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Bolinger AA, Li J, Xie X, Li H, Zhou J. Lessons learnt from broad-spectrum coronavirus antiviral drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:1023-1041. [PMID: 39078037 PMCID: PMC11390334 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2385598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), such as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and the most recent SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, pose significant threats to human populations over the past two decades. These CoVs have caused a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe distress syndromes (ARDS), resulting in high morbidity and mortality. AREAS COVERED The accelerated advancements in antiviral drug discovery, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed new light on the imperative to develop treatments effective against a broad spectrum of CoVs. This perspective discusses strategies and lessons learnt in targeting viral non-structural proteins, structural proteins, drug repurposing, and combinational approaches for the development of antivirals against CoVs. EXPERT OPINION Drawing lessons from the pandemic, it becomes evident that the absence of efficient broad-spectrum antiviral drugs increases the vulnerability of public health systems to the potential onslaught by highly pathogenic CoVs. The rapid and sustained spread of novel CoVs can have devastating consequences without effective and specifically targeted treatments. Prioritizing the effective development of broad-spectrum antivirals is imperative for bolstering the resilience of public health systems and mitigating the potential impact of future highly pathogenic CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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2
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Guo L, Zeng P, Zhou X, Li W, Zhang J, Li J. Structural basis of main proteases of MERS-CoV bound to antineoplastic drug carmofur. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 735:150469. [PMID: 39106601 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent epidemics of coronaviruses have posed significant threats to human life and health. The mortality rate of patients infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is 35 %. The main protease (Mpro) plays a crucial role in the MERS-CoV life cycle, and Mpro exhibited a high degree of conservation among different coronaviruses. Therefore inhibition of Mpro has become an effective strategy for the development of broad-spectrum anti-coronaviral drugs. The inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by the anti-tumor drug carmofur has been revealed, but structural studies of carmofur in complex with Mpro from other types of coronavirus have not been reported. Hence, we revealed the structure of the MERS-CoV Mpro-carmofur complex, analysed the structural basis for the binding of carmofur to MERS-CoV Mpro in detail, and compared the binding patterns of carmofur to Mpros of two different coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Considering the importance of Mpros for coronavirus therapy, structural understanding of Mpro inhibition by carmofur could contribute to the design and development of novel antiviral drugs with safe and broad-spectrum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Pei Zeng
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou, China
| | - Xuelan Zhou
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou, China.
| | - Jian Li
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China; Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou, China.
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Zheng Y, Feng J, Ling M, Yu Y, Tao Y, Wang X. A comprehensive review on targeting cluster of differentiation: An attractive strategy for inhibiting viruses through host proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132200. [PMID: 38723834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Viral infections continue to pose a significant global public health threat. Targeting host proteins, such as cluster of differentiation (CD) macromolecules, may offer a promising alternative approach to developing antiviral treatments. CDs are cell-surface biological macromolecules mainly expressed on leukocytes that viruses can use to enter cells, thereby evading immune detection and promoting their replication. The manipulation of CDs by viruses may represent an effective and clever means of survival through the prolonged co-evolution of hosts and viruses. Targeting of CDs is anticipated to hinder the invasion of related viruses, modulate the body's immune system, and diminish the incidence of subsequent inflammation. They have become crucial for biomedical diagnosis, and some have been used as valuable tools for resisting viral infections. However, a summary of the structures and functions of CDs involved in viral infection is currently lacking. The development of drugs targeting these biological macromolecules is restricted both in terms of their availability and the number of compounds currently identified. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical role of CD proteins in virus invasion and a list of relevant targeted antiviral agents, which will serve as a valuable reference for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youle Zheng
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Jin Feng
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Min Ling
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yixin Yu
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yanfei Tao
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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Israr J, Alam S, Kumar A. Drug repurposing for respiratory infections. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 207:207-230. [PMID: 38942538 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory infections such as Coronavirus disease 2019 are a substantial worldwide health challenge, frequently resulting in severe sickness and death, especially in susceptible groups. Conventional drug development for respiratory infections faces obstacles such as extended timescales, substantial expenses, and the rise of resistance to current treatments. Drug repurposing is a potential method that has evolved to quickly find and reuse existing medications for treating respiratory infections. Drug repurposing utilizes medications previously approved for different purposes, providing a cost-effective and time-efficient method to tackle pressing medical needs. This chapter summarizes current progress and obstacles in repurposing medications for respiratory infections, focusing on notable examples of repurposed pharmaceuticals and their probable modes of action. The text also explores the significance of computational approaches, high-throughput screening, and preclinical investigations in identifying potential candidates for repurposing. The text delves into the significance of regulatory factors, clinical trial structure, and actual data in confirming the effectiveness and safety of repurposed medications for respiratory infections. Drug repurposing is a valuable technique for quickly increasing the range of treatments for respiratory infections, leading to better patient outcomes and decreasing the worldwide disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juveriya Israr
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shabroz Alam
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rama University, Mandhana, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Ali S, Zhou J. Highlights on U.S. FDA-approved fluorinated drugs over the past five years (2018-2022). Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115476. [PMID: 37207534 PMCID: PMC10247436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to provide an update on the fluorine-containing drugs approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the span of past five years (2018-2022). The agency accepted a total of fifty-eight fluorinated entities to diagnose, mitigate and treat a plethora of diseases. Among them, thirty drugs are for therapy of various types of cancers, twelve for infectious diseases, eleven for CNS disorders, and six for some other diseases. These are categorized and briefly discussed based on their therapeutic areas. In addition, this review gives a glimpse about their trade name, date of approval, active ingredients, company developers, indications, and drug mechanisms. We anticipate that this review may inspire the drug discovery and medicinal chemistry community in both industrial and academic settings to explore the fluorinated molecules leading to the discovery of new drugs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Ali
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, 77555, United States.
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Xu J, Xue Y, Bolinger AA, Li J, Zhou M, Chen H, Li H, Zhou J. Therapeutic potential of salicylamide derivatives for combating viral infections. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:897-931. [PMID: 36905090 PMCID: PMC10247541 DOI: 10.1002/med.21940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Since time immemorial human beings have constantly been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic represents one of the most severe and most significant public health emergencies in human history, highlighting an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide (2-hydroxybenzamide) derivatives, represented by niclosamide and nitazoxanide, inhibit the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses such as flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Moreover, nitazoxanide was effective in clinical trials against different viral infections including diarrhea caused by rotavirus and norovirus, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In this review, we summarize the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, the clinical progress, and the potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections and highlight their therapeutic potential in combating the circulating and emerging viral infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Mingxiang Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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8
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Islam MA, Kibria MK, Hossen MB, Reza MS, Tasmia SA, Tuly KF, Mosharof MP, Kabir SR, Kabir MH, Mollah MNH. Bioinformatics-based investigation on the genetic influence between SARS-CoV-2 infections and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diseases, and drug repurposing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4685. [PMID: 36949176 PMCID: PMC10031699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Some recent studies showed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) disease might stimulate each other through the shared genes. Therefore, in this study, an attempt was made to explore common genomic biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infections and IPF disease highlighting their functions, pathways, regulators and associated drug molecules. At first, we identified 32 statistically significant common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) between disease (SARS-CoV-2 and IPF) and control samples of RNA-Seq profiles by using a statistical r-package (edgeR). Then we detected 10 cDEGs (CXCR4, TNFAIP3, VCAM1, NLRP3, TNFAIP6, SELE, MX2, IRF4, UBD and CH25H) out of 32 as the common hub genes (cHubGs) by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The cHubGs regulatory network analysis detected few key TFs-proteins and miRNAs as the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators of cHubGs. The cDEGs-set enrichment analysis identified some crucial SARS-CoV-2 and IPF causing common molecular mechanisms including biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components and signaling pathways. Then, we suggested the cHubGs-guided top-ranked 10 candidate drug molecules (Tegobuvir, Nilotinib, Digoxin, Proscillaridin, Simeprevir, Sorafenib, Torin 2, Rapamycin, Vancomycin and Hesperidin) for the treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infections with IFP diseases as comorbidity. Finally, we investigated the resistance performance of our proposed drug molecules compare to the already published molecules, against the state-of-the-art alternatives publicly available top-ranked independent receptors by molecular docking analysis. Molecular docking results suggested that our proposed drug molecules would be more effective compare to the already published drug molecules. Thus, the findings of this study might be played a vital role for diagnosis and therapies of SARS-CoV-2 infections with IPF disease as comorbidity risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ariful Islam
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kaderi Kibria
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Bayazid Hossen
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Selim Reza
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Samme Amena Tasmia
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Khanis Farhana Tuly
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Parvez Mosharof
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
- School of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Syed Rashel Kabir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Hadiul Kabir
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nurul Haque Mollah
- Bioinformatics Lab(Dry), Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
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Sarker B, Rahaman MM, Islam MA, Alamin MH, Husain MM, Ferdousi F, Ahsan MA, Mollah MNH. Identification of host genomic biomarkers from multiple transcriptomics datasets for diagnosis and therapies of SARS-CoV-2 infections. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281981. [PMID: 36913345 PMCID: PMC10010564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 is a severe threat to human life and the global economy. Despite the success of vaccination efforts in reducing the spread of the virus, the situation remains largely uncontrolled due to the random mutation in the RNA sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which demands different variants of effective drugs. Disease-causing gene-mediated proteins are usually used as receptors to explore effective drug molecules. In this study, we analyzed two different RNA-Seq and one microarray gene expression profile datasets by integrating EdgeR, LIMMA, weighted gene co-expression network and robust rank aggregation approaches, which revealed SARS-CoV-2 infection causing eight hub-genes (HubGs) including HubGs; REL, AURKA, AURKB, FBXL3, OAS1, STAT4, MMP2 and IL6 as the host genomic biomarkers. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses of HubGs significantly enriched some crucial biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components and signaling pathways that are associated with the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Regulatory network analysis identified top-ranked 5 TFs (SRF, PBX1, MEIS1, ESR1 and MYC) and 5 miRNAs (hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-93-5p, hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-20a-5p) as the key transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators of HubGs. Then, we conducted a molecular docking analysis to determine potential drug candidates that could interact with HubGs-mediated receptors. This analysis resulted in the identification of top-ranked ten drug agents, including Nilotinib, Tegobuvir, Digoxin, Proscillaridin, Olysio, Simeprevir, Hesperidin, Oleanolic Acid, Naltrindole and Danoprevir. Finally, we investigated the binding stability of the top-ranked three drug molecules Nilotinib, Tegobuvir and Proscillaridin with the three top-ranked proposed receptors (AURKA, AURKB, OAS1) by using 100 ns MD-based MM-PBSA simulations and observed their stable performance. Therefore, the findings of this study might be useful resources for diagnosis and therapies of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandhan Sarker
- Faculty of Science, Department of Statistics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
- Department of Statistics, Bioinformatics Laboratory (Dry), University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Matiur Rahaman
- Faculty of Science, Department of Statistics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ariful Islam
- Department of Statistics, Bioinformatics Laboratory (Dry), University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Habibulla Alamin
- Faculty of Science, Department of Statistics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Maidul Husain
- Faculty of Science, Department of Statistics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Farzana Ferdousi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Statistics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Asif Ahsan
- Department of Statistics, Bioinformatics Laboratory (Dry), University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Md. Nurul Haque Mollah
- Department of Statistics, Bioinformatics Laboratory (Dry), University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
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Xu J, Shi S, Liu G, Xie X, Li J, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Zhang W, Shi PY, Liu H, Zhou J. Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluations of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-based derivatives as potent and selective sirt6 activators. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114998. [PMID: 36508969 PMCID: PMC9805530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sirt6 activation has emerged as a promising drug target for the treatment of various human diseases, while only limited Sirt6 activators have been reported. Herein, a series of novel pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-based derivatives have been identified as potent and selective Sirt6 activators with low cytotoxicity. Sirt6-knockdown findings have validated the on-target effects of this class of Sirt6 activators. Docking studies indicate the protonated nitrogen on the side chain of 38 forms π-cation interactions with Trp188, further stabilizing it into this extended binding pocket. New compounds 35, 36, 38, 46, 47, and 50 strongly repressed LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, while 38 also significantly suppressed SARS-CoV-2 infection with an EC50 value of 9.3 μM. Moreover, compound 36 significantly inhibited the colony formation of cancer cells. These new molecules may serve as useful pharmacological tools or potential therapeutics against cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shuizhen Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Wang X, Chen Y, Shi H, Zou P. Erythromycin Estolate Is a Potent Inhibitor Against HCoV-OC43 by Directly Inactivating the Virus Particle. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:905248. [PMID: 35873167 PMCID: PMC9301004 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.905248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to antibacterial effects, macrolide antibiotics exhibit other extensive pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. Erythromycin estolate, one of the macrolide antibiotics, was previously investigated to effectively inhibit infections of various flaviviruses including Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus, but its antiviral effect against human coronavirus remains unknown. Thus, the current study was designed to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of erythromycin estolate against human coronavirus strain OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and to illustrate the underlying mechanisms. Erythromycin estolate effectively inhibited HCoV-OC43 infection in different cell types and significantly reduced virus titers at safe concentration without cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, erythromycin estolate was identified to inhibit HCoV-OC43 infection at the early stage and to irreversibly inactivate virus by disrupting the integrity of the viral membrane whose lipid component might be the target of action. Together, it was demonstrated that erythromycin estolate could be a potential therapeutic drug for HCoV-OC43 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongkang Chen
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huichun Shi
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Zou,
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12
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Melo-Filho CC, Bobrowski T, Martin HJ, Sessions Z, Popov KI, Moorman NJ, Baric RS, Muratov EN, Tropsha A. Conserved coronavirus proteins as targets of broad-spectrum antivirals. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105360. [PMID: 35691424 PMCID: PMC9183392 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a class of single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that have caused three major outbreaks over the past two decades: Middle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). All outbreaks have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this study, we have identified and explored conserved binding sites in the key coronavirus proteins for the development of broad-spectrum direct acting anti-coronaviral compounds and validated the significance of this conservation for drug discovery with existing experimental data. We have identified four coronaviral proteins with highly conserved binding site sequence and 3D structure similarity: PLpro, Mpro, nsp10-nsp16 complex(methyltransferase), and nsp15 endoribonuclease. We have compiled all available experimental data for known antiviral medications inhibiting these targets and identified compounds active against multiple coronaviruses. The identified compounds representing potential broad-spectrum antivirals include: GC376, which is active against six viral Mpro (out of six tested, as described in research literature); mycophenolic acid, which is active against four viral PLpro (out of four); and emetine, which is active against four viral RdRp (out of four). The approach described in this study for coronaviruses, which combines the assessment of sequence and structure conservation across a viral family with the analysis of accessible chemical structure – antiviral activity data, can be explored for the development of broad-spectrum drugs for multiple viral families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleber C Melo-Filho
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Tesia Bobrowski
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Holli-Joi Martin
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Zoe Sessions
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Konstantin I Popov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Eugene N Muratov
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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13
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Drug Repurposing for COVID-19: A Review and a Novel Strategy to Identify New Targets and Potential Drug Candidates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092723. [PMID: 35566073 PMCID: PMC9099573 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in the province of Wuhan, China. Since then, there have been over 400 million confirmed cases and 5.8 million deaths by COVID-19 reported worldwide. The urgent need for therapies against SARS-CoV-2 led researchers to use drug repurposing approaches. This strategy allows the reduction in risks, time, and costs associated with drug development. In many cases, a repurposed drug can enter directly to preclinical testing and clinical trials, thus accelerating the whole drug discovery process. In this work, we will give a general overview of the main developments in COVID-19 treatment, focusing on the contribution of the drug repurposing paradigm to find effective drugs against this disease. Finally, we will present our findings using a new drug repurposing strategy that identified 11 compounds that may be potentially effective against COVID-19. To our knowledge, seven of these drugs have never been tested against SARS-CoV-2 and are potential candidates for in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate their effectiveness in COVID-19 treatment.
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14
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Kuo CJ, Liang PH. SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro displays faster self-maturation in vitro than SARS-CoV 3CL pro due to faster C-terminal cleavage. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1214-1224. [PMID: 35302661 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a worldwide pandemic. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro ), which cleaves 11 sites including its own N- and C-termini on the viral polyproteins, is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication. In this study, we constructed the full-length inactive 3CLpro with N- and C-terminal extensions as substrates for monitoring self-cleavage by wild-type 3CLpro . We found that the rate-limiting C-terminal self-cleavage rate of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro was 35-fold faster than that of SARS-CoV 3CLpro by using the Trx/GST-tagged C145A 3CLpro substrates. Since self-cleavage of 3CLpro is the initial step for maturation of other viral proteins, our study suggests more facile SARS-CoV-2 replication as compared to SARS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Jung Kuo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Po-Huang Liang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
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15
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Approaches to the Potential Therapy of COVID-19: A General Overview from the Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030658. [PMID: 35163923 PMCID: PMC8838458 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of advances in vaccination, control of the COVID-19 pandemic will require the use of pharmacological treatments against SARS-CoV2. Their development needs to consider the existence of two phases in the disease, namely the viral infection and the inflammatory stages. The main targets for antiviral therapeutic intervention are: (a) viral proteins, including the spike (S) protein characteristic of the viral cover and the viral proteases in charge of processing the polyprotein arising from viral genome translation; (b) host proteins, such as those involved in the processes related to viral entry into the host cell and the release of the viral genome inside the cell, the elongation factor eEF1A and importins. The use of antivirals targeted at host proteins is less developed but it has the potential advantage of not being affected by mutations in the genome of the virus and therefore being active against all its variants. Regarding drugs that address the hyperinflammatory phase of the disease triggered by the so-called cytokine storm, the following strategies are particularly relevant: (a) drugs targeting JAK kinases; (b) sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors; (c) antibodies against interleukin 6 or its receptor; (d) use of the traditional anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.
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16
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Caliskan Salihi E, Tulay EC. Adsorptive removal of antipsychotic drug by carbon nanofibers in a batch and fixed bed column system. PARTICULATE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02726351.2021.2025178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Caliskan Salihi
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Ceren Tulay
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Macip G, Garcia-Segura P, Mestres-Truyol J, Saldivar-Espinoza B, Pujadas G, Garcia-Vallvé S. A Review of the Current Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: Have We Hit the Bullseye Yet? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:259. [PMID: 35008685 PMCID: PMC8745775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we collected 1765 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) M-pro inhibitors from the bibliography and other sources, such as the COVID Moonshot project and the ChEMBL database. This set of inhibitors includes only those compounds whose inhibitory capacity, mainly expressed as the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, against M-pro from SARS-CoV-2 has been determined. Several covalent warheads are used to treat covalent and non-covalent inhibitors separately. Chemical space, the variation of the IC50 inhibitory activity when measured by different methods or laboratories, and the influence of 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT) are discussed. When available, we have collected the values of inhibition of viral replication measured with a cellular antiviral assay and expressed as half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values, and their possible relationship to inhibitory potency against M-pro is analyzed. Finally, the most potent covalent and non-covalent inhibitors that simultaneously inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 M-pro and the virus replication in vitro are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gerard Pujadas
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (G.M.); (P.G.-S.); (J.M.-T.); (B.S.-E.)
| | - Santiago Garcia-Vallvé
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (G.M.); (P.G.-S.); (J.M.-T.); (B.S.-E.)
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18
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Fighting COVID-19 with Artificial Intelligence. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34731465 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1787-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of vaccines for the treatment of COVID-19 is paving the way for new hope. Despite this, the risk of the virus mutating into a vaccine-resistant variant still persists. As a result, the demand of efficacious drugs to treat COVID-19 is still pertinent. To this end, scientists continue to identify and repurpose marketed drugs for this new disease. Many of these drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials and, so far, only one has been officially approved by FDA. Drug repurposing is a much faster route to the clinic than standard drug development of novel molecules, nevertheless in a pandemic this process is still not fast enough to halt the spread of the virus. Artificial intelligence has already played a large part in hastening the drug discovery process, not only by facilitating the selection of potential drug candidates but also in monitoring the pandemic and enabling faster diagnosis of patients. In this chapter, we focus on the impact and challenges that artificial intelligence has demonstrated thus far with respect to drug repurposing of therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19.
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19
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Macip G, Garcia-Segura P, Mestres-Truyol J, Saldivar-Espinoza B, Ojeda-Montes MJ, Gimeno A, Cereto-Massagué A, Garcia-Vallvé S, Pujadas G. Haste makes waste: A critical review of docking-based virtual screening in drug repurposing for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M-pro) inhibition. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:744-769. [PMID: 34697818 PMCID: PMC8662214 DOI: 10.1002/med.21862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This review makes a critical evaluation of 61 peer‐reviewed manuscripts that use a docking step in a virtual screening (VS) protocol to predict SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro (M‐pro) inhibitors in approved or investigational drugs. Various manuscripts predict different compounds, even when they use a similar initial dataset and methodology, and most of them do not validate their methodology or results. In addition, a set of known 150 SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro inhibitors extracted from the literature and a second set of 81 M‐pro inhibitors and 113 inactive compounds obtained from the COVID Moonshot project were used to evaluate the reliability of using docking scores as feasible predictors of the potency of a SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro inhibitor. Using two SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro structures and five protein‐ligand docking programs, we proved that the correlation between the pIC50 and docking scores is not good. Neither was any correlation found between the pIC50 and the ∆G calculated with an MM‐GBSA method. When a group of experimentally known inactive compounds was added, neither the docking scores or the ∆G were able to distinguish between compounds with or without M‐pro experimental inhibitory activity. Performances improved when covalent and noncovalent inhibitors were treated separately, but were not good enough to fully support using a docking score as a cutoff value for selecting new putative M‐pro inhibitors or predicting the relative bioactivity of a compound by comparison with a reference compound. The two sets of known SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro inhibitors presented here could be used for validating future VS protocols which aim to predict M‐pro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Macip
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Pol Garcia-Segura
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Júlia Mestres-Truyol
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Bryan Saldivar-Espinoza
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | - Aleix Gimeno
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Cereto-Massagué
- EURECAT Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Centre for Omic Sciences (COS), Joint Unit Universitat Rovira i Virgili-EURECAT, Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), Reus, Spain
| | - Santiago Garcia-Vallvé
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain.,EURECAT, TECNIO, CEICS, Avinguda Universitat 1, Reus, Spain
| | - Gerard Pujadas
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain.,EURECAT, TECNIO, CEICS, Avinguda Universitat 1, Reus, Spain
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20
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Menestrina L, Cabrelle C, Recanatini M. COVIDrugNet: a network-based web tool to investigate the drugs currently in clinical trial to contrast COVID-19. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19426. [PMID: 34593915 PMCID: PMC8484553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a huge problem of public health that requires the implementation of all available means to contrast it, and drugs are one of them. In this context, we observed an unmet need of depicting the continuously evolving scenario of the ongoing drug clinical trials through an easy-to-use, freely accessible online tool. Starting from this consideration, we developed COVIDrugNet ( http://compmedchem.unibo.it/covidrugnet ), a web application that allows users to capture a holistic view and keep up to date on how the clinical drug research is responding to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we describe the web app and show through some examples how one can explore the whole landscape of medicines in clinical trial for the treatment of COVID-19 and try to probe the consistency of the current approaches with the available biological and pharmacological evidence. We conclude that careful analyses of the COVID-19 drug-target system based on COVIDrugNet can help to understand the biological implications of the proposed drug options, and eventually improve the search for more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Menestrina
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Cabrelle
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Recanatini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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21
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Wang Z, Yang L, Zhao XE. Co-crystallization and structure determination: An effective direction for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:4684-4701. [PMID: 34426762 PMCID: PMC8373586 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Safer and more-effective drugs are urgently needed to counter infections with the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2, cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identification of efficient inhibitors to treat and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection is a predominant focus. Encouragingly, using X-ray crystal structures of therapeutically relevant drug targets (PLpro, Mpro, RdRp, and S glycoprotein) offers a valuable direction for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery and lead optimization through direct visualization of interactions. Computational analyses based primarily on MMPBSA calculations have also been proposed for assessing the binding stability of biomolecular structures involving the ligand and receptor. In this study, we focused on state-of-the-art X-ray co-crystal structures of the abovementioned targets complexed with newly identified small-molecule inhibitors (natural products, FDA-approved drugs, candidate drugs, and their analogues) with the assistance of computational analyses to support the precision design and screening of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Key Words
- 3CLpro, 3C-Like protease
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- Candidate drugs
- Co-crystal structures
- DyKAT, dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation
- EBOV, Ebola virus
- EC50, half maximal effective concentration
- EMD, Electron Microscopy Data
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- FDA-approved drugs
- HCoV-229E, human coronavirus 229E
- HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography
- IC50, half maximal inhibitory concentration
- MD, molecular dynamics
- MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- MMPBSA, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area
- MTase, methyltransferase
- Mpro, main protease
- Natural products
- Nsp, nonstructural protein
- PDB, Protein Data Bank
- PLpro, papain-like protease
- RTP, ribonucleoside triphosphate
- RdRp, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- SAM, S-adenosylmethionine
- SARS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- SI, selectivity index
- Ugi-4CR, Ugi four-component reaction
- cryo-EM, cryo-electron microscopy
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, PR China
| | - Xian-En Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, PR China
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22
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Xu J, Wu W, Chen H, Xue Y, Bao X, Zhou J. Substituted N-(4-amino-2-chlorophenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide analogues potently inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) replication and RSV infection-associated inflammatory responses. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 39:116157. [PMID: 33895704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children, and specific treatment for RSV infections remains unavailable. We herein reported a series of substituted N-(4-amino-2-chlorophenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide analogues as potent RSV inhibitors. Among them, six low cytotoxic compounds (11, 12, 15, 22, 26, and 28) have been identified and selected to study associated inhibitory mechanisms. All these compounds suppressed not only the viral replication but also RSV-induced IRF3 and NF-κB activation and associated production of cytokines/chemokines. The two most potent compounds (15 and 22) were selected for further molecular mechanism studies associated with their suppression effect on RSV-activated IRF3 and NF-κB. These two compounds decreased RSV-induced IRF3 phosphorylation at serine 396 and p65 phosphorylation at serine 536 at both early and late infection phases. In addition, compound 22 also inhibited RSV-induced p65 phosphorylation at serine 276 at the late phase of RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Wenzhe Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Xiaoyong Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States; Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, and University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States; Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, and University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, United States.
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23
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Singh N, Villoutreix BO. Resources and computational strategies to advance small molecule SARS-CoV-2 discovery: Lessons from the pandemic and preparing for future health crises. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2537-2548. [PMID: 33936562 PMCID: PMC8074526 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify new therapies that prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and improve the outcome of COVID-19 patients. This pandemic has thus spurred intensive research in most scientific areas and in a short period of time, several vaccines have been developed. But, while the race to find vaccines for COVID-19 has dominated the headlines, other types of therapeutic agents are being developed. In this mini-review, we report several databases and online tools that could assist the discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 small chemical compounds and peptides. We then give examples of studies that combined in silico and in vitro screening, either for drug repositioning purposes or to search for novel bioactive compounds. Finally, we question the overall lack of discussion and plan observed in academic research in many countries during this crisis and suggest that there is room for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natesh Singh
- Université de Paris, Inserm UMR 1141 NeuroDiderot, Robert-Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France
| | - Bruno O. Villoutreix
- Université de Paris, Inserm UMR 1141 NeuroDiderot, Robert-Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France
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Villoutreix BO, Krishnamoorthy R, Tamouza R, Leboyer M, Beaune P. Chemoinformatic Analysis of Psychotropic and Antihistaminic Drugs in the Light of Experimental Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activities. Adv Appl Bioinform Chem 2021; 14:71-85. [PMID: 33880039 PMCID: PMC8051956 DOI: 10.2147/aabc.s304649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is an urgent need to identify therapies that prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and improve the outcome of COVID-19 patients. Objective Based upon clinical observations, we proposed that some psychotropic and antihistaminic drugs could protect psychiatric patients from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This observation is investigated in the light of experimental in vitro data on SARS-CoV-2. Methods SARS-CoV-2 high-throughput screening results are available at the NCATS COVID-19 portal. We investigated the in vitro anti-viral activity of many psychotropic and antihistaminic drugs using chemoinformatics approaches. Results and Discussion We analyze our clinical observations in the light of SARS-CoV-2 experimental screening results and propose that several cationic amphiphilic psychotropic and antihistaminic drugs could protect people from SARS-CoV-2 infection; some of these molecules have very limited adverse effects and could be used as prophylactic drugs. Other cationic amphiphilic drugs used in other disease areas are also highlighted. Recent analyses of patient electronic health records reported by several research groups indicate that some of these molecules could be of interest at different stages of the disease progression. In addition, recently reported drug combination studies further suggest that it might be valuable to associate several cationic amphiphilic drugs. Taken together, these observations underline the need for clinical trials to fully evaluate the potentials of these molecules, some fitting in the so-called category of broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Repositioning orally available drugs that have moderate side effects and should act on molecular mechanisms less prone to drug resistance would indeed be of utmost importance to deal with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno O Villoutreix
- INSERM U1141, NeuroDiderot, Université de Paris, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, F-75019, France
| | - Rajagopal Krishnamoorthy
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Laboratoire Neuropsychiatrie Translationnelle, AP-HP, Département Medico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU ADAPT), Hôpital Henri Mondor, Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Laboratoire Neuropsychiatrie Translationnelle, AP-HP, Département Medico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU ADAPT), Hôpital Henri Mondor, Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Laboratoire Neuropsychiatrie Translationnelle, AP-HP, Département Medico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU ADAPT), Hôpital Henri Mondor, Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Philippe Beaune
- INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, Paris, 75006, France
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Tariq R, Khalid UA, Kanwal S, Adnan F, Qasim M. Photodynamic Therapy: A Rational Approach Toward COVID-19 Management. JOURNAL OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 000:000-000. [DOI: 10.14218/jerp.2020.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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