I, Gruber C, Yust R, Payne D, Näär AM, Namchuk MN, Davey RA, Wagner G, Kinney J, Arthanari H. A multi-pronged approach targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins using ultra-large virtual screening. iScience 2021; 24:102021. [PMID: 33426509 PMCID: PMC7783459 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The unparalleled global effort to combat the continuing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic over the last year has resulted in promising prophylactic measures. However, a need still exists for cheap, effective therapeutics, and targeting multiple points in the viral life cycle could help tackle the current, as well as future, coronaviruses. Here, we leverage our recently developed, ultra-large-scale in silico screening platform, VirtualFlow, to search for inhibitors that target SARS-CoV-2. In this unprecedented structure-based virtual campaign, we screened roughly 1 billion molecules against each of 40 different target sites on 17 different potential viral and host targets. In addition to targeting the active sites of viral enzymes, we also targeted critical auxiliary sites such as functionally important protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gorgulla
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Krishna M. Padmanabha Das
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kendra E. Leigh
- Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen 60438, Germany
| | | | - Patrick D. Fischer
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Saarland 66123, Germany
| | - Zi-Fu Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Calderaio
- VirtualFlow Organization, https://virtual-flow.org/, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Alexander Rose
- Mol∗ Consortium, https://molstar.org, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Henry D. Herce
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | - Konstantin Fackeldey
- Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), Berlin 14195, Germany
- Institute of Mathematics, Technical University Berlin, Berlin 10587, Germany
| | - J.J. Patten
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University Medical School, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yurii Moroz
- Chemspace, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Radchenko
- Enamine, Kyiv 02094, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Christian Gruber
- Innophore GmbH, Graz 8010, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Ryan Yust
- Google, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | | | - Anders M. Näär
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mark N. Namchuk
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert A. Davey
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University Medical School, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Gerhard Wagner
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Choi HM, Moon SY, Yang HI, Kim KS. Understanding Viral Infection Mechanisms and Patient Symptoms for the Development of COVID-19 Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1737. [PMID: 33572274 PMCID: PMC7915126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a worldwide pandemic. Symptoms range from mild fever to cough, fatigue, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and organ failure, with a mortality rate of 2.2%. However, there are no licensed drugs or definitive treatment strategies for patients with severe COVID-19. Only antiviral or anti-inflammatory drugs are used as symptomatic treatments based on clinician experience. Basic medical researchers are also trying to develop COVID-19 therapeutics. However, there is limited systematic information about the pathogenesis of COVID-19 symptoms that cause tissue damage or death and the mechanisms by which the virus infects and replicates in cells. Here, we introduce recent knowledge of time course changes in viral titers, delayed virus clearance, and persistent systemic inflammation in patients with severe COVID-19. Based on the concept of drug reposition, we review which antiviral or anti-inflammatory drugs can effectively treat COVID-19 patients based on progressive symptoms and the mechanisms inhibiting virus infection and replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Muk Choi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Soo Youn Moon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Gandong-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Hyung In Yang
- East-West Bone & Joint Disease Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Gandong-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Kyoung Soo Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- East-West Bone & Joint Disease Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Gandong-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Khan S, Hussain Z, Safdar M, Khan A, Wei DQ. Targeting the N-terminal domain of the RNA-binding protein of the SARS-CoV-2 with high affinity natural compounds to abrogate the protein-RNA interaction: a molecular dynamics study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6286-6294. [PMID: 33554747 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1882337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 took the world by shock in December 2019, starting from Wuhan, China and swiftly spreading across the globe. The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise which is a global burden on the health care system worldwide. Efforts are continuing to come up with a solution either to develop a small molecular inhibitor or vaccine, but still no success. In the fight against SARS-CoV-2, targeting a different protein of the SARS-CoV-2 is the need of the hour to impede and relinquish the current pandemic. Therefore, in this study, computational modelling and simulation approaches are used to target the N-terminal domain of the phosphor-nucleoprotein (RNA binding protein), which is primarily responsible for binding and packing the viral genome to get ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). Our multi-step drug screening approach shortlisted potential drugs. These top hits were confirmed by re-docking which revealed that the interacting molecules block the key residues i.e. Thr57, His59, Ser105, Arg107, and Arg177 and thus ultimately block the NTD from RNA recognition. Furthermore, the activity of the top four hits was also confirmed by using molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation. Our analysis suggests that these top hits possess strong inhibitory properties and should be tested experimentally. In conclusion, we hope these top hits would abrogate the binding of RNA and the NTD of the SARS-CoV-2, which might be helpful to combat COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Khan
- Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Mingora, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Safdar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Khan
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Azad GK. The molecular assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein variants among Indian isolates. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06167. [PMID: 33553784 PMCID: PMC7848562 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a major threat to humans due to its high infection rate and deaths caused worldwide. This disease is caused by an RNA virus, Severe Acquired Respiratory Syndrome -Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This class of viruses have a high rate of mutation than DNA viruses that enables them to adapt and also evade host immune system. Here, we compared the first known Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein (N protein) sequence of SARS-CoV-2 from China with the sequences from Indian COVID-19 patients to understand, if this virus is also mutating, as it is spreading to new locations. Our data revealed twenty mutations present among Indian isolates. Out of these, mutation at six positions led to changes in the secondary structure of N protein. Further, we also show that these mutations are primarily destabilising the protein structure. The candidate mutations identified in this study may help to speed up the understanding of variations occurring in SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|
22
|
Lu S, Ye Q, Singh D, Cao Y, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Villa E, Cleveland DW, Corbett KD. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein forms mutually exclusive condensates with RNA and the membrane-associated M protein. Nat Commun 2021; 12:502. [PMID: 33479198 PMCID: PMC7820290 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The multifunctional nucleocapsid (N) protein in SARS-CoV-2 binds the ~30 kb viral RNA genome to aid its packaging into the 80-90 nm membrane-enveloped virion. The N protein is composed of N-terminal RNA-binding and C-terminal dimerization domains that are flanked by three intrinsically disordered regions. Here we demonstrate that the N protein's central disordered domain drives phase separation with RNA, and that phosphorylation of an adjacent serine/arginine rich region modulates the physical properties of the resulting condensates. In cells, N forms condensates that recruit the stress granule protein G3BP1, highlighting a potential role for N in G3BP1 sequestration and stress granule inhibition. The SARS-CoV-2 membrane (M) protein independently induces N protein phase separation, and three-component mixtures of N + M + RNA form condensates with mutually exclusive compartments containing N + M or N + RNA, including annular structures in which the M protein coats the outside of an N + RNA condensate. These findings support a model in which phase separation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein contributes both to suppression of the G3BP1-dependent host immune response and to packaging genomic RNA during virion assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Qiaozhen Ye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Digvijay Singh
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yong Cao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | | | - John R Yates
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Elizabeth Villa
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Khan MT, Irfan M, Ahsan H, Ahmed A, Kaushik AC, Khan AS, Chinnasamy S, Ali A, Wei DQ. Structures of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Binding Proteins and Therapeutic Targets. Intervirology 2021; 64:55-68. [PMID: 33454715 PMCID: PMC7900486 DOI: 10.1159/000513686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has resulted in thousands of infections and deaths worldwide. Several therapies are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the development of new drugs and the repositioning of existing drugs can only be achieved after the identification of potential therapeutic targets within structures, as this strategy provides the most precise solution for developing treatments for sudden epidemic infectious diseases. Summary In the current investigation, crystal and cryo-electron microscopy structures encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome were systematically examined for the identification of potential drug targets. These structures include nonstructural proteins (Nsp-9; Nsp-12; and Nsp-15), nucleocapsid (N) proteins, and the main protease (Mpro). Key Message The structural information reveals the presence of many potential alternative therapeutic targets, primarily involved in interaction between N protein and Nsp3, forming replication-transcription complexes (RTCs) which might be a potential drug target for effective control of current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. RTCs consist of 16 nonstructural proteins (Nsp1-16) that play the most essential role in the synthesis of viral RNA. Targeting the physical linkage between the envelope and single-stranded positive RNA, a process facilitated by matrix proteins may provide a good alternative strategy. Our current study provides useful information for the development of new lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.,School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Hina Ahsan
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abrar Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Anwar Sheed Khan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Sathishkumar Chinnasamy
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Arif Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, .,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Entry into Host Cells Using Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120447. [PMID: 33302344 PMCID: PMC7762362 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus belonging to the Coronavirus family, is now known to cause Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) which was first recognized in December 2019. Covid-19 leads to respiratory illnesses ranging from mild infections to pneumonia and lung failure. Strikingly, within a few months of its first report, Covid-19 has spread worldwide at an exceptionally high speed and it has caused enormous human casualties. As yet, there is no specific treatment for Covid-19. Designing inhibitory drugs that can interfere with the viral entry process constitutes one of the main preventative therapies that could combat SARS-CoV-2 infection at an early stage. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the main features of coronaviruses, discuss the entering mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 into human host cells and review small molecules that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. Specifically, we focus on small molecules, identified by experimental validation and/or computational prediction, that target the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the different host cell proteases that activate viral fusion. Given the persistent rise in Covid-19 cases to date, efforts should be directed towards validating the therapeutic effectiveness of these identified small molecule inhibitors.
Collapse
|
25
|
Lang Y, Chen K, Li Z, Li H. The nucleocapsid protein of zoonotic betacoronaviruses is an attractive target for antiviral drug discovery. Life Sci 2020; 282:118754. [PMID: 33189817 PMCID: PMC7658559 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses are in one genera of coronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV), etc. These viruses threaten public health and cause dramatic economic losses. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is a structural protein of betacoronaviruses with multiple functions such as forming viral capsids with viral RNA, interacting with viral membrane protein to form the virus core with RNA, binding to several cellular kinases for signal transductions, etc. In this review, we highlighted the potential of the N protein as a suitable antiviral target from different perspectives, including structure, functions, and antiviral strategies for combatting betacoronaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuekun Lang
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Ke Chen
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dhama K, Khan S, Tiwari R, Sircar S, Bhat S, Malik YS, Singh KP, Chaicumpa W, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020. [PMID: 32580969 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00028-20/asset/32473ce7-130a–42a6-b589-0dd2f00518eb/assets/graphic/cmr.00028-20-f0007.jpeg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIn recent decades, several new diseases have emerged in different geographical areas, with pathogens including Ebola virus, Zika virus, Nipah virus, and coronaviruses (CoVs). Recently, a new type of viral infection emerged in Wuhan City, China, and initial genomic sequencing data of this virus do not match with previously sequenced CoVs, suggesting a novel CoV strain (2019-nCoV), which has now been termed severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is suspected to originate from an animal host (zoonotic origin) followed by human-to-human transmission, the possibility of other routes should not be ruled out. Compared to diseases caused by previously known human CoVs, COVID-19 shows less severe pathogenesis but higher transmission competence, as is evident from the continuously increasing number of confirmed cases globally. Compared to other emerging viruses, such as Ebola virus, avian H7N9, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 has shown relatively low pathogenicity and moderate transmissibility. Codon usage studies suggest that this novel virus has been transferred from an animal source, such as bats. Early diagnosis by real-time PCR and next-generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of the pathogen at an early stage. Since no antiviral drug or vaccine exists to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2, potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being evaluated predominantly stem from previous experience with treating SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and other emerging viral diseases. In this review, we address epidemiological, diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects, including perspectives of vaccines and preventive measures that have already been globally recommended to counter this pandemic virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sharun Khan
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Shubhankar Sircar
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sudipta Bhat
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Karam Pal Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Semillero de Zoonosis, Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Latin American Network of Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID-19), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Latin American Network of Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID-19), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dhama K, Khan S, Tiwari R, Sircar S, Bhat S, Malik YS, Singh KP, Chaicumpa W, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020. [PMID: 32580969 DOI: 10.20944/preprints202003.0001.v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIn recent decades, several new diseases have emerged in different geographical areas, with pathogens including Ebola virus, Zika virus, Nipah virus, and coronaviruses (CoVs). Recently, a new type of viral infection emerged in Wuhan City, China, and initial genomic sequencing data of this virus do not match with previously sequenced CoVs, suggesting a novel CoV strain (2019-nCoV), which has now been termed severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is suspected to originate from an animal host (zoonotic origin) followed by human-to-human transmission, the possibility of other routes should not be ruled out. Compared to diseases caused by previously known human CoVs, COVID-19 shows less severe pathogenesis but higher transmission competence, as is evident from the continuously increasing number of confirmed cases globally. Compared to other emerging viruses, such as Ebola virus, avian H7N9, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 has shown relatively low pathogenicity and moderate transmissibility. Codon usage studies suggest that this novel virus has been transferred from an animal source, such as bats. Early diagnosis by real-time PCR and next-generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of the pathogen at an early stage. Since no antiviral drug or vaccine exists to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2, potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being evaluated predominantly stem from previous experience with treating SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and other emerging viral diseases. In this review, we address epidemiological, diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects, including perspectives of vaccines and preventive measures that have already been globally recommended to counter this pandemic virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sharun Khan
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Shubhankar Sircar
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sudipta Bhat
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Karam Pal Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Semillero de Zoonosis, Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Latin American Network of Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID-19), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Latin American Network of Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID-19), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dhama K, Khan S, Tiwari R, Sircar S, Bhat S, Malik YS, Singh KP, Chaicumpa W, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 33:e00028-20. [PMID: 32580969 PMCID: PMC7405836 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00028-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 549] [Impact Index Per Article: 137.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIn recent decades, several new diseases have emerged in different geographical areas, with pathogens including Ebola virus, Zika virus, Nipah virus, and coronaviruses (CoVs). Recently, a new type of viral infection emerged in Wuhan City, China, and initial genomic sequencing data of this virus do not match with previously sequenced CoVs, suggesting a novel CoV strain (2019-nCoV), which has now been termed severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is suspected to originate from an animal host (zoonotic origin) followed by human-to-human transmission, the possibility of other routes should not be ruled out. Compared to diseases caused by previously known human CoVs, COVID-19 shows less severe pathogenesis but higher transmission competence, as is evident from the continuously increasing number of confirmed cases globally. Compared to other emerging viruses, such as Ebola virus, avian H7N9, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 has shown relatively low pathogenicity and moderate transmissibility. Codon usage studies suggest that this novel virus has been transferred from an animal source, such as bats. Early diagnosis by real-time PCR and next-generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of the pathogen at an early stage. Since no antiviral drug or vaccine exists to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2, potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being evaluated predominantly stem from previous experience with treating SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and other emerging viral diseases. In this review, we address epidemiological, diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects, including perspectives of vaccines and preventive measures that have already been globally recommended to counter this pandemic virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sharun Khan
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Shubhankar Sircar
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sudipta Bhat
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Karam Pal Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Semillero de Zoonosis, Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Latin American Network of Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID-19), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
- Latin American Network of Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID-19), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang Y, Grunewald M, Perlman S. Coronaviruses: An Updated Overview of Their Replication and Pathogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2203:1-29. [PMID: 32833200 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0900-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, are characterized by club-like spikes that project from their surface, an unusually large RNA genome, and a unique replication strategy. CoVs cause a variety of diseases in mammals and birds ranging from enteritis in cows and pigs, and upper respiratory tract and kidney disease in chickens to lethal human respiratory infections. Most recently, the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, is the cause of a catastrophic pandemic, COVID-19, with more than 8 million infections diagnosed worldwide by mid-June 2020. Here we provide a brief introduction to CoVs discussing their replication, pathogenicity, and current prevention and treatment strategies. We will also discuss the outbreaks of the highly pathogenic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which are relevant for understanding COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Matthew Grunewald
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhu G, Zhu C, Zhu Y, Sun F. Minireview of progress in the structural study of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2020; 1:53-61. [PMID: 33236001 PMCID: PMC7323663 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A severe form of pneumonia, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization, broke out in China and rapidly developed into a global pandemic, with millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths reported globally. The novel coronavirus, which was designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the etiological agent of COVID-19. On the basis of experience accumulated following previous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV outbreaks and research, a series of studies have been conducted rapidly, and major progress has been achieved with regard to the understanding of the phylogeny and genomic organization of SARS-CoV-2 in addition its molecular mechanisms of infection and replication. In the present review, we summarized crucial developments in the elucidation of the structure and function of key SARS-CoV-2 proteins, especially the main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, spike glycoprotein, and nucleocapsid protein. Results of studies on their associated inhibitors and drugs have also been highlighted.
Collapse
Key Words
- 3CLpro, 3C-like protease
- 6-HB, six-helix bundle
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- CatB/L, cysteine proteases-cathepsin B and L
- Drug-screening
- E protein, Envelope protein
- Genome-encoded proteins
- HR1, heptad repeat 1
- HR2, heptad repeat 2
- M protein, Membrane protein
- MERS-CoV, the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- Mpro, Main protease
- N protein, Nucleocapsid protein
- NSP, non-structural protein
- ORF, Open reading frame
- PD, peptidase domain
- RBD, receptor-binding domain
- RBM, receptor-binding motif
- RMP, The remdesivir monophosphate
- RdRp, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- S protein, Spike glycoprotein
- SARS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- Structure-based screening
- gRNA, genomic RNA
- sgRNA, subgenomic RNA
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunmei Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Sun
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yazdani Z, Rafiei A, Yazdani M, Valadan R. Design an Efficient Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Candidate Against SARS-CoV-2: An in silico Analysis. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:3007-3022. [PMID: 32943888 PMCID: PMC7459237 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s264573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, no specific vaccine or drug has been proven to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, we implemented an immunoinformatic approach to design an efficient multi-epitopes vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS The designed-vaccine construct consists of several immunodominant epitopes from structural proteins of spike, nucleocapsid, membrane, and envelope. These peptides promote cellular and humoral immunity and interferon-gamma responses. Also, these epitopes have a high antigenic capacity and are not likely to cause allergies. To enhance the vaccine immunogenicity, we used three potent adjuvants: Flagellin of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Dublin, a driven peptide from high mobility group box 1 as HP-91, and human beta-defensin 3 protein. The physicochemical and immunological properties of the vaccine structure were evaluated. The tertiary structure of the vaccine protein was predicted and refined by Phyre2 and Galaxi refine and validated using RAMPAGE and ERRAT. Results of ElliPro showed 246 sresidues from vaccine might be conformational B-cell epitopes. Docking of the vaccine with toll-like receptors (TLR) 3, 5, 8, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 approved an appropriate interaction between the vaccine and receptors. Prediction of mRNA secondary structure and in silico cloning demonstrated that the vaccine can be efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the multi-epitope vaccine might be potentially antigenic and induce humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This vaccine can interact appropriately with the TLR3, 5, and 8. Also, it has a high-quality structure and suitable characteristics such as high stability and potential for expression in Escherichia coli .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Yazdani
- Department of Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Rafiei
- Department of Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Yazdani
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan84156-83111, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Khan A, Tahir Khan M, Saleem S, Junaid M, Ali A, Shujait Ali S, Khan M, Wei DQ. Structural insights into the mechanism of RNA recognition by the N-terminal RNA-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2174-2184. [PMID: 32837710 PMCID: PMC7419326 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of recent SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health issue. This single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus is continuously spreading with increasing morbidities and mortalities. The proteome of this virus contains four structural and sixteen nonstructural proteins that ensure the replication of the virus in the host cell. However, the role of phosphoprotein (N) in RNA recognition, replicating, transcribing the viral genome, and modulating the host immune response is indispensable. Recently, the NMR structure of the N-terminal domain of the Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein has been reported, but its precise structural mechanism of how the ssRNA interacts with it is not reported yet. Therefore, here, we have used an integrated computational pipeline to identify the key residues, which play an essential role in RNA recognition. We generated multiple variants by using an alanine scanning strategy and performed an extensive simulation for each system to signify the role of each interfacial residue. Our analyses suggest that residues T57A, H59A, S105A, R107A, F171A, and Y172A significantly affected the dynamics and binding of RNA. Furthermore, per-residue energy decomposition analysis suggests that residues T57, H59, S105 and R107 are the key hotspots for drug discovery. Thus, these residues may be useful as potential pharmacophores in drug designing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shoaib Saleem
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Arif Ali
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mazhar Khan
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lu S, Ye Q, Singh D, Villa E, Cleveland DW, Corbett KD. The SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein forms mutually exclusive condensates with RNA and the membrane-associated M protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.07.30.228023. [PMID: 32766587 PMCID: PMC7402048 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.30.228023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The multifunctional nucleocapsid (N) protein in SARS-CoV-2 binds the ~30 kb viral RNA genome to aid its packaging into the 80-90nm membrane-enveloped virion. The N protein is composed of N-terminal RNA-binding and C-terminal dimerization domains that are flanked by three intrinsically disordered regions. Here we demonstrate that a centrally located 40 amino acid intrinsically disordered domain drives phase separation of N protein when bound to RNA, with the morphology of the resulting condensates affected by inclusion in the RNA of the putative SARS-CoV-2 packaging signal. The SARS-CoV-2 M protein, normally embedded in the virion membrane with its C-terminus extending into the virion core, independently induces N protein phase separation that is dependent on the N protein's C-terminal dimerization domain and disordered region. Three-component mixtures of N+M+RNA form condensates with mutually exclusive compartments containing N+M or N+RNA, including spherical annular structures in which the M protein coats the outside of an N+RNA condensate. These findings support a model in which phase separation of the N protein with both the viral genomic RNA and the SARS-CoV-2 M protein facilitates RNA packaging and virion assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Qiaozhen Ye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Digvijay Singh
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 93093
| | - Elizabeth Villa
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 93093
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego Branch, La Jolla, CA 92093
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sood S, Aggarwal V, Aggarwal D, Upadhyay SK, Sak K, Tuli HS, Kumar M, Kumar J, Talwar S. COVID-19 Pandemic: from Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, Detection, and Treatment to Global Societal Impact. CURRENT PHARMACOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 6:212-227. [PMID: 32837855 PMCID: PMC7382994 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-020-00229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In December 2019, there was an outbreak of viral disease in Wuhan, China which raised the concern across the whole world. The viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or novel coronavirus or COVID-19 (CoV-19) is known as a pandemic. After SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-related CoV, COVID-19 is the third most pathogenic virus, hazardous to humans which have raised worries concerning the capacity of current security measures and the human services framework to deal with such danger. RECENT FINDINGS According to WHO, the mortality rate of COVID-19 exceeded that of SARS and MERS in view of which COVID-19 was declared as public health emergency of international concern. Coronaviruses are positive-sense RNA viruses with single stranded RNA and non-segmented envelopes. Recently, genome sequencing confirmed that COVID-19 is similar to SARS-CoV and bat coronavirus, but the major source of this pandemic outbreak, its transmission, and mechanisms related to its pathogenicity to humans are not yet known. SUMMARY In order to prevent the further pandemic and loss to humanity, scientists are studying the development of therapeutic drugs, vaccines, and strategies to cure the infections. In this review, we present a brief introduction to emerging and re-emerging pathogens, i.e., coronavirus in humans and animals, its taxonomic classification, genome organization, its replication, pathogenicity, impact on socioeconomic growth, and drugs associated with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Sood
- Department of Biotechnology, Mukand Lal National College, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207 India
| | - Sushil K Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207 India
| | | | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207 India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Sadopur, 134007 India
| | - Jayant Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mukand Lal National College, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Shivangi Talwar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gorgulla C, Padmanabha Das KM, Leigh KE, Cespugli M, Fischer PD, Wang ZF, Tesseyre G, Pandita S, Shnapir A, Calderaio A, Gechev M, Rose A, Lewis N, Hutcheson C, Yaffe E, Luxenburg R, Herce HD, Durmaz V, Halazonetis TD, Fackeldey K, Patten JJ, Chuprina A, Dziuba I, Plekhova A, Moroz Y, Radchenko D, Tarkhanova O, Yavnyuk I, Gruber C, Yust R, Payne D, Näär AM, Namchuk MN, Davey RA, Wagner G, Kinney J, Arthanari H. A Multi-Pronged Approach Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Proteins Using Ultra-Large Virtual Screening. CHEMRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR CHEMISTRY 2020:12682316. [PMID: 33200116 PMCID: PMC7668741 DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.12682316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), previously known as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), has spread rapidly across the globe, creating an unparalleled global health burden and spurring a deepening economic crisis. As of July 7th, 2020, almost seven months into the outbreak, there are no approved vaccines and few treatments available. Developing drugs that target multiple points in the viral life cycle could serve as a strategy to tackle the current as well as future coronavirus pandemics. Here we leverage the power of our recently developed in silico screening platform, VirtualFlow, to identify inhibitors that target SARS-CoV-2. VirtualFlow is able to efficiently harness the power of computing clusters and cloud-based computing platforms to carry out ultra-large scale virtual screens. In this unprecedented structure-based multi-target virtual screening campaign, we have used VirtualFlow to screen an average of approximately 1 billion molecules against each of 40 different target sites on 17 different potential viral and host targets in the cloud. In addition to targeting the active sites of viral enzymes, we also target critical auxiliary sites such as functionally important protein-protein interaction interfaces. This multi-target approach not only increases the likelihood of finding a potent inhibitor, but could also help identify a collection of anti-coronavirus drugs that would retain efficacy in the face of viral mutation. Drugs belonging to different regimen classes could be combined to develop possible combination therapies, and top hits that bind at highly conserved sites would be potential candidates for further development as coronavirus drugs. Here, we present the top 200 in silico hits for each target site. While in-house experimental validation of some of these compounds is currently underway, we want to make this array of potential inhibitor candidates available to researchers worldwide in consideration of the pressing need for fast-tracked drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gorgulla
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Krishna M. Padmanabha Das
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick D. Fischer
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Zi-Fu Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Henry D. Herce
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - Konstantin Fackeldey
- Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Mathematics, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Justin J. Patten
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University Medical School, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yurii Moroz
- Chemspace, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Radchenko
- Enamine, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Christian Gruber
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Anders M. Näär
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, USA
| | - Mark N. Namchuk
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Robert A. Davey
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University Medical School, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Gerhard Wagner
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | | | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Barik S. Genus-specific pattern of intrinsically disordered central regions in the nucleocapsid protein of coronaviruses. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:1884-1890. [PMID: 32765822 PMCID: PMC7366112 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (N) is an essential structural protein of the coronavirus. N protein binds RNA and also interacts with several proteins in its multitasking role. The central region of N contains segmented intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). The IDR segments exhibit coronavirus genus-specific arrangements. They may contribute to multitasking and coronaviral host-tropism and transmission.
The nucleocapsid (N) protein is conserved in all four genera of the coronaviruses, namely alpha, beta, gamma, and delta, and is essential for genome functionality. Bioinformatic analysis of coronaviral N sequences revealed two intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) at the center of the polypeptide. While both IDR structures were found in alpha, beta, and gamma-coronaviruses, the second IDR was absent in deltacoronaviruses. Two novel coronaviruses, currently placed in the Gammacoronavirus genus, appeared intermediate in this regard, as the second IDR structure could be barely discerned with a low probability of disorder. Interestingly, these two are the only coronaviruses thus far isolated from marine mammals, namely beluga whale and bottlenose dolphin, two highly related species; the N proteins of the viruses were also virtually identical, differing by a single amino acid. These two unique viruses remain phylogenetic oddities, since gammacoronaviruses are generally avian (bird) in nature. Lastly, both IDRs, regardless of the coronavirus genus in which they occurred, were rich in Ser and Arg, in agreement with their disordered structure. It is postulated that the central IDRs make cardinal contributions in the multitasking role of the nucleocapsid protein, likely requiring structural plasticity, perhaps also impinging on coronavirus host tropism and cross-species transmission.
Collapse
|
37
|
Kang S, Yang M, Hong Z, Zhang L, Huang Z, Chen X, He S, Zhou Z, Zhou Z, Chen Q, Yan Y, Zhang C, Shan H, Chen S. Crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein RNA binding domain reveals potential unique drug targeting sites. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1228-1238. [PMID: 32363136 PMCID: PMC7194921 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 449] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus continually lead to worldwide human infections and deaths. Currently, there is no specific viral protein-targeted therapeutics. Viral nucleocapsid protein is a potential antiviral drug target, serving multiple critical functions during the viral life cycle. However, the structural information of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein remains unclear. Herein, we have determined the 2.7 Å crystal structure of the N-terminal RNA binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Although the overall structure is similar as other reported coronavirus nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain, the surface electrostatic potential characteristics between them are distinct. Further comparison with mild virus type HCoV-OC43 equivalent domain demonstrates a unique potential RNA binding pocket alongside the β-sheet core. Complemented by in vitro binding studies, our data provide several atomic resolution features of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain, guiding the design of novel antiviral agents specific targeting to SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Kang
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhongsi Hong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Institution of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Zhaoxia Huang
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xiaoxue Chen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Suhua He
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ziliang Zhou
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhechong Zhou
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qiuyue Chen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Changsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Institution of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Department of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Shoudeng Chen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Liang Y, Wang ML, Chien CS, Yarmishyn AA, Yang YP, Lai WY, Luo YH, Lin YT, Chen YJ, Chang PC, Chiou SH. Highlight of Immune Pathogenic Response and Hematopathologic Effect in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-Cov-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1022. [PMID: 32574260 PMCID: PMC7236801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A sudden outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, in Wuhan, China in December 2019 quickly grew into a global pandemic, putting at risk not only the global healthcare system, but also the world economy. As the disease continues to spread rapidly, the development of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches is urgently required. Although some progress has been made in understanding the viral structure and invasion mechanism of coronaviruses that may cause severe cases of the syndrome, due to the limited understanding of the immune effects caused by SARS-CoV-2, it is difficult for us to prevent patients from developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), the major complications of coronavirus infection. Therefore, any potential treatments should focus not only on direct killing of coronaviruses and prevention strategies by vaccine development, but also on keeping in check the acute immune/inflammatory responses, resulting in ARDS and PF. In addition, potential treatments currently under clinical trials focusing on killing coronaviruses or on developing vaccines preventing coronavirus infection largely ignore the host immune response. However, taking care of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with ARDS and PF is considered to be the major difficulty. Therefore, further understanding of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is extremely important for clinical resolution and saving medication cost. In addition to a breif overview of the structure, infection mechanism, and possible therapeutic approaches, we summarized and compared the hematopathologic effect and immune responses to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. We also discussed the indirect immune response caused by SARS and direct infection, replication, and destroying of immune cells by MERS-CoV. The molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infection-induced lymphopenia or cytokine storm may provide some hint toward fight against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus. This may provide guidance over using immune therapy as a combined treatment to prevent patients developing severe respiratory syndrome and largely reduce complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Liang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Shiu Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yi Lai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hung Luo
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsung Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yann-Jang Chen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Renai Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ching Chang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lundstrom K. Coronavirus Pandemic-Therapy and Vaccines. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E109. [PMID: 32375268 PMCID: PMC7277397 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, has raised significant social, psychological and economic concerns in addition to direct medical issues. The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 to almost every country on the globe and the failure to contain the infections have contributed to fear and panic worldwide. The lack of available and efficient antiviral drugs or vaccines has further worsened the situation. For these reasons, it cannot be overstated that an accelerated effort for the development of novel drugs and vaccines is needed. In this context, novel approaches in both gene therapy and vaccine development are essential. Previous experience from SARS- and MERS-coronavirus vaccine and drug development projects have targeted glycoprotein epitopes, monoclonal antibodies, angiotensin receptor blockers and gene silencing technologies, which may be useful for COVID-19 too. Moreover, existing antivirals used for other types of viral infections have been considered as urgent action is necessary. This review aims at providing a background of coronavirus genetics and biology, examples of therapeutic and vaccine strategies taken and potential innovative novel approaches in progress.
Collapse
|
40
|
Bommanavar S, Smitha T. ABO blood grouping and COVID 19: Is there any correlation in suspectibility? J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2020; 24:212-216. [PMID: 33456226 PMCID: PMC7802878 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_240_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Bommanavar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology and Forensic Odontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India
| | - T Smitha
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, V S Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Targeting Coronaviral Replication and Cellular JAK2 Mediated Dominant NF-κB Activation for Comprehensive and Ultimate Inhibition of Coronaviral Activity. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28642467 PMCID: PMC5481340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tylophorine-based compounds exert broad spectral, potent inhibition of coronaviruses. NF-κB activation is a common pro-inflammatory response of host cells to viral infection. The aims of this study were to (i) find an effective combination treatment for coronaviral infections through targeting of the virus per se and cellular NF-κB activity; and (ii) to study the underling mechanisms. We found that tylophorine-based compounds target the TGEV viral RNA and effectively inhibit TGEV replication. NF-κB inhibition also leads to anti-TGEV replication. NF-κB activation induced by TGEV infection was found to be associated with two convergent pathways, IKK-2_IκBα/p65 and JAK2 mediated p65 phosphorylation, in swine testicular cells. JAK2 inhibition either by CYT387 (a JAK family inhibitor) or by silencing JAK2-expression revealed a dominant JAK2 mediated p65 phosphorylation pathway for NF-κB activation and resulted in NF-κB inhibition, which overrode the IκBα regulation via the IKK-2. Finally, tylophorine-based compounds work cooperatively with CYT387 to impart comprehensive anti-TGEV activities. The combination treatment, wherein a tylophorine compound targets TGEV and a JAK2 inhibitor blocks the alternative dominant NF-κB activation mediated by JAK2, is more effective and comprehensive than either one alone and constitutes a feasible approach for the treatment of SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV.
Collapse
|
42
|
Deejai N, Roshorm YM, Kubera A. Antiviral Compounds Against Nucleocapsid Protein of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. Anim Biotechnol 2016; 28:120-130. [PMID: 27791596 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2016.1232268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a severe diarrhea disease in swine that is caused by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Nucleocapsid (N) protein is the RNA-binding protein of PEDV, which plays an important role for virus life cycle. The aim of this research was to screen and characterize the compounds that could inhibit the activity of PEDV N protein. The gene encoding PEDV N protein obtained from PEDV Thai isolate was cloned and expressed in E. coli. Its amino acid sequence was employed to generate the three dimensional structure by homology modeling. There were 1,286 compounds of FDA-approved drug database that could virtually bind to the RNA-binding region of N protein. Three compounds, trichlormethiazide, D-(+) biotin, and glutathione successfully bound to the N protein, in vitro, with the IC50 at 8.754 mg/mL, 0.925 mg/mL, and 2.722 mg/mL. Antiviral activity in PEDV-infected Vero cells demonstrated that the effective concentration of trichlormethiazide, D-(+) biotin, and glutathione in inhibiting PEDV replication were 0.094, 0.094 and 1.5 mg/mL. This study demonstrated a strategy applied for discovery of antiviral agents capable of inhibiting PEDV N protein and PEDV replication. The compounds identified here exhibited a potential use as therapeutic agents for controlling PEDV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nipaporn Deejai
- a Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science , Kasetsart University , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Yaowaluck Maprang Roshorm
- b Division of Biotechnology, School of Bioresources and Technology , King Mongkut's University Thonburi , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Anchanee Kubera
- a Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science , Kasetsart University , Bangkok , Thailand.,c Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources , Kasetsart University , Bangkok , Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Papageorgiou N, Lichière J, Baklouti A, Ferron F, Sévajol M, Canard B, Coutard B. Structural characterization of the N-terminal part of the MERS-CoV nucleocapsid by X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2016; 72:192-202. [PMID: 26894667 PMCID: PMC7159594 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798315024328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The N protein of coronaviruses is a multifunctional protein that is organized into several domains. The N‐terminal part is composed of an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) followed by a structured domain called the N‐terminal domain (NTD). In this study, the structure determination of the N‐terminal region of the MERS‐CoV N protein via X‐ray diffraction measurements is reported at a resolution of 2.4 Å. Since the first 30 amino acids were not resolved by X‐ray diffraction, the structural study was completed by a SAXS experiment to propose a structural model including the IDR. This model presents the N‐terminal region of the MERS‐CoV as a monomer that displays structural features in common with other coronavirus NTDs.
Collapse
|
44
|
Fehr AR, Perlman S. Coronaviruses: an overview of their replication and pathogenesis. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2015. [PMID: 25720466 DOI: 10.1007/978‐1‐4939‐2438‐7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, are characterized by club-like spikes that project from their surface, an unusually large RNA genome, and a unique replication strategy. Coronaviruses cause a variety of diseases in mammals and birds ranging from enteritis in cows and pigs and upper respiratory disease in chickens to potentially lethal human respiratory infections. Here we provide a brief introduction to coronaviruses discussing their replication and pathogenicity, and current prevention and treatment strategies. We also discuss the outbreaks of the highly pathogenic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the recently identified Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Fehr
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang D, Leibowitz JL. The structure and functions of coronavirus genomic 3' and 5' ends. Virus Res 2015; 206:120-33. [PMID: 25736566 PMCID: PMC4476908 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are an important cause of illness in humans and animals. Most human coronaviruses commonly cause relatively mild respiratory illnesses; however two zoonotic coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, can cause severe illness and death. Investigations over the past 35 years have illuminated many aspects of coronavirus replication. The focus of this review is the functional analysis of conserved RNA secondary structures in the 5' and 3' of the betacoronavirus genomes. The 5' 350 nucleotides folds into a set of RNA secondary structures which are well conserved, and reverse genetic studies indicate that these structures play an important role in the discontinuous synthesis of subgenomic RNAs in the betacoronaviruses. These cis-acting elements extend 3' of the 5'UTR into ORF1a. The 3'UTR is similarly conserved and contains all of the cis-acting sequences necessary for viral replication. Two competing conformations near the 5' end of the 3'UTR have been shown to make up a potential molecular switch. There is some evidence that an association between the 3' and 5'UTRs is necessary for subgenomic RNA synthesis, but the basis for this association is not yet clear. A number of host RNA proteins have been shown to bind to the 5' and 3' cis-acting regions, but the significance of these in viral replication is not clear. Two viral proteins have been identified as binding to the 5' cis-acting region, nsp1 and N protein. A genetic interaction between nsp8 and nsp9 and the region of the 3'UTR that contains the putative molecular switch suggests that these two proteins bind to this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Julian L Leibowitz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zuwała K, Golda A, Kabala W, Burmistrz M, Zdzalik M, Nowak P, Kedracka-Krok S, Zarebski M, Dobrucki J, Florek D, Zeglen S, Wojarski J, Potempa J, Dubin G, Pyrc K. The nucleocapsid protein of human coronavirus NL63. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117833. [PMID: 25700263 PMCID: PMC4336326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human coronavirus (HCoV) NL63 was first described in 2004 and is associated with respiratory tract disease of varying severity. At the genetic and structural level, HCoV-NL63 is similar to other members of the Coronavirinae subfamily, especially human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). Detailed analysis, however, reveals several unique features of the pathogen. The coronaviral nucleocapsid protein is abundantly present in infected cells. It is a multi-domain, multi-functional protein important for viral replication and a number of cellular processes. The aim of the present study was to characterize the HCoV-NL63 nucleocapsid protein. Biochemical analyses revealed that the protein shares characteristics with homologous proteins encoded in other coronaviral genomes, with the N-terminal domain responsible for nucleic acid binding and the C-terminal domain involved in protein oligomerization. Surprisingly, analysis of the subcellular localization of the N protein of HCoV-NL63 revealed that, differently than homologous proteins from other coronaviral species except for SARS-CoV, it is not present in the nucleus of infected or transfected cells. Furthermore, no significant alteration in cell cycle progression in cells expressing the protein was observed. This is in stark contrast with results obtained for other coronaviruses, except for the SARS-CoV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Zuwała
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Golda
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kabala
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Burmistrz
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michal Zdzalik
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paulina Nowak
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Kedracka-Krok
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mirosław Zarebski
- Division of Cell Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Dobrucki
- Division of Cell Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dominik Florek
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sławomir Zeglen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology, Silesian Center for Heart Diseases, Szpitalna 2, 41–800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Jacek Wojarski
- Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology, Silesian Center for Heart Diseases, Szpitalna 2, 41–800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Jan Potempa
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
- Oral Health and Systemic Disease Research Group, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Pyrc
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387, Krakow, Poland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, are characterized by club-like spikes that project from their surface, an unusually large RNA genome, and a unique replication strategy. Coronaviruses cause a variety of diseases in mammals and birds ranging from enteritis in cows and pigs and upper respiratory disease in chickens to potentially lethal human respiratory infections. Here we provide a brief introduction to coronaviruses discussing their replication and pathogenicity, and current prevention and treatment strategies. We also discuss the outbreaks of the highly pathogenic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the recently identified Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Jane Maier
- grid.63622.330000000403887540The Pirbright Institute, Compton, United Kingdom
| | - Erica Bickerton
- grid.63622.330000000403887540The Pirbright Institute, Compton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Britton
- grid.63622.330000000403887540The Pirbright Institute, Compton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yang D, Liu P, Wudeck EV, Giedroc DP, Leibowitz JL. SHAPE analysis of the RNA secondary structure of the Mouse Hepatitis Virus 5' untranslated region and N-terminal nsp1 coding sequences. Virology 2014; 475:15-27. [PMID: 25462342 PMCID: PMC4280293 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
SHAPE technology was used to analyze RNA secondary structure of the 5' most 474 nts of the MHV-A59 genome encompassing the minimal 5' cis-acting region required for defective interfering RNA replication. The structures generated were in agreement with previous characterizations of SL1 through SL4 and two recently predicted secondary structure elements, S5 and SL5A. SHAPE provided biochemical support for four additional stem-loops not previously functionally investigated in MHV. Secondary structure predictions for 5' regions of MHV-A59, BCoV and SARS-CoV were similar despite high sequence divergence. The pattern of SHAPE reactivity of in virio genomic RNA, ex virio genomic RNA, and in vitro synthesized RNA was similar, suggesting that binding of N protein or other proteins to virion RNA fails to protect the RNA from reaction with lipid permeable SHAPE reagent. Reverse genetic experiments suggested that SL5C and SL6 within the nsp1 coding sequence are not required for viral replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yang
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, 407 Reynolds Medical Building, 1114 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA
| | - Pinghua Liu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, 407 Reynolds Medical Building, 1114 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA
| | - Elyse V Wudeck
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, 407 Reynolds Medical Building, 1114 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA
| | - David P Giedroc
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Julian L Leibowitz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, 407 Reynolds Medical Building, 1114 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
McBride R, van Zyl M, Fielding BC. The coronavirus nucleocapsid is a multifunctional protein. Viruses 2014; 6:2991-3018. [PMID: 25105276 PMCID: PMC4147684 DOI: 10.3390/v6082991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 625] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) is a structural protein that forms complexes with genomic RNA, interacts with the viral membrane protein during virion assembly and plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of virus transcription and assembly. Recent studies have confirmed that N is a multifunctional protein. The aim of this review is to highlight the properties and functions of the N protein, with specific reference to (i) the topology; (ii) the intracellular localization and (iii) the functions of the protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth McBride
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Western Cape 7535, South Africa.
| | - Marjorie van Zyl
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Western Cape 7535, South Africa.
| | - Burtram C Fielding
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Modderdam Road, Bellville, Western Cape 7535, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
EF1A interacting with nucleocapsid protein of transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus and plays a role in virus replication. Vet Microbiol 2014; 172:443-8. [PMID: 24974120 PMCID: PMC7117464 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.05.034] [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: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) is an enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes diarrhea in pigs, which is correlated with high morbidity and mortality in suckling piglets. Using the method of GST pull-down with the nucleocapsid (N), N protein was found to interact with swine testes (ST) cells elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1A), an essential component of the translational machinery with an important role in cells. In vitro and in virus-infected cells interaction was then confirmed by co-precipitation. Knockdown of EF1A impairs N protein proliferation and TGEV replication in host cell. It was demonstrated that EF1A plays a role in TGEV replication. The present study thus provides a protein-related information that should be useful for underlying mechanism of coronavirus replication.
Collapse
|