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Mushebenge AGA, Ugbaja SC, Mbatha NA, B. Khan R, Kumalo HM. Assessing the Potential Contribution of In Silico Studies in Discovering Drug Candidates That Interact with Various SARS-CoV-2 Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15518. [PMID: 37958503 PMCID: PMC10647470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115518] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred intense research efforts to identify effective treatments for SARS-CoV-2. In silico studies have emerged as a powerful tool in the drug discovery process, particularly in the search for drug candidates that interact with various SARS-CoV-2 receptors. These studies involve the use of computer simulations and computational algorithms to predict the potential interaction of drug candidates with target receptors. The primary receptors targeted by drug candidates include the RNA polymerase, main protease, spike protein, ACE2 receptor, and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). In silico studies have identified several promising drug candidates, including Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Ribavirin, Ivermectin, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, and Camostat Mesylate, among others. The use of in silico studies offers several advantages, including the ability to screen a large number of drug candidates in a relatively short amount of time, thereby reducing the time and cost involved in traditional drug discovery methods. Additionally, in silico studies allow for the prediction of the binding affinity of the drug candidates to target receptors, providing insight into their potential efficacy. This study is aimed at assessing the useful contributions of the application of computational instruments in the discovery of receptors targeted in SARS-CoV-2. It further highlights some identified advantages and limitations of these studies, thereby revealing some complementary experimental validation to ensure the efficacy and safety of identified drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aganze Gloire-Aimé Mushebenge
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Samuel Chima Ugbaja
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Nonkululeko Avril Mbatha
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Rene B. Khan
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Hezekiel M. Kumalo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Comparative genomics, evolutionary epidemiology, and RBD-hACE2 receptor binding pattern in B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) related to their pandemic response in UK and India. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 101:105282. [PMID: 35427787 PMCID: PMC9005225 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The massive increase in COVID-19 infection had generated a second wave in India during May–June 2021 with a critical pandemic situation. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was a significant factor during the second wave. Conversely, the UK had passed through the crucial phase of the pandemic from November to December 2020 due to B.1.1.7. The study tried to comprehend the pandemic response in the UK and India to the spread of the B.1.1.7 (Alpha, UK) variant and B.1.617.2 (Delta, India) variant. Methods This study was performed in three directions to understand the pandemic response of the two emerging variants. First, we served comparative genomics, such as genome sequence submission patterns, mutational landscapes, and structural landscapes of significant mutations (N501Y, D614G, L452R, E484Q, and P681R). Second, we performed evolutionary epidemiology using molecular phylogenetics, scatter plots of the cluster evaluation, country-wise transmission pattern, and frequency pattern. Third, the receptor binding pattern was analyzed using the Wuhan reference strain and the other two variants. Results The study analyzed the country-wise and region-wise genome sequences and their submission pattern, molecular phylogenetics, scatter plot of the cluster evaluation, country-wise geographical distribution and transmission pattern, frequency pattern, entropy diversity, and mutational landscape of the two variants. The structural pattern was analyzed in the N501Y, D614G L452R, E484Q, and P681R mutations. The study found increased molecular interactivity between hACE2-RBD binding of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 compared to the Wuhan reference strain. Our receptor binding analysis showed a similar indication pattern for hACE2-RBD of these two variants. However, B.1.617.2 offers slightly better stability in the hACE2-RBD binding pattern through MD simulation than B.1.1.7. Conclusion The increased hACE2-RBD binding pattern of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 might help to increase the infectivity compared to the Wuhan reference strain.
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Kalyan G, Slusser-Nore A, Dunlevy JR, Bathula CS, Shabb JB, Muhonen W, Somji S, Sens DA, Garrett SH. Protein interactions with metallothionein-3 promote vectorial active transport in human proximal tubular cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267599. [PMID: 35503771 PMCID: PMC9064079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothionein 3 (MT-3) is a small, cysteine-rich protein that binds to essential metals required for homeostasis, as well as to heavy metals that have the potential to exert toxic effects on cells. MT-3 is expressed by epithelial cells of the human kidney, including the cells of the proximal tubule. Our laboratory has previously shown that mortal cultures of human proximal tubular (HPT) cells express MT-3 and form domes in the cell monolayer, a morphological feature indicative of vectorial active transport, an essential function of the proximal tubule. However, an immortalized proximal tubular cell line HK-2 lacks the expression of MT-3 and fails to form domes in the monolayer. Transfection of HK-2 cells with the MT-3 gene restores dome formation in these cells suggesting that MT-3 is required for vectorial active transport. In order to determine how MT-3 imparts this essential feature to the proximal tubule, we sought to identify proteins that interact either directly or indirectly with MT-3. Using a combination of pulldowns, co-immunoprecipitations, and mass spectrometry analysis, putative protein interactants were identified and subsequently confirmed by Western analysis and confocal microscopy, following which proteins with direct physical interactions were investigated through molecular docking. Our data shows that MT-3 interacts with myosin-9, aldolase A, enolase 1, β-actin, and tropomyosin 3 and that these interactions are maximized at the periphery of the apical membrane of doming proximal tubule cells. Together these observations reveal that MT-3 interacts with proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization and energy metabolism, and these interactions at the apical membrane support vectorial active transport and cell differentiation in proximal tubule cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazal Kalyan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Andrea Slusser-Nore
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Jane R. Dunlevy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Chandra S. Bathula
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - John B. Shabb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Wallace Muhonen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Seema Somji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Donald A. Sens
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Scott H. Garrett
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ojha R, Gurjar K, Ratnakar TS, Mishra A, Prajapati VK. Designing of a bispecific antibody against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein targeting human entry receptors DPP4 and ACE2. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:346-355. [PMID: 35042653 PMCID: PMC8744466 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 originated in Wuhan city, China, in 2019 erupted a global pandemic that had put down nearly 3 million lives and hampered the socio-economic conditions of all nations. Despite the available treatments, this disease is not being controlled totally and spreading swiftly. The deadly virus commences infection by hACE2 receptor and its co-receptors (DPP4) engagement with the viral spike protein in the lung alveolar epithelial cells, indicating a primary therapeutic target. The current research attempts to design an in-silico Bispecific antibody (BsAb) against viral spike glycoprotein and DPP4 receptors. Regdanvimab and Begelomab were identified to block the D614G mutated spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and host DPP4 receptor, respectively. The designed BsAb was modified by using KIH (Knobs into Holes) and CrossMAb techniques to prevent heavy chain and light chain mispairings. Following the modifications, the site-specific molecular docking studies were performed, revealing a relatively higher binding affinity of BsAb with spike glycoprotein and DPP4 co-receptor than control BsAb. Also, for blocking the primary entry receptor, hACE2, an anti-viral peptide was linked to the Fc region of BsAb that blocks the hACE2 receptor by linker cleavage inside the infected host. Thus, the designed BsAb and anti-viral peptide therapy could be a promising triumvirate way to obstruct the viral entry by blocking the receptor engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupal Ojha
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, 305817 Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kiran Gurjar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, 305817 Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Tadi Sai Ratnakar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, 305817 Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342011, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, 305817 Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
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Isaac-Lam MF. Molecular modeling of the interaction of ligands with ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complex. In Silico Pharmacol 2021; 9:55. [PMID: 34631362 PMCID: PMC8495439 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-021-00114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a new communicable disease with a widespread outbreak that affects all populations worldwide triggering a rush of scientific interest in coronavirus research globally. In silico molecular docking experiment was utilized to determine interactions of available compounds with SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) complex. Chimera and AutoDock Vina were used for protein-ligand interaction structural analysis. Ligands were chosen based on the known characteristics and indications of the drugs as ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, quinapril, moexipril, benazepril, ramipril, perindopril, zofenopril, fosinopril), as ACE2 blockers (losartan, olmesartan), as blood thinning agent (clopidogrel), as cholesterol-lowering prescriptions (simvastatin, atorvastatin), repurposed medications (dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine), and as investigational drug (remdesivir). Experimental ACE/ACE2 inhibitors are also included: Sigma ACEI, N-(2-aminoethyl)-1-aziridine-ethanamine (NAAE), nicotianamine (NAM), and MLN-4760 (ACE2 inhibitor). The best docked conformations were all located in the ACE2 protein, 50% docked at the interface with lower scores and only clopidogrel and hydroxychloroquine docked at the spike protein. Captopril, moexipril, benazepril, fosinopril, losartan, remdesivir, Sigma ACEI, NAA, and NAM interacted and docked at the interface of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complex. This may have significant implication in enhancing our understanding of the mechanism to hinder viral entry into the host organism during infection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00114-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meden F. Isaac-Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Purdue University Northwest, Westville, IN 46391 USA
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