1
|
Hao M, He Y, Song T, Guo H, Rayman MP, Zhang J. Dopamine and its precursor levodopa inactivate SARS-CoV-2 main protease by forming a quinoprotein. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 220:167-178. [PMID: 38718952 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Many studies show either the absence, or very low levels of, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA and/or antigen in the brain of COVID-19 patients. Reports consistently indicate an abortive infection phenomenon in nervous cells despite the fact that they contain the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE2. Dopamine levels in different brain regions are in the range of micromolar to millimolar concentrations. We have shown that sub-micromolar to low micromolar concentrations of dopamine or its precursor (levodopa) time- and dose-dependently inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which is vital for the viral life cycle, by forming a quinoprotein. Thiol detection coupled with the assessment of Mpro activity suggests that among the 12 cysteinyl thiols, the active site, Cys145-SH, is preferentially conjugated to the quinone derived from the oxidation of dopamine or levodopa. LC-MS/MS analyses show that the Cys145-SH is covalently conjugated by dopamine- or levodopa-o-quinone. These findings help explain why SARS-CoV-2 causes inefficient replication in many nerve cell lines. It is well recognized that inhaled pulmonary drug delivery is the most robust therapy pathway for lung diseases. CVT-301 (orally inhaled levodopa) was approved by the FDA as a drug for Parkinson's patients prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2018. Based on the fact that SARS-CoV-2 causes inefficient replication in the CNS with abundant endogenous Mpro inhibitor in addition to the current finding that levodopa has an Mpro-inhibitory effect somewhat stronger than dopamine, we should urgently investigate the use of CVT-301 as a lung-targeting, COVID-19, Mpro inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Tingting Song
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- Center for Biological Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Margaret P Rayman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ma L, Wang T, Liu M, Ji L, Wang Y, Li S, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao W, Wu Z, Yu H, Zhao H. Xiaoer niuhuang qingxin powder alleviates influenza a virus infection by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118000. [PMID: 38527574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiaoer Niuhuang Qingxin Powder (XNQP) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula with significant clinical efficacy for treating febrile convulsions and influenza. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of XNQP in combating combating the influenza A virus, providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present investigation employed network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis to determine the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway as a viable target for XNQP intervention in IAV infection.Subsequently, a mouse model of influenza A virus infection was established, and different doses of XNQP were used for intervention. The protein expression levels of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB were detected using HE staining, Elisa, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blot. RESULTS The results showed that treatment with XNQP after IAV infection reduced the mortality and prolonged the survival time of infected mice. It reduced the release of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum and alleviated pathological damage in the lung tissue following infection. Additionally, the levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB P65 proteins were significantly reduced in lung tissue by XNQP. The inhibitory effect of XNQP on the expression of MyD88 and NF-κB was antagonized when TLR4 signaling was overexpressed. Consequently, the expression levels of MyD88, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB P65 were increased in lung tissue. Conversely, the expression levels of the proteins MyD88, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB P65 were downregulated when TLR4 signaling was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS XNQP alleviated lung pathological changes, reduced serum levels of inflammatory factors, reduced mortality, and prolonged survival time in mice by inhibiting the overexpression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in lung tissues after IAV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Ma
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tong Wang
- School of Nursing, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Meiyi Liu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lingyun Ji
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250355, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shuting Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - YaNan Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China; Shandong Co-innovation Center of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China; Shandong Co-innovation Center of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - WenXiao Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China; School of Nursing, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - ZhiChun Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China; Shandong Co-innovation Center of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - HuaYun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China; Shandong Co-innovation Center of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - HaiJun Zhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China; Shandong Co-innovation Center of Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gayatri, Brewitz L, Ibbotson L, Salah E, Basak S, Choudhry H, Schofield CJ. Thiophene-fused γ-lactams inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease via reversible covalent acylation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7667-7678. [PMID: 38784729 PMCID: PMC11110133 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01027b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzyme inhibitors working by O-acylation of nucleophilic serine residues are of immense medicinal importance, as exemplified by the β-lactam antibiotics. By contrast, inhibition of nucleophilic cysteine enzymes by S-acylation has not been widely exploited for medicinal applications. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a nucleophilic cysteine protease and a validated therapeutic target for COVID-19 treatment using small-molecule inhibitors. The clinically used Mpro inhibitors nirmatrelvir and simnotrelvir work via reversible covalent reaction of their electrophilic nitrile with the Mpro nucleophilic cysteine (Cys145). We report combined structure activity relationship and mass spectrometric studies revealing that appropriately functionalized γ-lactams can potently inhibit Mpro by reversible covalent reaction with Cys145 of Mpro. The results suggest that γ-lactams have potential as electrophilic warheads for development of covalently reacting small-molecule inhibitors of Mpro and, by implication, other nucleophilic cysteine enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Lewis Ibbotson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Shyam Basak
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Hani Choudhry
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu YH, Wang M, Lin JQ, Wang MY, Zhou LY, He SH, Yi YT, Wei X, Huang QJ, Su ZH, Yang J, Guo HW, He RR, Luo Z. Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules reduces influenza virus susceptibility via MAVS-dependent type I interferon antiviral signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117780. [PMID: 38278377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules (LQG) is a Chinese patent medicine, clinically used to treat flu-like symptoms including cough with yellow phlegm, impeded phlegm, dry throat and tongue. However, the protective activity of LQG against influenza infection is indeterminate. AIM OF THE STUDY This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of LQG on influenza infection and elucidate its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo: A viral susceptible mouse model induced by restraint stress was established to investigate LQG's beneficial effects on influenza susceptibility. MAVS knockout (Mavs-/-) mice were used to verify the potential mechanism of LQG. In vitro: Corticosteroid (CORT)-treated A549 cells were employed to identify the active ingredients in LQG. Mice morbidity and mortality were monitored daily for 21 days. Histopathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues were examined by H&E staining and ELISA. RNA-seq was used to explore the signaling pathway influenced by LQG and further confirmed by qPCR. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the protein levels. CO-IP and DARTS were applied to detect protein-protein interaction and compound-protein interaction, respectively. RESULTS LQG effectively attenuated the susceptibility of restrained mice to H1N1 infection. LQG significantly boosted the production of IFN-β transduced by mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), while MAVS deficiency abrogated its protective effects on restrained mice infected with H1N1. Moreover, in vitro studies further revealed that mogroside Ⅱ B, amygdalin, and luteolin are potentially active components of LQG. CONCLUSION These results suggested that LQG inhibited the mitofusin 2 (Mfn2)-mediated ubiquitination of MAVS by impeding the E3 ligase synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) recruitment, thereby enhancing IFN-β antiviral response. Overall, our work elaborates a potential regimen for influenza treatment through reduction of stress-induced susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hui Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Precision Detection and Screening, Key Laboratory of Micro-Nanoscale Bioanalysis and Drug Screening of Guangxi Education Department, China
| | - Min Wang
- Hainan General Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Jin-Quan Lin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Mu-Yang Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li-Ying Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Song-Hua He
- Guangxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yu-Ting Yi
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xia Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Precision Detection and Screening, Key Laboratory of Micro-Nanoscale Bioanalysis and Drug Screening of Guangxi Education Department, China
| | - Zhi-Heng Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Hong-Wei Guo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Rong-Rong He
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 612505, China.
| | - Zhuo Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Precision Detection and Screening, Key Laboratory of Micro-Nanoscale Bioanalysis and Drug Screening of Guangxi Education Department, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shellenberger BM, Basile ON, Cassel J, Olsen MR, Salvino JM, Montaner LJ, Tietjen I, Henry GE. Synthesis, SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibition, molecular docking and in silico ADME studies of furanochromene-quinoline hydrazone derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 102:129679. [PMID: 38423371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129679] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Seven furanochromene-quinoline derivatives containing a hydrazone linker were synthesized by condensing a furanochromene hydrazide with quinoline 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-carbaldehydes, including 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carbaldehye. Structure-activity correlations were investigated to determine the influence of the location of the hydrazone linker on the quinoline unit on SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme inhibition. The 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-substituted derivatives showed moderate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with IC50 values ranging from 16 to 44 μM. Additionally, all of the derivatives showed strong interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro substrate binding pocket, with docking energy scores ranging from -8.0 to -8.5 kcal/mol. These values are comparable to that of N3 peptide (-8.1 kcal/mol) and more favorable than GC-373 (-7.6 kcal/mol) and ML-188 (-7.5 kcal/mol), all of which are known SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. Furthermore, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles indicate that the derivatives have good drug-likeness properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of the furanochromene-quinoline hydrazone scaffold as a SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Shellenberger
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Olivia N Basile
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Joel Cassel
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Morgan R Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, Bucknell University, One Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | | | | | - Ian Tietjen
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Geneive E Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carney DW, Leffler AE, Bell JA, Chandrasinghe AS, Cheng C, Chang E, Dornford A, Dougan DR, Frye LL, Grimes ME, Knehans T, Knight JL, Komandla M, Lane W, Li H, Newman SR, Phimister K, Saikatendu KS, Silverstein H, Vafaei S. Exploiting high-energy hydration sites for the discovery of potent peptide aldehyde inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease with cellular antiviral activity. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 103:117577. [PMID: 38518735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117577] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Small-molecule antivirals that prevent the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by blocking the enzymatic activity of its main protease (Mpro) are and will be a tenet of pandemic preparedness. However, the peptidic nature of such compounds often precludes the design of compounds within favorable physical property ranges, limiting cellular activity. Here we describe the discovery of peptide aldehyde Mpro inhibitors with potent enzymatic and cellular antiviral activity. This structure-activity relationship (SAR) exploration was guided by the use of calculated hydration site thermodynamic maps (WaterMap) to drive potency via displacement of waters from high-energy sites. Thousands of diverse compounds were designed to target these high-energy hydration sites and then prioritized for synthesis by physics- and structure-based Free-Energy Perturbation (FEP+) simulations, which accurately predicted biochemical potencies. This approach ultimately led to the rapid discovery of lead compounds with unique SAR that exhibited potent enzymatic and cellular activity with excellent pan-coronavirus coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Carney
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, United States.
| | - Abba E Leffler
- Schrödinger, Inc, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, United States.
| | - Jeffrey A Bell
- Schrödinger, Inc, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, United States
| | | | - Cecilia Cheng
- Schrödinger, Inc, 9868 Scranton Road, Suite 3200, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Edcon Chang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Adam Dornford
- Schrödinger, Inc, 1 Main St, 11th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
| | - Douglas R Dougan
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Leah L Frye
- Schrödinger, Inc, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1300, Portland, OR 97204, United States
| | - Mary E Grimes
- Schrödinger, Inc, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1300, Portland, OR 97204, United States
| | - Tim Knehans
- Schrödinger GmbH, Glücksteinallee 25, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Mallareddy Komandla
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Weston Lane
- Treeline Biosciences, 500 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA 02472, United States
| | - Hubert Li
- Schrödinger, Inc, 9868 Scranton Road, Suite 3200, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Sophia R Newman
- Schrödinger, Inc, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1300, Portland, OR 97204, United States
| | - Katalin Phimister
- Schrödinger Technologies Limited, 1st Floor West, Davidson House, Forbury Square, Reading RG1 3EU, United Kingdom
| | - Kumar S Saikatendu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Hercules Silverstein
- Schrödinger, Inc, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1300, Portland, OR 97204, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Desantis J, Bazzacco A, Eleuteri M, Tuci S, Bianconi E, Macchiarulo A, Mercorelli B, Loregian A, Goracci L. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of first-in-class indomethacin-based PROTACs degrading SARS-CoV-2 main protease and with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116202. [PMID: 38394929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116202] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
To date, Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology has been successfully applied to mediate proteasomal-induced degradation of several pharmaceutical targets mainly related to oncology, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, its exploitation in the field of antiviral drug discovery is still in its infancy. Recently, we described two indomethacin (INM)-based PROTACs displaying broad-spectrum antiviral activity against coronaviruses. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel series of INM-based PROTACs that recruit either Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) or cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligases. The panel of INM-based PROTACs was also enlarged by varying the linker moiety. The antiviral activity resulted very susceptible to this modification, particularly for PROTACs hijacking VHL as E3 ligase, with one piperazine-based compound (PROTAC 6) showing potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in infected human lung cells. Interestingly, degradation assays in both uninfected and virus-infected cells with the most promising PROTACs emerged so far (PROTACs 5 and 6) demonstrated that INM-PROTACs do not degrade human PGES-2 protein, as initially hypothesized, but induce the concentration-dependent degradation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) both in Mpro-transfected and in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Importantly, thanks to the target degradation, INM-PROTACs exhibited a considerable enhancement in antiviral activity with respect to indomethacin, with EC50 values in the low-micromolar/nanomolar range. Finally, kinetic solubility as well as metabolic and chemical stability were measured for PROTACs 5 and 6. Altogether, the identification of INM-based PROTACs as the first class of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro degraders demonstrating activity also in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells represents a significant advance in the development of effective, broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Eleuteri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Tuci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Bianconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Amblard F, LeCher JC, De R, Zhou S, Liu P, Goh SL, Tao S, Patel D, Downs-Bowen J, Zandi K, Zhang H, Chaudhry G, McBrayer T, Muczynski M, Al-Homoudi A, Engel J, Lan S, Sarafianos SG, Kovari LC, Schinazi RF. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel peptidomimetic inhibitors of the coronavirus 3C-like protease. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116263. [PMID: 38432056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116263] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and related variants, are responsible for the devastating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) plays a central role in the replication of the virus and represents an attractive drug target. Herein, we report the discovery of novel SARS-CoV-2 Mpro covalent inhibitors, including highly effective compound NIP-22c which displays high potency against several key variants and clinically relevant nirmatrelvir Mpro E166V mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franck Amblard
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Julia C LeCher
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ramyani De
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shu Ling Goh
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sijia Tao
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jessica Downs-Bowen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Keivan Zandi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Huanchun Zhang
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Gitika Chaudhry
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Tamara McBrayer
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Michael Muczynski
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Abdullah Al-Homoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Joseph Engel
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Shuiyun Lan
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefan G Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ladislau C Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ou L, Liu HR, Shi XY, Peng C, Zou YJ, Jia JW, Li H, Zhu ZX, Wang YH, Su BM, Lai YQ, Chen MY, Zhu WX, Feng Z, Zhang GM, Yao MC. Terminalia chebula Retz. aqueous extract inhibits the Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammatory response by regulating the inflammasome signaling and ER-stress pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117428. [PMID: 37981121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Terminalia chebula Retz., known as the King of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, is widely used for treating various ailments, particularly stomach disorders. It exhibited inhibitory activity against helicobacter pylori. AIM OF THE STUDY The exact mechanism by which T. chebula combats H. pylori infection remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate its mechanism of action and the key pathways and targets involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, scanning electron microscope, and inhibiting kinetics curves were conducted. The mRNA expressions were measured by RNA-seq analysis and RT-QPCR. ELISA and Western blot were used to detect the changes in proteins. The main compounds were analyzed by High-performance Liquid Chromatography. The interaction between the compound and target was predicted by Molecular Docking. RESULTS The study revealed that T. chebula disrupted the structure of H. pylori bacteria and inhibited Cag A protein expression. Additionally, T. chebula can reduce the expression of flaA, flaB, babA, alpA, alpB, ureE, and ureF genes. Furthermore, T. chebula demonstrated its effectiveness in inhibiting the H. pylori-induced inflammatory response by regulating the inflammasome signaling and ER-stress pathway. Moreover, the study discovered that chebulagic acid has anti-HP activity and inhibits the expression of Cag A protein. CONCLUSIONS T. chebula acts as a natural remedy for combating H. pylori infection. Its ability to disrupt the bacterial structure, inhibit key proteins, regulate inflammatory pathways, and the presence of chebulagic acid contribute to its anti-H. pylori activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Heng-Rui Liu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Future Homo Sapiens Institute of Regenerative Medicine Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Shi
- International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, Shandong, China.
| | - Chang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuan-Jing Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jun-Wei Jia
- International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, Shandong, China.
| | - Hui Li
- International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiang Zhu
- International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, Shandong, China.
| | - Yan-Hua Wang
- International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, Shandong, China.
| | - Bing-Mei Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yu-Qian Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mei-Yun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei-Xing Zhu
- Qingyuan Hospital' of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingyuan, 511500, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhong Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Gui-Min Zhang
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Mei-Cun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ashraf-Uz-Zaman M, Chua TK, Li X, Yao Y, Moku BK, Mishra CB, Avadhanula V, Piedra PA, Song Y. Design, Synthesis, X-ray Crystallography, and Biological Activities of Covalent, Non-Peptidic Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:715-731. [PMID: 38192109 PMCID: PMC10922772 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00565] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has infected billions of people worldwide with flu-like symptoms since its emergence in 2019. It has caused deaths of several million people. The viral main protease (Mpro) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication and therefore a drug target. Several series of covalent inhibitors of Mpro were designed and synthesized. Structure-activity relationship studies show that (1) several chloroacetamide- and epoxide-based compounds targeting Cys145 are potent inhibitors with IC50 values as low as 0.49 μM and (2) Cys44 of Mpro is not nucleophilic for covalent inhibitor design. High-resolution X-ray studies revealed the protein-inhibitor interactions and mechanisms of inhibition. It is of interest that Cys145 preferably attacks the more hindered Cα atom of several epoxide inhibitors. Chloroacetamide inhibitor 13 and epoxide inhibitor 30 were found to inhibit cellular SARS-CoV-2 replication with an EC68 (half-log reduction of virus titer) of 3 and 5 μM. These compounds represent new pharmacological leads for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashraf-Uz-Zaman
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Teck Khiang Chua
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuan Yao
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bala Krishna Moku
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chandra Bhushan Mishra
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vasanthi Avadhanula
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pedro A. Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang S, Zhang H, Liu X, Qi P, Tan T, Wang S, Gao H, Xu H, Zhou Z, Yi W. Mask and Release Strategy-Enabled Diversity-Oriented Synthesis for DNA-Encoded Library. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307049. [PMID: 38044314 PMCID: PMC10853742 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
An ideal DNA-encoded library (DEL) selection requires the library to consist of diverse core skeletons and cover chemical space as much as possible. However, the lack of efficient on-DNA synthetic approaches toward core skeletons has greatly restricted the diversity of DEL. To mitigate this issue, this work disclosed a "Mask & Release" strategy to streamline the challenging on-DNA core skeleton synthesis. N-phenoxyacetamide is used as a masked phenol and versatile directing group to mediate diversified DNA-compatible C-H functionalization, introducing the 1st-dimensional diversity at a defined site, and simultaneously releasing the phenol functionality, which can facilitate the introduction of the 2nd diversity. This work not only provides a set of efficient syntheses toward DNA-conjugated drug-like core skeletons such as ortho-alkenyl/sulfiliminyl/cyclopropyl phenol, benzofuran, dihydrobenzofuran but also provides a paradigm for on-DNA core skeleton synthetic method development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silin Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Haiman Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Xiawen Liu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Ping Qi
- Guangzhou Institute for Food InspectionGuangzhou511400China
| | - Tingting Tan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies & School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Shengdong Wang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Hui Gao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Hongtao Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies & School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Wei Yi
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kakimoto M, Nomura T, Nazmul T, Yamamoto A, Sasaki H, Higashiura A, Ito M, Ohge H, Mikage M, Ogawa KO, Sakaguchi T. In vitro anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 effect of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf extract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117341. [PMID: 37879507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The terrestrial stems of Ephedra (Ephedra spp.; including Ephedra sinica Stapf and Ephedra przewalskii Stapf) extracts are used in traditional medicines in East Asia. In Japan, the Kampo formula containing E. sinica extract is prescribed for the treatment of the common cold, influenza virus infections, and mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although ephedrine alkaloids in E. sinica exert antitussive effects, they may have side effects associated with the sympathetic nervous system. E. przewalskii extract, a drug used in traditional Uyghur and Mongolian medicine, is considered to be free of ephedrine alkaloids and is a promising candidate for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, its use is currently limited because evidence of its antiviral efficacy remains inconclusive. AIM OF THE STUDY We compared the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) effects of E. przewalskii and E. sinica extracts in vitro. Additionally, we examined the differences in their antiviral effects against different SARS-CoV-2 strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (Conventional, Delta, and Omicron strains-BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5), and lysates prepared from each herbal extract were added. The infectious titer was determined using the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) method; in turn, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated for each extract to compare the antiviral efficacy of E. sinica and E. przewalskii extracts. Further, the extracts were compared with remdesivir for their antiviral efficacy against the conventional viral strain. To verify the effect of the inactivation of virus particles, these extracts were added to each SARS-CoV-2 strain, and the infectious titers were determined using the TCID50 method. RESULTS The antiviral efficacy (i.e., IC50) of the E. przewalskii extract against each SARS-CoV-2 strain was 2.7-10.8-fold greater than that of the E. sinica extract. The antiviral efficacy of the E. przewalskii extract against conventional viral strains was compared with that of remdesivir, which was 1/27.6 of remdesivir's efficacy. The E. sinica extract showed minimal inactivation of virus particles of each strain, whereas the E. przewalskii extract resulted in substantial viral inactivation. CONCLUSIONS The E. przewalskii extract showed higher antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 than the E. sinica extract. Overall, our study suggests that E. przewalskii extract can be used for the treatment of viral infections, including COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kakimoto
- Department of Community Based Medical System, School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan; Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Toshihito Nomura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan; Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tanuza Nazmul
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Akima Yamamoto
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sasaki
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan; Division of Health, First Service School, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Etajimacho Kokuyu-mubanchi, Etajima, 737-2195, Japan
| | - Akifumi Higashiura
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masanori Ito
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ohge
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masayuki Mikage
- Emeritus of Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Keiko Ochiai Ogawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan; Department of Kampo Clinical Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takemasa Sakaguchi
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minamiku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Janin YL. On the origins of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:81-118. [PMID: 38283212 PMCID: PMC10809347 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00493g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to address the world-wide health challenge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3CL protease/SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2-Mpro) coded by its nsp5 gene became one of the biochemical targets for the design of antiviral drugs. In less than 3 years of research, 4 inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro have actually been authorized for COVID-19 treatment (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir and simnotrelvir) and more such as EDP-235, FB-2001 and STI-1558/Olgotrelvir or five undisclosed compounds (CDI-988, ASC11, ALG-097558, QLS1128 and H-10517) are undergoing clinical trials. This review is an attempt to picture this quite unprecedented medicinal chemistry feat and provide insights on how these cysteine protease inhibitors were discovered. Since many series of covalent SARS-CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors owe some of their origins to previous work on other proteases, we first provided a description of various inhibitors of cysteine-bearing human caspase-1 or cathepsin K, as well as inhibitors of serine proteases such as human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or the hepatitis C protein complex NS3/4A. This is then followed by a description of the results of the approaches adopted (repurposing, structure-based and high throughput screening) to discover coronavirus main protease inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yves L Janin
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes (StrInG), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université 75005 Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tian L, Qiang T, Yang X, Gao Y, Zhai X, Kang K, Du C, Lu Q, Gao H, Zhang D, Xie X, Liang C. Development of de-novo coronavirus 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro) inhibitors since COVID-19 outbreak: A strategy to tackle challenges of persistent virus infection. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115979. [PMID: 38048696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115979] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although no longer a public health emergency of international concern, COVID-19 remains a persistent and critical health concern. The development of effective antiviral drugs could serve as the ultimate piece of the puzzle to curbing this global crisis. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), with its substrate specificity mirroring that of the main picornavirus 3C protease and conserved across various coronaviruses, emerges as an ideal candidate for broad-spectrum antiviral drug development. Moreover, it holds the potential as a reliable contingency option to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this light, the approved drugs, promising candidates, and de-novo small molecule therapeutics targeting 3CLpro since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 are discussed. Emphasizing the significance of diverse structural characteristics in inhibitors, be they peptidomimetic or nonpeptidic, with a shared mission to minimize the risk of cross-resistance. Moreover, the authors propose an innovative optimization strategy for 3CLpro reversible covalent PROTACs, optimizing pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to better prepare for potential future viral outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Taotao Qiang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xiuding Yang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiaopei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Kairui Kang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Cong Du
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Qi Lu
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Pioneer Biotech Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Dezhu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jadhav P, Huang B, Osipiuk J, Zhang X, Tan H, Tesar C, Endres M, Jedrzejczak R, Tan B, Deng X, Joachimiak A, Cai J, Wang J. Structure-based design of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116011. [PMID: 38065031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116011] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus with high transmissibility and mutation rate. Given the paucity of orally bioavailable antiviral drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is a critical need for additional antivirals with alternative mechanisms of action. Papain-like protease (PLpro) is one of the two SARS-CoV-2 encoded viral cysteine proteases essential for viral replication. PLpro cleaves at three sites of the viral polyproteins. In addition, PLpro antagonizes the host immune response upon viral infection by cleaving ISG15 and ubiquitin from host proteins. Therefore, PLpro is a validated antiviral drug target. In this study, we report the X-ray crystal structures of papain-like protease (PLpro) with two potent inhibitors, Jun9722 and Jun9843. Subsequently, we designed and synthesized several series of analogs to explore the structure-activity relationship, which led to the discovery of PLpro inhibitors with potent enzymatic inhibitory activity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Together, the lead compounds are promising drug candidates for further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Jadhav
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Jerzy Osipiuk
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Christine Tesar
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA
| | - Michael Endres
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA
| | - Robert Jedrzejczak
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA
| | - Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xufang Deng
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Andrzej Joachimiak
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60367, USA.
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nguyen HT, Van KT, Pham-The H, Braire J, Thi PH, Nguyen TA, Nguyen Thi QG, Dang Thi TA, Le-Nhat-Thuy G, Le Thi TA, Ngoc DV, Nguyen Van T. Synthesis, molecular docking analysis and in vitro evaluation of new heterocyclic hybrids of 4-aza-podophyllotoxin as potent cytotoxic agents. RSC Adv 2024; 14:1838-1853. [PMID: 38192320 PMCID: PMC10772362 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07396c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Two different synthetic approaches to novel heterocyclic hybrid compounds of 4-azapodophyllotoxin were investigated. The obtained products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. MTT protocol was then performed to examine the cytotoxic activity of these products against KB, HepG2, A549, MCF7, and Hek-293 cell lines. The cytotoxic assessment indicated that all products displayed moderate to high cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines. The most active compound 13k containing the 2-methoxypyridin-4-yl group exhibited selective cytotoxicity against KB, A549, and HepG2 cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 0.23 to 0.27 μM, which were between 5- to 10-fold more potent than the positive control ellipticine. Compounds 13a (HetAr = thiophen-3-yl) and 13d (HetAr = 5-bromofuran-2-yl) displayed high cytotoxic selectivity for A549 and HepG2 cancer cell lines when compared to the other cancer cell lines and low toxicity to the normal Hek-293 cell line. Molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the interaction of new synthesized compounds with the colchicine-binding-site of tubulin. Besides that, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the most active compounds 13h,k were predicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Thanh Nguyen
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Ket Tran Van
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
- Military Technical Academy 236 Hoang Quoc Viet, Bac Tu Liem Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Hai Pham-The
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Julien Braire
- Université de Rennes 1 2 Av. du Professeur Léon Bernard 35042 Rennes France
| | - Phuong Hoang Thi
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Tuan Anh Nguyen
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Quynh Giang Nguyen Thi
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Tuyet Anh Dang Thi
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Giang Le-Nhat-Thuy
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Tu Anh Le Thi
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Doan Vu Ngoc
- Military Technical Academy 236 Hoang Quoc Viet, Bac Tu Liem Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Nguyen Van
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay Hanoi Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li X, Song Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3: Function, structure, inhibition, and perspective in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103832. [PMID: 37977285 PMCID: PMC10872262 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103832] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
As a highly contagious human pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected billions of people worldwide with more than 6 million deaths. With several effective vaccines and antiviral drugs now available, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic been brought under control. However, a new pathogenic coronavirus could emerge in the future, given the zoonotic nature of this virus. Natural evolution and drug-induced mutations of SARS-CoV-2 also require continued efforts for new anti-coronavirus drugs. Nonstructural protein (nsp) 3 of CoVs is a large, multifunctional protein, containing a papain-like protease (PLpro) and a macrodomain (Mac1), which are essential for viral replication. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the function, structure, and inhibition of SARS-CoV/-CoV-2 PLpro and Mac1. We also discuss advances in, and challenges to, the discovery of drugs against these targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rajan S, Yoon HS. Covalent ligands of nuclear receptors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115869. [PMID: 37857142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115869] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-induced transcriptional factors implicated in several physiological pathways. Naïve ligands bind to their cognate receptors and modulate gene expression as agonists or antagonists. It has been observed that some ligands bind via covalent bonding with the NR Ligand Binding Domain (LBD) residues. While many such instances have been known since the 1980s, a consolidated account of these ligands and their interactions with NR-LBD is yet to be documented. To negate this, we have culled out the human NR-LBDs that form a covalent attachment with ligands. According to the study, 16 of the 48 human NRs have been targeted by covalent ligands. It was found that conserved cysteines prone to covalent attachment are predominantly located in NR-LBD helices 3 and 11. These conserved cysteines are also observed in many of the remaining NRs, which can be probed for their reactivity. Thus, the structural insights into NR-LBD interactions with covalent ligands presented here would aid drug discovery efforts targeting NRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreekanth Rajan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Ho Sup Yoon
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore; College of Pharmacy, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, Republic of Korea; CHA Advanced Research Institute, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheng M, Zhang H, Li Y, Chen W. Riboflavin secreted by Shewanella sp. FDL-2 facilitates its reduction of Se(iv) and Te(iv) by promoting electron transfer. RSC Adv 2023; 13:34445-34454. [PMID: 38024980 PMCID: PMC10667860 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07093j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological reduction of selenite (Se(iv)) or tellurite (Te(iv)) to Se0 or Te0 has received increasing attention, as related studies have favored the development of Se/Te pollution control methods. In the presence of the electron donor, the microbes acquired energy and transferred electrons to Se(iv) or Te(iv) to achieve their detoxication. However, the microbial electron transfer pathways involved in this process are still not fully understood. In this study, we reported that marine Shewanella sp. FDL-2 (FDL-2) was capable of reducing Se(iv) and Te(iv) through a novel riboflavin-involved pathway. The results showed that FDL-2 can effectively reduce 10 mM Se(iv) and 5 mM Te(iv) to Se0 and Te0, which was further confirmed by XPS and XRD analyses. RT-qPCR results indicate the upregulation of genes coding flavin-related proteins, and the production of flavin-related substances by strain FDL-2 during Se(iv)/Te(iv) bioreduction was proven by fluorescence chromatography analysis. In addition, the presence of riboflavin enhanced the electron transfer efficiency, indicating its promoting effect on the bioreduction of Se(iv)/Te(iv). Overall, our results highlight a riboflavin-involved electron transfer pathway during Se(iv)/Te(iv) bioreduction and thus deepen our understanding of the corresponding mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manman Cheng
- Solid-State Fermentation Resource Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Yibin University Yibin City Sichuan Province 644000 China
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University Yantai 264000 China
| | - Haikun Zhang
- Yantai Institute of Costal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences Yantai 264000 China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University Yantai 264000 China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- Solid-State Fermentation Resource Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Yibin University Yibin City Sichuan Province 644000 China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Khan A, Pradeep S, Dastager SG. In vitro anticancer evaluation of Enceleamycin A and its underlying mechanism. RSC Adv 2023; 13:34183-34193. [PMID: 38019992 PMCID: PMC10663723 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06204j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It has become more crucial than ever to find novel anticancer compounds due to the rise in cancer mortality and resistance to the present chemotherapeutic drugs. Naphthoquinones are regarded as privileged structures for their ability to inhibit various cancers. The current study examined three novel furo-naphthoquinones (Enceleamycins A-C) previously isolated from Amycolatopsis sp. MCC 0218 for their anticancer potential. Enceleamycin A demonstrated considerable cytotoxicity for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 value of 1.25 μg mL-1 (3.78 μM). It also showed the ability to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell migration. Enceleamycin A raises intracellular ROS levels in TNBC cells, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death, as demonstrated by Annexin V/PI staining. The molecular docking and simulation investigation revealed better binding affinity of Enceleamycin A with AKT2, which plays a vital role in breast cancer's invasiveness and chemo-resistance. Enceleamycin A inhibits the AKT2 enzyme in vitro with an IC50 value of 0.736 μg mL-1 (2.22 μM), further validating the docking study. The in silico physicochemical and pharmacokinetics characteristics of Enceleamycin A demonstrated its drug-likeness. Intriguingly, Enceleamycin A is non-hemolytic in nature. Taken together, Enceleamycin A could be a candidate molecule for treating TNBC cells by targeting the AKT2 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abujunaid Khan
- NCIM-Resource Center, Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory Pune - 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad - 201002 India
| | - S Pradeep
- NCIM-Resource Center, Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory Pune - 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad - 201002 India
| | - Syed G Dastager
- NCIM-Resource Center, Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory Pune - 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad - 201002 India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sabnis RW. Protease Inhibitors for Treating or Preventing Coronavirus Infection. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1489-1490. [PMID: 37974953 PMCID: PMC10641920 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Provided herein are novel compounds as protease inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions, use of such compounds in treating or preventing coronavirus infection, and processes for preparing such compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ram W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell
LLP, 1105 W. Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kuo CS, Chen SY, Tsai JC. Effects of the Supercritical Fluid Extract of Magnolia figo on Inducing the Apoptosis of Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:7445. [PMID: 37959865 PMCID: PMC10648894 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217445] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer has a high incidence rate worldwide, necessitating the development of new drugs. Although Magnolia figo (Lour.) DC. is known for its medicinal properties, studies on its efficacy against lung cancer are lacking. This study investigated whether the supercritical fluid extract of M. figo (FMO) can induce apoptosis in A549, a human non-small-cell lung cancer cell line. The cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis and flow cytometry analysis were conducted. The expression of factors was assessed through Western blotting analyses. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed. The results revealed that FMO treatment exhibited cytotoxicity, demonstrating dose-dependent effects. The TUNEL analysis and flow cytometry analysis revealed that FMO induced apoptosis in A549 cells. The Western blotting analysis revealed that FMO upregulated the expression of p53 and Bax protein, and downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein. The GC-MS analysis revealed eight components identified in FMO. These findings indicate that FMO can induce A549 apoptosis through the p53/Bcl-2/Bax pathways, confirming the apoptotic effects of M. figo on lung cancer cells. These results highlight the potential, for the first time, of M. figo as a source for developing novel drugs for lung cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Sheng Kuo
- Fethiann Molecule Applied Co., Ltd., Yilan 260011, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Yun Chen
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Foods on Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua 515006, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Foods on Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua 515006, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Heawchaiyaphum C, Malat P, Pientong C, Roytrakul S, Yingchutrakul Y, Aromseree S, Suebsasana S, Mahalapbutr P, Ekalaksananan T. The Dual Functions of Andrographolide in the Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Head-and-Neck Cancer Cells: The Inhibition of Lytic Reactivation of the Epstein-Barr Virus and the Induction of Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15867. [PMID: 37958849 PMCID: PMC10648111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115867] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Andrographolide, a medicinal compound, exhibits several pharmacological activities, including antiviral and anticancer properties. Previously, we reported that andrographolide inhibits Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic reactivation, which is associated with viral transmission and oncogenesis in epithelial cancers, including head-and-neck cancer (HNC) cells. However, the underlying mechanism through which andrographolide inhibits EBV lytic reactivation and affects HNC cells is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated these mechanisms using EBV-positive HNC cells and the molecular modeling and docking simulation of protein. Based on the results, the expression of EBV lytic genes and viral production were significantly inhibited in andrographolide-treated EBV-positive HNC cells. Concurrently, there was a reduction in transcription factors (TFs), myocyte enhancer factor-2D (MEF2D), specificity protein (SP) 1, and SP3, which was significantly associated with a combination of andrographolide and sodium butyrate (NaB) treatment. Surprisingly, andrographolide treatment also significantly induced the expression of DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) 1, DNMT3B, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) 5 in EBV-positive cells. Molecular modeling and docking simulation suggested that HDAC5 could directly interact with MEF2D, SP1, and SP3. In our in vitro study, andrographolide exhibited a stronger cytotoxic effect on EBV-positive cells than EBV-negative cells by inducing cell death. Interestingly, the proteome analysis revealed that the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL, the key molecules for necroptosis, was significantly greater in andrographolide-treated cells. Taken together, it seems that andrographolide exhibits concurrent activities in HNC cells; it inhibits EBV lytic reactivation by interrupting the expression of TFs and induces cell death, probably via necroptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chukkris Heawchaiyaphum
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rangsit Center, Thammasart University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Praphatson Malat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.H.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Nakhon Phanom University, Nakhon Phanom 48000, Thailand;
| | - Chamsai Pientong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.H.); (P.M.)
- HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (S.R.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yodying Yingchutrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (S.R.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Sirinart Aromseree
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Nakhon Phanom University, Nakhon Phanom 48000, Thailand;
- HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Suebsasana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rangsit Center, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Tipaya Ekalaksananan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.H.); (P.M.)
- HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ziwei W, Hao S, Yizhen C, Ben L, Yaowei X, Wanxia W, Kaiyue W, Mengheng L, Li G, Lei W. Thermal, photonic, and electrocatalysis in lignin depolymerization research. RSC Adv 2023; 13:32627-32640. [PMID: 37936635 PMCID: PMC10626394 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06880c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to realize a sustainable bio-based future, it is essential to fully harness the potential of biomass, including lignin - a readily available biopolymer that ranks second in abundance and serves as a renewable source of aromatics. While lignin has traditionally been used for lower-value applications like fuel and power generation, unlocking its higher-value potential through diverse conversion and upgrading techniques is of paramount importance. This review focuses on the catalytic conversion of lignin, with a specific emphasis on selective depolymerization, a process that not only supports economically and environmentally sustainable biorefineries but also aligns with Green Chemistry principles, mitigating adverse environmental impacts. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive discussion of reaction pathways and mechanisms, including C-O and C-C bond cleavage, among different catalysts. Lastly, we analyze and briefly discuss the prospects of rational catalyst design in biomass valorization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Ziwei
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Shu Hao
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Chen Yizhen
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Liu Ben
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Xu Yaowei
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Wang Wanxia
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Wang Kaiyue
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Lei Mengheng
- China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd Wuhan 430040 China
- Hubei Xinye Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd Wuhan 430056 China
- Applied Technology Research of Reconstituted Tobacco Hubei Province Key Laboratory Wuhan 430040 China
| | - Guo Li
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology Heping Avenue 947 Wuhan 430081 China +86-027-6886-2335
| | - Wang Lei
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology Wuhan 430068 China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Eruera AR, McSweeney AM, McKenzie-Goldsmith GM, Opel-Reading HK, Thomas SX, Campbell AC, Stubbing L, Siow A, Hubert JG, Brimble MA, Ward VK, Krause KL. Crystal Structure of Inhibitor-Bound GII.4 Sydney 2012 Norovirus 3C-Like Protease. Viruses 2023; 15:2202. [PMID: 38005879 PMCID: PMC10674469 DOI: 10.3390/v15112202] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide, and there are no approved vaccines or therapeutic treatments for chronic or severe norovirus infections. The structural characterisation of the norovirus protease and drug development has predominantly focused upon GI.1 noroviruses, despite most global outbreaks being caused by GII.4 noroviruses. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the GII.4 Sydney 2012 ligand-free norovirus protease at 2.79 Å and at 1.83 Å with a covalently bound high-affinity (IC50 = 0.37 µM) protease inhibitor (NV-004). We show that the active sites of the ligand-free protease structure are present in both open and closed conformations, as determined by their Arg112 side chain orientation. A comparative analysis of the ligand-free and ligand-bound protease structures reveals significant structural differences in the active site cleft and substrate-binding pockets when an inhibitor is covalently bound. We also report a second molecule of NV-004 non-covalently bound within the S4 substrate binding pocket via hydrophobic contacts and a water-mediated hydrogen bond. These new insights can guide structure-aided drug design against the GII.4 genogroup of noroviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice-Roza Eruera
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (A.-R.E.); (A.M.M.); (G.M.M.-G.); (S.X.T.)
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (H.K.O.-R.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Alice M. McSweeney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (A.-R.E.); (A.M.M.); (G.M.M.-G.); (S.X.T.)
| | - Geena M. McKenzie-Goldsmith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (A.-R.E.); (A.M.M.); (G.M.M.-G.); (S.X.T.)
| | - Helen K. Opel-Reading
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (H.K.O.-R.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Simone X. Thomas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (A.-R.E.); (A.M.M.); (G.M.M.-G.); (S.X.T.)
| | - Ashley C. Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (H.K.O.-R.); (A.C.C.)
| | - Louise Stubbing
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (L.S.); (A.S.); (J.G.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Andrew Siow
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (L.S.); (A.S.); (J.G.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Jonathan G. Hubert
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (L.S.); (A.S.); (J.G.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Margaret A. Brimble
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (L.S.); (A.S.); (J.G.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Vernon K. Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (A.-R.E.); (A.M.M.); (G.M.M.-G.); (S.X.T.)
| | - Kurt L. Krause
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (H.K.O.-R.); (A.C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|