1
|
Saha P, Talwar P. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): disease pathophysiology, targets, and potential therapeutic interventions. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:2181-2194. [PMID: 37707699 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04845-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, degenerative pulmonary condition. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are the major modulators of IPF that mediate myofibroblast differentiation and promote fibrotic remodeling of the lung. Cigarette smoke, asbestos fiber, drugs, and radiation are known to favor fibrotic remodeling of the lungs. Oxidative stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) also leads to protein misfolding and promotes ER stress, which is predominant in IPF. This phenomenon further results in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) aggregation, increasing oxidative stress. During protein folding in the ER, thiol groups on the cysteine residue are oxidized and disulfide bonds are formed, which leads to the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a by-product. With the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, multiple signaling cascades are initiated by the cell, collectively termed as the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR also induces ROS production within the ER and mitochondria and promotes both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival pathways. The prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) is 44.9%, along with an alarming increase in "Coronavirus Disease 2019" (COVID-19) comorbidities. Fibrotic airway remodeling and declined lung function are the common endpoints of SARS-CoV-2 infection and IPF. Flavonoids are available in our dietary supplements and exhibit medicinal properties. Apigenin is a flavonoid found in plants, including chamomile, thyme, parsley, garlic, guava, and broccoli, and regulates several cellular functions, such as oxidative stress, ER stress, and fibrotic responses. In this study, we focus on the IPF and COVID-19 pathogenesis and the potential role of Apigenin in addressing disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Saha
- Apoptosis and Cell Survival Research Laboratory, 412G Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Priti Talwar
- Apoptosis and Cell Survival Research Laboratory, 412G Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
- Apoptosis and Cell Survival Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiao S, Miranda P, Li Y, Maric D, Holmgren M. Some aspects of the life of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a protein in mammalian cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18754. [PMID: 37609425 PMCID: PMC10440475 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The accessory protein ORF3a, from SARS-CoV-2, plays a critical role in viral infection and pathogenesis. Here, we characterized ORF3a assembly, ion channel activity, subcellular localization, and interactome. At the plasma membrane, ORF3a exists mostly as monomers and dimers, which do not alter the native cell membrane conductance, suggesting that ORF3a does not function as a viroporin at the cell surface. As a membrane protein, ORF3a is synthesized at the ER and sorted via a canonical route. ORF3a overexpression induced an approximately 25% increase in cell death. By developing an APEX2-based proximity labeling assay, we uncovered proteins proximal to ORF3a, suggesting that ORF3a recruits some host proteins to weaken the cell. In addition, it exposed a set of mitochondria related proteins that triggered mitochondrial fission. Overall, this work can be an important instrument in understanding the role of ORF3a in the virus pathogenicity and searching for potential therapeutic treatments for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Jiao
- Molecular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Pablo Miranda
- Molecular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomics Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- Flow and Imaging Cytometry Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Holmgren
- Molecular Neurophysiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aganovic A. pH-dependent endocytosis mechanisms for influenza A and SARS-coronavirus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1190463. [PMID: 37234537 PMCID: PMC10206014 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1190463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the influenza epidemics have revived the interest in understanding how these highly contagious enveloped viruses respond to alterations in the physicochemical properties of their microenvironment. By understanding the mechanisms and conditions by which viruses exploit the pH environment of the host cell during endocytosis, we can gain a better understanding of how they respond to pH-regulated anti-viral therapies but also pH-induced changes in extracellular environments. This review provides a detailed explanation of the pH-dependent viral structural changes preceding and initiating viral disassembly during endocytosis for influenza A (IAV) and SARS coronaviruses. Drawing upon extensive literature from the last few decades and latest research, I analyze and compare the circumstances in which IAV and SARS-coronavirus can undertake endocytotic pathways that are pH-dependent. While there are similarities in the pH-regulated patterns leading to fusion, the mechanisms and pH activation differ. In terms of fusion activity, the measured activation pH values for IAV, across all subtypes and species, vary between approximately 5.0 to 6.0, while SARS-coronavirus necessitates a lower pH of 6.0 or less. The main difference between the pH-dependent endocytic pathways is that the SARS-coronavirus, unlike IAV, require the presence of specific pH-sensitive enzymes (cathepsin L) during endosomal transport. Conversely, the conformational changes in the IAV virus under acidic conditions in endosomes occur due to the specific envelope glycoprotein residues and envelope protein ion channels (viroporins) getting protonated by H+ ions. Despite extensive research over several decades, comprehending the pH-triggered conformational alterations of viruses still poses a significant challenge. The precise mechanisms of protonation mechanisms of certain during endosomal transport for both viruses remain incompletely understood. In absence of evidence, further research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amar Aganovic
- Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Intragenomic rearrangements involving 5'-untranslated region segments in SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses. Virol J 2023; 20:36. [PMID: 36829234 PMCID: PMC9957694 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variation of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been the bane of COVID-19 control. Documented variation includes point mutations, deletions, insertions, and recombination among closely or distantly related coronaviruses. Here, we describe yet another aspect of genome variation by beta- and alphacoronaviruses that was first documented in an infectious isolate of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, obtained from 3 patients in Hong Kong that had a 5'-untranslated region segment at the end of the ORF6 gene that in its new location translated into an ORF6 protein with a predicted modified carboxyl terminus. While comparing the amino acid sequences of translated ORF8 genes in the GenBank database, we found a subsegment of the same 5'-UTR-derived amino acid sequence modifying the distal end of ORF8 of an isolate from the United States and decided to carry out a systematic search. METHODS Using the nucleotide and in the case of SARS-CoV-2 also the translated amino acid sequence in three reading frames of the genomic termini of coronaviruses as query sequences, we searched for 5'-UTR sequences in regions other than the 5'-UTR in SARS-CoV-2 and reference strains of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-coronaviruses. RESULTS We here report numerous genomic insertions of 5'-untranslated region sequences into coding regions of SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses, but not delta- or gammacoronaviruses. To our knowledge this is the first systematic description of such insertions. In many cases, these insertions would change viral protein sequences and further foster genomic flexibility and viral adaptability through insertion of transcription regulatory sequences in novel positions within the genome. Among human Embecorivus betacoronaviruses, for instance, from 65% to all of the surveyed sequences in publicly available databases contain inserted 5'-UTR sequences. CONCLUSION The intragenomic rearrangements involving 5'-untranslated region sequences described here, which in several cases affect highly conserved genes with a low propensity for recombination, may underlie the generation of variants homotypic with those of concern or interest and with potentially differing pathogenic profiles. Intragenomic rearrangements thus add to our appreciation of how variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other beta- and alphacoronaviruses may arise.
Collapse
|
5
|
Using Alphafold2 to Predict the Structure of the Gp5/M Dimer of Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113209. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is a positive-stranded RNA virus of the family Arteriviridae. The Gp5/M dimer, the major component of the viral envelope, is required for virus budding and is an antibody target. We used alphafold2, an artificial-intelligence-based system, to predict a credible structure of Gp5/M. The short disulfide-linked ectodomains lie flat on the membrane, with the exception of the erected N-terminal helix of Gp5, which contains the antibody epitopes and a hypervariable region with a changing number of carbohydrates. The core of the dimer consists of six curved and tilted transmembrane helices, and three are from each protein. The third transmembrane regions extend into the cytoplasm as amphiphilic helices containing the acylation sites. The endodomains of Gp5 and M are composed of seven β-strands from each protein, which interact via β-strand seven. The area under the membrane forms an open cavity with a positive surface charge. The M and Orf3a proteins of coronaviruses have a similar structure, suggesting that all four proteins are derived from the same ancestral gene. Orf3a, like Gp5/M, is acylated at membrane-proximal cysteines. The role of Gp5/M during virus replication is discussed, in particular the mechanisms of virus budding and models of antibody-dependent virus neutralization.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Z, Nomura N, Muramoto Y, Ekimoto T, Uemura T, Liu K, Yui M, Kono N, Aoki J, Ikeguchi M, Noda T, Iwata S, Ohto U, Shimizu T. Structure of SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein essential for virus assembly. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4399. [PMID: 35931673 PMCID: PMC9355944 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus membrane protein (M) is the most abundant viral structural protein and plays a central role in virus assembly and morphogenesis. However, the process of M protein-driven virus assembly are largely unknown. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein in two different conformations. M protein forms a mushroom-shaped dimer, composed of two transmembrane domain-swapped three-helix bundles and two intravirion domains. M protein further assembles into higher-order oligomers. A highly conserved hinge region is key for conformational changes. The M protein dimer is unexpectedly similar to SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a, a viral ion channel. Moreover, the interaction analyses of M protein with nucleocapsid protein (N) and RNA suggest that the M protein mediates the concerted recruitment of these components through the positively charged intravirion domain. Our data shed light on the M protein-driven virus assembly mechanism and provide a structural basis for therapeutic intervention targeting M protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhikuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norimichi Nomura
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toru Ekimoto
- Computational Life Science Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Uemura
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kehong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Moeko Yui
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomu Kono
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junken Aoki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Ikeguchi
- Computational Life Science Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- HPC- and AI-driven Drug Development Platform Division, Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - So Iwata
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Umeharu Ohto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Shimizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Forni D, Cagliani R, Molteni C, Arrigoni F, Mozzi A, Clerici M, De Gioia L, Sironi M. Homology-based classification of accessory proteins in coronavirus genomes uncovers extremely dynamic evolution of gene content. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3672-3692. [PMID: 35575901 PMCID: PMC9328142 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) have complex genomes that encode a fixed array of structural and nonstructural components, as well as a variety of accessory proteins that differ even among closely related viruses. Accessory proteins often play a role in the suppression of immune responses and may represent virulence factors. Despite their relevance for CoV phenotypic variability, information on accessory proteins is fragmentary. We applied a systematic approach based on homology detection to create a comprehensive catalogue of accessory proteins encoded by CoVs. Our analyses grouped accessory proteins into 379 orthogroups and 12 super‐groups. No orthogroup was shared by the four CoV genera and very few were present in all or most viruses in the same genus, reflecting the dynamic evolution of CoV genomes. We observed differences in the distribution of accessory proteins in CoV genera. Alphacoronaviruses harboured the largest diversity of accessory open reading frames (ORFs), deltacoronaviruses the smallest. However, the average number of accessory proteins per genome was highest in betacoronaviruses. Analysis of the evolutionary history of some orthogroups indicated that the different CoV genera adopted similar evolutionary strategies. Thus, alphacoronaviruses and betacoronaviruses acquired phosphodiesterases and spike‐like accessory proteins independently, whereas horizontal gene transfer from reoviruses endowed betacoronaviruses and deltacoronaviruses with fusion‐associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins. Finally, analysis of accessory ORFs in annotated CoV genomes indicated ambiguity in their naming. This complicates cross‐communication among researchers and hinders automated searches of large data sets (e.g., PubMed, GenBank). We suggest that orthogroup membership is used together with a naming system to provide information on protein function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Forni
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rachele Cagliani
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Cristian Molteni
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Federica Arrigoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca De Gioia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marques-Pereira C, Pires MN, Gouveia RP, Pereira NN, Caniceiro AB, Rosário-Ferreira N, Moreira IS. SARS-CoV-2 Membrane Protein: From Genomic Data to Structural New Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2986. [PMID: 35328409 PMCID: PMC8948900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is composed of four structural proteins and several accessory non-structural proteins. SARS-CoV-2's most abundant structural protein, Membrane (M) protein, has a pivotal role both during viral infection cycle and host interferon antagonism. This is a highly conserved viral protein, thus an interesting and suitable target for drug discovery. In this paper, we explain the structural nature of M protein homodimer. To do so, we developed and applied a detailed and robust in silico workflow to predict M protein dimeric structure, membrane orientation, and interface characterization. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in M protein were retrieved from over 1.2 M SARS-CoV-2 genomes and proteins from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database, 91 of which were located at the predicted dimer interface. Among those, we identified SNPs in Variants of Concern (VOC) and Variants of Interest (VOI). Binding free energy differences were evaluated for dimer interfacial SNPs to infer mutant protein stabilities. A few high-prevalent mutated residues were found to be especially relevant in VOC and VOI. This realization may be a game-changer to structure-driven formulation of new therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Marques-Pereira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.-P.); (M.N.P.); (R.P.G.); (N.N.P.); (A.B.C.); (N.R.-F.)
- IIIs—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel N. Pires
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.-P.); (M.N.P.); (R.P.G.); (N.N.P.); (A.B.C.); (N.R.-F.)
- Department of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel P. Gouveia
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.-P.); (M.N.P.); (R.P.G.); (N.N.P.); (A.B.C.); (N.R.-F.)
| | - Nádia N. Pereira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.-P.); (M.N.P.); (R.P.G.); (N.N.P.); (A.B.C.); (N.R.-F.)
| | - Ana B. Caniceiro
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.-P.); (M.N.P.); (R.P.G.); (N.N.P.); (A.B.C.); (N.R.-F.)
| | - Nícia Rosário-Ferreira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.-P.); (M.N.P.); (R.P.G.); (N.N.P.); (A.B.C.); (N.R.-F.)
- CQC—Coimbra Chemistry Center, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang J, Ejikemeuwa A, Gerzanich V, Nasr M, Tang Q, Simard JM, Zhao RY. Understanding the Role of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a in Viral Pathogenesis and COVID-19. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:854567. [PMID: 35356515 PMCID: PMC8959714 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.854567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shocked the world due to its persistence, COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality, and the high mutability of the virus. One of the major concerns is the emergence of new viral variants that may increase viral transmission and disease severity. In addition to mutations of spike protein, mutations of viral proteins that affect virulence, such as ORF3a, also must be considered. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on ORF3a, to summarize the molecular actions of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a, and its role in viral pathogenesis and COVID-19. ORF3a is a polymorphic, multifunctional viral protein that is specific to SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2. It was acquired from β-CoV lineage and likely originated from bats through viral evolution. SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a is a viroporin that interferes with ion channel activities in host plasma and endomembranes. It is likely a virion-associated protein that exerts its effect on the viral life cycle during viral entry through endocytosis, endomembrane-associated viral transcription and replication, and viral release through exocytosis. ORF3a induces cellular innate and pro-inflammatory immune responses that can trigger a cytokine storm, especially under hypoxic conditions, by activating NLRP3 inflammasomes, HMGB1, and HIF-1α to promote the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. ORF3a induces cell death through apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis, which leads to tissue damage that affects the severity of COVID-19. ORF3a continues to evolve along with spike and other viral proteins to adapt in the human cellular environment. How the emerging ORF3a mutations alter the function of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a and its role in viral pathogenesis and COVID-19 is largely unknown. This review provides an in-depth analysis of ORF3a protein's structure, origin, evolution, and mutant variants, and how these characteristics affect its functional role in viral pathogenesis and COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Research and Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amara Ejikemeuwa
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Research and Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Drug Development and Clinical Sciences Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Research and Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard Y. Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Research and Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nikolaidis M, Markoulatos P, Van de Peer Y, Oliver SG, Amoutzias GD. The Neighborhood of the Spike Gene Is a Hotspot for Modular Intertypic Homologous and Nonhomologous Recombination in Coronavirus Genomes. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msab292. [PMID: 34638137 PMCID: PMC8549283 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) have very large RNA viral genomes with a distinct genomic architecture of core and accessory open reading frames (ORFs). It is of utmost importance to understand their patterns and limits of homologous and nonhomologous recombination, because such events may affect the emergence of novel CoV strains, alter their host range, infection rate, tissue tropism pathogenicity, and their ability to escape vaccination programs. Intratypic recombination among closely related CoVs of the same subgenus has often been reported; however, the patterns and limits of genomic exchange between more distantly related CoV lineages (intertypic recombination) need further investigation. Here, we report computational/evolutionary analyses that clearly demonstrate a substantial ability for CoVs of different subgenera to recombine. Furthermore, we show that CoVs can obtain-through nonhomologous recombination-accessory ORFs from core ORFs, exchange accessory ORFs with different CoV genera, with other viruses (i.e., toroviruses, influenza C/D, reoviruses, rotaviruses, astroviruses) and even with hosts. Intriguingly, most of these radical events result from double crossovers surrounding the Spike ORF, thus highlighting both the instability and mobile nature of this genomic region. Although many such events have often occurred during the evolution of various CoVs, the genomic architecture of the relatively young SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 lineage so far appears to be stable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marios Nikolaidis
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Panayotis Markoulatos
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Stephen G Oliver
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Grigorios D Amoutzias
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amoutzias GD, Nikolaidis M, Tryfonopoulou E, Chlichlia K, Markoulatos P, Oliver SG. The Remarkable Evolutionary Plasticity of Coronaviruses by Mutation and Recombination: Insights for the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Future Evolutionary Paths of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:78. [PMID: 35062282 PMCID: PMC8778387 DOI: 10.3390/v14010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) constitute a large and diverse subfamily of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. They are found in many mammals and birds and have great importance for the health of humans and farm animals. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as well as many previous epidemics in humans that were of zoonotic origin, highlights the importance of studying the evolution of the entire CoV subfamily in order to understand how novel strains emerge and which molecular processes affect their adaptation, transmissibility, host/tissue tropism, and patho non-homologous genicity. In this review, we focus on studies over the last two years that reveal the impact of point mutations, insertions/deletions, and intratypic/intertypic homologous and non-homologous recombination events on the evolution of CoVs. We discuss whether the next generations of CoV vaccines should be directed against other CoV proteins in addition to or instead of spike. Based on the observed patterns of molecular evolution for the entire subfamily, we discuss five scenarios for the future evolutionary path of SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, within this evolutionary context, we discuss the recently emerged Omicron (B.1.1.529) VoC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios D. Amoutzias
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Marios Nikolaidis
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Eleni Tryfonopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (E.T.); (K.C.)
| | - Katerina Chlichlia
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (E.T.); (K.C.)
| | - Panayotis Markoulatos
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Stephen G. Oliver
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Sanger Building, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cao Y, Yang R, Wang W, Jiang S, Yang C, Liu N, Dai H, Lee I, Meng X, Yuan Z. Probing the Formation, Structure and Free Energy Relationships of M Protein Dimers of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:573-582. [PMID: 35047128 PMCID: PMC8756865 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The M protein of the novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is the major structural component of the viral envelope and is also the minimum requirement for virus particle budding. M proteins generally exist as dimers. In virus assembly, they are the main driving force for envelope formation through lateral interactions and interactions with other viral structural proteins that play a central role. We built 100 candidate models and finally analyzed the six most convincing structural features of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein dimer based on long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, multiple free energy analyses (potential mean force (PMF) and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA)) and principal component analysis (PCA) to obtain the most reasonable structure. The dimer stability was found to depend on the Leu-Ile zipper motif and aromatic amino acids in the transmembrane domain (TMD). Furthermore, the C-terminal domain (CTD) effects were relatively small. These results highlight a model in which there is sufficient binding affinity between the TMDs of M proteins to form dimers through the residues at the interface of the three transmembrane helices (TMHs). This study aims to help find more effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M dimers and to develop vaccines based on structural information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Cao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital. 300031, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Shengpeng Jiang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Chengwen Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Ningbo Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Hongji Dai
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- College of Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Imshik Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zella D, Giovanetti M, Cella E, Borsetti A, Ciotti M, Ceccarelli G, D’Ettorre G, Pezzuto A, Tambone V, Campanozzi L, Magheri M, Unali F, Bianchi M, Benedetti F, Pascarella S, Angeletti S, Ciccozzi M. The importance of genomic analysis in cracking the coronavirus pandemic. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:547-562. [PMID: 33849359 PMCID: PMC8095159 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1917998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has pushed the scientific community to undertake intense research efforts. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 biology is necessary to discover therapeutic or preventive strategies capable of containing the pandemic. Knowledge of the structural characteristics of the virus genome and proteins is essential to find targets for therapies and immunological interventions.Areas covered: This review covers different areas of expertise, genomic analysis of circulating strains, structural biology, viral mutations, molecular diagnostics, disease, and vaccines. In particular, the review is focused on the molecular approaches and modern clinical strategies used in these fields.Expert opinion: Molecular approaches to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been critical to shorten time for new diagnostic, therapeutic and prevention strategies. In this perspective, the entire scientific community is moving in the same direction. Vaccines, together with the development of new drugs to treat the disease, represent the most important strategy to protect human from viral disease and prevent further spread. In this regard, new molecular technologies have been successfully implemented. The use of a novel strategy of communication is suggested for a better diffusion to the broader public of new data and results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Zella
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
- , Member of the Global Virus Network, Baltimore, USA
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Flavivirus Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- Department of infectious diseases, National HIV/AIDS Research Center Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Virology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Polyclinic Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D’Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Pezzuto
- Cardiovascular-Respiratory Science Department, Sant’ Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoradolfo Tambone
- Institute of Philosophy of Scientific and Technological Practice, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Campanozzi
- Institute of Philosophy of Scientific and Technological Practice, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Magheri
- Communication Division, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Unali
- Communication Division, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Bianchi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Benedetti
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Stefano Pascarella
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|