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Winter SL, Golani G, Lolicato F, Vallbracht M, Thiyagarajah K, Ahmed SS, Lüchtenborg C, Fackler OT, Brügger B, Hoenen T, Nickel W, Schwarz US, Chlanda P. The Ebola virus VP40 matrix layer undergoes endosomal disassembly essential for membrane fusion. EMBO J 2023:e113578. [PMID: 37082863 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebola viruses (EBOVs) assemble into filamentous virions, whose shape and stability are determined by the matrix viral protein 40 (VP40). Virus entry into host cells occurs via membrane fusion in late endosomes; however, the mechanism of how the remarkably long virions undergo uncoating, including virion disassembly and nucleocapsid release into the cytosol, remains unknown. Here, we investigate the structural architecture of EBOVs entering host cells and discover that the VP40 matrix disassembles prior to membrane fusion. We reveal that VP40 disassembly is caused by the weakening of VP40-lipid interactions driven by low endosomal pH that equilibrates passively across the viral envelope without a dedicated ion channel. We further show that viral membrane fusion depends on VP40 matrix integrity, and its disassembly reduces the energy barrier for fusion stalk formation. Thus, pH-driven structural remodeling of the VP40 matrix acts as a molecular switch coupling viral matrix uncoating to membrane fusion during EBOV entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L Winter
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gonen Golani
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabio Lolicato
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Melina Vallbracht
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Keerthihan Thiyagarajah
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samy Sid Ahmed
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Integrative Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Oliver T Fackler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Integrative Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Brügger
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hoenen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Insitut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Walter Nickel
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petr Chlanda
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant-Center for Quantitative Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Protein Folding Interdiction Strategy for Therapeutic Drug Development in Viral Diseases: Ebola VP40 and Influenza A M1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073906. [PMID: 35409264 PMCID: PMC8998936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In a recent paper, we proposed the folding interdiction target region (FITR) strategy for therapeutic drug design in SARS-CoV-2. This paper expands the application of the FITR strategy by proposing therapeutic drug design approaches against Ebola virus disease and influenza A. We predict target regions for folding interdicting drugs on correspondingly relevant structural proteins of both pathogenic viruses: VP40 of Ebola, and matrix protein M1 of influenza A. Identification of the protein targets employs the sequential collapse model (SCM) for protein folding. It is explained that the model predicts natural peptide candidates in each case from which to start the search for therapeutic drugs. The paper also discusses how these predictions could be tested, as well as some challenges likely to be found when designing effective therapeutic drugs from the proposed peptide candidates. The FITR strategy opens a potential new avenue for the design of therapeutic drugs that promises to be effective against infectious diseases.
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Bhattarai N, Pavadai E, Pokhrel R, Baral P, Hossen L, Stahelin RV, Chapagain PP, Gerstman BS. Ebola virus protein VP40 binding to Sec24c for transport to the plasma membrane. Proteins 2022; 90:340-350. [PMID: 34431571 PMCID: PMC8738135 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Outbreaks of the Ebola virus (EBOV) continue to occur and while a vaccine and treatment are now available, there remains a dearth of options for those who become sick with EBOV disease. An understanding at the atomic and molecular level of the various steps in the EBOV replication cycle can provide molecular targets for disrupting the virus. An important step in the EBOV replication cycle is the transport of EBOV structural matrix VP40 protein molecules to the plasma membrane inner leaflet, which involves VP40 binding to the host cell's Sec24c protein. Though some VP40 residues involved in the binding are known, the molecular details of VP40-Sec24c binding are not known. We use various molecular computational techniques to investigate the molecular details of how EBOV VP40 binds with the Sec24c complex of the ESCRT-I pathway. We employed different docking programs to identify the VP40-binding site on Sec24c and then performed molecular dynamics simulations to determine the atomic details and binding interactions of the complex. We also investigated how the inter-protein interactions of the complex are affected upon mutations of VP40 amino acids in the Sec24c-binding region. Our results provide a molecular basis for understanding previous coimmunoprecipitation experimental studies. In addition, we found that VP40 can bind to a site on Sec24c that can also bind Sec23 and suggests that VP40 may use the COPII transport mechanism in a manner that may not need the Sec23 protein in order for VP40 to be transported to the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Bhattarai
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Elumalai Pavadai
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Rudramani Pokhrel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Prabin Baral
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Lokman Hossen
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert V. Stahelin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47906
| | - Prem P. Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Bernard S. Gerstman
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Khan S, Fakhar Z, Ahmad A. Targeting ebola virus VP40 protein through novel inhibitors: exploring the structural and dynamic perspectives on molecular landscapes. J Mol Model 2021; 27:49. [PMID: 33495861 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-021-04682-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ebola filovirus (EBOV) is one of the deadliest known infectious agents, and a cause of Western African epidemics from 2013 to 2016. The virus has infected nearly 3000 humans and almost 1900 have died. In the past few years, various small molecules have been discovered to display efficiency against EBOV and some of them have progressed towards clinical trials. Even though continuous attempts have been made to find antiEBOV therapeutics, no potential drugs are yet approved against this viral infection. The development of small antiviral inhibitors has gained tremendous attention in the attempt to overcome EVD. With this background, we seek to offer molecular insights into EBOV VP40 protein inhibition, using all atom molecular mechanics methodology and binding free energy calculations. We have selected five novel reported inhibitors against VP40 protein, namely Comp1, Comp2, Comp3, Comp4, and Comp5, and explored their binding against the same target. It was evident from the analysis that all the inhibitors displayed stability in complex with VP40 protein; however, Comp1 exhibited enhanced stability and compactness. Comp1 unveiled favorable binding, which accounted for positive correlation motions in the active site residues. Likewise, Comp1 revealed the most promising binding (ΔGbind - 40.3504 kcal/mol) as compared to the other four inhibitors, which disclosed relatively less favorable ΔGbind. The highest binding energy of Comp1 to VP40 protein can be primarily endorsed to the upsurge in van der Waals energy by ΔEvdW - 37.1609 kcal/mol and Coulomb energy by ΔEele - 52.7332 kcal/mol. Also, the hydrogen bond network is robust in Comp1-VP40 complex, with four hydrogen bonds, whilst it is less in other inhibitors. The outcomes from this report may assist in the advancement of novel VP40 inhibitors with high selectivity and potency for EVD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama Khan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Zeynab Fakhar
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
- Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
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A Novel Ebola Virus VP40 Matrix Protein-Based Screening for Identification of Novel Candidate Medical Countermeasures. Viruses 2020; 13:v13010052. [PMID: 33396288 PMCID: PMC7824103 DOI: 10.3390/v13010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Filoviruses, such as Ebola virus and Marburg virus, are of significant human health concern. From 2013 to 2016, Ebola virus caused 11,323 fatalities in Western Africa. Since 2018, two Ebola virus disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo resulted in 2354 fatalities. Although there is progress in medical countermeasure (MCM) development (in particular, vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics), the need for efficacious small-molecule therapeutics remains unmet. Here we describe a novel high-throughput screening assay to identify inhibitors of Ebola virus VP40 matrix protein association with viral particle assembly sites on the interior of the host cell plasma membrane. Using this assay, we screened nearly 3000 small molecules and identified several molecules with the desired inhibitory properties. In secondary assays, one identified compound, sangivamycin, inhibited not only Ebola viral infectivity but also that of other viruses. This finding indicates that it is possible for this new VP40-based screening method to identify highly potent MCMs against Ebola virus and its relatives.
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Multiscale modelling and simulation of viruses. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 61:146-152. [PMID: 31991326 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, advances in structural biology, integrative modelling, and simulation approaches have allowed us to gain unprecedented insights into viral structure and dynamics. In this article we survey recent studies utilizing this wealth of structural information to build computational models of partial or complete viruses and to elucidate mechanisms of viral function. Additionally, the close interplay of viral pathogens with host factors - such as cellular and intracellular membranes, receptors, antibodies, and other host proteins - makes accurate models of viral interactions and dynamics essential. As viruses continue to pose severe challenges in prevention and treatment, enhancing our mechanistic understanding of viral infection is vital to enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Pavadai E, Bhattarai N, Baral P, Stahelin RV, Chapagain PP, Gerstman BS. Conformational Flexibility of the Protein-Protein Interfaces of the Ebola Virus VP40 Structural Matrix Filament. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:9045-9053. [PMID: 31576755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b04674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Ebola virus (EBOV) is a virulent pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate in humans. The EBOV transformer protein VP40 plays crucial roles in viral assembly and budding at the plasma membrane of infected cells. One of VP40's roles is to form the long, flexible, pleomorphic filamentous structural matrix for the virus. Each filament contains three unique interfaces: monomer NTD-NTD to form a dimer, dimer-to-dimer NTD-NTD oligomerization to form a hexamer, and end-to-end hexamer CTD-CTD to build the filament. However, the atomic-level details of conformational flexibility of the VP40 filament are still elusive. In this study, we have performed explicit-solvent, all-atom molecular dynamic simulations to explore the conformational flexibility of the three different interface structures of the filament. Using dynamic network analysis and other calculational methods, we find that the CTD-CTD hexamer interface with weak interdomain amino acid communities is the most flexible, and the NTD-NTD oligomer interface with strong interdomain communities is the least flexible. Our study suggests that the high flexibility of the CTD-CTD interface may be essential for the supple bending of the Ebola filovirus, and such flexibility may present a target for molecular interventions to disrupt the Ebola virus functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert V Stahelin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue University Cancer Center , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
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