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Jain H, Kaur R, Sain SK, Siwach P. Development, Design, and Application of Efficient siRNAs Against Cotton Leaf Curl Virus-Betasatellite Complex to Mediate Resistance Against Cotton Leaf Curl Disease. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:558-571. [PMID: 39011016 PMCID: PMC11246389 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-024-01191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), caused by the Cotton leaf curl virus, is one of the most irrepressible diseases in cotton due to high recombination in the virus. RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used as a biotechnological approach for sequence-specific gene silencing guided by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to generate resistance against viruses. The success of RNAi depends upon the fact that the target site of the designed siRNA must be conserved even if the genome undergoes recombination. Thus, the present study designs the most efficient siRNA against the conserved sites of the Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) and the Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). From an initial prediction of 9 and 7 siRNAs against CLCuMuV and CLCuMB, respectively, the final selection was made for 2 and 1 siRNA based on parameters such as no off-targets, good GC content, high validity score, and targeting coding region. The target sites of siRNA were observed to lie in the AC3 and an overlapping region of AC2-AC1 of CLCuMuV and βC1 of CLCuMB; all target sites showed a highly conserved nature in recombination analysis. Docking the designed siRNAs with the Argonaute-2 protein of Gossypium hirsutum showed stable binding. Finally, BLASTn of siRNA-target positions in genomes of other BGVs indicated the suitability of designed siRNAs against a broad range of BGVs. The designed siRNAs of the present study could help gain complete control over the virus, though experimental validation is highly required to suggest predicted siRNAs for CLCuD resistance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01191-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana 125055 India
| | - Ramandeep Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana 125055 India
| | - Satish Kumar Sain
- Central Institute of Cotton Research, Regional Station, Sirsa, Haryana 125055 India
| | - Priyanka Siwach
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Haryana 125055 India
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Nawaz R, Arif MA, Ahmad Z, Ahad A, Shahid M, Hassan Z, Husnain A, Aslam A, Raza MS, Mehmood U, Idrees M. An ncRNA transcriptomics-based approach to design siRNA molecules against SARS-CoV-2 double membrane vesicle formation and accessory genes. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:872. [PMID: 38087193 PMCID: PMC10718025 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08870-0] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of recent most global pandemic. Its genome encodes various proteins categorized as non-structural, accessory, and structural proteins. The non-structural proteins, NSP1-16, are located within the ORF1ab. The NSP3, 4, and 6 together are involved in formation of double membrane vesicle (DMV) in host Golgi apparatus. These vesicles provide anchorage to viral replicative complexes, thus assist replication inside the host cell. While the accessory genes coded by ORFs 3a, 3b, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9c, and 10 contribute in cell entry, immunoevasion, and pathological progression. METHODS This in silico study is focused on designing sequence specific siRNA molecules as a tool for silencing the non-structural and accessory genes of the virus. The gene sequences of NSP3, 4, and 6 along with ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 were retrieved for conservation, phylogenetic, and sequence logo analyses. siRNA candidates were predicted using siDirect 2.0 targeting these genes. The GC content, melting temperatures, and various validation scores were calculated. Secondary structures of the guide strands and siRNA-target duplexes were predicted. Finally, tertiary structures were predicted and subjected to structural validations. RESULTS This study revealed that NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 have high levels of conservation across globally circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. A total of 71 siRNA molecules were predicted against the selected genes. Following rigorous screening including binary validations and minimum free energies, final siRNAs with high therapeutic potential were identified, including 7, 2, and 1 against NSP3, NSP4, and NSP6, as well as 3, 1, 2, and 1 targeting ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF8, and ORF10, respectively. CONCLUSION Our novel in silico pipeline integrates effective methods from previous studies to predict and validate siRNA molecules, having the potential to inhibit viral replication pathway in vitro. In total, this study identified 17 highly specific siRNA molecules targeting NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 7a, 8, and 10 of SARS-CoV-2, which might be used as an additional antiviral treatment option especially in the cases of life-threatening urgencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Nawaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Ali Arif
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Ahmad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Ahad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zohal Hassan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Husnain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Aslam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saad Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Uqba Mehmood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Vice chancellor, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
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Kang H, Ga YJ, Kim SH, Cho YH, Kim JW, Kim C, Yeh JY. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutic applications against viruses: principles, potential, and challenges. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:88. [PMID: 37845731 PMCID: PMC10577957 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA has emerged as a revolutionary and important tool in the battle against emerging infectious diseases, with roles extending beyond its applications in vaccines, in which it is used in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since their development in the 1990s, RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics have demonstrated potential in reducing the expression of disease-associated genes. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including RNAi therapies, that degrade viral genomes and rapidly adapt to viral mutations, have emerged as alternative treatments. RNAi is a robust technique frequently employed to selectively suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. The swift adaptability of nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as RNAi therapies endows them with a significant advantage over other antiviral medications. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced on the basis of sequence complementarity to target and degrade viral RNA, a novel approach to combat viral infections. The precision of siRNAs in targeting and degrading viral RNA has led to the development of siRNA-based treatments for diverse diseases. However, despite the promising therapeutic benefits of siRNAs, several problems, including impaired long-term protein expression, siRNA instability, off-target effects, immunological responses, and drug resistance, have been considerable obstacles to the use of siRNA-based antiviral therapies. This review provides an encompassing summary of the siRNA-based therapeutic approaches against viruses while also addressing the obstacles that need to be overcome for their effective application. Furthermore, we present potential solutions to mitigate major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hara Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Yun Ji Ga
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Young Hoon Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Chaeyeon Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yong Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Research Institute for New Drug Development, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Academy-Ro 119, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
- KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029, South Korea.
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Sartaj Sohrab S, Aly El-Kafrawy S, Mirza Z, Hassan AM, Alsaqaf F, Ibraheem Azhar E. Delivery of siRNAs against MERS-CoV in Vero and HEK-293 cells: A comparative evaluation of transfection reagents. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY. SCIENCE 2023; 35:102540. [PMID: 36624781 PMCID: PMC9814285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background A new coronavirus was identified in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 and designated as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, this virus has been reported in 27 countries. The virus transmission to humans has already been reported from camels. Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral therapy available against this virus. Methods The siRNAs were in silico predicted, designed, and chemically synthesized by using the MERS-CoV-orf1ab region as a target. The antiviral activity was experimentally evaluated by delivering the siRNAs with Lipofectamine™ 2000 and JetPRIMER as transfection reagents in both Vero cell and HEK-293-T cell lines at two different concentrations (10.0 nM and 5.0 nM). The Ct value of quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to calculate and determine the reduction of viral RNA level in both cell supernatant and cell lysate isolated from both cell lines. Results The sequence alignment resulted in the selection of highly conserved regions. The orf1ab region was used to predict and design the siRNAs and a total of twenty-one siRNAs were finally selected from four hundred and twenty-six siRNAs generated by online software. Inhibition of viral replication and significant reduction of viral RNA was observed against selected siRNAs in both cell lines at both concentrations. Based on the Ct value, the siRNAs # 11, 12, 18, and 20 were observed to be the best performing in both cell lines at both concentrations. Conclusion Based on the results and data analysis, it is concluded that the use of two different transfection reagents was significantly effective. But the Lipofectamine™ 2000 was found to be a better transfection reagent than the JetPRIMER for the delivery of siRNAs in both cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeenat Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Alsaqaf
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Computational Design and Experimental Evaluation of MERS-CoV siRNAs in Selected Cell Lines. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13010151. [PMID: 36611443 PMCID: PMC9818142 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010151] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is caused by a well-known coronavirus first identified in a hospitalized patient in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV is a serious pathogen affecting both human and camel health globally, with camels being known carriers of viruses that spread to humans. In this work, MERS-CoV genomic sequences were retrieved and analyzed by multiple sequence alignment to design and predict siRNAs with online software. The siRNAs were designed from the orf1ab region of the virus genome because of its high sequence conservation and vital role in virus replication. The designed siRNAs were used for experimental evaluation in selected cell lines: Vero cells, HEK-293-T, and Huh-7. Virus inhibition was assessed according to the cycle threshold value during a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Out of 462 potential siRNAs, we filtered out 21 based on specific selection criteria without off-target effect. The selected siRNAs did not show any cellular toxicity in the tested cell lines at various concentrations. Based on our results, it was obvious that the combined use of siRNAs exhibited a reduction in MERS-CoV replication in the Vero, HEK-293-T, and Huh-7 cell lines, with the highest efficacy displayed in the Vero cells.
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Dhotre K, Banerjee A, Dass D, Nema V, Mukherjee A. An In-silico Approach to Design and Validate siRNA against Monkeypox Virus. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3060-3072. [PMID: 38062661 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128275065231103063935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The monkeypox virus has emerged as an uncommon zoonotic infection. The recent outbreak of MPXV in Europe and abroad in 2022 presented a major threat to individuals at risk. At present, no specific MPXV vaccinations or medications are available. METHODS In this study, we predicted the most effective siRNA against the conserved region of the MPXV and validated the activity by performing molecular docking studies. RESULTS Ultimately, the most efficient siRNA molecule was shortlisted against the envelope protein gene (B6R) based on its toxicity, effectivity, thermodynamic stability, molecular interaction, and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) with the Human Argonaute 2 protein. CONCLUSION Thus, the strategy may offer a platform for the development of potential antiviral RNA therapeutics that target MPXV at the genomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Dhotre
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anwesha Banerjee
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, Maharashtra, India
| | - Debashree Dass
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vijay Nema
- Molecular Biology, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, India
| | - Anupam Mukherjee
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, Maharashtra, India
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Mahfuz A, Khan MA, Sajib EH, Deb A, Mahmud S, Hasan M, Saha O, Islam A, Rahaman MM. Designing potential siRNA molecules for silencing the gene of the nucleocapsid protein of Nipah virus: A computational investigation. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 102:105310. [PMID: 35636695 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic virus, engenders severe infections with noticeable complications and deaths in humans and animals. Since its emergence, it is frightening, this virus has been causing regular outbreaks in various countries, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia. Unfortunately, no efficient vaccine or drug is available now to combat this baneful virus. NiV employs its nucleocapsid protein for genetic material packaging, which is crucial for viral replication inside the host cells. The small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can play a central role in inhibiting the expression of disease-causing viral genes by hybridization and subsequent inactivation of the complementary target viral mRNAs through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Therefore, potential siRNAs as molecular therapeutics against the nucleocapsid protein gene of NiV were designed in this study. First, ten prospective siRNAs were identified using the conserved nucleocapsid gene sequences among all available NiV strains collected from various countries. After that, off-target binding, GC (guanine-cytosine) content, secondary structure, binding affinity with the target, melting temperature, efficacy analysis, and binding capacity with the human argonaute protein 2 (AGO2) of these siRNAs were evaluated to predict their suitability. These designed siRNA molecules bear promise in silencing the NiV gene encoding the nucleocapsid protein and thus can alleviate the severity of this dangerous virus. Further in vivo experiments are recommended before using these designed siRNAs as alternative and effective molecular therapeutic agents against NiV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amub Mahfuz
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Md Arif Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh; Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Emran Hossain Sajib
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Anamika Deb
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Microbiology Laboratory, Bioinformatics Division, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmudul Hasan
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Otun Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Ariful Islam
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY 10018, USA
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Madanagopal P, Muthukumar H, Thiruvengadam K. Computational study and design of effective siRNAs to silence structural proteins associated genes of Indian SARS-CoV-2 strains. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 98:107687. [PMID: 35537364 PMCID: PMC9052778 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that first emerged in late 2019 and has since triggered a pandemic of acute respiratory disease named COVID-19 which poses a significant threat to all public health institutions in the absence of specific antiviral treatment. Since the outbreak began in March 2020, India has reported 4.77 lakh Coronavirus deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The innate RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, on the other hand, allows for the development of nucleic acid-based antiviral drugs in which complementary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediate the post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of target mRNA. Therefore, in this current study, the potential of RNAi was harnessed to construct siRNA molecules that target the consensus regions of specific structural proteins associated genes of SARS-CoV-2, such as the envelope protein gene (E), membrane protein gene (M), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein gene (N), and surface glycoprotein gene (S) which are important for the viral pathogenesis. Conserved sequences of 811 SARS-CoV-2 strains from around India were collected to design 21 nucleotides long siRNA duplex based on various computational algorithms and parameters targeting E, M, N and S genes. The proposed siRNA molecules possessed sufficient nucleotide-based and other features for effective gene silencing and BLAST results revealed that siRNAs' targets have no significant matches across the whole human genome. Hence, siRNAs were found to have no off-target effects on the genome, ruling out the possibility of off-target silencing. Finally, out of 157 computationally identified siRNAs, only 4 effective siRNA molecules were selected for each target gene which is proposed to exert the best action based on GC content, free energy of folding, free energy of binding, melting temperature, heat capacity and molecular docking analysis with Human AGO2 protein. Our engineered siRNA candidates could be used as a genome-level therapeutic treatment against various sequenced SARS-CoV-2 strains in India. However, future applications will necessitate additional validations in vitro and in vivo animal models.
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Design of siRNA molecules for silencing of membrane glycoprotein, nucleocapsid phosphoprotein, and surface glycoprotein genes of SARS-CoV2. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:65. [PMID: 35482116 PMCID: PMC9047631 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2 infected millions of people and resulted in more than 4 million deaths worldwide. Apart from vaccines and drugs, RNA silencing is a novel approach for treating COVID-19. In the present study, siRNAs were designed for the conserved regions targeting three structural genes, M, N, and S, from forty whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV2 using four different software, RNAxs, siDirect, i-Score Designer, and OligoWalk. Only siRNAs which were predicted in common by all the four servers were considered for further shortlisting. A multistep filtering approach has been adopted in the present study for the final selection of siRNAs by the usage of different online tools, viz., siRNA scales, MaxExpect, DuplexFold, and SMEpred. All these web-based tools consider several important parameters for designing functional siRNAs, e.g., target-site accessibility, duplex stability, position-specific nucleotide preference, inhibitory score, thermodynamic parameters, GC content, and efficacy in cleaving the target. In addition, a few parameters like GC content and dG value of the entire siRNA were also considered for shortlisting of the siRNAs. Antisense strands were subjected to check for any off-target similarities using BLAST. Molecular docking was carried out to study the interactions of guide strands with AGO2 protein. A total of six functional siRNAs (two for each gene) have been finally selected for targeting M, N, and S genes of SARS-CoV2. The siRNAs have not shown any off-target effects, interacted with the domain(s) of AGO2 protein, and were efficacious in cleaving the target mRNA. However, the siRNAs designed in the present study need to be tested in vitro and in vivo in the future.
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Palit P, Chowdhury FT, Baruah N, Sarkar B, Mou SN, Kamal M, Siddiqua TJ, Noor Z, Ahmed T. A Comprehensive Computational Investigation into the Conserved Virulent Proteins of Shigella species Unveils Potential Small-Interfering RNA Candidates as a New Therapeutic Strategy against Shigellosis. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27061936. [PMID: 35335300 PMCID: PMC8950558 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Shigella species account for the second-leading cause of deaths due to diarrheal diseases among children of less than 5 years of age. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant Shigella isolates and the lack of availability of Shigella vaccines have led to the pertinence in the efforts made for the development of new therapeutic strategies against shigellosis. Consequently, designing small-interfering RNA (siRNA) candidates against such infectious agents represents a novel approach to propose new therapeutic candidates to curb the rampant rise of anti-microbial resistance in such pathogens. In this study, we analyzed 264 conserved sequences from 15 different conserved virulence genes of Shigella sp., through extensive rational validation using a plethora of first-generation and second-generation computational algorithms for siRNA designing. Fifty-eight siRNA candidates were obtained by using the first-generation algorithms, out of which only 38 siRNA candidates complied with the second-generation rules of siRNA designing. Further computational validation showed that 16 siRNA candidates were found to have a substantial functional efficiency, out of which 11 siRNA candidates were found to be non-immunogenic. Finally, three siRNA candidates exhibited a sterically feasible three-dimensional structure as exhibited by parameters of nucleic acid geometry such as: the probability of wrong sugar puckers, bad backbone confirmations, bad bonds, and bad angles being within the accepted threshold for stable tertiary structure. Although the findings of our study require further wet-lab validation and optimization for therapeutic use in the treatment of shigellosis, the computationally validated siRNA candidates are expected to suppress the expression of the virulence genes, namely: IpgD (siRNA 9) and OspB (siRNA 15 and siRNA 17) and thus act as a prospective tool in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. However, the findings of our study require further wet-lab validation and optimization for regular therapeutic use for treatment of shigellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag Palit
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (P.P.); (M.K.); (T.J.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Farhana Tasnim Chowdhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (F.T.C.); (B.S.); (S.N.M.)
| | - Namrata Baruah
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Bonoshree Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (F.T.C.); (B.S.); (S.N.M.)
| | - Sadia Noor Mou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (F.T.C.); (B.S.); (S.N.M.)
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (P.P.); (M.K.); (T.J.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Towfida Jahan Siddiqua
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (P.P.); (M.K.); (T.J.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Zannatun Noor
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (P.P.); (M.K.); (T.J.S.); (T.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (P.P.); (M.K.); (T.J.S.); (T.A.)
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Saba AA, Adiba M, Chakraborty S, Nabi AN. Prediction of putative potential siRNAs for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 strains, including variants of concern and interest. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:449-463. [PMID: 35285248 PMCID: PMC8958991 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To predict siRNAs as a therapeutic intervention for highly infectious new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Conserved coding sequence regions of 11 SARS-CoV-2 proteins were used to construct siRNAs through sampling of metadata comprising 214,256 sequences. Results: Predicted siRNAs S1: 5′-UCAUUGAGAAAUGUUUACGCA-3′ and S2: 5′-AAAGACAUCAGCAUACUCCUG-3′ against RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 satisfied all the stringent filtering processes and showed good binding characteristics. The designed siRNAs are expected to inhibit viral replication and transcription of various coronavirus strains encompassing variants of concern and interest. Conclusion: The predicted siRNAs are expected to be potent against SARS-CoV-2, and following in vitro and in vivo validations may be considered as potential therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Saba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Population Genetics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Maisha Adiba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Population Genetics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sajib Chakraborty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Systems Cell-Signalling Laboratory, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Ahm Nurun Nabi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Population Genetics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
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Rahman A, Gupta SD, Rahman MA, Tamanna S. An in-silico approach to design potential siRNAs against the ORF57 of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Genomics Inform 2021; 19:e47. [PMID: 35012290 PMCID: PMC8752988 DOI: 10.5808/gi.21057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is one of the few human oncogenic viruses, which causes a variety of malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma, multicentric Castleman disease, and primary effusion lymphoma, particularly in human immunodeficiency virus patients. The currently available treatment options cannot always prevent the invasion and dissemination of this virus. In recent times, siRNA-based therapeutics are gaining prominence over conventional medications as siRNA can be designed to target almost any gene of interest. The ORF57 is a crucial regulatory protein for lytic gene expression of KSHV. Disruption of this gene translation will inevitably inhibit the replication of the virus in the host cell. Therefore, the ORF57 of KSHV could be a potential target for designing siRNA-based therapeutics. Considering both sequence preferences and target site accessibility, several online tools (i-SCORE Designer, Sfold web server) had been utilized to predict the siRNA guide strand against the ORF57. Subsequently, off-target filtration (BLAST), conservancy test (fuzznuc), and thermodynamics analysis (RNAcofold, RNAalifold, and RNA Structure web server) were also performed to select the most suitable siRNA sequences. Finally, two siRNAs were identified that passed all of the filtration phases and fulfilled the thermodynamic criteria. We hope that the siRNAs predicted in this study would be helpful for the development of new effective therapeutics against KSHV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Shipan Das Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Anisur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Saheda Tamanna
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
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Shawan MMAK, Sharma AR, Bhattacharya M, Mallik B, Akhter F, Shakil MS, Hossain MM, Banik S, Lee SS, Hasan MA, Chakraborty C. Designing an effective therapeutic siRNA to silence RdRp gene of SARS-CoV-2. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104951. [PMID: 34089909 PMCID: PMC8170914 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The devastating outbreak of COVID-19 has spread all over the world and has become a global health concern. There is no specific therapeutics to encounter the COVID-19. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy is an efficient strategy to control human viral infections employing post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) through neutralizing target complementary mRNA. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) encoded by the viral RdRp gene as a part of the replication-transcription complex can be adopted as an acceptable target for controlling SARS-CoV-2 mediated infection. Therefore, in the current study, accessible siRNA designing tools, including significant algorithms and parameters, were rationally used to design the candidate siRNAs against SARS-COV-2 encoded RdRp. The designed siRNA molecules possessed adequate nucleotide-based and other features for potent gene silencing. The targets of the designed siRNAs revealed no significant matches within the whole human genome, ruling out any possibilities for off-target silencing by the siRNAs. Characterization with different potential parameters of efficacy allowed selecting the finest siRNA among all the designed siRNA molecules. Further, validation assessment and target site accessibility prediction also rationalized the suitability of this siRNA molecule. Molecular docking study between the selected siRNA molecule and component of RNA interference (RNAi) pathway gave an excellent outcome. Molecular dynamics of two complexes: siRNA and argonaute complex, guide RNA, and target protein complex, have shown structural stability of these proteins. Therefore, the designed siRNA molecule might act as an effective therapeutic agent against the SARS-CoV-2 at the genome level and can prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19 in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Bidyut Mallik
- Department of Applied Science, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Farhana Akhter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital, Mirpur-13, Dhaka 1221, Bangladesh
| | - Md Salman Shakil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Md Mozammel Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Subrata Banik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea.
| | - Md Ashraful Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat-Barrackpore Rd, Jagannathpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
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In Vitro Inhibitory Analysis of Rationally Designed siRNAs against MERS-CoV Replication in Huh7 Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092610. [PMID: 33947034 PMCID: PMC8125306 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV was identified for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 in a hospitalized patient. This virus subsequently spread to 27 countries with a total of 939 deaths and 2586 confirmed cases and now has become a serious concern globally. Camels are well known for the transmission of the virus to the human population. In this report, we have discussed the prediction, designing, and evaluation of potential siRNA targeting the ORF1ab gene for the inhibition of MERS-CoV replication. The online software, siDirect 2.0 was used to predict and design the siRNAs, their secondary structure and their target accessibility. ORF1ab gene folding was performed by RNAxs and RNAfold software. A total of twenty-one siRNAs were selected from 462 siRNAs according to their scoring and specificity. siRNAs were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxicity and antiviral efficacy in Huh7 cell line. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for all siRNAs in Huh7 cells. The in vitro study showed the inhibition of viral replication by three siRNAs. The data generated in this study provide preliminary and encouraging information to evaluate the siRNAs separately as well as in combination against MERS-CoV replication in other cell lines. The prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration and selection of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This computational approach resulted in three effective siRNAs that can be taken further to in vivo animal studies and can be used to develop safe and effective antiviral therapies for other prevalent disease-causing viruses.
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Sohrab SS, Aly El-Kafrawy S, Mirza Z, Hassan AM, Alsaqaf F, Azhar EI. In silico prediction and experimental validation of siRNAs targeting ORF1ab of MERS-CoV in Vero cell line. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1348-1355. [PMID: 33519276 PMCID: PMC7833792 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is well known to cause respiratory syndrome and this virus was identified and isolated for the first time from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 from infected patient. In this report, we have conducted the in-silico prediction, designing and evaluation of siRNAs targeting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus orf1ab gene to inhibit the virus replication. By using bioinformatics software, total twenty-one functional, off-target reduced siRNA were selected from four hundred and sixty-two siRNAs based on their greater potency and specificity. We have evaluated only seven siRNAs to analyze their performance and efficacy as antivirals by reverse transfection approach in Vero cells. There was no cytotoxicity of siRNAs at various concentrations was observed in Vero cells. Based on the real-time PCR results, better inhibition of viral replication was observed in the siRNA-1 and 4 as compared to other siRNAs. The results generated from this work provided suitable information about the efficacy of siRNAs which encouraged us to further evaluate the remaining siRNAs to determine their inhibitory effect on the virus replication. We concluded that the insilico prediction and designing resulted in the screening of potential siRNAs with better efficiency, and strength. This can be used to develop oligonucleotide-based antiviral therapeutics against MERS-CoV in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeenat Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Alsaqaf
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Sohrab SS, El-Kafrawy SA, Mirza Z, Hassan AM, Alsaqaf F, Azhar EI. Designing and evaluation of MERS-CoV siRNAs in HEK-293 cell line. J Infect Public Health 2020; 14:238-243. [PMID: 33493920 PMCID: PMC7771261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The MERS-CoV was identified for the first time from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012 from a hospitalized patient. This virus has now been spread to 27 countries with a total of 858 deaths and 2494 confirmed cases and has become a serious concern for the human population. Camels are well known for the transmission of the virus to the human population. Methods In this report, we have discussed the designing, prediction, and evaluation of potential siRNAs against the orf1ab gene of MERS-CoV. The online software was used to predict and design the siRNAs and finally, total twenty-one siRNA were filtered out from four hundred and sixty-two sIRNAs as per their scoring and specificity criteria. We have used only ten siRNAs to evaluate their cytotoxicity and efficacy by reverse transfection approach in HEK-293-T cell lines. Results Based on the results and data generated; no cytotoxicity was observed for any siRNAs at various concentrations in HEK-293-T cells. The ct value of real-time PCR showed the inhibition of viral replication in siRNA-1, 2, 4, 6, and 9. The data generated provided the preliminary information and encouraged us to evaluate the remaining siRNAs separately as well as in combination to analyses the replication of MERS-CoV inhibition in other cell lines. Conclusion Based on the results obtained; it is concluded that the prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This technology can be used to design and develop antiviral therapy not only for MERS-CoV but also against other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeenat Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Alsaqaf
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Post Box, No-80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Panda S, Banik U, Adhikary AK. Bioinformatics analysis reveals four major hexon variants of human adenovirus type-3 (HAdV-3) as the potential strains for development of vaccine and siRNA-based therapeutics against HAdV-3 respiratory infections. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 85:104439. [PMID: 32585339 PMCID: PMC7308778 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human adenovirus type 3 (HAdV-3) encompasses 15-87% of all adenoviral respiratory infections. The significant morbidity and mortality, especially among the neonates and immunosuppressed patients, demand the need for a vaccine or a targeted antiviral against this type. However, due to the existence of multiple hexon variants (3Hv-1 to 3Hv-25), the selection of vaccine strains of HAdV-3 is challenging. This study was designed to evaluate HAdV-3 hexon variants for the selection of potential vaccine candidates and the use of hexon gene as a target for designing siRNA that can be used as a therapy. Based on the data of worldwide distribution, duration of circulation, co-circulation and their percentage among all the variants, 3Hv-1 to 3Hv-4 were categorized as the major hexon variants. Phylogenetic analysis and the percentage of homology in the hypervariable regions followed by multi-sequence alignment, zPicture analysis and restriction enzyme analysis were carried out. In the phylogram, the variants were arranged in different clusters. The HVR encoding regions of hexon of 3Hv-1 to 3Hv-4 showed 16 point mutations resulting in 12 amino acids substitutions. The homology in HVRs was 81.81-100%. Therefore, the major hexon variants are substantially different from each other which justifies their inclusion as the potential vaccine candidates. Interestingly, despite the significant differences in the DNA sequence, there were many conserved areas in the HVRs, and we have designed functional siRNAs form those locations. We have also designed immunogenic vaccine peptide epitopes from the hexon protein using bioinformatics prediction tool. We hope that our developed siRNAs and immunogenic vaccine peptide epitopes could be used in the future development of siRNA-based therapy and designing a vaccine against HAdV-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somnath Panda
- Unit of Microbiology, AIMST University, Faculty of Medicine, Jalan Bedong Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia.
| | - Urmila Banik
- Unit of Pathology, AIMST University, Faculty of Medicine, Jalan Bedong Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Arun K. Adhikary
- Unit of Microbiology, AIMST University, Faculty of Medicine, Jalan Bedong Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
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Elbadawy HM, Mohammed Abdul MI, Aljuhani N, Vitiello A, Ciccarese F, Shaker MA, Eltahir HM, Palù G, Di Antonio V, Ghassabian H, Del Vecchio C, Salata C, Franchin E, Ponterio E, Bahashwan S, Thabet K, Abouzied MM, Shehata AM, Parolin C, Calistri A, Alvisi G. Generation of Combinatorial Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Multiple Anti-Hepatitis C Virus shRNAs and Their Validation on a Novel HCV Replicon Double Reporter Cell Line. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091044. [PMID: 32962117 PMCID: PMC7551853 DOI: 10.3390/v12091044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the introduction of directly acting antivirals (DAAs), for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, their cost, patient compliance, and viral resistance are still important issues to be considered. Here, we describe the generation of a novel JFH1-based HCV subgenomic replicon double reporter cell line suitable for testing different antiviral drugs and therapeutic interventions. This cells line allowed a rapid and accurate quantification of cell growth/viability and HCV RNA replication, thus discriminating specific from unspecific antiviral effects caused by DAAs or cytotoxic compounds, respectively. By correlating cell number and virus replication, we could confirm the inhibitory effect on the latter of cell over confluency and characterize an array of lentiviral vectors expressing single, double, or triple cassettes containing different combinations of short hairpin (sh)RNAs, targeting both highly conserved viral genome sequences and cellular factors crucial for HCV replication. While all vectors were effective in reducing HCV replication, the ones targeting viral sequences displayed a stronger antiviral effect, without significant cytopathic effects. Such combinatorial platforms as well as the developed double reporter cell line might find application both in setting-up anti-HCV gene therapy approaches and in studies aimed at further dissecting the viral biology/pathogenesis of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein M. Elbadawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Mohi I. Mohammed Abdul
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.M.A.); (A.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Naif Aljuhani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Adriana Vitiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Francesco Ciccarese
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Mohamed A. Shaker
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Eltahir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Veronica Di Antonio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Hanieh Ghassabian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Claudia Del Vecchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Elisa Franchin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Eleonora Ponterio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"—I.R.C.C.S., 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Saleh Bahashwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Khaled Thabet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt;
| | - Mekky M. Abouzied
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. Shehata
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah 41477, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.E.); (N.A.); (H.M.E.); (S.B.); (M.M.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Cristina Parolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.M.A.); (A.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (F.C.); (G.P.); (V.D.A.); (H.G.); (C.D.V.); (C.S.); (E.F.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.M.A.); (A.C.); (G.A.)
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Islam MO, Palit P, Shawon J, Hasan MK, Mahmud A, Mahfuz M, Ahmed T, Mondal D. Exploring novel therapeutic strategies against vivax malaria through an integrated computational investigation to inhibit the merozoite surface protein−1 of Plasmodium vivax. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Gago-Zachert S, Schuck J, Weinholdt C, Knoblich M, Pantaleo V, Grosse I, Gursinsky T, Behrens SE. Highly efficacious antiviral protection of plants by small interfering RNAs identified in vitro. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:9343-9357. [PMID: 31433052 PMCID: PMC6755098 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to a viral infection, the plant’s RNA silencing machinery processes viral RNAs into a huge number of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). However, a very few of these siRNAs actually interfere with viral replication. A reliable approach to identify these immunologically effective siRNAs (esiRNAs) and to define the characteristics underlying their activity has not been available so far. Here, we develop a novel screening approach that enables a rapid functional identification of antiviral esiRNAs. Tests on the efficacy of such identified esiRNAs of a model virus achieved a virtual full protection of plants against a massive subsequent infection in transient applications. We find that the functionality of esiRNAs depends crucially on two properties: the binding affinity to Argonaute proteins and the ability to access the target RNA. The ability to rapidly identify functional esiRNAs could be of great benefit for all RNA silencing-based plant protection measures against viruses and other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Gago-Zachert
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany.,Department of Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany
| | - Jana Schuck
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany
| | - Claus Weinholdt
- Institute of Computer Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany
| | - Marie Knoblich
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany
| | - Vitantonio Pantaleo
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Research Unit of Bari, Bari I-70126, Italy
| | - Ivo Grosse
- Institute of Computer Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig D-04103, Germany
| | - Torsten Gursinsky
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany
| | - Sven-Erik Behrens
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale D-06120, Germany
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