1
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Wekesa IM, Jaganyi D. The electronic effect of quinoline moieties on the lability of platinum(II) complexes of tridentate N^N^N and N^C^N ligands: a kinetic, mechanistic and theoretical analysis. TRANSIT METAL CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11243-021-00454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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2
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Sheng Y, Hou Z, Cui S, Cao K, Yuan S, Sun M, Kljun J, Huang G, Turel I, Liu Y. Covalent versus Noncovalent Binding of Ruthenium η 6 -p-Cymene Complexes to Zinc-Finger Protein NCp7. Chemistry 2019; 25:12789-12794. [PMID: 31385356 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201902434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ruthenium-arene complexes are a unique class of organometallic compounds that have been shown to have prominent therapeutic potencies. Here, we have investigated the interactions of Ru-cymene complexes with a zinc-finger protein NCp7, aiming to understand the effects of various ligands on the reaction. Five different binding modes were observed on selected Ru-complexes. Ru-cymene complex can bind to proteins through either noncovalent binding alone or through a combination of covalent and noncovalent binding modes. Moreover, the noncovalent interaction can promote the coordination of RuII to NCp7, resulting synergistic effects of the different ligands. The binding of Ru(Cym) complexes leads to dysfunction of NCp7 through zinc-ejection and structural perturbation. These results indicate that the reactivity of Ru-complexes can be modulated by ligands through different approaches, which could be closely correlated to their different therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Zhuanghao Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Shiyong Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Kaiming Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Siming Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Mei Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Guangming Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Yangzhong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P.R. China
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3
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Asquith CRM, Sil BC, Laitinen T, Tizzard GJ, Coles SJ, Poso A, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hilton ST. Novel epidithiodiketopiperazines as anti-viral zinc ejectors of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) nucleocapsid protein as a model for HIV infection. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:4174-4184. [PMID: 31395510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Focused libraries of multi-substituted epidithiodiketopiperazines (ETP) were prepared and evaluated for efficacy of inhibiting the nucleocapsid protein function of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) as a model for HIV. This activity was compared and contrasted to observed toxicity utilising an in-vitro cell culture approach. This resulted in the identification of several promising lead compounds with nanomolar potency in cells with low toxicity and a favorable therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R M Asquith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom; Clinical Laboratory & Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Bruno C Sil
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom; School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB, United Kingdom
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Graham J Tizzard
- UK National Crystallography Service, School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Coles
- UK National Crystallography Service, School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory & Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephen T Hilton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom.
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4
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Ku T, Lopresti N, Shirley M, Mori M, Marchant J, Heng X, Botta M, Summers MF, Seley-Radtke KL. Synthesis of distal and proximal fleximer base analogues and evaluation in the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2883-2892. [PMID: 31126822 PMCID: PMC6556414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anti-HIV-1 drug design has been notably challenging due to the virus’ ability to mutate and develop immunity against commercially available drugs. The aims of this project were to develop a series of fleximer base analogues that not only possess inherent flexibility that can remain active when faced with binding site mutations, but also target a non-canonical, highly conserved target: the nucleocapsid protein of HIV (NC). The compounds were predicted by computational studies not to function via zinc ejection, which would endow them with significant advantages over non-specific and thus toxic zinc-ejectors. The target fleximer bases were synthesized using palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling techniques and subsequently tested against NC and HIV-1. The results of those studies are described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Ku
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Natalie Lopresti
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Matthew Shirley
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Mattia Mori
- University of Siena, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jan Marchant
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Xiao Heng
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Maurizio Botta
- University of Siena, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, BioLife Science Bldg., Suite 333, 1900 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Michael F Summers
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
| | - Katherine L Seley-Radtke
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
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5
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Sheng Y, Cao K, Li J, Hou Z, Yuan S, Huang G, Liu H, Liu Y. Selective Targeting of the Zinc Finger Domain of HIV Nucleocapsid Protein NCp7 with Ruthenium Complexes. Chemistry 2018; 24:19146-19151. [PMID: 30276894 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201803917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7) is an attractive target for anti-HIV drug development. Here we found that ruthenium complexes are reactive to NCp7 and various Ru-agents exhibit significantly different reactivity. Interestingly, the zinc-finger domains of NCp7 also demonstrate different affinity to Ru-complexes; the C-terminal domain is much more reactive than the N-terminal domain. Each zinc-finger domain of NCp7 binds up to three Ru-motifs, and the ruthenium binding causes zinc-ejection from NCp7 and disrupts the protein folding. Therefore, ruthenium complexes interfere with the DNA binding of NCp7 and interrupt the protein function. The different reactivity of Ru-agents suggests a feasible strategy for improving the targeting of NCp7 by ligand design. This work provides an insight into the mechanism of ruthenium complex with NCp7, and suggests more potential application of ruthenium drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Kaiming Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Ji Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, Jiang Su, P.R. China
| | - Zhuanghao Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Siming Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Guangming Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Hongke Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, Jiang Su, P.R. China
| | - Yangzhong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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6
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Nikolayevskiy H, Scerba MT, Deschamps JR, Appella DH. Reaction Kinetics Direct a Rational Synthesis of an HIV-1 Inactivator of Nucleocapsid Protein 7 and Provide Mechanistic Insight into Cellular Metabolism and Antiviral Activity. Chemistry 2018; 24:9485-9489. [PMID: 29653024 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201801253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mercaptobenzamide thioester SAMT-247 is a non-toxic, mutation-resistant HIV-1 maturation inhibitor with a unique mechanism of antiviral activity. NMR spectroscopic analyses of model reactions that mimic the cellular environment answered fundamental questions about the antiviral mechanism and inspired a high-yielding (64 % overall), scalable (75 mmol), and cost-effective ($4 mmol-1 ) three-step synthesis that will enable additional preclinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Nikolayevskiy
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of, Bioorganic Chemistry (LBC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of, Health (NIH), 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael T Scerba
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of, Bioorganic Chemistry (LBC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of, Health (NIH), 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Deschamps
- Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6910, 4555 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington D.C., 20375, USA
| | - Daniel H Appella
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, Laboratory of, Bioorganic Chemistry (LBC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of, Health (NIH), 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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7
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Ren W, Ji D, Xu X. Metal cofactor modulated folding and target recognition of HIV-1 NCp7. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196662. [PMID: 29715277 PMCID: PMC5929515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 nucleocapsid 7 (NCp7) plays crucial roles in multiple stages of HIV-1 life cycle, and its biological functions rely on the binding of zinc ions. Understanding the molecular mechanism of how the zinc ions modulate the conformational dynamics and functions of the NCp7 is essential for the drug development and HIV-1 treatment. In this work, using a structure-based coarse-grained model, we studied the effects of zinc cofactors on the folding and target RNA(SL3) recognition of the NCp7 by molecular dynamics simulations. After reproducing some key properties of the zinc binding and folding of the NCp7 observed in previous experiments, our simulations revealed several interesting features in the metal ion modulated folding and target recognition. Firstly, we showed that the zinc binding makes the folding transition states of the two zinc fingers less structured, which is in line with the Hammond effect observed typically in mutation, temperature or denaturant induced perturbations to protein structure and stability. Secondly, We showed that there exists mutual interplay between the zinc ion binding and NCp7-target recognition. Binding of zinc ions enhances the affinity between the NCp7 and the target RNA, whereas the formation of the NCp7-RNA complex reshapes the intrinsic energy landscape of the NCp7 and increases the stability and zinc affinity of the two zinc fingers. Thirdly, by characterizing the effects of salt concentrations on the target RNA recognition, we showed that the NCp7 achieves optimal balance between the affinity and binding kinetics near the physiologically relevant salt concentrations. In addition, the effects of zinc binding on the inter-domain conformational flexibility and folding cooperativity of the NCp7 were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitong Ren
- School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dongqing Ji
- School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiulian Xu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China
- * E-mail:
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8
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Mori M, Kovalenko L, Malancona S, Saladini F, De Forni D, Pires M, Humbert N, Real E, Botzanowski T, Cianférani S, Giannini A, Dasso Lang MC, Cugia G, Poddesu B, Lori F, Zazzi M, Harper S, Summa V, Mely Y, Botta M. Structure-Based Identification of HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein Inhibitors Active against Wild-Type and Drug-Resistant HIV-1 Strains. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:253-266. [PMID: 29235845 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Current drugs that target the canonical steps of the HIV-1 life cycle are efficient in blocking viral replication but are unable to eradicate HIV-1 from infected patients. Moreover, drug resistance (DR) is often associated with the clinical use of these molecules, thus raising the need for novel drug candidates as well as novel putative drug targets. In this respect, pharmacological inhibition of the highly conserved and multifunctional nucleocapsid protein (NC) of HIV-1 is considered a promising alternative to current drugs, particularly to overcome DR. Here, using a multidisciplinary approach combining in silico screening, fluorescence-based molecular assays, and cellular antiviral assays, we identified nordihydroguaiaretic acid (6), as a novel natural product inhibitor of NC. By using NMR, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular modeling, 6 was found to act through a dual mechanism of action never highlighted before for NC inhibitors (NCIs). First, the molecule recognizes and binds NC noncovalently, which results in the inhibition of the nucleic acid chaperone properties of NC. In a second step, chemical oxidation of 6 induces a potent chemical inactivation of the protein. Overall, 6 inhibits NC and the replication of wild-type and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains in the low micromolar range with moderate cytotoxicity that makes it a profitable tool compound as well as a good starting point for the development of pharmacologically relevant NCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lesia Kovalenko
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, 74 Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
- Department
of Chemistry, Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, 01033 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Savina Malancona
- IRBM Science Park S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Francesco Saladini
- Department
of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci,
16, 50100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Pires
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, 74 Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Nicolas Humbert
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, 74 Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Eleonore Real
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, 74 Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Thomas Botzanowski
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alessia Giannini
- Department
of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci,
16, 50100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Dasso Lang
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Cugia
- ViroStatics S.r.l, Viale Umberto
I 46, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Franco Lori
- ViroStatics S.r.l, Viale Umberto
I 46, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department
of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci,
16, 50100 Siena, Italy
| | - Steven Harper
- IRBM Science Park S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Summa
- IRBM Science Park S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Yves Mely
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, 74 Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Sbarro
Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology,
College of Science and Technology, Temple University, BioLife Science
Bldg., Suite 333, 1900 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
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9
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Sancineto L, Iraci N, Tabarrini O, Santi C. NCp7: targeting a multitasking protein for next-generation anti-HIV drug development part 1: covalent inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:260-271. [PMID: 29107765 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The major internal component of the HIV virion core is the nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7), a small, highly basic protein that is essential for multiple stages of the viral replicative cycle, and whose structure is preserved in all viral strains, including clinical isolates from therapy-experienced patients. This key protein is recognised as a potential target for an effective next-generation antiretroviral therapy, because it could offer the possibility to develop broad-spectrum agents that are less prone to select for resistant strains. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the covalent NCp7 inhibitors that have emerged over the past 25 years of drug discovery campaigns, emphasising, where possible, their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and pharmacophoric features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sancineto
- Department of Heterorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Santi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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10
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The multiple roles of the nucleocapsid in retroviral RNA conversion into proviral DNA by reverse transcriptase. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 44:1427-1440. [PMID: 27911725 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160101-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Retroviruses are enveloped plus-strand RNA viruses that can cause cancer, immunodeficiency and neurological disorder in human and animals. Retroviruses have several unique properties, such as a genomic RNA in a dimeric form found in the virus, and a replication strategy called 'copy-and-paste' during which the plus-strand genomic RNA is converted into a double-stranded DNA, subsequently integrated into the cellular genome. Two essential viral enzymes, reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN), direct this 'copy-and-paste' replication. RT copies the genomic RNA generating the double-stranded proviral DNA, while IN catalyzes proviral DNA integration into the cellular DNA, then called the provirus. In that context, a major component of the virion core, the nucleocapsid protein (NC), was found to be a potent nucleic-acid chaperone that assists RT during the conversion of the genomic RNA into proviral DNA. Here we briefly review the interplay of NC with viral nucleic-acids, which enables rapid and faithful folding and hybridization of complementary sequences, and with active RT thus providing assistance to the synthesis of the complete proviral DNA. Because of its multiple roles in retrovirus replication, NC could be viewed as a two-faced Janus-chaperone acting on viral nucleic-acids and enzymes.
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11
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Saha M, Scerba MT, Shank NI, Hartman TL, Buchholz CA, Buckheit RW, Durell SR, Appella DH. Probing Mercaptobenzamides as HIV Inactivators via Nucleocapsid Protein 7. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:714-721. [PMID: 28395128 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7), a zinc finger protein, plays critical roles in viral replication and maturation and is an attractive target for drug development. However, the development of drug-like molecules that inhibit NCp7 has been a significant challenge. In this study, a series of novel 2-mercaptobenzamide prodrugs were investigated for anti-HIV activity in the context of NCp7 inactivation. The molecules were synthesized from the corresponding thiosalicylic acids, and they are all crystalline solids and stable at room temperature. Derivatives with a range of amide side chains and aromatic substituents were synthesized and screened for anti-HIV activity. Wide ranges of antiviral activity were observed, with IC50 values ranging from 1 to 100 μm depending on subtle changes to the substituents on the aromatic ring and side chain. Results from these structure-activity relationships were fit to a probable mode of intracellular activation and interaction with NCp7 to explain variations in antiviral activity. Our strategy to make a series of mercaptobenzamide prodrugs represents a general new direction to make libraries that can be screened for anti-HIV activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Saha
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael T Scerba
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nathaniel I Shank
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tracy L Hartman
- ImQuest Biosciences, 7340 Executive Way, Suite R, Frederick, MD, 21704, USA
| | - Caitlin A Buchholz
- ImQuest Biosciences, 7340 Executive Way, Suite R, Frederick, MD, 21704, USA
| | - Robert W Buckheit
- ImQuest Biosciences, 7340 Executive Way, Suite R, Frederick, MD, 21704, USA
| | - Stewart R Durell
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Daniel H Appella
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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12
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Sharma KK, Przybilla F, Restle T, Godet J, Mély Y. FRET-based assay to screen inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and nucleocapsid protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:e74. [PMID: 26762982 PMCID: PMC4856972 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During HIV-1 reverse transcription, the single-stranded RNA genome is converted into proviral double stranded DNA by Reverse Transcriptase (RT) within a reverse transcription complex composed of the genomic RNA and a number of HIV-1 encoded proteins, including the nucleocapsid protein NCp7. Here, we developed a one-step and one-pot RT polymerization assay. In this in vitro assay, RT polymerization is monitored in real-time by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) using a commercially available doubly-labeled primer/template DNA. The assay can monitor and quantify RT polymerization activity as well as its promotion by NCp7. Z-factor values as high as 0.89 were obtained, indicating that the assay is suitable for high-throughput drug screening. Using Nevirapine and AZT as prototypical RT inhibitors, reliable IC50 values were obtained from the changes in the RT polymerization kinetics. Interestingly, the assay can also detect NCp7 inhibitors, making it suitable for high-throughput screening of drugs targeting RT, NCp7 or simultaneously, both proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal K Sharma
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Frédéric Przybilla
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Tobias Restle
- Institute für Molekulare Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Julien Godet
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France Département d'Information Médicale et de Biostatistiques, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1, pl de l'Hôpital, 67400 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
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13
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Mori M, Kovalenko L, Lyonnais S, Antaki D, Torbett BE, Botta M, Mirambeau G, Mély Y. Nucleocapsid Protein: A Desirable Target for Future Therapies Against HIV-1. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 389:53-92. [PMID: 25749978 PMCID: PMC7122173 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The currently available anti-HIV-1 therapeutics is highly beneficial to infected patients. However, clinical failures occur as a result of the ability of HIV-1 to rapidly mutate. One approach to overcome drug resistance is to target HIV-1 proteins that are highly conserved among phylogenetically distant viral strains and currently not targeted by available therapies. In this respect, the nucleocapsid (NC) protein, a zinc finger protein, is particularly attractive, as it is highly conserved and plays a central role in virus replication, mainly by interacting with nucleic acids. The compelling rationale for considering NC as a viable drug target is illustrated by the fact that point mutants of this protein lead to noninfectious viruses and by the inability to select viruses resistant to a first generation of anti-NC drugs. In our review, we discuss the most relevant properties and functions of NC, as well as recent developments of small molecules targeting NC. Zinc ejectors show strong antiviral activity, but are endowed with a low therapeutic index due to their lack of specificity, which has resulted in toxicity. Currently, they are mainly being investigated for use as topical microbicides. Greater specificity may be achieved by using non-covalent NC inhibitors (NCIs) targeting the hydrophobic platform at the top of the zinc fingers or key nucleic acid partners of NC. Within the last few years, innovative methodologies have been developed to identify NCIs. Though the antiviral activity of the identified NCIs needs still to be improved, these compounds strongly support the druggability of NC and pave the way for future structure-based design and optimization of efficient NCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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14
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Ugaonkar SR, Clark JT, English LB, Johnson TJ, Buckheit KW, Bahde RJ, Appella DH, Buckheit RW, Kiser PF. An Intravaginal Ring for the Simultaneous Delivery of an HIV-1 Maturation Inhibitor and Reverse-Transcriptase Inhibitor for Prophylaxis of HIV Transmission. J Pharm Sci 2015; 104:3426-39. [PMID: 26149293 DOI: 10.1002/jps.24551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleocapsid 7 (NCp7) inhibitors have been investigated extensively for their role in impeding the function of HIV-1 replication machinery and their ability to directly inactivate the virus. A class of NCp7 zinc finger inhibitors, S-acyl-2-mercaptobenzamide thioesters (SAMTs), was investigated for topical drug delivery. SAMTs are inherently unstable because of their hydrolytically labile thioester bond, thus requiring formulation approaches that can lend stability. We describe the delivery of N-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoylthio)benzoyl]-β-alaninamide (SAMT-10), as a single agent antiretroviral (ARV) therapeutic and in combination with the HIV-1 reverse-transcriptase inhibitor pyrimidinedione IQP-0528, from a hydrophobic polyether urethane (PEU) intravaginal ring (IVR) for a month. The physicochemical stability of the ARV-loaded IVRs was confirmed after 3 months at 40°C/75% relative humidity. In vitro, 25 ± 3 mg/IVR of SAMT-10 and 86 ± 13 mg/IVR of IQP-0528 were released. No degradation of the hydrolytically labile SAMT-10 was observed within the matrix. The combination of ARVs had synergistic antiviral activity when tested in in vitro cell-based assays. Toxicological evaluations performed on an organotypic EpiVaginal(™) tissue model demonstrated a lack of formulation toxicity. Overall, SAMT-10 and IQP-0528 were formulated in a stable PEU IVR for sustained release. Our findings support the need for further preclinical evaluation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:3426-3439, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta R Ugaonkar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
| | - Justin T Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 60208
| | - Lexie B English
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
| | - Todd J Johnson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
| | | | - Robert J Bahde
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Daniel H Appella
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | | | - Patrick F Kiser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 60208
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15
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Asquith CRM, Meli ML, Konstantinova LS, Laitinen T, Poso A, Rakitin OA, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Allenspach K, Hilton ST. Novel fused tetrathiocines as antivirals that target the nucleocapsid zinc finger containing protein of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as a model of HIV infection. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 25:1352-5. [PMID: 25702849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of fused tetrathiocines were prepared for evaluation of activity against the nucleocapsid protein of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in an in vitro cell culture approach. The results demonstrated that the compounds display potent nanomolar activity and low toxicity against this key model of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R M Asquith
- UCL School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Lidia S Konstantinova
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Oleg A Rakitin
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Karin Allenspach
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen T Hilton
- UCL School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom.
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16
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Retrospective on the all-in-one retroviral nucleocapsid protein. Virus Res 2014; 193:2-15. [PMID: 24907482 PMCID: PMC7114435 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This retrospective reviews 30 years of research on the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC) focusing on HIV-1 NC. Originally considered as a non-specific nucleic-acid binding protein, NC has seminal functions in virus replication. Indeed NC turns out to be a all-in-one viral protein that chaperones viral DNA synthesis and integration, and virus formation. As a chaperone NC provides assistance to genetic recombination thus allowing the virus to escape the immune response and antiretroviral therapies against HIV-1.
This review aims at briefly presenting a retrospect on the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC), from an unspecific nucleic acid binding protein (NABP) to an all-in-one viral protein with multiple key functions in the early and late phases of the retrovirus replication cycle, notably reverse transcription of the genomic RNA and viral DNA integration into the host genome, and selection of the genomic RNA together with the initial steps of virus morphogenesis. In this context we will discuss the notion that NC protein has a flexible conformation and is thus a member of the growing family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) where disorder may account, at least in part, for its function as a nucleic acid (NA) chaperone and possibly as a protein chaperone vis-à-vis the viral DNA polymerase during reverse transcription. Lastly, we will briefly review the development of new anti-retroviral/AIDS compounds targeting HIV-1 NC because it represents an ideal target due to its multiple roles in the early and late phases of virus replication and its high degree of conservation.
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17
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Asquith CRM, Meli ML, Konstantinova LS, Laitinen T, Peräkylä M, Poso A, Rakitin OA, Allenspach K, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hilton ST. Evaluation of the antiviral efficacy of bis[1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazines and bis[1,2]dithiolopyrrole derivatives against the nucelocapsid protein of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) as a model for HIV infection. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2640-4. [PMID: 24813732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.04.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A diverse library of bis[1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazines and bis[1,2]dithiolopyrrole derivatives were prepared for evaluation of activity against the nucleocapsid protein of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) as a model for HIV, using an in vitro cell culture approach, yielding nanomolar active compounds with low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R M Asquith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory and Center of Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Lidia S Konstantinova
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikael Peräkylä
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Oleg A Rakitin
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Karin Allenspach
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory and Center of Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Stephen T Hilton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom.
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18
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Ouyang W, Okaine S, McPike MP, Lin Y, Borer PN. Probing the RNA Binding Surface of the HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein by Site-Directed Mutagenesis. Biochemistry 2013; 52:3358-68. [DOI: 10.1021/bi400125z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ouyang
- Graduate
Program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics and ‡Department of
Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Stephen Okaine
- Graduate
Program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics and ‡Department of
Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Mark P. McPike
- Graduate
Program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics and ‡Department of
Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Yong Lin
- Graduate
Program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics and ‡Department of
Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Philip N. Borer
- Graduate
Program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics and ‡Department of
Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
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19
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Godet J, Kenfack C, Przybilla F, Richert L, Duportail G, Mély Y. Site-selective probing of cTAR destabilization highlights the necessary plasticity of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein to chaperone the first strand transfer. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:5036-48. [PMID: 23511968 PMCID: PMC3643577 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) is a nucleic acid chaperone required during reverse transcription. During the first strand transfer, NCp7 is thought to destabilize cTAR, the (−)DNA copy of the TAR RNA hairpin, and subsequently direct the TAR/cTAR annealing through the zipping of their destabilized stem ends. To further characterize the destabilizing activity of NCp7, we locally probe the structure and dynamics of cTAR by steady-state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. NC(11–55), a truncated NCp7 version corresponding to its zinc-finger domain, was found to bind all over the sequence and to preferentially destabilize the penultimate double-stranded segment in the lower part of the cTAR stem. This destabilization is achieved through zinc-finger–dependent binding of NC to the G10 and G50 residues. Sequence comparison further revealed that C•A mismatches close to the two G residues were critical for fine tuning the stability of the lower part of the cTAR stem and conferring to G10 and G50 the appropriate mobility and accessibility for specific recognition by NC. Our data also highlight the necessary plasticity of NCp7 to adapt to the sequence and structure variability of cTAR to chaperone its annealing with TAR through a specific pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Godet
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
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20
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Goudreau N, Hucke O, Faucher AM, Grand-Maître C, Lepage O, Bonneau PR, Mason SW, Titolo S. Discovery and structural characterization of a new inhibitor series of HIV-1 nucleocapsid function: NMR solution structure determination of a ternary complex involving a 2:1 inhibitor/NC stoichiometry. J Mol Biol 2013; 425:1982-1998. [PMID: 23485336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (NC) protein is an essential factor with multiple functions within the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication cycle. In this study, we describe the discovery of a novel series of inhibitors that targets HIV-1 NC protein by blocking its interaction with nucleic acids. This series was identified using a previously described capsid (CA) assembly assay, employing a recombinant HIV-1 CA-NC protein and immobilized TG-rich deoxyoligonucleotides. Using visible absorption spectroscopy, we were able to demonstrate that this new inhibitor series binds specifically and reversibly to the NC with a peculiar 2:1 stoichiometry. A fluorescence-polarization-based binding assay was also developed in order to monitor the inhibitory activities of this series of inhibitors. To better characterize the structural aspect of inhibitor binding onto NC, we performed NMR studies using unlabeled and (13)C,(15)N-double-labeled NC(1-55) protein constructs. This allowed the determination of the solution structure of a ternary complex characterized by two inhibitor molecules binding to the two zinc knuckles of the NC protein. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of a high-resolution structure of a small-molecule inhibitor bound to NC, demonstrating sub-micromolar potency and moderate antiviral potency with one analogue of the series. This structure was compared with available NC/oligonucleotide complex structures and further underlined the high flexibility of the NC protein, allowing it to adopt many conformations in order to bind its different oligonucleotide/nucleomimetic targets. In addition, analysis of the interaction details between the inhibitor molecules and NC demonstrated how this novel inhibitor series is mimicking the guanosine nucleobases found in many reported complex structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Goudreau
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5.
| | - Oliver Hucke
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5.
| | - Anne-Marie Faucher
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5
| | - Chantal Grand-Maître
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5
| | - Olivier Lepage
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5
| | - Pierre R Bonneau
- Department of Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5
| | - Stephen W Mason
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5
| | - Steve Titolo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Research & Development, 2100 Cunard Street, Laval, QC, Canada H7S 2G5
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21
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Mori M, Schult-Dietrich P, Szafarowicz B, Humbert N, Debaene F, Sanglier-Cianferani S, Dietrich U, Mély Y, Botta M. Use of virtual screening for discovering antiretroviral compounds interacting with the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein. Virus Res 2012; 169:377-87. [PMID: 22634301 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NC) is considered as an emerging drug target for the therapy of AIDS. Several studies have highlighted the crucial role of NC within the viral replication cycle. However, although NC inhibition has provided in vitro and in vivo antiretroviral activity, drug-candidates which interfere with NC functions are still missing in the therapeutic arsenal against HIV. Based on previous studies, where the dynamic behavior of NC and its ligand binding properties have been investigated by means of computational methods, here we used a virtual screening protocol for discovering novel antiretroviral compounds which interact with NC. The antiretroviral activity of virtual hits was tested in vitro, whereas biophysical studies elucidated the direct interaction of most active compounds with NC(11-55), a peptide corresponding to the zinc finger domain of NC. Two novel antiretroviral small molecules capable of interacting with NC are presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Università di Roma La Sapienza, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, piazzale A. Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
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22
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Identification of a minimal region of the HIV-1 5'-leader required for RNA dimerization, NC binding, and packaging. J Mol Biol 2012; 417:224-39. [PMID: 22306406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2012.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Assembly of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) particles is initiated in the cytoplasm by the formation of a ribonucleoprotein complex comprising the dimeric RNA genome and a small number of viral Gag polyproteins. Genomes are recognized by the nucleocapsid (NC) domains of Gag, which interact with packaging elements believed to be located primarily within the 5'-leader (5'-L) of the viral RNA. Recent studies revealed that the native 5'-L exists as an equilibrium of two conformers, one in which dimer-promoting residues and NC binding sites are sequestered and packaging is attenuated, and one in which these sites are exposed and packaging is promoted. To identify the elements within the dimeric 5'-L that are important for packaging, we generated HIV-1 5'-L RNAs containing mutations and deletions designed to eliminate substructures without perturbing the overall structure of the leader and examined effects of the mutations on RNA dimerization, NC binding, and packaging. Our findings identify a 159-residue RNA packaging signal that possesses dimerization and NC binding properties similar to those of the intact 5'-L and contains elements required for efficient RNA packaging.
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23
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Characterization of the inhibition mechanism of HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein chaperone activities by methylated oligoribonucleotides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 56:1010-8. [PMID: 22083480 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05614-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since currently available therapies against HIV/AIDS still show important drawbacks, the development of novel anti-HIV treatments is a key issue. We recently characterized methylated oligoribonucleotides (mONs) that extensively inhibit HIV-1 replication in primary T cells at nanomolar concentrations. The mONs were shown to target both HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and the nucleocapsid protein (NC), which is an essential partner of RT during viral DNA synthesis. To further understand the mechanism of such mONs, we studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence-based techniques their NC binding properties and ability to inhibit the nucleic acid chaperone properties of NC. Notably, we investigated the ability of mONs to inhibit the NC-induced destabilization of the HIV-1 cTAR (complementary DNA sequence to TAR [transactivation response element]) stem-loop and the NC-promoted cTAR annealing to its complementary sequence, required at the early stage of HIV-1 viral DNA synthesis. Moreover, we compared the activity of the mONs to that of a number of modified and nonmodified oligonucleotides. Results show that the mONs inhibit NC by a competitive mechanism whereby the mONs tightly bind the NC peptide, mainly through nonelectrostatic interactions with the hydrophobic platform at the top of the NC zinc fingers. Taken together, these results favor the notion that the mONs impair the process of the RT-directed viral DNA synthesis by sequestering NC molecules, thus preventing the chaperoning of viral DNA synthesis by NC. These findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis for NC inhibition by mONs, which could be used for the rational design of antiretroviral compounds targeting HIV-1 NC protein.
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24
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Delay of simian human immunodeficiency virus infection and control of viral replication in vaccinated macaques challenged in the presence of a topical microbicide. AIDS 2011; 25:1833-41. [PMID: 21750420 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e32834a1d94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Development of an effective vaccine or topical compound to prevent HIV transmission remains a major goal for control of the AIDS pandemic. Using a nonhuman primate model of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission, we tested whether a topical microbicide that reduces viral infectivity can potentiate the efficacy of a T-cell-based HIV vaccine. DESIGN A DNA prime and rAd5 virus boost vaccination strategy was employed, and a topical microbicide against the HIV nucleocapsid protein was used. To rigorously test the combination hypothesis, the vaccine constructs contained only two transgenes and the topical microbicide inhibitor was used at a suboptimal dose. Vaccinees were exposed in the absence and presence of the topical microbicide to repeated vaginal R5 simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)(SF162P3) challenge at an escalating dose to more closely mimic high-risk exposure of women to HIV. METHODS Infection status was determined by PCR. Antiviral immune responses were evaluated by gp120 ELISA and intracellular cytokine staining. RESULTS A significant delay in SHIV acquisition (log-rank test; P = 0.0416) was seen only in vaccinated macaques that were repeatedly challenged in the presence of the topical microbicide. Peak acute viremia was lower (Mann-Whitney test; P = 0.0387) and viral burden was also reduced (Mann-Whitney test; P = 0.0252) in the combination-treated animals. CONCLUSION The combined use of a topical microbicide to lower the initial viral seeding/spread and a T-cell-based vaccine to immunologically contain the early virological events of mucosal transmission holds promise as a preventive approach to control the spread of the AIDS epidemic.
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25
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Flexible nature and specific functions of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein. J Mol Biol 2011; 410:565-81. [PMID: 21762801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
One salient feature of reverse transcription in retroviruses, notably in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1, is that it requires the homologous nucleocapsid (NC) protein acting as a chaperoning partner of the genomic RNA template and the reverse transcriptase, from the initiation to the completion of viral DNA synthesis. This short review on the NC protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 aims at briefly presenting the flexible nature of NC protein, how it interacts with nucleic acids via its invariant zinc fingers and flanking basic residues, and the possible mechanisms that account for its multiple functions in the early steps of virus replication, notably in the obligatory strand transfer reactions during viral DNA synthesis by the reverse transcriptase enzyme.
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26
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Grigorov B, Bocquin A, Gabus C, Avilov S, Mély Y, Agopian A, Divita G, Gottikh M, Witvrouw M, Darlix JL. Identification of a methylated oligoribonucleotide as a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcription complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:5586-96. [PMID: 21447560 PMCID: PMC3141241 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon HIV-1 infection of a target cell, the viral reverse transcriptase (RT) copies the genomic RNA to synthesize the viral DNA. The genomic RNA is within the incoming HIV-1 core where it is coated by molecules of nucleocapsid (NC) protein that chaperones the reverse transcription process. Indeed, the RT chaperoning properties of NC extend from the initiation of cDNA synthesis to completion of the viral DNA. New and effective drugs against HIV-1 continue to be required, which prompted us to search for compounds aimed at inhibiting NC protein. Here, we report that the NC chaperoning activity is extensively inhibited in vitro by small methylated oligoribonucleotides (mODN). These mODNs were delivered intracellularly using a cell-penetrating-peptide and found to impede HIV-1 replication in primary human cells at nanomolar concentrations. Extensive analysis showed that viral cDNA synthesis was severely impaired by mODNs. Partially resistant viruses with mutations in NC and RT emerged after months of passaging in cell culture. A HIV-1 molecular clone (NL4.3) bearing these mutations was found to replicate at high concentrations of mODN, albeit with a reduced fitness. Small, methylated ODNs such as mODN-11 appear to be a new type of highly potent inhibitor of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Grigorov
- Laboretro, INSERM #758, ENS Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon, Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasboug, Illkirch, France
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Miller Jenkins LM, Ott DE, Hayashi R, Coren LV, Wang D, Xu Q, Schito ML, Inman JK, Appella DH, Appella E. Small-molecule inactivation of HIV-1 NCp7 by repetitive intracellular acyl transfer. Nat Chem Biol 2010; 6:887-9. [PMID: 20953192 PMCID: PMC2997617 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The zinc fingers of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, NCp7, are prime targets for antiretroviral therapeutics. Here we show that S-acyl-2-mercaptobenzamide thioester (SAMT) chemotypes inhibit HIV by modifying the NCp7 region of Gag in infected cells, thereby blocking Gag processing and reducing infectivity. The thiol produced by SAMT reaction with NCp7 is acetylated by cellular enzymes to regenerate active SAMTs via a recycling mechanism unique among small-molecule inhibitors of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Miller Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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28
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Mougel M, Cimarelli A, Darlix JL. Implications of the nucleocapsid and the microenvironment in retroviral reverse transcription. Viruses 2010; 2:939-960. [PMID: 21994662 PMCID: PMC3185662 DOI: 10.3390/v2040939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This mini-review summarizes the process of reverse-transcription, an obligatory step in retrovirus replication during which the retroviral RNA/DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RT) copies the single-stranded genomic RNA to generate the double-stranded viral DNA while degrading the genomic RNA via its associated RNase H activity. The hybridization of complementary viral sequences by the nucleocapsid protein (NC) receives a special focus, since it acts to chaperone the strand transfers obligatory for synthesis of the complete viral DNA and flanking long terminal repeats (LTR). Since the physiological microenvironment can impact on reverse-transcription, this mini-review also focuses on factors present in the intra-cellular or extra-cellular milieu that can drastically influence both the timing and the activity of reverse-transcription and hence virus infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylène Mougel
- CPBS, UMR5236 CNRS, UMI, 4 bd Henri IV, 34965 Montpellier, France; E-Mail:
| | - Andrea Cimarelli
- LaboRetro Unité de Virologie humaine INSERM #758, IFR128, ENS Lyon, 46 Allée d’Italie, 69364 Lyon, France; E-Mail:
| | - Jean-Luc Darlix
- LaboRetro Unité de Virologie humaine INSERM #758, IFR128, ENS Lyon, 46 Allée d’Italie, 69364 Lyon, France; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +33 472728169; Fax: +33 472728137
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