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Jiang X, Li D, Maghsoudloo M, Zhang X, Ma W, Fu J. Targeting furin, a cellular proprotein convertase, for COVID-19 prevention and therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2024:104026. [PMID: 38762086 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104026] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has triggered an international outbreak of the highly contagious acute respiratory disease known as COVID-19. Identifying key targets in the virus infection lifecycle is crucial for developing effective prevention and therapeutic strategies against it. Furin is a serine endoprotease that belongs to the family of proprotein convertases and plays a critical role in the entry of host cells by SARS-CoV-2. Furin can cleave a specific S1/S2 site, PRRAR, on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which promotes viral transmission by facilitating membrane fusion. Hence, targeting furin could hold clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This review offers an overview of furin's structure, substrates, function, and inhibitors, with a focus on its potential role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Dabing Li
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; School of Basic Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinghai Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Wenzhe Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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Cabezuelo MT, Torres L, Ortiz-Zapater E, López-Rodas G, Marín MP, Timoneda J, Viña JR, Zaragozá R, Barber T. Vitamin A Status Modulates Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in the Lung: The Role of Furin. Nutrients 2024; 16:1177. [PMID: 38674868 PMCID: PMC11053499 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081177] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) induced TGF-β hyperactivation and reduced expression of cell adhesion proteins in the lung, suggesting that the disruption of retinoic acid (RA) signaling leads to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To elucidate the role of lung vitamin A status in EMT, several EMT markers and the expression of the proprotein convertase furin, which activates TGF-β, were analyzed in two experimental models. Our in vivo model included control rats, VAD rats, and both control rats and VAD rats, treated with RA. For the in vitro studies, human bronchoalveolar epithelial cells treated with RA were used. Our data show that EMT and furin are induced in VAD rats. Furthermore, furin expression continues to increase much more markedly after treatment of VAD rats with RA. In control rats and cell lines, an acute RA treatment induced a significant increase in furin expression, concomitant with changes in EMT markers. A ChIP assay demonstrated that RA directly regulates furin transcription. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining vitamin A levels within the physiological range since both levels below and above this range can cause adverse effects that, paradoxically, could be similar. The role of furin in EMT is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Teresa Cabezuelo
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro Salud Safranar, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, 46017 Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Torres
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.T.); (E.O.-Z.); (G.L.-R.); (J.T.); (J.R.V.); (T.B.)
| | - Elena Ortiz-Zapater
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.T.); (E.O.-Z.); (G.L.-R.); (J.T.); (J.R.V.); (T.B.)
| | - Gerardo López-Rodas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.T.); (E.O.-Z.); (G.L.-R.); (J.T.); (J.R.V.); (T.B.)
| | - M. Pilar Marín
- Microscopy Unit IIS La Fe Valencia, 46009 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joaquín Timoneda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.T.); (E.O.-Z.); (G.L.-R.); (J.T.); (J.R.V.); (T.B.)
| | - Juan R. Viña
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.T.); (E.O.-Z.); (G.L.-R.); (J.T.); (J.R.V.); (T.B.)
| | - Rosa Zaragozá
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Barber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.T.); (E.O.-Z.); (G.L.-R.); (J.T.); (J.R.V.); (T.B.)
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Demyashkin G, Kogan E, Boldyrev D, Demura T, Tyatyushkina A, Annenkova E, Semenov K, Zorin I, Zverev A. Molecular changes in the testes of COVID-19 patients. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3731-3736. [PMID: 37325835 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2224881] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
After the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and clinicians around the world have significantly expanded understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease as well as the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on various organs and tissues. To date, it is accepted to consider the new coronavirus infection as a multisystem disease, but the data on the effect on fertility remains unclear. Previous works by other authors have presented controversial results, and there is no evidence of a direct effect of the new coronavirus on the male gonads. Thus, further studies are needed to verify the hypothesis that the testicles are the target organ for SARS-CoV-2. Groups were formed: Group I (n = 109; age from 25 to 75 years, Median (IQR) - 60 (23) years), cause of death - new coronavirus infection; Group II (n = 21, age from 25 to 75 years, Median (IQR) - 55 (29.5) years) - autopsy testicular material obtained outside the pandemic. We used RT-PCR to detect the presence of viral RNA in testicular tissue. In addition, we investigated the levels of proteins that provide viral invasion, such as ACE-2 and Furin. In the present study, we detected genetic material of a new coronavirus and increased proteins required for viral invasion in testicular tissue of patients with COVID-19 by RT-PCR. Thus, based on our findings, we assume that testicular tissue is potentially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Demyashkin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia
| | - E Kogan
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - D Boldyrev
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - T Demura
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A Tyatyushkina
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E Annenkova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - K Semenov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - I Zorin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A Zverev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Lapointe V, Couture F. Granulocyte pro-myeloperoxidase is redundantly processed by proprotein convertase furin and PC7 in HL-60 cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2024. [PMID: 38484367 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0339] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil myeloperoxidase/H2O2/chloride system is a key mechanism to control pathogen infection. This enzyme, myeloperoxidase, plays a pivotal role in the arsenal of azurophilic granules that are released through degranulation upon neutrophil activation, which trigger local hypochlorous acid production. Myeloperoxidase gene encodes a protein precursor named promyeloperoxidase that arbors a propeptide that gets cleaved later during secretory routing in post-endoplasmic reticulum compartments. Although evidence suggested that this processing event was performed by one or different enzymes from the proprotein convertases family, the identity of this enzyme was never investigated. In this work, the naturally producing myeloperoxidase promyelocytic cell line HL-60 was used to investigate promyeloperoxidase cleavage during granulocytic differentiation in response to proprotein convertase inhibitors decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethylketone and hexa-d-arginine. Stable PC knockdown of endogenously expressed proprotein convertases, furin and PC7, was achieved using lentiviral delivery of shRNAs. None of the knockdown cell line could reproduce the effect of the pan-proprotein convertases inhibitor decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethylketone that accumulated intracellular promyeloperoxidase stores in HL-60 cells, therefore illustrating that both furin and PC7 redundantly process this proprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frédéric Couture
- TransBIOTech, Lévis, QC G6V 6Z3, Canada
- Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods Institute (INAF), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
- Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, QC G6E 3E2, Canada
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Lotke R, Petersen M, Sauter D. Restriction of Viral Glycoprotein Maturation by Cellular Protease Inhibitors. Viruses 2024; 16:332. [PMID: 38543698 PMCID: PMC10975521 DOI: 10.3390/v16030332] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The human genome is estimated to encode more than 500 proteases performing a wide range of important physiological functions. They digest proteins in our food, determine the activity of hormones, induce cell death and regulate blood clotting, for example. During viral infection, however, some proteases can switch sides and activate viral glycoproteins, allowing the entry of virions into new target cells and the spread of infection. To reduce unwanted effects, multiple protease inhibitors regulate the proteolytic processing of self and non-self proteins. This review summarizes our current knowledge of endogenous protease inhibitors, which are known to limit viral replication by interfering with the proteolytic activation of viral glycoproteins. We describe the underlying molecular mechanisms and highlight the diverse strategies by which protease inhibitors reduce virion infectivity. We also provide examples of how viruses evade the restriction imposed by protease inhibitors. Finally, we briefly outline how cellular protease inhibitors can be modified and exploited for therapeutic purposes. In summary, this review aims to summarize our current understanding of cellular protease inhibitors as components of our immune response to a variety of viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel Sauter
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Ayyubova G, Gychka SG, Nikolaienko SI, Alghenaim FA, Teramoto T, Shults NV, Suzuki YJ. The Role of Furin in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19-Associated Neurological Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:279. [PMID: 38398788 PMCID: PMC10890058 DOI: 10.3390/life14020279] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders have been reported in a large number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, suggesting that this disease may have long-term adverse neurological consequences. COVID-19 occurs from infection by a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The membrane fusion protein of SARS-CoV-2, the spike protein, binds to its human host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to initiate membrane fusion between the virus and host cell. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains the furin protease recognition site and its cleavage enhances the infectivity of this virus. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptor has been shown to downregulate ACE2, thereby increasing the levels of pathogenic angiotensin II (Ang II). The furin protease cleaves between the S1 subunit of the spike protein with the binding domain toward ACE2 and the S2 subunit with the transmembrane domain that anchors to the viral membrane, and this activity releases the S1 subunit into the blood circulation. The released S1 subunit of the spike protein also binds to and downregulates ACE2, in turn increasing the level of Ang II. Considering that a viral particle contains many spike protein molecules, furin-dependent cleavage would release many free S1 protein molecules, each of which can downregulate ACE2, while infection with a viral particle only affects one ACE2 molecule. Therefore, the furin-dependent release of S1 protein would dramatically amplify the ability to downregulate ACE2 and produce Ang II. We hypothesize that this amplification mechanism that the virus possesses, but not the infection per se, is the major driving force behind COVID-19-associated neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunel Ayyubova
- Department of Cytology, Embryology and Histology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku AZ1022, Azerbaijan;
| | - Sergiy G. Gychka
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.G.G.); (S.I.N.)
| | - Sofia I. Nikolaienko
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.G.G.); (S.I.N.)
| | - Fada A. Alghenaim
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Tadahisa Teramoto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Nataliia V. Shults
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Yuichiro J. Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
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Matveev EV, Ponomarev GV, Kazanov MD. Genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of human protease capacity for proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0353023. [PMID: 38189333 PMCID: PMC10846095 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03530-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily enters the cell by binding the virus's spike (S) glycoprotein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor on the cell surface, followed by proteolytic cleavage by host proteases. Studies have identified furin and transmembrane protease serine 2 proteases in priming and triggering cleavages of the S glycoprotein, converting it into a fusion-competent form and initiating membrane fusion, respectively. Alternatively, SARS-CoV-2 can enter the cell through the endocytic pathway, where activation is triggered by lysosomal cathepsin L. However, other proteases are also suspected to be involved in both entry routes. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis to explore the capacity of human proteases in hydrolyzing peptide bonds of the S glycoprotein. Predictive models of sequence specificity for 169 human proteases were constructed and applied to the S glycoprotein together with the method for predicting structural susceptibility to proteolysis of protein regions. After validating our approach on extensively studied S2' and S1/S2 cleavage sites, we applied our method to each peptide bond of the S glycoprotein across all 169 proteases. Our results indicate that various members of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type, type II transmembrane family serine protease, and kallikrein families, as well as specific coagulation factors, are capable of cleaving S2' or S1/S2 sites. We have also identified a potential cleavage site of cathepsin L at the K790 position within the S2' loop. Structural analysis suggests that cleavage of this site induces conformational changes similar to the cleavage at the R815 (S2') position, leading to the exposure of the fusion peptide and subsequent fusion with the membrane. Other potential cleavage sites and the influence of mutations in common SARS-CoV-2 variants on proteolytic efficiency are discussed.IMPORTANCEThe entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) into the cell, activated by host proteases, is considerably more complex in coronaviruses than in most other viruses and is not fully understood. There is evidence that other proteases beyond the known furin and transmembrane protease serine 2 can activate the spike protein. Another example of uncertainty is the cleavage site for the alternative endocytic route of SARS-CoV-2 entrance, which is still unknown. Bioinformatics methods, modeling protease specificity and estimating the structural susceptibility of protein regions to proteolysis, can aid in studying this topic by predicting the involved proteases and their cleavage sites, thereby substantially reducing the amount of experimental work. Elucidating the mechanisms of spike protein activation is crucial for preventing possible future coronavirus pandemics and developing antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii V. Matveev
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
- Research and Training Center on Bioinformatics, A.A.Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady V. Ponomarev
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
- Research and Training Center on Bioinformatics, A.A.Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat D. Kazanov
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
- Research and Training Center on Bioinformatics, A.A.Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Li J, Ding Y, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Chang S, Chang Y, Gao G. Iron overload suppresses hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice: Implication for iron dysregulation-linked neurological diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14394. [PMID: 37545321 PMCID: PMC10848078 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is an important player in brain homeostasis and its impairment participates in neurological diseases. Iron overload has emerged as an irreversible factor of brain aging, and is also closely related to degenerative disorders, including cognitive dysfunction. However, whether brain iron overload alters hippocampal neurogenesis has not been reported. We investigated the effect of elevated iron content on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and explored the underlying mechanism. METHODS Mouse models with hippocampal iron overload were generated. Neurogenesis in hippocampus and expression levels of related molecules were assessed. RESULTS Iron accumulation in hippocampus remarkably impaired the differentiation of neural stem cells, resulting in a significant decrease in newborn neurons. The damage was possibly attributed to iron-induced downregulation of proprotein convertase furin and subsequently decreased maturation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), thus contributing to memory decline and anxiety-like behavior of mice. Supportively, knockdown of furin indeed suppressed hippocampal neurogenesis, while furin overexpression restored the impairment. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrated that iron overload damaged hippocampal neurogenesis likely via iron-furin-BDNF pathway. This study provides new insights into potential mechanisms on iron-induced neurotoxicity and the causes of neurogenesis injury and renders modulating iron homeostasis and furin expression as novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yiqian Ding
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yating Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yiduo Cui
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yi Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Shiyang Chang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
- College of Basic MedicineHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yan‐Zhong Chang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Guofen Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangChina
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Choi A, Kots ED, Singleton DT, Weinstein H, Whittaker GR. Analysis of the molecular determinants for furin cleavage of the spike protein S1/S2 site in defined strains of the prototype coronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV). Virus Res 2024; 340:199283. [PMID: 38043726 PMCID: PMC10755501 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199283] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the spike protein S1/S2 cleavage of selected strains of a prototype coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) by the cellular protease furin, in order to understand the structural requirements underlying the sequence selectivity of the scissile segment. The probability of cleavage of selected MHV strains was first evaluated from furin cleavage scores predicted by the ProP computer software, and then cleavage was measured experimentally with a fluorogenic peptide cleavage assay consisting of S1/S2 peptide mimics and purified furin. We found that in vitro cleavability varied across MHV strains in line with predicted results-but with the notable exception of MHV-A59, which was not cleaved despite a high score predicted for its sequence. Using the known X-Ray structure of furin in complex with a substrate-like inhibitor as an initial structural reference, we carried out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to learn the modes of binding of the peptides in the furin active site, and the suitability of the complex for initiation of the enzymatic cleavage. We identified the 3D structural requirements of the furin active site configuration that enable bound peptides to undergo cleavage, and the way in which the various strains tested experimentally are fulfilling these requirements. We find that despite some flexibility in the organization of the peptide bound to the active site of the enzyme, the presence of a histidine at P2 of MHV-A59 fails to properly orient the sidechain of His194 of the furin catalytic triad and therefore produces a distortion that renders the peptide/complex structural configuration in the active site incompatible with requirements for cleavage initiation. The Ser/Thr in P1 of MHV-2 and MHV-S has a similar effect of distorting the conformation of the furin active site residues produced by the elimination of the canonical salt-bridge formed by arginine in P1 position. This work informs a study of coronavirus infection and pathogenesis with respect to the function of the viral spike protein, and suggests an important process of viral adaptation and evolution within the spike S1/S2 structural loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Choi
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ekaterina D Kots
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Harel Weinstein
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Public & Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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10
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Yu C, Bai Y, Tan W, Bai Y, Li X, Zhou Y, Zhai J, Xue M, Tang YD, Zheng C, Liu Q. Human MARCH1, 2, and 8 block Ebola virus envelope glycoprotein cleavage via targeting furin P domain. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29445. [PMID: 38299743 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29445] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH) family proteins were recently reported to inhibit viral replication through multiple modes. Previous work showed that human MARCH8 blocked Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP) maturation. Our study here demonstrates that human MARCH1 and MARCH2 share a similar pattern to MARCH8 in restricting EBOV GP-pseudotyped viral infection. Human MARCH1 and MARCH2 retain EBOV GP at the trans-Golgi network, reduce its cell surface display, and impair EBOV GP-pseudotyped virions infectivity. Furthermore, we uncover that the host proprotein convertase furin could interact with human MARCH1/2 and EBOV GP intracellularly. Importantly, the furin P domain is verified to be recognized by MARCH1/2/8, which is critical for their blocking activities. Besides, bovine MARCH2 and murine MARCH1 also impair EBOV GP proteolytic processing. Altogether, our findings confirm that MARCH1/2 proteins of different mammalian origins showed a relatively conserved feature in blocking EBOV GP cleavage, which could provide clues for subsequent MARCHs antiviral studies and may facilitate the development of novel strategies to antagonize enveloped virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Yu
- Engineering Center of Agricultural Biosafety Assessment and Biotechnology, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Yibin Vocational and Technical College, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhe Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- College of Advanced Agriculture and Ecological Environment, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Bai
- College of Animal Science, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Engineering Center of Agricultural Biosafety Assessment and Biotechnology, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Yibin Vocational and Technical College, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingbo Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengzhou Xue
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Dong Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infection Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Qiang Liu
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Disease Prevention, Control and Detection in Livestock and Poultry, Nanchong Vocational and Technical College, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
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11
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Rizk SK, Alhosary A, Zahran ES, Awad S, Khalil M. Identification of potential biomarkers for SLE through mRNA expression profiling. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2024; 45:20-37. [PMID: 37807897 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2266013] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that influences numerous body systems. Furin, tristetraprolin (TTP), and NOD, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) contribute in developing autoimmune illnesses. AIM Understandthe role of furin, TTP, and NLRP3 mRNA gene expression in SLE pathogenesis and prognosis. Methods: Total 210 individuals were enrolled, divided in two group: cases and control; 105 participants in each group. Real-time quantitative PCR for furin, TTP,and NLRP3 mRNA gene expression were determined for each subject. RESULTS SLE patients showed significantly higher serum furin [median 20.10 (0.0-162.88) in comparison with control group [median 1.10 (0.33-8.64)] with significant pvalue (p < 0.001), for NLRP3 expression [median 7.03 (0.0-282.97) compared to control group [median 1.0 (0.44-9.48)] with significant p value (p = 0.006)but lower TTP [median 2.37 (0.0-30.13)] in comparison with control group [median 7.90 (1.0-29.29)] with significant p value (p < 0.001) . Elevated levels of Furin and NLRP3 and low levels of TTP were linked to increased illness activity. CONCLUSION Furin and NLRP increase in SLE and higher with illness activity. TTP is lowerin SLE and negatively correlates with disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kamal Rizk
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Amal Alhosary
- Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Enas S Zahran
- Internal Medicine Department, Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Samah Awad
- Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Marwa Khalil
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
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12
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Al‐kuraishy HM, Al‐Maiahy TJ, Al‐Gareeb AI, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Saad HM, Batiha GE. The possible role furin and furin inhibitors in endometrial adenocarcinoma: A narrative review. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1920. [PMID: 38018319 PMCID: PMC10809206 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1920] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a malignant tumor of the endometrium. EAC is the most common female malignancy following the menopause period. About 40% of patients with EAC are linked with obesity and interrelated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and high circulating estrogen levels. Proprotein convertase (PC) furin was involved in the progression of EAC. RECENT FINDINGS Furin is a protease enzyme belonging to the subtilisin PC family called PC subtilisin/kexin type 3 that converts precursor proteins to biologically active forms and products. Aberrant activation of furin promotes abnormal cell proliferation and the development of cancer. Furin promotes angiogenesis, malignant cell proliferation, and tissue invasion by malignant cells through its pro-metastatic and oncogenic activities. Furin activity is correlated with the malignant proliferation of EAC. Higher expression of furin may increase the development of EAC through overexpression of pro-renin receptors and disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17). As well, inflammatory signaling in EAC promotes the expression of furin with further propagation of malignant transformation. CONCLUSION Furin is associated with the development and progression of EAC through the induction of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of malignant cells of EAC. Furin induces ontogenesis in EAC through activation expression of ADAM17, pro-renin receptor, CD109, and TGF-β. As well, EAC-mediated inflammation promotes the expression of furin with further propagation of neoplastic growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al‐kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and MedicineCollege of Medicine, Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Thabat J. Al‐Maiahy
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCollege of Medicine, Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and MedicineCollege of Medicine, Mustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & DevelopmentChandigarh University, Chandigarh‐Ludhiana HighwayMohaliPunjabIndia
- Department of Research & DevelopmentFunogenAthensGreece
- Department of Research & DevelopmentAFNP MedWienAustria
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery IIUniversity Hospital Witten‐Herdecke, University of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of PathologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh UniversityMatrouhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour UniversityDamanhourAlBeheiraEgypt
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13
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Izaguirre G, Phan LMU, Asif S, Alam S, Meyers C, Rong L. Diversity in Proprotein Convertase Reactivity among Human Papillomavirus Types. Viruses 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 38257739 PMCID: PMC10820984 DOI: 10.3390/v16010039] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The cleavage of viral surface proteins by furin is associated with some viruses' high virulence and infectivity. The human papillomavirus (HPV) requires the proteolytic processing of its capsid proteins for activation before entry. Variability in reactivity with furin and other proprotein convertases (PCs) among HPV types was investigated. HPV16, the most prevalent and carcinogenic HPV type, reacted with PCs with the broadest selectivity compared to other types in reactions of pseudoviral particles with the recombinant PCs, furin, PC4, PC5, PACE4, and PC7. Proteolytic preactivation was assessed using a well-established entry assay into PC-inhibited cells based on the green fluorescent protein as a reporter. The inhibition of the target cell PC activity with serpin-based PC-selective inhibitors also showed a diversity of PC selectivity among HPV types. HPV16 reacted with furin at the highest rate compared to the other types in time-dependent preactivation reactions and produced the highest entry values standardized to pseudoviral particle concentration. The predominant expression of furin in keratinocytes and the high reactivity of HPV16 with this enzyme highlight the importance of selectively targeting furin as a potential antiviral therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Izaguirre
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lam Minh Uyen Phan
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Shaan Asif
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Samina Alam
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Craig Meyers
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Lijun Rong
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Aufy M, Hussein AM, Stojanovic T, Studenik CR, Kotob MH. Proteolytic Activation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC): Its Mechanisms and Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17563. [PMID: 38139392 PMCID: PMC10743461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417563] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) are integral to maintaining salt and water homeostasis in various biological tissues, including the kidney, lung, and colon. They enable the selective reabsorption of sodium ions, which is a process critical for controlling blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and overall fluid volume. ENaC activity is finely controlled through proteolytic activation, a process wherein specific enzymes, or proteases, cleave ENaC subunits, resulting in channel activation and increased sodium reabsorption. This regulatory mechanism plays a pivotal role in adapting sodium transport to different physiological conditions. In this review article, we provide an in-depth exploration of the role of proteolytic activation in regulating ENaC activity. We elucidate the involvement of various proteases, including furin-like convertases, cysteine, and serine proteases, and detail the precise cleavage sites and regulatory mechanisms underlying ENaC activation by these proteases. We also discuss the physiological implications of proteolytic ENaC activation, focusing on its involvement in blood pressure regulation, pulmonary function, and intestinal sodium absorption. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of ENaC proteolytic activation provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of various diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary disorders, and various gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, we discuss the potential therapeutic avenues that emerge from understanding these mechanisms, offering new possibilities for managing diseases associated with ENaC dysfunction. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive discussion of the intricate interplay between proteases and ENaC, emphasizing the significance of proteolytic activation in maintaining sodium and fluid balance in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Aufy
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Tamara Stojanovic
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
| | - Mohamed H. Kotob
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
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15
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Yu C, Wang G, Liu Q, Zhai J, Xue M, Li Q, Xian Y, Zheng C. Host antiviral factors hijack furin to block SARS-CoV-2, ebola virus, and HIV-1 glycoproteins cleavage. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2164742. [PMID: 36591809 PMCID: PMC9897805 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2164742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Viral envelope glycoproteins are crucial for viral infections. In the process of enveloped viruses budding and release from the producer cells, viral envelope glycoproteins are presented on the viral membrane surface as spikes, promoting the virus's next-round infection of target cells. However, the host cells evolve counteracting mechanisms in the long-term virus-host co-evolutionary processes. For instance, the host cell antiviral factors could potently suppress viral replication by targeting their envelope glycoproteins through multiple channels, including their intracellular synthesis, glycosylation modification, assembly into virions, and binding to target cell receptors. Recently, a group of studies discovered that some host antiviral proteins specifically recognized host proprotein convertase (PC) furin and blocked its cleavage of viral envelope glycoproteins, thus impairing viral infectivity. Here, in this review, we briefly summarize several such host antiviral factors and analyze their roles in reducing furin cleavage of viral envelope glycoproteins, aiming at providing insights for future antiviral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Yu
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Yibin Vocational and Technical College, Yibin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Nanchong Key Laboratory of Disease Prevention, Control and Detection in Livestock and Poultry, Nanchong Vocational and Technical College, Nanchong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingbo Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengzhou Xue
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China,Mengzhou Xue
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Qiang Li
| | - Yuanhua Xian
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Yibin Vocational and Technical College, Yibin, People’s Republic of China,Yuanhua Xian
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China,Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infection Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, Chunfu Zheng
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16
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Löw K, Möller R, Stegmann C, Becker M, Rehburg L, Obernolte H, Schaudien D, Oestereich L, Braun A, Kunz S, Gerold G. Luminescent reporter cells enable the identification of broad-spectrum antivirals against emerging viruses. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29211. [PMID: 37975336 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29211] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The emerging viruses SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses cause severe respiratory and hemorrhagic diseases, respectively. The production of infectious particles of both viruses and virus spread in tissues requires cleavage of surface glycoproteins (GPs) by host proprotein convertases (PCs). SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses rely on GP cleavage by PCs furin and subtilisin kexin isozyme-1/site-1 protease (SKI-1/S1P), respectively. We report improved luciferase-based reporter cell lines, named luminescent inducible proprotein convertase reporter cells that we employ to monitor PC activity in its authentic subcellular compartment. Using these sensor lines we screened a small compound library in high-throughput manner. We identified 23 FDA-approved small molecules, among them monensin which displayed broad activity against furin and SKI-1/S1P. Monensin inhibited arenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner. We observed a strong reduction in infectious particle release upon monensin treatment with little effect on released genome copies. This was reflected by inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike processing suggesting the release of immature particles. In a proof of concept experiment using human precision cut lung slices, monensin potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, evidenced by reduced infectious particle release. We propose that our PC sensor pipeline is a suitable tool to identify broad-spectrum antivirals with therapeutic potential to combat current and future emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Löw
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Möller
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cora Stegmann
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Miriam Becker
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Rehburg
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helena Obernolte
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Oestereich
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gisa Gerold
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Sweden
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17
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Afsar S, Turan G, Guney G, Sahin G, Talmac MA, Afsar CU. The Relationship between Furin and Chronic Inflammation in the Progression of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia to Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4878. [PMID: 37835572 PMCID: PMC10571943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194878] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to delineate the relationship between furin and chronic inflammation while cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progresses to cancer. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included 81 women who required colposcopic examinations. The study groups were formed based on pathological results: Group I included women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I (n = 30); Group II included women with CIN II-III (n = 28); and Group III included women with cervical cancer (CC) (n = 23). Furin, ki-67, and p16 levels were evaluated based on immunostaining intensity. The inflammatory indices were calculated in parallel with the literature from routine blood samples retrieved within one week before the procedure. RESULTS Furin expression gradually increased from CIN I to CIN II-III and from CIN II-III to CC, respectively (p < 0.001, p = 0.005). NLR, MLR, PLR, and SII were significantly higher in the CC group (p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis unveiled that NLR, MLR, PLR, and SII predicted the presence of CC with a cutoff value of 2.39 for NLR (sensitivity: 91.3%, specificity: 63.8%, AUROC: 0.79, p < 0.001); a cutoff value of 0.27 for MLR (sensitivity: 78.3%, specificity: 72.4%, AUROC: 0.77, p = 0.009); a cutoff value of 123 for PLR (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 41.4%, AUROC: 0.70, p = 0.04); and a cutoff value of 747 for SII (sensitivity: 69.6%, specificity: 90.7%, AUROC: 0.71, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION Furin expression increased gradually in parallel with the severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The inflammatory indices were higher in the presence of CC and denoted a good discrimination ability for predicting cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Afsar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Balıkesir University, Cagis Yerleskesi, Bigadic Yolu 17. km, Balikesir 10145, Turkey;
| | - Gulay Turan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir 10145, Turkey;
| | - Gurhan Guney
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Balıkesir University, Cagis Yerleskesi, Bigadic Yolu 17. km, Balikesir 10145, Turkey;
| | - Gozde Sahin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Health Sciences University, Istanbul 34668, Turkey; (G.S.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Merve Aldıkactıoglu Talmac
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Health Sciences University, Istanbul 34668, Turkey; (G.S.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Cigdem Usul Afsar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Health Sciences University, Istanbul 34668, Turkey;
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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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19
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Kellnerová S, Huber S, Massri M, Fleischer V, Losso K, Sarg B, Kremser L, Talasz H, He X, Varrone E, Brigotti M, Ardissino G, Orth-Höller D, Würzner R. Enzymatic Cleavage of Stx2a in the Gut and Identification of Pancreatic Elastase and Trypsin as Possible Main Cleavers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2487. [PMID: 37894145 PMCID: PMC10609011 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102487] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxins (Stxs), especially the Stx2a subtype, are the major virulence factors involved in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (eHUS), a life-threatening disease causing acute kidney injury, especially in children. After oral transmission and colonization in the gut, EHEC release Stx. Intracellular cleavage of the Stx A subunit, when followed by reduction, boosts the enzymatic activity that causes damage to targeted cells. This cleavage was assumed to be mostly mediated by furin during Stx intracellular trafficking. To investigate whether this cleavage could occur in the intestine, even prior to entering target cells, Stx2a A subunit structure (intact or cleaved) was characterized after its exposure to specific host factors present in human stool. The molecular weight of Stx2a A subunit/fragments was determined by immunoblotting after electrophoretic separation under reducing conditions. In this study, it was demonstrated that Stx2a is cleaved by certain human stool components. Trypsin and chymotrypsin-like elastase 3B (CELA3B), two serine proteases, were identified as potential candidates that can trigger the extracellular cleavage of Stx2a A subunit directly after its secretion by EHEC in the gut. Whether the observed cleavage indeed translates to natural infections and plays a role in eHUS pathogenesis has yet to be determined. If so, it seems likely that a host's protease profile could affect disease development by changing the toxin's biological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára Kellnerová
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Silke Huber
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Mariam Massri
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Verena Fleischer
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Klemens Losso
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, MCI|The Entrepreneurial School, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Sarg
- Protein Core Facility, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Center of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.S.); (L.K.); (H.T.)
| | - Leopold Kremser
- Protein Core Facility, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Center of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.S.); (L.K.); (H.T.)
| | - Heribert Talasz
- Protein Core Facility, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Center of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.S.); (L.K.); (H.T.)
| | - Xiaohua He
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, CA 74710, USA;
| | - Elisa Varrone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.V.); (M.B.)
| | - Maurizio Brigotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.V.); (M.B.)
| | - Gianluigi Ardissino
- Center for HUS Prevention, Control and Management at Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Dorothea Orth-Höller
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.); (V.F.)
- MB-LAB–Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.); (V.F.)
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Mughis H, Lye P, Matthews SG, Bloise E. Hypoxia modifies levels of the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and furin in fetal human brain endothelial cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101126. [PMID: 37562534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101126] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether human fetal brain endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin, which are SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins. Moreover, it is unclear whether hypoxia, commonly observed during severe maternal COVID-19, can modify their level of expression. We hypothesized that human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early- and midpregnancy brain microvessels express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin. Furthermore, we hypothesized that hypoxia modifies their expression levels in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether early- and midpregnancy human fetal brain endothelial cells express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin SARS-CoV-2-associated cell entry proteins and to determine the effects of hypoxia on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin expression levels in human fetal brain endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study where human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early-pregnancy (12.4±0.7 weeks of gestation) and midpregnancy (17.9±0.5 weeks of gestation) fetal brain microvessels (6 per group) were exposed to different oxygen tensions (20%, 5%, and 1% oxygen) for 6, 24, and 48 hours. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin messenger RNA and protein levels and localization were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot testing, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin co-localize with the endothelial cell marker von Willebrand factor in human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early pregnancy and midpregnancy. In early pregnancy, TMPRSS2 messenger RNA expression was decreased by 5% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 6 hours of exposure (P<.05). In midpregnancy, 5% oxygen down-regulated ACE2 messenger RNA compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). Furin messenger RNA expression was decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen (P<.05) after 24 hours. In midpregnancy, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels were decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen (P<.001) after 24 hours. In contrast, furin protein levels were increased under 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). At 48 hours, 1% oxygen increased angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels compared with 20% oxygen (P<.01). CONCLUSION Hypoxia modifies the expression of selected SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins in human fetal brain endothelial cells in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. As severe COVID-19 may lead to maternal hypoxia, an altered expression of these proteins in the developing human blood-brain barrier could potentially lead to altered SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion and neurologic sequelae in neonates born to pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsah Mughis
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews); Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Matthews)
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Dr Bloise).
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Paul DC, Bhattacharjee M, Mahato DR, Sarma MP. Natural furin inhibitor(s) as potent therapeutic molecule to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:7365-7371. [PMID: 36099195 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2121760] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID 2019 has had been going pandemic as per WHO situation reports. The major differentiating point in this virus is the presence of a unique furin cleavage site. Our insilico study points out to the effectiveness of a potent plant origin furin inhibitor. We exploited the aspect of the cleavage machinery of furin subunits which is critical and indispensible to the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in human cells and subsequent massive contagion. In-silico analysis was done to observe the interactions of proposed analogs of protease inhibitor of plant origin against furin protein as well as the furin spike glycoprotein (SGP) binding machinery. This was done by docking protocols using Hex 6.0 software followed by molecular Dynamic simulation (MDS) analysis in 100 ns scale using Amber94. Further, the images were analysed with PyMol software. The analogs I, II and III included in our study showed strong interactivity against furin individually, as well as the furin-Spike Glycoprotein 1 binding machinery. The findings were confirmed using molecular dynamic simulation analysis which indicated good structural stability and ability to neutralise furin and furin-spike glycoprotein 1. Analog II was found to be the best interactive molecule against furin, showing the least deviation (1.484 ± 0.0064). Also, it was the most effective against furin + Spike glycoprotein I machinery [1.575 ± 0.01]. We report the first of its kind of natural furin inhibitor(s) which would disrupt the furin machinery of SARS-CoV-2 and help in controlling the COVID-19 contagion.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiman Chandra Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | | | - Dhani Ram Mahato
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Manash Pratim Sarma
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Jawaid MZ, Baidya A, Mahboubi-Ardakani R, Davis RL, Cox DL. SARS-CoV-2 omicron spike simulations: broad antibody escape, weakened ACE2 binding, and modest furin cleavage. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0121322. [PMID: 37650619 PMCID: PMC10580870 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01213-22] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with large numbers of mutations has raised concern about a potential new surge in infections. Here we use molecular dynamics to study the biophysics of the interface of the BA1 and BA2 omicron spike protein binding to (i) the ACE2 receptor protein, (ii) antibodies from all known binding regions, and (iii) the furin binding domain. Our simulations suggest that while there is a significant reduction of antibody (Ab) binding strength corresponding to escape, the omicron spikes pay a cost in terms of weaker receptor binding as measured by interfacial hydrogen bonds (H-bond). The furin cleavage domain (FCD) is the same or weaker binding than the delta variant, suggesting lower fusogenicity resulting in less viral load and disease intensity than the delta variant. IMPORTANCE The BA1 and BA2 and closely related BA2.12.2 and BA.5 omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 dominate the current global infection landscape. Given the high number of mutations, particularly those which will lead to antibody escape, it is important to establish accurate methods that can guide developing health policy responses that identify at a fundamental level whether omicron and its variants are more threatening than its predecessors, especially delta. The importance of our work is to demonstrate that simple in silico simulations can predict biochemical binding details of the omicron spike protein that have epidemiological consequences, especially for binding to the cells and for fusing the viral membrane with the cells. In each case, we predicted weaker binding of the omicron spike, which agreed with subsequent experimental results. Future virology experiments will be needed to test these predictions further.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Zaki Jawaid
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - A. Baidya
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - R. Mahboubi-Ardakani
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Daniel L. Cox
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Protein Architects Corp, Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, USA
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Reuter N, Chen X, Kropff B, Peter AS, Britt WJ, Mach M, Überla K, Thomas M. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Is Capable of Inducing Cell-Cell Fusions Independent from Its Receptor ACE2 and This Activity Can Be Impaired by Furin Inhibitors or a Subset of Monoclonal Antibodies. Viruses 2023; 15:1500. [PMID: 37515187 PMCID: PMC10384293 DOI: 10.3390/v15071500] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, efficiently spreads cell-to-cell through mechanisms facilitated by its membrane glycoprotein spike. We established a dual split protein (DSP) assay based on the complementation of GFP and luciferase to quantify the fusogenic activity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We provide several lines of evidence that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, but not SARS-CoV-1, induced cell-cell fusion even in the absence of its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This poorly described ACE2-independent cell fusion activity of the spike protein was strictly dependent on the proteasomal cleavage of the spike by furin while TMPRSS2 was dispensable. Previous and current variants of concern (VOCs) differed significantly in their fusogenicity. The Delta spike was extremely potent compared to Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Kappa, while the Omicron spike was almost devoid of receptor-independent fusion activity. Nonetheless, for all analyzed variants, cell fusion was dependent on furin cleavage and could be pharmacologically inhibited with CMK. Mapping studies revealed that amino acids 652-1273 conferred the ACE2-independent fusion activity of the spike. Unexpectedly, residues proximal to the furin cleavage site were not of major relevance, whereas residue 655 critically regulated fusion. Finally, we found that the spike's fusion activity in the absence of ACE2 could be inhibited by antibodies directed against its N-terminal domain (NTD) but not by antibodies targeting its receptor-binding domain (RBD). In conclusion, our BSL-1-compatible DSP assay allowed us to screen for inhibitors or antibodies that interfere with the spike's fusogenic activity and may therefore contribute to both rational vaccine design and development of novel treatment options against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Reuter
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiaohan Chen
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Kropff
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antonia Sophia Peter
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - William J Britt
- Departments of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Neurobiology, Children's Hospital of Alabama, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233-1771, USA
| | - Michael Mach
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Überla
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Thomas
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Furin is a calcium-dependent serine protease found in almost all mammals. It plays an important role in embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis, tumors pathogenesis, viral infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether furin directly regulates melanin synthesis and transport has rarely been evaluated yet. The present study aimed to investigate furin potential function and mechanisms in melanogenesis. METHODS Short hairpin RNAs targeting furin gene (sh-furin RNAs) were used to inhibit furin gene expression in human melanoma cell line MNT-1 cells. Then, intracellular melanin content was measured using a sodium hydroxide method. Extracellular melanin content was measured determining cell culture medium absorbance at 450 nm. Levodopa (L-DOPA) oxidation rate was measured to assess the tyrosinase activity. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) were performed to measure melanogenesis-related genes and Notch pathway-related genes expression levels. Human primary melanocytes (MCs) were extracted from foreskin tissues and were stimulated with a furin inhibitor. Then, the extracellular and intracellular melanin content, tyrosinase activity and molecules related to melanogenesis and the Notch pathway expression were measured in MCs with or without a furin inhibitor. Additionally, morpholino technology was used to inhibit furin in zebrafish. Zebrafish pigmentary phenotypes in the control group and furin inhibition group were observed with a stereo microscope. Then, MCs number in the tail and head of the zebrafish were counted using Image J software (version 1.53t, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Meanwhile, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and molecules related to melanogenesis and the Notch pathway expression levels were measured. Subsequently, valproic acid (VPA), a Notch pathway agonist, was used in MNT-1 melanoma cells treated with or without sh-furin lentiviral vectors for rescue experiments. RESULTS Furin inhibition enhanced intracellular and extracellular melanin content, and cellular tyrosinase activity in MNT-1 cells and MCs. Additionally, furin inhibition increased melanin synthesis-associated and transport-associated proteins expression levels while inhibiting Notch pathway-relevant proteins. After using VPA to activate the Notch pathway in MNT-1 cells transfected with a sh-furin RNA, the biological effects resulting from furin knockdown were reversed. In addition, the results of in vivo experiments using morpholino to knock down furin gene in zebrafish further confirmed that furin knockdown regulated melanogenesis and impaired the Notch pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study clarified that furin affected the synthesis and transport of melanin via Notch pathway. Notch pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for pigmented skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210000 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weixue Jia
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450000 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 210000 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youming Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210000 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210000 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengrang Li
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 210000 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, 210000 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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25
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de Bruin ACM, Spronken MI, Bestebroer TM, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. Conserved Expression and Functionality of Furin between Chickens and Ducks as an Activating Protease of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinins. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0460222. [PMID: 36916982 PMCID: PMC10100678 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04602-22] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) typically emerge from low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) of the H5 and H7 subtypes upon spillover from wild aquatic birds into poultry. The conversion from LPAIV to HPAIV is characterized by the acquisition of a multibasic cleavage site (MBCS) at the proteolytic cleavage site in the viral binding and fusion protein, hemagglutinin (HA), resulting in cleavage and activation of HA by ubiquitously expressed furin-like proteases. The ensuing HPAIVs disseminate systemically in gallinaceous poultry, are endotheliotropic, and cause hemorrhagic disease with high mortality. HPAIV infections in wild aquatic birds are generally milder, often asymptomatic, and generally not associated with systemic dissemination nor endotheliotropic. As MBCS cleavage by host proteases is the main virulence determinant of HPAIVs in poultry, we set out to determine whether cleavage of HPAIV HA by host proteases might influence the observed species-specific pathogenesis and tropism. Here, we sequenced, cloned, and characterized the expression and functionality of duck furin. The furin sequence was strongly conserved between chickens and ducks, and duck furin cleaved HPAIV and tetrabasic HA in an overexpression system, confirming its functionality. Furin was expressed ubiquitously and to similar extents in duck and chicken tissues, including in primary duck endothelial cells, which sustained multicycle replication of H5N1 HPAIV but not LPAIVs. In conclusion, differences in furin-like protease biology between wild aquatic birds and gallinaceous poultry are unlikely to largely determine the stark differences observed in species-specific pathogenesis of HPAIVs. IMPORTANCE HPAIV outbreaks are a global concern due to the health risks for poultry, wildlife, and humans and their major economic impact. The number of LPAIV-to-HPAIV conversions, which is associated with spillover from wild birds to poultry, has been increasing over recent decades. Furthermore, H5 HPAIVs from the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage have been circulating in migratory birds, causing increasingly frequent epizootics in poultry and wild birds. Milder symptoms in migratory birds allow for dispersion of HPAIVs over long distances, justifying the importance of understanding the pathogenesis of HPAIVs in wild birds. Here, we examined whether host proteases are a likely candidate to explain some differences in the degree of HPAIV systemic dissemination between avian species. This is the first report to show that furin function and expression is comparable between chickens and ducks, which renders the hypothesis unlikely that furin-like protease differences influence the HPAIV species-specific pathogenesis and tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja C. M. de Bruin
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monique I. Spronken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Theo M. Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Narbona J, Gordo RG, Tomé-Amat J, Lacadena J. A New Optimized Version of a Colorectal Cancer-Targeted Immunotoxin Based on a Non-Immunogenic Variant of the Ribotoxin α-Sarcin. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041114. [PMID: 36831456 PMCID: PMC9954630 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041114] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its incidence and mortality, cancer remains one of the main risks to human health and lifespans. In order to overcome this worldwide disease, immunotherapy and the therapeutic use of immunotoxins have arisen as promising approaches. However, the immunogenicity of foreign proteins limits the dose of immunotoxins administered, thereby leading to a decrease in its therapeutic benefit. In this study, we designed two different variants of non-immunogenic immunotoxins (IMTXA33αSDI and IMTXA33furαSDI) based on a deimmunized variant of the ribotoxin α-sarcin. The inclusion of a furin cleavage site in IMTXA33furαSDI would allow a more efficient release of the toxic domain to the cytosol. Both immunotoxins were produced and purified in the yeast Pichia pastoris and later functionally characterized (both in vitro and in vivo), and immunogenicity assays were carried out. The results showed that both immunotoxins were functionally active and less immunogenic than the wild-type immunotoxin. In addition, IMTXA33furαSDI showed a more efficient antitumor effect (both in vitro and in vivo) due to the inclusion of the furin linker. These results constituted a step forward in the optimization of immunotoxins with low immunogenicity and enhanced antitumor activity, which can lead to potential better outcomes in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Narbona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén G. Gordo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Tomé-Amat
- Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Srisomboon Y, Iijima K, Colwell M, Maniak PJ, Macchietto M, Faulk C, Kita H, O'Grady SM. Allergen-induced DNA release by the airway epithelium amplifies type 2 immunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:494-508.e6. [PMID: 36306937 PMCID: PMC10324884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.034] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternaria alternata and house dust mite exposure evokes IL-33 secretion from the airway epithelium, which functions as an alarmin to stimulate type 2 immunity. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is also an alarmin that intensifies inflammation in cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. OBJECTIVE We investigated the mechanisms underlying allergen-evoked DNA mobilization and release from the airway epithelium and determined the role of eDNA in type 2 immunity. METHODS Human bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells were used to characterize allergen-induced DNA mobilization and extracellular release using comet assays to measure DNA fragmentation, Qubit double-stranded DNA assays to measure DNA release, and DNA sequencing to determine eDNA composition. Mice were used to investigate the role of eDNA in type 2 immunity. RESULTS Alternaria extract rapidly induces mitochondrial and nuclear DNA release from human bronchial epithelial cells, whereas house dust mite extract induces mitochondrial DNA release. Caspase-3 is responsible for nuclear DNA fragmentation and becomes activated after cleavage by furin. Analysis of secreted nuclear DNA showed disproportionally higher amounts of promotor and exon sequences and lower intron and intergenic regions compared to predictions of random DNA fragmentation. In mice, Alternaria-induced type 2 immune responses were blocked by pretreatment with a DNA scavenger. In caspase-3-deficient mice, Alternaria-induced DNA release was suppressed. Furthermore, intranasal administration of mouse genomic DNA with Alternaria amplified secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid while DNA alone had no effect. CONCLUSION These findings highlight a novel, allergen-induced mechanism of rapid DNA release that amplifies type 2 immunity in airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotesawee Srisomboon
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Koji Iijima
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Mathia Colwell
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Peter J Maniak
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Marissa Macchietto
- Minnesota Super Computing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn
| | - Hirohito Kita
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Ariz.
| | - Scott M O'Grady
- Departments of Animal Science, Integrative Biology, and Physiology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minn.
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Nejat R, Torshizi MF, Najafi DJ. S Protein, ACE2 and Host Cell Proteases in SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Infectivity; Is Soluble ACE2 a Two Blade Sword? A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020204. [PMID: 36851081 PMCID: PMC9968219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020204] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the spread of the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, researchers have restlessly sought to unravel how the virus enters the host cells. Some proteins on each side of the interaction between the virus and the host cells are involved as the major contributors to this process: (1) the nano-machine spike protein on behalf of the virus, (2) angiotensin converting enzyme II, the mono-carboxypeptidase and the key component of renin angiotensin system on behalf of the host cell, (3) some host proteases and proteins exploited by SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the complex process of SARS-CoV-2 entrance into the host cells with the contribution of the involved host proteins as well as the sequential conformational changes in the spike protein tending to increase the probability of complexification of the latter with angiotensin converting enzyme II, the receptor of the virus on the host cells, are discussed. Moreover, the release of the catalytic ectodomain of angiotensin converting enzyme II as its soluble form in the extracellular space and its positive or negative impact on the infectivity of the virus are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nejat
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Laleh Hospital, Tehran 1467684595, Iran
- Correspondence:
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29
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Abstract
Cholix (Chx) is secreted by non-pandemic strains of Vibrio cholerae in the intestinal lumen. For this exotoxin to induce cell death in non-polarized cells in the intestinal lamina propria, it must traverse the epithelium in the fully intact form. We identified host cell elements in polarized enterocytes associated with Chx endocytosis and apical to basal (A→B) vesicular transcytosis. This pathway overcomes endogenous mechanisms of apical vesicle recycling and lysosomal targeting by interacting with several host cell proteins that include the 75 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP75). Apical endocytosis of Chx appears to involve the single membrane spanning protein TMEM132A, and interaction with furin before it engages GRP75 in apical vesicular structures. Sorting within these apical vesicles results in Chx being trafficked to the basal region of cells in association with the Lectin, Mannose Binding 1 protein LMAN1. In this location, Chx interacts with the basement membrane-specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan in recycling endosomes prior to its release from this basal vesicular compartment to enter the underlying lamina propria. While the furin and LMAN1 elements of this Chx transcytosis pathway undergo cellular redistribution that are reflective of the polarity shifts noted for coatamer complexes COPI and COPII, GRP75 and perlecan fail to show these dramatic rearrangements. Together, these data define essential steps in the A→B transcytosis pathway accessed by Chx to reach the intestinal lamina propria where it can engage and intoxicate certain non-polarized cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Liu
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom Hunter
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alistair Taverner
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Kevin Yin
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia MacKay
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Kate Colebrook
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Correia
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amandine Rapp
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Randall J. Mrsny
- Applied Molecular Transport, South San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK,CONTACT Randall J. Mrsny Applied Molecular Transport, 450 East Jamie Court, South San Francisco, CA94080USA
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Bandyopadhyay S, Abiodun OA, Ogboo BC, Kola-Mustapha AT, Attah EI, Edemhanria L, Kumari A, Jaganathan R, Adelakun NS. Polypharmacology of some medicinal plant metabolites against SARS-CoV-2 and host targets: Molecular dynamics evaluation of NSP9 RNA binding protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11467-11483. [PMID: 34370622 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1959401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants as rich sources of bioactive compounds are now being explored for drug development against COVID-19. 19 medicinal plants known to exhibit antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects were manually curated, procuring a library of 521 metabolites; this was virtually screened against NSP9, including some other viral and host targets and were evaluated for polypharmacological indications. Leads were identified via rigorous scoring thresholds and ADMET filtering. MM-GBSA calculation was deployed to select NSP9-Lead complexes and the complexes were evaluated for their stability and protein-ligand communication via MD simulation. We identified 5 phytochemical leads for NSP9, 23 for Furin, 18 for ORF3a, and 19 for IL-6. Ochnaflavone and Licoflavone B, obtained from Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), respectively, were identified to have the highest potential polypharmacological properties for the aforementioned targets and may act on multiple pathways simultaneously to inhibit viral entry, replication, and disease progression. Additionally, MD simulation supports the robust stability of Ochnaflavone and Licoflavone B against NSP9 at the active sites via hydrophobic interactions, H-bonding, and H-bonding facilitated by water. This study promotes the initiation of further experimental analysis of natural product-based anti-COVID-19 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suritra Bandyopadhyay
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), BARC Training School Complex, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Blessing Chinweotito Ogboo
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
| | - Adeola Tawakalitu Kola-Mustapha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.,College of Pharmacy, Alfaisal University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emmanuel Ifeanyi Attah
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
| | - Lawrence Edemhanria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Nigeria
| | | | - Ravindran Jaganathan
- SriSamraj Health Services Pvt. Ltd, Tindivanam, Tamilnadu, India.,Pre-clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL-RCMP), Malaysia
| | - Niyi S Adelakun
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.,Bio-Assay and Cheminformatics Unit, Molecular and Simulations, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
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Zhang Y, Zhang L, Wu J, Yu Y, Liu S, Li T, Li Q, Ding R, Wang H, Nie J, Cui Z, Wang Y, Huang W, Wang Y. A second functional furin site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:182-194. [PMID: 34856891 PMCID: PMC8741242 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2014284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitously-expressed proteolytic enzyme furin is closely related to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and therefore represents a key target for antiviral therapy. Based on bioinformatic analysis and pseudovirus tests, we discovered a second functional furin site located in the spike protein. Furin still increased the infectivity of mutated SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in 293T-ACE2 cells when the canonical polybasic cleavage site (682-686) was deleted. However, K814A mutation eliminated the enhancing effect of furin on virus infection. Furin inhibitor prevented infection by 682-686-deleted SARS-CoV-2 in 293T-ACE2-furin cells, but not the K814A mutant. K814A mutation did not affect the activity of TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L but did impact the cleavage of S2 into S2' and cell-cell fusion. Additionally, we showed that this functional furin site exists in RaTG13 from bat and PCoV-GD/GX from pangolin. Therefore, we discovered a new functional furin site that is pivotal in promoting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Vaccine & Serum Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajing Wu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanling Yu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruxia Ding
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixin Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Nie
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Cui
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Wang
- National Vaccine & Serum Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijin Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Lead Contact
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32
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Alcolea PJ, Larraga J, Rodríguez-Martín D, Alonso A, Loayza FJ, Rojas JM, Ruiz-García S, Louloudes-Lázaro A, Carlón AB, Sánchez-Cordón PJ, Nogales-Altozano P, Redondo N, Manzano M, Lozano D, Palomero J, Montoya M, Vallet-Regí M, Martín V, Sevilla N, Larraga V. Non-replicative antibiotic resistance-free DNA vaccine encoding S and N proteins induces full protection in mice against SARS-CoV-2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1023255. [PMID: 36439169 PMCID: PMC9682132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1023255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines currently in use have contributed to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding, the high mutation rate, fundamentally in the spike glycoprotein (S), is causing the emergence of new variants. Solely utilizing this antigen is a drawback that may reduce the efficacy of these vaccines. Herein we present a DNA vaccine candidate that contains the genes encoding the S and the nucleocapsid (N) proteins implemented into the non-replicative mammalian expression plasmid vector, pPAL. This plasmid lacks antibiotic resistance genes and contains an alternative selectable marker for production. The S gene sequence was modified to avoid furin cleavage (Sfs). Potent humoral and cellular immune responses were observed in C57BL/6J mice vaccinated with pPAL-Sfs + pPAL-N following a prime/boost regimen by the intramuscular route applying in vivo electroporation. The immunogen fully protected K18-hACE2 mice against a lethal dose (105 PFU) of SARS-CoV-2. Viral replication was completely controlled in the lungs, brain, and heart of vaccinated mice. Therefore, pPAL-Sfs + pPAL-N is a promising DNA vaccine candidate for protection from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J. Alcolea
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Larraga
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Rodríguez-Martín
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Alonso
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Loayza
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Rojas
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ruiz-García
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Louloudes-Lázaro
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B. Carlón
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro J. Sánchez-Cordón
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Nogales-Altozano
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Redondo
- Inmunología Viral: Terapias y Vacunas. Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Manzano
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomateriales Inteligentes (GIBI), Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital 12 de Octubre i+12, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Lozano
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomateriales Inteligentes (GIBI), Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital 12 de Octubre i+12, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Palomero
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Instituto de Neurociencias de castilla y León (INCyL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), School of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Montoya
- Inmunología Viral: Terapias y Vacunas. Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Vallet-Regí
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomateriales Inteligentes (GIBI), Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital 12 de Octubre i+12, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Martín
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noemí Sevilla
- Grupo de Investigación en Nuevas Estrategias de Control de Patógenos Relevantes en Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA-CSIC), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Larraga
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Foka K, Georganta EM, Semelidou O, Skoulakis EMC. Loss of the Schizophrenia-Linked Furin Protein from Drosophila Mushroom Body Neurons Results in Antipsychotic-Reversible Habituation Deficits. J Neurosci 2022; 42:7496-7511. [PMID: 36028314 PMCID: PMC9525163 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1055-22.2022] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Habituation is a conserved adaptive process essential for incoming information assessment, which drives the behavioral response decrement to recurrent inconsequential stimuli and does not involve sensory adaptation or fatigue. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the process are not well understood, habituation has been reported to be defective in a number of disorders including schizophrenia. We demonstrate that loss of furin1, the Drosophila homolog of a gene whose transcriptional downregulation has been linked to schizophrenia, results in defective habituation to recurrent footshocks in mixed sex populations. The deficit is reversible by transgenic expression of the Drosophila or human Furin in adult α'/β' mushroom body neurons and by acute oral delivery of the typical antipsychotic haloperidol and the atypical clozapine, which are commonly used to treat schizophrenic patients. The results validate the proposed contribution of Furin downregulation in schizophrenia and suggest that defective footshock habituation is a Drosophila protophenotype of the human disorder.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Genome-wide association studies have revealed a number of loci linked to schizophrenia, but most have not been verified experimentally in a relevant behavioral task. Habituation deficits constitute a schizophrenia endophenotype. Drosophila with attenuated expression of the schizophrenia-linked highly conserved Furin gene present delayed habituation reversible with acute exposure to antipsychotics. This strongly suggests that footshock habituation defects constitute a schizophrenia protophenotype in Drosophila Furthermore, determination of the neurons whose regulated activity is required for footshock habituation provides a facile metazoan system to expediently validate putative schizophrenia genes and variants in a well understood simple brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Foka
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Science Research Centre "Alexander Fleming," 16672 Vari, Greece
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Science Research Centre "Alexander Fleming," 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Ourania Semelidou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Science Research Centre "Alexander Fleming," 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Science Research Centre "Alexander Fleming," 16672 Vari, Greece
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Dafnis I, Tsouka AN, Gkolfinopoulou C, Tellis CC, Chroni A, Tselepis AD. PCSK9 is minimally associated with HDL but impairs the anti-atherosclerotic HDL effects on endothelial cell activation. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100272. [PMID: 36067830 PMCID: PMC9526147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100272] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates the cell-surface localization of LDL receptors in hepatocytes and is associated with LDL and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] uptake, reducing blood concentrations. However, the connection between PCSK9 and HDL is unclear. Here, we investigated the association of plasma PCSK9 with HDL subpopulations and examined the effects of PCSK9 on the atheroprotective function of HDL. We examined the association of PCSK9 with HDL in apoB-depleted plasma by ELISA, native PAGE, and immunoblotting. Our analyses showed that upon apoB-depletion, total circulating PCSK9 levels were 32% of those observed in normolipidemic plasma, and only 6% of PCSK9 in the apoB-depleted plasma, including both the mature and furin-cleaved forms, was associated with HDL. We also show human recombinant PCSK9 abolished the capacity of reconstituted HDL to reduce the formation of ROS in endothelial cells, while a PCSK9-blocking antibody enhanced the capacity of human HDL (in apoB-depleted plasma) to reduce ROS formation in endothelial cells and promote endothelial cell migration. Overall, our findings suggest that PCSK9 is only minimally associated with HDL particles, but PCSK9 in apoB-depleted plasma can affect the atheroprotective properties of HDL related to preservation of endothelial function. This study contributes to the elucidation of the pathophysiological role of plasma PCSK9 and highlights further the anti-atherosclerotic effect of PCSK9 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Dafnis
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini N Tsouka
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Gkolfinopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos C Tellis
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki Chroni
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros D Tselepis
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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35
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Beaudoin CA, Pandurangan AP, Kim SY, Hamaia SW, Huang CL, Blundell TL, Vedithi SC, Jackson AP. In silico analysis of mutations near S1/S2 cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reveals increased propensity of glycosylation in Omicron strain. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4181-4192. [PMID: 35575289 PMCID: PMC9348480 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cleavage of the severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein has been demonstrated to contribute to viral-cell fusion and syncytia formation. Studies have shown that variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI) show differing membrane fusion capacity. Mutations near cleavage motifs, such as the S1/S2 and S2' sites, may alter interactions with host proteases and, thus, the potential for fusion. The biochemical basis for the differences in interactions with host proteases for the VOC/VOI spike proteins has not yet been explored. Using sequence and structure-based bioinformatics, mutations near the VOC/VOI spike protein cleavage sites were inspected for their structural effects. All mutations found at the S1/S2 sites were predicted to increase affinity to the furin protease but not TMPRSS2. Mutations at the spike residue P681 in several strains, such P681R in the Delta strain, resulted in the disruption of a proline-directed kinase phosphorylation motif at the S1/S2 site, which may lessen the impact of phosphorylation for these variants. However, the unique N679K mutation in the Omicron strain was found to increase the propensity for O-linked glycosylation at the S1/S2 cleavage site, which may prevent recognition by proteases. Such glycosylation in the Omicron strain may hinder entry at the cell surface and, thus, decrease syncytia formation and induce cell entry through the endocytic pathway as has been shown in previous studies. Further experimental work is needed to confirm the effect of mutations and posttranslational modifications on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein cleavage sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arun P. Pandurangan
- Department of Biochemistry, Sanger BuildingUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Sanger BuildingUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Samir W. Hamaia
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins BuildingUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.‐H. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins BuildingUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Tom L. Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, Sanger BuildingUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Antony P. Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins BuildingUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Abstract
Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) was reported in China in 2017 and is a causative agent of porcine enteric disease. Recent studies indicate that cells from various hosts are susceptible to SADS-CoV, suggesting the zoonotic potential of this virus. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which this virus enters cells. In this study, we investigated the role of furin in SADS-CoV spike (S)-mediated cell-cell fusion and entry. We found that the SADS-CoV S protein induced the fusion of various cells. Cell-cell fusion was inhibited by the proprotein convertase inhibitor dec-RVKR-cmk, and between cells transfected with mutant S proteins resistant to furin cleavage. These findings revealed that furin-induced cleavage of the SADS-CoV S protein is required for cell-cell fusion. Using mutagenesis analysis, we demonstrated that furin cleaves the SADS-CoV S protein near the S1/S2 cleavage site, 446RYVR449 and 543AVRR546. We used pseudotyped viruses to determine whether furin-induced S cleavage is also required for viral entry. Pseudotyped viruses expressing S proteins with a mutated furin cleavage site could be transduced into target cells, indicating that furin-induced cleavage is not required for pseudotyped virus entry. Our data indicate that S cleavage is critical for SADS-CoV S-mediated cell-cell fusion and suggest that furin might be a host target for SADS-CoV antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinman Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Yoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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37
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Abu El-Asrar AM, Nawaz MI, Ahmad A, Siddiquei MM, Allegaert E, Gikandi PW, De Hertogh G, Opdenakker G. Proprotein convertase furin is a driver and potential therapeutic target in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:632-652. [PMID: 35322530 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Furin converts inactive proproteins into bioactive forms. By activating proinflammatory and proangiogenic factors, furin might play a role in pathophysiology of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS We studied vitreous samples from PDR and nondiabetic patients, epiretinal membranes from PDR patients, retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), retinal Müller cells and rat retinas by ELISA, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy. We performed in vitro angiogenesis assays and assessed adherence of monocytes to HRMECs. RESULTS Furin levels were significantly increased in PDR vitreous samples. In epiretinal membranes, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed furin expression in monocytes/macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. Furin was significantly upregulated in diabetic rat retinas. Hypoxia and TNF-α induced significant upregulation of furin in Müller cells and HRMECs. Furin induced upregulation of phospho-ERK1/2, p65 subunit of NF-κB, ADAM17 and MCP-1 in cultured Müller cells and phospho-ERK1/2 in cultured HRMECs and induced HRMECs migration. Treatment of monocytes with furin significantly increased their adhesion to HRMECs. Intravitreal administration of furin in normal rats induced significant upregulation of p65 subunit of NF-κB, phospho-ERK1/2 and ICAM-1 in the retina. Inhibition of furin with dec-CMK significantly decreased levels of MCP-1 in culture medium of Müller cells and HRMECs and significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of p65 subunit of NF-κB, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HRMECs. Dec-CMK significantly decreased adherence of monocytes to HRMECs and TNF-α-induced upregulation of adherence of monocytes to HRMECs. Treatment of HRMECs with dec-CMK significantly attenuated migration of HRMECs. CONCLUSIONS Furin is a potential driver molecule of PDR-associated inflammation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Research Chair in Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd I Nawaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajmal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad M Siddiquei
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eef Allegaert
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Priscilla W Gikandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gert De Hertogh
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.,Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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38
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Macedo S, Pestana A, Santos L, Neves C, Guimarães S, Duarte-Neto A, Dolhnikoff M, Saldiva P, Alves G, Oliveira R, Cabanes D, Carneiro F, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in thyroid follicular cells from a COVID-19 autopsy series. Eur Thyroid J 2022; 11:e220074. [PMID: 35900859 PMCID: PMC9346336 DOI: 10.1530/etj-22-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand whether thyroid cells can be directly infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to establish a putative correlation with the expression of the host entry machinery: ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin. METHODS We assessed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus at the gene level by RT-PCR, viral RNA transcripts localization by in situ hybridization, and by detecting viral proteins by immunohistochemistry for the nucleocapsid and the spike proteins. Furthermore, we also described the immunoexpression of key host factors for virus entry in the COVID-19 thyroid samples. RESULTS We performed RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in all autopsy specimens and detected viral genome positivity in 13 of 15 thyroid tissues and in a lung specimen. In 9 of the 14 positive samples, we were also able to confirm SARS-CoV-2 signal by in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry for the viral nucleocapsid and spike protein was also positive for ten and nine of the RT-PCR-positive cases, respectively, but revealed a lower sensitivity. We also described, for the first time in a COVID-19 series, the immunohistochemical expression of ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin in the thyroid. CONCLUSIONS Our results obtained in thyroid specimens from deceased COVID-19 patients indicate that thyrocytes can be directly infected by SARS-CoV-2 since we detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome in follicular cells. Nevertheless, we did not find a clear correlation between the presence of viral genome and the expression of the host factors for virus entry, namely ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Macedo
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Pestana
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Santos
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- North Lisbon University Hospital Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Celestino Neves
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University Hospital Center of São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Guimarães
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University Hospital Center of São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Amaro Duarte-Neto
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marisa Dolhnikoff
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Saldiva
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Georgina Alves
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Oliveira
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Carneiro
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University Hospital Center of São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University Hospital Center of São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence should be addressed to P Soares:
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Moore GJ, Ridgway H, Kelaidonis K, Chasapis CT, Ligielli I, Mavromoustakos T, Bojarska J, Matsoukas JM. Actions of Novel Angiotensin Receptor Blocking Drugs, Bisartans, Relevant for COVID-19 Therapy: Biased Agonism at Angiotensin Receptors and the Beneficial Effects of Neprilysin in the Renin Angiotensin System. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154854. [PMID: 35956801 PMCID: PMC9369639 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) used in the treatment of hypertension and potentially in SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibit inverse agonist effects at angiotensin AR1 receptors, suggesting the receptor may have evolved to accommodate naturally occurring angiotensin ‘antipeptides’. Screening of the human genome has identified a peptide (EGVYVHPV) encoded by mRNA, complementary to that encoding ANG II itself, which is an inverse agonist. Thus, opposite strands of DNA encode peptides with opposite effects at AR1 receptors. Agonism and inverse agonism at AR1 receptors can be explained by a receptor ‘switching’ between an activated state invoking receptor dimerization/G protein coupling and an inverse agonist state mediated by an alternative/second messenger that is slow to reverse. Both receptor states appear to be driven by the formation of the ANG II charge-relay system involving TyrOH-His/imidazole-Carboxylate (analogous to serine proteases). In this system, tyrosinate species formed are essential for activating AT1 and AT2 receptors. ANGII is also known to bind to the zinc-coordinated metalloprotease angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) used by the COVID-19 virus to enter cells. Here we report in silico results demonstrating the binding of a new class of anionic biphenyl-tetrazole sartans (‘Bisartans’) to the active site zinc atom of the endopeptidase Neprilysin (NEP) involved in regulating hypertension, by modulating humoral levels of beneficial vasoactive peptides in the RAS such as vasodilator angiotensin (1–7). In vivo and modeling evidence further suggest Bisartans can inhibit ANG II-induced pulmonary edema and may be useful in combatting SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2-mediated viral entry to cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J. Moore
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.J.M.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, New Mexico, NM 88056, USA
| | | | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Joanna Bojarska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence: (G.J.M.); (J.M.M.)
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Xiong J, Yan M, Zhu S, Zheng B, Wei N, Yang L, Si Y, Cao S, Ye J. Increased Cleavage of Japanese Encephalitis Virus prM Protein Promotes Viral Replication but Attenuates Virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0141722. [PMID: 35695552 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01417-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In flavivirus, the furin-mediated cleavage of prM is mandatory to produce infectious particles, and the immature particles containing uncleaved prM cannot undergo membrane fusion and release to the extracellular environment. However, the detailed relationship between viral replication or pathogenicity and furin in Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) hasn't been clarified. Here, JEV with the mutations in furin cleavage sites and its nearby were constructed. Compared with WT virus, the mutant virus showed enhanced cleavage efficiency of prM protein and increased replication ability. Furthermore, we found that the mutations mainly promote genomic replication and assembly of JEV. However, the mutant formed smaller plaques than WT virus in plaque forming assay, indicating the lower cytopathogenicity of mutant virus. To assess the virulence of JEV mutant, an in vivo assay was performed using a mouse model. A higher survival rate and attenuated neuroinflammation were observed in JEV mutant-infected mice than those of WT-infected mice, suggesting the cleavage of prM by furin was closely related to viral virulence. These findings will provide new understanding on JEV pathogenesis and contribute to the development of novel JEV vaccines. IMPORTANCE Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis epidemics in Southeast Asia, affecting mostly children, with high morbidity and mortality. During the viral maturation process, prM is cleaved into M by the cellular endoprotease furin in the acidic secretory system. After cleavage of the prM protein, mature virions are exocytosed. Here, the mutant in furin cleavage sites and its nearby was constructed, and the results showed that the mutant virus with enhanced replication mainly occurred in the process of genomic replication and assembly. Meanwhile, the mutant showed an attenuated virulence than WT virus in vivo. Our study contributes to understanding the function of prM and M proteins and provides new clues for live vaccine designation for JEV.
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Chan CE, Ng CG, Lim AP, Seah SL, Chye DH, Wong SK, Lim JH, Lim VZ, Lai SK, Wong PS, Leong KM, Liu YC, Sugrue RJ, Tan BH. The Cellular Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Virus-Infected Cells Using the Receptor Binding Domain Binding Specific Human Monoclonal Antibodies. J Virol 2022;:e0045522. [PMID: 35727030 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00455-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A human monoclonal antibody panel (PD4, PD5, PD7, SC23, and SC29) was isolated from the B cells of convalescent patients and used to examine the S protein in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. While all five antibodies bound conformational-specific epitopes within SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, only PD5, PD7, and SC23 were able to bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD). Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to examine the S protein RBD in cells infected with the Singapore isolates SARS-CoV-2/0334 and SARS-CoV-2/1302. The RBD-binders exhibited a distinct cytoplasmic staining pattern that was primarily localized within the Golgi complex and was distinct from the diffuse cytoplasmic staining pattern exhibited by the non-RBD-binders (PD4 and SC29). These data indicated that the S protein adopted a conformation in the Golgi complex that enabled the RBD recognition by the RBD-binders. The RBD-binders also recognized the uncleaved S protein, indicating that S protein cleavage was not required for RBD recognition. Electron microscopy indicated high levels of cell-associated virus particles, and multiple cycle virus infection using RBD-binder staining provided evidence for direct cell-to-cell transmission for both isolates. Although similar levels of RBD-binder staining were demonstrated for each isolate, SARS-CoV-2/1302 exhibited slower rates of cell-to-cell transmission. These data suggest that a conformational change in the S protein occurs during its transit through the Golgi complex that enables RBD recognition by the RBD-binders and suggests that these antibodies can be used to monitor S protein RBD formation during the early stages of infection. IMPORTANCE The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein receptor binding domain (RBD) mediates the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell. This interaction plays an essential role in initiating virus infection, and the S protein RBD is therefore a focus of therapeutic and vaccine interventions. However, new virus variants have emerged with altered biological properties in the RBD that can potentially negate these interventions. Therefore, an improved understanding of the biological properties of the RBD in virus-infected cells may offer future therapeutic strategies to mitigate SARS- CoV-2 infection. We used physiologically relevant antibodies that were isolated from the B cells of convalescent COVID-19 patients to monitor the RBD in cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolates. These immunological reagents specifically recognize the correctly folded RBD and were used to monitor the appearance of the RBD in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and identified the site where the RBD first appears.
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42
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Following initial infection of airway epithelia, SARS-CoV-2 invades a wide range of cells in multiple organs, including pancreatic islet cells. Diabetes is now recognised as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisation and death. Additionally, COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of new-onset diabetes and metabolic complications of diabetes. One mechanism by which these deleterious outcomes may occur is via the destruction of insulin-producing islet β cells, either directly by SARS-CoV-2 entry into β cells or indirectly due to inflammation and fibrosis in the surrounding microenvironment. While the canonical pathway of viral entry via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been established as a major route of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung, it may not be solely responsible for viral entry into the endocrine pancreas. This is likely due to the divergent expression of viral entry factors among different tissues. For example, expression of ACE2 has not been unequivocally demonstrated in β cells. Thus, it is important to understand how other proteins known to be highly expressed in pancreatic endocrine cells may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, with the view that these could be targeted to prevent the demise of the β cell in COVID-19. To that end, this review discusses alternate receptors of SARS-CoV-2 (CD147 and GRP78), as well as mediators (furin, TMPRSS2, cathepsin L, ADAM17, neuropilin-1, and heparan sulphate) that may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into pancreatic islets independent of or in conjunction with ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohita Rangu
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Pandora L. Wander
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Breanne M. Barrow
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - Sakeneh Zraika
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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Yamamoto M, Gohda J, Kobayashi A, Tomita K, Hirayama Y, Koshikawa N, Seiki M, Semba K, Akiyama T, Kawaguchi Y, Inoue JI. Metalloproteinase-Dependent and TMPRSS2-Independent Cell Surface Entry Pathway of SARS-CoV-2 Requires the Furin Cleavage Site and the S2 Domain of Spike Protein. mBio 2022;:e0051922. [PMID: 35708281 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00519-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing global vaccination program to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, the causative agent of COVID-19, has had significant success. However, recently, virus variants that can evade the immunity in a host achieved through vaccination have emerged. Consequently, new therapeutic agents that can efficiently prevent infection from these new variants, and hence COVID-19 spread, are urgently required. To achieve this, extensive characterization of virus-host cell interactions to identify effective therapeutic targets is warranted. Here, we report a cell surface entry pathway of SARS-CoV-2 that exists in a cell type-dependent manner and is TMPRSS2 independent but sensitive to various broad-spectrum metalloproteinase inhibitors such as marimastat and prinomastat. Experiments with selective metalloproteinase inhibitors and gene-specific small interfering RNAS (siRNAs) revealed that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is partially involved in the metalloproteinase pathway. Consistent with our finding that the pathway is unique to SARS-CoV-2 among highly pathogenic human coronaviruses, both the furin cleavage motif in the S1/S2 boundary and the S2 domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are essential for metalloproteinase-dependent entry. In contrast, the two elements of SARS-CoV-2 independently contributed to TMPRSS2-dependent S2 priming. The metalloproteinase pathway is involved in SARS-CoV-2-induced syncytium formation and cytopathicity, leading us to theorize that it is also involved in the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Thus, targeting the metalloproteinase pathway in addition to the TMPRSS2 and endosomal pathways could be an effective strategy by which to cure COVID-19 in the future. IMPORTANCE To develop effective therapeutics against COVID-19, it is necessary to elucidate in detail the infection mechanism of the causative agent, SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the cell surface receptor ACE2 via the spike protein, and then the spike protein is cleaved by host proteases to enable entry. Here, we found that the metalloproteinase-mediated pathway is important for SARS-CoV-2 infection in addition to the TMPRSS2-mediated pathway and the endosomal pathway. The metalloproteinase-mediated pathway requires both the prior cleavage of spike into two domains and a specific sequence in the second domain, S2, conditions met by SARS-CoV-2 but lacking in the related human coronavirus SARS-CoV. Besides the contribution of metalloproteinases to SARS-CoV-2 infection, inhibition of metalloproteinases was important in preventing cell death, which may cause organ damage. Our study provides new insights into the complex pathogenesis unique to COVID-19 and relevant to the development of effective therapies.
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Mezger MC, Conzelmann C, Weil T, von Maltitz P, Albers DPJ, Münch J, Stamminger T, Schilling EM. Inhibitors of Activin Receptor-like Kinase 5 Interfere with SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein Processing and Spike-Mediated Cell Fusion via Attenuation of Furin Expression. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061308. [PMID: 35746781 PMCID: PMC9228453 DOI: 10.3390/v14061308] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening of a protein kinase inhibitor library identified SB431542, targeting activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5), as a compound interfering with SARS-CoV-2 replication. Since ALK5 is implicated in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling and regulation of the cellular endoprotease furin, we pursued this research to clarify the role of this protein kinase for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We show that TGF-β1 induces the expression of furin in a broad spectrum of cells including Huh-7 and Calu-3 that are permissive for SARS-CoV-2. The inhibition of ALK5 by incubation with SB431542 revealed a dose-dependent downregulation of both basal and TGF-β1 induced furin expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ALK5 inhibitors SB431542 and Vactosertib negatively affect the proteolytic processing of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and significantly reduce spike-mediated cell-cell fusion. This correlated with an inhibitory effect of ALK5 inhibition on the production of infectious SARS-CoV-2. Altogether, our study shows that interference with ALK5 signaling attenuates SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and cell-cell spread via downregulation of furin which is most pronounced upon TGF-β stimulation. Since a TGF-β dominated cytokine storm is a hallmark of severe COVID-19, ALK5 inhibitors undergoing clinical trials might represent a potential therapy option for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja C. Mezger
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.C.M.); (E.-M.S.)
| | - Carina Conzelmann
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Tatjana Weil
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Dan P. J. Albers
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.C.); (T.W.); (P.v.M.); (D.P.J.A.); (J.M.)
| | - Thomas Stamminger
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.C.M.); (E.-M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-731-50065100
| | - Eva-Maria Schilling
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.C.M.); (E.-M.S.)
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45
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Qiu H, Wang N, Lin D, Yuan Y, Li J, Mao D, Meng Y. The positive feedback loop of furin and TGFβ1 enhances the immune responses of Tregs to hepatocellular carcinoma cells and hepatitis B virus in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1215-1226. [PMID: 35349767 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can exert immunosuppressive activity. Furin can regulate Treg functions, hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistent infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, it remains unknown whether furin can regulate the immune responses of Tregs to HBV and HCC cells. Here, coculture systems of HBV1.3P-HepG2.3P-HepG2 cells and Tregs transduced with or without lentiviral particles that could overexpress furin or knockdown furin/transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were established to investigate the regulatory relationship between furin and TGFβ1 and the effect of furin/TGFβ1 on Treg activity. Also, the effects of furin overexpression or furin/TGFβ1 knockdown in Tregs on the immunological activity of effector T cells (Teffs)/cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and HBV replication/expression were explored in the coculture system of Teff/CTL, Treg, and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. Our results showed that furin expression and TGFβ1 secretion were notably increased in Tregs, and Furin and TGFβ1 formed a positive feedback loop to activate Tregs in the coculture system of Tregs and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. Furin or TGFβ1 knockdown in Tregs promoted Teff cell proliferation, stimulated interleukin-2 and interferon-γ secretion, and inhibited HBV replication/gene expression in the coculture system of Teff, Treg, and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. Moreover, furin or TGFβ1 depletion in Tregs enhanced the killing activity of CTLs against HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells and curbed HBV replication/gene expression in the coculture system of Tregs, CTLs, and HBV1.3P-HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the positive feedback loop of furin and TGFβ1 enhanced the immune responses of Tregs to HCC cells and HBV in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Live Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongyi Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinyuan Li
- Department of Chinese Medicine (CM), Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dewen Mao
- Department of Live Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yinjie Meng
- Department of Live Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Essalmani R, Jain J, Susan-Resiga D, Andréo U, Evagelidis A, Derbali RM, Huynh DN, Dallaire F, Laporte M, Delpal A, Sutto-Ortiz P, Coutard B, Mapa C, Wilcoxen K, Decroly E, Nq Pham T, Cohen ÉA, Seidah NG. Distinctive Roles of Furin and TMPRSS2 in SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity. J Virol 2022;:e0012822. [PMID: 35343766 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00128-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The spike protein (S) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directs infection of the lungs and other tissues following its binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. For effective infection, the S protein is cleaved at two sites: S1/S2 and S2′. The “priming” of the surface S protein at S1/S2 (PRRAR685↓) [the underlined basic amino acids refer to critical residues needed for the furin recognition] by furin has been shown to be important for SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in cells and small-animal models. In this study, for the first time we unambiguously identified by proteomics the fusion activation site S2′ as KPSKR815↓ (the underlined basic amino acids refer to critical residues needed for the furin recognition) and demonstrated that this cleavage was strongly enhanced by ACE2 engagement with the S protein. Novel pharmacological furin inhibitors (BOS inhibitors) effectively blocked endogenous S protein processing at both sites in HeLa cells, and SARS-CoV-2 infection of lung-derived Calu-3 cells was completely prevented by combined inhibitors of furin (BOS) and type II transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) (camostat). Quantitative analyses of cell-to-cell fusion and S protein processing revealed that ACE2 shedding by TMPRSS2 was required for TMPRSS2-mediated enhancement of fusion in the absence of S1/S2 priming. We further demonstrated that the collectrin dimerization domain of ACE2 was essential for the effect of TMPRSS2 on cell-to-cell fusion. Overall, our results indicate that furin and TMPRSS2 act synergistically in viral entry and infectivity, supporting the combination of furin and TMPRSS2 inhibitors as potent antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, has so far resulted in >6.1 million deaths worldwide. The spike protein (S) of the virus directs infection of the lungs and other tissues by binding the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. For effective infection, the S protein is cleaved at two sites: S1/S2 and S2′. Cleavage at S1/S2 induces a conformational change favoring the S protein recognition by ACE2. The S2′ cleavage is critical for triggering membrane fusion and virus entry into host cells. Our study highlights the complex dynamics of interaction between the S protein, ACE2, and the host proteases furin and TMPRSS2 during SARS-CoV-2 entry and suggests that the combination of a nontoxic furin inhibitor with a TMPRSS2 inhibitor significantly reduces viral entry in lung cells, as evidenced by an average synergistic ∼95% reduction of viral infection. This represents a powerful novel antiviral approach to reduce viral spread in individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 or future related coronaviruses.
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He Y, Li Y, Zhang J, Chen L, Li J, Zhang M, Zhang Q, Lu Y, Jiang J, Zhang X, Hu J, Ding Y, Zhang M, Peng H. FURIN Promoter Methylation Predicts the Risk of Incident Diabetes: A Prospective Analysis in the Gusu Cohort. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:873012. [PMID: 35399937 PMCID: PMC8990793 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.873012] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Furin has been associated with diabetes but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. As a mediator linking fixed genome and dynamic environment, DNA methylation of its coding gene FURIN may be involved. Here, we aimed to examine the prospective association between DNA methylation in FURIN promoter and incident diabetes during 4 years of follow-up in Chinese adults. Methods DNA methylation levels in FURIN promoter were quantified by target bisulfite sequencing using peripheral blood from 1836 participants in the Gusu cohort who were free of diabetes at baseline. To examine the association between DNA methylation levels in FURIN promoter and incident diabetes, we constructed a logistic regression model adjusting for the conventional factors. Multiple testing was controlled by adjusting for the total number of CpG sites assayed using the false-discovery rate approach. Results Among the 1836 participants free of diabetes at baseline, 109 (5.94%) participants developed diabetes during the average of 4 years of follow-up. Hypermethylation at two of the eight CpG sites assayed in the FURIN promoter was associated with an increased risk of diabetes, after multivariable adjustment and multiple testing correction. Every 5% increment in methylation levels at CpG1 and CpG2 were associated with a 22% (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.05-1.43, P=0.009, q=0.038) and 39% (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.08-1.77, P=0.009, q=0.038) higher risk of incident diabetes, respectively. The gene-based association analysis revealed that DNA methylation at multiple CpG loci was jointly associated with incident diabetes (P<0.001). Using the average methylation level of the 8 CpG loci in FURIN promoter revealed a similar association (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.02-1.62, P=0.037). Conclusions These results suggested that the hypermethylation levels in FURIN promoter were associated with an increased risk for incident diabetes in Chinese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinan Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease, Taicang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, China
| | - Linan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Central Office, Suzhou National New and Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiu Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease, Gusu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Hu
- Department of Central Office, Maternal and Child Health Bureau of Kunshan, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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48
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Thomas G, Couture F, Kwiatkowska A. The Path to Therapeutic Furin Inhibitors: From Yeast Pheromones to SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3435. [PMID: 35408793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The spurious acquisition and optimization of a furin cleavage site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is associated with increased viral transmission and disease, and has generated intense interest in the development and application of therapeutic furin inhibitors to thwart the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes the seminal studies that informed current efforts to inhibit furin. These include the convergent efforts of endocrinologists, virologists, and yeast geneticists that, together, culminated in the discovery of furin. We describe the pioneering biochemical studies which led to the first furin inhibitors that were able to block the disease pathways which are broadly critical for pathogen virulence, tumor invasiveness, and atherosclerosis. We then summarize how these studies subsequently informed current strategies leading to the development of small-molecule furin inhibitors as potential therapies to combat SARS-CoV-2 and other diseases that rely on furin for their pathogenicity and progression.
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49
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Zaragoza-Huesca D, Martínez-Cortés C, Banegas-Luna AJ, Pérez-Garrido A, Vegara-Meseguer JM, Peñas-Martínez J, Rodenas MC, Espín S, Pérez-Sánchez H, Martínez-Martínez I. Identification of Kukoamine A, Zeaxanthin, and Clexane as New Furin Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2796. [PMID: 35269938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The endogenous protease furin is a key protein in many different diseases, such as cancer and infections. For this reason, a wide range of studies has focused on targeting furin from a therapeutic point of view. Our main objective consisted of identifying new compounds that could enlarge the furin inhibitor arsenal; secondarily, we assayed their adjuvant effect in combination with a known furin inhibitor, CMK, which avoids the SARS-CoV-2 S protein cleavage by means of that inhibition. Virtual screening was carried out to identify potential furin inhibitors. The inhibition of physiological and purified recombinant furin by screening selected compounds, Clexane, and these drugs in combination with CMK was assayed in fluorogenic tests by using a specific furin substrate. The effects of the selected inhibitors from virtual screening on cell viability (293T HEK cell line) were assayed by means of flow cytometry. Through virtual screening, Zeaxanthin and Kukoamine A were selected as the main potential furin inhibitors. In fluorogenic assays, these two compounds and Clexane inhibited both physiological and recombinant furin in a dose-dependent way. In addition, these compounds increased physiological furin inhibition by CMK, showing an adjuvant effect. In conclusion, we identified Kukoamine A, Zeaxanthin, and Clexane as new furin inhibitors. In addition, these drugs were able to increase furin inhibition by CMK, so they could also increase its efficiency when avoiding S protein proteolysis, which is essential for SARS-CoV-2 cell infection.
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50
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Douglas LEJ, Reihill JA, Ho MWY, Axten JM, Campobasso N, Schneck JL, Rendina AR, Wilcoxen KM, Martin SL. A highly selective, cell-permeable furin inhibitor BOS-318 rescues key features of cystic fibrosis airway disease. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:947-957.e8. [PMID: 35202587 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF), excessive furin activity plays a critical role in the activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), dysregulation of which contributes to airway dehydration, ineffective mucociliary clearance (MCC), and mucus obstruction. Here, we report a highly selective, cell-permeable furin inhibitor, BOS-318, that derives selectivity by eliciting the formation of a new, unexpected binding pocket independent of the active site catalytic triad. Using human ex vivo models, BOS-318 showed significant suppression of ENaC, which led to enhanced airway hydration and an ∼30-fold increase in MCC rate. Furin inhibition also protected ENaC from subsequent activation by neutrophil elastase, a soluble protease dominant in CF airways. Additional therapeutic benefits include protection against epithelial cell death induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. Our findings demonstrate the utility of selective furin inhibition as a mutation-agnostic approach that can correct features of CF airway pathophysiology in a manner expected to deliver therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E J Douglas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James A Reihill
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Melisa W Y Ho
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Axten
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Nino Campobasso
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Jessica L Schneck
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Alan R Rendina
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | | | - S Lorraine Martin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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