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Marafie SK, Al-Mulla F. An Overview of the Role of Furin in Type 2 Diabetes. Cells 2023; 12:2407. [PMID: 37830621 PMCID: PMC10571965 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play important roles in regulating several human diseases, like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders. Investigating PTMs' contribution to protein functions is critical for modern biology and medicine. Proprotein convertases (PCs) are irreversible post-translational modifiers that have been extensively studied and are considered as key targets for novel therapeutics. They cleave proteins at specific sites causing conformational changes affecting their functions. Furin is considered as a PC model in regulating growth factors and is involved in regulating many pro-proteins. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is another key player in regulating cellular processes and its dysregulation is linked to several diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of furin in the context of diabetes has been rarely explored and is currently lacking. Moreover, furin variants have altered activity that could have implications on overall health. In this review, we aim to highlight the role of furin in T2D in relation to mTOR signaling. We will also address furin genetic variants and their potential effect on T2D and β-cell functions. Understanding the role of furin in prediabetes and dissecting it from other confounding factors like obesity is crucial for future therapeutic interventions in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman K. Marafie
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
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Mohammad A, Alshawaf E, Arefanian H, Marafie SK, Khan A, Wei DQ, Al-Mulla F, Abubaker J. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Macrodomain-1 to Restore the Innate Immune Response Using In Silico Screening of Medicinal Compounds and Free Energy Calculation Approaches. Viruses 2023; 15:1907. [PMID: 37766313 PMCID: PMC10538035 DOI: 10.3390/v15091907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the different drug targets of SARS-CoV-2, a multi-domain protein known as NSP3 is a critical element of the translational and replication machinery. The macrodomain-I, in particular, has been reported to have an essential role in the viral attack on the innate immune response. In this study, we explore natural medicinal compounds and identify potential inhibitors to target the SARS-CoV-2-NSP3 macrodomain-I. Computational modeling and simulation tools were utilized to investigate the structural-dynamic properties using triplicates of 100 ns MD simulations. In addition, the MM/GBSA method was used to calculate the total binding free energy of each inhibitor bound to macrodomain-I. Two significant hits were identified: 3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxyflavanone 3'-(4-hydroxybenzoic acid) and 2-hydroxy-3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-benzoic acid. The structural-dynamic investigation of both compounds with macrodomain-I revealed stable dynamics and compact behavior. In addition, the total binding free energy for each complex demonstrated a robust binding affinity, of ΔG -61.98 ± 0.9 kcal/mol for Compound A, while for Compound B, the ΔG was -45.125 ± 2.8 kcal/mol, indicating the inhibitory potential of these compounds. In silico bioactivity and dissociation constant (KD) determination for both complexes further validated the inhibitory potency of each compound. In conclusion, the aforementioned natural products have the potential to inhibit NSP3, to directly rescue the host immune response. The current study provides the basis for novel drug development against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (E.A.); (S.K.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Eman Alshawaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (E.A.); (S.K.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Hossein Arefanian
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait;
| | - Sulaiman K. Marafie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (E.A.); (S.K.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (A.K.); (D.-Q.W.)
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (A.K.); (D.-Q.W.)
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait;
- Translational Research Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (E.A.); (S.K.M.); (J.A.)
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Marafie SK, Alshawaf E, Abu-Farha M, Thanaraj TA, Wei DQ, Al-Mulla F, Khan A, Abubaker J, Mohammad A. Exploring the Binding Mechanism of NRG1-ERBB3 Complex and Discovery of Potent Natural Products to Reduce Diabetes-Assisted Breast Cancer Progression. Interdiscip Sci 2023:10.1007/s12539-023-00566-y. [PMID: 37389721 PMCID: PMC10374477 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-023-00566-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus significantly contributes to breast cancer progression, where hyperglycemia upregulates specific genes, leading to more aggressive tumor growth. In patients with BC that develop diabetes, neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (ERBB3) overexpression exacerbate tumor growth and progression. Since the interaction between NRG1 and ERBB3 is critical for tumor growth, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying NRG1-ERBB3 complex formation is essential for elucidating diabetes-assisted breast cancer progression. However, the key residues forming the NRG1-ERBB3 complex remain unknown. Here, we substituted specific residues in NRG1 with alanine and studied its interactions with ERBB3 using computational structural biology tools. We further screened the South African natural compounds database to target the complex's interface residues to discover potential inhibitors. The conformational stability and dynamic features of NRG1-WT, -H2A, -L3A, and -K35A complexed with ERBB3 were subjected to 400 ns molecular dynamics simulations. The free binding energies of all NRG1-ERBB3 complexes were calculated using the molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA). The H2 and L3 alanine substitutions caused a loss of interaction with ERBB3 residue D73, weakening the interaction with ERBB3. Screening 1300 natural compounds identified four (SANC00643, SANC00824, SANC00975, and SANC00335) with the best potential to inhibit ERRB3-NRG1 coupling. The binding free energies for each complex were - 48.55 kcal/mol for SANC00643, - 47.68 kcal/mol for SANC00824, - 46.04 kcal/mol for SANC00975, and - 45.29 kcal/mol for SANC00335, showing their overall stronger binding with ERBB3 than NRG1 and their potential to act as ERBB3-NRG1 complex inhibitors. In conclusion, this complex may represent a residue-specific drug target to inhibit BC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman K Marafie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Eman Alshawaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Mohamed Abu-Farha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Special Service Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | - Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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Al-Romaiyan A, Masocha W, Oyedemi S, Marafie SK, Huang GC, Jones PM, Persaud SJ. Commiphora myrrha stimulates insulin secretion from β-cells through activation of atypical protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 302:115937. [PMID: 36410575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ayurvedic medicine has been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus for centuries. In Arabia and some areas of Africa, Commiphora myrrha (CM) has been extensively used as a plant-based remedy. We have previously shown that an aqueous CM resin solution directly stimulates insulin secretion from MIN6 cells, a mouse β-cell line, and isolated mouse and human islets. However, the signaling pathways involved in CM-induced insulin secretion are completely unknown. Insulin secretion is normally triggered by elevations in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) through voltage gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and activation of protein kinases. Protein and lipid kinases such as protein kinase A (PKA), Ca2+-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), specifically extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), may be involved in receptor-operated insulin secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that CM may induce insulin secretion by modulating the activity of VGCC and/or one or more of the above kinases. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the possible molecular mechanism of action of CM-induced insulin secretion. The effects of aqueous CM resin extract on [Ca2+]i and protein kinase activation from β-cells were examined. METHODS The effect of aqueous CM resin solution on [Ca2+]i was assessed using Ca2+ microfluorimetry. The involvement of VGCC in CM-induced insulin secretion was investigated using static and perifusion insulin secretion experiments in the presence of either EGTA, a Ca2+ chelator, or nifedipine, a blocker of VGCC. The involvement of kinase activation in the stimulatory effect of CM on insulin secretion was examined by using static and perifusion insulin secretion experiments in the presence of known pharmacological inhibitors and/or downregulation of specific kinases. The effects of CM on phosphorylation of PKCζ and ERK1/2 were also assessed using the Wes™ capillary-based protein electrophoresis. RESULTS Ca2+ microfluorimetry measurements showed that exposing MIN6 cells to CM (0.5-2 mg/mL) was not associated with changes in [Ca2+]i. Similarly, incubating MIN6 cells and mouse islets with EGTA and nifedipine, respectively, did not attenuate the insulin secretion induced by CM. However, incubating mouse and human islets with CM in the presence of staurosporine, a non-selective protein kinase inhibitor, completely blocked the effect of CM on insulin secretion. Exposing mouse islets to CM in the presence of H89, KN62 and LY294002, inhibitors of PKA, CaMKII and PI3K, respectively, did not reduce CM-induced insulin secretion. However, incubating mouse and human islets with CM in the presence of Ro 31-8220, a pan-PKC inhibitor, diminished insulin secretion stimulated by CM, whereas inhibiting the action of typical PKC (with Go6976) and PLCβ (with U73122) did not affect CM-stimulated insulin secretion. Similarly, downregulating typical and novel PKC by chronic exposure of mouse islets to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was also not associated with a decrease in the stimulatory effect of CM on insulin secretion. Interestingly, CM-induced insulin secretion from mouse islets was inhibited in the presence of the PKCζ inhibitor ZIP and a MAPK inhibitor PD 98059. In addition, Wes™ capillary-based protein electrophoresis indicated that expression of the phosphorylated forms of PKCζ and ERK1/2, a MAPK, was significantly increased following exposure of INS-1832/13 cells, a rat insulinoma cell line, to CM. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that CM directly stimulates insulin secretion through activating known downstream effectors of insulin-stimulus secretion coupling. Indeed, the increase in insulin secretion seen with CM is independent of changes in [Ca2+]i and does not involve activation of VGCC. Instead, the CM stimulatory effect on insulin secretion is completely dependent on protein kinase activation. Our findings indicate that CM could induce insulin exocytosis by stimulating the phosphorylation and activation of PKCζ, which in turn phosphorylates and activates ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Al-Romaiyan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
| | - Sunday Oyedemi
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
| | - Sulaiman K Marafie
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait.
| | - Guo-Cai Huang
- Department of Diabetes, School of Cardiovascular Medicine &Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, UK.
| | - Peter M Jones
- Department of Diabetes, School of Cardiovascular Medicine &Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, UK.
| | - Shanta J Persaud
- Department of Diabetes, School of Cardiovascular Medicine &Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, UK.
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Alshawaf E, Hammad MM, Marafie SK, Ali H, Al-Mulla F, Abubaker J, Mohammad A. Discovery of natural products to block SARS-CoV-2 S-protein interaction with Neuropilin-1 receptor: A molecular dynamics simulation approach. Microb Pathog 2022; 170:105701. [PMID: 35963279 PMCID: PMC9364730 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a widely expressed cell surface receptor protein characterized by its pleiotropic function. Recent reports highlighted NRP1 as an additional entry point of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, enhancing viral infectivity by interacting with the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2. The ubiquitous distribution and mechanism of action of NRP1 enable the SARS-CoV-2 virus to attack multiple organs in the body simultaneously. Therefore, blocking NRP1 is a potential therapeutic approach against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current study screened the South African natural compounds database (SANCDB) for molecules that can disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 S protein-NRP1 interaction as a potential antiviral target for SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry. Following excessive screening and validation analysis 3-O-Methylquercetin and Esculetin were identified as potential compounds to disrupt the S-protein-NRP1 interaction. Furthermore, to understand the conformational stability and dynamic features between NRP1 interaction with the selected natural products, we performed 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In addition, molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) was utilized to calculate the free binding energies of the natural products interacting with NRP1. 3-O-methylquercetin showed an inhibitory effect with binding energies ΔG of -25.52 ± 0.04 kcal/mol to NRP1, indicating the possible disruption of the NRP1-S-protein interaction. Our analysis demonstrated that 3-O-methylquercetin presents a potential antiviral compound against SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. These results set the path for future functional in-vitro and in-vivo studies in SARS-CoV-2 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Alshawaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462
| | - Maha M Hammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462
| | - Sulaiman K Marafie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462
| | - Hamad Ali
- Faculty of Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences 2, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Health Sciences Center (HSC), Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait University, Kuwait; Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462
| | - Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait, 15462.
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Khan A, Mohammad A, Haq I, Nasar M, Ahmad W, Yousafi Q, Suleman M, Ahmad S, Albutti A, Khan T, Marafie SK, Alshawaf E, Ali SS, Abubaker J, Wei DQ. Structural-Dynamics and Binding Analysis of RBD from SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) and GRP78 Receptor Revealed Basis for Higher Infectivity. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2331. [PMID: 34835456 PMCID: PMC8619099 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) might be a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 to bind and enter the host cell. Recently reported mutations in the spike glycoprotein unique to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of different variants might increase the binding and pathogenesis. However, it is still not known how these mutations affect the binding of RBD to GRP78. The current study provides a structural basis for the binding of GRP78 to the different variants, i.e., B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.617, and P.1 (spike RBD), of SARS-CoV-2 using a biomolecular simulation approach. Docking results showed that the new variants bound stronger than the wild-type, which was further confirmed through the free energy calculation results. All-atom simulation confirmed structural stability, which was consistent with previous results by following the global stability trend. We concluded that the increased binding affinity of the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 variants was due to a variation in the bonding network that helped the virus induce a higher infectivity and disease severity. Consequently, we reported that the aforementioned new variants use GRP78 as an alternate receptor to enhance their seriousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (A.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.K.M.); (E.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Inamul Haq
- Department of Animal Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekji-Daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Jeonju 54896, Korea;
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Korea
| | - Mohammad Nasar
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad-Sahiwal Campus, Punjab 57000, Pakistan; (M.N.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Waqar Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University (AWKUM), Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
| | - Qudsia Yousafi
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad-Sahiwal Campus, Punjab 57000, Pakistan; (M.N.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat 19200, KP, Pakistan; (M.S.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan;
| | - Aqel Albutti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Taimoor Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (A.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Sulaiman K. Marafie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.K.M.); (E.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Eman Alshawaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.K.M.); (E.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat 19200, KP, Pakistan; (M.S.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (A.M.); (S.K.M.); (E.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (A.K.); (T.K.)
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Ali H, Alshukry A, Marafie SK, AlRukhayes M, Ali Y, Abbas MB, Al-Taweel A, Bukhamseen Y, Dashti MH, Al-Shammari AA, Abu-Farha M, AbuBakr J, Al-Mulla F. Outcomes of COVID-19: Disparities by ethnicity. Infect Genet Evol 2020; 87:104639. [PMID: 33246086 PMCID: PMC7683943 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the role of ethnicity in COVID-19 outcome disparities in a cohort in Kuwait. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 405 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Kuwait. Outcomes such as symptoms severity and mortality were considered. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to report the odds ratios (OR) for ICU admission and dying from COVID-19. Results The cohort included 290 Arabs and 115 South Asians. South Asians recorded significantly higher COVID-19 death rates compared to Arabs (33% vs. 7.6%, P value<0.001). When compared to Arabs, South Asians also had higher odds of being admitted to the ICU (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 3.34–11.80, p < 0.001). South Asian patients showed 7.62 (95% CI: 3.62–16.02, p < 0.001) times the odds of dying from COVID-19. Conclusion COVID-19 patients with South Asians ethnicity in Kuwait are more likely to have worse prognosis and outcome when compared to patients with Arab ethnicity. This suggest a possible role for ethnicity in COVID-19 outcome disparities and this role is likely to be multifactorial. Kuwait is a multiethnic country with a population of 4.3 million made mostly by Arabs and South Asians. South Asians were more likely to develop a severe form of the disease which also corresponded to a higher death rate compared to Arabs in Kuwait. Results highlighted probable impact of ethnicity on COVID-19 outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Ali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Health Sciences Center (HSC), Kuwait University, Kuwait; Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI), Dasman, Kuwait.
| | - Abdullah Alshukry
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| | | | - Monera AlRukhayes
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Health Sciences Center (HSC), Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Yaseen Ali
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Bu Abbas
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| | - Abdullah Al-Taweel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| | - Yousef Bukhamseen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad H Dashti
- Department of Surgery, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| | - Abdullah A Al-Shammari
- Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI), Dasman, Kuwait; Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait
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Mohammad A, Alshawaf E, Marafie SK, Abu-Farha M, Abubaker J, Al-Mulla F. Higher binding affinity of furin for SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein D614G mutant could be associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 103:611-616. [PMID: 33075532 PMCID: PMC7567667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an exponential rise in death rates and hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to characterize the D614G substitution in the severe acute respiratory syndome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike glycoprotein (S protein), which may affect viral infectivity. Methods The effect of D614G substitution on the structure and thermodynamic stability of the S protein was analyzed with use of DynaMut and SCooP. HDOCK and PRODIGY were used to model furin protease binding to the S protein RRAR cleavage site and calculate binding affinities. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the S protein apo structure, the S protein–furin complex structure, and the free binding energy of the complex. Results The D614G substitution in the G clade of SARS-CoV-2 strains introduced structural mobility and decreased the thermal stability of the S protein (ΔΔG = −0.086 kcal mol−1). The substitution resulted in stronger binding affinity (Kd = 1.6 × 10−8) for furin, which may enhance S protein cleavage. The results were corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations demonstrating higher binding energy of furin and the S protein D614G mutant (−61.9 kcal mol−1 compared with −56.78 kcal mol−1 for wild-type S protein). Conclusions The D614G substitution in the G clade induced flexibility of the S protein, resulting in increased furin binding, which may enhance S protein cleavage and infiltration of host cells. Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 D614G substitution may result in a more virulent strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait.
| | - Eman Alshawaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Sulaiman K Marafie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Mohamed Abu-Farha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait.
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Mohammad A, Marafie SK, Alshawaf E, Abu-Farha M, Abubaker J, Al-Mulla F. Structural analysis of ACE2 variant N720D demonstrates a higher binding affinity to TMPRSS2. Life Sci 2020; 259:118219. [PMID: 32768580 PMCID: PMC7405906 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aims Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel member of the betacoronaviruses family affecting the lower respiratory tract mainly through binding to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) via its S-protein. Genetic analysis of (ACE2) gene revealed several variants that have been suggested to regulate the interaction with S protein. This study investigates the N720D variant, positioned in the collectrin-like domain (CLD) at proximity to type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) cleavage site. Main methods The effect of N720D variant on ACE2 structure and thermodynamic stability was studied by DynaMut. HDOCK was utilised to model TMPRSS2 protease binding to ACE2 WT and D720 variant cleavage site. PRODIGY was used to calculate binding affinities and MD simulation tools calculated the at 100 ns for ACE2 apo structure and the ACE2-TMPRSS2 complex. Key findings The N720D variant is a more dynamic structure with a free energy change (ΔΔG): −0.470 kcal/mol. As such, introducing a tighter binding affinity of Kd = 3.2 × 10−10 M between TMPRSS2 and N720D variant. RMSD, RMSF calculations showed the N720D variant is less stable, however, RMSF values of the D720-TMPRSS2 complex reflected a slower dynamic motion. Significance The hotspot N720D variant in the CLD of ACE2 affected the stability and flexibility of ACE2 by increasing the level of motion in the loop region, resulting in a more favourable site for TMPRSS2 binding and cleavage. Consequently, this would facilitate S-protein binding and can potentially increase viral entry highlighting the importance of variants affecting the ACE2-TMPRSS2 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait.
| | - Sulaiman K Marafie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Eman Alshawaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Mohamed Abu-Farha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait.
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Marafie SK, Al-Shawaf EM, Abubaker J, Arefanian H. Palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity promotes a novel interplay between Akt-mTOR, IRS-1, and FFAR1 signaling in pancreatic β-cells. Biol Res 2019; 52:44. [PMID: 31426858 PMCID: PMC6699284 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) is G-protein coupled receptor predominantly expressed in pancreatic β-cells that is activated by a variety of free fatty acids (FFAs). Once activated, it promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). However, increased levels of FFAs lead to lipotoxicity, inducing loss of β-cell function. FFAR1 plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and previous studies have indicated the importance of developing anti-diabetic therapies against FFAR1, although its role in the regulation of β-cell function remains unclear. The present study investigated the role of FFAR1 under lipotoxic conditions using palmitic acid (PA). The rat insulinoma 1 clone 832/13 (INS-1 832/13) cell line was used as a model as it physiologically resembles native pancreatic β-cells. Key players of the insulin signaling pathway, such as mTOR, Akt, IRS-1, and the insulin receptor (INSR1β), were selected as candidates to be analyzed under lipotoxic conditions. Results We revealed that PA-induced lipotoxicity affected GSIS in INS-1 cells and negatively modulated the activity of both IRS-1 and Akt. Reduced phosphorylation of both IRS-1 S636/639 and Akt S473 was observed, in addition to decreased expression of both INSR1β and FFAR1. Moreover, transient knockdown of FFAR1 led to a reduction in IRS-1 mRNA expression and an increase in INSR1β mRNA. Finally, PA affected localization of FFAR1 from the cytoplasm to the perinucleus. Conclusions In conclusion, our study suggests a novel regulatory involvement of FFAR1 in crosstalk with mTOR–Akt and IRS-1 signaling in β-cells under lipotoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman K Marafie
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P. O. Box 1180, 15462, Dasman, Kuwait.
| | - Eman M Al-Shawaf
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P. O. Box 1180, 15462, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P. O. Box 1180, 15462, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Hossein Arefanian
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P. O. Box 1180, 15462, Dasman, Kuwait.
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