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Monarca L, Ragonese F, Biagini A, Sabbatini P, Pacini M, Zucchi A, Spaccapelo R, Ferrari P, Nicolini A, Fioretti B. Electrophysiological Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Protein in U251 Human Glioblastoma Cells: Possible Implications in Gliomagenesis? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6669. [PMID: 38928376 PMCID: PMC11203726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the acute respiratory disease which, so far, has led to over 7 million deaths. There are several symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections which include neurological and psychiatric disorders, at least in the case of pre-Omicron variants. SARS-CoV-2 infection can also promote the onset of glioblastoma in patients without prior malignancies. In this study, we focused on the Envelope protein codified by the virus genome, which acts as viroporin and that is reported to be central for virus propagation. In particular, we characterized the electrophysiological profile of E-protein transfected U251 and HEK293 cells through the patch-clamp technique and FURA-2 measurements. Specifically, we observed an increase in the voltage-dependent (Kv) and calcium-dependent (KCa) potassium currents in HEK293 and U251 cell lines, respectively. Interestingly, in both cellular models, we observed a depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential in accordance with an alteration of U251 cell growth. We, therefore, investigated the transcriptional effect of E protein on the signaling pathways and found several gene alterations associated with apoptosis, cytokines and WNT pathways. The electrophysiological and transcriptional changes observed after E protein expression could explain the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Monarca
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (F.R.); (A.B.); (P.S.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ragonese
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (F.R.); (A.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Andrea Biagini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (F.R.); (A.B.); (P.S.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Paola Sabbatini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (F.R.); (A.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Matteo Pacini
- Urology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Alessandro Zucchi
- Urology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Roberta Spaccapelo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Bernard Fioretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (F.R.); (A.B.); (P.S.)
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Sokolinskaya EL, Ivanova ON, Fedyakina IT, Ivanov AV, Lukyanov KA. Natural-Target-Mimicking Translocation-Based Fluorescent Sensor for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Protease Activity and Virus Infection in Living Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6635. [PMID: 38928340 PMCID: PMC11203561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Papain-like protease PLpro, a domain within a large polyfunctional protein, nsp3, plays key roles in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, being responsible for the first events of cleavage of a polyprotein into individual proteins (nsp1-4) as well as for the suppression of cellular immunity. Here, we developed a new genetically encoded fluorescent sensor, named PLpro-ERNuc, for detection of PLpro activity in living cells using a translocation-based readout. The sensor was designed as follows. A fragment of nsp3 protein was used to direct the sensor on the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, thus closely mimicking the natural target of PLpro. The fluorescent part included two bright fluorescent proteins-red mScarlet I and green mNeonGreen-separated by a linker with the PLpro cleavage site. A nuclear localization signal (NLS) was attached to ensure accumulation of mNeonGreen into the nucleus upon cleavage. We tested PLpro-ERNuc in a model of recombinant PLpro expressed in HeLa cells. The sensor demonstrated the expected cytoplasmic reticular network in the red and green channels in the absence of protease, and efficient translocation of the green signal into nuclei in the PLpro-expressing cells (14-fold increase in the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio). Then, we used PLpro-ERNuc in a model of Huh7.5 cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, where it showed robust ER-to-nucleus translocation of the green signal in the infected cells 24 h post infection. We believe that PLpro-ERNuc represents a useful tool for screening PLpro inhibitors as well as for monitoring virus spread in a culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena L. Sokolinskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Olga N. Ivanova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (O.N.I.); (A.V.I.)
| | - Irina T. Fedyakina
- Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Russia, 132098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (O.N.I.); (A.V.I.)
| | - Konstantin A. Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
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Knizhnik E, Chumakov S, Svetlova J, Pavlova I, Khodarovich Y, Brylev V, Severov V, Alieva R, Kozlovskaya L, Andreev D, Aralov A, Varizhuk A. Unwinding the SARS-CoV-2 Ribosomal Frameshifting Pseudoknot with LNA and G-Clamp-Modified Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides Inhibits Viral Replication. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1660. [PMID: 38002341 PMCID: PMC10668963 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal frameshifting (RFS) at the slippery site of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is essential for the biosynthesis of the viral replication machinery. It requires the formation of a pseudoknot (PK) structure near the slippery site and can be inhibited by PK-disrupting oligonucleotide-based antivirals. We obtained and compared three types of such antiviral candidates, namely locked nucleic acids (LNA), LNA-DNA gapmers, and G-clamp-containing phosphorothioates (CPSs) complementary to PK stems. Using optical and electrophoretic methods, we showed that stem 2-targeting oligonucleotide analogs induced PK unfolding at nanomolar concentrations, and this effect was particularly pronounced in the case of LNA. For the leading PK-unfolding LNA and CPS oligonucleotide analogs, we also demonstrated dose-dependent RSF inhibition in dual luciferase assays (DLAs). Finally, we showed that the leading oligonucleotide analogs reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication at subtoxic concentrations in the nanomolar range in two human cell lines. Our findings highlight the promise of PK targeting, illustrate the advantages and limitations of various types of DNA modifications and may promote the future development of oligonucleotide-based antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Knizhnik
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Stepan Chumakov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.C.); (Y.K.); (V.B.); (D.A.)
| | - Julia Svetlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Iulia Pavlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Yuri Khodarovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.C.); (Y.K.); (V.B.); (D.A.)
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Cellular Technologies of The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Brylev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.C.); (Y.K.); (V.B.); (D.A.)
| | - Vjacheslav Severov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Rugiya Alieva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Raman Spectroscopy Laboratory, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Liubov Kozlovskaya
- Chumakov Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Poliomyelitis), 108819 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry Andreev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.C.); (Y.K.); (V.B.); (D.A.)
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey Aralov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (V.S.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.C.); (Y.K.); (V.B.); (D.A.)
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Hajikarimloo B, Fahim F, Sabbagh Alvani M, Oveisi S, Zali A, Anvari H, Oraee-Yazdani S. Management of Glioblastoma Multiforme During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic: A Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2023; 178:87-92. [PMID: 37429378 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and other patients with cancer are at a greater risk of developing severe complications as a result of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust therapeutic approaches to reduce exposure and complications and achieve the most appropriate treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to help physicians to make decisions based on the latest data in the literature. METHOD We provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the current issues of GBM and COVID-19 infection. RESULTS The mortality of patients with diffuse glioma as a result of COVID-19 infection was 39%, which is higher than in the general population. The statistics showed that 84.5% of patients with diagnosed brain cancer (mostly GBM) and 89.9% of their caregivers received COVID-19 vaccines. The decision to apply different therapeutic approaches must be made individually based on age, tumor grade, molecular profile, and performance status. The advantages and disadvantages of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy after the surgery should be evaluated carefully. In the setting of the follow-up period, special considerations must be considered to minimize COVID-19 exposure. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic altered medical approaches worldwide, and the management of patients in an immunocompromised state, such as patients with GBM, is challenging; therefore, special considerations must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bardia Hajikarimloo
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzan Fahim
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Sabbagh Alvani
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayeh Oveisi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Anvari
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Oraee-Yazdani
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Nucleoside Analogs That Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Blocking Interaction of Virus Polymerase with RNA. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043361. [PMID: 36834771 PMCID: PMC9959748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 6.5 million lives and, despite the development and use of COVID-19 vaccines, remains a major global public health problem. The development of specific drugs for the treatment of this disease remains a very urgent task. In the context of a repurposing strategy, we previously screened a library of nucleoside analogs showing different types of biological activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The screening revealed compounds capable of inhibiting the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 with EC50 values in the range of 20-50 µM. Here we present the design and synthesis of various analogs of the leader compounds, the evaluation of their cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures, as well as experimental data on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibition. Several compounds have been shown to prevent the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the RNA substrate, likely inhibiting virus replication. Three of the synthesized compounds have also been shown to inhibit influenza virus. The structures of these compounds can be used for further optimization in order to develop an antiviral drug.
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