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Andronov L, Han M, Zhu Y, Balaji A, Roy AR, Barentine AES, Patel P, Garhyan J, Qi LS, Moerner WE. Nanoscale cellular organization of viral RNA and proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4644. [PMID: 38821943 PMCID: PMC11143195 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48991-x] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 viral infection transforms host cells and produces special organelles in many ways, and we focus on the replication organelles, the sites of replication of viral genomic RNA (vgRNA). To date, the precise cellular localization of key RNA molecules and replication intermediates has been elusive in electron microscopy studies. We use super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and specific labeling to reveal the nanoscopic organization of replication organelles that contain numerous vgRNA molecules along with the replication enzymes and clusters of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We show that the replication organelles are organized differently at early and late stages of infection. Surprisingly, vgRNA accumulates into distinct globular clusters in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region, which grow and accommodate more vgRNA molecules as infection time increases. The localization of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers and nsp3 (a component of the double-membrane vesicle, DMV) at the periphery of the vgRNA clusters suggests that replication organelles are encapsulated into DMVs, which have membranes derived from the host ER. These organelles merge into larger vesicle packets as infection advances. Precise co-imaging of the nanoscale cellular organization of vgRNA, dsRNA, and viral proteins in replication organelles of SARS-CoV-2 may inform therapeutic approaches that target viral replication and associated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Andronov
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mengting Han
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yanyu Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ashwin Balaji
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Biophysics PhD Program; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anish R Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Puja Patel
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jaishree Garhyan
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - W E Moerner
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Pereira TA, Espósito BP. Can iron chelators ameliorate viral infections? Biometals 2024; 37:289-304. [PMID: 38019378 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00558-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The redox reactivity of iron is a double-edged sword for cell functions, being either essential or harmful depending on metal concentration and location. Deregulation of iron homeostasis is associated with several clinical conditions, including viral infections. Clinical studies as well as in silico, in vitro and in vivo models show direct effects of several viruses on iron levels. There is support for the strategy of iron chelation as an alternative therapy to inhibit infection and/or viral replication, on the rationale that iron is required for the synthesis of some viral proteins and genes. In addition, abnormal iron levels can affect signaling immune response. However, other studies report different effects of viral infections on iron homeostasis, depending on the class and genotype of the virus, therefore making it difficult to predict whether iron chelation would have any benefit. This review brings general aspects of the relationship between iron homeostasis and the nonspecific immune response to viral infections, along with its relevance to the progress or inhibition of the inflammatory process, in order to elucidate situations in which the use of iron chelators could be efficient as antivirals.
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Andronov L, Han M, Zhu Y, Balaji A, Roy AR, Barentine AES, Patel P, Garhyan J, Qi LS, Moerner W. Nanoscale cellular organization of viral RNA and proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.07.566110. [PMID: 37986994 PMCID: PMC10659379 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 viral infection transforms host cells and produces special organelles in many ways, and we focus on the replication organelle where the replication of viral genomic RNA (vgRNA) occurs. To date, the precise cellular localization of key RNA molecules and replication intermediates has been elusive in electron microscopy studies. We use super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and specific labeling to reveal the nanoscopic organization of replication organelles that contain vgRNA clusters along with viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) clusters and the replication enzyme, encapsulated by membranes derived from the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We show that the replication organelles are organized differently at early and late stages of infection. Surprisingly, vgRNA accumulates into distinct globular clusters in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region, which grow and accommodate more vgRNA molecules as infection time increases. The localization of ER labels and nsp3 (a component of the double-membrane vesicle, DMV) at the periphery of the vgRNA clusters suggests that replication organelles are enclosed by DMVs at early infection stages which then merge into vesicle packets as infection progresses. Precise co-imaging of the nanoscale cellular organization of vgRNA, dsRNA, and viral proteins in replication organelles of SARS-CoV-2 may inform therapeutic approaches that target viral replication and associated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Andronov
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Mengting Han
- Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Yanyu Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Ashwin Balaji
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Biophysics PhD Program; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Anish R. Roy
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | | | - Puja Patel
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Jaishree Garhyan
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Lei S. Qi
- Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 U.S.A
| | - W.E. Moerner
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
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Brady DK, Gurijala AR, Huang L, Hussain AA, Lingan AL, Pembridge OG, Ratangee BA, Sealy TT, Vallone KT, Clements TP. A guide to COVID-19 antiviral therapeutics: a summary and perspective of the antiviral weapons against SARS-CoV-2 infection. FEBS J 2024; 291:1632-1662. [PMID: 36266238 PMCID: PMC9874604 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16662] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral therapies are integral in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causative agent of COVID-19. Antiviral therapeutics can be divided into categories based on how they combat the virus, including viral entry into the host cell, viral replication, protein trafficking, post-translational processing, and immune response regulation. Drugs that target how the virus enters the cell include: Evusheld, REGEN-COV, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, bebtelovimab, sotrovimab, Arbidol, nitazoxanide, and chloroquine. Drugs that prevent the virus from replicating include: Paxlovid, remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and Kaletra. Drugs that interfere with protein trafficking and post-translational processing include nitazoxanide and ivermectin. Lastly, drugs that target immune response regulation include interferons and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone. Antiviral therapies offer an alternative solution for those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated and are a vital weapon in the battle against the global pandemic. Learning more about these therapies helps raise awareness in the general population about the options available to them with respect to aiding in the reduction of the severity of COVID-19 infection. In this 'A Guide To' article, we provide an in-depth insight into the development of antiviral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and their ability to help fight COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drugan K. Brady
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Aashi R. Gurijala
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Liyu Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Ali A. Hussain
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Audrey L. Lingan
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | | | - Brina A. Ratangee
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Tristan T. Sealy
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Kyle T. Vallone
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
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Ciardullo G, Parise A, Prejanò M, Marino T. Viral RNA Replication Suppression of SARS-CoV-2: Atomistic Insights into Inhibition Mechanisms of RdRp Machinery by ddhCTP. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1593-1604. [PMID: 38412057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01919] [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: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The nonstructural protein 12, known as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is essential for both replication and repair of the viral genome. The RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 has been used as a promising candidate for drug development since the inception of the COVID-19 spread. In this work, we performed an in silico investigation on the insertion of the naturally modified pyrimidine nucleobase ddhCTP into the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp active site, in a comparative analysis with the natural one (CTP). The modification in ddhCTP involves the removal of the 3'-hydroxyl group that prevents the addition of subsequent nucleotides into the nascent strand, acting as an RNA chain terminator inhibitor. Quantum mechanical investigations helped to shed light on the mechanistic source of RdRp activity on the selected nucleobases, and comprehensive all-atom simulations provided insights about the structural rearrangements occurring in the active-site region when inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) is formed. Subsequently, the intricate pathways for the release of PPi, the catalytic product of RdRp, were investigated using Umbrella Sampling simulations. The results are in line with the available experimental data and contribute to a more comprehensive point of view on such an important viral enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Ciardullo
- Dipartimento di Chimica E Tecnologie Chimiche, Laboratorio PROMOCS Cubo 14C, Università della Calabria, RENDE (CS) I-87036, Italy
| | - Angela Parise
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR)-IOM C/O International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste 34136, Italy
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Dipartimento di Chimica E Tecnologie Chimiche, Laboratorio PROMOCS Cubo 14C, Università della Calabria, RENDE (CS) I-87036, Italy
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica E Tecnologie Chimiche, Laboratorio PROMOCS Cubo 14C, Università della Calabria, RENDE (CS) I-87036, Italy
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6
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Podadera A, Campo L, Rehman F, Kolobaric N, Zutic A, Ng KKS. Optimized Recombinant Expression and Purification of the SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase Complex. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1007. [PMID: 38511495 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1007] [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: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
An optimized protocol has been developed to express and purify the core RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The expression and purification of active core SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complex is challenging due to the complex multidomain fold of nsp12, and the assembly of the multimeric complex involving nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12. Our approach adapts a previously published method to express the core SARS-CoV-2 RdRP complex in Escherichia coli and combines it with a procedure to express the nsp12 fusion with maltose-binding protein in insect cells to promote the efficient assembly and purification of an enzymatically active core polymerase complex. The resulting method provides a reliable platform to produce milligram amounts of the polymerase complex with the expected 1:2:1 stoichiometry for nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12, respectively, following the removal of all affinity tags. This approach addresses some of the limitations of previously reported methods to provide a reliable source of the active polymerase complex for structure, function, and inhibition studies of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP complex using recombinant plasmid constructs that have been deposited in the widely accessible Addgene repository. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Expression and production of SARS-CoV-2 nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12 in E. coli cells Support Protocol: Establishment and maintenance of insect cell cultures Basic Protocol 2: Generation of recombinant baculovirus in Sf9 cells and production of nsp12 fusion protein in T. ni cells Basic Protocol 3: Purification of the SARS-CoV-2 core polymerase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Podadera
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucas Campo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fasih Rehman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikola Kolobaric
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriana Zutic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth K-S Ng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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Dickerson JL, Leahy E, Peet MJ, Naydenova K, Russo CJ. Accurate magnification determination for cryoEM using gold. Ultramicroscopy 2024; 256:113883. [PMID: 38008055 PMCID: PMC10782223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Determining the correct magnified pixel size of single-particle cryoEM micrographs is necessary to maximize resolution and enable accurate model building. Here we describe a simple and rapid procedure for determining the absolute magnification in an electron cryomicroscope to a precision of <0.5%. We show how to use the atomic lattice spacings of crystals of thin and readily available test specimens, such as gold, as an absolute reference to determine magnification for both room temperature and cryogenic imaging. We compare this method to other commonly used methods, and show that it provides comparable accuracy in spite of its simplicity. This magnification calibration method provides a definitive reference quantity for data analysis and processing, simplifies the combination of multiple datasets from different microscopes and detectors, and improves the accuracy with which the contrast transfer function of the microscope can be determined. We also provide an open source program, magCalEM, which can be used to accurately estimate the magnified pixel size of a cryoEM dataset ex post facto.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Dickerson
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Erin Leahy
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Mathew J Peet
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Katerina Naydenova
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Christopher J Russo
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
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8
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Hoseininezhad-Namin MS, Rahimpour E, Jouyban A. Favipiravir, remdesivir, and lopinavir: metabolites, degradation products and their analytical methods. Drug Metab Rev 2024; 56:127-144. [PMID: 38445647 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2326415] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic all over the world. Several studies have suggested that antiviral drugs such as favipiravir (FAV), remdesivir (RDV), and lopinavir (LPV) may potentially prevent the spread of the virus in the host cells and person-to-person transmission. Simultaneously with the widespread use of these drugs, their stability and action mechanism studies have also attracted the attention of many researchers. This review focuses on the action mechanism, metabolites and degradation products of these antiviral drugs (FAV, RDV and LPV) and demonstrates various methods for their quantification and discrimination in the different biological samples. Herein, the instrumental methods for analysis of the main form of drugs or their metabolite and degradation products are classified into two types: optical and chromatography methods which the last one in combination with various detectors provides a powerful method for routine and stability analyses. Some representative studies are reported in this review and the details of them are carefully explained. It is hoped that this review will be a good guideline study and provide a better understanding of these drugs from the aspects investigated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Saleh Hoseininezhad-Namin
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elaheh Rahimpour
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Jouyban
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Abd-Elshafy DN, Nadeem R, Nasraa MH, Bahgat MM. Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 P323L/A529V mutations: coeffect in the transiently peaking lineage C.36.3 on protein structure and response to treatment in Egyptian records. Z NATURFORSCH C 2024; 79:13-24. [PMID: 38265042 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2023-0132] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase plays a crucial role in virus replication. Monitoring the effect of its emerging mutants on viral replication and response to antiviral drugs is important. Nsp12 of two Egyptian isolates circulating in 2020 and 2021 were sequenced. Both isolates included P323L, one included the A529V. Tracking A529V mutant frequency, it relates to the transience peaked C.36.3 variant and its parent C.36, both peaked worldwide on February-August 2021, enlisted as high transmissible variants under investigation (VUI) on May 2021. Both Mutants were reported to originate from Egypt and showed an abrupt low frequency upon screening, we analyzed all 1104 nsp12 Egyptian sequences. A529V mutation was in 36 records with an abrupt low frequency on June 2021. As its possible reappearance might obligate actions for a candidate VUI, we analyzed the predicted co-effect of P323L and A529V mutations on protein stability and dynamics through protein structure simulations. Three available structures for drug-nsp12 interaction were used representing remdesivir, suramin and favipiravir drugs. Remdesivir and suramin showed an increase in structure stability and considerable change in flexibility while favipiravir showed an extreme interaction. Results predict a favored efficiency of the drugs except for favipiravir in case of the reported mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina N Abd-Elshafy
- Department of Water Pollution Research, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
- Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, The Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rola Nadeem
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
- Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, The Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Nasraa
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
- Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, The Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Bahgat
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
- Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, The Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, The National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
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Romero ME, McElhenney SJ, Yu J. Trapping a non-cognate nucleotide upon initial binding for replication fidelity control in SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1792-1808. [PMID: 38168789 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04410f] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in SARS-CoV-2 is a highly conserved enzyme responsible for viral genome replication/transcription. To understand how the viral RdRp achieves fidelity control during such processes, here we computationally investigate the natural non-cognate vs. cognate nucleotide addition and selectivity during viral RdRp elongation. We focus on the nucleotide substrate initial binding (RdRp active site open) to the prechemical insertion (active site closed) of the RdRp. The current studies were first carried out using microsecond ensemble equilibrium all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Due to the slow conformational changes (from open to closed) during nucleotide insertion and selection, enhanced or umbrella sampling methods have been further employed to calculate the free energy profiles of the nucleotide insertion. Our studies find notable stability of noncognate dATP and GTP upon initial binding in the active-site open state. The results indicate that while natural cognate ATP and Remdesivir drug analogue (RDV-TP) are biased toward stabilization in the closed state to facilitate insertion, the natural non-cognate dATP and GTP can be well trapped in off-path initial binding configurations and prevented from insertion so that to be further rejected. The current work thus presents the intrinsic nucleotide selectivity of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp for natural substrate fidelity control, which should be considered in antiviral drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises E Romero
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Jin Yu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry, NSF-Simmons Center for Multi-scale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Latosińska M, Latosińska JN. Favipiravir Analogues as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase, Combined Quantum Chemical Modeling, Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship, and Molecular Docking Study. Molecules 2024; 29:441. [PMID: 38257352 PMCID: PMC10818557 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020441] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study was motivated by the urgent need to develop or improve antivirals for effective therapy targeting RNA viruses. We hypothesized that analogues of favipiravir (FVP), an inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), could provide more effective nucleic acid recognition and binding processes while reducing side effects such as cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity, and embryotoxicity. We proposed a set of FVP analogues together with their forms of triphosphate as new SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors. The main aim of our study was to investigate changes in the mechanism and binding capacity resulting from these modifications. Using three different approaches, QTAIM, QSPR, and MD, the differences in the reactivity, toxicity, binding efficiency, and ability to be incorporated by RdRp were assessed. Two new quantum chemical reactivity descriptors, the relative electro-donating and electro-accepting power, were defined and successfully applied. Moreover, a new quantitative method for comparing binding modes was developed based on mathematical metrics and an atypical radar plot. These methods provide deep insight into the set of desirable properties responsible for inhibiting RdRp, allowing ligands to be conveniently screened. The proposed modification of the FVP structure seems to improve its binding ability and enhance the productive mode of binding. In particular, two of the FVP analogues (the trifluoro- and cyano-) bind very strongly to the RNA template, RNA primer, cofactors, and RdRp, and thus may constitute a very good alternative to FVP.
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12
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Güner E, Özkan Ö, Yalcin-Ozkat G, Ölgen S. Determination of Novel SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors by Combination of Machine Learning and Molecular Modeling Methods. Med Chem 2024; 20:153-231. [PMID: 37957860 DOI: 10.2174/0115734064265609231026063624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Within the scope of the project, this study aimed to find novel inhibitors by combining computational methods. In order to design inhibitors, it was aimed to produce molecules similar to the RdRp inhibitor drug Favipiravir by using the deep learning method. METHODS For this purpose, a Trained Neural Network (TNN) was used to produce 75 molecules similar to Favipiravir by using Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) representations. The binding properties of molecules to Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) were studied by using molecular docking studies. To confirm the accuracy of this method, compounds were also tested against 3CL protease (3CLpro), which is another important enzyme for the progression of SARS-CoV-2. Compounds having better binding energies and RMSD values than favipiravir were searched with similarity analysis on the ChEMBL drug database in order to find similar structures with RdRp and 3CLpro inhibitory activities. RESULTS A similarity search found new 200 potential RdRp and 3CLpro inhibitors structurally similar to produced molecules, and these compounds were again evaluated for their receptor interactions with molecular docking studies. Compounds showed better interaction with RdRp protease than 3CLpro. This result presented that artificial intelligence correctly produced structures similar to favipiravir that act more specifically as RdRp inhibitors. In addition, Lipinski's rules were applied to the molecules that showed the best interaction with RdRp, and 7 compounds were determined to be potential drug candidates. Among these compounds, a Molecular Dynamic simulation study was applied for ChEMBL ID:1193133 to better understand the existence and duration of the compound in the receptor site. CONCLUSION The results confirmed that the ChEMBL ID:1193133 compound showed good Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF), hydrogen bonding, and remaining time in the active site; therefore, it was considered that it could be active against the virus. This compound was also tested for antiviral activity, and it was determined that it did not delay viral infection, although it was cytotoxic between 5mg/mL-1.25mg/mL concentrations. However, if other compounds could be tested, it might provide a chance to obtain activity, and compounds should also be tested against the enzymes as well as the other types of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersin Güner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, 34010 Topkapı, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Özgür Özkan
- Teknokent Arı, Pinticks Software Company, Istanbul Technical University, Reşitpaşa Mah. Katar Street, No:4/B204 Sarıyer, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gözde Yalcin-Ozkat
- Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100 Rize, Turkey
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Molecular Simulations and Design Group, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Süreyya Ölgen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, 34010 Topkapı, İstanbul, Turkey
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13
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Wang X, Xu T, Yao Y, Cheung PPH, Gao X, Zhang L. SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Follows Asynchronous Translocation Pathway for Viral Transcription and Replication. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:10119-10128. [PMID: 37922192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01249] [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: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Translocation is one essential step for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to exert viral replication and transcription. Although cryo-EM structures of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp are available, the molecular mechanisms of dynamic translocation remain elusive. Herein, we constructed a Markov state model based on extensive molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the translocation dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. We identified two intermediates that pinpoint the rate-limiting step of translocation and characterize the asynchronous movement of the template-primer duplex. The 3'-terminal nucleotide in the primer strand lags behind due to the uneven distribution of protein-RNA interactions, while the translocation of the template strand is delayed by the hurdle residue K500. Even so, the two strands share the same "ratchet" to stabilize the polymerase in the post-translocation state, suggesting a Brownian-ratchet model. Overall, our study provides intriguing insights into SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription, which would open a new avenue for drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Pak-Hang Cheung
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fuzhou, Fujian 361005, China
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14
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Wang X, Terashi G, Kihara D. CryoREAD: de novo structure modeling for nucleic acids in cryo-EM maps using deep learning. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1739-1747. [PMID: 37783885 PMCID: PMC10841814 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02032-5] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA and RNA play fundamental roles in various cellular processes, where their three-dimensional structures provide information critical to understanding the molecular mechanisms of their functions. Although an increasing number of nucleic acid structures and their complexes with proteins are determined by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), structure modeling for DNA and RNA remains challenging particularly when the map is determined at a resolution coarser than atomic level. Moreover, computational methods for nucleic acid structure modeling are relatively scarce. Here, we present CryoREAD, a fully automated de novo DNA/RNA atomic structure modeling method using deep learning. CryoREAD identifies phosphate, sugar and base positions in a cryo-EM map using deep learning, which are traced and modeled into a three-dimensional structure. When tested on cryo-EM maps determined at 2.0 to 5.0 Å resolution, CryoREAD built substantially more accurate models than existing methods. We also applied the method to cryo-EM maps of biomolecular complexes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Genki Terashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Daisuke Kihara
- Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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15
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Bakheit AH, Saquib Q, Ahmed S, Ansari SM, Al-Salem AM, Al-Khedhairy AA. Covalent Inhibitors from Saudi Medicinal Plants Target RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:2175. [PMID: 38005857 PMCID: PMC10675690 DOI: 10.3390/v15112175] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused a huge loss of human life, and the number of deaths is still continuing. Despite the lack of repurposed drugs and vaccines, the search for potential small molecules to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 is in demand. Hence, we relied on the drug-like characters of ten phytochemicals (compounds 1-10) that were previously isolated and purified by our research team from Saudi medicinal plants. We computationally evaluated the inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by compounds 1-10. Non-covalent (reversible) docking of compounds 1-10 with RdRp led to the formation of a hydrogen bond with template primer nucleotides (A and U) and key amino acid residues (ASP623, LYS545, ARG555, ASN691, SER682, and ARG553) in its active pocket. Covalent (irreversible) docking revealed that compounds 7, 8, and 9 exhibited their irreversible nature of binding with CYS813, a crucial amino acid in the palm domain of RdRP. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analysis by RMSD, RMSF, and Rg parameters affirmed that RdRP complexes with compounds 7, 8, and 9 were stable and showed less deviation. Our data provide novel information on compounds 7, 8, and 9 that demonstrated their non-nucleoside and irreversible interaction capabilities to inhibit RdRp and shed new scaffolds as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. Bakheit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Quaiser Saquib
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.-S.); (A.A.A.-K.)
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sabiha M. Ansari
- Botany & Microbiology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah M. Al-Salem
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.-S.); (A.A.A.-K.)
| | - Abdulaziz A. Al-Khedhairy
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.-S.); (A.A.A.-K.)
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16
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Treviño MÁ, Pantoja-Uceda D, Laurents DV, Mompeán M. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp8 N-terminal domain folds autonomously and binds dsRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10041-10048. [PMID: 37665006 PMCID: PMC10570013 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad714] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Nsp8 protein is a critical component of the RNA replicase, as its N-terminal domain (NTD) anchors Nsp12, the RNA, and Nsp13. Whereas its C-terminal domain (CTD) structure is well resolved, there is an open debate regarding the conformation adopted by the NTD as it is predicted as disordered but found in a variety of complex-dependent conformations or missing from many other structures. Using NMR spectroscopy, we show that the SARS CoV-2 Nsp8 NTD features both well folded secondary structure and disordered segments. Our results suggest that while part of this domain corresponding to two long α-helices forms autonomously, the folding of other segments would require interaction with other replicase components. When isolated, the α-helix population progressively declines towards the C-termini but surprisingly binds dsRNA while preserving structural disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Treviño
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - David Pantoja-Uceda
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Douglas V Laurents
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Miguel Mompeán
- “Blas Cabrera” Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, Madrid 28006, Spain
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17
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Justo Arevalo S, Castillo-Chávez A, Uribe Calampa CS, Zapata Sifuentes D, Huallpa CJ, Landa Bianchi G, Garavito-Salini Casas R, Quiñones Aguilar M, Pineda Chavarría R. What do we know about the function of SARS-CoV-2 proteins? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1249607. [PMID: 37790934 PMCID: PMC10544941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1249607] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance in the understanding of the biology of SARS-CoV-2. After more than two years since the first report of COVID-19, it remains crucial to continue studying how SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with the host metabolism to cause COVID-19. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding the functions of the 16 non-structural, 6 accessory and 4 structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins. We place less emphasis on the spike protein, which has been the subject of several recent reviews. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews about COVID-19 therapeutic have been also published. Therefore, we do not delve into details on these topics; instead we direct the readers to those other reviews. To avoid confusions with what we know about proteins from other coronaviruses, we exclusively report findings that have been experimentally confirmed in SARS-CoV-2. We have identified host mechanisms that appear to be the primary targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including gene expression and immune response pathways such as ribosome translation, JAK/STAT, RIG-1/MDA5 and NF-kβ pathways. Additionally, we emphasize the multiple functions exhibited by SARS-CoV-2 proteins, along with the limited information available for some of these proteins. Our aim with this review is to assist researchers and contribute to the ongoing comprehension of SARS-CoV-2's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Justo Arevalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniela Zapata Sifuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - César J. Huallpa
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
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18
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Xu T, Zhang L. Current understanding of nucleoside analogs inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4385-4394. [PMID: 37711189 PMCID: PMC10498173 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has become a main target for antiviral therapeutics due to its essential role in viral replication and transcription. Thus, nucleoside analogs structurally resemble the natural RdRp substrate and hold great potential as inhibitors. Until now, extensive experimental investigations have been performed to explore nucleoside analogs to inhibit the RdRp, and concerted efforts have been made to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms further. This review begins by discussing the nucleoside analogs that have demonstrated inhibition in the experiments. Second, we examine the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of nucleoside analogs on the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Recent findings in structural biology and computational research are presented through the classification of inhibitory mechanisms. This review summarizes previous experimental findings and mechanistic investigations of nucleoside analogs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. It would guide the rational design of antiviral medications and research into viral transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fujian 361005, China
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19
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Shehzadi K, Saba A, Yu M, Liang J. Structure-Based Drug Design of RdRp Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2023; 381:22. [PMID: 37318607 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-023-00432-x] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide pandemic since 2019, spreading rapidly and posing a significant threat to human health and life. With over 6 billion confirmed cases of the virus, the need for effective therapeutic drugs has become more urgent than ever before. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is crucial in viral replication and transcription, catalysing viral RNA synthesis and serving as a promising therapeutic target for developing antiviral drugs. In this article, we explore the inhibition of RdRp as a potential treatment for viral diseases, analysing the structural information of RdRp in virus proliferation and summarizing the reported inhibitors' pharmacophore features and structure-activity relationship profiles. We hope that the information provided by this review will aid in structure-based drug design and aid in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Shehzadi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Afsheen Saba
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Mingjia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
| | - Jianhua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, 314019, China.
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20
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Li G, Hilgenfeld R, Whitley R, De Clercq E. Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19: progress and lessons learned. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:449-475. [PMID: 37076602 PMCID: PMC10113999 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated tremendous efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or human proteins to control viral infection, encompassing hundreds of potential drugs and thousands of patients in clinical trials. So far, a few small-molecule antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, remdesivir and molnupiravir) and 11 monoclonal antibodies have been marketed for the treatment of COVID-19, mostly requiring administration within 10 days of symptom onset. In addition, hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19 may benefit from treatment with previously approved immunomodulatory drugs, including glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, cytokine antagonists such as tocilizumab and Janus kinase inhibitors such as baricitinib. Here, we summarize progress with COVID-19 drug discovery, based on accumulated findings since the pandemic began and a comprehensive list of clinical and preclinical inhibitors with anti-coronavirus activities. We also discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with regard to drug repurposing strategies, pan-coronavirus drug targets, in vitro assays and animal models, and platform trial design for the development of therapeutics to tackle COVID-19, long COVID and pathogenic coronaviruses in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University; Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Richard Whitley
- Department of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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21
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Manikanttha M, Deepti K, Tej MB, Tej MB, Gopi Reddy A, Kapavarapu R, Barange DK, V Basaveswara Rao M, Pal M. Ultrasound assisted Cu-catalyzed Ullmann-Goldberg type coupling-cyclization in a single pot: Synthesis and in silico evaluation of 11 H-pyrido[2,1- b]quinazolin-11-ones against SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. J Mol Struct 2023; 1280:135044. [PMID: 36743447 PMCID: PMC9884102 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135044] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The in silico evaluation of 11H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazolin-11-one derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 RdRp was undertaken based on the reports on antiviral activities of this class of compounds in addition to the promising interactions of the antiviral drug penciclovir as well as quinazoline derivatives with SARS-CoV-2 RdRp in silico. The target compounds were prepared via an Ullmann-Goldberg type coupling followed by the subsequent cyclization (involving amidation) in a single pot. The methodology involved a CuI-catalyzed reaction of 2-iodobenzoate ester with 2-aminopyridine or quinolin-2-amine or thiazol-2-amine under ultrasound to give the expected products in acceptable (51-93%) yields. The molecular interactions of the synthesized 11H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazolin-11-one derivatives with the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp (PDB: 7AAP) were evaluated in silico. The study suggested that though none of these compounds showed interactions better than penciclovir but the compound 3a and 3n appeared to be comparable along with 3b seemed to be nearly comparable to favipiravir and remdesivir. The compound 3n with the best binding energy (-79.85 Kcal/mol) participated in the H-bond interactions through its OMe group with THR556 as well as ARG624 and via the N-5 atom with the residue SER682. The in silico studies further suggested that majority of the compounds interacted with the main cavity of active site pocket whereas 3h and 3o that showed relatively lower binding energies (-66.06 and -66.28 Kcal/mol) interacted with the shallow cavity underneath the active site of SARS CoV-2 RdRp. The study also revealed that a OMe group was favourable for interaction with respect to its position in the order C-8 > C-1 > C-2. Further, the presence of a fused quinoline ring was tolerated whereas a fused thiazole ring decreased the interaction significantly. The in silico predictions of pharmacokinetic properties of 3a, 3b and 3n indicated that besides the BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) penetration potential these molecules may show a good overall ADME. Overall, the regioisomers 3a, 3b and 3n have emerged as molecules of possible interest in the context of targeting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matta Manikanttha
- Department of Chemistry, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Greenfields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522 502, India
| | - Kolli Deepti
- Department of Chemistry, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Greenfields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522 502, India
| | - Mandava Bhuvan Tej
- Department of Healthcare informatics, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fair fields, Connecticut CT06825, USA
| | - Mandava Bhagya Tej
- Department of MBBS, NRI Academi of Medical Sciences, Chinakakani, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522503, India
| | - A. Gopi Reddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SANA College of Pharmacy, Kodad, Telangana, India
| | - Ravikumar Kapavarapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Phytochemistry, Nirmala College of Pharmacy, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - M. V Basaveswara Rao
- Department of Chemistry, Krishna University, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India,Corresponding authors
| | - Manojit Pal
- Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500046, India,Corresponding authors
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22
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Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Saha A, Alshammari A, Alharbi M, Saikumar G, Pal S, Dhama K, Lee SS. Revealing the structural and molecular interaction landscape of the favipiravir-RTP and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complex through integrative bioinformatics: Insights for developing potent drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1048-1056. [PMID: 37196368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.05.010] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global research community has made considerable progress in therapeutic and vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several therapeutics have been repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19. One such compound is, favipiravir, which was approved for the treatment of influenza viruses, including drug-resistant influenza. Despite the limited information on its molecular activity, clinical trials have attempted to determine the effectiveness of favipiravir in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Here, we report the structural and molecular interaction landscape of the macromolecular complex of favipiravir-RTP and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with the RNA chain. METHODS Integrative bioinformatics was used to reveal the structural and molecular interaction landscapes of two macromolecular complexes retrieved from RCSB PDB. RESULTS We analyzed the interactive residues, H-bonds, and interaction interfaces to evaluate the structural and molecular interaction landscapes of the two macromolecular complexes. We found seven and six H-bonds in the first and second interaction landscapes, respectively. The maximum bond length is 3.79 Å. In the hydrophobic interactions, five residues (Asp618, Asp760, Thr687, Asp623, and Val557) were associated with the first complex and two residues (Lys73 and Tyr217) were associated with the second complex. The mobilities, collective motion, and B-factor of the two macromolecular complexes were analyzed. Finally, we developed different models, including trees, clusters, and heat maps of antiviral molecules, to evaluate the therapeutic status of favipiravir as an antiviral drug. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed the structural and molecular interaction landscape of the binding mode of favipiravir with the nsp7-nsp8-nsp12-RNA SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complex. Our findings can help future researchers in understanding the mechanism underlying viral action and guide the design of nucleotide analogs that mimic favipiravir and exhibit greater potency as antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious viruses. Thus, our work can help in preparing for future epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Abinit Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India
| | - Abdulrahman Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - G Saikumar
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Soumen Pal
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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23
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Sugiki T, Ito A, Hatanaka Y, Tsukamoto M, Murata T, Miyanishi K, Kagawa A, Fujiwara T, Kitagawa M, Morita Y, Negoro M. Real-time monitoring of enzyme-catalyzed phosphoribosylation of anti-influenza prodrug favipiravir by time-lapse nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e4888. [PMID: 36468685 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Favipiravir (brand name Avigan), a widely known anti-influenza prodrug, is metabolized by endogenous enzymes of host cells to generate the active form, which exerts inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity; first, favipiravir is converted to its phosphoribosylated form, favipiravir-ribofuranosyl-5'-monophosphate (favipiravir-RMP), by hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). Because this phosphoribosylation reaction is the rate-determining step in the generation of the active metabolite, quantitative and real-time monitoring of the HGPRT-catalyzed reaction is essential to understanding the pharmacokinetics of favipiravir. However, assay methods enabling such monitoring have not been established. 19 F- or 31 P-based nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are powerful techniques for observation of intermolecular interactions, chemical reactions, and metabolism of molecules of interest, given that NMR signals of the heteronuclei sensitively reflect changes in the chemical environment of these moieties. Here, we demonstrated direct, sensitive, target-selective, nondestructive, and real-time observation of HGPRT-catalyzed conversion of favipiravir to favipiravir-RMP by performing time-lapse 19 F-NMR monitoring of the fluorine atom of favipiravir. In addition, we showed that 31 P-NMR can be used for real-time observation of the identical reaction by monitoring phosphorus atoms of the phosphoribosyl group of favipiravir-RMP and of the pyrophosphate product of that reaction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NMR approaches permit the determination of general parameters of enzymatic activity such as Vmax and Km . This method not only can be widely employed in enzyme assays, but also may be of use in the screening and development of new favipiravir-analog antiviral prodrugs that can be phosphoribosylated more efficiently by HGPRT, which would increase the intracellular concentration of the drug's active form. The techniques demonstrated in this study would allow more detailed investigation of the pharmacokinetics of fluorinated drugs, and might significantly contribute to opening new avenues for widespread pharmaceutical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Analytical Instrument Facility, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Hatanaka
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Tsukamoto
- Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Murata
- Faculty of Engineering, Aichi Institute of Technology, Yakusa, Toyota, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koichiro Miyanishi
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akinori Kagawa
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshimichi Fujiwara
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kitagawa
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Morita
- Faculty of Engineering, Aichi Institute of Technology, Yakusa, Toyota, Aichi, Japan
| | - Makoto Negoro
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
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24
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Gu Y, Liu M, Staker BL, Buchko GW, Quinn RJ. Drug-Repurposing Screening Identifies a Gallic Acid Binding Site on SARS-CoV-2 Non-structural Protein 7. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:578-586. [PMID: 37082753 PMCID: PMC10111621 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the agent responsible for acute respiratory disease COVID-19 and the global pandemic initiated in early 2020. While the record-breaking development of vaccines has assisted the control of COVID-19, there is still a pressing global demand for antiviral drugs to halt the destructive impact of this disease. Repurposing clinically approved drugs provides an opportunity to expediate SARS-CoV-2 treatments into the clinic. In an effort to facilitate drug repurposing, an FDA-approved drug library containing 2400 compounds was screened against the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 7 (nsp7) using a native mass spectrometry-based assay. Nsp7 is one of the components of the SARS-CoV-2 replication/transcription complex essential for optimal viral replication, perhaps serving to off-load RNA from nsp8. From this library, gallic acid was identified as a compound that bound tightly to nsp7, with an estimated K d of 15 μM. NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments were used to map the ligand-binding surface of gallic acid on nsp7, indicating that the compound bound to a surface pocket centered on one of the protein's four α-helices (α2). The identification of the gallic acid-binding site on nsp7 may allow development of a SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic via artificial-intelligence-based virtual docking and other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Gu
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Bart L. Staker
- Seattle
Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98101, United States
| | - Garry W. Buchko
- Earth
and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
- School of
Molecular Biosciences, Washington State
University, Pullman, Washington 99164, United States
| | - Ronald J. Quinn
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
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25
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COVID-19 therapeutics: Clinical application of repurposed drugs and futuristic strategies for target-based drug discovery. Genes Dis 2023; 10:1402-1428. [PMCID: PMC10079314 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the complicated disease COVID-19. Clinicians are continuously facing huge problems in the treatment of patients, as COVID-19-specific drugs are not available hence the principle of drug repurposing serves as a one-and-only hope. Globally, the repurposing of many drugs is underway; few of them are already approved by the regulatory bodies for their clinical use and most of them are in different phases of clinical trials. Here in this review, our main aim is to discuss in detail the up-to-date information on the target-based pharmacological classification of repurposed drugs, the potential mechanism of actions, and the current clinical trial status of various drugs which are under repurposing since early 2020. At last, we briefly proposed the probable pharmacological and therapeutic drug targets that may be preferred as a futuristic drug discovery approach in the development of effective medicines.
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26
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Latosińska JN, Latosińska M, Seliger J, Žagar V, Apih T, Grieb P. Elucidating the Role of Noncovalent Interactions in Favipiravir, a Drug Active against Various Human RNA Viruses; a 1H- 14N NQDR/Periodic DFT/QTAIM/RDS/3D Hirshfeld Surfaces Combined Study. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083308. [PMID: 37110542 PMCID: PMC10147075 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Favipiravir (6-fluoro-3-hydroxypyrazine-2-carboxamide, FPV), an active pharmaceutical component of the drug discovered and registered in March 2014 in Japan under the name Avigan, with an indication for pandemic influenza, has been studied. The study of this compound was prompted by the idea that effective processes of recognition and binding of FPV to the nucleic acid are affected predominantly by the propensity to form intra- and intermolecular interactions. Three nuclear quadrupole resonance experimental techniques, namely 1H-14N cross-relaxation, multiple frequency sweeps, and two-frequency irradiation, followed by solid-state computational modelling (density functional theory supplemented by the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, 3D Hirshfeld Surfaces, and reduced density gradient) approaches were applied. The complete NQR spectrum consisting of nine lines indicating the presence of three chemically inequivalent nitrogen sites in the FPV molecule was detected, and the assignment of lines to particular sites was performed. The description of the nearest vicinity of all three nitrogen atoms was used to characterize the nature of the intermolecular interactions from the perspective of the local single atoms and to draw some conclusions on the nature of the interactions required for effective recognition and binding. The propensity to form the electrostatic N-H···O, N-H···N, and C-H···O intermolecular hydrogen bonds competitive with two intramolecular hydrogen bonds, strong O-H···O and very weak N-H···N, closing the 5-member ring and stiffening the structure, as well as π···π and F···F dispersive interactions, were analysed in detail. The hypothesis regarding the similarity of the interaction pattern in the solid and the RNA template was verified. It was discovered that the -NH2 group in the crystal participates in intermolecular hydrogen bonds N-H···N and N-H···O, in the precatalytic state only in N-H···O, while in the active state in N-H···N and N-H···O hydrogen bonds, which is of importance to link FVP to the RNA template. Our study elucidates the binding modes of FVP (in crystal, precatalytic, and active forms) in detail and should guide the design of more potent analogues targeting SARS-CoV-2. Strong direct binding of FVP-RTP to both the active site and cofactor discovered by us suggests a possible alternative, allosteric mechanism of FVP action, which may explain the scattering of the results of clinical trials or the synergistic effect observed in combined treatment against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Latosińska
- Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 2, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Janez Seliger
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veselko Žagar
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Apih
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Paweł Grieb
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Science, Adolfa Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warszawa, Poland
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27
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Bekheit MS, Panda SS, Girgis AS. Potential RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors as prospective drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115292. [PMID: 36965227 PMCID: PMC10023213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is considered as one of the most disastrous pandemics for human health and the world economy. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is one of the key enzymes that control viral replication. RdRp is an attractive and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 disease. It has attracted much interest of medicinal chemists, especially after the approval of Remdesivir. This study highlights the most promising SARS-CoV-2 RdRp repurposed drugs in addition to natural and synthetic agents. Although many in silico predicted agents have been developed, the lack of in vitro and in vivo experimental data has hindered their application in drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Bekheit
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Siva S Panda
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Adel S Girgis
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
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28
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Bromberg R, Guo Y, Borek D, Otwinowski Z. CryoEM single particle reconstruction with a complex-valued particle stack. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107945. [PMID: 36889560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Single particle reconstruction (SPR) in cryoEM is an image processing task with an elaborate hierarchy that starts with many very noisy multi-frame images. Efficient representation of the intermediary image structures is critical for keeping the calculations manageable. One such intermediary structure is called a particle stack and contains cut-out images of particles in square boxes of predefined size. The micrograph that is the source of the boxed images is usually corrected for motion between frames prior to particle stack creation. However, the contrast transfer function (CTF) or its Fourier Transform point spread function (PSF) are not considered at this step. Historically, the particle stack was intended for large particles and for a tighter PSF, which is characteristic of lower resolution data. The field now performs analyses of smaller particles and to higher resolution, and these conditions result in a broader PSF that requires larger padding and slower calculations to integrate information for each particle. Consequently, the approach to handling structures such as the particle stack should be reexamined to optimize data processing. Here we propose to use as a source image for the particle stack a complex-valued image, in which CTF correction is implicitly applied as a real component of the image. We can achieve it by applying an initial CTF correction to the entire micrograph first and perform box cutouts as a subsequent step. The final CTF correction that we refine and apply later has a very narrow PSF, and so cutting out particles from micrographs that were approximately corrected for CTF does not require extended buffering, i.e. the boxes during the analysis only have to be large enough to encompass the particle. The Fourier Transform of an exit-wave reconstruction creates an image that has complex values. This is a complex value image considered in real space, opposed to standard SPR data processing where complex numbers appear only in Fourier space. This extension of the micrograph concept provides multiple advantages because the particle box size can be small and calculations crucial for high resolution reconstruction such as Ewald sphere correction, aberration refinement, and particle-specific defocus refinement can be performed on the small box data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Bromberg
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Ligo Analytics, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Dominika Borek
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Zbyszek Otwinowski
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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29
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Miropolskaya N, Kozlov M, Petushkov I, Prostova M, Pupov D, Esyunina D, Kochetkov S, Kulbachinskiy A. Effects of natural polymorphisms in SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase on its activity and sensitivity to inhibitors in vitro. Biochimie 2023; 206:81-88. [PMID: 36252889 PMCID: PMC9568283 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is the key enzyme required for viral replication and mRNA synthesis. RdRp is one of the most conserved viral proteins and a promising target for antiviral drugs and inhibitors. At the same time, analysis of public databases reveals multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 genomes with substitutions in the catalytic RdRp subunit nsp12. Structural mapping of these mutations suggests that some of them may affect the interactions of nsp12 with its cofactors nsp7/nsp8 as well as with RNA substrates. We have obtained several mutations of these types and demonstrated that some of them decrease specific activity of RdRp in vitro, possibly by changing RdRp assembly and/or its interactions with RNA. Therefore, natural polymorphisms in RdRp may potentially affect viral replication. Furthermore, we have synthesized a series of polyphenol and diketoacid derivatives based on previously studied inhibitors of hepatitis C virus RdRp and found that several of them can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Tested mutations in RdRp do not have strong effects on the efficiency of inhibition. Further development of more efficient non-nucleoside inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp should take into account the existence of multiple polymorphic variants of RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Miropolskaya
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Maxim Kozlov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Maria Prostova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Danil Pupov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Sergey Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Russia.
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30
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Valdebenito-Navarrete H, Fuentes-Barrera V, Smith CT, Salas-Burgos A, Zuniga FA, Gomez LA, García-Cancino A. Can Probiotics, Particularly Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus UCO-25A, Be Preventive Alternatives against SARS-CoV-2? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030384. [PMID: 36979076 PMCID: PMC10045641 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, an infection produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in humans, has rapidly spread to become a high-mortality pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus characterized by infecting epithelial cells of the intestine and lungs, binding to the ACE2 receptor present on epithelial cells. COVID-19 treatment is based on antivirals and antibiotics against symptomatology in addition to a successful preventive strategy based on vaccination. At this point, several variants of the virus have emerged, altering the effectiveness of treatments and thereby attracting attention to several alternative therapies, including immunobiotics, to cope with the problem. This review, based on articles, patents, and an in silico analysis, aims to address our present knowledge of the COVID-19 disease, its symptomatology, and the possible beneficial effects for patients if probiotics with the characteristics of immunobiotics are used to confront this disease. Moreover, two probiotic strains, L. fermentum UCO-979C and L. rhamnosus UCO-25A, with different effects demonstrated at our laboratory, are emphasized. The point of view of this review highlights the possible benefits of probiotics, particularly those associated with immunomodulation as well as the production of secondary metabolites, and their potential targets during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Valdebenito-Navarrete
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Victor Fuentes-Barrera
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Carlos T. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Alexis Salas-Burgos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Felipe A. Zuniga
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Leonardo A. Gomez
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Apolinaria García-Cancino
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenicity, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-41-2204144; Fax: +56-41-2245975
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31
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Yang C, Li D, Wang S, Xu M, Wang D, Li X, Xu X, Li C. Inhibitory activities of alginate phosphate and sulfate derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 227:316-328. [PMID: 36481336 PMCID: PMC9721379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.311] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alginate derivatives have been demonstrated remarkable antiviral activities. Here we firstly identified polymannuronate phosphate (PMP) as a highly potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent. The structure-activity relationship showed polymannuronate monophosphate (PMPD, Mw: 5.8 kDa, P%: 8.7 %) was the most effective component to block the interaction of spike to ACE2 with an IC50 of 85.5 nM. Surface plasmon resonance study indicated that PMPD could bind to spike receptor binding domain (RBD) with the KD value of 78.59 nM. Molecular docking further suggested that the probable binding site of PMPD to spike RBD protein is the interaction interface between spike and ACE2. PMPD has the potential to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 infection in an independent manner of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In addition, polyguluronate sulfate (PGS) and propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate (PSS) unexpectedly showed 3CLpro inhibition with an IC50 of 1.20 μM and 1.42 μM respectively. The polyguluronate backbone and sulfate group played pivotal roles in the 3CLpro inhibition. Overall, this study revealed the potential of PMPD as a novel agent against SARS-CoV-2. It also provided a theoretical basis for further study on the role of PGS and PSS as 3CLpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shixin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China,Laboratory of Marine Glycodrug Research and Development, Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Meijie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dingfu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China,Laboratory of Marine Glycodrug Research and Development, Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China,Corresponding authors at: School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China,Laboratory of Marine Glycodrug Research and Development, Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China,Corresponding authors at: School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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32
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Shannon A, Canard B. Kill or corrupt: Mechanisms of action and drug-resistance of nucleotide analogues against SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105501. [PMID: 36567022 PMCID: PMC9773703 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside/tide analogues (NAs) have long been used in the fight against viral diseases, and now present a promising option for the treatment of COVID-19. Once activated to the 5'-triphosphate state, NAs act by targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase for incorporation into the viral RNA genome. Incorporated analogues can either 'kill' (terminate) synthesis, or 'corrupt' (genetically or chemically) the RNA. Against coronaviruses, the use of NAs has been further complicated by the presence of a virally encoded exonuclease domain (nsp14) with proofreading and repair capacities. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of four promising anti-COVID-19 NAs; remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir and bemnifosbuvir. Their distinct mechanisms of action best exemplify the concept of 'killers' and 'corruptors'. We review available data regarding their ability to be incorporated and excised, and discuss the specific structural features that dictate their overall potency, toxicity, and mutagenic potential. This should guide the synthesis of novel analogues, lend insight into the potential for resistance mutations, and provide a rational basis for upcoming combinations therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, Cedex 09, France.
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33
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Malone BF, Perry JK, Olinares PDB, Lee HW, Chen J, Appleby TC, Feng JY, Bilello JP, Ng H, Sotiris J, Ebrahim M, Chua EYD, Mendez JH, Eng ET, Landick R, Götte M, Chait BT, Campbell EA, Darst SA. Structural basis for substrate selection by the SARS-CoV-2 replicase. Nature 2023; 614:781-787. [PMID: 36725929 PMCID: PMC9891196 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase coordinates viral RNA synthesis as part of an assembly known as the replication-transcription complex (RTC)1. Accordingly, the RTC is a target for clinically approved antiviral nucleoside analogues, including remdesivir2. Faithful synthesis of viral RNAs by the RTC requires recognition of the correct nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) for incorporation into the nascent RNA. To be effective inhibitors, antiviral nucleoside analogues must compete with the natural NTPs for incorporation. How the SARS-CoV-2 RTC discriminates between the natural NTPs, and how antiviral nucleoside analogues compete, has not been discerned in detail. Here, we use cryogenic-electron microscopy to visualize the RTC bound to each of the natural NTPs in states poised for incorporation. Furthermore, we investigate the RTC with the active metabolite of remdesivir, remdesivir triphosphate (RDV-TP), highlighting the structural basis for the selective incorporation of RDV-TP over its natural counterpart adenosine triphosphate3,4. Our results explain the suite of interactions required for NTP recognition, informing the rational design of antivirals. Our analysis also yields insights into nucleotide recognition by the nsp12 NiRAN (nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase), an enigmatic catalytic domain essential for viral propagation5. The NiRAN selectively binds guanosine triphosphate, strengthening proposals for the role of this domain in the formation of the 5' RNA cap6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon F Malone
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hery W Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | - Honkit Ng
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johanna Sotiris
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Ebrahim
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene Y D Chua
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua H Mendez
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ed T Eng
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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Kouba T, Dubankova A, Drncova P, Donati E, Vidossich P, Speranzini V, Pflug A, Huchting J, Meier C, De Vivo M, Cusack S. Direct observation of backtracking by influenza A and B polymerases upon consecutive incorporation of the nucleoside analog T1106. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111901. [PMID: 36596301 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111901] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiviral pseudo-base T705 and its de-fluoro analog T1106 mimic adenine or guanine and can be competitively incorporated into nascent RNA by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Although dispersed, single pseudo-base incorporation is mutagenic, consecutive incorporation causes polymerase stalling and chain termination. Using a template encoding single and then consecutive T1106 incorporation four nucleotides later, we obtained a cryogenic electron microscopy structure of stalled influenza A/H7N9 polymerase. This shows that the entire product-template duplex backtracks by 5 nt, bringing the singly incorporated T1106 to the +1 position, where it forms an unexpected T1106:U wobble base pair. Similar structures show that influenza B polymerase also backtracks after consecutive T1106 incorporation, regardless of whether prior single incorporation has occurred. These results give insight into the unusual mechanism of chain termination by pyrazinecarboxamide base analogs. Consecutive incorporation destabilizes the proximal end of the product-template duplex, promoting irreversible backtracking to a more energetically favorable overall configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Kouba
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Anna Dubankova
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Petra Drncova
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Elisa Donati
- Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Vidossich
- Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Speranzini
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Alex Pflug
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Johanna Huchting
- Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Hamburg University, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chris Meier
- Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Hamburg University, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Stephen Cusack
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
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Figueiredo-Nunes I, Trigueiro-Louro J, Rebelo-de-Andrade H. Exploring new antiviral targets for influenza and COVID-19: Mapping promising hot spots in viral RNA polymerases. Virology 2023; 578:45-60. [PMID: 36463618 PMCID: PMC9674405 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.11.001] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Influenza and COVID-19 are infectious respiratory diseases that represent a major concern to public health with social and economic impact worldwide, for which the available therapeutic options are not satisfactory. The RdRp has a central role in viral replication and thus represents a major target for the development of antiviral approaches. In this study, we focused on Influenza A virus PB1 polymerase protein and the betacoronaviruses nsp12 polymerase protein, considering their functional and structural similarities. We have performed conservation and druggability analysis to map conserved druggable regions, that may have functional or structural importance in these proteins. We disclosed the most promising and new targeting regions for the discovery of new potential polymerase inhibitors. Conserved druggable regions of putative interaction with favipiravir and molnupiravir were also mapped. We have also compared and integrated the current findings with previous research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Figueiredo-Nunes
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Unit, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Trigueiro-Louro
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Unit, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; Antiviral Resistance Lab, Research & Development Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, IP, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Helena Rebelo-de-Andrade
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Unit, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; Antiviral Resistance Lab, Research & Development Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, IP, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
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36
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Mahnam K, Ghobadi Z. Finding a prospective dual-target drug for the treatment of coronavirus disease by theoretical study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:12621-12641. [PMID: 34514953 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1973910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spike protein of coronavirus is a key protein in binding and entrance of virus to the human cell via binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) domain of S1 subunit to peptidase domain region of ACE2 receptor. In this study, the possible effect of 24 antiviral drugs on the RBD domain of spike protein was investigated via docking and molecular dynamics simulation for finding a dual-target drug. At first, all drugs were docked to the RBD domain of spike protein, and then all complexes and free RBD domains were separately used for molecular dynamics simulation for 50 ns via amber18 software. The simulation results showed that 10 ligands from 28 ligands were separated from the RBD domain, and among 18 remained ligands, baloxavir marboxil, and danoprevir drugs, besides endonuclease activity and protease inhibitory, can bind to key residues of the RBD domain. Then these drugs have a dual target and should be more effective than current drugs, and experimental studies should be done on baloxavir marboxil and danoprevir as more potential drugs for coronavirus disease Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mahnam
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghobadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
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37
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Gao S, Song L, Xu H, Fikatas A, Oeyen M, De Jonghe S, Zhao F, Jing L, Jochmans D, Vangeel L, Cheng Y, Kang D, Neyts J, Herdewijn P, Schols D, Zhan P, Liu X. Identification of Polyphenol Derivatives as Novel SARS-CoV-2 and DENV Non-Nucleoside RdRp Inhibitors. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010160. [PMID: 36615354 PMCID: PMC9822497 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and dengue fever (DF) pandemics both remain to be significant public health concerns in the foreseeable future. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs and vaccines are both indispensable to eliminate the epidemic situation. Here, two piperazine-based polyphenol derivatives DF-47 and DF-51 were identified as potential inhibitors directly blocking the active site of SARS-CoV-2 and DENV RdRp. Data through RdRp inhibition screening of an in-house library and in vitro antiviral study selected DF-47 and DF-51 as effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2/DENV polymerase. Moreover, in silico simulation revealed stable binding modes between the DF-47/DF-51 and SARS-CoV-2/DENV RdRp, respectively, including chelating with Mg2+ near polymerase active site. This work discovered the inhibitory effect of two polyphenols on distinct viral RdRp, which are expected to be developed into broad-spectrum, non-nucleoside RdRp inhibitors with new scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong University, A301 Virtual University Park in South District of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Letian Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongtao Xu
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (D.S.); (P.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Antonios Fikatas
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Merel Oeyen
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lanlan Jing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vangeel
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yusen Cheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Johan Neyts
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (D.S.); (P.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (D.S.); (P.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (D.S.); (P.Z.); (X.L.)
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Zhang J, He M, Xie Q, Su A, Yang K, Liu L, Liang J, Li Z, Huang X, Hu J, Liu Q, Song B, Hu C, Chen L, Wang Y. Predicting In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activities of Antivirals by Intracellular Bioavailability and Biochemical Activity. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:45023-45035. [PMID: 36530252 PMCID: PMC9753181 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cellular drug response (concentration required for obtaining 50% of a maximum cellular effect, EC50) can be predicted by the intracellular bioavailability (F ic) and biochemical activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50) of drugs. In an ideal model, the cellular negative log of EC50 (pEC50) equals the sum of log F ic and the negative log of IC50 (pIC50). Here, we measured F ic's of remdesivir, favipiravir, and hydroxychloroquine in various cells and calculated their anti-SARS-CoV-2 EC50's. The predicted EC50's are close to the observed EC50's in vitro. When the lung concentrations of antiviral drugs are higher than the predicted EC50's in alveolar type 2 cells, the antiviral drugs inhibit virus replication in vivo, and vice versa. Overall, our results indicate that both in vitro and in vivo antiviral activities of drugs can be predicted by their intracellular bioavailability and biochemical activity without using virus. This virus-free strategy can help medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to screen antivirals during early drug discovery, especially for researchers who are not able to work in the high-level biosafety lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwen Zhang
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Mingfeng He
- Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Foshan528000, China
| | - Qian Xie
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
- Key
Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery (Ministry
of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Ailing Su
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Kuangyang Yang
- Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Foshan528000, China
| | - Lichu Liu
- Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Foshan528000, China
| | - Jianhui Liang
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
- Key
Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery (Ministry
of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Ziqi Li
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Xiuxin Huang
- The
First Clinical College of Changsha Medical College, Changsha410219, China
| | - Jianshu Hu
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3QT, UK
| | - Qian Liu
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Bing Song
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Chun Hu
- Key
Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery (Ministry
of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of
Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes
and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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40
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Stevaert A, Groaz E, Naesens L. Nucleoside analogs for management of respiratory virus infections: mechanism of action and clinical efficacy. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 57:101279. [PMID: 36403338 PMCID: PMC9671222 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of nucleoside analogs to treat respiratory virus infections, with remdesivir being the first compound to receive worldwide authorization and three other nucleoside analogs (i.e. favipiravir, molnupiravir, and bemnifosbuvir) in the pipeline. Here, we summarize the current knowledge concerning their clinical efficacy in suppressing the virus and reducing the need for hospitalization or respiratory support. We also mention trials of favipiravir and lumicitabine, for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, respectively. Besides, we outline how nucleoside analogs interact with the polymerases of respiratory viruses, to cause lethal virus mutagenesis or disturbance of viral RNA synthesis. In this way, we aim to convey the key findings on this rapidly evolving class of respiratory virus medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Stevaert
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1041, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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41
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Chupakhin ON, Rusinov VL, Varaksin MV, Ulomskiy EN, Savateev KV, Butorin II, Du W, Sun Z, Charushin VN. Triazavirin-A Novel Effective Antiviral Drug. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314537. [PMID: 36498864 PMCID: PMC9738222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314537] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review outlines the data of numerous studies relating to the broad-spectrum antiviral drug Triazavirin that was launched on the Russian pharmaceutical market in 2014 as an anti-influenza drug (the international non-patented name is Riamilovir). The range of antiviral activity of Triazavirin has been significantly expanded during recent years; in particular, it has been shown that Triazavirin exhibits activity against tick-borne encephalitis, Rift Valley fever, West Nile fever, and other infections of viral etiology. This drug has been approved for treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections by the Russian Ministry of Health on the basis of comprehensive clinical trials involving over 450 patients. Triazavirin was found to be a highly effective and well-tolerated drug, allowing its over-the-counter sale. The recently published data on the use of Triazavirin in clinical practice for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 are discussed, with special attention paid to potential biological targets for this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg N. Chupakhin
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir L. Rusinov
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Mikhail V. Varaksin
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Ulomskiy
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Konstantin V. Savateev
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Ilya I. Butorin
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Weijie Du
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Zhiyong Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Valery N. Charushin
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620990 Ekaterinburg, Russia
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42
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Xu X, Chen Y, Lu X, Zhang W, Fang W, Yuan L, Wang X. An update on inhibitors targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for COVID-19 treatment: Promises and challenges. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115279. [PMID: 36209840 PMCID: PMC9535928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The highly transmissible variants of SARS-CoV-2, the causative pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, bring new waves of infection worldwide. Identification of effective therapeutic drugs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is an urgent global need. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), an essential enzyme for viral RNA replication, is the most promising target for antiviral drug research since it has no counterpart in human cells and shows the highest conservation across coronaviruses. This review summarizes recent progress in studies of RdRp inhibitors, focusing on interactions between these inhibitors and the enzyme complex, based on structural analysis, and their effectiveness. In addition, we propose new possible strategies to address the shortcomings of current inhibitors, which may guide the development of novel efficient inhibitors to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yuheng Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Wanlin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Wenxiu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Luping Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China.
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43
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Parise A, Ciardullo G, Prejanò M, Lande ADL, Marino T. On the Recognition of Natural Substrate CTP and Endogenous Inhibitor ddhCTP of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase: A Molecular Dynamics Study. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4916-4927. [PMID: 36219674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 outbreak that is affecting the entire planet. As the pandemic is still spreading worldwide, with multiple mutations of the virus, it is of interest and of help to employ computational methods for identifying potential inhibitors of the enzymes responsible for viral replication. Attractive antiviral nucleotide analogue RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) chain terminator inhibitors are investigated with this purpose. This study, based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, addresses the important aspects of the incorporation of an endogenously synthesized nucleoside triphosphate, ddhCTP, in comparison with the natural nucleobase cytidine triphosphate (CTP) in RdRp. The ddhCTP species is the product of the viperin antiviral protein as part of the innate immune response. The absence of the ribose 3'-OH in ddhCTP could have important implications in its inhibitory mechanism of RdRp. We built an in silico model of the RNA strand embedded in RdRp using experimental methods, starting from the cryo-electron microscopy structure and exploiting the information obtained by spectrometry on the RNA sequence. We determined that the model was stable during the MD simulation time. The obtained results provide deeper insights into the incorporation of nucleoside triphosphates, whose molecular mechanism by the RdRp active site still remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Parise
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy.,Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique UMR8000, Orsay 91405, France
| | - Giada Ciardullo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Aurélien de la Lande
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique UMR8000, Orsay 91405, France
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università Della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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44
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Revisiting Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases: Insights from Recent Structural Studies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102200. [PMID: 36298755 PMCID: PMC9612308 DOI: 10.3390/v14102200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) represent a distinctive yet versatile class of nucleic acid polymerases encoded by RNA viruses for the replication and transcription of their genome. The structure of the RdRP is comparable to that of a cupped right hand consisting of fingers, palm, and thumb subdomains. Despite the presence of a common structural core, the RdRPs differ significantly in the mechanistic details of RNA binding and polymerization. The present review aims at exploring these incongruities in light of recent structural studies of RdRP complexes with diverse cofactors, RNA moieties, analogs, and inhibitors.
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45
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Duan X, Lacko LA, Chen S. Druggable targets and therapeutic development for COVID-19. Front Chem 2022; 10:963701. [PMID: 36277347 PMCID: PMC9581228 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.963701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is the biggest challenge to the global public health and economy in recent years. Until now, only limited therapeutic regimens have been available for COVID-19 patients, sparking unprecedented efforts to study coronavirus biology. The genome of SARS-CoV-2 encodes 16 non-structural, four structural, and nine accessory proteins, which mediate the viral life cycle, including viral entry, RNA replication and transcription, virion assembly and release. These processes depend on the interactions between viral polypeptides and host proteins, both of which could be potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19. Here, we will discuss the potential medicinal value of essential proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and key host factors. We summarize the most updated therapeutic interventions for COVID-19 patients, including those approved clinically or in clinical trials.
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46
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Harismah K, Shahrtash S, Arabi A, Khadivi R, Mirzaei M, Akhavan-Sigari R. Favipiravir attachment to a conical nanocarbon: DFT assessments of the drug delivery approach. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2022.113866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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47
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Lee SJ, Kim YJ, Ahn DG. Distinct Molecular Mechanisms Characterizing Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:1073-1085. [PMID: 36039385 PMCID: PMC9628960 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2206.06064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has continued for over 2 years, following the outbreak of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) in 2019. It has resulted in enormous casualties and severe economic crises. The rapid development of vaccines and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 has helped slow the spread. In the meantime, various mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 have emerged to evade current vaccines and therapeutics. A better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is a prerequisite for developing efficient, advanced vaccines and therapeutics. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a tremendous amount of research has been conducted to unveil SARSCoV-2 pathogenesis, from clinical observations to biochemical analysis at the molecular level upon viral infection. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 propagation and pathogenesis, with an update on recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Lee
- Department of Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Kim
- Department of Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Gyun Ahn
- Department of Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
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48
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Ghosh AK, Mishevich JL, Mesecar A, Mitsuya H. Recent Drug Development and Medicinal Chemistry Approaches for the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200440. [PMID: 36165855 PMCID: PMC9538661 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, continues to be a major public health crisis around the globe. Development of vaccines and the first cluster of antiviral drugs has brought promise and hope for prevention and treatment of severe coronavirus disease. However, continued development of newer, safer, and more effective antiviral drugs are critically important to combat COVID-19 and counter the looming pathogenic variants. Studies of the coronavirus life cycle revealed several important biochemical targets for drug development. In the present review, we focus on recent drug design and medicinal chemistry efforts in small molecule drug discovery, including the development of nirmatrelvir that targets viral protein synthesis and remdesivir and molnupiravir that target viral RdRp. These are recent FDA approved drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Ghosh
- Purdue UniversityDepartments of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry560 Oval Drive47907West LafayetteUNITED STATES
| | | | - Andrew Mesecar
- Purdue University College of ScienceBiochemistryUNITED STATES
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- National Cancer InstituteHIV and AIDS Malignancy BranchUNITED STATES
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49
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Tsuji M. Virtual Screening and Quantum Chemistry Analysis for SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Using the ChEMBL Database: Reproduction of the Remdesivir-RTP and Favipiravir-RTP Binding Modes Obtained from Cryo-EM Experiments with High Binding Affinity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911009. [PMID: 36232311 PMCID: PMC9570209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the pathogenic cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 is a potential target for the treatment of COVID-19. An RdRp complex:dsRNA structure suitable for docking simulations was prepared using a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure (PDB ID: 7AAP; resolution, 2.60 Å) that was reported recently. Structural refinement was performed using energy calculations. Structure-based virtual screening was performed using the ChEMBL database. Through 1,838,257 screenings, 249 drugs (37 approved, 93 clinical, and 119 preclinical drugs) were predicted to exhibit a high binding affinity for the RdRp complex:dsRNA. Nine nucleoside triphosphate analogs with anti-viral activity were included among these hit drugs, and among them, remdesivir-ribonucleoside triphosphate and favipiravir-ribonucleoside triphosphate adopted a similar docking mode as that observed in the cryo-EM structure. Additional docking simulations for the predicted compounds with high binding affinity for the RdRp complex:dsRNA suggested that 184 bioactive compounds could be anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates. The hit bioactive compounds mainly consisted of a typical noncovalent major groove binder for dsRNA. Three-layer ONIOM (MP2/6-31G:AM1:AMBER) geometry optimization calculations and frequency analyses (MP2/6-31G:AMBER) were performed to estimate the binding free energy of a representative bioactive compound obtained from the docking simulation, and the fragment molecular orbital calculation at the MP2/6-31G level of theory was subsequently performed for analyzing the detailed interactions. The procedure used in this study represents a possible strategy for discovering anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs from drug libraries that could significantly shorten the clinical development period for drug repositioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motonori Tsuji
- Institute of Molecular Function, 2-105-14 Takasu, Misato-shi, Saitama 341-0037, Japan
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50
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Bignon E, Monari A. Modeling the Enzymatic Mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase by DFT/MM-MD: An Unusual Active Site Leading to High Replication Rates. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4261-4269. [PMID: 35982544 PMCID: PMC9437665 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Viral infection relies on the hijacking of cellular machineries to enforce the reproduction of the infecting virus and its subsequent diffusion. In this context, the replication of the viral genome is a key step performed by specific enzymes, i.e., polymerases. The replication of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemics, is based on the duplication of its RNA genome, an action performed by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. In this contribution, by using highly demanding DFT/MM-MD computations coupled to 2D-umbrella sampling techniques, we have determined the chemical mechanisms leading to the inclusion of a nucleotide in the nascent viral RNA strand. These results highlight the high efficiency of the polymerase, which lowers the activation free energy to less than 10 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase active site is slightly different from those usually found in other similar enzymes, and in particular, it lacks the possibility to enforce a proton shuttle via a nearby histidine. Our simulations show that this absence is partially compensated by lysine whose proton assists the reaction, opening up an alternative, but highly efficient, reactive channel. Our results present the first mechanistic resolution of SARS-CoV-2 genome replication at the DFT/MM-MD level and shed light on its unusual enzymatic reactivity paving the way for the future rational design of antivirals targeting emerging RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Bignon
- Université
de Lorraine and CNRS, LPCT UMR 7019, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université
de Lorraine and CNRS, LPCT UMR 7019, F-54000 Nancy, France
- Université
de Paris, CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
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