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Nazir F, John Kombe Kombe A, Khalid Z, Bibi S, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. SARS-CoV-2 replication and drug discovery. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 77:101973. [PMID: 39025272 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101973] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to wreak havoc across the globe. This sudden and deadly pandemic emphasizes the necessity for anti-viral drug development that can be rapidly administered to reduce morbidity, mortality, and virus propagation. Thus, lacking efficient anti-COVID-19 treatment, and especially given the lengthy drug development process as well as the critical death tool that has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak, drug repurposing (or repositioning) constitutes so far, the ideal and ready-to-go best approach in mitigating viral spread, containing the infection, and reducing the COVID-19-associated death rate. Indeed, based on the molecular similarity approach of SARS-CoV-2 with previous coronaviruses (CoVs), repurposed drugs have been reported to hamper SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, understanding the inhibition mechanisms of viral replication by repurposed anti-viral drugs and chemicals known to block CoV and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication is crucial, and it opens the way for particular treatment options and COVID-19 therapeutics. In this review, we highlighted molecular basics underlying drug-repurposing strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discussed inhibition mechanisms of viral replication, involving and including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteases (3C-like protease, 3CLpro or Papain-like protease, PLpro) by protease inhibitors such as Carmofur, Ebselen, and GRL017, polymerases (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, RdRp) by drugs like Suramin, Remdesivir, or Favipiravir, and proteins/peptides inhibiting virus-cell fusion and host cell replication pathways, such as Disulfiram, GC376, and Molnupiravir. When applicable, comparisons with SARS-CoV inhibitors approved for clinical use were made to provide further insights to understand molecular basics in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and draw conclusions for future drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Nazir
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zunera Khalid
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Shaheen Bibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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2
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Aruda J, Grote SL, Rouskin S. Untangling the pseudoknots of SARS-CoV-2: Insights into structural heterogeneity and plasticity. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 88:102912. [PMID: 39168046 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one productive area of research has focused on the intricate two- and three-dimensional structures taken on by SARS-CoV-2's RNA genome. These structures control essential viral processes, making them tempting targets for therapeutic intervention. This review focuses on two such structured regions, the frameshift stimulation element (FSE), which controls the translation of viral protein, and the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), which is thought to regulate genome replication. For the FSE, we discuss its canonical pseudoknot's threaded and unthreaded topologies, as well as the diversity of competing two-dimensional structures formed by local and long-distance base pairing. For the 3' UTR, we review the evidence both for and against the formation of its replication-enabling pseudoknot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Aruda
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Scott L Grote
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silvi Rouskin
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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3
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Liu T, Shao Q, Cui Z, Qing P, Gao P, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Ge X, Guo X, Han J, Yang H. The 5'UTR of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus strain JXwn06 harbors a uORF that regulates cellular inflammation. J Virol 2024; 98:e0113224. [PMID: 39194294 PMCID: PMC11406898 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01132-24] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of many positive-stranded RNA viruses contain functional regulatory sequences. Here, we show that the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a member of arteriviruses, harbors small upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in its 5'UTR. Bioinformatics analysis shows that this feature is relatively well conserved among PRRSV strains and Arteriviridae. We also identified a uORF, namely uORF2, in the PRRSV strain JXwn06, that possesses translational activity and exerts a suppressive effect on the expression of the primary ORF evidenced by in vitro reporter assays. We tested its importance via reverse genetics by introducing a point mutation into the PRRSV infectious cDNA clone to inactivate the start codon of uORF2. The recovered mutant virus Mut2 surprisingly replicated to the same level as the wild-type virus (WT), but induced a higher level of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) both in vitro and in animal experiments, correlating well with more severe lung injury and higher death rate. In line with this, over-expression of uORF2 in transfected cells significantly inhibited poly(I:C)-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines. Together, our data support the idea that uORF2 encodes a novel, functional regulator of PRRSV virulence despite of its short size. IMPORTANCE PRRSV has remained a major challenge to the world swine industry, but we still do not know much about its biology and pathogenesis. Here, we provide evidence to show that the 5'UTR of PRRSV strain JXwn06 harbors a functional uORF that has the coding capacity and regulates induction of inflammation as demonstrated by in vitro assays and animal experiment. The findings reveal a novel viral factor that regulates cellular inflammation and provide insight into the understanding of PRRSV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengkai Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinna Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanchun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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4
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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Lau HLY, Mccubbery CP, Gan H, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Utilization of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals: in silico studies targeting the nsp14 ExoN domain and PL pro naphthalene binding site. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 131:108803. [PMID: 38815531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome encodes 29 proteins including four structural, 16 nonstructural (nsps), and nine accessory proteins (https://epimedlab.org/sars-cov-2-proteome/). Many of these proteins contain potential targetable sites for the development of antivirals. Despite the widespread use of vaccinations, the emergence of variants necessitates the investigation of new therapeutics and antivirals. Here, the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection (https://epimedlab.org/crl/) was utilized to investigate potential antivirals against the nsp14 exoribonuclease (ExoN) domain. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding characteristics of our chemical library against the nsp14 ExoN site. Based on the initial screen, trisjuglone, ararobinol, corilagin, and naphthofluorescein were identified as potential lead compounds. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were subsequently performed, with the results highlighting the stability of the lead compounds in the nsp14 ExoN site. Protein-RNA docking revealed the potential for the lead compounds to disrupt the interaction with RNA when bound to the ExoN site. Moreover, hypericin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and rutin were previously identified as lead compounds targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) naphthalene binding site. Through performing MD simulations, the stability and interactions of lead compounds with PLpro were further examined. Overall, given the critical role of the exonuclease activity of nsp14 in ensuring viral fidelity and the multifunctional role of PLpro in viral pathobiology and replication, these nsps represent important targets for antiviral drug development. Our databases can be utilized for in silico studies, such as the ones performed here, and this approach can be applied to other potentially druggable SARS-CoV-2 protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Hannah L Y Lau
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cian P Mccubbery
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hockxuen Gan
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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5
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Mathez G, Brancale A, Cagno V. Novel Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Identified through Virtual Screening. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:6190-6196. [PMID: 39037082 PMCID: PMC11323243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
We currently lack antivirals for most human viruses. In a quest for new molecules, focusing on viral RNA, instead of viral proteins, can represent a promising strategy. In this study, new inhibitors were identified starting from a published crystal structure of the tertiary SARS-CoV-2 RNA involved in the -1 programmed ribosomal frameshift. The pseudoknot structure was refined, and a virtual screening was performed using the repository of binders to the nucleic acid library, taking into consideration RNA flexibility. Hit compounds were validated against the wild-type virus and with a dual-luciferase assay measuring the frameshift efficiency. Several active molecules were identified. Our study reveals new inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 but also highlights the feasibility of targeting RNA starting from virtual screening, a strategy that could be broadly applied to drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Mathez
- Institute
of Microbiology, University Hospital of
Lausanne, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemistry
and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Brancale
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemistry
and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Valeria Cagno
- Institute
of Microbiology, University Hospital of
Lausanne, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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6
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Samrat SK, Kumar P, Liu Y, Chen K, Lee H, Li Z, Chen Y, Li H. An ISG15-Based High-Throughput Screening Assay for Identification and Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors Targeting Papain-like Protease. Viruses 2024; 16:1239. [PMID: 39205213 PMCID: PMC11359932 DOI: 10.3390/v16081239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Emergence of newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 underscores the need for effective antivirals to complement the vaccination program in managing COVID-19. The multi-functional papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential viral protein that not only regulates the viral replication but also modulates the host immune system, making it a promising therapeutic target. To this end, we developed an in vitro interferon stimulating gene 15 (ISG15)-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay and screened the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Diversity Set VI compound library, which comprises 1584 small molecules. Subsequently, we assessed the PLpro enzymatic activity in the presence of screened molecules. We identified three potential PLpro inhibitors, namely, NSC338106, 651084, and 679525, with IC50 values in the range from 3.3 to 6.0 µM. These molecules demonstrated in vitro inhibition of the enzyme activity and exhibited antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, with EC50 values ranging from 0.4 to 4.6 µM. The molecular docking of all three small molecules to PLpro suggested their specificity towards the enzyme's active site. Overall, our study contributes promising prospects for further developing potential antivirals to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar Samrat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Hyun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Biophysics Core, Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (P.K.); (Y.L.); (K.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science & College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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7
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Allan MF, Aruda J, Plung JS, Grote SL, Martin des Taillades YJ, de Lajarte AA, Bathe M, Rouskin S. Discovery and Quantification of Long-Range RNA Base Pairs in Coronavirus Genomes with SEARCH-MaP and SEISMIC-RNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.29.591762. [PMID: 38746332 PMCID: PMC11092567 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.591762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA molecules perform a diversity of essential functions for which their linear sequences must fold into higher-order structures. Techniques including crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy have revealed 3D structures of ribosomal, transfer, and other well-structured RNAs; while chemical probing with sequencing facilitates secondary structure modeling of any RNAs of interest, even within cells. Ongoing efforts continue increasing the accuracy, resolution, and ability to distinguish coexisting alternative structures. However, no method can discover and quantify alternative structures with base pairs spanning arbitrarily long distances - an obstacle for studying viral, messenger, and long noncoding RNAs, which may form long-range base pairs. Here, we introduce the method of Structure Ensemble Ablation by Reverse Complement Hybridization with Mutational Profiling (SEARCH-MaP) and software for Structure Ensemble Inference by Sequencing, Mutation Identification, and Clustering of RNA (SEISMIC-RNA). We use SEARCH-MaP and SEISMIC-RNA to discover that the frameshift stimulating element of SARS coronavirus 2 base-pairs with another element 1 kilobase downstream in nearly half of RNA molecules, and that this structure competes with a pseudoknot that stimulates ribosomal frameshifting. Moreover, we identify long-range base pairs involving the frameshift stimulating element in other coronaviruses including SARS coronavirus 1 and transmissible gastroenteritis virus, and model the full genomic secondary structure of the latter. These findings suggest that long-range base pairs are common in coronaviruses and may regulate ribosomal frameshifting, which is essential for viral RNA synthesis. We anticipate that SEARCH-MaP will enable solving many RNA structure ensembles that have eluded characterization, thereby enhancing our general understanding of RNA structures and their functions. SEISMIC-RNA, software for analyzing mutational profiling data at any scale, could power future studies on RNA structure and is available on GitHub and the Python Package Index.
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8
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Chhabra M, Shanthamurthy CD, Kumar NV, Mardhekar S, Vishweshwara SS, Wimmer N, Modhiran N, Watterson D, Amarilla AA, Cha JS, Beckett JR, De Voss JJ, Kayal Y, Vlodavsky I, Dorsett LR, Smith RAA, Gandhi NS, Kikkeri R, Ferro V. Amphiphilic Heparinoids as Potent Antiviral Agents against SARS-CoV-2. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11885-11916. [PMID: 38995734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of heparinoid amphiphiles as inhibitors of heparanase and SARS-CoV-2. By employing a tailor-made synthetic strategy, a library of highly sulfated homo-oligosaccharides bearing d-glucose or a C5-epimer (i.e., l-idose or l-iduronic acid) conjugated with various lipophilic groups was synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity. Sulfated higher oligosaccharides of d-glucose or l-idose with lipophilic aglycones displayed potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 and antiheparanse activity, similar to or better than pixatimod (PG545), and were more potent than their isosteric l-iduronic acid congeners. Lipophilic groups such as cholestanol and C18-aliphatic substitution are more advantageous than functional group appended lipophilic moieties. These findings confirm that fine-tuning of higher oligosaccharides, degree of sulfation, and lipophilic groups can yield compounds with potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Chhabra
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chethan D Shanthamurthy
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | | | - Sandhya Mardhekar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Sharath S Vishweshwara
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Norbert Wimmer
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alberto A Amarilla
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan S Cha
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - James R Beckett
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - James J De Voss
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yasmin Kayal
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC), Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC), Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Lauren R Dorsett
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Raymond A A Smith
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghavendra Kikkeri
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Vito Ferro
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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9
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Lisi S, Malerba F, Quaranta P, Florio R, Vitaloni O, Monaca E, Bruni Ercole B, Bitonti AR, Del Perugia O, Mignanelli M, Perrera P, Sabbatella R, Raimondi F, Piazza CR, Moles A, Alfano C, Pistello M, Cattaneo A. Selection and characterization of human scFvs targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein isolated from antibody libraries of COVID-19 patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15864. [PMID: 38982108 PMCID: PMC11233501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66558-0] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2019, the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus emerged in China, causing the pneumonia named COVID-19. At the beginning, all research efforts were focused on the spike (S) glycoprotein. However, it became evident that the nucleocapsid (N) protein is pivotal in viral replication, genome packaging and evasion of the immune system, is highly immunogenic, which makes it another compelling target for antibody development alongside the spike protein. This study focused on the construction of single chain fragments variable (scFvs) libraries from SARS-CoV-2-infected patients to establish a valuable, immortalized and extensive antibodies source. We used the Intracellular Antibody Capture Technology to select a panel of scFvs against the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. The whole panel of scFv was expressed and characterized both as intrabodies and recombinant proteins. ScFvs were then divided into 2 subgroups: those that exhibited high binding activity to N protein when expressed in yeast or in mammalian cells as intrabodies, and those purified as recombinant proteins, displaying affinity for recombinant N protein in the nanomolar range. This panel of scFvs against the N protein represents a novel platform for research and potential diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Lisi
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Quaranta
- Retrovirus Centre, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Virology Operative Unit, Pisa University Hospital, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Florio
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ottavia Vitaloni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Monaca
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bruno Bruni Ercole
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Olga Del Perugia
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Perrera
- Retrovirus Centre, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Sabbatella
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Rita Piazza
- Retrovirus Centre, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Moles
- Genomnia Srl, 20091, Bresso, MI, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CNR, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Alfano
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Centre, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Virology Operative Unit, Pisa University Hospital, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Nguyen A, Zhao H, Myagmarsuren D, Srinivasan S, Wu D, Chen J, Piszczek G, Schuck P. Modulation of biophysical properties of nucleocapsid protein in the mutant spectrum of SARS-CoV-2. eLife 2024; 13:RP94836. [PMID: 38941236 PMCID: PMC11213569 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94836] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity is a hallmark of RNA viruses and the basis for their evolutionary success. Taking advantage of the uniquely large genomic database of SARS-CoV-2, we examine the impact of mutations across the spectrum of viable amino acid sequences on the biophysical phenotypes of the highly expressed and multifunctional nucleocapsid protein. We find variation in the physicochemical parameters of its extended intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) sufficient to allow local plasticity, but also observe functional constraints that similarly occur in related coronaviruses. In biophysical experiments with several N-protein species carrying mutations associated with major variants, we find that point mutations in the IDRs can have nonlocal impact and modulate thermodynamic stability, secondary structure, protein oligomeric state, particle formation, and liquid-liquid phase separation. In the Omicron variant, distant mutations in different IDRs have compensatory effects in shifting a delicate balance of interactions controlling protein assembly properties, and include the creation of a new protein-protein interaction interface in the N-terminal IDR through the defining P13L mutation. A picture emerges where genetic diversity is accompanied by significant variation in biophysical characteristics of functional N-protein species, in particular in the IDRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Dulguun Myagmarsuren
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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11
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Kuhlman T. How mutations affect function. eLife 2024; 13:e99991. [PMID: 38941233 PMCID: PMC11213565 DOI: 10.7554/elife.99991] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A new study reveals how naturally occurring mutations affect the biophysical properties of nucleocapsid proteins in SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kuhlman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, RiversideRiversideUnited States
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12
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Liu X, Li Y, Castro L, Yu Z, Cheng Y, Daugherty MD, Gross JD. Structure of the E3 ligase CRL2-ZYG11B with substrates reveals the molecular basis for N-degron recognition and ubiquitination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600508. [PMID: 38979164 PMCID: PMC11230176 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
ZYG11B is a substrate specificity factor for Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL2) involved in many biological processes, including Gly/N-degron pathways. Yet how the binding of ZYG11B with CRL2 is coupled to substrate recognition and ubiquitination is unknown. We present the Cryo-EM structures of the CRL2-ZYG11B holoenzyme alone and in complex with a Gly/N-peptide from the inflammasome-forming pathogen sensor NLRP1. The structures indicate ZYG11B folds into a Leucine-Rich Repeat followed by two armadillo repeat domains that promote assembly with CRL2 and recognition of NLRP1 Gly/N-degron. ZYG11B promotes activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome through recognition and subsequent ubiquitination of the NLRP1 Gly/N-degron revealed by viral protease cleavage. Our structural and functional data indicate that blocking ZYG11B recognition of the NLRP1 Gly/N-degron inhibits NLRP1 inflammasome activation by a viral protease. Overall, we show how the CRL2-ZYG11B E3 ligase complex recognizes Gly/N-degron substrates, including those that are involved in viral protease-mediated activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome.
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13
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Caobi A, Saeed M. Upping the ante: enhanced expression of interferon-antagonizing ORF6 and ORF9b proteins by SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102454. [PMID: 38518551 PMCID: PMC11162932 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 exhibits a remarkable capability to subvert the host antiviral innate immune system. This adeptness is orchestrated by viral proteins, which initially attempt to obstruct the activation of the antiviral immune program and then act as a fail-safe mechanism to mitigate the downstream effects of the activated immune response. This dual strategy leads to delayed expression and enfeebled action of type-I and -III interferons at the infection site, enabling the virus to replicate extensively in the lungs and subsequently disseminate to other organs. Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has undergone evolution, giving rise to several variants of concern, some with exceedingly higher transmission and virulence. These improved features have been linked, at least in part, to the heightened expression or activity of specific viral proteins involved in circumventing host defense mechanisms. In this review, we aim to provide a concise summary of two SARS-CoV-2 proteins, ORF6 and ORF9b, which provided selective advantage to certain variants, affecting their biology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Caobi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Mohsan Saeed
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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14
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Jeon HJ, Lee WS, Park JE, Hwang JY, Kim JW. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccination does not affect basal sex hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol) in reproductive-age women. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:151-157. [PMID: 38525522 PMCID: PMC11140255 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06107] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People vaccinated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) mRNA vaccine have reported experiencing various adverse effects. For instance, reproductive-age women have presented with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding or menstrual cycle changes. We speculated that differences in basal sex hormone levels before and after vaccination may be present in women who experienced irregular bleeding or menstrual cycle changes; thus, this study aimed to investigate the differences in basal sex hormone levels of women before and after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. METHODS This retrospective study included patients who received SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines between January 2021 and February 2022 at a single center. In an outpatient setting, patients were queried regarding their menstrual cycle, the date of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, vaccination type, and vaccination side effects. Differences in basal hormone levels (menstrual cycle days 2-3, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and estradiol) before and after vaccination were compared. RESULTS Among the 326 patients, patients with no laboratory records of the hormones were excluded. The median time interval between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination and the laboratory test day was 79 days (interquartile range, 44 to 127). A comparative analysis of these hormones before and after vaccination revealed no significant differences. Subgroup analyses based on age and reported adverse events also found no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION This study showed no significant differences in basal hormone levels (FSH, LH, and estradiol) before and after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeng Jun Jeon
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Sik Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Hwang
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Gangnam, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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15
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Ge X, Zhou H, Shen F, Yang G, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li H. SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA: formation process and rapid molecular diagnostic methods. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1019-1028. [PMID: 38000044 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0846] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide and posing enormous losses to human health and socio-economic. Due to the limitations of medical and health conditions, it is still a huge challenge to develop appropriate discharge standards for patients with COVID-19 and to use medical resources in a timely and effective manner. Similar to other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 has a very complex discontinuous transcription process to generate subgenomic RNA (sgRNA). Some studies support that sgRNA of SARS-CoV-2 can only exist when the virus is active and is an indicator of virus replication. The results of sgRNA detection in patients can be used to evaluate the condition of hospitalized patients, which is expected to save medical resources, especially personal protective equipment. There have been numerous investigations using different methods, especially molecular methods to detect sgRNA. Here, we introduce the process of SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA formation and the commonly used molecular diagnostic methods to bring a new idea for clinical detection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ge
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Huizi Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Fangyuan Shen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Guimao Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yubo Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
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16
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Amorim VMDF, Soares EP, Ferrari ASDA, Merighi DGS, de Souza RF, Guzzo CR, de Souza AS. 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2: Validation as a Molecular Target, Proposal of a Novel Catalytic Mechanism, and Inhibitors in Preclinical and Clinical Trials. Viruses 2024; 16:844. [PMID: 38932137 PMCID: PMC11209289 DOI: 10.3390/v16060844] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteases represent common targets in combating infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) is a validated molecular target for COVID-19, and it is key for developing potent and selective inhibitors for inhibiting viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we discuss structural relationships and diverse subsites of 3CLpro, shedding light on the pivotal role of dimerization and active site architecture in substrate recognition and catalysis. Our analysis of bioinformatics and other published studies motivated us to investigate a novel catalytic mechanism for the SARS-CoV-2 polyprotein cleavage by 3CLpro, centering on the triad mechanism involving His41-Cys145-Asp187 and its indispensable role in viral replication. Our hypothesis is that Asp187 may participate in modulating the pKa of the His41, in which catalytic histidine may act as an acid and/or a base in the catalytic mechanism. Recognizing Asp187 as a crucial component in the catalytic process underscores its significance as a fundamental pharmacophoric element in drug design. Next, we provide an overview of both covalent and non-covalent inhibitors, elucidating advancements in drug development observed in preclinical and clinical trials. By highlighting various chemical classes and their pharmacokinetic profiles, our review aims to guide future research directions toward the development of highly selective inhibitors, underscore the significance of 3CLpro as a validated therapeutic target, and propel the progression of drug candidates through preclinical and clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristiane Rodrigues Guzzo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 5508-900, Brazil; (V.M.d.F.A.); (E.P.S.); (A.S.d.A.F.); (D.G.S.M.); (R.F.d.S.)
| | - Anacleto Silva de Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 5508-900, Brazil; (V.M.d.F.A.); (E.P.S.); (A.S.d.A.F.); (D.G.S.M.); (R.F.d.S.)
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17
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Wu K, Guo Y, Xu T, Huang W, Guo D, Cao L, Lei J. Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Methyltransferase Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 and nsp16. Molecules 2024; 29:2312. [PMID: 38792173 PMCID: PMC11124212 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102312] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still threatens human health around the world. The methyltransferases (MTases) of SARS-CoV-2, specifically nsp14 and nsp16, play crucial roles in the methylation of the N7 and 2'-O positions of viral RNA, making them promising targets for the development of antiviral drugs. In this work, we performed structure-based virtual screening for nsp14 and nsp16 using the screening workflow (HTVS, SP, XP) of Schrödinger 2019 software, and we carried out biochemical assays and molecular dynamics simulation for the identification of potential MTase inhibitors. For nsp14, we screened 239,000 molecules, leading to the identification of three hits A1-A3 showing N7-MTase inhibition rates greater than 60% under a concentration of 50 µM. For the SAM binding and nsp10-16 interface sites of nsp16, the screening of 210,000 and 237,000 molecules, respectively, from ZINC15 led to the discovery of three hit compounds B1-B3 exhibiting more than 45% of 2'-O-MTase inhibition under 50 µM. These six compounds with moderate MTase inhibitory activities could be used as novel candidates for the further development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejue Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (K.W.); (Y.G.); (W.H.)
| | - Yinfeng Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (K.W.); (Y.G.); (W.H.)
| | - Tiefeng Xu
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China (D.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Weifeng Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (K.W.); (Y.G.); (W.H.)
| | - Deyin Guo
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China (D.G.); (L.C.)
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510320, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China (D.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Jinping Lei
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (K.W.); (Y.G.); (W.H.)
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18
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Takada K, Orba Y, Kida Y, Wu J, Ono C, Matsuura Y, Nakagawa S, Sawa H, Watanabe T. Genes involved in the limited spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the lower respiratory airways of hamsters may be associated with adaptive evolution. J Virol 2024; 98:e0178423. [PMID: 38624229 PMCID: PMC11092350 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01784-23] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel respiratory viruses can cause a pandemic and then evolve to coexist with humans. The Omicron strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread worldwide since its emergence in late 2021, and its sub-lineages are now established in human society. Compared to previous strains, Omicron is markedly less invasive in the lungs and causes less severe disease. One reason for this is that humans are acquiring immunity through previous infection and vaccination, but the nature of the virus itself is also changing. Using our newly established low-volume inoculation system, which reflects natural human infection, we show that the Omicron strain spreads less efficiently into the lungs of hamsters compared with an earlier Wuhan strain. Furthermore, by characterizing chimeric viruses with the Omicron gene in the Wuhan strain genetic background and vice versa, we found that viral genes downstream of ORF3a, but not the S gene, were responsible for the limited spread of the Omicron strain in the lower airways of the virus-infected hamsters. Moreover, molecular evolutionary analysis of SARS-CoV-2 revealed a positive selection of genes downstream of ORF3a (M and E genes). Our findings provide insight into the adaptive evolution of the virus in humans during the pandemic convergence phase.IMPORTANCEThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has spread worldwide since its emergence in late 2021, and its sub-lineages are established in human society. Compared to previous strains, the Omicron strain is less invasive in the lower respiratory tract, including the lungs, and causes less severe disease; however, the mechanistic basis for its restricted replication in the lower airways is poorly understood. In this study, using a newly established low-volume inoculation system that reflects natural human infection, we demonstrated that the Omicron strain spreads less efficiently into the lungs of hamsters compared with an earlier Wuhan strain and found that viral genes downstream of ORF3a are responsible for replication restriction in the lower respiratory tract of Omicron-infected hamsters. Furthermore, we detected a positive selection of genes downstream of ORF3a (especially the M and E genes) in SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that these genes may undergo adaptive changes in humans.
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Grants
- 16H06429, 16K21723, 16H06434, JP22H02521 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP21H02736 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP16K21723, JP16H06432 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- 22K15469, 21J01036 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20fk0108281, JP19fk0108113, JP20pc0101047 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20fk0108401, JP21fk0108493 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP23wm0125008, JP223fa627005 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP19fk018113, JP223fa627002h, 22gm1610010h0001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JPMJMS2025 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- JPMJCR20H6 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- Takeda Science Foundation (TSF)
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takada
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yurie Kida
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Chikako Ono
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
- Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tokiko Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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19
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Kong X, Wang Q, Wang X, Yang K, Nie S, Li Y, Lao W, Yu X, Zhang Y, Li Z, Liu Y, Ning J, Wang Y, Bi C, Wu C, Zhai A. LINC01002 functions as a ceRNA to regulate FRMD8 by sponging miR-4324 for the development of COVID-19. Virol J 2024; 21:109. [PMID: 38734674 PMCID: PMC11088083 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has developed various strategies to evade the antiviral impact of type I IFN. Non-structural proteins and auxiliary proteins have been extensively researched on their role in immune escape. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanisms of structural protein-induced immune evasion have not been well elucidated. METHODS Human alveolar basal epithelial carcinoma cell line (A549) was stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (PIC) and independently transfected with four structural proteins expression plasmids, including nucleocapsid (N), spike (S), membrane (M) and envelope (E) proteins. By RT-qPCR and ELISA, the structural protein with the most pronounced inhibitory effects on IFN-β induction was screened. RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) and two differential analysis strategies were used to obtain differentially expressed genes associated with N protein inhibition of IFN-β induction. Based on DIANA-LncBase and StarBase databases, the interactive competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for N protein-associated genes was constructed. By combining single-cell sequencing data (GSE158055), lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis was further determined. Finally, RT-qPCR was utilized to illustrate the regulatory functions among components of the ceRNA axis. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 N protein inhibited IFN-β induction in human alveolar epithelial cells most significantly compared with other structural proteins. RNA-Seq data analysis revealed genes related to N protein inhibiting IFNs induction. The obtained 858 differentially expressed genes formed the reliable ceRNA network. The function of LINC01002-miR-4324-FRMD8 axis in the IFN-dominated immune evasion was further demonstrated through integrating single-cell sequencing data. Moreover, we validated that N protein could reverse the effect of PIC on LINC01002, FRMD8 and miR-4324 expression, and subsequently on IFN-β expression level. And LINC01002 could regulate the production of FRMD8 by inhibiting miR-4324. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 N protein suppressed the induction of IFN-β by regulating LINC01002 which was as a ceRNA, sponging miR-4324 and participating in the regulation of FRMD8 mRNA. Our discovery provides new insights into early intervention therapy and drug development on SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Kong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Qinjin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xumeng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
- Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Kaming Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Shuping Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Yuetong Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wanwen Lao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Jie Ning
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Changlong Bi
- Department of Endocrinology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Aixia Zhai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
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20
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Hartmann JA, Cardoso MR, Talarico MCR, Kenney DJ, Leone MR, Reese DC, Turcinovic J, O'Connell AK, Gertje HP, Marino C, Ojeda PE, De Paula EV, Orsi FA, Velloso LA, Cafiero TR, Connor JH, Ploss A, Hoelzemer A, Carrington M, Barczak AK, Crossland NA, Douam F, Boucau J, Garcia-Beltran WF. Evasion of NKG2D-mediated cytotoxic immunity by sarbecoviruses. Cell 2024; 187:2393-2410.e14. [PMID: 38653235 PMCID: PMC11088510 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.026] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and other sarbecoviruses continue to threaten humanity, highlighting the need to characterize common mechanisms of viral immune evasion for pandemic preparedness. Cytotoxic lymphocytes are vital for antiviral immunity and express NKG2D, an activating receptor conserved among mammals that recognizes infection-induced stress ligands (e.g., MIC-A/B). We found that SARS-CoV-2 evades NKG2D recognition by surface downregulation of MIC-A/B via shedding, observed in human lung tissue and COVID-19 patient serum. Systematic testing of SARS-CoV-2 proteins revealed that ORF6, an accessory protein uniquely conserved among sarbecoviruses, was responsible for MIC-A/B downregulation via shedding. Further investigation demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells efficiently killed SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and limited viral spread. However, inhibition of MIC-A/B shedding with a monoclonal antibody, 7C6, further enhanced NK-cell activity toward SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Our findings unveil a strategy employed by SARS-CoV-2 to evade cytotoxic immunity, identify the culprit immunevasin shared among sarbecoviruses, and suggest a potential novel antiviral immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Hartmann
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Devin J Kenney
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madison R Leone
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dagny C Reese
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Turcinovic
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aoife K O'Connell
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hans P Gertje
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Marino
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pedro E Ojeda
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erich V De Paula
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Orsi
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Licio Augusto Velloso
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thomas R Cafiero
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - John H Connor
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Angelique Hoelzemer
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Infection and Vaccine Development (IIRVD), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mary Carrington
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy K Barczak
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Crossland
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian Douam
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Boucau
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Wilfredo F Garcia-Beltran
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Nagahawatta DP, Liyanage NM, Jayawardena TU, Jayawardhana HHACK, Jeong SH, Kwon HJ, Jeon YJ. Role of marine natural products in the development of antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2: potential and prospects. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:280-297. [PMID: 38827130 PMCID: PMC11136918 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has surfaced and caused global concern owing to its ferocity. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019; however, it was only discovered at the end of the year and was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Therefore, the development of novel potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks is urgently required. Numerous naturally occurring bioactive substances have been studied in the clinical setting for diverse disorders. The intricate infection and replication mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 offers diverse therapeutic drug targets for developing antiviral medicines by employing natural products that are safer than synthetic compounds. Marine natural products (MNPs) have received increased attention in the development of novel drugs owing to their high diversity and availability. Therefore, this review article investigates the infection and replication mechanisms, including the function of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and structure. Furthermore, we highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic intervention efforts utilizing MNPs and predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor design. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. P. Nagahawatta
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
| | - N. M. Liyanage
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
| | - Thilina U. Jayawardena
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3 Canada
| | | | - Seong-Hun Jeong
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Jun Kwon
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Jin Jeon
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
- Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63333 Republic of Korea
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22
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Kathe NC, Novakovic M, Allain FHT. Buffer choice and pH strongly influence phase separation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid with RNA. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar73. [PMID: 38568799 PMCID: PMC11151101 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-12-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is crucial for virus replication and genome packaging. N protein forms biomolecular condensates both in vitro and in vivo in a process known as liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), but the exact factors regulating LLPS of N protein are not fully understood. Here, we show that pH and buffer choice have a profound impact on LLPS of N protein. The degree of phase separation is highly dependent on the pH of the solution, which is correlated with histidine protonation in N protein. Specifically, we demonstrate that protonation of H356 is essential for LLPS in phosphate buffer. Moreover, electrostatic interactions of buffer molecules with specific amino acid residues are able to alter the net charge of N protein, thus influencing its ability to undergo phase separation in the presence of RNA. Overall, these findings reveal that even subtle changes in amino acid protonation or surface charge caused by the pH and buffer system can strongly influence the LLPS behavior, and point to electrostatic interactions as the main driving forces of N protein phase separation. Further, our findings emphasize the importance of these experimental parameters when studying phase separation of biomolecules, especially in the context of viral infections where the intracellular milieu undergoes drastic changes and intracellular pH normally decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina C. Kathe
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mihajlo Novakovic
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Gori Savellini G, Anichini G, Manetti F, Trivisani CI, Cusi MG. Deletion of 82-85 N-Terminal Residues in SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 Restricts Virus Replication. Viruses 2024; 16:689. [PMID: 38793572 PMCID: PMC11125901 DOI: 10.3390/v16050689] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) represents one of the most crucial SARS-CoV-2 virulence factors by inhibiting the translation of host mRNAs and promoting their degradation. We selected naturally occurring virus lineages with specific Nsp1 deletions located at both the N- and C-terminus of the protein. Our data provide new insights into how Nsp1 coordinates these functions on host and viral mRNA recognition. Residues 82-85 in the N-terminal part of Nsp1 likely play a role in docking the 40S mRNA entry channel, preserving the inhibition of host gene expression without affecting cellular mRNA decay. Furthermore, this domain prevents viral mRNAs containing the 5'-leader sequence to escape translational repression. These findings support the presence of distinct domains within the Nsp1 protein that differentially modulate mRNA recognition, translation and turnover. These insights have implications for the development of drugs targeting viral proteins and provides new evidences of how specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 could attenuate the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriele Anichini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (C.I.T.)
| | | | - Maria Grazia Cusi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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24
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Liu G, Jiang H, Chen D, Murchie AIH. Identification of Hammerhead-variant ribozyme sequences in SARS-CoV-2. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3262-3277. [PMID: 38296822 PMCID: PMC11014351 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 RNA virus and variants, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has become endemic, raised a need for further understanding of the viral genome and biology. Despite vast research on SARS-CoV-2, no ribozymes have been found in the virus genome. Here we report the identification of 39 Hammerhead-variant ribozyme sequences (CoV-HHRz) in SARS-CoV-2. These sequences are highly conserved within SARS-CoV-2 variants but show large diversity among other coronaviruses. In vitro CoV-HHRz sequences possess the characteristics of typical ribozymes; cleavage is pH and ion dependent, although their activity is relatively low and Mn2+ is required for cleavage. The cleavage sites of four CoV-HHRz coincide with the breakpoint of expressed subgenomic RNA (sgRNAs) in SARS-CoV-2 transcriptome data suggesting in vivo activity. The CoV-HHRz are involved in processing sgRNAs for ORF7b, ORF 10 and ORF1ab nsp13 which are essential for viral packaging and life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getong Liu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hengyi Jiang
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dongrong Chen
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Alastair I H Murchie
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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25
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Steiner S, Kratzel A, Barut GT, Lang RM, Aguiar Moreira E, Thomann L, Kelly JN, Thiel V. SARS-CoV-2 biology and host interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:206-225. [PMID: 38225365 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have profoundly affected our society. The rapid spread and continuous evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to threaten global public health. Recent scientific advances have dissected many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in coronavirus infections, and large-scale screens have uncovered novel host-cell factors that are vitally important for the virus life cycle. In this Review, we provide an updated summary of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, gene function and virus-host interactions, including recent landmark findings on general aspects of coronavirus biology and newly discovered host factors necessary for virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Steiner
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annika Kratzel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Tuba Barut
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto M Lang
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Etori Aguiar Moreira
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Thomann
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenna N Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany.
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26
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Zhang Z, Jin H, Zhang X, Bai M, Zheng K, Tian J, Deng B, Mao L, Qiu P, Huang B. Bioinformatics and system biology approach to identify the influences among COVID-19, influenza, and HIV on the regulation of gene expression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369311. [PMID: 38601162 PMCID: PMC11004287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has emerged as a infectious disease, coexisting with widespread seasonal and sporadic influenza epidemics globally. Individuals living with HIV, characterized by compromised immune systems, face an elevated risk of severe outcomes and increased mortality when affected by COVID-19. Despite this connection, the molecular intricacies linking COVID-19, influenza, and HIV remain unclear. Our research endeavors to elucidate the shared pathways and molecular markers in individuals with HIV concurrently infected with COVID-19 and influenza. Furthermore, we aim to identify potential medications that may prove beneficial in managing these three interconnected illnesses. Methods Sequencing data for COVID-19 (GSE157103), influenza (GSE185576), and HIV (GSE195434) were retrieved from the GEO database. Commonly expressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified across the three datasets, followed by immune infiltration analysis and diagnostic ROC analysis on the DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using GO/KEGG and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Hub genes were screened through a Protein-Protein Interaction networks (PPIs) analysis among DEGs. Analysis of miRNAs, transcription factors, drug chemicals, diseases, and RNA-binding proteins was conducted based on the identified hub genes. Finally, quantitative PCR (qPCR) expression verification was undertaken for selected hub genes. Results The analysis of the three datasets revealed a total of 22 shared DEGs, with the majority exhibiting an area under the curve value exceeding 0.7. Functional enrichment analysis with GO/KEGG and GSEA primarily highlighted signaling pathways associated with ribosomes and tumors. The ten identified hub genes included IFI44L, IFI44, RSAD2, ISG15, IFIT3, OAS1, EIF2AK2, IFI27, OASL, and EPSTI1. Additionally, five crucial miRNAs (hsa-miR-8060, hsa-miR-6890-5p, hsa-miR-5003-3p, hsa-miR-6893-3p, and hsa-miR-6069), five essential transcription factors (CREB1, CEBPB, EGR1, EP300, and IRF1), and the top ten significant drug chemicals (estradiol, progesterone, tretinoin, calcitriol, fluorouracil, methotrexate, lipopolysaccharide, valproic acid, silicon dioxide, cyclosporine) were identified. Conclusion This research provides valuable insights into shared molecular targets, signaling pathways, drug chemicals, and potential biomarkers for individuals facing the complex intersection of COVID-19, influenza, and HIV. These findings hold promise for enhancing the precision of diagnosis and treatment for individuals with HIV co-infected with COVID-19 and influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Microbiology Laboratory Department, Jinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Microbiology Laboratory Department, Jinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Microbiology Laboratory Department, Jinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Mei Bai
- Microbiology Laboratory Department, Jinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Kexin Zheng
- Microbiology Laboratory Department, Jinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Laboratory Department, Jinzhou Central Hospital, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Lingling Mao
- Institute for Prevention and Control of Infection and Infectious Diseases, Liaoning Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Pengcheng Qiu
- Thoracic Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Thoracic Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Yingkou Central Hospital, Yingkou, Liaoning, China
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27
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Rogozin IB, Saura A, Poliakov E, Bykova A, Roche-Lima A, Pavlov YI, Yurchenko V. Properties and Mechanisms of Deletions, Insertions, and Substitutions in the Evolutionary History of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3696. [PMID: 38612505 PMCID: PMC11011937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073696] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has accumulated many mutations since its emergence in late 2019. Nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid replacements constitute the primary material for natural selection. Insertions, deletions, and substitutions appear to be critical for coronavirus's macro- and microevolution. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of mutations in the mutational hotspots (positions, loci with recurrent mutations, and nucleotide context) is important for disentangling roles of mutagenesis and selection. In the SARS-CoV-2 genome, deletions and insertions are frequently associated with repetitive sequences, whereas C>U substitutions are often surrounded by nucleotides resembling the APOBEC mutable motifs. We describe various approaches to mutation spectra analyses, including the context features of RNAs that are likely to be involved in the generation of recurrent mutations. We also discuss the interplay between mutations and natural selection as a complex evolutionary trend. The substantial variability and complexity of pipelines for the reconstruction of mutations and the huge number of genomic sequences are major problems for the analyses of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. As a solution, we advocate for the development of a centralized database of predicted mutations, which needs to be updated on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor B. Rogozin
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Andreu Saura
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Eugenia Poliakov
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anastassia Bykova
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Abiel Roche-Lima
- Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities—RCMI Program, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Youri I. Pavlov
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
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28
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Nguyen A, Zhao H, Myagmarsuren D, Srinivasan S, Wu D, Chen J, Piszczek G, Schuck P. Modulation of Biophysical Properties of Nucleocapsid Protein in the Mutant Spectrum of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.21.568093. [PMID: 38045241 PMCID: PMC10690151 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Genetic diversity is a hallmark of RNA viruses and the basis for their evolutionary success. Taking advantage of the uniquely large genomic database of SARS-CoV-2, we examine the impact of mutations across the spectrum of viable amino acid sequences on the biophysical phenotypes of the highly expressed and multifunctional nucleocapsid protein. We find variation in the physicochemical parameters of its extended intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) sufficient to allow local plasticity, but also exhibiting functional constraints that similarly occur in related coronaviruses. In biophysical experiments with several N-protein species carrying mutations associated with major variants, we find that point mutations in the IDRs can have nonlocal impact and modulate thermodynamic stability, secondary structure, protein oligomeric state, particle formation, and liquid-liquid phase separation. In the Omicron variant, distant mutations in different IDRs have compensatory effects in shifting a delicate balance of interactions controlling protein assembly properties, and include the creation of a new protein-protein interaction interface in the N-terminal IDR through the defining P13L mutation. A picture emerges where genetic diversity is accompanied by significant variation in biophysical characteristics of functional N-protein species, in particular in the IDRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dulguun Myagmarsuren
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- 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
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, 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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Gomez-Zepeda D, Arnold-Schild D, Beyrle J, Declercq A, Gabriels R, Kumm E, Preikschat A, Łącki MK, Hirschler A, Rijal JB, Carapito C, Martens L, Distler U, Schild H, Tenzer S. Thunder-DDA-PASEF enables high-coverage immunopeptidomics and is boosted by MS 2Rescore with MS 2PIP timsTOF fragmentation prediction model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2288. [PMID: 38480730 PMCID: PMC10937930 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I peptide ligands (HLAIps) are key targets for developing vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious pathogens or cancer cells. Identifying HLAIps is challenging due to their high diversity, low abundance, and patient individuality. Here, we develop a highly sensitive method for identifying HLAIps using liquid chromatography-ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS/MS). In addition, we train a timsTOF-specific peak intensity MS2PIP model for tryptic and non-tryptic peptides and implement it in MS2Rescore (v3) together with the CCS predictor from ionmob. The optimized method, Thunder-DDA-PASEF, semi-selectively fragments singly and multiply charged HLAIps based on their IMS and m/z. Moreover, the method employs the high sensitivity mode and extended IMS resolution with fewer MS/MS frames (300 ms TIMS ramp, 3 MS/MS frames), doubling the coverage of immunopeptidomics analyses, compared to the proteomics-tailored DDA-PASEF (100 ms TIMS ramp, 10 MS/MS frames). Additionally, rescoring boosts the HLAIps identification by 41.7% to 33%, resulting in 5738 HLAIps from as little as one million JY cell equivalents, and 14,516 HLAIps from 20 million. This enables in-depth profiling of HLAIps from diverse human cell lines and human plasma. Finally, profiling JY and Raji cells transfected to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein results in 16 spike HLAIps, thirteen of which have been reported to elicit immune responses in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gomez-Zepeda
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz) - A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ, Mainz, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division 191, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Danielle Arnold-Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julian Beyrle
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz) - A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division 191, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arthur Declercq
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ralf Gabriels
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elena Kumm
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annica Preikschat
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mateusz Krzysztof Łącki
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Aurélie Hirschler
- BioOrganic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (LSMBO), IPHC UMR 7178, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jeewan Babu Rijal
- BioOrganic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (LSMBO), IPHC UMR 7178, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Carapito
- BioOrganic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (LSMBO), IPHC UMR 7178, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lennart Martens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz) - A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ, Mainz, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division 191, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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30
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Yang S, Guan T, Yang H, Hu Y, Zhao Y. Case report: Neglected subacute thyroiditis: a case following COVID-19 vaccination. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1349615. [PMID: 38523906 PMCID: PMC10957742 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1349615] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We report a case of overlooked Subacute Thyroiditis (SAT) potentially induced by the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine. This case prompted a thorough review of the existing literature to elucidate possible mechanisms by which immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccine might precipitate thyroid damage. The primary objective is to enhance the clinical understanding and awareness of SAT among healthcare professionals. Subacute thyroiditis is a prevalent form of self-limiting thyroid disorder characterized by fever, neck pain or tenderness, and palpitations subsequent to viral infection. The development of numerous SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was intended to mitigate the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, there have been documented instances of adverse reactions arising from SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, such as the infrequent occurrence of subacute thyroiditis. While the majority of medical practitioners can discern classic subacute thyroiditis, not all cases exhibit typical characteristics, and not all systematic treatments yield positive responses. In this study, we present a rare case of subacute thyroiditis linked to the administration of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A previously healthy middle-aged female developed fever and sore throat 72 h post-inoculation with the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Initially attributing these symptoms to a common cold, she self-administered ibuprofen, which normalized her body temperature but failed to alleviate persistent sore throat. Suspecting a laryngopharyngeal disorder, she sought treatment from an otolaryngologist. However, the pain persisted, accompanied by intermittent fever over several days. After an endocrinology consultation, despite the absence of typical neck pain, her examination revealed abnormal thyroid function, normal thyroid antibodies, heterogeneous echogenicity on thyroid ultrasonography, and elevated levels of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). These findings led to a consideration of the diagnosis of SAT. Initially, she was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for her fever, which proved effective, but her neck pain remained uncontrolled. This suggested a poor response to NSAIDs. Consequently, steroid therapy was initiated, after which her symptoms of fever and neck pain rapidly resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West Chengdu Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Guan
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - HuanYi Yang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - YiRong Hu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West Chengdu Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
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31
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Shao B, Yan J, Zhang J, Liu L, Chen Y, Buskirk AR. Riboformer: a deep learning framework for predicting context-dependent translation dynamics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2011. [PMID: 38443396 PMCID: PMC10915169 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46241-8] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Translation elongation is essential for maintaining cellular proteostasis, and alterations in the translational landscape are associated with a range of diseases. Ribosome profiling allows detailed measurements of translation at the genome scale. However, it remains unclear how to disentangle biological variations from technical artifacts in these data and identify sequence determinants of translation dysregulation. Here we present Riboformer, a deep learning-based framework for modeling context-dependent changes in translation dynamics. Riboformer leverages the transformer architecture to accurately predict ribosome densities at codon resolution. When trained on an unbiased dataset, Riboformer corrects experimental artifacts in previously unseen datasets, which reveals subtle differences in synonymous codon translation and uncovers a bottleneck in translation elongation. Further, we show that Riboformer can be combined with in silico mutagenesis to identify sequence motifs that contribute to ribosome stalling across various biological contexts, including aging and viral infection. Our tool offers a context-aware and interpretable approach for standardizing ribosome profiling datasets and elucidating the regulatory basis of translation kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Shao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Jiawei Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Allen R Buskirk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Priyanka, Mohan B, Poonia E, Kumar S, Virender, Singh C, Xiong J, Liu X, Pombeiro AJL, Singh G. COVID-19 Virus Structural Details: Optical and Electrochemical Detection. J Fluoresc 2024; 34:479-500. [PMID: 37382834 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03307-y] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The increasing viral species have ruined people's health and the world's economy. Therefore, it is urgent to design bio-responsive materials to provide a vast platform for detecting a different family's passive or active virus. One can design a reactive functional unit for that moiety based on the particular bio-active moieties in viruses. Nanomaterials as optical and electrochemical biosensors have enabled better tools and devices to develop rapid virus detection. Various material science platforms are available for real-time monitoring and detecting COVID-19 and other viral loads. In this review, we discuss the recent advances of nanomaterials in developing the tools for optical and electrochemical sensing COVID-19. In addition, nanomaterials used to detect other human viruses have been studied, providing insights for developing COVID-19 sensing materials. The basic strategies for nanomaterials develop as virus sensors, fabrications, and detection performances are studied. Moreover, the new methods to enhance the virus sensing properties are discussed to provide a gateway for virus detection in variant forms. The study will provide systematic information and working of virus sensors. In addition, the deep discussion of structural properties and signal changes will offer a new gate for researchers to develop new virus sensors for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Brij Mohan
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. RoviscoPais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ekta Poonia
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Virender
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Jichuan Xiong
- Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Armando J L Pombeiro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. RoviscoPais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gurjaspreet Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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Karousis ED. The art of hijacking: how Nsp1 impacts host gene expression during coronaviral infections. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:481-490. [PMID: 38385526 PMCID: PMC10903449 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231119] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) is one of the first proteins produced during coronaviral infections. It plays a pivotal role in hijacking and rendering the host gene expression under the service of the virus. With a focus on SARS-CoV-2, this review presents how Nsp1 selectively inhibits host protein synthesis and induces mRNA degradation of host but not viral mRNAs and blocks nuclear mRNA export. The clinical implications of this protein are highlighted by showcasing the pathogenic role of Nsp1 through the repression of interferon expression pathways and the features of viral variants with mutations in the Nsp1 coding sequence. The ability of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 to hinder host immune responses at an early step, the absence of homology to any human proteins, and the availability of structural information render this viral protein an ideal drug target with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos D Karousis
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Prakash S, Dhanushkodi NR, Singer M, Quadiri A, Zayou L, Vahed H, Coulon PG, Ibraim IC, Tafoya C, Hitchcock L, Landucci G, Forthal DN, El Babsiri A, Tifrea DF, Figueroa CJ, Nesburn AB, Kuppermann BD, Gil D, Jones TM, Ulmer JB, BenMohamed L. A Broad-Spectrum Multi-Antigen mRNA/LNP-Based Pan-Coronavirus Vaccine Induced Potent Cross-Protective Immunity Against Infection and Disease Caused by Highly Pathogenic and Heavily Spike-Mutated SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in the Syrian Hamster Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580225. [PMID: 38405942 PMCID: PMC10888826 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The first-generation Spike-alone-based COVID-19 vaccines have successfully contributed to reducing the risk of hospitalization, serious illness, and death caused by SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, waning immunity induced by these vaccines failed to prevent immune escape by many variants of concern (VOCs) that emerged from 2020 to 2024, resulting in a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesize that a next-generation Coronavirus (CoV) vaccine incorporating highly conserved non-Spike SARS-CoV-2 antigens would confer stronger and broader cross-protective immunity against multiple VOCs. In the present study, we identified ten non-Spike antigens that are highly conserved in 8.7 million SARS-CoV-2 strains, twenty-one VOCs, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Common Cold CoVs, and animal CoVs. Seven of the 10 antigens were preferentially recognized by CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells from unvaccinated asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, irrespective of VOC infection. Three out of the seven conserved non-Spike T cell antigens belong to the early expressed Replication and Transcription Complex (RTC) region, when administered to the golden Syrian hamsters, in combination with Spike, as nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) (i.e., combined mRNA/LNP-based pan-CoV vaccine): (i) Induced high frequencies of lung-resident antigen-specific CXCR5+CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cells, GzmB+CD4+ and GzmB+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (TCYT), and CD69+IFN-γ+TNFα+CD4+ and CD69+IFN-γ+TNFα+CD8+ effector T cells (TEFF); and (ii) Reduced viral load and COVID-19-like symptoms caused by various VOCs, including the highly pathogenic B.1.617.2 Delta variant and the highly transmittable heavily Spike-mutated XBB1.5 Omicron sub-variant. The combined mRNA/LNP-based pan-CoV vaccine could be rapidly adapted for clinical use to confer broader cross-protective immunity against emerging highly mutated and pathogenic VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Nisha R. Dhanushkodi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Mahmoud Singer
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Afshana Quadiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Latifa Zayou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Hawa Vahed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Pierre-Gregoire Coulon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Izabela Coimbra Ibraim
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Christine Tafoya
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Lauren Hitchcock
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Gary Landucci
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Assia El Babsiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Delia F. Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Cesar J. Figueroa
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Trauma, Burns & Critical Care, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Anthony B. Nesburn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Baruch D. Kuppermann
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Daniel Gil
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Trevor M. Jones
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Ulmer
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Institute for Immunology; University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
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Kong X, Wang W, Zhong Y, Wang N, Bai K, Wu Y, Qi Q, Zhang Y, Liu X, Xie J. Recent advances in the exploration and discovery of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from edible animal proteins. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1346510. [PMID: 38389797 PMCID: PMC10883054 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1346510] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is spreading worldwide. Although the COVID-19 epidemic has passed its peak of transmission, the harm it has caused deserves our attention. Scientists are striving to develop medications that can effectively treat COVID-19 symptoms without causing any adverse reactions. SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides derived from animal proteins have a wide range of functional activities in addition to safety. Identifying animal protein sources is crucial to obtaining SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal sources. This review aims to reveal the mechanisms of action of these peptides on SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of animal proteins as a material source of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides. Also, it introduces the utilization of computer-aided design methods, phage display, and drug delivery strategies in the research on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor peptides from animal proteins. In order to identify new antiviral peptides and boost their efficiency, we recommend investigating the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal protein sources and non-structural proteins (Nsps) using a variety of technologies, including computer-aided drug approaches, phage display techniques, and drug delivery techniques. This article provides useful information for the development of novel anti-COVID-19 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Kong
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaiwen Bai
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianhui Qi
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agriculture Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junran Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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36
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Zhao H, Cai Z, Rao J, Wu D, Ji L, Ye R, Wang D, Chen J, Cao C, Hu N, Shu T, Zhu P, Wang J, Zhou X, Xue Y. SARS-CoV-2 RNA stabilizes host mRNAs to elicit immunopathogenesis. Mol Cell 2024; 84:490-505.e9. [PMID: 38128540 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.032] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 RNA interacts with host factors to suppress interferon responses and simultaneously induces cytokine release to drive the development of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, how SARS-CoV-2 hijacks host RNAs to elicit such imbalanced immune responses remains elusive. Here, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 RNA in situ structures and interactions in infected cells and patient lung samples using RIC-seq. We discovered that SARS-CoV-2 RNA forms 2,095 potential duplexes with the 3' UTRs of 205 host mRNAs to increase their stability by recruiting RNA-binding protein YBX3 in A549 cells. Disrupting the SARS-CoV-2-to-host RNA duplex or knocking down YBX3 decreased host mRNA stability and reduced viral replication. Among SARS-CoV-2-stabilized host targets, NFKBIZ was crucial for promoting cytokine production and reducing interferon responses, probably contributing to cytokine storm induction. Our study uncovers the crucial roles of RNA-RNA interactions in the immunopathogenesis of RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and provides valuable host targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaokui Cai
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jian Rao
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rong Ye
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Di Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changchang Cao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Naijing Hu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510100, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Xi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Aviner R, Lidsky PV, Xiao Y, Tassetto M, Kim D, Zhang L, McAlpine PL, Elias J, Frydman J, Andino R. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 cooperates with initiation factors EIF1 and 1A to selectively enhance translation of viral RNA. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011535. [PMID: 38335237 PMCID: PMC10903962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A better mechanistic understanding of virus-host dependencies can help reveal vulnerabilities and identify opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Of particular interest are essential interactions that enable production of viral proteins, as those could target an early step in the virus lifecycle. Here, we use subcellular proteomics, ribosome profiling analyses and reporter assays to detect changes in protein synthesis dynamics during SARS-CoV-2 (CoV2) infection. We identify specific translation factors and molecular chaperones that are used by CoV2 to promote the synthesis and maturation of its own proteins. These can be targeted to inhibit infection, without major toxicity to the host. We also find that CoV2 non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) cooperates with initiation factors EIF1 and 1A to selectively enhance translation of viral RNA. When EIF1/1A are depleted, more ribosomes initiate translation from a conserved upstream CUG start codon found in all genomic and subgenomic viral RNAs. This results in higher translation of an upstream open reading frame (uORF1) and lower translation of the main ORF, altering the stoichiometry of viral proteins and attenuating infection. Replacing the upstream CUG with AUG strongly inhibits translation of the main ORF independently of Nsp1, EIF1, or EIF1A. Taken together, our work describes multiple dependencies of CoV2 on host biosynthetic networks and proposes a model for dosage control of viral proteins through Nsp1-mediated control of translation start site selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranen Aviner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology and Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Peter V. Lidsky
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yinghong Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michel Tassetto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Damian Kim
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lichao Zhang
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Patrick L. McAlpine
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua Elias
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Judith Frydman
- Department of Biology and Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Raul Andino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Yoo TY, Mitchison TJ. Quantitative comparison of nuclear transport inhibition by SARS coronavirus ORF6 reveals the importance of oligomerization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307997121. [PMID: 38236733 PMCID: PMC10823255 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307997121] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Open Reading Frame 6 (ORF6) proteins, which are unique to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related (SARS) coronavirus, inhibit the classical nuclear import pathway to antagonize host antiviral responses. Several alternative models were proposed to explain the inhibitory function of ORF6 [H. Xia et al., Cell Rep. 33, 108234 (2020); L. Miorin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 117, 28344-28354 (2020); and M. Frieman et al., J. Virol. 81, 9812-9824 (2007)]. To distinguish these models and build quantitative understanding of ORF6 function, we developed a method for scoring both ORF6 concentration and functional effect in single living cells. We combined quantification of untagged ORF6 expression level in single cells with optogenetics-based measurement of nuclear transport kinetics, using methods that could be adapted to measure concentration-dependent effects of any untagged protein. We found that SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 is ~15 times more potent than SARS-CoV-1 ORF6 in inhibiting nuclear import and export, due to differences in the C-terminal region that is required for the NUP98-RAE1 binding. The N-terminal region was required for transport inhibition. This region binds membranes but could be replaced by synthetic constructs which forced oligomerization in solution, suggesting its primary function is oligomerization. We propose that the hydrophobic N-terminal region drives oligomerization of ORF6 to multivalently cross-link the NUP98-RAE1 complexes at the nuclear pore complex, and this multivalent binding inhibits bidirectional transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Yeon Yoo
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Timothy J. Mitchison
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
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Kron NS, Neuman BW, Kumar S, Blackwelder PL, Vidal D, Walker-Phelan DZ, Gibbs PDI, Fieber LA, Schmale MC. Expression dynamics of the aplysia abyssovirus. Virology 2024; 589:109890. [PMID: 37951086 PMCID: PMC10842508 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109890] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Two recent studies documented the genome of a novel, extremely large (35.9 kb), nidovirus in RNA sequence databases from the marine neural model Aplysia californica. The goal of the present study was to document the distribution and transcriptional dynamics of this virus, Aplysia abyssovirus 1 (AAbV), in maricultured and wild animals. We confirmed previous findings that AAbV RNA is widespread and reaches extraordinary levels in apparently healthy animals. Transmission electron microscopy identified viral replication factories in ciliated gill epithelial cells but not in neurons where viral RNA is most highly expressed. Viral transcripts do not exhibit evidence of discontinuous RNA synthesis as in coronaviruses but are consistent with production of a single leaderless subgenomic RNA, as in the Gill-associated virus of Penaeus monodon. Splicing patterns in chronically infected adults suggested high levels of defective genomes, possibly explaining the lack of obvious disease signs in high viral load animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Kron
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, USA, 33149.
| | - Benjamin W Neuman
- Department of Biology, Department of Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology and Division of Research, Texas A&M University, 400 Bizzell St., College Station, TX, USA, 77843
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Biology, Department of Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology and Division of Research, Texas A&M University, 400 Bizzell St., College Station, TX, USA, 77843
| | - Patricia L Blackwelder
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, USA, 33149; University of Miami Center for Advanced Microscopy, University of Miami, 142B Physics, Coral Gables, FL, USA, 33146
| | - Dayana Vidal
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, USA, 33149
| | - Delphina Z Walker-Phelan
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, South Lake Union E-411 750 Republican St. UW Box 358059, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Patrick D I Gibbs
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, USA, 33149
| | - Lynne A Fieber
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, USA, 33149
| | - Michael C Schmale
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, USA, 33149
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Yang L, Zeng XT, Luo RH, Ren SX, Liang LL, Huang QX, Tang Y, Fan H, Ren HY, Zhang WJ, Zheng YT, Cheng W. SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 utilizes various host splicing factors for replication and splicing regulation. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29396. [PMID: 38235848 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29396] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a crucial element in the replication and transcription of RNA viruses. Although the RdRps of lethal human coronaviruses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanism of the catalytic subunit NSP12, which is involved in pathogenesis, remains unclear. In this study, the biochemical and cell biological results demonstrate the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 and seven host proteins, including three splicing factors (SLU7, PPIL3, and AKAP8). The entry efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 considerably decreased when SLU7 or PPIL3 was knocked out, indicating that abnormal splicing of the host genome was responsible for this occurrence. Furthermore, the polymerase activity and stability of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp were affected by the three splicing factors to varying degrees. In addition, NSP12 and its homologues from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV suppressed the alternative splicing of cellular genes, which were influenced by the three splicing factors. Overall, our research illustrates that SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 can engage with various splicing factors, thereby impacting virus entry, replication, and gene splicing. This not only improves our understanding of how viruses cause diseases but also lays the foundation for the development of antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Zeng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong-Hua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Si-Xue Ren
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin-Lin Liang
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Huang
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hai-Yan Ren
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wan-Jiang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, the Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yong-Tang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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41
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Stern LJ, Clement C, Galluzzi L, Santambrogio L. Non-mutational neoantigens in disease. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:29-40. [PMID: 38168954 PMCID: PMC11075006 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01664-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The ability of mammals to mount adaptive immune responses culminating with the establishment of immunological memory is predicated on the ability of the mature T cell repertoire to recognize antigenic peptides presented by syngeneic MHC class I and II molecules. Although it is widely believed that mature T cells are highly skewed towards the recognition of antigenic peptides originating from genetically diverse (for example, foreign or mutated) protein-coding regions, preclinical and clinical data rather demonstrate that novel antigenic determinants efficiently recognized by mature T cells can emerge from a variety of non-mutational mechanisms. In this Review, we describe various mechanisms that underlie the formation of bona fide non-mutational neoantigens, such as epitope mimicry, upregulation of cryptic epitopes, usage of non-canonical initiation codons, alternative RNA splicing, and defective ribosomal RNA processing, as well as both enzymatic and non-enzymatic post-translational protein modifications. Moreover, we discuss the implications of the immune recognition of non-mutational neoantigens for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Stern
- Department of Pathology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Immunology and Microbiology Program, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Clement
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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42
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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. A repository of COVID-19 related molecular dynamics simulations and utilisation in the context of nsp10-nsp16 antivirals. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 126:108666. [PMID: 37976980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108666] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of establishing systems and infrastructure to develop vaccines, antiviral drugs, and therapeutic antibodies against emerging pathogens. Typical drug discovery processes involve targeting suitable proteins to effect pathogen replication or to attenuate host responses, by examining either large chemical databases or protein-protein interactions. Following initial screens, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are critical for gaining further insight into molecular interactions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many research groups made their simulations widely available, as highlighted by the comprehensive D.E. Shaw Research trajectory database. To investigate protein target sites and evaluate potential lead compounds, we performed over 300 MD simulations relating to COVID-19. We organised our simulations into a repository, which is publicly available at https://epimedlab.org/trajectories/. The trajectories cover a large part of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteome, and the majority of our MD simulations focused on the identification of potential antivirals. For example, we focused on the S-adenosyl-l-methionine binding site of the nsp10-nsp16 complex, a critical component of viral replication, revealing verbascoside as a potential lead. Moreover, we utilised MD trajectories to explore the interface between the spike protein receptor binding domain and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, with the ultimate aim being investigation of new variants in real-time. Overall, MD simulations are a critical component of the in silico drug discovery process and as highlighted throughout the pandemic, data sharing enables accelerated progress. We have organised our extensive collection of COVID-19 related MD trajectories into an easily accessible repository.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Training, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Training, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Training, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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43
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Karousis ED, Schubert K, Ban N. Coronavirus takeover of host cell translation and intracellular antiviral response: a molecular perspective. EMBO J 2024; 43:151-167. [PMID: 38200146 PMCID: PMC10897431 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-023-00019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause respiratory diseases in humans and animals. Understanding the mechanisms of translation regulation during coronaviral infections is critical for developing antiviral therapies and preventing viral spread. Translation of the viral single-stranded RNA genome in the host cell cytoplasm is an essential step in the life cycle of coronaviruses, which affects the cellular mRNA translation landscape in many ways. Here we discuss various viral strategies of translation control, including how members of the Betacoronavirus genus shut down host cell translation and suppress host innate immune functions, as well as the role of the viral non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) in the process. We also outline the fate of viral RNA, considering stress response mechanisms triggered in infected cells, and describe how unique viral RNA features contribute to programmed ribosomal -1 frameshifting, RNA editing, and translation shutdown evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos D Karousis
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Schubert
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nenad Ban
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Logue J, Melville VM, Ardanuy J, Frieman MB. CNP blocks mitochondrial depolarization and inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544327. [PMID: 37333151 PMCID: PMC10274905 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed over 6.5 million lives worldwide and continues to have lasting impacts on the world's healthcare and economic systems. Several approved and emergency authorized therapeutics that inhibit early stages of the virus replication cycle have been developed however, effective late-stage therapeutical targets have yet to be identified. To that end, our lab identified that 2',3' cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) inhibits SARS-CoV-2 virion assembly. We show that CNP inhibits the generation of new SARS-CoV-2 virions, reducing intracellular titers without inhibiting viral structural protein translation. Additionally, we show that targeting of CNP to mitochondria is necessary for inhibition, blocking mitochondrial depolarization and implicating CNP's proposed role as an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeabilization transition pore (mPTP) as the mechanism of virion assembly inhibition. We also demonstrate that an adenovirus expressing virus expressing both human ACE2 and CNP inhibits SARS-CoV-2 titers to undetectable levels in lungs of mice. Collectively, this work shows the potential of CNP to be a new SARS-CoV-2 antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Logue
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
- Center for Pathogen Research, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria M. Melville
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
- Center for Pathogen Research, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
| | - Jeremy Ardanuy
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
- Center for Pathogen Research, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew B. Frieman
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
- Center for Pathogen Research, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,Maryland, USA
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45
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Huang X, Du Z. Elaborated pseudoknots that stimulate -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting or stop codon readthrough in RNA viruses. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38095458 PMCID: PMC11176267 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2292296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Pseudoknots assume various functions including stimulation of -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) or stop codon readthrough (SCR) in RNA viruses. These pseudoknots vary greatly in sizes and structural complexities. Recent biochemical and structural studies confirm the three-stemmed pseudoknots as the -1 PRF stimulators in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and related coronaviruses. We reexamined previously reported -1 PRF or SCR stimulating pseudoknots, especially those containing a relatively long connecting loop between the two pseudoknot-forming stems, for their ability to form elaborated structures. Many potential elaborated pseudoknots were identified that contain one or more of the following extra structural elements: stem-loop, embedded pseudoknot, kissing hairpins, and additional loop-loop interactions. The elaborated pseudoknots are found in several different virus families that utilize either the -1 PRF or SCR recoding mechanisms. Model-building studies were performed to not only establish the structural feasibility of the elaborated pseudoknots but also reveal potential additional structural features that cannot be readily inferred from the predicted secondary structures. Some of the structures, such as embedded double pseudoknots and compact loop-loop pseudoknots mediated by the previously established common pseudoknot motif-1 (CPK-1), represent the first of its kind in the literatures. By advancing discovery of new functional RNA structures, we significantly expand the repertoire of known elaborated pseudoknots that could potentially play a role in -1 PRF and SCR regulation. These results contribute to a better understanding of RNA structures in general, facilitating the design of engineering RNA molecules with certain desired functions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Huang
- School of Computing, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Zhihua Du
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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46
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Richardson MO, Eddy SR. ORFeus: a computational method to detect programmed ribosomal frameshifts and other non-canonical translation events. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:471. [PMID: 38093195 PMCID: PMC10720069 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05602-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In canonical protein translation, ribosomes initiate translation at a specific start codon, maintain a single reading frame throughout elongation, and terminate at the first in-frame stop codon. However, ribosomal behavior can deviate at each of these steps, sometimes in a programmed manner. Certain mRNAs contain sequence and structural elements that cause ribosomes to begin translation at alternative start codons, shift reading frame, read through stop codons, or reinitiate on the same mRNA. These processes represent important translational control mechanisms that can allow an mRNA to encode multiple functional protein products or regulate protein expression. The prevalence of these events remains uncertain, due to the difficulty of systematic detection. RESULTS We have developed a computational model to infer non-canonical translation events from ribosome profiling data. CONCLUSION ORFeus identifies known examples of alternative open reading frames and recoding events across different organisms and enables transcriptome-wide searches for novel events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary O Richardson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sean R Eddy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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47
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Forni D, Pozzoli U, Cagliani R, Clerici M, Sironi M. Dinucleotide biases in RNA viruses that infect vertebrates or invertebrates. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0252923. [PMID: 37800906 PMCID: PMC10714974 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02529-23] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Akin to a molecular signature, dinucleotide composition can be exploited by the zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP) to restrict CpG-rich (and UpA-rich) RNA viruses. ZAP evolved in tetrapods, and it is not encoded by invertebrates and fish. Because a systematic analysis is missing, we analyzed the genomes of RNA viruses that infect vertebrates or invertebrates. We show that vertebrate single-stranded (ss) RNA(+) viruses and, to a lesser extent, double-stranded RNA viruses tend to have stronger CpG bias than invertebrate viruses. Conversely, ssRNA(-) viruses have similar dinucleotide composition whether they infect vertebrates or invertebrates. Analysis of ssRNA(+) viruses that infect mammals, reptiles, and fish indicated that ZAP is unlikely to be a major driver of CpG depletion. We also show that, compared to other coronaviruses, the genome of SARS-CoV-2 is not homogeneously CpG-depleted. Our study provides new insights into virus evolution and strategies for recoding RNA virus genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Forni
- Bioinformatics Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Bioinformatics Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rachele Cagliani
- Bioinformatics Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Bioinformatics Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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Wilhelm A, Schoth J, Meinert-Berning C, Bastian D, Blum H, Elsinga G, Graf A, Heijnen L, Ho J, Kluge M, Krebs S, Stange C, Uchaikina A, Dolny R, Wurzbacher C, Drewes JE, Medema G, Tiehm A, Ciesek S, Teichgräber B, Wintgens T, Weber FA, Widera M. Interlaboratory comparison using inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variants as a feasible tool for quality control in COVID-19 wastewater monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166540. [PMID: 37634730 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology (WBE) has proven as an excellent tool to monitor pandemic dynamics supporting individual testing strategies. WBE can also be used as an early warning system for monitoring the emergence of novel pathogens or viral variants. However, for a timely transmission of results, sophisticated sample logistics and analytics performed in decentralized laboratories close to the sampling sites are required. Since multiple decentralized laboratories commonly use custom in-house workflows for sample purification and PCR-analysis, comparative quality control of the analytical procedures is essential to report reliable and comparable results. In this study, we performed an interlaboratory comparison at laboratories specialized for PCR and high-throughput-sequencing (HTS)-based WBE analysis. Frozen reserve samples from low COVID-19 incidence periods were spiked with different inactivated authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants in graduated concentrations and ratios. Samples were sent to the participating laboratories for analysis using laboratory specific methods and the reported viral genome copy numbers and the detection of viral variants were compared with the expected values. All PCR-laboratories reported SARS-CoV-2 genome copy equivalents (GCE) for all spiked samples with a mean intra- and inter-laboratory variability of 19 % and 104 %, respectively, largely reproducing the spike-in scheme. PCR-based genotyping was, in dependence of the underlying PCR-assay performance, able to predict the relative amount of variant specific substitutions even in samples with low spike-in amount. The identification of variants by HTS, however, required >100 copies/ml wastewater and had limited predictive value when analyzing at a genome coverage below 60 %. This interlaboratory test demonstrates that despite highly heterogeneous isolation and analysis procedures, overall SARS-CoV-2 GCE and mutations were determined accurately. Hence, decentralized SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring is feasible to generate comparable analysis results. However, since not all assays detected the correct variant, prior evaluation of PCR and sequencing workflows as well as sustained quality control such as interlaboratory comparisons are mandatory for correct variant detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wilhelm
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute for Medical Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jens Schoth
- Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband, Kronprinzenstraße 24, D-45128 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Bastian
- FiW e.V., Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University, Kackertstraße 15-17, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Goffe Elsinga
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Graf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Leo Heijnen
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Ho
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Mariana Kluge
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Stange
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anna Uchaikina
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Regina Dolny
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Strasse 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Wurzbacher
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jörg E Drewes
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Gertjan Medema
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Tiehm
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Karlsruher Str. 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute for Medical Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D 60595 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Burkhard Teichgräber
- Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband, Kronprinzenstraße 24, D-45128 Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wintgens
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Strasse 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank-Andreas Weber
- FiW e.V., Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University, Kackertstraße 15-17, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Institute for Medical Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany.
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Müller M, Herrmann A, Fujita S, Uriu K, Kruth C, Strange A, Kolberg JE, Schneider M, Ito J, Müller MA, Drosten C, Ensser A, Sato K, Sauter D. ORF3c is expressed in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and inhibits innate sensing by targeting MAVS. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57137. [PMID: 37870297 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Most SARS-CoV-2 proteins are translated from subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs). While the majority of these sgRNAs are monocistronic, some viral mRNAs encode more than one protein. One example is the ORF3a sgRNA that also encodes ORF3c, an enigmatic 41-amino-acid peptide. Here, we show that ORF3c is expressed in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and suppresses RIG-I- and MDA5-mediated IFN-β induction. ORF3c interacts with the signaling adaptor MAVS, induces its C-terminal cleavage, and inhibits the interaction of RIG-I with MAVS. The immunosuppressive activity of ORF3c is conserved among members of the subgenus sarbecovirus, including SARS-CoV and coronaviruses isolated from bats. Notably, however, the SARS-CoV-2 delta and kappa variants harbor premature stop codons in ORF3c, demonstrating that this reading frame is not essential for efficient viral replication in vivo and is likely compensated by other viral proteins. In agreement with this, disruption of ORF3c does not significantly affect SARS-CoV-2 replication in CaCo-2, CaLu-3, or Rhinolophus alcyone cells. In summary, we here identify ORF3c as an immune evasion factor of SARS-CoV-2 that suppresses innate sensing in infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Müller
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Herrmann
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Shigeru Fujita
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiya Uriu
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Carolin Kruth
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adam Strange
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jan E Kolberg
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Schneider
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jumpei Ito
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marcel A Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Armin Ensser
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kei Sato
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daniel Sauter
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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50
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Lavezzari D, Mori A, Pomari E, Deiana M, Fadda A, Bertoli L, Sinigaglia A, Riccetti S, Barzon L, Piubelli C, Delledonne M, Capobianchi MR, Castilletti C. Comparative analysis of bioinformatics tools to characterize SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNAs. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302017. [PMID: 37748810 PMCID: PMC10520259 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), positive-sense genomic RNA and subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) are synthesized by a discontinuous process of transcription characterized by a template switch, regulated by transcription-regulating sequences (TRS). Although poorly known about makeup and dynamics of sgRNAs population and function of its constituents, next-generation sequencing approaches with the help of bioinformatics tools have made a significant contribution to expand the knowledge of sgRNAs in SARS-CoV-2. For this scope to date, Periscope, LeTRS, sgDI-tector, and CORONATATOR have been developed. However, limited number of studies are available to compare the performance of such tools. To this purpose, we compared Periscope, LeTRS, and sgDI-tector in the identification of canonical (c-) and noncanonical (nc-) sgRNA species in the data obtained with the Illumina ARTIC sequencing protocol applied to SARS-CoV-2-infected Caco-2 cells, sampled at different time points. The three software showed a high concordance rate in the identification and in the quantification of c-sgRNA, whereas more differences were observed in nc-sgRNA. Overall, LeTRS and sgDI-tector result to be adequate alternatives to Periscope to analyze Fastq data from sequencing platforms other than Nanopore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Lavezzari
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Mori
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Deiana
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Fadda
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Bertoli
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
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