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Wei X, Zhou Y, Shen X, Fan L, Liu D, Gao X, Zhou J, Wu Y, Li Y, Feng W, Zhang Z. Ciclopirox inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by promoting the degradation of the nucleocapsid protein. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2505-2519. [PMID: 38828154 PMCID: PMC11143514 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NP) plays a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 replication and is the most abundant structural protein with a long half-life. Despite its vital role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) assembly and host inflammatory response, it remains an unexplored target for drug development. In this study, we identified a small-molecule compound (ciclopirox) that promotes NP degradation using an FDA-approved library and a drug-screening cell model. Ciclopirox significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication both in vitro and in vivo by inducing NP degradation. Ciclopirox induced abnormal NP aggregation through indirect interaction, leading to the formation of condensates with higher viscosity and lower mobility. These condensates were subsequently degraded via the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, ultimately resulting in a shortened NP half-life and reduced NP expression. Our results suggest that NP is a potential drug target, and that ciclopirox holds substantial promise for further development to combat SARS-CoV-2 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafei Wei
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Xiaotong Shen
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Lujie Fan
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Donglan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Yezi Wu
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Yunfei Li
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
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2
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Mansueto G, Fusco G, Colonna G. A Tiny Viral Protein, SARS-CoV-2-ORF7b: Functional Molecular Mechanisms. Biomolecules 2024; 14:541. [PMID: 38785948 PMCID: PMC11118181 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study presents the interaction with the human host metabolism of SARS-CoV-2 ORF7b protein (43 aa), using a protein-protein interaction network analysis. After pruning, we selected from BioGRID the 51 most significant proteins among 2753 proven interactions and 1708 interactors specific to ORF7b. We used these proteins as functional seeds, and we obtained a significant network of 551 nodes via STRING. We performed topological analysis and calculated topological distributions by Cytoscape. By following a hub-and-spoke network architectural model, we were able to identify seven proteins that ranked high as hubs and an additional seven as bottlenecks. Through this interaction model, we identified significant GO-processes (5057 terms in 15 categories) induced in human metabolism by ORF7b. We discovered high statistical significance processes of dysregulated molecular cell mechanisms caused by acting ORF7b. We detected disease-related human proteins and their involvement in metabolic roles, how they relate in a distorted way to signaling and/or functional systems, in particular intra- and inter-cellular signaling systems, and the molecular mechanisms that supervise programmed cell death, with mechanisms similar to that of cancer metastasis diffusion. A cluster analysis showed 10 compact and significant functional clusters, where two of them overlap in a Giant Connected Component core of 206 total nodes. These two clusters contain most of the high-rank nodes. ORF7b acts through these two clusters, inducing most of the metabolic dysregulation. We conducted a co-regulation and transcriptional analysis by hub and bottleneck proteins. This analysis allowed us to define the transcription factors and miRNAs that control the high-ranking proteins and the dysregulated processes within the limits of the poor knowledge that these sectors still impose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelsomina Mansueto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Avanzate, Università della Campania, L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Colonna
- Medical Informatics AOU, Università della Campania, L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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3
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Bai Y, Ning K. How does severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) achieve immune evasion?: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37780. [PMID: 38640329 PMCID: PMC11030025 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037780] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease known for its significant lung damage. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives has been limited, the virus has not vanished entirely and continues to undergo mutations. This calls for a concentrated focus on the matter of SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion. Drawing on observations of immune escape mechanisms in other viruses, some scholars have proposed that liquid-liquid phase separation might play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's ability to evade the immune system. Within the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the nucleocapsid protein plays a pivotal role in RNA replication and transcription. Concurrently, this protein can engage in phase separation with RNA. A thorough examination of the phase separation related to the nucleocapsid protein may unveil the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 accomplishes immune evasion. Moreover, this analysis may provide valuable insights for future development of innovative antiviral drugs or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahu Bai
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ning
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Respiratory, Occupational Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Province Hospital of Occupational Diseases, Jinan, China
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4
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Huang Y, Huang C, Chen J, Chen S, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by a ssDNA aptamer targeting the nucleocapsid protein. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0341023. [PMID: 38376366 PMCID: PMC10986557 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03410-23] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays significant roles in viral assembly, immune evasion, and viral stability. Due to its immunogenicity, high expression levels during COVID-19, and conservation across viral strains, it represents an attractive target for antiviral treatment. In this study, we identified and characterized a single-stranded DNA aptamer, N-Apt17, which effectively disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by the N protein. To enhance the aptamer's stability, a circular bivalent form, cb-N-Apt17, was designed and evaluated. Our findings demonstrated that cb-N-Apt17 exhibited improved stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior inhibition of N protein LLPS; thus, it has the potential inhibition ability on viral replication. These results provide valuable evidence supporting the potential of cb-N-Apt17 as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral therapies against COVID-19.IMPORTANCEVariants of SARS-CoV-2 pose a significant challenge to currently available COVID-19 vaccines and therapies due to the rapid epitope changes observed in the viral spike protein. However, the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2, a highly conserved structural protein, offers promising potential as a target for inhibiting viral replication. The N protein forms complexes with genomic RNA, interacts with other viral structural proteins during virion assembly, and plays a critical role in evading host innate immunity by impairing interferon production during viral infection. In this investigation, we discovered a single-stranded DNA aptamer, designated as N-Apt17, exhibiting remarkable affinity and specificity for the N protein. Notably, N-Apt17 disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the N protein. To enhance the stability and molecular recognition capabilities of N-Apt17, we designed a circular bivalent DNA aptamer termed cb-N-Apt17. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, cb-N-Apt17 exhibited increased stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior LLPS disrupting ability. Thus, our study provides essential proof-of-principle evidence supporting the further development of cb-N-Apt17 as a therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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5
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Eltayeb A, Al-Sarraj F, Alharbi M, Albiheyri R, Mattar EH, Abu Zeid IM, Bouback TA, Bamagoos A, Uversky VN, Rubio-Casillas A, Redwan EM. Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: IV. Hypothetical roles of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and its liquid-liquid phase separation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30530. [PMID: 38349116 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30530] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
When the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects humans, it leads to a condition called COVID-19 that has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from no symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The virus initiates damage by attaching to the ACE-2 protein on the surface of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels and using these cells as hosts for replication. Reactive oxygen species levels are increased during viral replication, which leads to oxidative stress. About three-fifths (~60%) of the people who get infected with the virus eradicate it from their body after 28 days and recover their normal activity. However, a large fraction (~40%) of the people who are infected with the virus suffer from various symptoms (anosmia and/or ageusia, fatigue, cough, myalgia, cognitive impairment, insomnia, dyspnea, and tachycardia) beyond 12 weeks and are diagnosed with a syndrome called long COVID. Long-term clinical studies in a group of people who contracted SARS-CoV-2 have been contrasted with a noninfected matched group of people. A subset of infected people can be distinguished by a set of cytokine markers to have persistent, low-grade inflammation and often self-report two or more bothersome symptoms. No medication can alleviate their symptoms efficiently. Coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been investigated extensively as potential drug targets due to their key roles in virus replication, among which is their ability to bind their respective genomic RNAs for incorporation into emerging virions. This review highlights basic studies of the nucleocapsid protein and its ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. We hypothesize that this ability of the nucleocapsid protein for phase separation may contribute to long COVID. This hypothesis unlocks new investigation angles and could potentially open novel avenues for a better understanding of long COVID and treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eltayeb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Al-Sarraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Albiheyri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab H Mattar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam M Abu Zeid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A Bouback
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif Bamagoos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Du S, Hu X, Liu X, Zhan P. Revolutionizing viral disease treatment: Phase separation and lysosome/exosome targeting as new areas and new paradigms for antiviral drug research. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103888. [PMID: 38244674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103888] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
With the advancement of globalization, our world is becoming increasingly interconnected. However, this interconnection means that once an infectious disease emerges, it can rapidly spread worldwide. Specifically, viral diseases pose a growing threat to human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pressing need for expedited drug development to combat emerging viral diseases. Traditional drug discovery methods primarily rely on random screening and structure-based optimization, and new approaches are required to address more complex scenarios in drug discovery. Emerging antiviral strategies include phase separation and lysosome/exosome targeting. The widespread implementation of these innovative drug design strategies will contribute towards tackling existing viral infections and future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xueping Hu
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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7
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Liu Y, Feng W, Wang Y, Wu B. Crosstalk between protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38347544 PMCID: PMC10860296 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01380-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of phase separation is quite common in cells, and it is involved in multiple processes of life activities. However, the current research on the correlation between protein modifications and phase separation and the interference with the tendency of phase separation has some limitations. Here we focus on several post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein phosphorylation modification at multiple sites, methylation modification, acetylation modification, ubiquitination modification, SUMOylation modification, etc., which regulate the formation of phase separation and the stability of phase separation structure through multivalent interactions. This regulatory role is closely related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, viral infections, and other diseases, and also plays essential functions in environmental stress, DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and cell homeostasis of living organisms, which provides an idea to explore the interaction between novel protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjuan Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Basic Medical Research Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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8
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Ren J, Wang S, Zong Z, Pan T, Liu S, Mao W, Huang H, Yan X, Yang B, He X, Zhou F, Zhang L. TRIM28-mediated nucleocapsid protein SUMOylation enhances SARS-CoV-2 virulence. Nat Commun 2024; 15:244. [PMID: 38172120 PMCID: PMC10764958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44502-6] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses, as opportunistic intracellular parasites, hijack the cellular machinery of host cells to support their survival and propagation. Numerous viral proteins are subjected to host-mediated post-translational modifications. Here, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS2-NP) is SUMOylated on the lysine 65 residue, which efficiently mediates SARS2-NP's ability in homo-oligomerization, RNA association, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Thereby the innate antiviral immune response is suppressed robustly. These roles can be achieved through intermolecular association between SUMO conjugation and a newly identified SUMO-interacting motif in SARS2-NP. Importantly, the widespread SARS2-NP R203K mutation gains a novel site of SUMOylation which further increases SARS2-NP's LLPS and immunosuppression. Notably, the SUMO E3 ligase TRIM28 is responsible for catalyzing SARS2-NP SUMOylation. An interfering peptide targeting the TRIM28 and SARS2-NP interaction was screened out to block SARS2-NP SUMOylation and LLPS, and consequently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and rescue innate antiviral immunity. Collectively, these data support SARS2-NP SUMOylation is critical for SARS-CoV-2 virulence, and therefore provide a strategy to antagonize SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhi Zong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- International Biomed-X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huizhe Huang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Bing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Xin He
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Long Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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9
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He S, Gou H, Zhou Y, Wu C, Ren X, Wu X, Guan G, Jin B, Huang J, Jin Z, Zhao T. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein suppresses innate immunity by remodeling stress granules to atypical foci. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23269. [PMID: 37889852 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201973rr] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Viruses deploy multiple strategies to suppress the host innate immune response to facilitate viral replication and pathogenesis. Typical G3BP1+ stress granules (SGs) are usually formed in host cells after virus infection to restrain viral translation and to stimulate innate immunity. Thus, viruses have evolved various mechanisms to inhibit SGs or to repurpose SG components such as G3BP1. Previous studies showed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection inhibited host immunity during the early stage of COVID-19. However, the precise mechanism is not yet well understood. Here we showed that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (SARS2-N) protein suppressed the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced innate immune response, concomitant with inhibition of SGs and the induction of atypical SARS2-N+ /G3BP1+ foci (N+ foci). The SARS2-N protein-induced formation of N+ foci was dependent on the ability of its ITFG motif to hijack G3BP1, which contributed to suppress the innate immune response. Importantly, SARS2-N protein facilitated viral replication by inducing the formation of N+ foci. Viral mutations within SARS2-N protein that impair the formation of N+ foci are associated with the inability of the SARS2-N protein to suppress the immune response. Taken together, our study has revealed a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 suppresses the innate immune response via induction of atypical N+ foci. We think that this is a critical strategy for viral pathogenesis and has potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su He
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Gou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunxiu Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiajunpeng Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guanwen Guan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Boxing Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhigang Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tiejun Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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10
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Chen Y, Lei X, Jiang Z, Humphries F, Parsi KM, Mustone NJ, Ramos I, Mutetwa T, Fernandez-Sesma A, Maehr R, Caffrey DR, Fitzgerald KA. Cellular nucleic acid-binding protein restricts SARS-CoV-2 by regulating interferon and disrupting RNA-protein condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308355120. [PMID: 37963251 PMCID: PMC10666094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308355120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of the innate immune mechanisms involved in restricting SARS-CoV-2 infection and how the virus disrupts these processes could reveal new strategies to boost antiviral mechanisms and develop therapeutics for COVID-19. Here, we identify cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) as a key host factor controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. In response to RNA-sensing pathways, CNBP is phosphorylated and translocates from the cytosol to the nucleus where it binds to the interferon-β enhancer to initiate transcription. Because SARS-CoV-2 evades immune detection by the host's RNA-sensing pathways, CNBP is largely retained in the cytosol where it restricts SARS-CoV-2 directly, leading to a battle between the host and SARS-CoV-2 that extends beyond antiviral immune signaling pathways. We further demonstrated that CNBP binds SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA directly and competes with the viral nucleocapsid protein to prevent viral RNA and nucleocapsid protein from forming liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) condensates critical for viral replication. Consequently, cells and animals lacking CNBP have higher viral loads, and CNBP-deficient mice succumb rapidly to infection. Altogether, these findings identify CNBP as a key antiviral factor for SARS-CoV-2, functioning both as a regulator of antiviral IFN gene expression and a cell-intrinsic restriction factor that disrupts LLPS to limit viral replication and spread. In addition, our studies also highlight viral condensates as important targets and strategies for the development of drugs to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Chen
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Xuqiu Lei
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Zhaozhao Jiang
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Fiachra Humphries
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Krishna Mohan Parsi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Nicholas J. Mustone
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Irene Ramos
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Tinaye Mutetwa
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - Ana Fernandez-Sesma
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY10029
| | - René Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Daniel R. Caffrey
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
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11
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Si J, Xie J, Zheng B, Xie J, Chen Y, Yang C, Sun N, Wang Y, Hu X, Yu Q. Release characteristic of bound polyphenols from tea residues insoluble dietary fiber by mixed solid-state fermentation with cellulose degrading strains CZ-6 and CZ-7. Food Res Int 2023; 173:113319. [PMID: 37803630 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113319] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate the release characteristic of bound polyphenols (BP) from tea residues insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) by mixed solid-state fermentation (SSF) with cellulose degrading strains CZ-6 and CZ-7. The results implied that cellulase, β-glucosidase and filter paper lyase activities were strongly correlated with the BP content. The scanning electron microscop and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy manifested that the cellulose network of the IDF was decomposed and dissolve, forming more loose fibrous structure. Additionally, 28 polyphenols components were detected and their biotransformation pathways were preliminary speculated. Moreover, the BP obtained by mixed SSF produced prominent inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, as well as exhibited significant scavenging effects on DPPH•, ABTS+• free radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power. These findings could further promote the utilization of BP from agricultural by-products in a more natural and economical method, CZ-6 and CZ-7 strains provide a new approach to expound the release and conversion of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Si
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Jiayan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Bing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Jianhua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Chaoran Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Nan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, China.
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12
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Kamzeeva P, Petushkov I, Knizhnik E, Snoeck R, Khodarovich Y, Ryabukhina E, Alferova V, Eshtukov-Shcheglov A, Belyaev E, Svetlova J, Vedekhina T, Kulbachinskiy A, Varizhuk A, Andrei G, Aralov A. Phenotypic Test of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidinone-Based Nucleoside and Non-Nucleoside Derivatives against DNA and RNA Viruses, Including Coronaviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14540. [PMID: 37834006 PMCID: PMC10572855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914540] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viruses periodically cause outbreaks and epidemics around the world, which ultimately lead to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the urgent need for new antiviral drugs is obvious. Over more than a century of antiviral development, nucleoside analogs have proven to be promising agents against diversified DNA and RNA viruses. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of the antiviral activity of nucleoside analogs and their deglycosylated derivatives based on a hydroxybenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidin-1(2H)-one scaffold. The antiviral activity was evaluated against a panel of structurally and phylogenetically diverse RNA and DNA viruses. The leader compound showed micromolar activity against representatives of the family Coronaviridae, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as against respiratory syncytial virus in a submicromolar range without noticeable toxicity for the host cells. Surprisingly, methylation of the aromatic hydroxyl group of the leader compound resulted in micromolar activity against the varicella-zoster virus without any significant impact on cell viability. The leader compound was shown to be a weak inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It also inhibited biocondensate formation important for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The active compounds may be considered as a good starting point for further structure optimization and mechanistic and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Kamzeeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Knizhnik
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Yuri Khodarovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Ekaterina Ryabukhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Vera Alferova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Artur Eshtukov-Shcheglov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Evgeny Belyaev
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Julia Svetlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Tatiana Vedekhina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Andrey Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
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13
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Zhang X, Zheng R, Li Z, Ma J. Liquid-liquid Phase Separation in Viral Function. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167955. [PMID: 36642156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
An emerging set of results suggests that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the basis for the formation of membrane-less compartments in cells. Evidence is now mounting that various types of virus-induced membrane-less compartments and organelles are also assembled via LLPS. Specifically, viruses appear to use intracellular phase transitions to form subcellular microenvironments known as viral factories, inclusion bodies, or viroplasms. These compartments - collectively referred to as viral biomolecular condensates - can be used to concentrate replicase proteins, viral genomes, and host proteins that are required for virus replication. They can also be used to subvert or avoid the intracellular immune response. This review examines how certain DNA or RNA viruses drive the formation of viral condensates, the possible biological functions of those condensates, and the biophysical and biochemical basis for their assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China
| | - Run Zheng
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengshuo Li
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China.
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14
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LeBlanc K, Lynch J, Layne C, Vendramelli R, Sloan A, Tailor N, Deschambault Y, Zhang F, Kobasa D, Safronetz D, Xiang Y, Cao J. The Nucleocapsid Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Close Relative Bat Coronavirus RaTG13 Are Capable of Inhibiting PKR- and RNase L-Mediated Antiviral Pathways. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0099423. [PMID: 37154717 PMCID: PMC10269842 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00994-23] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), including severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2, produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that activates antiviral pathways such as PKR and OAS/RNase L. To successfully replicate in hosts, viruses must evade such antiviral pathways. Currently, the mechanism of how SARS-CoV-2 antagonizes dsRNA-activated antiviral pathways is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein, the most abundant viral structural protein, is capable of binding to dsRNA and phosphorylated PKR, inhibiting both the PKR and OAS/RNase L pathways. The N protein of the bat coronavirus (bat-CoV) RaTG13, the closest relative of SARS-CoV-2, has a similar ability to inhibit the human PKR and RNase L antiviral pathways. Via mutagenic analysis, we found that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the N protein is sufficient for binding dsRNA and inhibiting RNase L activity. Interestingly, while the CTD is also sufficient for binding phosphorylated PKR, the inhibition of PKR antiviral activity requires not only the CTD but also the central linker region (LKR). Thus, our findings demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein is capable of antagonizing the two critical antiviral pathways activated by viral dsRNA and that its inhibition of PKR activities requires more than dsRNA binding mediated by the CTD. IMPORTANCE The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is an important viral factor defining the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To transmit efficiently, SARS-CoV-2 must be capable of disarming the innate immune response of its host efficiently. Here, we describe that the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is capable of inhibiting two critical innate antiviral pathways, PKR and OAS/RNase L. Moreover, the counterpart of the closest animal coronavirus relative of SARS-CoV-2, bat-CoV RaTG13, can also inhibit human PKR and OAS/RNase L antiviral activities. Thus, the importance of our discovery for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic is 2-fold. First, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 N to inhibit innate antiviral activity is likely a factor contributing to the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus. Second, the bat relative of SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to inhibit human innate immunity, which thus likely contributed to the establishment of infection in humans. The findings described in this study are valuable for developing novel antivirals and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle LeBlanc
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jessie Lynch
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christine Layne
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert Vendramelli
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Angela Sloan
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikesh Tailor
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yvon Deschambault
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Fushun Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Safronetz
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jingxin Cao
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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15
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Li S, Wang Y, Lai L. Small molecules in regulating protein phase separation. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1075-1083. [PMID: 37294104 PMCID: PMC10415206 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed by phase separation are involved in many cellular processes. Dysfunctional or abnormal condensates are closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other diseases. Small molecules can effectively regulate protein phase separation by modulating the formation, dissociation, size and material properties of condensates. Discovery of small molecules to regulate protein phase separation provides chemical probes for deciphering the underlying mechanism and potential novel treatments for condensate-related diseases. Here we review the advances of small molecule regulation of phase separation. The discovery, chemical structures of recently found small molecule phase separation regulators and how they modulate biological condensates are summarized and discussed. Possible strategies to accelerate the discovery of more liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-regulating small molecules are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Li
- Center for Quantitative BiologyAcademy for Advanced Interdisciplinary StudiesPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- BNLMSPeking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
| | - Luhua Lai
- Center for Quantitative BiologyAcademy for Advanced Interdisciplinary StudiesPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
- BNLMSPeking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
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16
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Korn SM, Dhamotharan K, Jeffries CM, Schlundt A. The preference signature of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid NTD for its 5'-genomic RNA elements. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3331. [PMID: 37286558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role during the viral life cycle. It is involved in RNA transcription and accounts for packaging of the large genome into virus particles. N manages the enigmatic balance of bulk RNA-coating versus precise RNA-binding to designated cis-regulatory elements. Numerous studies report the involvement of its disordered segments in non-selective RNA-recognition, but how N organizes the inevitable recognition of specific motifs remains unanswered. We here use NMR spectroscopy to systematically analyze the interactions of N's N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD) with individual cis RNA elements clustering in the SARS-CoV-2 regulatory 5'-genomic end. Supported by broad solution-based biophysical data, we unravel the NTD RNA-binding preferences in the natural genome context. We show that the domain's flexible regions read the intrinsic signature of preferred RNA elements for selective and stable complex formation within the large pool of available motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Marianne Korn
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Dhamotharan
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Cy M Jeffries
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Site, c/o Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
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17
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Yang S, Shen W, Hu J, Cai S, Zhang C, Jin S, Guan X, Wu J, Wu Y, Cui J. Molecular mechanisms and cellular functions of liquid-liquid phase separation during antiviral immune responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162211. [PMID: 37251408 PMCID: PMC10210139 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal separation of cellular components is vital to ensure biochemical processes. Membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and nuclei play a major role in isolating intracellular components, while membraneless organelles (MLOs) are accumulatively uncovered via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to mediate cellular spatiotemporal organization. MLOs orchestrate various key cellular processes, including protein localization, supramolecular assembly, gene expression, and signal transduction. During viral infection, LLPS not only participates in viral replication but also contributes to host antiviral immune responses. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the roles of LLPS in virus infection may open up new avenues for treating viral infectious diseases. In this review, we focus on the antiviral defense mechanisms of LLPS in innate immunity and discuss the involvement of LLPS during viral replication and immune evasion escape, as well as the strategy of targeting LLPS to treat viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weishan Shen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Cai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenqiu Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouheng Jin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Guan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoxing Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Di Nunzio F, Uversky VN, Mouland AJ. Biomolecular condensates: insights into early and late steps of the HIV-1 replication cycle. Retrovirology 2023; 20:4. [PMID: 37029379 PMCID: PMC10081342 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-023-00619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A rapidly evolving understanding of phase separation in the biological and physical sciences has led to the redefining of virus-engineered replication compartments in many viruses with RNA genomes. Condensation of viral, host and genomic and subgenomic RNAs can take place to evade the innate immunity response and to help viral replication. Divergent viruses prompt liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to invade the host cell. During HIV replication there are several steps involving LLPS. In this review, we characterize the ability of individual viral and host partners that assemble into biomolecular condensates (BMCs). Of note, bioinformatic analyses predict models of phase separation in line with several published observations. Importantly, viral BMCs contribute to function in key steps retroviral replication. For example, reverse transcription takes place within nuclear BMCs, called HIV-MLOs while during late replication steps, retroviral nucleocapsid acts as a driver or scaffold to recruit client viral components to aid the assembly of progeny virions. Overall, LLPS during viral infections represents a newly described biological event now appreciated in the virology field, that can also be considered as an alternative pharmacological target to current drug therapies especially when viruses become resistant to antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Nunzio
- Advanced Molecular Virology Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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19
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Quek RT, Hardy KS, Walker SG, Nguyen DT, de Almeida
Magalhães T, Salic A, Gopalakrishnan SM, Silver PA, Mitchison TJ. Screen for Modulation of Nucleocapsid Protein Condensation Identifies Small Molecules with Anti-Coronavirus Activity. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:583-594. [PMID: 36795767 PMCID: PMC9942534 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation have been implicated in multiple diseases. Modulation of condensate dynamics by small molecules has therapeutic potential, but so far, few condensate modulators have been disclosed. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein forms phase-separated condensates that are hypothesized to play critical roles in viral replication, transcription, and packaging, suggesting that N condensation modulators might have anti-coronavirus activity across multiple strains and species. Here, we show that N proteins from all seven human coronaviruses (HCoVs) vary in their tendency to undergo phase separation when expressed in human lung epithelial cells. We developed a cell-based high-content screening platform and identified small molecules that both promote and inhibit condensation of SARS-CoV-2 N. Interestingly, these host-targeted small molecules exhibited condensate-modulatory effects across all HCoV Ns. Some have also been reported to exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-229E viral infections in cell culture. Our work reveals that the assembly dynamics of N condensates can be regulated by small molecules with therapeutic potential. Our approach allows for screening based on viral genome sequences alone and might enable rapid paths to drug discovery with value for confronting future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tong Quek
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Kierra S. Hardy
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Stephen G. Walker
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology,
AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United
States
| | - Dan T. Nguyen
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | | | - Adrian Salic
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
| | | | - Pamela A. Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Timothy J. Mitchison
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
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20
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Che X, Wu J, Liu H, Su J, Chen X. Cellular liquid-liquid phase separation: Concept, functions, regulations, and detections. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:847-865. [PMID: 36870067 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a multicomponent system separated into phases with different compositions and structures. It has been identified and explored in organisms after being introduced from the thermodynamic field. Condensate, the product of phase separation, exists in different scales of cellular structures, such as nucleolus, stress granules, and other organelles in nuclei or cytoplasm. And also play critical roles in different cellular behaviors. Here, we review the concept, thermodynamical and biochemical principles of phase separation. We summarized the main functions including the adjustment of biochemical reaction rates, the regulation of macromolecule folding state, subcellular structural support, the mediation of subcellular location, and intimately linked to different kinds of diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Advanced detection methods to investigate phase separation are collected and analyzed. We conclude with the discussion of anxiety of phase separation, and thought about how progress can be made to develop precise detection methods and disclose the potential application of condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanlin Che
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Su
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Xiangya Clinical Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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Gallocatechin Gallate Inhibits the Replication of Pseudorabies Virus via Suppressing the Entry and Release Stages in Its Replication Cycle. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030189. [PMID: 36977228 PMCID: PMC10059259 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pseudorabies virus is a widespread swine pathogen that has caused significant economic losses to the global pig industry. Due to the emergence of PRV variant strains in recent years, vaccines cannot provide complete protection against the infection of PRV. Therefore, the research on antiviral compounds is of great importance for PRV treatment. In this study, an EGFP-labeled PRV was used to screen anti-PRV compounds from 86 natural product extracts. Gallocatechin gallate was found to efficiently inhibit the replication of PRV with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.41 μM. In addition, it was found that gallocatechin gallate was unable to directly inactivate PRV and had no effect on the attachment stage of PRV. However, it was found that gallocatechin gallate significantly suppressed the viral entry stage. Furthermore, it was found that the release stage of PRV was also significantly suppressed by gallocatechin gallate. Together, this study found that gallocatechin gallate could efficiently inhibit the replication of PRV by suppressing the entry and release stages of PRV, which will contribute to the development of a new therapeutic strategy against PRV infection.
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22
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Yang T, Wang SC, Ye L, Maimaitiyiming Y, Naranmandura H. Targeting viral proteins for restraining SARS-CoV-2: focusing lens on viral proteins beyond spike for discovering new drug targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:247-268. [PMID: 36723288 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2175812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants are reducing protection provided by current vaccines, requiring constant updates in antiviral approaches. The virus encodes four structural and sixteen nonstructural proteins which play important roles in viral genome replication and transcription, virion assembly, release , entry into cells, and compromising host cellular defenses. As alien proteins to host cells, many viral proteins represent potential targets for combating the SARS-CoV-2. AREAS COVERED Based on literature from PubMed and Web of Science databases, the authors summarize the typical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 from the whole viral particle to the individual viral proteins and their corresponding functions in virus life cycle. The authors also discuss the potential and emerging targeted interventions to curb virus replication and spread in detail to provide unique insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection and countermeasures against it. EXPERT OPINION Our comprehensive analysis highlights the rationale to focus on non-spike viral proteins that are less mutated but have important functions. Examples of this include: structural proteins (e.g. nucleocapsid protein, envelope protein) and extensively-concerned nonstructural proteins (e.g. NSP3, NSP5, NSP12) along with the ones with relatively less attention (e.g. NSP1, NSP10, NSP14 and NSP16), for developing novel drugs to overcome resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to preexisting vaccines and antibody-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Si Chun Wang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linyan Ye
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Naranmandura
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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23
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Zheng Y, Gao C. Phase Separation: The Robust Modulator of Innate Antiviral Signaling and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020243. [PMID: 36839515 PMCID: PMC9962166 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been a pandemic threat to human health and the worldwide economy, but efficient treatments are still lacking. Type I and III interferons are essential for controlling viral infection, indicating that antiviral innate immune signaling is critical for defense against viral infection. Phase separation, one of the basic molecular processes, governs multiple cellular activities, such as cancer progression, microbial infection, and signaling transduction. Notably, recent studies suggest that phase separation regulates antiviral signaling such as the RLR and cGAS-STING pathways. Moreover, proper phase separation of viral proteins is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. These observations indicate that phase separation is a critical checkpoint for virus and host interaction. In this study, we summarize the recent advances concerning the regulation of antiviral innate immune signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection by phase separation. Our review highlights the emerging notion that phase separation is the robust modulator of innate antiviral signaling and viral infection.
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24
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Chen J, Ma W, Yu J, Wang X, Qian H, Li P, Ye H, Han Y, Su Z, Gao M, Huang Y. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a Polyphenol from Green Tea, Regulates the Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Alzheimer's-Related Protein Tau. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:1982-1993. [PMID: 36688583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is involved in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Recently, tau has been shown to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which is implicated in the physiological function and pathological aggregation of tau. In this report, we demonstrate that the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) promotes the formation of liquid tau droplets at neutral pH by creating a network of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, mainly with the proline-rich domain of tau. We further show that EGCG oxidation, tau phosphorylation, and the chemical structure of the polyphenol influence the efficacy of EGCG in facilitating tau LLPS. Complementary to the inhibitory activity of EGCG in tau fibrillization, our findings provide novel insights into the biological activity of EGCG and offer new clues for future studies on the molecular mechanism by which EGCG alleviates neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Chen
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Wanyao Ma
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Jiangchuan Yu
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Hongling Qian
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Ping Li
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Haiqiong Ye
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Yue Han
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Zhengding Su
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), and Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
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25
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Chau BA, Chen V, Cochrane AW, Parent LJ, Mouland AJ. Liquid-liquid phase separation of nucleocapsid proteins during SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 replication. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111968. [PMID: 36640305 PMCID: PMC9790868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The leap of retroviruses and coronaviruses from animal hosts to humans has led to two ongoing pandemics and tens of millions of deaths worldwide. Retrovirus and coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been studied extensively as potential drug targets due to their central roles in virus replication, among which is their capacity to bind their respective genomic RNAs for packaging into nascent virions. This review focuses on fundamental studies of these nucleocapsid proteins and how their intrinsic abilities to condense through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) contribute to viral replication. Therapeutic targeting of these condensates and methodological advances are also described to address future questions on how phase separation contributes to viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-An Chau
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Venessa Chen
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Alan W Cochrane
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leslie J Parent
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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26
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Haque S, Khatoon F, Ashgar SS, Faidah H, Bantun F, Jalal NA, Qashqari FSI, Kumar V. Energetic and frustration analysis of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein mutations. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-21. [PMID: 36708355 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 spreads worldwide with the ability to evolve in diverse human populations. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the mutational hotspots in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The N protein is an abundant RNA-binding protein critical for viral genome packaging. It comprises two large domains including the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the C-terminal domain (CTD) linked by the centrally located linker region. Mutations in N protein have been reported to increase the severity of disease by modulating viral transmissibility, replication efficiency as well as virulence properties of the virus in different parts of the world. To study the effect of N protein missense mutations on protein stability, function, and pathogenicity, we analyzed 228 mutations from each domain of N protein. Further, we have studied the effect of mutations on local residual frustration changes in N protein. Out of 228 mutations, 11 mutations were predicted to be deleterious and destabilized. Among these mutations, R32C, R191C, and R203 M mutations fall into disordered regions and show significant change in frustration state. Overall, this work reveals that by altering the energetics and residual frustration, N protein mutations might affect the stability, function, and pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Khatoon
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences (AINN), Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Sami S Ashgar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Faidah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farkad Bantun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif A Jalal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadi S I Qashqari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences (AINN), Amity University, Noida, India
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27
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Ge J, Song T, Li M, Chen W, Li J, Gong S, Zhao Y, Ma L, Yu H, Li X, Fu K. The medicinal value of tea drinking in the management of COVID-19. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12968. [PMID: 36647394 PMCID: PMC9833859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is presently the largest international public health event, individuals infected by the virus not only have symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and lung infection at the time of onset, but also possibly have sequelae in the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, mental health and other aspects. However, numerous studies have depicted that the active ingredients in tea show good antiviral effects and can treat various diseases by regulating multiple pathways, and the therapeutic effects are associated with the categories of chemical components in tea. In this review, the differences in the content of key active ingredients in different types of tea are summarized. In addition, we also highlighted their effects on COVID-19 and connected sequelae, further demonstrating the possibility of developing a formulation for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and its sequelae through tea extracts. We have a tendency to suggest forestalling and treating COVID-19 and its sequelae through scientific tea drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Ge
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianbao Song
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Weisan Chen
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiarong Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Sihan Gong
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongjian Yu
- Wuxi Century Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Xiankuan Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author10 Poyanghu Road, West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, China.
| | - Kun Fu
- Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300120, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author. 69 Increasen Road, Hebei District, Tianjin, China.
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28
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Wu W, Cheng Y, Zhou H, Sun C, Zhang S. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: its role in the viral life cycle, structure and functions, and use as a potential target in the development of vaccines and diagnostics. Virol J 2023; 20:6. [PMID: 36627683 PMCID: PMC9831023 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to take a heavy toll on personal health, healthcare systems, and economies around the globe. Scientists are expending tremendous effort to develop diagnostic technologies for detecting positive infections within the shortest possible time, and vaccines and drugs specifically for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease. At the same time, emerging novel variants have raised serious concerns about vaccine efficacy. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein plays an important role in the coronavirus life cycle, and participates in various vital activities after virus invasion. It has attracted a large amount of attention for vaccine and drug development. Here, we summarize the latest research of the N protein, including its role in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, structure and function, and post-translational modifications in addition to its involvement in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and use as a basis for the development of vaccines and diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Wu
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Ying Cheng
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Hong Zhou
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Changzhen Sun
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Drug Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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29
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Brownsword MJ, Locker N. A little less aggregation a little more replication: Viral manipulation of stress granules. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1741. [PMID: 35709333 PMCID: PMC10078398 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent exciting studies have uncovered how membrane-less organelles, also known as biocondensates, are providing cells with rapid response pathways, allowing them to re-organize their cellular contents and adapt to stressful conditions. Their assembly is driven by the phase separation of their RNAs and intrinsically disordered protein components into condensed foci. Among these, stress granules (SGs) are dynamic cytoplasmic biocondensates that form in response to many stresses, including activation of the integrated stress response or viral infections. SGs sit at the crossroads between antiviral signaling and translation because they concentrate signaling proteins and components of the innate immune response, in addition to translation machinery and stalled mRNAs. Consequently, they have been proposed to contribute to antiviral activities, and therefore are targeted by viral countermeasures. Equally, SGs components can be commandeered by viruses for their own efficient replication. Phase separation processes are an important component of the viral life cycle, for example, driving the assembly of replication factories or inclusion bodies. Therefore, in this review, we will outline the recent understanding of this complex interplay and tug of war between viruses, SGs, and their components. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease Translation > Regulation RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Brownsword
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and MedicineUniversity of SurreyGuildfordSurreyUK
| | - Nicolas Locker
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and MedicineUniversity of SurreyGuildfordSurreyUK
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Nucleoside Analogs and Perylene Derivatives Modulate Phase Separation of SARS-CoV-2 N Protein and Genomic RNA In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315281. [PMID: 36499608 PMCID: PMC9738865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The life cycle of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 includes several steps that are supposedly mediated by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the viral nucleocapsid protein (N) and genomic RNA. To facilitate the rational design of LLPS-targeting therapeutics, we modeled N-RNA biomolecular condensates in vitro and analyzed their sensitivity to several small-molecule antivirals. The model condensates were obtained and visualized under physiological conditions using an optimized RNA sequence enriched with N-binding motifs. The antivirals were selected based on their presumed ability to compete with RNA for specific N sites or interfere with non-specific pi-pi/cation-pi interactions. The set of antivirals included fleximers, 5'-norcarbocyclic nucleoside analogs, and perylene-harboring nucleoside analogs as well as non-nucleoside amphiphilic and hydrophobic perylene derivatives. Most of these antivirals enhanced the formation of N-RNA condensates. Hydrophobic perylene derivatives and 5'-norcarbocyclic derivatives caused up to 50-fold and 15-fold enhancement, respectively. Molecular modeling data argue that hydrophobic compounds do not hamper specific N-RNA interactions and may promote non-specific ones. These findings shed light on the determinants of potent small-molecule modulators of viral LLPS.
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Li H, Ernst C, Kolonko-Adamska M, Greb-Markiewicz B, Man J, Parissi V, Ng BWL. Phase separation in viral infections. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:1217-1231. [PMID: 35902318 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Viruses rely on the reprogramming of cellular processes to enable efficient viral replication; this often requires subcompartmentalization within the host cell. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has emerged as a fundamental principle to organize and subdivide cellular processes, and plays an important role in viral life cycles. Despite substantial advances in the field, elucidating the exact organization and function of these organelles remains a major challenge. In this review, we summarize the biochemical basis of condensate formation, the role of LLPS during viral infection, and interplay of LLPS with innate immune responses. Finally, we discuss possible strategies and molecules to modulate LLPS during viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohua Li
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Ernst
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marta Kolonko-Adamska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Greb-Markiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jackie Man
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Vincent Parissi
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité Laboratory (MPF), UMR 5234, « Mobility of pathogenic genomes and chromatin dynamics » team (MobilVIR), CNRS-University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Billy Wai-Lung Ng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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A Review of Potential Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112346. [PMID: 36366444 PMCID: PMC9696587 DOI: 10.3390/v14112346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 is a rather heterogeneous disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The ongoing pandemic is a global threat with increasing death tolls worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to lineage B β-CoV, a subgroup of Sarbecovirus. These enveloped, large, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses are easily spread among individuals, mainly via the respiratory system and droplets. Although the disease has been gradually controlled in many countries, once social restrictions are relaxed the virus may rebound, leading to a more severe and uncontrollable situation again, as occurred in Shanghai, China, in 2022. The current global health threat calls for the urgent development of effective therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This systematic overview of possible SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic strategies from 2019 to 2022 indicates three potential targets: virus entry, virus replication, and the immune system. The information provided in this review will aid the development of more potent and specific antiviral compounds.
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Roden C, Dai Y, Giannetti C, Seim I, Lee M, Sealfon R, McLaughlin G, Boerneke M, Iserman C, Wey S, Ekena J, Troyanskaya O, Weeks K, You L, Chilkoti A, Gladfelter A. Double-stranded RNA drives SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein to undergo phase separation at specific temperatures. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8168-8192. [PMID: 35871289 PMCID: PMC9371935 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) is required for multiple steps in betacoronaviruses replication. SARS-CoV-2-N-protein condenses with specific viral RNAs at particular temperatures making it a powerful model for deciphering RNA sequence specificity in condensates. We identify two separate and distinct double-stranded, RNA motifs (dsRNA stickers) that promote N-protein condensation. These dsRNA stickers are separately recognized by N-protein's two RNA binding domains (RBDs). RBD1 prefers structured RNA with sequences like the transcription-regulatory sequence (TRS). RBD2 prefers long stretches of dsRNA, independent of sequence. Thus, the two N-protein RBDs interact with distinct dsRNA stickers, and these interactions impart specific droplet physical properties that could support varied viral functions. Specifically, we find that addition of dsRNA lowers the condensation temperature dependent on RBD2 interactions and tunes translational repression. In contrast RBD1 sites are sequences critical for sub-genomic (sg) RNA generation and promote gRNA compression. The density of RBD1 binding motifs in proximity to TRS-L/B sequences is associated with levels of sub-genomic RNA generation. The switch to packaging is likely mediated by RBD1 interactions which generate particles that recapitulate the packaging unit of the virion. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 can achieve biochemical complexity, performing multiple functions in the same cytoplasm, with minimal protein components based on utilizing multiple distinct RNA motifs that control N-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Roden
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Yifan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Catherine A Giannetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Ian Seim
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Myungwoon Lee
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0520, USA
| | - Rachel Sealfon
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Grace A McLaughlin
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mark A Boerneke
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Christiane Iserman
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Samuel A Wey
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Joanne L Ekena
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Olga G Troyanskaya
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Amy S Gladfelter
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
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Schmidt D, Hakeem Said I, Ohl N, Sharifii M, Cotrell P, Kuhnert N. Investigating the interaction between dietary polyphenols, the SARS CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor. Food Funct 2022; 13:8038-8046. [PMID: 35734946 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo00394e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has called for an urgent need for the identification of compounds able to control, prevent or slow down the global pandemic. Several dietary polyphenols were assayed against binding to the SARS CoV-2 S1 spike protein and the human ACE-2 receptor, the target of the SARS CoV-2 virus using nano differential scanning fluorimetry, suggesting interaction of dietary polyphenols with both proteins. Following this initial screening the two dietary polyphenols with the strongest affinity were evaluated in a second functional binding assay. The assay was based on the thermophoresis of a fluorescently labelled spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor in the presence of dietary concentrations of the polyphenol in question. It could be experimentally shown that 5-caffeoyl quinic acid and epicatechin reduce the binding constant between SARS CoV-2 spike protein of the alpha variant and the ACE-2 receptor by a factor of ten. The finding could as well be applied to black tea and a coffee beverage with dietary 5-CQA concentrations for the alpha variant Spike protein. Hence it can be speculated that a cup of coffee reduces binding of the virus to its human target, therefore reducing the likelihood of infection with SARS CoV-2, acting as a virus entry-inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Schmidt
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Campusring 8, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Inamullah Hakeem Said
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Campusring 8, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Nicholas Ohl
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Campusring 8, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Mobinasaddat Sharifii
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Campusring 8, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Paula Cotrell
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Campusring 8, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Nikolai Kuhnert
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Campusring 8, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
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Wang Z, Hu N, Zhou Y, Shi N, Shen B, Luo L, Feng J. Structure-guided affinity maturation of a novel human antibody targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8469. [PMID: 35589780 PMCID: PMC9118815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous mutation of SARS-CoV-2 has presented enormous challenges to global pandemic prevention and control. Recent studies have shown evidence that the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins is relatively conserved, and their biological functions are being confirmed. There is increasing evidence that the N protein will not only provide a specific diagnostic marker but also become an effective treatment target. In this study, 2G4, which specifically recognizes the N protein, was identified by screening a human phage display library. Based on the computer-guided homology modelling and molecular docking method used, the 3-D structures for the 2G4 scFv fragment (VH-linker-VL structure, with (G4S)3 as the linker peptide in the model), SARS-CoV-2 N protein and its complex were modelled and optimized with a suitable force field. The binding mode and key residues of the 2G4 and N protein interaction were predicted, and three mutant antibodies (named 2G4-M1, 2G4-M2 and 2G4-M3) with higher affinity were designed theoretically. Using directed point mutant technology, the three mutant antibodies were prepared, and their affinity was tested. Their affinity constants of approximately 0.19 nM (2G4-M1), 0.019 nM (2G4-M2) and 0.075 nM (2G4-M3) were at least one order of magnitude lower than that of the parent antibody (3 nM; 2G4, parent antibody), as determined using a biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. It is expected that high-affinity candidates will be used for diagnosis and even as potential therapeutic drugs for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Naijing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyihua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Beifen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
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Li J, Jia H, Tian M, Wu N, Yang X, Qi J, Ren W, Li F, Bian H. SARS-CoV-2 and Emerging Variants: Unmasking Structure, Function, Infection, and Immune Escape Mechanisms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:869832. [PMID: 35646741 PMCID: PMC9134119 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.869832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As of April 1, 2022, over 468 million COVID-19 cases and over 6 million deaths have been confirmed globally. Unlike the common coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has highly contagious and attracted a high level of concern worldwide. Through the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins, we can gain a deeper understanding of structure-function relationships, viral infection mechanisms, and viable strategies for antiviral therapy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the first widely acknowledged SARS-CoV-2 receptor, but researches have shown that there are additional co-receptors that can facilitate the entry of SARS-CoV-2 to infect humans. We have performed an in-depth review of published papers, searching for co-receptors or other auxiliary membrane proteins that enhance viral infection, and analyzing pertinent pathogenic mechanisms. The genome, and especially the spike gene, undergoes mutations at an abnormally high frequency during virus replication and/or when it is transmitted from one individual to another. We summarized the main mutant strains currently circulating global, and elaborated the structural feature for increased infectivity and immune evasion of variants. Meanwhile, the principal purpose of the review is to update information on the COVID-19 outbreak. Many countries have novel findings on the early stage of the epidemic, and accruing evidence has rewritten the timeline of the outbreak, triggering new thinking about the origin and spread of COVID-19. It is anticipated that this can provide further insights for future research and global epidemic prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Feifei Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongjun Bian
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Fitzgerald K, Chen Y, Lei X, Jiang Z, Humphries F, Mustone N, Ramos I, Mutetwa T, Fernandez-Sesma A. CNBP restricts SARS-CoV2 by regulating IFN and disrupting RNA-protein condensates. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1576788. [PMID: 35547851 PMCID: PMC9094105 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1576788/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evades antiviral immunity through the expression of viral proteins that block detection, signaling, interferon (IFN) induction, and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression1, 2. Weak induction of type I IFNs is associated with a hyperinflammatory response in patients that develop severe COVID-193, 4, 5. Here we uncover a role for cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) in restricting SARS-CoV-2. Typically, CNBP resides in the cytosol and, in response to RNA sensing pathways, undergoes phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and IFNβ enhancer DNA binding to turn on IFNβ gene transcription. In SARS-CoV-2-infected cells CNBP coordinates IFNβ gene transcription. In addition, CNBP binds SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA directly. CNBP competes with the nucleocapsid (N) protein and prevents viral RNA and nucleocapsid protein from undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) forming condensates critical for viral replication. Consequently, cells and animals lacking CNBP have higher viral loads and CNBP-deficient mice succumb rapidly to infection. Altogether, these findings identify CNBP as a key antiviral factor for SARS-CoV-2, functioning both as a regulator of antiviral IFN gene expression and a cell intrinsic restriction factor that disrupts LLPS to limit viral replication and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xuqiu Lei
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
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Zhao H, Nguyen A, Wu D, Li Y, Hassan SA, Chen J, Shroff H, Piszczek G, Schuck P. Plasticity in structure and assembly of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac049. [PMID: 35783502 PMCID: PMC9235412 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide SARS-CoV-2 sequencing efforts track emerging mutations in its spike protein, as well as characteristic mutations in other viral proteins. Besides their epidemiological importance, the observed SARS-CoV-2 sequences present an ensemble of viable protein variants, and thereby a source of information on viral protein structure and function. Charting the mutational landscape of the nucleocapsid (N) protein that facilitates viral assembly, we observe variability exceeding that of the spike protein, with more than 86% of residues that can be substituted, on average by three to four different amino acids. However, mutations exhibit an uneven distribution that tracks known structural features but also reveals highly protected stretches of unknown function. One of these conserved regions is in the central disordered linker proximal to the N-G215C mutation that has become dominant in the Delta variant, outcompeting G215 variants without further spike or N-protein substitutions. Structural models suggest that the G215C mutation stabilizes conserved transient helices in the disordered linker serving as protein-protein interaction interfaces. Comparing Delta variant N-protein to its ancestral version in biophysical experiments, we find a significantly more compact and less disordered structure. N-G215C exhibits substantially stronger self-association, shifting the unliganded protein from a dimeric to a tetrameric oligomeric state, which leads to enhanced coassembly with nucleic acids. This suggests that the sequence variability of N-protein is mirrored by high plasticity of N-protein biophysical properties, which we hypothesize can be exploited by SARS-CoV-2 to achieve greater efficiency of viral assembly, and thereby enhanced infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomics Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sergio A Hassan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hari Shroff
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Kicker E, Tittel G, Schaller T, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Zatloukal K, Bauer R. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity of polyphenols in a special green tea extract preparation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153970. [PMID: 35144138 PMCID: PMC8801126 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to threaten our health care systems in the next years. In addition to vaccination there is a need for effective tools for prevention and treatment. Products from natural sources, like standardized plant extracts offer a wide range of antiviral effects and possible applications. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate, whether a sorbitol/lecithin-based throat spray containing concentrated green tea extract (sGTE) interacts with SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and additionally is capable to block the virus replication. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The antiviral effect was studied in a VeroE6 cell culture model, including concentration/effect correlations and the biological mechanism of virus blockade, using the Wuhan type of SARS CoV-2 as well as its beta- and delta-mutations. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative tannin profile present on the oral mucosa after spray application has been investigated by LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analyses of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and related catechin derivatives. RESULTS The findings of this study demonstrate, that sGTE has strong neutralizing activity on SARS-CoV-2 resulting in an up to 6,3E+04-fold reduction of infectivity independent from the strain. The type of interaction of sGTE with surface proteins seems to be direct and non-specific concerning the viral surface protein structures and resembles the general non-specific activity of polyphenols. By HPLC-DAD analysis, eight catechins were identified in sGTE, with EGCG and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate as the most abundant ones. The total content of catechin derivatives, calculated as catechin, was 76 g/100 g. LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analyses of throat swabs after application of a sGTE spray have shown that the concentrations of green tea tannins in the pharyngeal mucosa are higher than the effective dose found in the in vitro studies with SARS-CoV-2, even 1 h after the last application. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that sGTE has strong neutralizing activity on SARS-CoV-2 independent from the strain (Wuhan strain, beta- or delta-variants). sGTE might be relevant for reduction of corresponding viral infections when periodically applied to mouth and throat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kicker
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerolf Tittel
- Phytovisions GmbH & Co. KG, Karwendelstrasse 29, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Tanja Schaller
- Dronania pharmaceuticals GmbH, Karl- Benz- Strasse 3, 86825 Bad Woerishofen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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Molecular Interactions of Tannic Acid with Proteins Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052643. [PMID: 35269785 PMCID: PMC8910432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on our society is unprecedented. The identification of small natural ligands that could prevent the entry and/or replication of the coronavirus remains a pertinent approach to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Previously, we showed that the phenolic compounds corilagin and 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TGG) inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 target receptor on the cell membrane of the host organism. Building on these promising results, we now assess the effects of these phenolic ligands on two other crucial targets involved in SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and replication, respectively: transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro) inhibitors. Since corilagin, TGG, and tannic acid (TA) share many physicochemical and structural properties, we investigate the binding of TA to these targets. In this work, a combination of experimental methods (biochemical inhibition assays, surface plasmon resonance, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring) confirms the potential role of TA in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity through the inhibition of extracellular RBD/ACE2 interactions and TMPRSS2 and 3CLpro activity. Moreover, molecular docking prediction followed by dynamic simulation and molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) free energy calculation also shows that TA binds to RBD, TMPRSS2, and 3CLpro with higher affinities than TGG and corilagin. Overall, these results suggest that naturally occurring TA is a promising candidate to prevent and inhibit the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2.
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Abstract
The 14-3-3 family proteins are vital scaffold proteins that ubiquitously expressed in various tissues. They interact with numerous protein targets and mediate many cellular signaling pathways. The 14-3-3 binding motifs are often embedded in intrinsically disordered regions which are closely associated with liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). In the past ten years, LLPS has been observed for a variety of proteins and biological processes, indicating that LLPS plays a fundamental role in the formation of membraneless organelles and cellular condensates. While extensive investigations have been performed on 14-3-3 proteins, its involvement in LLPS is overlooked. To date, 14-3-3 proteins have not been reported to undergo LLPS alone or regulate LLPS of their binding partners. To reveal the potential involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in LLPS, in this review, we summarized the LLPS propensity of 14-3-3 binding partners and found that about one half of them may undergo LLPS spontaneously. We further analyzed the phase separation behavior of representative 14-3-3 binders and discussed how 14-3-3 proteins may be involved. By modulating the conformation and valence of interactions and recruiting other molecules, we speculate that 14-3-3 proteins can efficiently regulate the functions of their targets in the context of LLPS. Considering the critical roles of 14-3-3 proteins, there is an urgent need for investigating the involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in the phase separation process of their targets and the underling mechanisms.
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42
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Zhao H, Nguyen A, Wu D, Li Y, Hassan SA, Chen J, Shroff H, Piszczek G, Schuck P. Plasticity in structure and assembly of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.02.08.479556. [PMID: 35169797 PMCID: PMC8845419 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.08.479556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide SARS-CoV-2 sequencing efforts track emerging mutations in its spike protein, as well as characteristic mutations in other viral proteins. Besides their epidemiological importance, the observed SARS-CoV-2 sequences present an ensemble of viable protein variants, and thereby a source of information on viral protein structure and function. Charting the mutational landscape of the nucleocapsid (N) protein that facilitates viral assembly, we observe variability exceeding that of the spike protein, with more than 86% of residues that can be substituted, on average by 3-4 different amino acids. However, mutations exhibit an uneven distribution that tracks known structural features but also reveals highly protected stretches of unknown function. One of these conserved regions is in the central disordered linker proximal to the N-G215C mutation that has become dominant in the Delta variant, outcompeting G215 variants without further spike or N-protein substitutions. Structural models suggest that the G215C mutation stabilizes conserved transient helices in the disordered linker serving as protein-protein interaction interfaces. Comparing Delta variant N-protein to its ancestral version in biophysical experiments, we find a significantly more compact and less disordered structure. N-G215C exhibits substantially stronger self-association, shifting the unliganded protein from a dimeric to a tetrameric oligomeric state, which leads to enhanced co-assembly with nucleic acids. This suggests that the sequence variability of N-protein is mirrored by high plasticity of N-protein biophysical properties, which we hypothesize can be exploited by SARS-CoV-2 to achieve greater efficiency of viral assembly, and thereby enhanced infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomics Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sergio A. Hassan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hari Shroff
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of High Resolution Optical Imaging, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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43
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Cascarina SM, Ross ED. Phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: Consensus and open questions. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101677. [PMID: 35131265 PMCID: PMC8813722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a number of labs across the world have reallocated their time and resources to better our understanding of the virus. For some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, viral proteins can undergo phase separation: a biophysical process often related to the partitioning of protein and RNA into membraneless organelles in vivo. In this review, we discuss emerging observations of phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein-an essential viral protein required for viral replication-and the possible in vivo functions that have been proposed for N-protein phase separation, including viral replication, viral genomic RNA packaging, and modulation of host-cell response to infection. Additionally, since a relatively large number of studies examining SARS-CoV-2 N-protein phase separation have been published in a short span of time, we take advantage of this situation to compare results from similar experiments across studies. Our evaluation highlights potential strengths and pitfalls of drawing conclusions from a single set of experiments, as well as the value of publishing overlapping scientific observations performed simultaneously by multiple labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Cascarina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric D Ross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Lee JY, Wing PAC, Gala DS, Noerenberg M, Järvelin AI, Titlow J, Zhuang X, Palmalux N, Iselin L, Thompson MK, Parton RM, Prange-Barczynska M, Wainman A, Salguero FJ, Bishop T, Agranoff D, James W, Castello A, McKeating JA, Davis I. Absolute quantitation of individual SARS-CoV-2 RNA molecules provides a new paradigm for infection dynamics and variant differences. eLife 2022; 11:74153. [PMID: 35049501 PMCID: PMC8776252 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an unprecedented global research effort on SARS-CoV-2, early replication events remain poorly understood. Given the clinical importance of emergent viral variants with increased transmission, there is an urgent need to understand the early stages of viral replication and transcription. We used single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridisation (smFISH) to quantify positive sense RNA genomes with 95% detection efficiency, while simultaneously visualising negative sense genomes, subgenomic RNAs, and viral proteins. Our absolute quantification of viral RNAs and replication factories revealed that SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA is long-lived after entry, suggesting that it avoids degradation by cellular nucleases. Moreover, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 replication is highly variable between cells, with only a small cell population displaying high burden of viral RNA. Unexpectedly, the B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in the UK, exhibits significantly slower replication kinetics than the Victoria strain, suggesting a novel mechanism contributing to its higher transmissibility with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Y Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Peter AC Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Dalia S Gala
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Marko Noerenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, The University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Aino I Järvelin
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Joshua Titlow
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Natasha Palmalux
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, The University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Louisa Iselin
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Mary Kay Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Richard M Parton
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Prange-Barczynska
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Alan Wainman
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Tammie Bishop
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel Agranoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustBrightonUnited Kingdom
| | - William James
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,James & Lillian Martin Centre, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Castello
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, The University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Ilan Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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45
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Lesbon JCC, Poleti MD, de Mattos Oliveira EC, Patané JSL, Clemente LG, Viala VL, Ribeiro G, Giovanetti M, de Alcantara LCJ, Teixeira O, Nonato MC, de Lima LPO, Martins AJ, dos Santos Barros CR, Marqueze EC, de Souza Todão Bernardino J, Moretti DB, Brassaloti RA, de Lello Rocha Campos Cassano R, Mariani PDSC, Slavov SN, dos Santos RB, Rodrigues ES, Santos EV, Borges JS, de La Roque DGL, Kitajima JP, Santos B, Assato PA, da Silva da Costa FA, Banho CA, Sacchetto L, Moraes MM, Palmieri M, da Silva FEV, Grotto RMT, Souza-Neto JA, Nogueira ML, Coutinho LL, Calado RT, Neto RM, Covas DT, Kashima S, Elias MC, Sampaio SC, Fukumasu H. Nucleocapsid (N) Gene Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 Can Affect Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic and Impact False-Negative Results. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122474. [PMID: 34960743 PMCID: PMC8707239 DOI: 10.3390/v13122474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic demands massive testing by Real-time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the virus continues to evolve with mutations that lead to phenotypic alterations as higher transmissibility, pathogenicity or vaccine evasion. Another big issue are mutations in the annealing sites of primers and probes of RT-PCR diagnostic kits leading to false-negative results. Therefore, here we identify mutations in the N (Nucleocapsid) gene that affects the use of the GeneFinder COVID-19 Plus RealAmp Kit. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 17 positive samples with no N gene detection but with RDRP (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) and E (Envelope) genes detection, and observed a set of three different mutations affecting the N detection: a deletion of 18 nucleotides (Del28877-28894), a substitution of GGG to AAC (28881-28883) and a frameshift mutation caused by deletion (Del28877-28878). The last one cause a deletion of six AAs (amino acids) located in the central intrinsic disorder region at protein level. We also found this mutation in 99 of the 14,346 sequenced samples by the Sao Paulo state Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, demonstrating the circulation of the mutation in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Continuous monitoring and characterization of mutations affecting the annealing sites of primers and probes by genomic surveillance programs are necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the diagnosis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssika Cristina Chagas Lesbon
- Laboratory of Comparative and Translational Oncology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.C.C.L.); (M.D.P.); (E.C.d.M.O.)
| | - Mirele Daiana Poleti
- Laboratory of Comparative and Translational Oncology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.C.C.L.); (M.D.P.); (E.C.d.M.O.)
| | - Elisângela Chicaroni de Mattos Oliveira
- Laboratory of Comparative and Translational Oncology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.C.C.L.); (M.D.P.); (E.C.d.M.O.)
| | - José Salvatore Leister Patané
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Luan Gaspar Clemente
- Functional Genomic Center, Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz School of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.G.C.); (R.A.B.); (R.d.L.R.C.C.); (L.L.C.)
| | - Vincent Louis Viala
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Gabriela Ribeiro
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Manguinhos 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (M.G.); (L.C.J.d.A.)
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Olivia Teixeira
- Ribeirao Preto Protein Crystallography Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, São Paulo, Brazil; (O.T.); (M.C.N.)
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Ribeirao Preto Protein Crystallography Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, São Paulo, Brazil; (O.T.); (M.C.N.)
| | - Loyze Paola Oliveira de Lima
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Antonio Jorge Martins
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Claudia Renata dos Santos Barros
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Elaine Cristina Marqueze
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Jardelina de Souza Todão Bernardino
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Debora Botequio Moretti
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Ricardo Augusto Brassaloti
- Functional Genomic Center, Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz School of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.G.C.); (R.A.B.); (R.d.L.R.C.C.); (L.L.C.)
| | - Raquel de Lello Rocha Campos Cassano
- Functional Genomic Center, Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz School of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.G.C.); (R.A.B.); (R.d.L.R.C.C.); (L.L.C.)
| | | | - Svetoslav Nanev Slavov
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Rafael Bezerra dos Santos
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Evandra Strazza Rodrigues
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Elaine Vieira Santos
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Josiane Serrano Borges
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Debora Glenda Lima de La Roque
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Joao Paulo Kitajima
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo 02511-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.P.K.); (B.S.)
| | - Bibiana Santos
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo 02511-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.P.K.); (B.S.)
| | - Patricia Akemi Assato
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (P.A.A.); (F.A.d.S.d.C.); (R.M.T.G.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Felipe Allan da Silva da Costa
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (P.A.A.); (F.A.d.S.d.C.); (R.M.T.G.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Cecilia Artico Banho
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia, Departamento de Doenças Dermatológicas, Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (C.A.B.); (L.S.); (M.M.M.); (M.L.N.)
| | - Livia Sacchetto
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia, Departamento de Doenças Dermatológicas, Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (C.A.B.); (L.S.); (M.M.M.); (M.L.N.)
| | - Marilia Mazzi Moraes
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia, Departamento de Doenças Dermatológicas, Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (C.A.B.); (L.S.); (M.M.M.); (M.L.N.)
| | - Melissa Palmieri
- Coordenação de Vigilância em Saúde—Secretaria Municipal da Saúde, São Paulo 01223-906, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | | | - Rejane Maria Tommasini Grotto
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (P.A.A.); (F.A.d.S.d.C.); (R.M.T.G.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- School of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (P.A.A.); (F.A.d.S.d.C.); (R.M.T.G.); (J.A.S.-N.)
| | - Mauricio Lacerda Nogueira
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Virologia, Departamento de Doenças Dermatológicas, Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (C.A.B.); (L.S.); (M.M.M.); (M.L.N.)
| | - Luiz Lehman Coutinho
- Functional Genomic Center, Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz School of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.G.C.); (R.A.B.); (R.d.L.R.C.C.); (L.L.C.)
| | - Rodrigo Tocantins Calado
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Raul Machado Neto
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Simone Kashima
- Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, São Paulo, Brazil; (S.N.S.); (R.B.d.S.); (E.S.R.); (E.V.S.); (J.S.B.); (D.G.L.d.L.R.); (R.T.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Maria Carolina Elias
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Sandra Coccuzzo Sampaio
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-000, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.S.L.P.); (V.L.V.); (G.R.); (L.P.O.d.L.); (A.J.M.); (C.R.d.S.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.d.S.T.B.); (D.B.M.); (R.M.N.); (D.T.C.); (M.C.E.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Heidge Fukumasu
- Laboratory of Comparative and Translational Oncology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, São Paulo, Brazil; (J.C.C.L.); (M.D.P.); (E.C.d.M.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-19-35656864
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Hirai Y, Tomonaga K, Horie M. Borna disease virus phosphoprotein triggers the organization of viral inclusion bodies by liquid-liquid phase separation. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:55-63. [PMID: 34606793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inclusion bodies (IBs) are characteristic biomolecular condensates organized by the non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the order Mononegavirales. Although recent studies have revealed the characteristics of IBs formed by cytoplasmic mononegaviruses, that of Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a unique mononegavirus that forms IBs in the cell nucleus and establishes persistent infection remains elusive. Here, we characterize the IBs of BoDV-1 in terms of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The BoDV-1 phosphoprotein (P) alone induces LLPS and the nucleoprotein (N) is incorporated into the P droplets in vitro. In contrast, co-expression of N and P is required for the formation of IB-like structure in cells. Furthermore, while BoDV-1 P binds to RNA, an excess amount of RNA dissolves the liquid droplets formed by N and P in vitro. Notably, the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of BoDV-1 P is essential to drive LLPS and to bind to RNA, suggesting that both abilities could compete with one another. These features are unique among mononegaviruses, and thus this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of LLPS-driven organization and RNA-mediated regulation of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Hirai
- Department of Biology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha Hanazono-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan.
| | - Keizo Tomonaga
- Laboratory of RNA viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences (InFRONT), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Mammalian Regulatory Network, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, 606-8507 Kyoto, Japan; Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, 606-8507 Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Horie
- Laboratory of RNA viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences (InFRONT), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan.
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Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and emergence of variants of concern. Arch Virol 2021; 167:293-305. [PMID: 34846601 PMCID: PMC8629736 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The high transmission and mortality rates associated with SARS-CoV-2 have led to tragic consequences worldwide. Large-scale whole-genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome since its identification in late 2019 has identified many sequence changes and the emergence of novel strains, each described by co-segregation of a particular set of sequence variations. Variants designated G, alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), gamma (P.1), and delta (B.1.617.2) are important lineages that emerged sequentially and are considered variants of concern. A notable feature of the last four, each of which ultimately evolved from clade G, is the large number (≥ 20) of co-segregating sequence variations associated with them. Several variations are in the spike gene, and some variations are shared among or between strains. Meanwhile, observation of recurrent infections with the same or different SARS-CoV-2 lineages has raised concerns about the duration of the immune responses induced by the initial infection or the vaccine that was administered. While the alpha strain is sensitive to immune responses induced by earlier strains, the beta, gamma, and delta strains can escape antibody neutralization. Apart from random replication errors, intra-host RNA editing, chronic infections, and recombination are processes that may promote the accumulation of sequence changes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The known contribution of recombination to coronavirus evolution and recent data pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 suggest that recombination may be particularly important. Continued surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is imperative.
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A spatial multi-scale fluorescence microscopy toolbox discloses entry checkpoints of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Vero E6 cells. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:6140-6156. [PMID: 34745450 PMCID: PMC8562013 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We exploited a multi-scale microscopy imaging toolbox to address some major issues related to SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host cells. Our approach harnesses both conventional and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and easily matches the spatial scale of single-virus/cell checkpoints. After its validation through the characterization of infected cells and virus morphology, we leveraged this toolbox to reveal subtle issues related to the entry phase of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Vero E6 cells. Our results show that in Vero E6 cells the B.1.1.7 strain (aka Alpha Variant of Concern) is associated with much faster kinetics of endocytic uptake compared to its ancestor B.1.177. Given the cell-entry scenario dominated by the endosomal “late pathway”, the faster internalization of B.1.1.7 could be directly related to the N501Y mutation in the S protein, which is known to strengthen the binding of Spike receptor binding domain with ACE2. Remarkably, we also directly observed the central role of clathrin as a mediator of endocytosis in the late pathway of entry. In keeping with the clathrin-mediated endocytosis, we highlighted the non-raft membrane localization of ACE2. Overall, we believe that our fluorescence microscopy-based approach represents a fertile strategy to investigate the molecular features of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with cells.
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Montone CM, Aita SE, Arnoldi A, Capriotti AL, Cavaliere C, Cerrato A, Lammi C, Piovesana S, Ranaldi G, Laganà A. Characterization of the Trans-Epithelial Transport of Green Tea ( C. sinensis) Catechin Extracts with In Vitro Inhibitory Effect against the SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease Activity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216744. [PMID: 34771162 PMCID: PMC8587865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This work describes an untargeted analytical approach for the screening, identification, and characterization of the trans-epithelial transport of green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechin extracts with in vitro inhibitory effect against the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) activity. After specific catechin extraction, a chromatographic separation obtained six fractions were carried out. The fractions were assessed in vitro against the PLpro target. Fraction 5 showed the highest inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro (IC50 of 0.125 μg mL-1). The untargeted characterization revealed that (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) was the most abundant compound in the fraction and the primary molecule absorbed by differentiated Caco-2 cells. Results indicated that fraction 5 was approximately 10 times more active than ECG (IC50 value equal to 11.62 ± 0.47 μg mL-1) to inhibit the PLpro target. Overall, our findings highlight the synergistic effects of the various components of the crude extract compared to isolated ECG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Maria Montone
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Sara Elsa Aita
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Arnoldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano La Statale, Via Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.C.); (C.L.); Tel.: +39-06-4991-3945 (A.L.C.); +39-02503-19372 (C.L.)
| | - Chiara Cavaliere
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Cerrato
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Carmen Lammi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano La Statale, Via Mangiagalli, 25, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.L.C.); (C.L.); Tel.: +39-06-4991-3945 (A.L.C.); +39-02503-19372 (C.L.)
| | - Susy Piovesana
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Giulia Ranaldi
- CREA, Food and Nutrition Research Centre, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.M.M.); (S.E.A.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
- CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Abstract
Viruses have evolved precise mechanisms for using the cellular physiological pathways for their perpetuation. These virus-driven biochemical events must be separated in space and time from those of the host cell. In recent years, granular structures, known for over a century for rabies virus, were shown to host viral gene function and were named using terms such as viroplasms, replication sites, inclusion bodies, or viral factories (VFs). More recently, these VFs were shown to be liquid-like, sharing properties with membrane-less organelles driven by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in a process widely referred to as biomolecular condensation. Some of the best described examples of these structures come from negative stranded RNA viruses, where micrometer size VFs are formed toward the end of the infectious cycle. We here discuss some basic principles of LLPS in connection with several examples of VFs and propose a view, which integrates viral replication mechanisms with the biochemistry underlying liquid-like organelles. In this view, viral protein and RNA components gradually accumulate up to a critical point during infection where phase separation is triggered. This yields an increase in transcription that leads in turn to increased translation and a consequent growth of initially formed condensates. According to chemical principles behind phase separation, an increase in the concentration of components increases the size of the condensate. A positive feedback cycle would thus generate in which crucial components, in particular nucleoproteins and viral polymerases, reach their highest levels required for genome replication. Progress in understanding viral biomolecular condensation leads to exploration of novel therapeutics. Furthermore, it provides insights into the fundamentals of phase separation in the regulation of cellular gene function given that virus replication and transcription, in particular those requiring host polymerases, are governed by the same biochemical principles.
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