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Liu S, Chen H, Chen X, Luo N, Peraramelli S, Gong X, Zhang MJ, Ou L. Utilizing noncatalytic ACE2 protein mutant as a competitive inhibitor to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1365803. [PMID: 38646520 PMCID: PMC11032047 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin 2 into angiotensin 1-7. ACE2 also serves as the receptor of several coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, ACE2 could be utilized as a therapeutic target for treating these coronaviruses, ideally lacking enzymatic function. Methods Based on structural analysis, specific mutations were introduced to generate mutants of ACE2 and ACE2-Fc (fusion protein of ACE2 and Fc region of IgG1). The enzyme activity, binding affinity, and neutralization abilities were measured. Results and discussion As predicted, five mutants (AMI081, AMI082, AMI083, AMI084, AMI090) have completely depleted ACE2 enzymatic activities. More importantly, enzyme-linked receptor-ligand assay (ELRLA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results showed that 2 mutants (AMI082, AMI090) maintained binding activity to the viral spike proteins of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. In An in vitro neutralization experiment using a pseudovirus, SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein-packed lentivirus particles, was also performed, showing that AMI082 and AMI090 significantly reduced GFP transgene expression. Further, in vitro virulent neutralization assays using SARS-CoV-2 (strain name: USA-WA1/2020) showed that AMI082 and AMI090 had remarkable inhibitory effects, indicated by comparable IC50 to wildtype ACE2 (5.33 µg/mL). In addition to the direct administration of mutant proteins, an alternative strategy for treating COVID-19 is through AAV delivery to achieve long-lasting effects. Therefore, AAV5 encoding AMI082 and AMI090 were packaged and transgene expression was assessed. In summary, these ACE2 mutants represent a novel approach to prevent or treat COVID-19 and other viruses with the same spike protein.
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Rathi V, Sagi SSK, Yadav AK, Kumar M, Varshney R. Quercetin prophylaxis protects the kidneys by modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis under acute hypobaric hypoxic stress. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7617. [PMID: 38556603 PMCID: PMC10982295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The study presented here aims at assessing the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on RAAS pathway and its components along with mitigation of anomalies with quercetin prophylaxis. One hour prior to hypobaric hypoxia exposure, male SD rats were orally supplemented with quercetin (50 mg/kg BW) and acetazolamide (50 mg/kg BW) and exposed them to 25,000 ft. (7,620 m) in a simulated environmental chamber for 12 h at 25 ± 2 °C. Different biochemical parameters like renin activity, aldosterone, angiotensin I, ACE 2 were determined in plasma. As a conventional response to low oxygen conditions, oxidative stress parameters (ROS and MDA) were elevated along with suppressed antioxidant system (GPx and catalase) in plasma of rats. Quercetin prophylaxis significantly down regulated the hypoxia induced oxidative stress by reducing plasma ROS & MDA levels with efficient enhancement of antioxidants (GPx and Catalase). Further, hypoxia mediated regulation of renin and ACE 2 proves the outstanding efficacy of quercetin in repudiating altercations in RAAS cascade due to hypobaric hypoxia. Furthermore, differential protein expression of HIF-1α, NFκB, IL-18 and endothelin-1 analyzed by western blotting approves the biochemical outcomes and showed that quercetin significantly aids in the reduction of inflammation under hypoxia. Studies conducted with Surface Plasmon Resonance demonstrated a binding among quercetin and ACE 2 that indicates that this flavonoid might regulate RAAS pathway via ACE 2. Henceforth, the study promotes the prophylaxis of quercetin for the better adaptability under hypobaric hypoxic conditions via modulating the RAAS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Rathi
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Sarada S K Sagi
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi, 110054, India.
| | - Amit Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Science, Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Science, Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Varshney
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, New Delhi, 110054, India
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He Y, Gang B, Zhang M, Bai Y, Wan Z, Pan J, Liu J, Liu G, Gu W. ACE2 improves endothelial cell function and reduces acute lung injury by downregulating FAK expression. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111535. [PMID: 38246001 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction and increased adhesion of immune inflammatory cells to ECs crucially contribute to acute lung injury (ALI). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an essential regulator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and exerts characteristic vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. SARS-COV-2 infects the lungs by binding to ACE2, which can lead to dysregulation of ACE2 expression, further leading to ALI with predominantly vascular inflammation and eventually to more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, restoration of ACE2 expression represents a valuable therapeutic approach for SARS-COV-2-related ALI/ARDS. In this study, we used polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), a double-stranded RNA analog, to construct a mouse ALI model that mimics virus infection. After Poly(I:C) exposure, ACE2 was downregulated in mouse lung tissues and in cultured ECs. Treatment with DIZE, an ACE2-activating compound, upregulated ACE2 expression and relieved ALI in mice. DIZE also improved barrier function and reduced the number of THP-1 monocytes adhering to cultured ECs. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK) levels were increased in lung tissues of ALI mice as well as in Poly(I:C)-treated ECs in vitro. Both DIZE and the FAK inhibitor PF562271 decreased FAK/p-FAK expression in both ALI models, attenuating ALI severity in vivo and increasing barrier function and reducing monocyte adhesion in cultured ECs. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using ANG 1-7 and the MAS inhibitor A779 corroborated that DIZE-mediated ACE2 activation stimulated the activity of the ANG 1-7/MAS axis, which inhibited FAK/p-FAK expression in the mouse lung. These findings provide further evidence that activation of ACE2 in ECs may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Baocai Gang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Ziyu Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Jiesong Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China.
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China.
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Benedetti S, Sisti D, Vandini D, Barocci S, Sudano M, Carlotti E, Teng JLL, Zamai L. Circulating ACE2 level and zinc/albumin ratio as potential biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to COVID-19. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100973. [PMID: 37257289 PMCID: PMC10202900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutable influenza is successfully countered based on individual susceptibility and similar precision-like medicine approach should be effective against SARS-COV-2. Among predictive markers to bring precision medicine to COVID-19, circulating ACE2 has potential features being upregulated in both severe COVID-19 and predisposing comorbidities. Spike SARS-CoVs were shown to induce ADAM17-mediated shedding of enzymatic active ACE2, thus accounting for its increased activity that has also been suggested to induce positive feedback loops leading to COVID-19-like manifestations. For this reason, pre-existing ACE2 activity and inhibition of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases through zinc chelating agents have been proposed to predict COVID-19 outcome before infection and to protect from COVID-19, respectively. Since most diagnostic laboratories are not equipped for enzymatic activity determination, other potential predictive markers of disease progression exploitable by diagnostic laboratories were explored. Concentrations of circulating albumin, zinc, ACE2 protein and its activity were investigated in healthy, diabetic (COVID-19-susceptible) and SARS-CoV-2-negative COVID-19 individuals. ACE2 both protein levels and activity significantly increased in COVID-19 and diabetic patients. Abnormal high levels of ACE2 characterised a subgroup (16-19%) of diabetics, while COVID-19 patients were characterised by significantly higher zinc/albumin ratios, pointing to a relative increase of albumin-unbound zinc species, such as free zinc ones. Data on circulating ACE2 levels are in line with the hypothesis that they can drive susceptibility to COVID-19 and elevated zinc/albumin ratios support the therapeutic use of zinc chelating inhibitors of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases in a targeted therapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sudano
- Diabetology and Endocrinology Unit, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy; INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Xia X. Identification of host receptors for viral entry and beyond: a perspective from the spike of SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1188249. [PMID: 37560522 PMCID: PMC10407229 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1188249] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of the interaction between the host membrane receptor and viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) represents a crucial step for understanding viral pathophysiology and for developing drugs against pathogenic viruses. While all membrane receptors and carbohydrate chains could potentially be used as receptors for viruses, prioritized searches focus typically on membrane receptors that are known to have been used by the relatives of the pathogenic virus, e.g., ACE2 used as a receptor for SARS-CoV is a prioritized candidate receptor for SARS-CoV-2. An ideal receptor protein from a viral perspective is one that is highly expressed in epithelial cell surface of mammalian respiratory or digestive tracts, strongly conserved in evolution so many mammalian species can serve as potential hosts, and functionally important so that its expression cannot be readily downregulated by the host in response to the infection. Experimental confirmation of host receptors includes (1) infection studies with cell cultures/tissues/organs with or without candidate receptor expression, (2) experimental determination of protein structure of the complex between the putative viral RDB and the candidate host receptor, and (3) experiments with mutant candidate receptor or homologues of the candidate receptor in other species. Successful identification of the host receptor opens the door for mechanism-based development of candidate drugs and vaccines and facilitates the inference of what other animal species are vulnerable to the viral pathogen. I illustrate these approaches with research on identification of the receptor and co-factors for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Xia
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Mia MS, Hossain D, Woodbury E, Kelleher S, Palamuttam RJ, Rao R, Steen P, Jarajapu YP, Mathew S. Integrin β1 is a key determinant of the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the kidney epithelial cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151316. [PMID: 37084657 PMCID: PMC11086052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is altered in multiple chronic kidney diseases like hypertension and renal fibrosis, where the signaling from the basal membrane proteins is critical for the development and progression of the various pathologies. Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors that have important roles in the progression of these chronic kidney diseases by altering various cell signaling pathways in response to changes in the basement membrane proteins. It is unclear whether integrin or integrin-mediated signaling affects the ACE2 expression in the kidney. The current study tests the hypothesis that integrin β1 regulates the expression of ACE2 in kidney epithelial cells. The role of integrin β1 in ACE2 expression in renal epithelial cells was investigated by shRNA-mediated knockdown and pharmacological inhibition. In vivo studies were carried out using epithelial cell-specific deletion of integrin β1 in the kidneys. Deletion of integrin β1 from the mouse renal epithelial cells reduced the expression of ACE2 in the kidney. Furthermore, the downregulation of integrin β1 using shRNA decreased ACE2 expression in human renal epithelial cells. ACE2 expression levels were also decreased in renal epithelial cells and cancer cells when treated with an integrin α2β1 antagonist, BTT 3033. SARS-CoV-2 viral entry to human renal epithelial cells and cancer cells was also inhibited by BTT 3033. This study demonstrates that integrin β1 positively regulates the expression of ACE2, which is required for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into kidney cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saimon Mia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Delowar Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Emerson Woodbury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Sean Kelleher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | | | - Reena Rao
- Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Preston Steen
- Sanford Health Roger Maris Cancer Center, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Yagna Pr Jarajapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Sijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Del Nogal Avila M, Das R, Kharlyngdoh J, Molina-Jijon E, Donoro Blazquez H, Gambut S, Crowley M, Crossman DK, Gbadegesin RA, Chugh SS, Chugh SS, Avila-Casado C, Macé C, Clement LC, Chugh SS. Cytokine storm-based mechanisms for extrapulmonary manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e166012. [PMID: 37040185 PMCID: PMC10322692 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral illnesses like SARS-CoV-2 have pathologic effects on nonrespiratory organs in the absence of direct viral infection. We injected mice with cocktails of rodent equivalents of human cytokine storms resulting from SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 or rhinovirus common cold infection. At low doses, COVID-19 cocktails induced glomerular injury and albuminuria in zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) hypomorph and Zhx2+/+ mice to mimic COVID-19-related proteinuria. Common Cold cocktail induced albuminuria selectively in Zhx2 hypomorph mice to model relapse of minimal change disease, which improved after depletion of TNF-α, soluble IL-4Rα, or IL-6. The Zhx2 hypomorph state increased cell membrane to nuclear migration of podocyte ZHX proteins in vivo (both cocktails) and lowered phosphorylated STAT6 activation (COVID-19 cocktail) in vitro. At higher doses, COVID-19 cocktails induced acute heart injury, myocarditis, pericarditis, acute liver injury, acute kidney injury, and high mortality in Zhx2+/+ mice, whereas Zhx2 hypomorph mice were relatively protected, due in part to early, asynchronous activation of STAT5 and STAT6 pathways in these organs. Dual depletion of cytokine combinations of TNF-α with IL-2, IL-13, or IL-4 in Zhx2+/+ mice reduced multiorgan injury and eliminated mortality. Using genome sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9, an insertion upstream of ZHX2 was identified as a cause of the human ZHX2 hypomorph state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Nogal Avila
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ranjan Das
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joubert Kharlyngdoh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Eduardo Molina-Jijon
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hector Donoro Blazquez
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stéphanie Gambut
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Crowley
- Genomics Core Lab, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David K. Crossman
- Genomics Core Lab, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rasheed A. Gbadegesin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sunveer S. Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sunjeet S. Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Carmen Avila-Casado
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Camille Macé
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lionel C. Clement
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sumant S. Chugh
- Glomerular Disease Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Baldari CT, Onnis A, Andreano E, Del Giudice G, Rappuoli R. Emerging roles of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 in immune evasion and pathogenesis. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:424-434. [PMID: 37137805 PMCID: PMC10076505 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused an estimated 5 billion infections and 20 million deaths by respiratory failure. In addition to the respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with many extrapulmonary complications not easily explainable by the respiratory infection. A recent study showed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which mediates cell entry by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, signals through ACE2 to change host cell behavior. In CD8+ T cells, spike-dependent ACE2-mediated signaling suppresses immunological synapse (IS) formation and impairs their killing ability, leading to immune escape of virus-infected cells. In this opinion article, we discuss the consequences of ACE2 signaling on the immune response and propose that it contributes to the extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Onnis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Andreano
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Rino Rappuoli
- Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena, Italy; Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Pandit R, Ipinmoroti AO, Crenshaw BJ, Li T, Matthews QL. Canine Coronavirus Infection Modulates the Biogenesis and Composition of Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030976. [PMID: 36979955 PMCID: PMC10046050 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus (CoV) has persistently become a global health concern causing various diseases in a wide variety of hosts, including humans, birds, and companion animals. However, the virus-mediated responses in animal hosts have not been studied extensively due to pathogenesis complexity and disease developments. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are widely explored in viral infections for their intercellular communication, nanocarrier, and immunomodulatory properties. We proposed that coronavirus hijacks the host exosomal pathway and modulates the EV biogenesis, composition, and protein trafficking in the host. In the present study, Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells were infected with canine coronavirus (CCoV) in an exosome-free medium at the multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 400 infectious units (IFU) at various time points. The cell viability was significantly decreased over time, as determined by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Post-infection EVs were isolated, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the presence of small EVs (sEVs) after infection. NanoSight particle tracking analysis (NTA) revealed that EV sizes averaged between 100 and 200 nm at both incubation times; however, the mean size of infection-derived EVs was significantly decreased at 48 h when compared to uninfected control EVs. Quantitative analysis of protein levels performed by dot blot scanning showed that the expression levels of ACE-2, annexin-V, flotillin-1, TLR-7, LAMP, TNF-α, caspase-1, caspase-8, and others were altered in EVs after infection. Our findings suggested that coronavirus infection impacts cell viability, modulates EV biogenesis, and alters cargo composition and protein trafficking in the host, which could impact viral progression and disease development. Future experiments with different animal CoVs will provide a detailed understanding of host EV biology in infection pathogenesis and progression. Hence, EVs could offer a diagnostic and therapeutic tool to study virus-mediated host responses that could be extended to study the interspecies jump of animal CoVs to cause infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Pandit
- Microbiology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
| | - Ayodeji O Ipinmoroti
- Microbiology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
| | - Brennetta J Crenshaw
- Microbiology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
| | - Qiana L Matthews
- Microbiology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
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10
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Norris EG, Pan XS, Hocking DC. Receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 is a functional αv-integrin agonist. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102922. [PMID: 36669646 PMCID: PMC9846890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the novel mutations distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 from similar coronaviruses is a K403R substitution in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein within its S1 region. This amino acid substitution occurs near the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-binding interface and gives rise to a canonical RGD adhesion motif that is often found in native extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. Here, the ability of recombinant S1-RBD to bind to cell surface integrins and trigger downstream signaling pathways was assessed and compared with RGD-containing, integrin-binding fragments of fibronectin. We determined that S1-RBD supported adhesion of fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as primary human small airway epithelial cells, while RBD-coated microparticles attached to epithelial monolayers in a cation-dependent manner. Cell adhesion to S1-RBD was RGD dependent and inhibited by blocking antibodies against αv and β3 but not α5 or β1 integrins. Similarly, we observed direct binding of S1-RBD to recombinant human αvβ3 and αvβ6 integrins, but not α5β1 integrins, using surface plasmon resonance. S1-RBD adhesion initiated cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, and actin stress fiber organization to a similar extent as fibronectin. Moreover, S1-RBD stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the adhesion mediators FAK, Src, and paxillin; triggered Akt activation; and supported cell proliferation. Thus, the RGD sequence of S1-RBD can function as an αv-selective integrin agonist. This study provides evidence that cell surface αv-containing integrins can respond functionally to spike protein and raises the possibility that S1-mediated dysregulation of extracellular matrix dynamics may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Xuan Sabrina Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Denise C Hocking
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
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11
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Is the anti-aging effect of ACE2 due to its role in the renin-angiotensin system?-Findings from a comparison of the aging phenotypes of ACE2-deficient, Tsukuba hypertensive, and Mas-deficient mice. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:1210-1220. [PMID: 36788301 PMCID: PMC9925940 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01189-y] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) functions as an enzyme that produces angiotensin 1-7 (A1-7) from angiotensin II (AII) in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We evaluated aging phenotypes, especially skeletal muscle aging, in ACE2 systemically deficient (ACE2 KO) mice and found that ACE2 has an antiaging function. The characteristic aging phenotype observed in ACE2 KO mice was not reproduced in mice deficient in the A1-7 receptor Mas or in Tsukuba hypertensive mice, a model of chronic AII overproduction, suggesting that ACE2 has a RAS-independent antiaging function. In this review, the results we have obtained and related studies on the aging regulatory mechanism mediated by RAS components will be presented and summarized. We evaluated the aging phenotype of ACE2 systemically deficient (ACE2 KO) mice, particularly skeletal muscle aging, and found that ACE2 has an antiaging function. The characteristic aging phenotype observed in ACE2 KO mice was not reproduced in Mas KO mice, angiotensin 1-7 receptor-deficient mice or in Tsukuba hypertensive mice, a model of chronic angiotensin II overproduction, suggesting that the antiaging functions of ACE2 are independent of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
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12
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Onnis A, Andreano E, Cassioli C, Finetti F, Della Bella C, Staufer O, Pantano E, Abbiento V, Marotta G, D’Elios MM, Rappuoli R, Baldari CT. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein suppresses CTL-mediated killing by inhibiting immune synapse assembly. J Exp Med 2022; 220:213689. [PMID: 36378226 PMCID: PMC9671159 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CTL-mediated killing of virally infected or malignant cells is orchestrated at the immune synapse (IS). We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 may target lytic IS assembly to escape elimination. We show that human CD8+ T cells upregulate the expression of ACE2, the Spike receptor, during differentiation to CTLs. CTL preincubation with the Wuhan or Omicron Spike variants inhibits IS assembly and function, as shown by defective synaptic accumulation of TCRs and tyrosine phosphoproteins as well as defective centrosome and lytic granule polarization to the IS, resulting in impaired target cell killing and cytokine production. These defects were reversed by anti-Spike antibodies interfering with ACE2 binding and reproduced by ACE2 engagement by angiotensin II or anti-ACE2 antibodies, but not by the ACE2 product Ang (1-7). IS defects were also observed ex vivo in CTLs from COVID-19 patients. These results highlight a new strategy of immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 based on the Spike-dependent, ACE2-mediated targeting of the lytic IS to prevent elimination of infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Onnis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Andreano
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Cassioli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Della Bella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Oskar Staufer
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elisa Pantano
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Abbiento
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Mario Milco D’Elios
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy,Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cosima T. Baldari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,Correspondence to Cosima T. Baldari:
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13
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Turner AJ, Nalivaeva NN. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2): Two decades of revelations and re-evaluation. Peptides 2022; 151:170766. [PMID: 35151768 PMCID: PMC8830188 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, or ACE2, is primarily a zinc-dependent peptidase and ectoenzyme expressed in numerous cell types and functioning as a counterbalance to ACE in the renin-angiotensin system. It was discovered 21 years ago more than 40 years after the discovery of ACE itself. Its primary physiological activity is believed to be in the conversion of angiotensin II to the vasodilatory angiotensin-(1-7) acting through the Mas receptor. As such it has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions, largely in a protective mode which has led to the search for ACE2 activatory mechanisms. ACE2 has a diverse substrate specificity allowing its participation in multiple peptide pathways. It also regulates aspects of amino acid transport through its homology with a membrane protein, collectrin. It also serves as a viral receptor for the SARS virus, and subsequently SARS-CoV2, driving the current COVID-19 pandemic. ACE2 therefore provides a therapeutic target for the treatment of COVID and understanding the biological events following viral binding can provide insight into the multiple pathologies caused by the virus, particularly inflammatory and vascular. In part this may relate to the ability of ACE2, like ACE, to be shed from the cell membrane. The shed form of ACE2 (sACE2) may be a factor in determining susceptibility to certain COVID pathologies. Hence, for just over 20 years, ACE2 has provided numerous surprises in the field of vasoactive peptides with, no doubt, more to come but it is its central role in COVID pathology that is producing the current intense interest in its biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Turner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Natalia N Nalivaeva
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia; Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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14
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Gressett TE, Nader D, Robles JP, Buranda T, Kerrigan SW, Bix G. Integrins as Therapeutic Targets for SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:892323. [PMID: 35619646 PMCID: PMC9128570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.892323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E. Gressett
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Danielle Nader
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Juan Pablo Robles
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Tione Buranda
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (HSC), Department of Pathology, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Steven W. Kerrigan
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gregory Bix
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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15
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Norris EG, Pan XS, Hocking DC. Receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 is a functional αv-integrin agonist. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.04.11.487882. [PMID: 35441172 PMCID: PMC9016641 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.11.487882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Among the novel mutations distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 from similar respiratory coronaviruses is a K403R substitution in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein within its S1 region. This amino acid substitution occurs near the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-binding interface and gives rise to a canonical RGD adhesion motif that is often found in native extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. In the present study, the ability of recombinant S1-RBD to bind to cell surface integrins and trigger downstream signaling pathways was assessed and compared to RGD-containing, integrin-binding fragments of fibronectin. S1-RBD supported adhesion of both fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as primary human small airway epithelial cells. Cell adhesion to S1-RBD was cation- and RGD-dependent, and was inhibited by blocking antibodies against α v and β 3 , but not α 5 or β 1 , integrins. Similarly, direct binding of S1-RBD to recombinant human α v β 3 and α v β 6 integrins, but not α 5 β 1 integrins, was observed by surface plasmon resonance. Adhesion to S1-RBD initiated cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, and actin stress fiber organization to a similar extent as fibronectin. Moreover, S1-RBD stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the adhesion mediators FAK, Src, and paxillin, Akt activation, and supported cell proliferation. Together, these data demonstrate that the RGD sequence within S1-RBD can function as an α v -selective integrin agonist. This study provides evidence that cell surface α v -containing integrins can respond functionally to spike protein and raise the possibility that S1-mediated dysregulation of ECM dynamics may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G. Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Xuan Sabrina Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Denise C. Hocking
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
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16
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Zhang Q, Ling S, Hu K, Liu J, Xu JW. Role of the renin-angiotensin system in NETosis in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pharmacotherapy 2022; 148:112718. [PMID: 35176710 PMCID: PMC8841219 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction and stroke are the leading causes of death in the world. Numerous evidence has confirmed that hypertension promotes thrombosis and induces myocardial infarction and stroke. Recent findings reveal that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in the induction of myocardial infarction and stroke. Meanwhile, patients with severe COVID-19 suffer from complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke with pathological signs of NETs. Due to the extremely low amount of virus detected in the blood and remote organs (e.g., heart, brain and kidney) in a few cases, it is difficult to explain the mechanism by which the virus triggers NETosis, and there may be a different mechanism than in the lung. A large number of studies have found that the renin-angiotensin system regulates the NETosis at multiple levels in patients with COVID-19, such as endocytosis of SARS-COV-2, abnormal angiotensin II levels, neutrophil activation and procoagulant function at multiple levels, which may contribute to the formation of reticular structure and thrombosis. The treatment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and neutrophil recruitment and active antagonists helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of net and thrombosis. The review will explore the possible role of the angiotensin system in the formation of NETs in severe COVID-19.
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17
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Niehues RV, Wozniak J, Wiersch F, Lilienthal E, Tacken N, Schumertl T, Garbers C, Ludwig A, Düsterhöft S. The collectrin-like part of the SARS-CoV-1 and -2 receptor ACE2 is shed by the metalloproteinases ADAM10 and ADAM17. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22234. [PMID: 35199397 PMCID: PMC9111296 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101521r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane protease angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a protective regulator within the renin angiotensin system and additionally represents the cellular receptor for SARS‐CoV. The release of soluble ACE2 (sACE2) from the cell surface is hence believed to be a crucial part of its (patho)physiological functions, as both, ACE2 protease activity and SARS‐CoV binding ability, are transferred from the cell membrane to body fluids. Yet, the molecular sources of sACE2 are still not completely investigated. In this study, we show different sources and prerequisites for the release of sACE2 from the cell membrane. By using inhibitors as well as CRISPR/Cas9‐derived cells, we demonstrated that, in addition to the metalloprotease ADAM17, also ADAM10 is an important novel shedding protease of ACE2. Moreover, we observed that ACE2 can also be released in extracellular vesicles. The degree of either ADAM10‐ or ADAM17‐mediated ACE2 shedding is dependent on stimulatory conditions and on the expression level of the pro‐inflammatory ADAM17 regulator iRhom2. Finally, by using structural analysis and in vitro verification, we determined for the first time that the susceptibility to ADAM10‐ and ADAM17‐mediated shedding is mediated by the collectrin‐like part of ACE2. Overall, our findings give novel insights into sACE2 release by several independent molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Victoria Niehues
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Justyna Wozniak
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Wiersch
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eva Lilienthal
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nikola Tacken
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tim Schumertl
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Düsterhöft
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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18
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The dynamic nature of the Coronavirus receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in differentiating airway epithelia. BBA ADVANCES 2022; 2:100044. [PMID: 35187520 PMCID: PMC8840828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2022.100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Once inhaled, SARS-CoV-2 particles enter respiratory ciliated cells by interacting with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Understanding the nature of ACE2 within airway tissue has become a recent focus particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Airway mucociliary tissue was generated in-vitro using primary human nasal epithelial cells and the air-liquid interface (ALI) model of differentiation. Using ALI tissue, three distinct transcript variants of ACE2 were identified. One transcript encodes the documented full-length ACE2 protein. The other two transcripts are unique truncated isoforms, that until recently had only been predicted to exist via sequence analysis software. Quantitative PCR revealed that all three transcript variants are expressed throughout differentiation of airway mucociliary epithelia. Immunofluorescence analysis of individual ACE2 protein isoforms exogenously expressed in cell-lines revealed similar abilities to localize in the plasma membrane and interact with the SARS CoV 2 spike receptor binding domain. Immunohistochemistry on differentiated ALI tissue using antibodies to either the N-term or C-term of ACE2 revealed both overlapping and distinct signals in cells, most notably only the ACE2 C-term antibody displayed plasma-membrane localization. We also demonstrate that ACE2 protein shedding is different in ALI Tissue compared to ACE2-transfected cell lines, and that ACE2 is released from both the apical and basal surfaces of ALI tissue. Together, our data highlights various facets of ACE2 transcripts and protein in airway mucociliary tissue that may represent variables which impact an individual's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, or the severity of Covid-19.
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19
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) arising from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection has caused a worldwide pandemic, mainly owing to its highly virulent nature stemming from a very strong and highly efficacious binding to the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor. As the pandemic developed, increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations were reported, strongly suggesting a causal relationship. Indeed, direct invasion of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles into the brain can occur through the cribriform plate via olfactory nerves, passage through a damaged blood-brain-barrier, or via haematogenic infiltration of infected leukocytes. Neurological complications range from potentially fatal encephalopathy and stroke, to the onset of headaches and dizziness, which despite their apparent innocuous presentation may still imply a more sinister pathology. Here, we summarize the most recent knowledge on the neurological presentations typically being associated with COVID-19, whilst providing potential pathophysiological mechanisms. The latter are centered upon hypoxic brain injury, generation of a cytokine storm with attendant immune-mediated damage, and a prothrombotic state. A better understanding of both the neuroinvasive properties of SARS-CoV-2 and the neurological complications of COVID-19 will be important to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galea
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Michaela Agius
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Neville Vassallo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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20
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Beaudoin CA, Hamaia SW, Huang CLH, Blundell TL, Jackson AP. Can the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Bind Integrins Independent of the RGD Sequence? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:765300. [PMID: 34869067 PMCID: PMC8637727 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.765300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The RGD motif in the Severe Acute Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein has been predicted to bind RGD-recognizing integrins. Recent studies have shown that the spike protein does, indeed, interact with αVβ3 and α5β1 integrins, both of which bind to RGD-containing ligands. However, computational studies have suggested that binding between the spike RGD motif and integrins is not favourable, even when unfolding occurs after conformational changes induced by binding to the canonical host entry receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Furthermore, non-RGD-binding integrins, such as αx, have been suggested to interact with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Other viral pathogens, such as rotaviruses, have been recorded to bind integrins in an RGD-independent manner to initiate host cell entry. Thus, in order to consider the potential for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to bind integrins independent of the RGD sequence, we investigate several factors related to the involvement of integrins in SARS-CoV-2 infection. First, we review changes in integrin expression during SARS-CoV-2 infection to identify which integrins might be of interest. Then, all known non-RGD integrin-binding motifs are collected and mapped to the spike protein receptor-binding domain and analyzed for their 3D availability. Several integrin-binding motifs are shown to exhibit high sequence similarity with solvent accessible regions of the spike receptor-binding domain. Comparisons of these motifs with other betacoronavirus spike proteins, such as SARS-CoV and RaTG13, reveal that some have recently evolved while others are more conserved throughout phylogenetically similar betacoronaviruses. Interestingly, all of the potential integrin-binding motifs, including the RGD sequence, are conserved in one of the known pangolin coronavirus strains. Of note, the most recently recorded mutations in the spike protein receptor-binding domain were found outside of the putative integrin-binding sequences, although several mutations formed inside and close to one motif, in particular, may potentially enhance binding. These data suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may interact with integrins independent of the RGD sequence and may help further explain how SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses can evolve to bind to integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Beaudoin
- Department of Biochemistry, Sanger Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samir W Hamaia
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, Sanger Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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21
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Amruta N, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Murray-Brown IC, Gressett TE, Biose IJ, Chastain WH, Befeler JB, Bix G. In Vivo protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection by ATN-161 in k18-hACE2 transgenic mice. Life Sci 2021; 284:119881. [PMID: 34389403 PMCID: PMC8352850 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an infectious disease that has spread worldwide. Current treatments are limited in both availability and efficacy, such that improving our understanding of the factors that facilitate infection is urgently needed to more effectively treat infected individuals and to curb the pandemic. We and others have previously demonstrated the significance of interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, integrin α5β1, and human ACE2 to facilitate viral entry into host cells in vitro. We previously found that inhibition of integrin α5β1 by the clinically validated small peptide ATN-161 inhibits these spike protein interactions and cell infection in vitro. In continuation with our previous findings, here we have further evaluated the therapeutic potential of ATN-161 on SARS-CoV-2 infection in k18-hACE2 transgenic (SARS-CoV-2 susceptible) mice in vivo. We discovered that treatment with single or repeated intravenous doses of ATN-161 (1 mg/kg) within 48 h after intranasal inoculation with SARS-CoV-2 lead to a reduction of lung viral load, viral immunofluorescence, and improved lung histology in a majority of mice 72 h post-infection. Furthermore, ATN-161 reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced increased expression of lung integrin α5 and αv (an α5-related integrin that has also been implicated in SARS-CoV-2 interactions) as well as the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), further supporting the potential involvement of these integrins, and the anti-inflammatory potential of ATN-161, respectively, in SARS-CoV-2 infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the potential therapeutic efficacy of targeting integrin α5β1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo and supports the development of ATN-161 as a novel SARS-CoV-2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanappa Amruta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Isabel C Murray-Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Timothy E Gressett
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ifechukwude J Biose
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Wesley H Chastain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jaime B Befeler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Gregory Bix
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA.
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22
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Simons P, Rinaldi DA, Bondu V, Kell AM, Bradfute S, Lidke DS, Buranda T. Integrin activation is an essential component of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20398. [PMID: 34650161 PMCID: PMC8516859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on binding its spike (S) protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S protein expresses an RGD motif, suggesting that integrins may be co-receptors. Here, we UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and fluorescently labeled the envelope membrane with octadecyl rhodamine B (R18) to explore the role of integrin activation in mediating cell entry and productive infection. We used flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to show that SARS-CoV-2R18 particles engage basal-state integrins. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Mn2+, which induces integrin extension, enhances cell entry of SARS-CoV-2R18. We also show that one class of integrin antagonist, which binds to the αI MIDAS site and stabilizes the inactive, closed conformation, selectively inhibits the engagement of SARS-CoV-2R18 with basal state integrins, but is ineffective against Mn2+-activated integrins. RGD-integrin antagonists inhibited SARS-CoV-2R18 binding regardless of integrin activation status. Integrins transmit signals bidirectionally: 'inside-out' signaling primes the ligand-binding function of integrins via a talin-dependent mechanism, and 'outside-in' signaling occurs downstream of integrin binding to macromolecular ligands. Outside-in signaling is mediated by Gα13. Using cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of talin and Gα13 binding to the cytoplasmic tail of an integrin's β subunit, we demonstrate that talin-mediated signaling is essential for productive infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Simons
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Derek A Rinaldi
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Virginie Bondu
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Alison M Kell
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Immunity, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Steven Bradfute
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Immunity, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Diane S Lidke
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Tione Buranda
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Immunity, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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23
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Abdurrahman L, Fang X, Zhang Y. Molecular Insights of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Molecular Treatments. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:621-639. [PMID: 34645374 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666211013121831] [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] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease emerged in December 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its rapid global spread has brought an international health emergency and urgent responses for seeking efficient prevention and therapeutic treatment. This has led to imperative needs for illustration of the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, identification of molecular targets or receptors, and development of antiviral drugs, antibodies, and vaccines. In this study, we investigated the current research progress in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the published research findings, we first elucidated, at the molecular level, SARS-CoV-2 viral structures, potential viral host-cell-invasion and pathogenic mechanisms, main virus-induced immune responses, and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. We then focused on the main virus- and host-based potential targets, summarized and categorized effective inhibitory molecules based on drug development strategies for COVID-19, that can guide efforts for the identification of new drugs and treatment for this problematic disease. Current research and development of antibodies and vaccines were also introduced and discussed. We concluded that the main virus entry route- SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with ACE2 receptors has played a key role in guiding the development of therapeutic treatments against COVID-19, four main therapeutic strategies may be considered in developing molecular therapeutics, and drug repurposing is likely to be an easy, fast and low-cost approach in such a short period of time with urgent need of antiviral drugs. Additionally, the quick development of antibody and vaccine candidates has yielded promising results, but the wide-scale deployment of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines remains paramount in solving the pandemic crisis. As new variants of the virus begun to emerge, the efficacy of these vaccines and treatments must be closely evaluated. Finally, we discussed the possible challenges of developing molecular therapeutics for COVID-19 and suggested some potential future efforts. Despite the limited availability of literatures, our attempt in this work to provide a relatively comprehensive overview of current SARS-CoV-2 studies can be helpful for quickly acquiring the key information of COVID-19 and further promoting this important research to control and diminish the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Abdurrahman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas 78539. United States
| | - Xiaoqian Fang
- Department of Molecular Science, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas 78539. United States
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas 78539. United States
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24
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Guo Y, Wang B, Gao H, Gao L, Hua R, Xu JD. ACE2 in the Gut: The Center of the 2019-nCoV Infected Pathology. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:708336. [PMID: 34631794 PMCID: PMC8493804 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.708336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2019-nCoV is a rapidly contagious pneumonia caused by the recently discovered coronavirus. Although generally the most noticeable symptoms are concentrated in the lungs, the disorders in the gastrointestinal tract are of great importance in the diagnosis of 2019-nCoV. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an important regulator of many physiological functions, including blood pressure and nutrients absorption, is recently identified as a vital entry for 2019-nCoV to enter host cells. In this review, we summarize its functions both physiologically and pathologically. We also elaborate its conflicting roles from the clews of contemporary researches, which may provide significant indications for pharmacological investigations and clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Guo
- Department of Oral Medicine "5+3" Program, Basic Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Boya Wang
- Undergraduate Student of 2018 Eight Program of Clinical Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rongxuan Hua
- Department of Clinical Medicine "5+3" Program, Basic Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Dong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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25
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Wang R, Xu J, Wu J, Gao S, Wang Z. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 alleviates pulmonary artery hypertension through inhibition of focal adhesion kinase expression. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1165. [PMID: 34504610 PMCID: PMC8393266 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an important therapeutic target in pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH); however, the mechanism of its activation remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) could regulate FAK and alleviate PAH in a rat model of PAH established with a single administration of monocrotaline followed by continuous hypoxia treatment. In the current study, right ventricular pressure, body weight and the right ventricular hypertrophy index were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed on lung tissues to determine whether the modeling was successful. Changes in the serum levels of FAK were measured using an ELISA kit to evaluate the association between ACE2 and FAK. The mRNA expression levels of ACE2, FAK, caspase-3 and survivin were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The protein expression levels of ACE2, phosphorylated FAK/FAK, cleaved caspase-3/pro-caspase-3 and survivin were determined via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of FAK around the pulmonary arterioles. Apoptosis of smooth muscle cells around pulmonary arterioles was observed by TUNEL staining. After treatment with the ACE2 activator DIZE or inhibitor DX-600, the results demonstrated that ACE2 reduced PAH-induced changes in arteriole morphology compared with the control. It also inhibited FAK expression in serum. WB and RT-qPCR results suggested that ACE2 inhibited the expression of FAK and pathway-related proteins, and promoted caspase-3 expression. Additionally, ACE2 reduced FAK expression around the pulmonary arterioles and promoted smooth muscle cell apoptosis. The results indicated that ACE2 activation inhibited FAK expression, leading to alleviation of the symptoms of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221006, P.R. China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Jinbo Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Shunheng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221006, P.R. China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
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26
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Which ones, when and why should renin-angiotensin system inhibitors work against COVID-19? Adv Biol Regul 2021; 81:100820. [PMID: 34419773 PMCID: PMC8359569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The article describes the possible pathophysiological origin of COVID-19 and the crucial role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), providing several “converging” evidence in support of this hypothesis. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to initially upregulate ACE2 systemic activity (early phase), which can subsequently induce compensatory responses leading to upregulation of both arms of the RAS (late phase) and consequently to critical, advanced and untreatable stages of COVID-19 disease. The main and initial actors of the process are ACE2 and ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases, which, initially triggered by SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, work together in increasing circulating Ang 1–7 and Ang 1–9 peptides and downstream (Mas and Angiotensin type 2 receptors) pathways with anti-inflammatory, hypotensive and antithrombotic activities. During the late phase of severe COVID-19, compensatory secretion of renin and ACE enzymes are subsequently upregulated, leading to inflammation, hypertension and thrombosis, which further sustain ACE2 and ADAM17 upregulation. Based on this hypothesis, COVID-19-phase-specific inhibition of different RAS enzymes is proposed as a pharmacological strategy against COVID-19 and vaccine-induced adverse effects. The aim is to prevent the establishment of positive feedback-loops, which can sustain hyperactivity of both arms of the RAS independently of viral trigger and, in some cases, may lead to Long-COVID syndrome.
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27
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Jana S, Heaven MR, Alayash AI. Cell-Free Hemoglobin Does Not Attenuate the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein S1 Subunit in Pulmonary Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9041. [PMID: 34445747 PMCID: PMC8396564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects epithelial airway cells that express the host entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which binds to the S1 spike protein on the surface of the virus. To delineate the impact of S1 spike protein interaction with the ACE2 receptor, we incubated the S1 spike protein with human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAEC). HPAEC treatment with the S1 spike protein caused disruption of endothelial barrier function, increased levels of numerous inflammatory molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-1β, CCL5, CXCL10), elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a mild rise in glycolytic reserve capacity. Because low oxygen tension (hypoxia) is associated with severe cases of COVID-19, we also evaluated treatment with hemoglobin (HbA) as a potential countermeasure in hypoxic and normal oxygen environments in analyses with the S1 spike protein. We found hypoxia downregulated the expression of the ACE2 receptor and increased the critical oxygen homeostatic signaling protein, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α); however, treatment of the cells with HbA yielded no apparent change in the levels of ACE2 or HIF-1α. Use of quantitative proteomics revealed that S1 spike protein-treated cells have few differentially regulated proteins in hypoxic conditions, consistent with the finding that ACE2 serves as the host viral receptor and is reduced in hypoxia. However, in normoxic conditions, we found perturbed abundance of proteins in signaling pathways related to lysosomes, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and pyrimidine metabolism. We conclude that the spike protein alone without the rest of the viral components is sufficient to elicit cell signaling in HPAEC, and that treatment with HbA failed to reverse the vast majority of these spike protein-induced changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abdu I. Alayash
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Vascular Biology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (S.J.); (M.R.H.)
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28
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Shylesh C M S, V S A, S K K, P UD. Renin-angiotensin system modulators in COVID-19 patients with hypertension: friend or foe? Clin Exp Hypertens 2021; 44:1-10. [PMID: 34414841 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2021.1963070] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: ACE2, a component of the non-classic renin-angiotensin system (RAS), acts as a functional receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2) spike protein, which enables the entry of the virus into the host cells. Non-classical ACE2 is one of two types of ACE2 that has a protective effect on vascular and respiratory cells. RAS modulators like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are among the first-line treatment for hypertensive patients. An upregulation in ACE2 levels with RAS modulators was observed in few preclinical studies, which raised concerns regarding possible increased infectivity among patients treated with RAS modulators.Method: For shortlisting the outcome effects, open-ended, English-restricted databases, published literature, and various clinical studies performed utilizing RAS modulators in COVID 19 patients were considered. Conclusion: Current evidence reveals no increased risk of COVID-19 infection among hypertensive patients on ACEIs/ARBs compared to other antihypertensive medications. Several studies have demonstrated no detrimental effects of RAS modulators on clinical severity, hospital/intensive care unit stay, ventilation and mortality. Hence, we can conclude that neither ARBs nor ACEIs treatment will cause any side effects or undesirable interactions in COVID-19 infected hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakhi Shylesh C M
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi, Kerala 682041
| | - Arya V S
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi, Kerala 682041
| | - Kanthlal S K
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi, Kerala 682041
| | - Uma Devi P
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi, Kerala 682041
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29
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Padarti A, Abou-Fadel J, Zhang J. Resurgence of phosphotyrosine binding domains: Structural and functional properties essential for understanding disease pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129977. [PMID: 34391832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129977] [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] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphotyrosine Binding (PTB) Domains, usually found on scaffold proteins, are pervasive in many cellular signaling pathways. These domains are the second-largest family of phosphotyrosine recognition domains and since their initial discovery, dozens of PTB domains have been structurally determined. SCOPE OF REVIEW Due to its signature sequence flexibility, PTB domains can bind to a large variety of ligands including phospholipids. PTB peptide binding is divided into classical binding (canonical NPXY motifs) and non-classical binding (all other motifs). The first atypical PTB domain was discovered in cerebral cavernous malformation 2 (CCM2) protein, while only one third in size of the typical PTB domain, it remains functionally equivalent. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS PTB domains are involved in numerous signaling processes including embryogenesis, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis, while dysfunction is linked to major disorders including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, Alzheimer's disease, and strokes. PTB domains may also be essential in infectious processes, currently responsible for the global pandemic in which viral cellular entry is suspected to be mediated through PTB and NPXY interactions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We summarize the structural and functional updates in the PTB domain over the last 20 years in hopes of resurging interest and further analyzing the importance of this versatile domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Padarti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Johnathan Abou-Fadel
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA.
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30
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Simons P, Rinaldi DA, Bondu V, Kell AM, Bradfute S, Lidke D, Buranda T. Integrin activation is an essential component of SARS-CoV-2 infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34312625 DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.20.453118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cellular entry of coronaviruses depends on binding of the viral spike (S) protein to a specific cellular receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Furthermore, the viral spike protein expresses an RGD motif, suggesting that cell surface integrins may be attachment co-receptors. However, using infectious SARS-CoV-2 requires a biosafety level 3 laboratory (BSL-3), which limits the techniques that can be used to study the mechanism of cell entry. Here, we UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and fluorescently labeled the envelope membrane with octadecyl rhodamine B (R18) to explore the role of integrin activation in mediating both cell entry and productive infection. We used flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy to show that fluorescently labeled SARS-CoV-2 R18 particles engage basal-state integrins. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Mn 2+ , which activates integrins and induces integrin extension, enhances cell binding and entry of SARS-CoV-2 R18 in proportion to the fraction of integrins activated. We also show that one class of integrin antagonist, which binds to the αI MIDAS site and stabilizes the inactive, closed conformation, selectively inhibits the engagement of SARS-CoV-2 R18 with basal state integrins, but is ineffective against Mn 2+ -activated integrins. At the same time, RGD-integrin antagonists inhibited SARS-CoV-2 R18 binding regardless of integrin activity state. Integrins transmit signals bidirectionally: 'inside-out' signaling primes the ligand binding function of integrins via a talin dependent mechanism and 'outside-in' signaling occurs downstream of integrin binding to macromolecular ligands. Outside-in signaling is mediated by Gα 13 and induces cell spreading, retraction, migration, and proliferation. Using cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of talin, and Gα 13 binding to the cytoplasmic tail of an integrin's β subunit, we further demonstrate that talin-mediated signaling is essential for productive infection by SARS-CoV-2.
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31
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García-Ayllón MS, Moreno-Pérez O, García-Arriaza J, Ramos-Rincón JM, Cortés-Gómez MÁ, Brinkmalm G, Andrés M, León-Ramírez JM, Boix V, Gil J, Zetterberg H, Esteban M, Merino E, Sáez-Valero J. Plasma ACE2 species are differentially altered in COVID-19 patients. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21745. [PMID: 34191346 PMCID: PMC8441911 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100051r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies are needed to identify useful biomarkers to assess the severity and prognosis of COVID-19 disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Here, we examine the levels of various plasma species of the SARS-CoV-2 host receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), in patients at different phases of the infection. Human plasma ACE2 species were characterized by immunoprecipitation and western blotting employing antibodies against the ectodomain and the C-terminal domain, using a recombinant human ACE2 protein as control. In addition, changes in the cleaved and full-length ACE2 species were also examined in serum samples derived from humanized K18-hACE2 mice challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 immunoreactivity was present in human plasma as several molecular mass species that probably comprise truncated (70 and 75 kDa) and full-length forms (95, 100, 130, and 170 kDa). COVID-19 patients in the acute phase of infection (n = 46) had significantly decreased levels of ACE2 full-length species, while a truncated 70-kDa form was marginally higher compared with non-disease controls (n = 26). Levels of ACE2 full-length species were in the normal range in patients after a recovery period with an interval of 58-70 days (n = 29), while the 70-kDa species decreased. Levels of the truncated ACE2 species served to discriminate between individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 and those infected with influenza A virus (n = 17). In conclusion, specific plasma ACE2 species are altered in patients with COVID-19 and these changes normalize during the recovery phase. Alterations in ACE2 species following SARS-CoV-2 infection warrant further investigation regarding their potential usefulness as biomarkers for the disease process and to asses efficacy during vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Salud García-Ayllón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, FISABIO, Elche, Spain
| | - Oscar Moreno-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Juan García-Arriaza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Internal Medicine Department, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Ángeles Cortés-Gómez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, FISABIO, Elche, Spain
| | - Gunnar Brinkmalm
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mariano Andrés
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Rheumatology Department, Alicante General University Hospital Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - José-Manuel León-Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Pneumology Department, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Vicente Boix
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Joan Gil
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Pneumology Department, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, UCL, London, UK
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Merino
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Alicante General University Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Javier Sáez-Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
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32
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Gonzalez SM, Siddik AB, Su RC. Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis of ACE2: A Potential Mechanism Contributing to COVID-19 Pathogenesis? Front Immunol 2021; 12:612807. [PMID: 34163462 PMCID: PMC8215698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.612807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since being identified as a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2, Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been studied as one of the potential targets for the development of preventative and/or treatment options. Tissue expression of ACE2 and the amino acids interacting with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been mapped. Furthermore, the recombinant soluble extracellular domain of ACE2 is already in phase 2 trials as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most studies have continued to focus on the ACE2 extracellular domain, which is known to play key roles in the renin angiotensin system and in amino acid uptake. However, few also found ACE2 to have an immune-modulatory function and its intracellular tail may be one of the signaling molecules in regulating cellular activation. The implication of its immune-modulatory role in preventing the cytokine-storm, observed in severe COVID-19 disease outcomes requires further investigation. This review focuses on the regulated proteolytic cleavage of ACE2 upon binding to inducer(s), such as the spike protein of SARS-CoV, the potential of cleaved ACE2 intracellular subdomain in regulating cellular function, and the ACE2's immune-modulatory function. This knowledge is critical for targeting ACE2 levels for developing prophylactic treatment or preventative measures in SARS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitobag, Winnipe, MB, Canada
| | - Abu Bakar Siddik
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitobag, Winnipe, MB, Canada
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ruey-Chyi Su
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitobag, Winnipe, MB, Canada
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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33
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Khodajou-Masouleh H, Shahangian SS, Rasti B. Reinforcing our defense or weakening the enemy? A comparative overview of defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:508-541. [PMID: 33980089 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1928686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Developing effective strategies to confront coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest concerns of the scientific community. In addition to the vast number of global mortalities due to COVID-19, since its outbreak, almost every aspect of human lives has changed one way or another. In the present review, various defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19 are illustrated. The Administration of immune-boosting micronutrients/agents, as well as the inhibition of the activity of incompetent gatekeepers, including some host cell receptors (e.g. ACE2) and proteases (e.g. TMPRSS2), are some efficient defensive strategies. Antibody/phage therapies and specifically vaccines also play a prominent role in the enhancement of host defense against COVID-19. Nanotechnology, however, can considerably weaken the virulence of SARS-CoV-2, utilizing fake cellular locks (compounds mimicking cell receptors) to block the viral keys (spike proteins). Generally, two strategies are developed to interfere with the binding of spike proteins to the host cell receptors, either utilizing fake cellular locks to block the viral keys or utilizing fake viral keys to block the cellular locks. Due to their evolutionary conserved nature, viral enzymes, including 3CLpro, PLpro, RdRp, and helicase are highly potential targets for drug repurposing strategy. Thus, various steps of viral replication/transcription can effectively be blocked by their inhibition, leading to the elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, RNA decoy and CRISPR technologies likely offer the best offensive strategies after viral entry into the host cells, inhibiting the viral replication/assembly in the infected cells and substantially reducing the quantity of viral progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Shirin Shahangian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnam Rasti
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
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The Spike Glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 Binds to β1 Integrins Expressed on the Surface of Lung Epithelial Cells. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040645. [PMID: 33918599 PMCID: PMC8069079 DOI: 10.3390/v13040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike glycoprotein attached to the envelope of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to and exploits angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an entry receptor to infect pulmonary epithelial cells. A subset of integrins that recognize the arginyl–glycyl–aspartic acid (RGD) sequence in the cognate ligands has been predicted in silico to bind the spike glycoprotein and, thereby, to be exploited for viral infection. Here, we show experimental evidence that the β1 integrins predominantly expressed on human pulmonary epithelial cell lines and primary mouse alveolar epithelial cells bind to this spike protein. The cellular β1 integrins support adhesive interactions with the spike protein independently of ACE2, suggesting the possibility that the β1 integrins may function as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which could be targeted for the prevention of viral infections.
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35
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Oz M, Lorke DE. Multifunctional angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, and critical appraisal of its role in acute lung injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 136:111193. [PMID: 33461019 PMCID: PMC7836742 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic affecting millions of individuals has raised great concern throughout the world, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the causative agent for COVID-19. The multifunctional protein angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is accepted as its primary target for entry into host cells. In its enzymatic function, ACE2, like its homologue ACE, regulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) critical for cardiovascular and renal homeostasis in mammals. Unlike ACE, however, ACE2 drives an alternative RAS pathway by degrading Ang-II and thus operates to balance RAS homeostasis in the context of hypertension, heart failure, and cardiovascular as well as renal complications of diabetes. Outside the RAS, ACE2 hydrolyzes key peptides, such as amyloid-β, apelin, and [des-Arg9]-bradykinin. In addition to its enzymatic functions, ACE2 is found to regulate intestinal amino acid homeostasis and the gut microbiome. Although the non-enzymatic function of ACE2 as the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2 has been well established, the contribution of enzymatic functions of ACE2 to the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related lung injury has been a matter of debate. A complete understanding of this central enzyme may begin to explain the various symptoms and pathologies seen in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, and may aid in the development of novel treatments for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Dietrich Ernst Lorke
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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36
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Spratt AN, Kannan SR, Woods LT, Weisman GA, Quinn TP, Lorson CL, Sönnerborg A, Byrareddy SN, Singh K. Factors Associated with Emerging and Re-emerging of SARS-CoV-2 Variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.03.24.436850. [PMID: 33791700 PMCID: PMC8010727 DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.24.436850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Global spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered unprecedented scientific efforts, as well as containment and treatment measures. Despite these efforts, SARS-CoV-2 infections remain unmanageable in some parts of the world. Due to inherent mutability of RNA viruses, it is not surprising that the SARS-CoV-2 genome has been continuously evolving since its emergence. Recently, four functionally distinct variants, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1 and CAL.20C, have been identified, and they appear to more infectious and transmissible than the original (Wuhan-Hu-1) virus. Here we provide evidence based upon a combination of bioinformatics and structural approaches that can explain the higher infectivity of the new variants. Our results show that the greater infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 than SARS-CoV can be attributed to a combination of several factors, including alternate receptors. Additionally, we show that new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged in the background of D614G in Spike protein and P323L in RNA polymerase. The correlation analyses showed that all mutations in specific variants did not evolve simultaneously. Instead, some mutations evolved most likely to compensate for the viral fitness.
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37
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Amruta N, Chastain WH, Paz M, Solch RJ, Murray-Brown IC, Befeler JB, Gressett TE, Longo MT, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Bix G. SARS-CoV-2 mediated neuroinflammation and the impact of COVID-19 in neurological disorders. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 58:1-15. [PMID: 33674185 PMCID: PMC7894219 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that severely affects the respiratory system, is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is projected to result in the deaths of 2 million people worldwide. Recent reports suggest that SARS-CoV-2 also affects the central nervous system along with other organs. COVID-19-associated complications are observed in older people with underlying neurological conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Hence, we discuss SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and its inflammation-mediated infection. This review also focuses on COVID-19 associated neurological complications in individuals with those complications as well as other groups of people. Finally, we also briefly discuss the current therapies available to treat patients, as well as ongoing available treatments and vaccines for effective cures with a special focus on the therapeutic potential of a small 5 amino acid peptide (PHSCN), ATN-161, that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to both integrin α5β1 and α5β1/hACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanappa Amruta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Wesley H Chastain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Meshi Paz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Rebecca J Solch
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Isabel C Murray-Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Jaime B Befeler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Timothy E Gressett
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Michele T Longo
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Gregory Bix
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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38
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Borah P, Deb PK, Chandrasekaran B, Goyal M, Bansal M, Hussain S, Shinu P, Venugopala KN, Al-Shar'i NA, Deka S, Singh V. Neurological Consequences of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Concurrence of Treatment-Induced Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events in COVID-19 Patients: Navigating the Uncharted. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:627723. [PMID: 33681293 PMCID: PMC7930836 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.627723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and invade the human cells to cause COVID-19-related pneumonia. Despite an emphasis on respiratory complications, the evidence of neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection is rapidly growing, which is substantially contributing to morbidity and mortality. The neurological disorders associated with COVID-19 may have several pathophysiological underpinnings, which are yet to be explored. Hypothetically, SARS-CoV-2 may affect the central nervous system (CNS) either by direct mechanisms like neuronal retrograde dissemination and hematogenous dissemination, or via indirect pathways. CNS complications associated with COVID-19 include encephalitis, acute necrotizing encephalopathy, diffuse leukoencephalopathy, stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic), venous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. These may result from different mechanisms, including direct virus infection of the CNS, virus-induced hyper-inflammatory states, and post-infection immune responses. On the other hand, the Guillain-Barre syndrome, hyposmia, hypogeusia, and myopathy are the outcomes of peripheral nervous system injury. Although the therapeutic potential of certain repurposed drugs has led to their off-label use against COVID-19, such as anti-retroviral drugs (remdesivir, favipiravir, and lopinavir-ritonavir combination), biologics (tocilizumab), antibiotics (azithromycin), antiparasitics (chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine), and corticosteroids (dexamethasone), unfortunately, the associated clinical neuropsychiatric adverse events remains a critical issue. Therefore, COVID-19 represents a major threat to the field of neuropsychiatry, as both the virus and the potential therapies may induce neurologic as well as psychiatric disorders. Notably, potential COVID-19 medications may also interact with the medications of pre-existing neuropsychiatric diseases, thereby further complicating the condition. From this perspective, this review will discuss the possible neurological manifestations and sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection with emphasis on the probable underlying neurotropic mechanisms. Additionally, we will highlight the concurrence of COVID-19 treatment-associated neuropsychiatric events and possible clinically relevant drug interactions, to provide a useful framework and help researchers, especially the neurologists in understanding the neurologic facets of the ongoing pandemic to control the morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pobitra Borah
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India
| | - Pran Kishore Deb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Balakumar Chandrasekaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Manoj Goyal
- Department of Anesthesia Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Jubail, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monika Bansal
- Department of Neuroscience Technology College of Applied Medical Sciences in Jubail, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Snawar Hussain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pottathil Shinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katharigatta N Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nizar A Al-Shar'i
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Satyendra Deka
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandrapur Road, Panikhaiti, Guwahati, India
| | - Vinayak Singh
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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39
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Mészáros B, Sámano-Sánchez H, Alvarado-Valverde J, Čalyševa J, Martínez-Pérez E, Alves R, Shields DC, Kumar M, Rippmann F, Chemes LB, Gibson TJ. Short linear motif candidates in the cell entry system used by SARS-CoV-2 and their potential therapeutic implications. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabd0334. [PMID: 33436497 PMCID: PMC7928535 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abd0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The first reported receptor for SARS-CoV-2 on host cells was the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). However, the viral spike protein also has an RGD motif, suggesting that cell surface integrins may be co-receptors. We examined the sequences of ACE2 and integrins with the Eukaryotic Linear Motif (ELM) resource and identified candidate short linear motifs (SLiMs) in their short, unstructured, cytosolic tails with potential roles in endocytosis, membrane dynamics, autophagy, cytoskeleton, and cell signaling. These SLiM candidates are highly conserved in vertebrates and may interact with the μ2 subunit of the endocytosis-associated AP2 adaptor complex, as well as with various protein domains (namely, I-BAR, LC3, PDZ, PTB, and SH2) found in human signaling and regulatory proteins. Several motifs overlap in the tail sequences, suggesting that they may act as molecular switches, such as in response to tyrosine phosphorylation status. Candidate LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs are present in the tails of integrin β3 and ACE2, suggesting that these proteins could directly recruit autophagy components. Our findings identify several molecular links and testable hypotheses that could uncover mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 attachment, entry, and replication against which it may be possible to develop host-directed therapies that dampen viral infection and disease progression. Several of these SLiMs have now been validated to mediate the predicted peptide interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Mészáros
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
| | - Hugo Sámano-Sánchez
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Jesús Alvarado-Valverde
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences
| | - Jelena Čalyševa
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences
| | - Elizabeth Martínez-Pérez
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Laboratorio de bioinformática estructural, Fundación Instituto Leloir, C1405BWE Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renato Alves
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Denis C Shields
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Manjeet Kumar
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
| | - Friedrich Rippmann
- Computational Chemistry & Biology, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lucía B Chemes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde", IIB-UNSAM, IIBIO-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CP1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Toby J Gibson
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
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40
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Marquez A, Wysocki J, Pandit J, Batlle D. An update on ACE2 amplification and its therapeutic potential. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13513. [PMID: 32469114 PMCID: PMC7267104 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of variety of diseases. Targeting the formation and action of angiotensin II (Ang II), the main RAS peptide, has been the key therapeutic target for last three decades. ACE‐related carboxypeptidase (ACE2), a monocarboxypeptidase that had been discovered 20 years ago, is one of the catalytically most potent enzymes known to degrade Ang II to Ang‐(1‐7), a peptide that is increasingly accepted to have organ‐protective properties that oppose and counterbalance those of Ang II. In addition to its role as a RAS enzyme ACE2 is the main receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2. In this review, we discuss various strategies that have been used to achieve amplification of ACE2 activity including the potential therapeutic potential of soluble recombinant ACE2 protein and novel shorter ACE2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Marquez
- Feinberg Medical SchoolNorthwestern University Chicago IL USA
- Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Chicago IL USA
| | - Jan Wysocki
- Feinberg Medical SchoolNorthwestern University Chicago IL USA
- Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Chicago IL USA
| | - Jay Pandit
- Feinberg Medical SchoolNorthwestern University Chicago IL USA
- Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Chicago IL USA
| | - Daniel Batlle
- Feinberg Medical SchoolNorthwestern University Chicago IL USA
- Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Chicago IL USA
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41
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ACE2, angiotensin 1-7 and skeletal muscle: review in the era of COVID-19. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:3047-3062. [PMID: 33231620 PMCID: PMC7687025 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein recently recognised as the entry receptor of the virus causing COVID-19. In the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), ACE2 cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) into angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which is considered to exert cellular responses to counteract the activation of the RAS primarily through a receptor, Mas, in multiple organs including skeletal muscle. Previous studies have provided abundant evidence suggesting that Ang 1-7 modulates multiple signalling pathways leading to protection from pathological muscle remodelling and muscle insulin resistance. In contrast, there is relatively little evidence to support the protective role of ACE2 in skeletal muscle. The potential contribution of endogenous ACE2 to the regulation of Ang 1-7-mediated protection of these muscle pathologies is discussed in this review. Recent studies have suggested that ACE2 protects against ageing-associated muscle wasting (sarcopenia) through its function to modulate molecules outside of the RAS. Thus, the potential association of sarcopenia with ACE2 and the associated molecules outside of RAS is also presented herein. Further, we introduce the transcriptional regulation of muscle ACE2 by drugs or exercise, and briefly discuss the potential role of ACE2 in the development of COVID-19.
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42
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Chatterjee P, Ponnapati M, Kramme C, Plesa AM, Church GM, Jacobson JM. Targeted intracellular degradation of SARS-CoV-2 via computationally optimized peptide fusions. Commun Biol 2020; 3:715. [PMID: 33230174 PMCID: PMC7683566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has elicited a global health crisis of catastrophic proportions. With only a few vaccines approved for early or limited use, there is a critical need for effective antiviral strategies. In this study, we report a unique antiviral platform, through computational design of ACE2-derived peptides which both target the viral spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and recruit E3 ubiquitin ligases for subsequent intracellular degradation of SARS-CoV-2 in the proteasome. Our engineered peptide fusions demonstrate robust RBD degradation capabilities in human cells and are capable of inhibiting infection-competent viral production, thus prompting their further experimental characterization and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranam Chatterjee
- The MIT Center for Bits and Atoms, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Center for Life Science Bldg., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Manvitha Ponnapati
- The MIT Center for Bits and Atoms, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
| | - Christian Kramme
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Center for Life Science Bldg., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexandru M Plesa
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Center for Life Science Bldg., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - George M Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Center for Life Science Bldg., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joseph M Jacobson
- The MIT Center for Bits and Atoms, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
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43
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Ferreira-Duarte M, Estevinho MM, Duarte-Araújo M, Magro F, Morato M. Unraveling the Role of ACE2, the Binding Receptor for SARS-CoV-2, in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:1787-1795. [PMID: 33064147 PMCID: PMC7665510 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been highlighted for its role as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes current knowledge about ACE2 as a multifunctional protein, focusing on its relevance in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As an enzyme, ACE2 may be protective in IBD because it favors the counter-regulatory arm of the renin-angiotensin system or deleterious because it metabolizes other anti-inflammatory/repairing elements. Meanwhile, as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the impact of ACE2 expression/activity on infection is still under debate because no direct evidence has been reported and, again, both protective and deleterious pathways are possible. Research has shown that ACE2 regulates the expression of the neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1, controlling tryptophan-associated intestinal inflammation and nutritional status. Finally, intact membrane-bound or shed soluble ACE2 can also trigger integrin signaling, modulating the response to anti-integrin biologic drugs used to treat IBD (such as vedolizumab) and fibrosis, a long-term complication of IBD. As such, future studies on ACE2 expression/activity in IBD can improve monitoring of the disease and explore an alternative pharmacological target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ferreira-Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Estevinho
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Margarida Duarte-Araújo
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-UP, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Magro
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- MedInUP, Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Morato
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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44
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Diamond B, Volpe BT, VanPatten S, Al Abed Y. SARS-CoV-2 and interferon blockade. Mol Med 2020; 26:103. [PMID: 33167852 PMCID: PMC7652589 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-020-00231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The response to viral infection generally includes an activation of the adaptive immune response to produce cytotoxic T cells and neutralizing antibodies. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 activates the innate immune system through the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-bradykinin pathways, blocks interferon production and reduces an effective adaptive immune response. This model has therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Diamond
- Center for Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Bruce T Volpe
- Center for Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - Sonya VanPatten
- Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Yousef Al Abed
- Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
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Muhanna D, Arnipalli SR, Kumar SB, Ziouzenkova O. Osmotic Adaptation by Na +-Dependent Transporters and ACE2: Correlation with Hemostatic Crisis in COVID-19. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E460. [PMID: 33142989 PMCID: PMC7693583 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 symptoms, including hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, ageusia, neurological dysfunctions, D-dimer production, and multi-organ microthrombosis reach beyond effects attributed to impaired angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) signaling and elevated concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II). Although both SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) and SARS-CoV-2 utilize ACE2 for host entry, distinct COVID-19 pathogenesis coincides with the acquisition of a new sequence, which is homologous to the furin cleavage site of the human epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC). This review provides a comprehensive summary of the role of ACE2 in the assembly of Na+-dependent transporters of glucose, imino and neutral amino acids, as well as the functions of ENaC. Data support an osmotic adaptation mechanism in which osmotic and hemostatic instability induced by Ang II-activated ENaC is counterbalanced by an influx of organic osmolytes and Na+ through the ACE2 complex. We propose a paradigm for the two-site attack of SARS-CoV-2 leading to ENaC hyperactivation and inactivation of the ACE2 complex, which collapses cell osmolality and leads to rupture and/or necrotic death of swollen pulmonary, endothelial, and cardiac cells, thrombosis in infected and non-infected tissues, and aberrant sensory and neurological perception in COVID-19 patients. This dual mechanism employed by SARS-CoV-2 calls for combinatorial treatment strategies to address and prevent severe complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ouliana Ziouzenkova
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (D.M.); (S.R.A.); (S.B.K.)
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Beacon TH, Delcuve GP, Davie JR. Epigenetic regulation of ACE2, the receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus 1. Genome 2020; 64:386-399. [PMID: 33086021 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2020-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for the three coronaviruses HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 is involved in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. ACE2 is also involved in the regulation of several signaling pathways, including integrin signaling. ACE2 expression is regulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. The expression of the gene is regulated by two promoters, with usage varying among tissues. ACE2 expression is greatest in the small intestine, kidney, and heart and detectable in a variety of tissues and cell types. Herein we review the chemical and mechanical signal transduction pathways regulating the expression of the ACE2 gene and the epigenetic/chromatin features of the expressed gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim H Beacon
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Geneviève P Delcuve
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - James R Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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47
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Beddingfield BJ, Iwanaga N, Chapagain PP, Zheng W, Roy CJ, Hu TY, Kolls JK, Bix GJ. The Integrin Binding Peptide, ATN-161, as a Novel Therapy for SARS-CoV-2 Infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 6:1-8. [PMID: 33102950 PMCID: PMC7566794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Many efforts to design and screen therapeutics for the current severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have focused on inhibiting viral host cell entry by disrupting angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) binding with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This work focuses on the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry through a hypothesized α5β1 integrin-based mechanism and indicates that inhibiting the spike protein interaction with α5β1 integrin (+/- ACE2) and the interaction between α5β1 integrin and ACE2 using a novel molecule (ATN-161) represents a promising approach to treat coronavirus disease-19.
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Key Words
- ACE2
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- ATN-161
- CO2, carbon dioxide
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, coronavirus disease-2019
- DMEM, Dulbecco’s modified eagle media
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- IC50, half-maximal inhibitory concentration
- RBD, receptor binding domain
- RGD, arginine-glycine-aspartate
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2
- alpha5beta1 integrin
- hACE2, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- host-cell entry
- qPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction
- receptor binding domain
- therapeutic
- viral spike protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J. Beddingfield
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Naoki Iwanaga
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Prem P. Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wenshu Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Chad J. Roy
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tony Y. Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jay K. Kolls
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gregory J. Bix
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Address for correspondence: Dr. Gregory J. Bix, Tulane University School of Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, 131 South Robertson, Suite 1300, Room 1349, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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48
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Discovery and characterization of ACE2 - a 20-year journey of surprises from vasopeptidase to COVID-19. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2489-2501. [PMID: 32990314 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc membrane metallopeptidase that plays a key role in regulating vasoactive peptide levels and hence cardiovascular activity through its conversion of angiotensin I (Ang I) to Ang II and its metabolism of bradykinin. The discovery of its homologue, ACE2, 20 years ago has led to intensive comparisons of these two enzymes revealing surprising structural, catalytic and functional distinctions between them. ACE2 plays multiple roles not only as a vasopeptidase but also as a regulator of amino acid transport and serendipitously as a viral receptor, mediating the cellular entry of the coronaviruses causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and, very recently, COVID-19. Catalytically, ACE2 functions as a monocarboxypeptidase principally converting the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II to the vasodilatory peptide Ang-(1-7) thereby counterbalancing the action of ACE on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and providing a cardioprotective role. Unlike ACE, ACE2 does not metabolise bradykinin nor is it inhibited by classical ACE inhibitors. However, it does convert a number of other regulatory peptides in vitro and in vivo. Interest in ACE2 biology and its potential as a possible therapeutic target has surged in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic rages worldwide. This review highlights the surprising discoveries of ACE2 biology during the last 20 years, its distinctions from classical ACE and the therapeutic opportunities arising from its multiple biological roles.
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Khatoon F, Prasad K, Kumar V. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: available evidences and a new paradigm. J Neurovirol 2020; 26:619-630. [PMID: 32839951 PMCID: PMC7444681 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-020-00895-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic outbreak of coronavirus is pathogenic and a highly transmittable viral infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). In this time of ongoing pandemic, many emerging reports suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 has inimical effects on neurological functions, and even causes serious neurological damage. The neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19 include headache, dizziness, depression, anosmia, encephalitis, stroke, epileptic seizures, and Guillain-Barre syndrome along with many others. The involvement of the CNS may be related with poor prognosis and disease worsening. Here, we review the evidence of nervous system involvement and currently known neurological manifestations in COVID-19 infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. We prioritize the 332 human targets of SARS-CoV-2 according to their association with brain-related disease and identified 73 candidate genes. We prioritize these 73 genes according to their spatio-temporal expression in the different regions of brain and also through evolutionary intolerance analysis. The prioritized genes could be considered potential indicators of COVID-19-associated neurological symptoms and thus act as a possible therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of CNS manifestations associated with COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Khatoon
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Kartikay Prasad
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India.
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50
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Curran CS, Rivera DR, Kopp JB. COVID-19 Usurps Host Regulatory Networks. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1278. [PMID: 32922297 PMCID: PMC7456869 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 binds the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the cell surface and this complex is internalized. ACE2 serves as an endogenous inhibitor of inflammatory signals associated with four major regulator systems: the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the complement system, the coagulation cascade, and the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS). Understanding the pathophysiological effects of SARS-CoV-2 on these pathways is needed, particularly given the current lack of proven, effective treatments. The vasoconstrictive, prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory conditions induced by SARS-CoV-2 can be ascribed, at least in part, to the activation of these intersecting physiological networks. Moreover, patients with immune deficiencies, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and kidney disease often have altered activation of these pathways, either due to underlying disease or to medications, and may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Certain characteristic COVID-associated skin, sensory, and central nervous system manifestations may also be linked to viral activation of the RAAS, complement, coagulation, and KKS pathways. Pharmacological interventions that target molecules along these pathways may be useful in mitigating symptoms and preventing organ or tissue damage. While effective anti-viral therapies are critically needed, further study of these pathways may identify effective adjunctive treatments and patients most likely to benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S Curran
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Donna R Rivera
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Jeffrey B Kopp
- Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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