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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Lau HLY, Mccubbery CP, Gan H, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Utilization of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals: in silico studies targeting the nsp14 ExoN domain and PL pro naphthalene binding site. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 131:108803. [PMID: 38815531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome encodes 29 proteins including four structural, 16 nonstructural (nsps), and nine accessory proteins (https://epimedlab.org/sars-cov-2-proteome/). Many of these proteins contain potential targetable sites for the development of antivirals. Despite the widespread use of vaccinations, the emergence of variants necessitates the investigation of new therapeutics and antivirals. Here, the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection (https://epimedlab.org/crl/) was utilized to investigate potential antivirals against the nsp14 exoribonuclease (ExoN) domain. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding characteristics of our chemical library against the nsp14 ExoN site. Based on the initial screen, trisjuglone, ararobinol, corilagin, and naphthofluorescein were identified as potential lead compounds. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were subsequently performed, with the results highlighting the stability of the lead compounds in the nsp14 ExoN site. Protein-RNA docking revealed the potential for the lead compounds to disrupt the interaction with RNA when bound to the ExoN site. Moreover, hypericin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and rutin were previously identified as lead compounds targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) naphthalene binding site. Through performing MD simulations, the stability and interactions of lead compounds with PLpro were further examined. Overall, given the critical role of the exonuclease activity of nsp14 in ensuring viral fidelity and the multifunctional role of PLpro in viral pathobiology and replication, these nsps represent important targets for antiviral drug development. Our databases can be utilized for in silico studies, such as the ones performed here, and this approach can be applied to other potentially druggable SARS-CoV-2 protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Hannah L Y Lau
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cian P Mccubbery
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hockxuen Gan
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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2
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Rahebi P, Aryapour H. Reconstruction of the unbinding pathways of new inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease using molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7501-7514. [PMID: 37505097 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240424] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Developing novel antiviral drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease is imperative as the vaccines may not offer absolute protection. PLpro plays a crucial role in the viral life cycle, making it an attractive target for drug development. Several PLpro inhibitors have been developed, and their 3D structures in complex with PLpro are available. In this work, we employed Supervised Molecular Dynamics (SuMD), a specific Unbiased Molecular Dynamics (UMD) method, to investigate unbinding pathways of the novel inhibitors of PLpro (PDB IDs: 7LBR, 7RZC, 7SDR and 7E35) and GRL0617 (PDB ID: 7JRN) as a reference. We conducted three simulations for each ligand and achieved unbinding events in the nanosecond timescale in all simulations. We found that unbinding events are commonly affected by altering the conformation of the BL2 loop, which is caused by the natural fluctuations of the loop that are required to trap the substrate and throw out the product. BL2 loop is crucial for keeping the ligand and unbinding and acts as a double-edged sword. Any inhibitor designed to be effective must prevent the loop's natural fluctuations. We perceived that increasing ligands interactions with the binding pocket interior and the BL2 loop will help prevent natural fluctuation of the BL2 loop, Although the interactions with the binding pocket's inner side are more critical than the BL2 loop. These findings may be helpful in developing more potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Rahebi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hassan Aryapour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
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Alipour Z, Zarezadeh S, Ghotbi-Ravandi AA. The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:172-203. [PMID: 37956978 DOI: 10.1055/a-2209-6357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, a global pandemic was announced due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to cause COVID-19. Despite worldwide efforts, there are only limited options regarding antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19. Although vaccines are now available, issues such as declining efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 variants and the aging of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the importance of finding more antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the disease. Drug repurposing has been used to rapidly find COVID-19 therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical evidence for the therapeutic benefits and certain serious side effects of repurposed antivirals, the search for an antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 with fewer side effects continues. In recent years, numerous studies have included antiviral chemicals from a variety of plant species. A better knowledge of the possible antiviral natural products and their mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 will help to develop stronger and more targeted direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to compile the current data on potential plant metabolites that can be investigated in COVID-19 drug discovery and development. This review represents a collection of plant secondary metabolites and their mode of action against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alipour
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Zarezadeh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Ghotbi-Ravandi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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He Z, Yuan J, Zhang Y, Li R, Mo M, Wang Y, Ti H. Recent advances towards natural plants as potential inhibitors of SARS-Cov-2 targets. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:1186-1210. [PMID: 37605622 PMCID: PMC10446791 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2241518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is still ongoing and currently the most striking epidemic disease. With the rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants, new antivirals are urgently needed to avert a more serious crisis. Inhibitors from traditional medicines or natural plants have shown promising results to fight COVID-19 with different mechanisms of action. OBJECTIVES To provide comprehensive and promising approaches to the medical community in the fight against this epidemic by reviewing potential plant-derived anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. METHODS Structural databases such as TCMSP (http://lsp.nwu.edu.cn/tcmsp.php), TCM Database @ Taiwan (http://tcm.cmu.edu.tw/), BATMAN-TCM (http://bionet.ncpsb.org/batman-tcm/) and TCMID (http://www.megabionet.org/tcmid/), as well as PubMed, Sci Finder, Research Gate, Science Direct, CNKI, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles on TCMs and natural products against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Seven traditional Chinese medicines formulas have unique advantages in regulating the immune system for treating COVID-19. The plant-derived natural compounds as anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors were identified based on 5 SARS-CoV-2 key proteins, namely, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), 3 C-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), spike (S) protein, and nucleocapsid (N) protein. CONCLUSIONS A variety of natural products, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and alkaloids, were identified, which could be used as potential SASR-Cov-2 inhibitors. These shed new light on the efficient discovery of SASR-Cov-2 inhibitors from natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouman He
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jia Yuan
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yuanwen Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Runfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Meilan Mo
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yutao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Huihui Ti
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Ijinu TP, De Lellis LF, Shanmugarama S, Pérez-Gregorio R, Sasikumar P, Ullah H, Buccato DG, Di Minno A, Baldi A, Daglia M. Anthocyanins as Immunomodulatory Dietary Supplements: A Nutraceutical Perspective and Micro-/Nano-Strategies for Enhanced Bioavailability. Nutrients 2023; 15:4152. [PMID: 37836436 PMCID: PMC10574533 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194152] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthocyanins (ACNs) have attracted considerable attention for their potential to modulate the immune system. Research has revealed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which play a crucial role in immune regulation by influencing key immune cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Moreover, ACNs contribute towards maintaining a balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus promoting immune health. Beyond their direct effects on immune cells, ACNs significantly impact gut health and the microbiota, essential factors in immune regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that they positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome, enhancing their immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, these compounds synergize with other bioactive substances, such as vitamins and minerals, further enhancing their potential as immune-supporting dietary supplements. However, detailed clinical studies must fully validate these findings and determine safe dosages across varied populations. Incorporating these natural compounds into functional foods or supplements could revolutionize the management of immune-related conditions. Personalized nutrition and healthcare strategies may be developed to enhance overall well-being and immune resilience by fully understanding the mechanisms underlying the actions of their components. Recent advancements in delivery methods have focused on improving the bioavailability and effectiveness of ACNs, providing promising avenues for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thadiyan Parambil Ijinu
- Naturæ Scientific, Kerala University-Business Innovation and Incubation Centre, Kariavattom Campus, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, India;
- The National Society of Ethnopharmacology, VRA-179, Mannamoola, Peroorkada P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695005, India
| | - Lorenza Francesca De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.D.L.); (D.G.B.); (A.D.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Santny Shanmugarama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Rosa Pérez-Gregorio
- Food and Health Omics Group, Institute of Agroecology and Food, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain;
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IISGS), SERGAS-UVIGO, 32002 Ourense, Spain
| | | | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.D.L.); (D.G.B.); (A.D.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Daniele Giuseppe Buccato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.D.L.); (D.G.B.); (A.D.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.D.L.); (D.G.B.); (A.D.M.); (A.B.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Baldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.D.L.); (D.G.B.); (A.D.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.D.L.); (D.G.B.); (A.D.M.); (A.B.)
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Williams AH, Zhan CG. Staying Ahead of the Game: How SARS-CoV-2 has Accelerated the Application of Machine Learning in Pandemic Management. BioDrugs 2023; 37:649-674. [PMID: 37464099 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00611-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, machine learning (ML) techniques have garnered considerable interest for their potential use in accelerating the rate of drug discovery. With the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the utilization of ML has become even more crucial in the search for effective antiviral medications. The pandemic has presented the scientific community with a unique challenge, and the rapid identification of potential treatments has become an urgent priority. Researchers have been able to accelerate the process of identifying drug candidates, repurposing existing drugs, and designing new compounds with desirable properties using machine learning in drug discovery. To train predictive models, ML techniques in drug discovery rely on the analysis of large datasets, including both experimental and clinical data. These models can be used to predict the biological activities, potential side effects, and interactions with specific target proteins of drug candidates. This strategy has proven to be an effective method for identifying potential coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other disease treatments. This paper offers a thorough analysis of the various ML techniques implemented to combat COVID-19, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. The paper discusses the impact of these techniques on pandemic drug development, including the identification of potential treatments, the understanding of the disease mechanism, and the creation of effective and safe therapeutics. The lessons learned can be applied to future outbreaks and drug discovery initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Williams
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- GSK Upper Providence, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Tam D, Lorenzo-Leal AC, Hernández LR, Bach H. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13002. [PMID: 37629182 PMCID: PMC10455537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613002] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped respiratory β coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), leading to a deadly pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 genome also codes for non-structural proteins (NSPs). These NSPs are found within open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and encode NSP1 to NSP11 and NSP12 to NSP16, respectively. This study aimed to collect the available literature regarding NSP inhibitors. In addition, we searched the natural product database looking for similar structures. The results showed that similar structures could be tested as potential inhibitors of the NSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Tam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Ana C. Lorenzo-Leal
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Luis Ricardo Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación Fitoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex Hacienda Sta. Catarina Mártir S/N, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
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Musa A, Abulkhair HS, Aljuhani A, Rezki N, Abdelgawad MA, Shalaby K, El-Ghorab AH, Aouad MR. Phenylpyrazolone-1,2,3-triazole Hybrids as Potent Antiviral Agents with Promising SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibition Potential. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030463. [PMID: 36986562 PMCID: PMC10051656 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection is now considered one of the leading causes of human death. As an attempt towards the discovery of novel medications for the COVID-19 pandemic, nineteen novel compounds containing 1,2,3-triazole side chains linked to phenylpyrazolone scaffold and terminal lipophilic aryl parts with prominent substituent functionalities were designed and synthesized via a click reaction based on our previous work. The novel compounds were assessed using an in vitro effect on the growth of SARS-CoV-2 virus-infested Vero cells with different compound concentrations: 1 and 10 μM. The data revealed that most of these derivatives showed potent cellular anti-COVID-19 activity and inhibited viral replication by more than 50% with no or weak cytotoxic effect on harboring cells. In addition, in vitro assay employing the SARS-CoV-2-Main protease inhibition assay was done to test the inhibitors' ability to block the common primary protease of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as a mode of action. The obtained results show that the one non-linker analog 6h and two amide-based linkers 6i and 6q were the most active compounds with IC50 values of 5.08, 3.16, and 7.55 μM, respectively, against the viral protease in comparison to data of the selective antiviral agent GC-376. Molecular modeling studies were done for compound placement within the binding pocket of protease which reveal conserved residues hydrogen bonding and non-hydrogen interactions of 6i analog fragments: triazole scaffold, aryl part, and linker. Moreover, the stability of compounds and their interactions with the target pocket were also studied and analyzed by molecular dynamic simulations. The physicochemical and toxicity profiles were predicted, and the results show that compounds behave as an antiviral activity with low or no cellular or organ toxicity. All research results point to the potential usage of new chemotype potent derivatives as promising leads to be explored in vivo that might open the door to rational drug development of SARS-CoV-2 Main protease potent medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arafa Musa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamada S Abulkhair
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, International Coastal Road, New Damietta 34518, Egypt
| | - Ateyatallah Aljuhani
- Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 41477, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadjet Rezki
- Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 41477, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Shalaby
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H El-Ghorab
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed R Aouad
- Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 41477, Saudi Arabia
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Giordano D, Facchiano A, Carbone V. Food Plant Secondary Metabolites Antiviral Activity and Their Possible Roles in SARS-CoV-2 Treatment: An Overview. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062470. [PMID: 36985442 PMCID: PMC10058909 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products and plant extracts exhibit many biological activities, including that related to the defense mechanisms against parasites. Many studies have investigated the biological functions of secondary metabolites and reported evidence of antiviral activities. The pandemic emergencies have further increased the interest in finding antiviral agents, and efforts are oriented to investigate possible activities of secondary plant metabolites against human viruses and their potential application in treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we performed a comprehensive analysis of studies through in silico and in vitro investigations, also including in vivo applications and clinical trials, to evaluate the state of knowledge on the antiviral activities of secondary metabolites against human viruses and their potential application in treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a particular focus on natural compounds present in food plants. Although some of the food plant secondary metabolites seem to be useful in the prevention and as a possible therapeutic management against SARS-CoV-2, up to now, no molecules can be used as a potential treatment for COVID-19; however, more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Giordano
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Angelo Facchiano
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Virginia Carbone
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100 Avellino, Italy
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10
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Pandimeena G, Mathavan T, Samuel EJJ, Milton Franklin Benial A. Quantum chemical, spectroscopic and molecular docking investigations of potential pulmonary fibrosis drug methyl 2-chloro 4-iodonicotinate. J Mol Recognit 2023; 36:e3001. [PMID: 36315423 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.3001] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the methyl 2-chloro 4-iodonicotinate (MCIN) was investigated to study the structural, spectroscopic and electronic properties using density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical calculations. The most stable structure of MCIN was optimized by DFT/B3LYP method with a LanLD2Z basis set. The optimized parameters and vibrational wavenumbers were determined. The vibrational task of the molecule was done by potential energy distribution calculations. The 13 C NMR spectrum of the MCIN molecule was simulated by the Gauge-Invariant-Atomic Orbital method using a dimethyl sulfoxide solution and the isotropic chemical shift values of the molecule were calculated and observed. Ultraviolet-visible spectra were simulated and observed. The pharmaceutical activity was predicted using frontier molecular orbital and natural bond orbital analysis. The reactive sites of the MCIN molecule were determined using Mulliken atomic charge distribution, molecular electrostatic potential surface and the local reactivity analysis. The molecular docking analysis confirms that the title molecule can be used in drug design for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pandimeena
- P.G. & Research Department of Physics, N.M.S.S.V.N. College, Madurai, India
| | - T Mathavan
- P.G. & Research Department of Physics, N.M.S.S.V.N. College, Madurai, India
| | - E James Jebaseelan Samuel
- Department of Physics, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) university, Vellore, India
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Guerra Y, Celi D, Cueva P, Perez-Castillo Y, Giampieri F, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Tejera E. Critical Review of Plant-Derived Compounds as Possible Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Proteases: A Comparison with Experimentally Validated Molecules. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:44542-44555. [PMID: 36530229 PMCID: PMC9753184 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ever since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the WHO, a concerted effort has been made to find compounds capable of acting on the virus and preventing its replication. In this context, researchers have refocused part of their attention on certain natural compounds that have shown promising effects on the virus. Considering the importance of this topic in the current context, this study aimed to present a critical review and analysis of the main reports of plant-derived compounds as possible inhibitors of the two SARS-CoV-2 proteases: main protease (Mpro) and Papain-like protease (PLpro). From the search in the PubMed database, a total of 165 published articles were found that met the search patterns. A total of 590 unique molecules were identified from a total of 122 articles as potential protease inhibitors. At the same time, 114 molecules reported as natural products and with annotation of theoretical support and antiviral effects were extracted from the COVID-19 Help database. After combining the molecules extracted from articles and those obtained from the database, we identified 648 unique molecules predicted as potential inhibitors of Mpro and/or PLpro. According to our results, several of the predicted compounds with higher theoretical confidence are present in many plants used in traditional medicine and even food, such as flavonoids, carboxylic acids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, terpenes phytosterols, and triterpenoids. These are potential inhibitors of Mpro and PLpro. Although the predictions of several molecules against SARS-CoV-2 are promising, little experimental information was found regarding certain families of compounds. Only 45 out of the 648 unique molecules have experimental data validating them as inhibitors of Mpro or PLpro, with the most frequent scaffold present in these 45 compounds being the flavone. The novelty of this work lies in the analysis of the structural diversity of the chemical space among the molecules predicted as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro proteases and the comparison to those molecules experimentally validated. This work emphasizes the need for experimental validation of certain families of compounds, preferentially combining classical enzymatic assays with interaction-based methods. Furthermore, we recommend checking the presence of Pan-Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS) and the presence of molecules previously reported as inhibitors of Mpro or PLpro to optimize resources and time in the discovery of new SARS-CoV-2 antivirals from plant-derived molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasel Guerra
- Ingeniería
en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias
Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Grupo
de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad
de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Diana Celi
- Facultad
de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Paul Cueva
- Facultad
de Posgrado, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Yunierkis Perez-Castillo
- Grupo
de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad
de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Área
de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King
Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Research
Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - José Miguel Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento
de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170157, Ecuador
- King
Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz
University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eduardo Tejera
- Ingeniería
en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias
Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Grupo
de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad
de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
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12
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da Cruz Freire JE, Júnior JEM, Pinheiro DP, da Cruz Paiva Lima GE, do Amaral CL, Veras VR, Madeira MP, Freire EBL, Ozório RG, Fernandes VO, Montenegro APDR, Montenegro RC, Colares JKB, Júnior RMM. Evaluation of the anti-diabetic drug sitagliptin as a novel attenuate to SARS-CoV-2 evidence-based in silico: molecular docking and molecular dynamics. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:344. [PMCID: PMC9640538 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03406-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The current outbreak of COVID-19 cases worldwide has been responsible for a significant number of deaths, especially in hospitalized patients suffering from comorbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension. The disease not only has prompted an interest in the pathophysiology, but also it has propelled a massive race to find new anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. In this scenario, known drugs commonly used to treat other diseases have been suggested as alternative or complementary therapeutics. Herein we propose the use of sitagliptin, an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) used to treat type-II diabetes, as an agent to block and inhibit the activity of two proteases, 3CLpro and PLpro, related to the processing of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Inhibition of these proteases may possibly reduce the viral load and infection on the host by hampering the synthesis of new viruses, thus promoting a better outcome. In silico assays consisting in the modeling of the ligand sitagliptin and evaluation of its capacity to interact with 3CLpro and PLpro through the prediction of the ligand bioactivity, molecular docking, overlapping of crystal structures, and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted. The experiments indicate that sitagliptin can interact and bind to both targets. However, this interaction seems to be stronger and more stable to 3CLpro (ΔG = −7.8 kcal mol−1), when compared to PLpro (ΔG = −7.5 kcal mol−1). This study suggests that sitagliptin may be suitable to treat COVID-19 patients, beyond its common use as an anti-diabetic medication. In vivo studies may further support this hypothesis.
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13
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Peniche-Pavía HA, Guzmán TJ, Magaña-Cerino JM, Gurrola-Díaz CM, Tiessen A. Maize Flavonoid Biosynthesis, Regulation, and Human Health Relevance: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165166. [PMID: 36014406 PMCID: PMC9413827 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Maize is one of the most important crops for human and animal consumption and contains a chemical arsenal essential for survival: flavonoids. Moreover, flavonoids are well known for their beneficial effects on human health. In this review, we decided to organize the information about maize flavonoids into three sections. In the first section, we include updated information about the enzymatic pathway of maize flavonoids. We describe a total of twenty-one genes for the flavonoid pathway of maize. The first three genes participate in the general phenylpropanoid pathway. Four genes are common biosynthetic early genes for flavonoids, and fourteen are specific genes for the flavonoid subgroups, the anthocyanins, and flavone C-glycosides. The second section explains the tissue accumulation and regulation of flavonoids by environmental factors affecting the expression of the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) transcriptional complex. The study of transcription factors of the MBW complex is fundamental for understanding how the flavonoid profiles generate a palette of colors in the plant tissues. Finally, we also include an update of the biological activities of C3G, the major maize anthocyanin, including anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects, among others. This review intends to disclose and integrate the existing knowledge regarding maize flavonoid pigmentation and its relevance in the human health sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor A. Peniche-Pavía
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Unidad Irapuato, Libramiento Norte Km. 9.6, Irapuato 36824, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Tereso J. Guzmán
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jesús M. Magaña-Cerino
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Av. Gregorio Méndez Magaña 2838-A, Col. Tamulté de las Barrancas, Villahermosa 86150, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Carmen M. Gurrola-Díaz
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Instituto Transdisciplinar de Investigación e Innovación en Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, C. Sierra Mojada 950. Col. Independencia, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-33-10585200 (ext. 33930)
| | - Axel Tiessen
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Unidad Irapuato, Libramiento Norte Km. 9.6, Irapuato 36824, Guanajuato, Mexico
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14
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Rieder AS, Deniz BF, Netto CA, Wyse ATS. A Review of In Silico Research, SARS-CoV-2, and Neurodegeneration: Focus on Papain-Like Protease. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1553-1569. [PMID: 35917086 PMCID: PMC9343570 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the search for new approaches to treat this disease took place in the scientific community. The in silico approach has gained importance at this moment, once the methodologies used in this kind of study allow for the identification of specific protein–ligand interactions, which may serve as a filter step for molecules that can act as specific inhibitors. In addition, it is a low-cost and high-speed technology. Molecular docking has been widely used to find potential viral protein inhibitors for structural and non-structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2, aiming to block the infection and the virus multiplication. The papain-like protease (PLpro) participates in the proteolytic processing of SARS-CoV-2 and composes one of the main targets studied for pharmacological intervention by in silico methodologies. Based on that, we performed a systematic review about PLpro inhibitors from the perspective of in silico research, including possible therapeutic molecules in relation to this viral protein. The neurological problems triggered by COVID-19 were also briefly discussed, especially relative to the similarities of neuroinflammation present in Alzheimer’s disease. In this context, we focused on two molecules, curcumin and glycyrrhizinic acid, given their PLpro inhibitory actions and neuroprotective properties and potential therapeutic effects on COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra S Rieder
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Wyse's Lab, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Bruna F Deniz
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Wyse's Lab, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre Netto
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Wyse's Lab, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Angela T S Wyse
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Wyse's Lab, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
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15
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Hong L, He M, Li S, Zhao J. Predicting for anti-(mutant) SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammation compounds of Lianhua Qingwen Capsules in treating COVID-19. Chin Med 2022; 17:84. [PMID: 35799189 PMCID: PMC9261255 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00637-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lianhua Qingwen Capsules (LHQW) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription commonly used to treat viral influenza in China. There has been sufficient evidence that LHQW could effectively treat COVID-19. Nevertheless, the potential anti-(mutant) SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammation compounds in LHQW are still vague. METHODS The compounds of LHQW and targets were collected from TCMSP, TCMID, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry of CAS database, and relevant literature. Autodock Vina was used to carry out molecular docking. The pkCSM platform to predict the relevant parameters of compound absorption in vivo. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING database. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was carried out by Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The anti-(mutant) SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammation networks were constructed on the Cytoscape platform. RESULTS 280 compounds, 16 targets related to SARS-CoV-2, and 54 targets related to cytokine storm were obtained by screening. The key pathways Toll-like receptor signaling, NOD-like receptor signal pathway, and Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and the core targets IL6 were obtained by PPI network and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The network analysis predicted and discussed the 16 main anti-SARS-CoV-2 active compounds and 12 main anti-inflammation active compounds. Ochnaflavone and Hypericin are potential anti-mutant virus compounds in LHQW. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study explored the potential anti-(mutant) SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammation compounds of LHQW against COVID-19, which can provide new ideas and valuable references for discovering active compounds in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Hong
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China ,grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Min He
- grid.412982.40000 0000 8633 7608Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, China
| | - Shaoping Li
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China ,grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China ,grid.437123.00000 0004 1794 8068Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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16
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Sun C, Xie C, Bu GL, Zhong LY, Zeng MS. Molecular characteristics, immune evasion, and impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:202. [PMID: 35764603 PMCID: PMC9240077 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistent COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 has brought an enormous public health burden to the global society and is accompanied by various evolution of the virus genome. The consistently emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants harboring critical mutations impact the molecular characteristics of viral proteins and display heterogeneous behaviors in immune evasion, transmissibility, and the clinical manifestation during infection, which differ each strain and endow them with distinguished features during populational spread. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants, identified as Variants of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization, challenged global efforts on COVID-19 control due to the rapid worldwide spread and enhanced immune evasion from current antibodies and vaccines. Moreover, the recent Omicron variant even exacerbated the global anxiety in the continuous pandemic. Its significant evasion from current medical treatment and disease control even highlights the necessity of combinatory investigation of the mutational pattern and influence of the mutations on viral dynamics against populational immunity, which would greatly facilitate drug and vaccine development and benefit the global public health policymaking. Hence in this review, we summarized the molecular characteristics, immune evasion, and impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 variants and focused on the parallel comparison of different variants in mutational profile, transmissibility and tropism alteration, treatment effectiveness, and clinical manifestations, in order to provide a comprehensive landscape for SARS-CoV-2 variant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Long Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
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17
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Znaidia M, Demeret C, van der Werf S, Komarova AV. Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Evasion: Interferon Pathway and Therapeutic Options. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061247. [PMID: 35746718 PMCID: PMC9231409 DOI: 10.3390/v14061247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by an important capacity to circumvent the innate immune response. The early interferon (IFN) response is necessary to establish a robust antiviral state. However, this response is weak and delayed in COVID-19 patients, along with massive pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This dysregulated innate immune response contributes to pathogenicity and in some individuals leads to a critical state. Characterizing the interplay between viral factors and host innate immunity is crucial to better understand how to manage the disease. Moreover, the constant emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants challenges the efficacy of existing vaccines. Thus, to control this virus and readjust the antiviral therapy currently used to treat COVID-19, studies should constantly be re-evaluated to further decipher the mechanisms leading to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Regarding the role of the IFN response in SARS-CoV-2 infection, in this review we summarize the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 evades innate immune recognition. More specifically, we explain how this virus inhibits IFN signaling pathways (IFN-I/IFN-III) and controls interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression. We also discuss the development and use of IFNs and potential drugs controlling the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2, helping to clear the infection.
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18
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Kashyap D, Roy R, Kar P, Jha HC. Plant-derived active compounds as a potential nucleocapsid protein inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2: an in-silico study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35532092 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2072951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2. This virus has a high mismatch repair proofreading ability due to its unique exonuclease activity, making it knotty to treat. The nucleocapsid protein can serve as a potential antiviral drug target, as this protein is responsible for multiple captious functions during the viral life cycle. Herein, we have investigated the potential to repurpose active antiviral compounds of plant origins for treating the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, we followed the molecular docking methodology to screen druggable natural plants' active compounds against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. The virtual screening of all 68 compounds revealed that the top seven active compounds, such as withanolide D, hypericin, silymarin, oxyacanthine, withaferin A, Acetyl aleuritolic acid, and rhein, exhibit good binding affinity with druggable ADME properties, toxicity, and Pass prediction. The stability of the docked complexes was studied by conducting molecular simulations of 100 ns. MM-GBSA calculated the binding free energy uncovered that withanolide D, hypericin, and silymarin result in highly stable binding conformations in three different sites of the nucleocapsid protein. However, further investigation is needed in order to validate the candidacy of these inhibitors for clinical trials. HighlightsNatural plants' active compounds may aid in the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and COVID-19 therapeutics.Hypericin, silymarin, withanolide D, oxyacanthine, withaferin A, Acetyl aleuritolic acid, and rhein are effective against SARS-CoV-2 N protein.Studied natural plants' active compounds could be useful against COVID-19 and its associated organs comorbidities.ADMET properties of selected compounds favor these compounds as druggable candidates.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kashyap
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Rajarshi Roy
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Parimal Kar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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19
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Zhou H, Ni WJ, Huang W, Wang Z, Cai M, Sun YC. Advances in Pathogenesis, Progression, Potential Targets and Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in SARS-CoV-2-Induced COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834942. [PMID: 35450063 PMCID: PMC9016159 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As the new year of 2020 approaches, an acute respiratory disease quietly caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. Subsequently, COVID-19 broke out on a global scale and formed a global public health emergency. To date, the destruction that has lasted for more than two years has not stopped and has caused the virus to continuously evolve new mutant strains. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to cause multiple complications and lead to severe disability and death, which has dealt a heavy blow to global development, not only in the medical field but also in social security, economic development, global cooperation and communication. To date, studies on the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanism and pathological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19, as well as target confirmation, drug screening, and clinical intervention have achieved remarkable effects. With the continuous efforts of the WHO, governments of various countries, and scientific research and medical personnel, the public’s awareness of COVID-19 is gradually deepening, a variety of prevention methods and detection methods have been implemented, and multiple vaccines and drugs have been developed and urgently marketed. However, these do not appear to have completely stopped the pandemic and ravages of this virus. Meanwhile, research on SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 has also seen some twists and controversies, such as potential drugs and the role of vaccines. In view of the fact that research on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 has been extensive and in depth, this review will systematically update the current understanding of the epidemiology, transmission mechanism, pathological features, potential targets, promising drugs and ongoing clinical trials, which will provide important references and new directions for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Huang
- The Third People's Hospital of Hefei, The Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Fudan University-Anhui Campus, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yan-Cai Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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20
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Srivastava R. Chemical Reactivity and Optical and Pharmacokinetics Studies of 14 Multikinase Inhibitors and Their Docking Interactions Toward ACK1 for Precision Oncology. Front Chem 2022; 10:843642. [PMID: 35494626 PMCID: PMC9050413 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.843642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated Cdc42-associated kinase 1 (ACK1/TNK2) has a significant role in cell endocytosis, survival, proliferation, and migration. Mutations in ACK1 are closely associated with the occurrence and development of cancers. In this work, a conceptual density functional theory (CDFT)-based computational peptidology (CDFT-CP) method is used to study the chemical reactivity of 14 multikinase inhibitors. Optical properties of these inhibitors are studied by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Various biological and pharmacokinetic parameters are studied by Osiris, Molinspiration, and BOILED-Egg in SwissADME software tools. Physicochemical and biopharmaceutical (PCB), Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay (AMES) mutagenicity, toxicity, and risk prediction are estimated by Simulations plus ADMET Predictor 10.2 software. MD simulations for an active model of ACK1 is carried out by the CABS-flex 2.0 web server, and potential binding pockets for ACK1 are searched using the PrankWeb server. SwissTargetPrediction is used to predict the potential targets for the multikinase inhibitors. Docking studies are carried out for ACK1–multikinase inhibitors using Autodock 4.2 software. Noncovalent interactions for ACK1–multikinase inhibitor complexes are studied using the Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler (PLIP) server. Results indicated higher binding affinities and strong noncovalent interactions in ACK1–multikinase inhibitor complexes.
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21
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Freitas BT, Ahiadorme DA, Bagul RS, Durie IA, Ghosh S, Hill J, Kramer NE, Murray J, O’Boyle BM, Onobun E, Pirrone MG, Shepard JD, Enos S, Subedi YP, Upadhyaya K, Tripp RA, Cummings BS, Crich D, Pegan SD. Exploring Noncovalent Protease Inhibitors for the Treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Like Coronaviruses. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:596-611. [PMID: 35199517 PMCID: PMC8887654 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 have transmitted from animal hosts to humans causing zoonotic outbreaks of severe disease. Both viruses originate from a group of betacoronaviruses known as subgroup 2b. The emergence of two dangerous human pathogens from this group along with previous studies illustrating the potential of other subgroup 2b members to transmit to humans has underscored the need for antiviral development against them. Coronaviruses modify the host innate immune response in part through the reversal of ubiquitination and ISGylation with their papain-like protease (PLpro). To identify unique or overarching subgroup 2b structural features or enzymatic biases, the PLpro from a subgroup 2b bat coronavirus, BtSCoV-Rf1.2004, was biochemically and structurally evaluated. This evaluation revealed that PLpros from subgroup 2b coronaviruses have narrow substrate specificity for K48 polyubiquitin and ISG15 originating from certain species. The PLpro of BtSCoV-Rf1.2004 was used as a tool alongside PLpro of CoV-1 and CoV-2 to design 30 novel noncovalent drug-like pan subgroup 2b PLpro inhibitors that included determining the effects of using previously unexplored core linkers within these compounds. Two crystal structures of BtSCoV-Rf1.2004 PLpro bound to these inhibitors aided in compound design as well as shared structural features among subgroup 2b proteases. Screening of these three subgroup 2b PLpros against this novel set of inhibitors along with cytotoxicity studies provide new directions for pan-coronavirus subgroup 2b antiviral development of PLpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan T. Freitas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Daniil A. Ahiadorme
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, 140 Cedar Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Rahul S. Bagul
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Ian A. Durie
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Samir Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Jarvis Hill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, 140 Cedar Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Naomi E. Kramer
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Jackelyn Murray
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Brady M. O’Boyle
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Emmanuel Onobun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, 140 Cedar Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Michael G. Pirrone
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Justin D. Shepard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Suzanne Enos
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Yagya P. Subedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Kapil Upadhyaya
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Ralph A. Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Brian S. Cummings
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - David Crich
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia 120 W. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, 140 Cedar Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Scott D. Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521, United States
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22
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In silico study of potential antiviral activity of copper(II) complexes with non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs on various SARS–CoV–2 target proteins. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 231:111805. [PMID: 35334392 PMCID: PMC8930182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In silico molecular docking studies, in vitro toxicity and in silico predictions on the biological activity profile, pharmacokinetic properties, drug–likeness, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) physicochemical pharmacokinetic data, and target proteins and toxicity predictions were performed on six copper(II) complexes with the non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs ibuprofen, loxoprofen, fenoprofen and clonixin as ligands, in order to investigate the ability of these complexes to interact with the key therapeutic target proteins of SARS–CoV–2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) 3C–like cysteine main protease (3CLpro/Mpro), viral papain–like protease (PLpro), RNA–dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and non–structural proteins (Nsps) Nsp16–Nsp10 2′–O–methyltransferase complex, and their capacity to act as antiviral agents, contributing thus to understanding the role they can play in the context of coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic. Cytotoxic activity against five human cancer and normal cell lines were also evaluated.
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23
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Matos ADR, Caetano BC, de Almeida Filho JL, Martins JSCDC, de Oliveira MGP, Sousa TDC, Horta MAP, Siqueira MM, Fernandez JH. Identification of Hypericin as a Candidate Repurposed Therapeutic Agent for COVID-19 and Its Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:828984. [PMID: 35222340 PMCID: PMC8866965 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.828984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the global economy and public health. Its etiologic agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible, pathogenic and has a rapid global spread. Currently, the increase in the number of new confirmed cases has been slowed down due to the increase of vaccination in some regions of the world. Still, the rise of new variants has influenced the detection of additional waves of rising cases that some countries have experienced. Since the virus replication cycle is composed of many distinct stages, some viral proteins related to them, as the main-protease (Mpro) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), constitute individual potential antiviral targets. In this study, we challenged the mentioned enzymes against compounds pre-approved by health regulatory agencies in a virtual screening and later in Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Bolzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analysis. Our results showed that, among the identified potential drugs with anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, Hypericin, an important component of the Hypericum perforatum that presents antiviral and antitumoral properties, binds with high affinity to viral Mpro and RdRp. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of Hypericin anti-SARS-CoV-2 replication in an in vitro model of Vero-E6 infected cells. Therefore, we show that Hypericin inhibited viral replication in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the compound, in cultured cells, was evaluated, but no significant activity was found. Thus, the results observed in this study indicate that Hypericin is an excellent candidate for repurposing for the treatment of COVID-19, with possible inhibition of two important phases of virus maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline da Rocha Matos
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Braulia Costa Caetano
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João Luiz de Almeida Filho
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (LQFPP-CBB-UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago das Chagas Sousa
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Pereira Horta
- Plataforma de Laboratórios de Biossegurança Nível 3, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (NB3-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e do Sarampo, Insituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LVRS-IOC-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge Hernandez Fernandez
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (LQFPP-CBB-UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
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24
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Algal Metabolites Can Be an Immune Booster against COVID-19 Pandemic. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030452. [PMID: 35326102 PMCID: PMC8944855 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The world has faced the challenges of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for the last two years, first diagnosed at the end of 2019 in Wuhan and widely distributed worldwide. As a result, the WHO has proclaimed the illness brought on by this virus to be a global pandemic. To combat COVID-19, researcher communities continuously develop and implement rapid diagnoses, safe and effective vaccinations and other alternative therapeutic procedures. However, synthetic drug-related side effects and high costs have piqued scientists’ interest in natural product-based therapies and medicines. In this regard, antiviral substances derived from natural resources and some medicines have seen a boom in popularity. For instance, algae are a rich source of compounds such as lectins and sulfated polysaccharides, which have potent antiviral and immunity-boosting properties. Moreover, Algae-derived compounds or metabolites can be used as antibodies and vaccine raw materials against COVID-19. Furthermore, some algal species can boost immunity, reduce viral activity in humans and be recommended for usage as a COVID-19 preventative measure. However, this field of study is still in its early stages of development. Therefore, this review addresses critical characteristics of algal metabolites, their antioxidant potential and therapeutic potential in COVID-19.
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25
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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Ververis K, Guallar V, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Investigation of small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease by all-atom microsecond modelling, PELE Monte Carlo simulations, and in vitro activity inhibition. Chem Phys Lett 2022; 788:139294. [PMID: 34961797 PMCID: PMC8693950 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2021.139294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like (PLpro) protease is essential for viral replication. We investigated potential antiviral effects of hypericin relative to the well-known noncovalent PLpro inhibitor GRL-0617. Molecular dynamics and PELE Monte Carlo simulations highlight favourable binding of hypericin and GRL-0617 to the naphthalene binding pocket of PLpro. Although not potent as GRL-0617 (45.8 vs 1.6 µM for protease activity, respectively), in vitro fluorogenic enzymatic assays with hypericin show concentration-dependent inhibition of both PLpro protease and deubiquitinating activities. Given its use in supplementations and the FDA conditional approval of a synthetic version, further evaluation of hypericin as a potential SARS-CoV-2 antiviral is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J. Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Katherine Ververis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Victor Guallar
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Jordi Girona 29, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain,ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C. Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Corresponding author at: Head Epigenomic Medicine Program, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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26
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Cao Y, Yang R, Wang W, Jiang S, Yang C, Liu N, Dai H, Lee I, Meng X, Yuan Z. Probing the Formation, Structure and Free Energy Relationships of M Protein Dimers of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:573-582. [PMID: 35047128 PMCID: PMC8756865 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The M protein of the novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is the major structural component of the viral envelope and is also the minimum requirement for virus particle budding. M proteins generally exist as dimers. In virus assembly, they are the main driving force for envelope formation through lateral interactions and interactions with other viral structural proteins that play a central role. We built 100 candidate models and finally analyzed the six most convincing structural features of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein dimer based on long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, multiple free energy analyses (potential mean force (PMF) and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA)) and principal component analysis (PCA) to obtain the most reasonable structure. The dimer stability was found to depend on the Leu-Ile zipper motif and aromatic amino acids in the transmembrane domain (TMD). Furthermore, the C-terminal domain (CTD) effects were relatively small. These results highlight a model in which there is sufficient binding affinity between the TMDs of M proteins to form dimers through the residues at the interface of the three transmembrane helices (TMHs). This study aims to help find more effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M dimers and to develop vaccines based on structural information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Cao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital. 300031, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Shengpeng Jiang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Chengwen Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Ningbo Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Hongji Dai
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- College of Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Imshik Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
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27
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Applications of density functional theory in COVID-19 drug modeling. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1411-1419. [PMID: 34954327 PMCID: PMC8695517 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to millions of deaths around the world, highlighting the pressing need to develop effective antiviral pharmaceuticals. Recent efforts with computer-aided rational drug discovery have allowed detailed examination of drug–macromolecule interactions primarily by molecular mechanics (MM) techniques. Less widely applied in COVID-19 drug modeling is density functional theory (DFT), a quantum mechanics (QM) method that enables electronic structure calculations and elucidations of reaction mechanisms. Here, we review recent advances in applying DFT in molecular modeling studies of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals. We start by providing an overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) drugs and targets, followed by a brief introduction to DFT. We then provide a discussion of different approaches by which DFT has been applied. Finally, we discuss essential factors to consider when incorporating DFT in future drug modeling research.
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28
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Sanachai K, Mahalapbutr P, Sanghiran Lee V, Rungrotmongkol T, Hannongbua S. In Silico Elucidation of Potent Inhibitors and Rational Drug Design against SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:13644-13656. [PMID: 34904832 PMCID: PMC8691209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c07060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Global public health has been a critical problem by the sudden increase of the COVID-19 outbreak. The papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a key promising target for antiviral drug development since it plays a pivotal role in viral replication and innate immunity. Here, we employed the all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations based on MM-PB(GB)SA and SIE methods to elucidate and compare the binding behaviors of five inhibitors derived from peptidomimetic inhibitors (VIR250 and VIR251) and naphthalene-based inhibitors (GRL-0617, compound 3, and compound Y96) against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. The obtained results revealed that all inhibitors interacting within the PLpro active site are mostly driven by vdW interactions, and the hydrogen bond formation in residues G163 and G271 with peptidomimetics and the Q269 residue with naphthalene-based inhibitors was essential for stabilizing the protein-ligand complexes. Among the five studied inhibitors, VIR250 exhibited the most binding efficiency with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, and thus, it was chosen for the rational drug design. Based on the computationally designed ligand-protein complexes, the replacement of aromatic rings including heteroatoms (e.g., thiazolopyridine) at the P2 and P4 sites could help to improve the inhibitor-binding efficiency. Furthermore, the hydrophobic interactions with residues at P1-P3 sites can be increased by enlarging the nonpolar moieties (e.g., ethene) at the N-terminal of VIR250. We expect that the structural data obtained will contribute to the development of new PLpro inhibitors with more inhibitory potency for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonpan Sanachai
- Center
of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Biocatalyst
and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department
of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University
of Malaya, Kuala
Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Biocatalyst
and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Program
in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Supot Hannongbua
- Center
of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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29
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Marondedze EF, Govender PP. Exploiting the glycan receptor-binding site of PltB subunit in salmonella typhi toxin for novel inhibitors: An in-silico approach. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 111:108082. [PMID: 34837784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.108082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Salmonella typhi (S. typhi), a gram-negative bacterium responsible for gastroenteritis - typhoid - has continually evolved into drug-resistant strains with the most recent being the haplotype H58 strain. The haplotype H58 strain has spread across the globe causing outbreaks in countries such as Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and several underdeveloped regions located in parts of Asia, Central and Southern Africa. Treatment by conventional antibiotics is gradually failing as recorded in the affected countries, including Nigeria and Barcelona - Spain. Therefore, the research presented herein aims to identify novel compounds targeting the typhoid toxin of S. typhi which is responsible for several virulence factors associated with typhoid. In-silico methods that include virtual screening, molecular dynamics (MD) and computation of binding free energies were utilized. Our research identified furan derivatives as top-scoring lead compounds from a database of more than 1,5 million compounds curated from the ZINC20 database. Post docking analysis and trajectory analysis post-MD simulations showed that π - π interactions are vital to holding the ligand within the receptor pocket whereas hydrophobic and Van der Waals interactions are crucial for the overall bonding. Through docking, MD simulations and free energy computations, we hypothesize that ZINC000114543311, ZINC000794380763 and ZINC000158992484 (docking scores of -9.06, -8.20 and -8.12 in conjunction with ΔG values of -64.691, -63.670 and -59.024 kcal/mol, respectively) bear a great potential to pave the way to fighting antibiotic resistance for typhoid in both humans and animals. The compounds presented here can also be used as lead materials for designing other compounds targeting the Salmonella typhi toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim Felix Marondedze
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Penny Poomani Govender
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa
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30
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Españo E, Kim J, Lee K, Kim JK. Phytochemicals for the treatment of COVID-19. J Microbiol 2021; 59:959-977. [PMID: 34724178 PMCID: PMC8559138 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-021-1467-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the lack of approved drugs against acute viral diseases. Plants are considered inexhaustible sources of drugs for several diseases and clinical conditions, but plant-derived compounds have seen little success in the field of antivirals. Here, we present the case for the use of compounds from vascular plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins, as antivirals, particularly for the treatment of COVID-19. We review current evidence for the use of these phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 infection and present their potential targets in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Españo
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiho Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Kaul R, Paul P, Kumar S, Büsselberg D, Dwivedi VD, Chaari A. Promising Antiviral Activities of Natural Flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Targets: Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11069. [PMID: 34681727 PMCID: PMC8539743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) became a globally leading public health concern over the past two years. Despite the development and administration of multiple vaccines, the mutation of newer strains and challenges to universal immunity has shifted the focus to the lack of efficacious drugs for therapeutic intervention for the disease. As with SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and other non-respiratory viruses, flavonoids present themselves as a promising therapeutic intervention given their success in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and more recently, in clinical studies. This review focuses on data from in vitro studies analyzing the effects of flavonoids on various key SARS-CoV-2 targets and presents an analysis of the structure-activity relationships for the same. From 27 primary papers, over 69 flavonoids were investigated for their activities against various SARS-CoV-2 targets, ranging from the promising 3C-like protease (3CLpro) to the less explored nucleocapsid (N) protein; the most promising were quercetin and myricetin derivatives, baicalein, baicalin, EGCG, and tannic acid. We further review promising in silico studies featuring activities of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 and list ongoing clinical studies involving the therapeutic potential of flavonoid-rich extracts in combination with synthetic drugs or other polyphenols and suggest prospects for the future of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhima Kaul
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (R.K.); (P.P.)
| | - Pradipta Paul
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (R.K.); (P.P.)
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Center for Bioinformatics, Computational and Systems Biology, Pathfinder Research and Training Foundation, Greater Noida 201308, India; (S.K.); (V.D.D.)
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Vivek Dhar Dwivedi
- Center for Bioinformatics, Computational and Systems Biology, Pathfinder Research and Training Foundation, Greater Noida 201308, India; (S.K.); (V.D.D.)
| | - Ali Chaari
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (R.K.); (P.P.)
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32
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Pitsillou E, Liang J, Yu Meng Huang H, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. In silico investigation to identify potential small molecule inhibitors of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase domain. Chem Phys Lett 2021; 779:138889. [PMID: 34305155 PMCID: PMC8273049 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2021.138889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a promising target for antiviral drugs. In this study, a chemical library (n = 300) was screened against the nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) domain. Blind docking was performed using a selection of 30 compounds and nine ligands were chosen based on their docking scores, safety profile, and availability. Using cluster analysis on a 10 microsecond molecular dynamics simulation trajectory (from D.E. Shaw Research), the compounds were docked to the different conformations. On the basis of our modelling studies, oleuropein was identified as a potential lead compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Julia Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Helen Yu Meng Huang
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C. Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia,Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Corresponding author
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KOCABAŞ F, USLU M. The current state of validated small molecules inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins. Turk J Biol 2021; 45:469-483. [PMID: 34803448 PMCID: PMC8573838 DOI: 10.3906/biy-2106-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 outbreak has had a profound influence on public health and daily life. Despite all restrictions and vaccination programs, COVID-19 still can lead to fatality due to a lack of COVID-19-specific treatments. A number of studies have demonstrated the feasibility to develop therapeutics by targeting underlying components of the viral proteome. Here we reviewed recently developed and validated small molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2's nonstructural proteins. We described the validation level of identified compounds specific for SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of in vitro and in vivo supporting data. The mechanisms of pharmacological activity, as well as approaches for developing improved SARS-CoV-2 NSP inhibitors have been emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih KOCABAŞ
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
| | - Merve USLU
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
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34
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Zhu W, Shyr Z, Lo DC, Zheng W. Viral Proteases as Targets for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Drug Development. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 378:166-172. [PMID: 33972366 PMCID: PMC8686716 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to be a global threat since its emergence. Although several COVID-19 vaccines have become available, the prospective timeframe for achieving effective levels of vaccination across global populations remains uncertain. Moreover, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants presents continuing potential challenges for future vaccination planning. Therefore, development of effective antiviral therapies continues to be an urgent unmet need for COVID-19. Successful antiviral regimens for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus infections have established viral proteases as validated targets for antiviral drug development. In this context, we review protease targets in drug development, currently available antiviral protease inhibitors, and therapeutic development efforts on SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a global threat since its emergence. The development of effective antiviral therapeutics for COVID-19 remains an urgent and long-term need. Because viral proteases are validated drug targets, specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 protease inhibitors are critical therapeutics to be developed for treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zeenat Shyr
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Donald C Lo
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Tejera E, Pérez-Castillo Y, Toscano G, Noboa AL, Ochoa-Herrera V, Giampieri F, Álvarez-Suarez JM. Computational modeling predicts potential effects of the herbal infusion "horchata" against COVID-19. Food Chem 2021; 366:130589. [PMID: 34311241 PMCID: PMC8314115 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive plant-derived molecules have emerged as therapeutic alternatives in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this investigation, principal bioactive compounds of the herbal infusion “horchata” from Ecuador were studied as potential novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The chemical composition of horchata was determined through a HPLC-DAD/ESI-MSn and GC–MS analysis while the inhibitory potential of the compounds on SARS-CoV-2 was determined by a computational prediction using various strategies, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Up to 51 different compounds were identified. The computational analysis of predicted targets reveals the compounds’ possible anti-inflammatory (no steroidal) and antioxidant effects. Three compounds were identified as candidates for Mpro inhibition: benzoic acid, 2-(ethylthio)-ethyl ester, l-Leucine-N-isobutoxycarbonyl-N-methyl-heptyl and isorhamnetin and for PLpro: isorhamnetin-3-O-(6-Orhamnosyl-galactoside), dihydroxy-methoxyflavanone and dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-4-oxochromen-7-yl]oxy-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxane-2-carboxylic acid. Our results suggest the potential of Ecuadorian horchata infusion as a starting scaffold for the development of new inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Tejera
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador; Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Yunierkis Pérez-Castillo
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador; Escuela de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gisselle Toscano
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ana Lucía Noboa
- Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Valeria Ochoa-Herrera
- Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - José M Álvarez-Suarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador; King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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36
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Natesh J, Mondal P, Kaur B, Abdul Salam AA, Kasilingam S, Meeran SM. Promising phytochemicals of traditional Himalayan medicinal plants against putative replication and transmission targets of SARS-CoV-2 by computational investigation. Comput Biol Med 2021; 133:104383. [PMID: 33915361 PMCID: PMC8056879 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification and repurposing of therapeutic and preventive strategies against COVID-19 are rapidly undergoing. Several medicinal plants from the Himalayan region have been traditionally used to treat various human disorders. Thus, in our current study, we intended to explore the potential ability of Himalayan medicinal plant (HMP) bioactives against COVID-19 using computational investigations. METHODS Molecular docking was performed against six crucial targets involved in the replication and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. About forty-two HMP bioactives were analyzed against these targets for their binding energy, molecular interactions, inhibition constant, and biological pathway enrichment analysis. Pharmacological properties and potential biological functions of HMP bioactives were predicted using the ADMETlab and PASS webserver respectively. RESULTS Our current investigation has demonstrated that the bioactives of HMPs potentially act against COVID-19. Docking results showed that several HMP bioactives had a superior binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 essential targets like 3CLpro, PLpro, RdRp, helicase, spike protein, and human ACE2. Based on the binding energies, several bioactives were selected and analyzed for pathway enrichment studies. We have found that selected HMP bioactives may have a role in regulating immune and apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, these selected HMP bioactives have shown lower toxicity with pleiotropic biological activities, including anti-viral activities in predicting activity spectra for substances. CONCLUSIONS Current study results can explore the possibility of HMPs as therapeutic agents against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagadish Natesh
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India
| | - Priya Mondal
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India
| | - Bhavjot Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020, India
| | - Abdul Ajees Abdul Salam
- Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Centre for Applied Nanosciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Srikaa Kasilingam
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020, India
| | - Syed Musthapa Meeran
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India.
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37
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Ali AM, Kunugi H. Propolis, Bee Honey, and Their Components Protect against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review of In Silico, In Vitro, and Clinical Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:1232. [PMID: 33669054 PMCID: PMC7956496 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the virulence and high fatality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no specific antiviral treatment exists until the current moment. Natural agents with immune-promoting potentials such as bee products are being explored as possible treatments. Bee honey and propolis are rich in bioactive compounds that express strong antimicrobial, bactericidal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. This review examined the literature for the anti-COVID-19 effects of bee honey and propolis, with the aim of optimizing the use of these handy products as prophylactic or adjuvant treatments for people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Molecular simulations show that flavonoids in propolis and honey (e.g., rutin, naringin, caffeic acid phenyl ester, luteolin, and artepillin C) may inhibit viral spike fusion in host cells, viral-host interactions that trigger the cytokine storm, and viral replication. Similar to the potent antiviral drug remdesivir, rutin, propolis ethanolic extract, and propolis liposomes inhibited non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, and these compounds along with naringin inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero E6 cells. Propolis extracts delivered by nanocarriers exhibit better antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 than ethanolic extracts. In line, hospitalized COVID-19 patients receiving green Brazilian propolis or a combination of honey and Nigella sativa exhibited earlier viral clearance, symptom recovery, discharge from the hospital as well as less mortality than counterparts receiving standard care alone. Thus, the use of bee products as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 may produce beneficial effects. Implications for treatment outcomes and issues to be considered in future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Mohammed Ali
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-0031, Japan;
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21527, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-0031, Japan;
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
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Mousavi SH, Mohammadizadeh MR, Poorsadeghi S, Arimitsu S, Mohammadsaleh F, Kojya G, Gima S. One-pot synthesis of new alkyl 1-naphthoates bearing quinoline, pyranone and cyclohexenone moieties via metal-free sequential addition/oxidation reactions. RSC Adv 2021; 11:36748-36752. [PMID: 35494386 PMCID: PMC9043593 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07092d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A mild and one-pot synthetic pathway was successfully developed for the synthesis of new naphthoate-based scaffolds containing quinoline, pyranone and cyclohexenone moieties via a multistep reaction between acenaphthoquinone and various 1,3-diketones in the presence of different primary aliphatic and benzylic alcohols. This reaction proceeds via a sequential addition/oxidation mechanistic process including a metal-free addition step of acenaphthoquinone and 1,3-diketones followed by the H5IO6-mediated C–C oxidative cleavage of the corresponding vicinal diols at room temperature. The alcohols play a dual role, as the reaction solvent as well as the nucleophile, to conduct the reaction process toward naphthoate formation. All alkyl naphthoate derivatives prepared in this work are new compounds and were definitively characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS analysis, while X-ray crystallography was carried out for one of the products. The synthesis of a naphthalene-based nucleus attached to heterocyclic moieties is noteworthy to follow in the near future for diverse applications in biology, medicine, metal complex design, and semiconductor and optical materials. Various new alkyl 1-naphthoates bearing quinoline, pyranone and cyclohexenone moieties were successfully synthesized by a one-pot sequential addition/oxidation process.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Hekmat Mousavi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Nano and Bioscience and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadizadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Nano and Bioscience and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Samira Poorsadeghi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1-Senbaru, Nakagami, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Satoru Arimitsu
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1-Senbaru, Nakagami, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadsaleh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Nano and Bioscience and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Genta Kojya
- Center for Research Advancement and Collaboration, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru 1, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Shinichi Gima
- Center for Research Advancement and Collaboration, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru 1, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
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