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Bolinger AA, Li J, Xie X, Li H, Zhou J. Lessons learnt from broad-spectrum coronavirus antiviral drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:1023-1041. [PMID: 39078037 PMCID: PMC11390334 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2385598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), such as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and the most recent SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, pose significant threats to human populations over the past two decades. These CoVs have caused a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe distress syndromes (ARDS), resulting in high morbidity and mortality. AREAS COVERED The accelerated advancements in antiviral drug discovery, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed new light on the imperative to develop treatments effective against a broad spectrum of CoVs. This perspective discusses strategies and lessons learnt in targeting viral non-structural proteins, structural proteins, drug repurposing, and combinational approaches for the development of antivirals against CoVs. EXPERT OPINION Drawing lessons from the pandemic, it becomes evident that the absence of efficient broad-spectrum antiviral drugs increases the vulnerability of public health systems to the potential onslaught by highly pathogenic CoVs. The rapid and sustained spread of novel CoVs can have devastating consequences without effective and specifically targeted treatments. Prioritizing the effective development of broad-spectrum antivirals is imperative for bolstering the resilience of public health systems and mitigating the potential impact of future highly pathogenic CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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2
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Kuan Y, Chu HF, Hsu PH, Hsu KC, Lin TH, Huang CH, Chen WY. Disulfiram inhibits coronaviral main protease by conjugating to its substrate entry site. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133955. [PMID: 39025177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133955] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoV) are highly pathogenic single-strand RNA viruses. CoV infections cause fatal respiratory symptoms and lung injuries in humans and significant economic losses in livestock. Since the SARS-2 outbreak in 2019, the highly conserved main protease (Mpro), also termed 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), has been considered an attractive drug target for treating CoV infections. Mpro mediates the proteolytic cleavage of eleven sites in viral polypeptides necessary for virus replication. Here, we report that disulfiram, an FDA-approved drug for alcoholic treatment, exhibits a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on CoV Mpros. Analytical ultracentrifugation and circular dichroism analyses indicated that disulfiram treatment blocks the dimeric formation of SARS and PEDV Mpros and decreases the thermostability of SARS, SARS-2, and PEDV Mpros, whereas it facilitates the dimerization and stability of MERS Mpro. Furthermore, mass spectrometry and structural alignment revealed that disulfiram targets the Cys44 residue of Mpros, which is located at the substrate entrance and close to the catalytic His41. In addition, molecular docking analysis suggests that disulfiram conjugation interferes with substrate entry to the catalytic center. In agreement, mutation of Cys44 modulates the disulfiram sensitivity of CoV Mpros. Our study suggests a broad-spectrum inhibitory function of disulfiram against CoV Mpros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Kuan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Feng Chu
- Biomedical Industry Ph.D. Program, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pang-Hung Hsu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Hsien Lin
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Huang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu City 30076, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Yi Chen
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Cancer and Immunology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Al Adem K, Ferreira JC, Villanueva AJ, Fadl S, El-Sadaany F, Masmoudi I, Gidiya Y, Gurudza T, Cardoso THS, Saksena NK, Rabeh WM. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease in SARS-CoV-2. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231395. [PMID: 39036877 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses constitute a significant threat to the human population. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, SARS-CoV-2, is a highly pathogenic human coronavirus that has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It has led to a global viral outbreak with an exceptional spread and a high death toll, highlighting the need for effective antiviral strategies. 3-Chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), the main protease in SARS-CoV-2, plays an indispensable role in the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle by cleaving the viral polyprotein to produce 11 individual non-structural proteins necessary for viral replication. 3CLpro is one of two proteases that function to produce new viral particles. It is a highly conserved cysteine protease with identical structural folds in all known human coronaviruses. Inhibitors binding with high affinity to 3CLpro will prevent the cleavage of viral polyproteins, thus impeding viral replication. Multiple strategies have been implemented to screen for inhibitors against 3CLpro, including peptide-like and small molecule inhibitors that covalently and non-covalently bind the active site, respectively. In addition, allosteric sites of 3CLpro have been identified to screen for small molecules that could make non-competitive inhibitors of 3CLpro. In essence, this review serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the structural intricacies and functional dynamics of 3CLpro, emphasizing key findings that elucidate its role as the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, the review is a critical resource in recognizing the advancements in identifying and developing 3CLpro inhibitors as effective antiviral strategies against COVID-19, some of which are already approved for clinical use in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenana Al Adem
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adrian J Villanueva
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar Fadl
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah El-Sadaany
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Imen Masmoudi
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yugmee Gidiya
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tariro Gurudza
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thyago H S Cardoso
- OMICS Centre of Excellence, G42 Healthcare, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nitin K Saksena
- Victoria University, Footscray Campus, Melbourne, VIC. Australia
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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4
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Huang L, Gish M, Boehlke J, Jeep RH, Chen C. Assay Development and Validation for Innovative Antiviral Development Targeting the N-Terminal Autoprocessing of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Precursors. Viruses 2024; 16:1218. [PMID: 39205192 PMCID: PMC11359197 DOI: 10.3390/v16081218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is initially synthesized as part of polyprotein precursors that undergo autoproteolysis to release the free mature Mpro. To investigate the autoprocessing mechanism in transfected mammalian cells, we examined several fusion precursors, with the mature SARS-CoV-2 Mpro along with the flanking amino acids (to keep the native substrate sequences) sandwiched between different tags. Our analyses revealed differential proteolysis kinetics at the N- and C-terminal cleavage sites. Particularly, N-terminal processing is differentially influenced by various upstream fusion tags (GST, sGST, CD63, and Nsp4) and amino acid variations at the N-terminal P1 position, suggesting that precursor catalysis is flexible and subject to complex regulation. Mutating Q to E at the N-terminal P1 position altered both precursor catalysis and the properties of the released Mpro. Interestingly, the wild-type precursors exhibited different enzymatic activities compared to those of the released Mpro, displaying much lower susceptibility to known inhibitors targeting the mature form. These findings suggest the precursors as alternative targets for antiviral development. Accordingly, we developed and validated a high-throughput screening (HTS)-compatible platform for functional screening of compounds targeting either the N-terminal processing of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro precursor autoprocessing or the released mature Mpro through different mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chaoping Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.H.); (M.G.); (J.B.); (R.H.J.)
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Dampalla CS, Kim Y, Zabiegala A, Howard DJ, Nguyen HN, Madden TK, Thurman HA, Cooper A, Liu L, Battaile KP, Lovell S, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Structure-Guided Design of Potent Coronavirus Inhibitors with a 2-Pyrrolidone Scaffold: Biochemical, Crystallographic, and Virological Studies. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11937-11956. [PMID: 38953866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic coronaviruses are known to produce severe infections in humans and have been the cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 was the largest and latest contributor of fatal cases, even though MERS-CoV has the highest case-fatality ratio among zoonotic coronaviruses. These infections pose a high risk to public health worldwide warranting efforts for the expeditious discovery of antivirals. Hence, we hereby describe a novel series of inhibitors of coronavirus 3CLpro embodying an N-substituted 2-pyrrolidone scaffold envisaged to exploit favorable interactions with the S3-S4 subsites and connected to an invariant Leu-Gln P2-P1 recognition element. Several inhibitors showed nanomolar antiviral activity in enzyme and cell-based assays, with no significant cytotoxicity. High-resolution crystal structures of inhibitors bound to the 3CLpro were determined to probe and identify the molecular determinants associated with binding, to inform the structure-guided optimization of the inhibitors, and to confirm the mechanism of action of the inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamandi S Dampalla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Alexandria Zabiegala
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Dennis J Howard
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Harry Nhat Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Trent K Madden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Hayden A Thurman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Anne Cooper
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Lijun Liu
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Kevin P Battaile
- NYX, New York Structural Biology Center, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - William C Groutas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
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Krismer L, Schöppe H, Rauch S, Bante D, Sprenger B, Naschberger A, Costacurta F, Fürst A, Sauerwein A, Rupp B, Kaserer T, von Laer D, Heilmann E. Study of key residues in MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases for resistance against clinically applied inhibitors nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir. NPJ VIRUSES 2024; 2:23. [PMID: 38933182 PMCID: PMC11196219 DOI: 10.1038/s44298-024-00028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an epidemic, zoonotically emerging pathogen initially reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS-CoV has the potential to mutate or recombine with other coronaviruses, thus acquiring the ability to efficiently spread among humans and become pandemic. Its high mortality rate of up to 35% and the absence of effective targeted therapies call for the development of antiviral drugs for this pathogen. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, extensive research has focused on identifying protease inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Our intention was therefore to assess whether these protease inhibitors are viable options for combating MERS-CoV. To that end, we used previously established protease assays to quantify inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and other main proteases. Nirmatrelvir inhibited several of these proteases, whereas ensitrelvir was less broadly active. To simulate nirmatrelvir's clinical use against MERS-CoV and subsequent resistance development, we applied a safe, surrogate virus-based system. Using the surrogate virus, we previously selected hallmark mutations of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro, such as T21I, M49L, S144A, E166A/K/V and L167F. In the current study, we selected a pool of MERS-CoV-Mpro mutants, characterized the resistance and modelled the steric effect of catalytic site mutants S142G, S142R, S147Y and A171S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Krismer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Helge Schöppe
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Stefanie Rauch
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - David Bante
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Bernhard Sprenger
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, CMBI – Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Andreas Naschberger
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Anna Fürst
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 81675 Germany
| | - Anna Sauerwein
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Teresa Kaserer
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Dorothee von Laer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Emmanuel Heilmann
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
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Alblihy A. From desert flora to cancer therapy: systematic exploration of multi-pathway mechanisms using network pharmacology and molecular modeling approaches. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345415. [PMID: 38666020 PMCID: PMC11043532 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345415] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, often labeled a "silent killer," remains one of the most compelling and challenging areas of cancer research. In 2019 alone, a staggering 222,240 new cases of ovarian cancer were reported, with nearly 14,170 lives tragically lost to this relentless disease. The absence of effective diagnostic methods, increased resistance to chemotherapy, and the heterogeneous nature of ovarian cancer collectively contribute to the unfavorable prognosis observed in the majority of cases. Thus, there is a pressing need to explore therapeutic interventions that offer superior efficacy and safety, thereby enhancing the survival prospects for ovarian cancer patients. Recognizing this potential, our research synergizes bioinformatics with a network pharmacology approach to investigate the underlying molecular interactions of Saudi Arabian flora (Onopordum heteracanthum, Acacia ehrenbergiana, Osteospermum vaillantii, Cyperus rotundus, Carissa carandas, Carissa spinarum, and Camellia sinensis) in ovarian cancer treatment. At first, phytoconstituents of indigenous flora and their associated gene targets, particularly those pertinent to ovarian cancer, were obtained from open-access databases. Later, the shared targets of plants and diseases were compared to identify common targets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of predicted targets was then constructed for the identification of key genes having the highest degree of connectivity among networks. Following that, a compound-target protein-pathway network was constructed, which uncovered that, namely, hispidulin, stigmasterol, ascorbic acid, octopamine, cyperene, kaempferol, pungenin, citric acid, d-tartaric acid, beta-sitosterol, (-)-epicatechin gallate, and (+)-catechin demonstrably influence cell proliferation and growth by impacting the AKT1 and VEGFA proteins. Molecular docking, complemented by a 20-ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, was used, and the binding affinity of the compound was further validated. Molecular docking, complemented by a 20-ns MD simulation, confirmed the binding affinity of these compounds. Specifically, for AKT1, ascorbic acid showed a docking score of -11.1227 kcal/mol, interacting with residues Ser A:240, Leu A:239, Arg A:243, Arg C:2, and Glu A:341. For VEGFA, hispidulin exhibited a docking score of -17.3714 kcal/mol, interacting with Asn A:158, Val A:190, Gln B:160, Ser A:179, and Ser B:176. To sum up, both a theoretical and empirical framework were established by this study, directing more comprehensive research and laying out a roadmap for the potential utilization of active compounds in the formulation of anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Alblihy
- Medical Center, King Fahad Security College (KFSC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, King Fahad Security Collage, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Biswas S, Mita MA, Afrose S, Hasan MR, Shimu MSS, Zaman S, Saleh MA. An in silico approach to develop potential therapies against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Heliyon 2024; 10:e25837. [PMID: 38379969 PMCID: PMC10877303 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25837] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A deadly respiratory disease Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by a perilous virus known as MERS-CoV, which has a severe impact on human health. Currently, there is no approved vaccine, prophylaxis, or antiviral therapeutics for preventing MERS-CoV infection. Due to its inexorable and integral role in the maturation and replication of the MERS-CoV virus, the 3C-like protease is unavoidly a viable therapeutic target. In this study, 2369 phytoconstituents were enlisted from Japanese medicinal plants, and these compounds were screened against 3C-like protease to identify feasible inhibitors. The best three compounds were identified as Kihadanin B, Robustaflavone, and 3-beta-O- (trans-p-Coumaroyl) maslinic acid, with binding energies of -9.8, -9.4, and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The top three potential candidates interacted with several active site residues in the targeted protein, including Cys145, Met168, Glu169, Ala171, and Gln192. The best three compounds were assessed by in silico technique to determine their drug-likeness properties, and they exhibited the least harmful features and the greatest drug-like qualities. Various descriptors, such as solvent-accessible surface area, root-mean-square fluctuation, root-mean-square deviation, hydrogen bond, and radius of gyration, validated the stability and firmness of the protein-ligand complexes throughout the 100ns molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the top three compounds exhibited better binding energy along with better stability and firmness than the inhibitor (Nafamostat), which was further confirmed by the binding free energy calculation. Therefore, this computational investigation could aid in the development of efficient therapeutics for life-threatening MERS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvro Biswas
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohasana Akter Mita
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Shamima Afrose
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Robiul Hasan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shahriar Zaman
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Saleh
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
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Saeed M, Alamri MA, Rashid MAR, Javed MR, Azeem F, Bashir Z, Alanzi AR, Muhseen ZT, Almusallam SY, Hussain K. Identification of novel inhibitors against VP40 protein of Marburg virus by integrating molecular modeling and dynamics approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38178383 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2300134] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Marburg virus (MV) is a highly etiological agent of haemorrhagic fever in humans and has spread across the world. Its outbreaks caused a 23-90% human death rate. However, there are currently no authorized preventive or curative measures yet. VP40 is the MV matrix protein, which builds protein shell underneath the viral envelope and confers hallmark filamentous. VP40 alone is able to induce assembly and budding of filamentous virus-like particles (VLPs), which resemble authentic virions. As a result, this research is credited with clarifying the function of VP40 and leading to the discovery of new therapeutic targets effective in combating MV disease (MVD). Virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to find the putative active chemicals based on a 3D pharmacophore model of the protein's active site cavity. Initially, andrographidine-C, a potent inhibitor was selected for the development of the pharmacophore model. Later, a library of 30,000 compounds along with the andrographidine-C was docked against VP40 protein. Three best hits including avanafil, diuvaretin and macrourone were subjected to further MD simulation analysis, as these compounds had better binding affinities as compared to andrographidine-C. Furthermore, throughout the 100 ns simulations, the back bone of VP40 protein in presence of avanafil, diuvaretin and macrourone remained stable which was further validated by MM-PBSA analysis. Additionally, all of these compounds depict maximum drug-like properties. The predicted drugs based on the ligand, avanafil, diuvaretin and macrourone could be exploited and developed as an alternative or complementary therapy for the treatment of MVD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Muhammad Rizwan Javed
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farrukh Azeem
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zarmina Bashir
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah R Alanzi
- Department of Pharmacogonsy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shahad Youseff Almusallam
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khadim Hussain
- Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Cai L, Han F, Ji B, He X, Wang L, Niu T, Zhai J, Wang J. In Silico Screening of Natural Flavonoids against 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Using Machine Learning and Molecular Modeling. Molecules 2023; 28:8034. [PMID: 38138524 PMCID: PMC10745665 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248034] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The "Long-COVID syndrome" has posed significant challenges due to a lack of validated therapeutic options. We developed a novel multi-step virtual screening strategy to reliably identify inhibitors against 3-chymotrypsin-like protease of SARS-CoV-2 from abundant flavonoids, which represents a promising source of antiviral and immune-boosting nutrients. We identified 57 interacting residues as contributors to the protein-ligand binding pocket. Their energy interaction profiles constituted the input features for Machine Learning (ML) models. The consensus of 25 classifiers trained using various ML algorithms attained 93.9% accuracy and a 6.4% false-positive-rate. The consensus of 10 regression models for binding energy prediction also achieved a low root-mean-square error of 1.18 kcal/mol. We screened out 120 flavonoid hits first and retained 50 drug-like hits after predefined ADMET filtering to ensure bioavailability and safety profiles. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations prioritized nine bioactive flavonoids as promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents exhibiting both high structural stability (root-mean-square deviation < 5 Å for 218 ns) and low MM/PBSA binding free energy (<-6 kcal/mol). Among them, KB-2 (PubChem-CID, 14630497) and 9-O-Methylglyceofuran (PubChem-CID, 44257401) displayed excellent binding affinity and desirable pharmacokinetic capabilities. These compounds have great potential to serve as oral nutraceuticals with therapeutic and prophylactic properties as care strategies for patients with long-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Junmei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (L.C.); (F.H.); (B.J.); (X.H.); (L.W.); (T.N.); (J.Z.)
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11
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Ahamed NA, Arif IA. Finding potential inhibitors for Main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 through virtual screening and MD simulation studies. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103845. [PMID: 38020225 PMCID: PMC10663854 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103845] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly hazardous species that can infect people with Covid-19 disease, dramatically increasing mortality rates worldwide. Plenty of researches have been done to find drugs or inhibitors, with this study aiming to identify an inhibitor within the ChEMBL database using computational approaches. From the ChEMBL library, 19,43,048 compounds which are known type of small compounds and proteins were downloaded and docked with the Main protease (Mpro). After performing compound screening using Lipinski's rule, Qikprop analysis following with virtual Screening, Induced Fit Docking (IFD) and MM-GBSA analysis with the Glide and Prime modules of Schrödinger, the best complex was subjected to MD simulation with Desmond. According to the docking results, small protein 2,371,668 and compound 1,090,395 were docked with Main protease with -12.6, -12.0 kcal/mol dock score and interacted with the functional site residues His 41 and Cys 145, as well as the binding site residues Thr 26, Phe 140, Asn 142, Gly 143, Glu 166, and Gln 189. Complex structures were shown to be steadier by the MD simulation study because both the ligands heavy atoms and the protein Cα atoms' RMSD values fell within acceptable ranges. As a result, this research suggests that the molecule CHEMBL2371668 and the compound CHEMBL1090395 may inhibit the activity of Main protease, and the usefulness of these molecules will be examined further through experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Anis Ahamed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim A. Arif
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Pattaro-Júnior JR, Araújo IG, Moraes CB, Barbosa CG, Philippsen GS, Freitas-Junior LH, Guidi AC, de Mello JCP, Peralta RM, Fernandez MA, Teixeira RR, Seixas FAV. Antiviral activity of Cenostigma pluviosum var. peltophoroides extract and fractions against SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:7297-7308. [PMID: 36069130 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2120078] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Few extracts of plant species from the Brazilian flora have been validated from a pharmacological and clinical point of view, and it is important to determine whether their traditional use is proven by pharmacological effects. Cenostigma pluviosum var. peltophoroides is one of those plants, which belongs to the Fabaceae family that is widely used in traditional medicine and is very rich in tannins. Due to the lack of effective drugs to treat severe cases of Covid-19, the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) becomes an attractive target in the research for new antivirals since this enzyme is crucial for virus replication and does not have homologs in humans. This study aimed to prospect inhibitor candidates among the compounds from C. pluviosum extract, by virtual screening simulations using SARS-CoV-2 Mpro as target. Experimental validation was made by inhibitory proteolytic assays of recombinant Mpro and by antiviral activity with infected Vero cells. Docking simulations identify four compounds with potential inhibitory activity of Mpro present in the extract. The compound pentagalloylglucose showed the best result in proteolytic kinetics experiments, with suppression of recombinant Mpro activity by approximately 60%. However, in experiments with infected cells ethyl acetate fraction and sub-fractions, F2 and F4 of C. pluviosum extract performed better than pentagalloylglucose, reaching close to 100% of antiviral activity. The prominent activity of the extract fractions in infected cells may be a result of a synergistic effect from the different hydrolyzable tannins present, performing simultaneous action on Mpro and other targets from SARS-CoV-2 and host.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Renato Pattaro-Júnior
- Laboratory of Structural Biochemistry, Departamento de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Garcia Araújo
- Laboratory of Structural Biochemistry, Departamento de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ana Carolina Guidi
- PalaFito Laboratory, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Rosane Marina Peralta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Fernandez
- Laboratório de Organização Funcional do Núcleo, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Róbson Ricardo Teixeira
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Flavio Augusto Vicente Seixas
- Laboratory of Structural Biochemistry, Departamento de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
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13
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Alamri MA. Bioinformatics and network pharmacology-based study to elucidate the multi-target pharmacological mechanism of the indigenous plants of Medina valley in treating HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:1125-1138. [PMID: 37293382 PMCID: PMC10244409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.04.003] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Saudi Arabia is not surprising given the relatively high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C is also common in Saudi Arabia with a prevalence rate of 1% to 3% of the population, which further increases the risk of HCC. The incidence of HCC has been increasing in recent years, with HCV-related HCC accounting for a significant proportion of cases. Traditional medicine has long been a part of Saudi Arabian culture, and many medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including cancer. Following that, this study combines network pharmacology with bioinformatics approaches to potentially revolutionize HCV-related HCC treatment by identifying effective phytochemicals of indigenous plants of Medina valley. Eight indigenous plants including Rumex vesicarius, Withania somnifera, Rhazya stricta, Heliotropium arbainense, Asphodelus fistulosus, Pulicaria incise, Commicarpus grandiflorus, and Senna alexandrina, were selected for the initial screening of potential drug-like compounds. At first, the information related to active compounds of eight indigenous plants was retrieved from public databases and through literature review which was later combined with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained through microarray datasets. Later, a compound-target genes-disease network was constructed which uncovered that kaempferol, rhazimol, beta-sitosterol, 12-Hydroxy-3-keto-bisnor-4-cholenic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 24-Methyldesmosterol, stigmasterone, fucosterol, and withanolide_J decisively contributed to the cell growth and proliferation by affecting ALB and PTGS2 proteins. Moreover, the molecular docking and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation of 20 ns well complemented the binding affinity of the compound and revealed strong stability of predicted compounds at the docked site. But the findings were not validated in actual patients, so further investigation is needed to confirm the potential use of selected medicinal plants towards HCV-related HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak A. Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16278, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Dehury B, Mishra S, Pati S. Structural insights into SARS-CoV-2 main protease conformational plasticity. J Cell Biochem 2023. [PMID: 37099673 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The spread of different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants underscores the need for insights into the structural properties of its structural and non-structural proteins. The highly conserved homo-dimeric chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL MPRO ), belonging to the class of cysteine hydrolases, plays an indispensable role in processing viral polyproteins that are involved in viral replication and transcription. Studies have successfully demonstrated the role of MPRO as an attractive drug target for designing antiviral treatments because of its importance in the viral life cycle. Herein, we report the structural dynamics of six experimentally solved structures of MPRO (i.e., 6LU7, 6M03, 6WQF, 6Y2E, 6Y84, and 7BUY including both ligand-free and ligand-bound states) at different resolutions. We have employed a structure-based balanced forcefield, CHARMM36m through state-of-the-art all-atoms molecular dynamics simulations at µ-seconds scale at room temperature (303K) and pH 7.0 to explore their structure-function relationship. The helical domain-III responsible for dimerization mostly contributes to the altered conformational states and destabilization of MPRO . A keen observation of the high degree of flexibility in the P5 binding pocket adjoining domain II-III highlights the reason for observation of conformational heterogeneity among the structural ensembles of MPRO . We also observe a differential dynamics of the catalytic pocket residues His41, Cys145, and Asp187, which may lead to catalytic impairment of the monomeric proteases. Among the highly populated conformational states of the six systems, 6LU7 and 7M03 forms the most stable and compact MPRO conformation with intact catalytic site and structural integrity. Altogether, our findings from this extensive study provides a benchmark to identify physiologically relevant structures of such promising drug targets for structure-based drug design and discovery of potent drug-like compounds having clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budheswar Dehury
- Division of Bioinformatics, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sarbani Mishra
- Division of Bioinformatics, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Division of Bioinformatics, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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15
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Wan L, Wang X, Wang T, Yuan X, Liu W, Huang Y, Deng C, Cao S. Comparison of Target Pocket Similarity and Progress into Research on Inhibitors of Picornavirus 3C Proteases. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202201100. [PMID: 36808685 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The 3C protease (3C Pro) plays a significant role in the life cycle of picornaviruses from replication to translation, making it an attractive target for structure-based design of drugs against picornaviruses. The structurally related 3C-like protease (3CL Pro) is an important protein involved in the replication of coronaviruses. With the emergence of COVID-19 and consequent intensive research into 3CL Pro, development of 3CL Pro inhibitors has emerged as a popular topic. This article compares the similarities of the target pockets of various 3C and 3CL Pros from numerous pathogenic viruses. This article also reports several types of 3C Pro inhibitors that are currently undergoing extensive studies and introduces various structural modifications of 3C Pro inhibitors to provide a reference for the development of new and more effective inhibitors of 3C Pro and 3CL Pro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wan
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, P. R. China
| | - Tangle Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
| | - Changyong Deng
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, P. R. China
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16
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Al-Shuaeeb RAA, Abd El-Mageed HR, Ahmed SA, Mohamed HS, Hamza ZS, Rafi MO, Rahman MS. Identification of potent COVID-19 main protease inhibitors by loading of favipiravir on Mg 12O 12 and Zn 12O 12 nanoclusters: an in silico strategy for COVID-19 treatment. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11437-11449. [PMID: 36591698 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2162967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pandemic new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) virus has increased throughout the world. There is no effective treatment against this virus until now. Since its appearance in Wuhan, China in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 becomes the largest challenge the world is opposite today, including the discovery of an antiviral drug for this virus. Several viral proteins have been prioritized as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug targets, among them the papain-like protease (PLpro) and the main protease (Mpro). Inhibition of these proteases would target viral replication, viral maturation and suppression of host innate immune responses. Potential candidates have been identified to show inhibitory effects against Mpro, both in biochemical assays and viral replication in cells. There are different molecules such as lopinavir and favipiravir considerably inhibit the activity of Mpro in vitro. Different studies have shown that structurally improved favipiravir and other similar compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease. In this work, we study the interactions between favipiravir with Mg12O12 and Zn12O12 nanoclusters by density functional theory (DFT) and quantum mechanics atoms in molecules (QMAIM) methods to summarize the ability to load favipiravir onto Mg12O12 and Zn12O12 nanoclusters. Favipiravir-Mg12O12 and favipiravir-Zn12O12 lowest structures complexes were chosen to dock inside the SARS-CoV-2 main protease by molecular docking study. The molecular docking analysis revealed that the binding affinity of Mg12O12 and Zn12O12 nanoclusters inside the Mpro receptor is larger than that of favipiravir. Also, the loading of favipiravir on the surface of Mg12O12 and Zn12O12 nanoclusters increased the binding affinity against the Mpro receptor. Subsequently, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the favipiravir-Mg12O12, and favipiravir-Zn12O12 docked inside the Mpro complexes established that favipiravir-Mg12O12, forms the most stable complex with the Mpro. Further molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) analyses using the MD trajectories also demonstrated the higher binding affinity of favipiravir-Mg12O12 inside the Mpro. In summary, this study demonstrates a new way to characterize leads for novel anti-viral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, by improving the drug ability of favipiravir via loading it on Mg12O12 and Zn12O12 nanoclusters.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H R Abd El-Mageed
- Micro-analysis and Environmental Research and Community Services Center, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef City, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hussein S Mohamed
- Chemistry of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Department, Research institute of medicinal and aromatic plants (RIMAP), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Zeinab S Hamza
- Chemistry of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Department, Research institute of medicinal and aromatic plants (RIMAP), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Md Oliullah Rafi
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jessore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shahedur Rahman
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jessore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh
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17
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Naidu SAG, Tripathi YB, Shree P, Clemens RA, Naidu AS. Phytonutrient Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2/NSP5-Encoded Main Protease (M pro) Autocleavage Enzyme Critical for COVID-19 Pathogenesis. J Diet Suppl 2023; 20:284-311. [PMID: 34821532 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2021.2006388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The genomic reshuffling, mutagenicity, and high transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen highlights an urgent need for effective antiviral interventions for COVID-19 control. Targeting the highly conserved viral genes and/or gene-encoded viral proteins such as main proteinase (Mpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and helicases are plausible antiviral approaches to prevent replication and propagation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are prone to extensive mutagenesis; however, any genetic alteration to its highly conserved Mpro enzyme is often detrimental to the viral pathogen. Therefore, inhibitors that target the Mpro enzyme could reduce the risk of mutation-mediated drug resistance and provide effective antiviral protection. Several existing antiviral drugs and dietary bioactives are currently repurposed to treat COVID-19. Dietary bioactives from three ayurvedic medicinal herbs, 18 β-glycyrrhetinic acid (ΔG = 8.86 kcal/mol), Solanocapsine (ΔG = 8.59 kcal/mol), and Vasicoline (ΔG = 7.34 kcal/mol), showed high-affinity binding to Mpro enzyme than the native N3 inhibitor (ΔG = 5.41 kcal/mol). Flavonoids strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with comparable or higher potency than the antiviral drug, remdesivir. Several tannin hydrolysates avidly bound to the receptor-binding domain and catalytic dyad (His41 and Cys145) of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro through H-bonding forces. Quercetin binding to Mpro altered the thermostability of the viral protein through redox-based mechanism and inhibited the viral enzymatic activity. Interaction of quercetin-derivatives with the Mpro seem to be influenced by the 7-OH group and the acetoxylation of sugar moiety on the ligand molecule. Based on pharmacokinetic and ADMET profiles, several phytonutrients could serve as a promising redox nutraceutical for COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreus A G Naidu
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, Yorba Linda, California, USA
| | - Yamini B Tripathi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Priya Shree
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Department of International Regulatory Science, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California, USA
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18
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de Souza AS, de Souza RF, Guzzo CR. Quantitative structure-activity relationships, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations reveal drug repurposing candidates as potent SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11339-11356. [PMID: 34370631 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1958700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current outbreak of COVID-19 is leading an unprecedented scientific effort focusing on targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins critical for its viral replication. Herein, we performed high-throughput virtual screening of more than eleven thousand FDA-approved drugs using backpropagation-based artificial neural networks (q2LOO = 0.60, r2 = 0.80 and r2pred = 0.91), partial-least-square (PLS) regression (q2LOO = 0.83, r2 = 0.62 and r2pred = 0.70) and sequential minimal optimization (SMO) regression (q2LOO = 0.70, r2 = 0.80 and r2pred = 0.89). We simulated the stability of Acarbose-derived hexasaccharide, Naratriptan, Peramivir, Dihydrostreptomycin, Enviomycin, Rolitetracycline, Viomycin, Angiotensin II, Angiotensin 1-7, Angiotensinamide, Fenoterol, Zanamivir, Laninamivir and Laninamivir octanoate with 3CLpro by 100 ns and calculated binding free energy using molecular mechanics combined with Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA). Our QSAR models and molecular dynamics data suggest that seven repurposed-drug candidates such as Acarbose-derived Hexasaccharide, Angiotensinamide, Dihydrostreptomycin, Enviomycin, Fenoterol, Naratriptan and Viomycin are potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. In addition, our QSAR models and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that His41, Asn142, Cys145, Glu166 and Gln189 are potential pharmacophoric centers for 3CLpro inhibitors. Glu166 is a potential pharmacophore for drug design and inhibitors that interact with this residue may be critical to avoid dimerization of 3CLpro. Our results will contribute to future investigations of novel chemical scaffolds and the discovery of novel hits in high-throughput screening as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anacleto Silva de Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robson Francisco de Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Rodrigues Guzzo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Hu Q, Xiong Y, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Huang P, Ge G. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e151. [PMID: 35845352 PMCID: PMC9283855 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main proteases (Mpro), also termed 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases (3CLpro), are a class of highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β-coronaviruses. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that 3CLpros play an indispensable role in viral replication and have been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus-caused infectious diseases, including COVID-19. This review is focused on the structural features and biological function of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease Mpro (also known as 3CLpro), as well as recent advances in discovering and developing SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors. To better understand the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, the inhibition activities, inhibitory mechanisms, and key structural features of various 3CLpro inhibitors (including marketed drugs, peptidomimetic, and non-peptidomimetic synthetic compounds, as well as natural compounds and their derivatives) are summarized comprehensively. Meanwhile, the challenges in this field are highlighted, while future directions for designing and developing efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti-coronavirus therapies are also proposed. Collectively, all information and knowledge presented here are very helpful for understanding the structural features and inhibitory mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, which offers new insights or inspiration to medicinal chemists for designing and developing more efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti-coronavirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guang‐Hao Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ya‐Ni Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Wen Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Guang‐Bo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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20
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Glab-ampai K, Kaewchim K, Saenlom T, Thepsawat W, Mahasongkram K, Sookrung N, Chaicumpa W, Chulanetra M. Human Superantibodies to 3CL pro Inhibit Replication of SARS-CoV-2 across Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126587. [PMID: 35743031 PMCID: PMC9223907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Broadly effective and safe anti-coronavirus agent is existentially needed. Major protease (3CLpro) is a highly conserved enzyme of betacoronaviruses. The enzyme plays pivotal role in the virus replication cycle. Thus, it is a good target of a broadly effective anti-Betacoronavirus agent. In this study, human single-chain antibodies (HuscFvs) of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro were generated using phage display technology. The 3CLpro-bound phages were used to infect Escherichia coli host for the production the 3CLpro-bound HuscFvs. Computerized simulation was used to guide the selection of the phage infected-E. coli clones that produced HuscFvs with the 3CLpro inhibitory potential. HuscFvs of three phage infected-E. coli clones were predicted to form contact interface with residues for 3CLpro catalytic activity, substrate binding, and homodimerization. These HuscFvs were linked to a cell-penetrating peptide to make them cell-penetrable, i.e., became superantibodies. The superantibodies blocked the 3CLpro activity in vitro, were not toxic to human cells, traversed across membrane of 3CLpro-expressing cells to co-localize with the intracellular 3CLpro and most of all, they inhibited replication of authentic SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan wild type and α, β, δ, and Omicron variants that were tested. The superantibodies should be investigated further towards clinical application as a safe and broadly effective anti-Betacoronavirus agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittirat Glab-ampai
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Kanasap Kaewchim
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Thanatsaran Saenlom
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Watayagorn Thepsawat
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Kodchakorn Mahasongkram
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Nitat Sookrung
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
- Biomedical Research Incubator Unit, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
| | - Monrat Chulanetra
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.G.-a.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (W.T.); (K.M.); (N.S.); (W.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +662-419-2934
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Fagnani L, Nazzicone L, Bellio P, Franceschini N, Tondi D, Verri A, Petricca S, Iorio R, Amicosante G, Perilli M, Celenza G. Protocetraric and Salazinic Acids as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL Protease: Biochemical, Cytotoxic, and Computational Characterization of Depsidones as Slow-Binding Inactivators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060714. [PMID: 35745633 PMCID: PMC9227325 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The study investigated the inhibitory activity of protocetraric and salazinic acids against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. The kinetic parameters were determined by microtiter plate-reading fluorimeter using a fluorogenic substrate. The cytotoxic activity was tested on murine Sertoli TM4 cells. In silico analysis was performed to ascertain the nature of the binding with the 3CLpro. The compounds are slow-binding inactivators of 3CLpro with a Ki of 3.95 μM and 3.77 μM for protocetraric and salazinic acid, respectively, and inhibitory efficiency kinact/Ki at about 3 × 10−5 s−1µM−1. The mechanism of inhibition shows that both compounds act as competitive inhibitors with the formation of a stable covalent adduct. The viability assay on epithelial cells revealed that none of them shows cytotoxicity up to 80 μM, which is well below the Ki values. By molecular modelling, we predicted that the catalytic Cys145 makes a nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon of the cyclic ester common to both inhibitors, forming a stably acyl-enzyme complex. The computational and kinetic analyses confirm the formation of a stable acyl-enzyme complex with 3CLpro. The results obtained enrich the knowledge of the already numerous biological activities exhibited by lichen secondary metabolites, paving the way for developing promising scaffolds for the design of cysteine enzyme inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Fagnani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Lisaurora Nazzicone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Pierangelo Bellio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Nicola Franceschini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Donatella Tondi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Andrea Verri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Petricca
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Roberto Iorio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Amicosante
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Mariagrazia Perilli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Celenza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.F.); (L.N.); (N.F.); (S.P.); (R.I.); (G.A.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
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22
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Elsayed RW, Sabry MA, El-Subbagh HI, Bayoumi SM, El-Sayed SM. Thiazole-based SARS-CoV-2 protease (COV M pro ) inhibitors: Design, synthesis, enzyme inhibition, and molecular modeling simulations. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200121. [PMID: 35607750 PMCID: PMC9348455 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200121] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
As an attempt to contribute to the efforts of combating the pandemic virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) responsible for COVID‐19, new analogs of the repurposed drug nitazoxanide which showed promising inhibitory efficacy on a viral protease enzyme were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity on the main protease of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, using the COV2‐3CL protease inhibition assay. The obtained results showed that the N‐(substituted‐thiazol‐2‐yl)cinnamamide analogs 19, 20, and 21 were the most active compounds with IC50 values of 22.61, 14.7, 21.99 µM, respectively, against the viral protease compared to the reference drugs, nitazoxanide, and lopinavir. Molecular modeling studies showed binding interactions of 19, 20, and 21 with hydrogen bonds to Gln189 and Glu166, arene–arene interaction between the thiazole moiety and His41, and other hydrophobic interactions between the ethene spacer moiety and Asn142. Moreover, an extra arene–arene interaction between substituted benzo[d]thiazole and His41 was observed regarding compounds 19 and 21. Surface mapping and flexible alignment proved the structural similarity between the new drug candidates and nitazoxanide. Compliance of the new compounds to Lipinski's rule of five was investigated and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology data were predicted. The newly synthesized compounds are promising template ligands for further development and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham W Elsayed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Sabry
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hussein I El-Subbagh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Said M Bayoumi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Selwan M El-Sayed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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23
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Rational Discovery of Antiviral Whey Protein-Derived Small Peptides Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051067. [PMID: 35625804 PMCID: PMC9139167 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, and for the first time, three whey protein-derived peptides (IAEK, IPAVF, MHI), endowed with ACE inhibitory activity, were examined for their antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro) and Human Rhinovirus 3C protease (3Cpro) by employing molecular docking. Computational studies showed reliable binding poses within 3CLpro for the three investigated small peptides, considering docking scores as well as the binding free energy values. Validation by in vitro experiments confirmed these results. In particular, IPAVF exhibited the highest inhibitory activity by returning an IC50 equal to 1.21 μM; it was followed by IAEK, which registered an IC50 of 154.40 μM, whereas MHI was less active with an IC50 equal to 2700.62 μM. On the other hand, none of the assayed peptides registered inhibitory activity against 3Cpro. Based on these results, the herein presented small peptides are introduced as promising molecules to be exploited in the development of “target-specific antiviral” agents against SARS-CoV-2.
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The Effects of Add-on Therapy of Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) on Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial. Complement Ther Med 2022; 65:102808. [PMID: 35093510 PMCID: PMC8799474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the effect of Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) as an add-on therapy on COVID-19_ related biomarkers and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods In this RCT, sixty-one patients were randomly assigned into two arms [the intervention (n=31) and control arms (n=30)]. The effect of Amla on diagnostic Reverse-transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test results between the first and the last days of the study, the length of stay (LOS) in hospital, the percentage of lung involvement on CT scans, changes in the clinical symptoms, and the laboratory markers were assessed. Results The two study groups had similar baseline demographics and characteristics in terms of medical history. The mean of LOS in the intervention arm (4.44 days) was significantly shorter than in the control arm (7.18 days, P < 0.001); RT-PCR results were not significantly different between the two arms (P = 0.07). All clinical variables decreased over time in the two groups (P < 0.001). However, the difference between the two groups in terms of fever (P = 0.004), severity of cough (P = 0.001), shortness of breath (P = 0.004), and myalgia (P = 0.005) were significant, but this intergroup comparison was not significant with regard to respiratory rate (P = 0.29), severity of chills (P = 0.06), sore throat (P = 0.22), and weakness (P = 0.12). Out of the eight evaluated para-clinical variables, three variables showed significant improvement in the intervention arm, including the mean increase in oxygen saturation (SpO2) level (P < 0.001), the reduction in the mean percentage of lung involvement on CT (P < 0.001), and the improvement in C-reactive protein test results (P < 0.001). Conclusion Organic herbal Amla tea cannot significantly affect the RT-PCR results and or degree of lung involvement. Nevertheless, it showed an ameliorative effect on the severity of clinical signs and CRP levels. Also, Amla tea may shorten the recovery times of symptoms and LOS in COVID-19 patients.
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Chiou WC, Hsu MS, Chen YT, Yang JM, Tsay YG, Huang HC, Huang C. Repurposing existing drugs: identification of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:147-153. [PMID: 33430659 PMCID: PMC7808739 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1850710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only distressed medical services but also caused economic upheavals, marking urgent the need for effective therapeutics. The experience of combating SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has shown that inhibiting the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) blocks the replication of the virus. Given the well-studied properties of FDA-approved drugs, identification of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors in an FDA-approved drug library would be of great therapeutic value. Here, we screened a library consisting of 774 FDA-approved drugs for potent SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, using an intramolecularly quenched fluorescence (IQF) peptide substrate. Ethacrynic acid, naproxen, allopurinol, butenafine hydrochloride, raloxifene hydrochloride, tranylcypromine hydrochloride, and saquinavir mesylate have been found to block the proteolytic activity of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. The inhibitory activity of these repurposing drugs against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro highlights their therapeutic potential for treating COVID-19 and other Betacoronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chung Chiou
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Shiuan Hsu
- Departments of Infectious Disease, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ti Chen
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jinn-Moon Yang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yeou-Guang Tsay
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chen Huang
- Department of Applied Science, National Tsing Hua University South Campus, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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26
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El-Mageed HRA, Abdelrheem DA, Rafi MO, Sarker MT, Al-Khafaji K, Hossain MJ, Capasso R, Emran TB. In Silico Evaluation of Different Flavonoids from Medicinal Plants for Their Potency against SARS-CoV-2. BIOLOGICS 2021; 1:416-434. [DOI: 10.3390/biologics1030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic situation of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a global threat to both the world economy and public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover effective vaccines or drugs to fight against this virus. The flavonoids and their medicinal plant sources have already exhibited various biological effects, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. This study was designed to evaluate different flavonoids from medicinal plants as potential inhibitors against the spike protein (Sp) and main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 using various computational approaches such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics. The binding affinity and inhibitory effects of all studied flavonoids were discussed and compared with some antiviral drugs that are currently being used in COVID-19 treatment namely favipiravir, lopinavir, and hydroxychloroquine, respectively. Among all studies flavonoids and proposed antiviral drugs, luteolin and mundulinol exhibited the highest binding affinity toward Mpro and Sp. Drug-likeness and ADMET studies revealed that the chosen flavonoids are safe and non-toxic. One hundred ns-MD simulations were implemented for luteolin-Mpro, mundulinol-Mpro, luteolin-Sp, and mundulinol-Sp complexes and the results revealed strong stability of these flavonoid-protein complexes. Furthermore, MM/PBSA confirms the stability of luteolin and mundulinol interactions within the active sites of this protein. In conclusion, our findings reveal that the promising activity of luteolin and mundulinol as inhibitors against COVID-19 via inhibiting the spike protein and major protease of SARS CoV-2, and we urge further research to achieve the clinical significance of our proposed molecular-based efficacy.
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Torres Neto L, Monteiro MLG, Galvan D, Conte-Junior CA. An Evaluation of the Potential of Essential Oils against SARS-CoV-2 from In Silico Studies through the Systematic Review Using a Chemometric Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111138. [PMID: 34832920 PMCID: PMC8624289 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) and their compounds have attracted particular attention for their reported beneficial properties, especially their antiviral potential. However, data regarding their anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential are scarce in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to identify the most promising EO compounds against SARS-CoV-2 based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties. A systematic literature search retrieved 1669 articles; 40 met the eligibility criteria, and 35 were eligible for analysis. These studies resulted in 465 EO compounds evaluated against 11 human and/or SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Ninety-four EO compounds and seven reference drugs were clustered by the highest predicted binding affinity. Furthermore, 41 EO compounds showed suitable drug-likeness and bioactivity score indices (≥0.67). Among these EO compounds, 15 were considered the most promising against SARS-CoV-2 with the ADME/T index ranging from 0.86 to 0.81. Some plant species were identified as EO potential sources with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, such as Melissa officinalis Arcang, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Eugenia brasiliensis Cambess, Zingiber zerumbet Triboun & K.Larsen, Cedrus libani A.Rich, and Vetiveria zizanoides Nash. Our work can help fill the gap in the literature and guide further in vitro and in vivo studies, intending to optimize the finding of effective EOs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Torres Neto
- COVID-19 Research Group, Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil; (L.T.N.); (M.L.G.M.); (D.G.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, n. 149, Bloco A, 5° Andar, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Guerra Monteiro
- COVID-19 Research Group, Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil; (L.T.N.); (M.L.G.M.); (D.G.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, n. 149, Bloco A, 5° Andar, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niterói 24220-000, Brazil
| | - Diego Galvan
- COVID-19 Research Group, Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil; (L.T.N.); (M.L.G.M.); (D.G.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, n. 149, Bloco A, 5° Andar, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- COVID-19 Research Group, Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil; (L.T.N.); (M.L.G.M.); (D.G.)
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, n. 149, Bloco A, 5° Andar, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niterói 24220-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-3938-7825
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Saied EM, El-Maradny YA, Osman AA, Darwish AMG, Abo Nahas HH, Niedbała G, Piekutowska M, Abdel-Rahman MA, Balbool BA, Abdel-Azeem AM. A Comprehensive Review about the Molecular Structure of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): Insights into Natural Products against COVID-19. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1759. [PMID: 34834174 PMCID: PMC8624722 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, the world suffered from the emergence of COVID-19 infection, one of the most difficult pandemics in recent history. Millions of confirmed deaths from this pandemic have been reported worldwide. This disaster was caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is the last discovered member of the family of Coronaviridae. Various studies have shown that natural compounds have effective antiviral properties against coronaviruses by inhibiting multiple viral targets, including spike proteins and viral enzymes. This review presents the classification and a detailed explanation of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular characteristics and structure-function relationships. We present all currently available crystal structures of different SARS-CoV-2 proteins and emphasized on the crystal structure of different virus proteins and the binding modes of their ligands. This review also discusses the various therapeutic approaches for COVID-19 treatment and available vaccinations. In addition, we highlight and compare the existing data about natural compounds extracted from algae, fungi, plants, and scorpion venom that were used as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we discuss the repurposing of select approved therapeutic agents that have been used in the treatment of other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa M. Saied
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yousra A. El-Maradny
- Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt;
| | - Alaa A. Osman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Giza University, Newgiza, km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo 12256, Egypt;
| | - Amira M. G. Darwish
- Food Technology Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute (ALCRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA City), Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
| | - Hebatallah H. Abo Nahas
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (H.H.A.N.); (M.A.A.-R.)
| | - Gniewko Niedbała
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Piekutowska
- Department of Geoecology and Geoinformation, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Partyzantów 27, 76-200 Słupsk, Poland;
| | - Mohamed A. Abdel-Rahman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (H.H.A.N.); (M.A.A.-R.)
| | - Bassem A. Balbool
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza 12585, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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29
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Sattari A, Ramazani A, Aghahosseini H. Repositioning therapeutics for COVID-19: virtual screening of the potent synthetic and natural compounds as SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2021. [PMCID: PMC7994965 DOI: 10.1007/s13738-021-02235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has sparked alarm worldwide. Attaining the best drugs to treat COVID-19 at the shortest possible time is one of the most critical issues in this urgent situation. Molecular docking investigation of the therapeutic potential of marketed drugs is a fast and cost-effective approach to provide a solution to this problem. The recent research efforts have led to the resolving of the 3CLpro structure as a key protease in the lifecycle of coronavirus, which could facilitate in silico evaluation of drug candidates. Herein, the similarity between the SARS-CoV-2-3CL main protease and the other SARS-CoV receptors was evaluated via multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree. The reported structure of the 3CLpro was considered as a target to identify potential inhibitors for treating COVID-19 using molecular docking based virtual screening protocol. Accordingly, a database of 50 synthetic compounds with various pharmacological usage such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-human immunodeficiency viruses, antimalarial, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant including approved drugs and those undergoing clinical trials, and 40 natural compounds particularly those employed in traditional Iranian medicine was constructed. The output of multiple sequence alignment analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 main protease shares a similarity of 96% with SARS-CoV. Also, the docking results indicated that the licofelone acyl glucuronide as an anti-inflammatory drug and delta-bilirubin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent as well as kappa-carrageenan conformer, beta-D-galactopyranosyl and calycosin 7-O-glucoside as natural compounds with minimal side-effects, according to in vitro studies, are good candidates to block the enzymatic activity of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Moreover, the compound 1 with the highest negative binding energy is a chemical compound that due to its favorable interactions with the 3CLpro can be identified as a representative potential drug candidate for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Sattari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, 45371-38791 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, 45371-38791 Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Modern Biological Techniques (RIMBT), University of Zanjan, 45371-38791 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hamideh Aghahosseini
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, 45371-38791 Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Modern Biological Techniques (RIMBT), University of Zanjan, 45371-38791 Zanjan, Iran
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Khan A, Umbreen S, Hameed A, Fatima R, Zahoor U, Babar Z, Waseem M, Hussain Z, Rizwan M, Zaman N, Ali S, Suleman M, Shah A, Ali L, Ali SS, Wei DQ. In Silico Mutagenesis-Based Remodelling of SARS-CoV-1 Peptide (ATLQAIAS) to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2: Structural-Dynamics and Free Energy Calculations. Interdiscip Sci 2021; 13:521-534. [PMID: 34324157 PMCID: PMC8319699 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-021-00447-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The prolific spread of COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) from its epicenter in Wuhan, China, to every nook and cranny of the world after December 2019, jeopardize the prevailing health system in the world and has raised serious concerns about human safety. Multi-directional efforts are made to design small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines and many other therapeutic options are practiced, but their final therapeutic potential is still to be tested. Using the old drug or vaccine or peptides could aid this process to avoid such long experimental procedures. Hence, here, we have repurposed a small peptide (ATLQAIAS) from the previous study, which reported the inhibitory effects of this peptide. We used in silico mutagenesis approach to design more peptides from the native wild peptide, which revealed that substitutions (T2W, T2Y, L3R, and A5W) could increase the binding affinity of the peptide towards the 3CLpro. Furthermore, using MD simulation and free energy calculation confirmed its dynamics stability and stronger binding affinities. Per-residue energy decomposition analysis revealed that the specified substitution significantly increased the binding affinity at the residue level. Our wide-ranging analyses of binding affinities disclosed that our designed peptide owns the potential to hinder the SARS-CoV-2 and will reduce the progression of SARS-CoV-2-borne pneumonia. Our research strongly suggests the experimental and clinical validation of these peptides to curtail the recent corona outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaheena Umbreen
- Department of Botany, University of Okara, Okara, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Asma Hameed
- Department of Botany, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Rida Fatima
- Department of Chemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ujala Zahoor
- Department of Botany, Women University, Bagh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Zainib Babar
- Center for Viticulture and Enology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Muhammad Waseem
- Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Science, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Nasib Zaman
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Liaqat Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center On Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Fadaka AO, Sibuyi NRS, Martin DR, Klein A, Madiehe A, Meyer M. Development of Effective Therapeutic Molecule from Natural Sources against Coronavirus Protease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179431. [PMID: 34502340 PMCID: PMC8430653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is one of the molecular targets for drug design. Effective vaccines have been identified as a long-term solution but the rate at which they are being administered is slow in several countries, and mutations of SARS-CoV-2 could render them less effective. Moreover, remdesivir seems to work only with some types of COVID-19 patients. Hence, the continuous investigation of new treatments for this disease is pivotal. This study investigated the inhibitory role of natural products against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro as repurposable agents in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Through in silico approach, selected flavonoids were docked into the active site of Mpro. The free energies of the ligands complexed with Mpro were computationally estimated using the molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) method. In addition, the inhibition process of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with these ligands was simulated at 100 ns in order to uncover the dynamic behavior and complex stability. The docking results showed that the selected flavonoids exhibited good poses in the binding domain of Mpro. The amino acid residues involved in the binding of the selected ligands correlated well with the residues involved with the mechanism-based inhibitor (N3) and the docking score of Quercetin-3-O-Neohesperidoside (−16.8 Kcal/mol) ranked efficiently with this inhibitor (−16.5 Kcal/mol). In addition, single-structure MM/GBSA rescoring method showed that Quercetin-3-O-Neohesperidoside (−87.60 Kcal/mol) is more energetically favored than N3 (−80.88 Kcal/mol) and other ligands (Myricetin 3-Rutinoside (−87.50 Kcal/mol), Quercetin 3-Rhamnoside (−80.17 Kcal/mol), Rutin (−58.98 Kcal/mol), and Myricitrin (−49.22 Kcal/mol). The molecular dynamics simulation (MDs) pinpointed the stability of these complexes over the course of 100 ns with reduced RMSD and RMSF. Based on the docking results and energy calculation, together with the RMSD of 1.98 ± 0.19 Å and RMSF of 1.00 ± 0.51 Å, Quercetin-3-O-Neohesperidoside is a better inhibitor of Mpro compared to N3 and other selected ligands and can be repurposed as a drug candidate for the treatment of COVID-19. In addition, this study demonstrated that in silico docking, free energy calculations, and MDs, respectively, are applicable to estimating the interaction, energetics, and dynamic behavior of molecular targets by natural products and can be used to direct the development of novel target function modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adewale Oluwaseun Fadaka
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (N.R.S.S.); (D.R.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nicole Remaliah Samantha Sibuyi
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (N.R.S.S.); (D.R.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Darius Riziki Martin
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (N.R.S.S.); (D.R.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Ashwil Klein
- Plant Omics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
| | - Abram Madiehe
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (N.R.S.S.); (D.R.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Nanobiotechnology Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Mervin Meyer
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (N.R.S.S.); (D.R.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
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Ferreira JC, Fadl S, Ilter M, Pekel H, Rezgui R, Sensoy O, Rabeh WM. Dimethyl sulfoxide reduces the stability but enhances catalytic activity of the main SARS-CoV-2 protease 3CLpro. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21774. [PMID: 34324734 PMCID: PMC8441638 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), one of the most challenging global pandemics of the modern era. Potential treatment strategies against COVID‐19 are yet to be devised. It is crucial that antivirals that interfere with the SARS‐CoV‐2 life cycle be identified and developed. 3‐Chymotrypsin‐like protease (3CLpro) is an attractive antiviral drug target against SARS‐CoV‐2, and coronaviruses in general, because of its role in the processing of viral polyproteins. Inhibitors of 3CLpro activity are screened in enzyme assays before further development of the most promising leads. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common additive used in such assays and enhances the solubility of assay components. However, it may also potentially affect the stability and efficiency of 3CLpro but, to date, this effect had not been analyzed in detail. Here, we investigated the effect of DMSO on 3CLpro‐catalyzed reaction. While DMSO (5%‐20%) decreased the optimum temperature of catalysis and thermodynamic stability of 3CLpro, it only marginally affected the kinetic stability of the enzyme. Increasing the DMSO concentration up to 20% improved the catalytic efficiency and peptide‐binding affinity of 3CLpro. At such high DMSO concentration, the solubility and stability of peptide substrate were improved because of reduced aggregation. In conclusion, we recommend 20% DMSO as the minimum concentration to be used in screens of 3CLpro inhibitors as lead compounds for the development of antiviral drugs against COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar Fadl
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Metehan Ilter
- Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hanife Pekel
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Vocational School of Health Services, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rachid Rezgui
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ozge Sensoy
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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33
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Mahmoudi S, Balmeh N, Mohammadi N, Sadeghian-Rizi T. The Novel Drug Discovery to Combat COVID-19 by Repressing Important Virus Proteins Involved in Pathogenesis Using Medicinal Herbal Compounds. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2021; 13:107-115. [PMID: 34484639 PMCID: PMC8377408 DOI: 10.18502/ajmb.v13i3.6370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cause of COVID-19 global pandemic is SARS-CoV-2. Given the outbreak of this disease, it is so important to find a treatment. One strategy to cope with COVID-19 is to use the active ingredients of medicinal plants. In this study, the effect of active substances was surveyed in inhibiting four important druggable targets, including S protein, 3CLpro, RdRp, and N protein. RdRp controls the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and is crucial for its life cycle. 3CLpro is the main protease of the virus and could be another therapeutic target. Moreover, N protein and S protein are responsible for SARS-CoV-2 assembly and attaching, respectively. METHODS The 3D structures of herbal active ingredients were prepared and docked with the mentioned SARS-CoV-2 proteins to obtain their affinity. Then, available antiviral drugs introduced in other investigations were docked using similar tools and compared with the results of this study. Finally, other properties of natural compounds were uncovered for drug designing. RESULTS The outcomes of the study revealed that Linarin, Amentoflavone, (-)-Catechin Gallate and Hypericin from Chrysanthemum morifolium, Hypericum perforatum, Humulus lupulus, and Hibiscus sabdariffa had the highest affinity for these basic proteins and in some cases, their affinity was much higher than antiviral medicines. CONCLUSION In addition to having high affinity, these herb active ingredients have antioxidant, vasoprotective, anticarcinogenic, and antiviral properties. Therefore, they can be used as extremely safe therapeutic compounds in drug design studies to control COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Balmeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Nour Danesh Institution of Higher Education, Meymeh, Iran
| | - Niloofar Mohammadi
- Department of Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agricultural Sciences, Pir Bakran Branch, Payame Noor University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tahereh Sadeghian-Rizi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran
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34
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Zhong JF, Rauf A, Naeem M, Rahman J, Aslam A. Quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) of valency based topological indices with Covid-19 drugs and application. ARAB J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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35
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Khan A, Heng W, Wang Y, Qiu J, Wei X, Peng S, Saleem S, Khan M, Ali SS, Wei D. In silico and in vitro evaluation of kaempferol as a potential inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro). Phytother Res 2021; 35:2841-2845. [PMID: 33448101 PMCID: PMC8013176 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological StatisticsSchool of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wang Heng
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological StatisticsSchool of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanjing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological StatisticsSchool of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | | | | | | | - Shoaib Saleem
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Mazhar Khan
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleSchool of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and DevelopmentHefeiChina
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of SwatSwatPakistan
| | - Dong‐Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological StatisticsSchool of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Peng Cheng LaboratoryShenzhenChina
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai‐Islamabad‐Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental SciencesMinistry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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36
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Santana FPR, Thevenard F, Gomes KS, Taguchi L, Câmara NOS, Stilhano RS, Ureshino RP, Prado CM, Lago JHG. New perspectives on natural flavonoids on COVID-19-induced lung injuries. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4988-5006. [PMID: 33928690 PMCID: PMC8242604 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, spread rapidly worldwide and became a pandemic in 2020. In some patients, the virus remains in the respiratory tract, causing pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and sepsis, leading to death. Natural flavonoids (aglycone and glycosides) possess broad biological activities encompassing antiinflammatory, antiviral, antitumoral, antiallergic, antiplatelet, and antioxidant effects. While many studies have focused on the effects of natural flavonoids in experimental models, reports based on clinical trials are still insufficient. In this review, we highlight the effects of flavonoids in controlling pulmonary diseases, particularly the acute respiratory distress syndrome, a consequence of COVID-19, and their potential use in coronavirus-related diseases. Furthermore, we also focus on establishing a relationship between biological potential and chemical aspects of related flavonoids and discuss several possible mechanisms of action, pointing out some possible effects on COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Paula R Santana
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Thevenard
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaio S Gomes
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laura Taguchi
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Niels Olsen S Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta S Stilhano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo P Ureshino
- Department of Biological Science, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Maximo Prado
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhuo LS, Wang MS, Yang JF, Xu HC, Huang W, Shang LQ, Yang GF. Insights into SARS-CoV-2: Medicinal Chemistry Approaches to Combat Its Structural and Functional Biology. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2021; 379:23. [PMID: 33886017 PMCID: PMC8061463 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-021-00335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is still a pandemic around the world. Currently, specific antiviral drugs to control the epidemic remain deficient. Understanding the details of SARS-CoV-2 structural biology is extremely important for development of antiviral agents that will enable regulation of its life cycle. This review focuses on the structural biology and medicinal chemistry of various key proteins (Spike, ACE2, TMPRSS2, RdRp and Mpro) in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, as well as their inhibitors/drug candidates. Representative broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, especially those against the homologous virus SARS-CoV, are summarized with the expectation they will drive the development of effective, broad-spectrum inhibitors against coronaviruses. We are hopeful that this review will be a useful aid for discovery of novel, potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs with excellent therapeutic results in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Sheng Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Shu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Chuang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Qing Shang
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guang-Fu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, People's Republic of China.
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38
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Ali F, Hussain S, Zhu YZ. A therapeutic journey of potential drugs against COVID-19. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1876-1894. [PMID: 33845740 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666210412161157] [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: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) scrambles the world by infecting millions of peoples all over the globe. It has caused tremendous morbidity, mortality and greatly impacted the lives and economy worldwide as an outcome of mandatory quarantines or isolations. Despite the worsening trends of COVID-19, no drugs are validated to have significant efficacy in clinical treatment of COVID-19 patients in large-scale studies. Physicians and researchers throughout the world are working to understand the pathophysiology to expose the conceivable handling regimens and to determine the effective vaccines and/or therapeutic agents. Some of them re-purposed drugs for clinical trials which were primarily known to be effective against the RNA viruses including MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1. In the absence of a proven efficacy therapy, the current management use therapies based on antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, convalescent plasma, anti-parasitic agents in both oral and parenteral formulation, oxygen therapy and heparin support. What is needed at this hour, however, is a definitive drug therapy or vaccine. Different countries are rushing to find this, and various trials are already underway. We aimed to summarized the potential therapeutic strategies as a treatment options for COVID-19 that could be helpful to stop further spread of SARS-CoV-2 by effecting its structural components or modulation of immune response and also discusses the leading drugs/vaccines, which were considered as potential agents for controlling this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayaz Ali
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa 999078, Macau SAR. China
| | - Shahid Hussain
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology Islamabad. Pakistan
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa 999078, Macau SAR. China
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39
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Computer-Aided Prediction and Identification of Phytochemicals as Potential Drug Candidates against MERS-CoV. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5578689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the major leading cause of respiratory infections listed as blueprint of diseases by the World Health Organization. It needs immediate research in the developing countries including Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and China. Still no vaccine has been developed against MERS-CoV; therefore, an effective strategy is required to overcome the devastating outcomes of MERS. Computer-aided drug design is the effective method to find out potency of natural phytochemicals as inhibitors of MERS-CoV. In the current study, the molecular docking approach was employed to target receptor binding of CoV. A total of 150 phytochemicals were docked as ligands in this study and found that some of the phytochemicals successfully inhibited the catalytic triad of MERS-CoV. The docking results brought novel scaffolds which showed strong ligand interactions with Arg178, Arg339, His311, His230, Lys146, and Arg139 residues of the viral domains. From the top ten ligands found in this study (i.e., rosavin, betaxanthin, quercetin, citromitin, pluviatilol, digitogenin, ichangin, methyl deacetylnomilinate, kobusinol A, and cyclocalamin) based on best
-score values, two phytochemicals (i.e., pluviatilol and kobusinol A) exhibited all drug-likeness properties following the pharmacokinetic parameters which are important for bioavailability of drug-like compounds, and hence, they can serve as potential drug candidates to stop the viral load. The study revealed that these phytochemicals would serve as strong potential inhibitors and a starting point for the development of vaccines and proteases against MERS-CoV. Further, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of these potential drug candidates.
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Zhang Y, Gargan S, Lu Y, Stevenson NJ. An Overview of Current Knowledge of Deadly CoVs and Their Interface with Innate Immunity. Viruses 2021; 13:560. [PMID: 33810391 PMCID: PMC8066579 DOI: 10.3390/v13040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a large family of zoonotic RNA viruses, whose infection can lead to mild or lethal respiratory tract disease. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) first emerged in Guangdong, China in 2002 and spread to 29 countries, infecting 8089 individuals and causing 774 deaths. In 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in Saudi Arabia and has spread to 27 countries, with a mortality rate of ~34%. In 2019, SARS-CoV-2 emerged and has spread to 220 countries, infecting over 100,000,000 people and causing more than 2,000,000 deaths to date. These three human coronaviruses cause diseases of varying severity. Most people develop mild, common cold-like symptoms, while some develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The success of all viruses, including coronaviruses, relies on their evolved abilities to evade and modulate the host anti-viral and pro-inflammatory immune responses. However, we still do not fully understand the transmission, phylogeny, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1 and -2. Despite the rapid application of a range of therapies for SARS-CoV-2, such as convalescent plasma, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine and type I interferon, no fully effective treatment has been determined. Remarkably, COVID-19 vaccine research and development have produced several offerings that are now been administered worldwide. Here, we summarise an up-to-date understanding of epidemiology, immunomodulation and ongoing anti-viral and immunosuppressive treatment strategies. Indeed, understanding the interplay between coronaviruses and the anti-viral immune response is crucial to identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention, which may even prove invaluable for the control of future emerging coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Zhang
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland; (Y.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Siobhan Gargan
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland; (Y.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Yongxu Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK;
| | - Nigel J. Stevenson
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland; (Y.Z.); (S.G.)
- Viral Immunology Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland—Medical University of Bahrain, Adliya 15503, Bahrain
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Identification of 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLPro) inhibitors as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Commun Biol 2021; 4:93. [PMID: 33473151 PMCID: PMC7817688 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a major threat to public health. The morbidity is increasing due to lack of SARS-CoV-2 specific drugs. Herein, we have identified potential drugs that target the 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro), the main protease that is pivotal for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Computational molecular modeling was used to screen 3987 FDA approved drugs, and 47 drugs were selected to study their inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 specific 3CLpro enzyme in vitro. Our results indicate that boceprevir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, tipranavir, ivermectin, and micafungin exhibited inhibitory effect towards 3CLpro enzymatic activity. The 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation studies showed that ivermectin may require homodimeric form of 3CLpro enzyme for its inhibitory activity. In summary, these molecules could be useful to develop highly specific therapeutically viable drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication either alone or in combination with drugs specific for other SARS-CoV-2 viral targets. Here, the authors identify potential drugs that target 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro), which is a pivotal protease for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. They found that off-target inhibitors such as ivermectin and micafungin inhibit 3CLpro enzyme activity, suggesting that these molecules could constitute useful therapies to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication.
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Rabaan AA, Al-Ahmed SH, Sah R, Alqumber MA, Haque S, Patel SK, Pathak M, Tiwari R, Yatoo MI, Haq AU, Bilal M, Dhama K, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. MERS-CoV: epidemiology, molecular dynamics, therapeutics, and future challenges. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2021; 20:8. [PMID: 33461573 PMCID: PMC7812981 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Severe Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has gained research attention worldwide, given the current pandemic. Nevertheless, a previous zoonotic and highly pathogenic coronavirus, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is still causing concern, especially in Saudi Arabia and neighbour countries. The MERS-CoV has been reported from respiratory samples in more than 27 countries, and around 2500 cases have been reported with an approximate fatality rate of 35%. After its emergence in 2012 intermittent, sporadic cases, nosocomial infections and many community clusters of MERS continued to occur in many countries. Human-to-human transmission resulted in the large outbreaks in Saudi Arabia. The inherent genetic variability among various clads of the MERS-CoV might have probably paved the events of cross-species transmission along with changes in the inter-species and intra-species tropism. The current review is drafted using an extensive review of literature on various databases, selecting of publications irrespective of favouring or opposing, assessing the merit of study, the abstraction of data and analysing data. The genome of MERS-CoV contains around thirty thousand nucleotides having seven predicted open reading frames. Spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins are the four main structural proteins. The surface located spike protein (S) of betacoronaviruses has been established to be one of the significant factors in their zoonotic transmission through virus-receptor recognition mediation and subsequent initiation of viral infection. Three regions in Saudi Arabia (KSA), Eastern Province, Riyadh and Makkah were affected severely. The epidemic progression had been the highest in 2014 in Makkah and Riyadh and Eastern Province in 2013. With a lurking epidemic scare, there is a crucial need for effective therapeutic and immunological remedies constructed on sound molecular investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsah H Al-Ahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mohammed A Alqumber
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shailesh Kumar Patel
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Mamta Pathak
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001, India
| | - Mohd Iqbal Yatoo
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Abrar Ul Haq
- Division of Clinical Veterinary Medicine Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher E Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, Shuhama, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, 223003, China
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India.
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia. .,Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia. .,School of Medicine, Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo (UNIFRANZ), Cochabamba, Bolivia.
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Balmeh N, Mahmoudi S, Fard NA. Manipulated bio antimicrobial peptides from probiotic bacteria as proposed drugs for COVID-19 disease. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 23:100515. [PMID: 33521241 PMCID: PMC7832255 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is the latest pandemic resulted from the coronavirus family. Due to the high prevalence of this disease, its high mortality rate, and the lack of effective treatment, the need for affordable and accessible drugs is one of the main challenges in this regard. It has been proved that RdRp, 3CL, Spike, and Nucleocapsid are the most important viral proteins playing vital roles in the processes of proliferation and infection. Therefore, we started studying a wide range of bio-peptides and then conducted molecular docking analyses to investigate their binding affinity for the inhibition of these proteins. After obtaining the best bio-peptides with the highest affinity scores, they were examined for further study and then manipulated to eliminate their side effects. Additionally, the molecular dynamic simulation was performed to validate the structure and interaction stability. The results of this study reveal that glycocin F from Lactococcus lactis and lactococcine G from Lactobacillus plantarum had the high affinities to bind to the viral proteins, and the manipulation of their sequence also led to the side effects' elimination. In addition, in some cases, their affinities to attach the SARS-CoV-2 proteins have increased. It seems that these two drugs which were discovered and designed, are optimal for treating the COVID-19 infection. However, experimental and pre-clinical studies are necessary to assay their therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Balmeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Nour Danesh Institution of Higher Education, Meymeh, Iran
| | - Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najaf Allahyari Fard
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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Rameshkumar MR, Indu P, Arunagirinathan N, Venkatadri B, El-Serehy HA, Ahmad A. Computational selection of flavonoid compounds as inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and spike proteins: A molecular docking study. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:448-458. [PMID: 33110386 PMCID: PMC7581406 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been recognized as a global health concern. Since, no specific antiviral drug is proven effective for treatment against COVID-19, identification of new therapeutics is an urgent need. In this study, flavonoid compounds were analyzed for its inhibitory potential against important protein targets of SARS-CoV-2 using computational approaches. Virtual docking was performed for screening of flavonoid compounds retrieved from PubChem against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 using COVID-19 docking server. The cut off of dock score was set to >-9 kcal/mol and screened compounds were individually docked against main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and spike proteins using AutoDock 4.1 software. Finally, lead flavonoid compounds were subjected to ADMET analysis. A total of 458 flavonoid compounds were virtually screened against main protease target and 36 compounds were selected based on the interaction energy value >-9 kcal/mol. Furthermore, these compounds were individually docked against protein targets and top 10 lead compounds were identified. Among the lead compounds, agathisflavone showed highest binding energy value of -8.4 kcal/mol against main protease, Albireodelphin showed highest dock score of -9.8 kcal/mol and -11.2 kcal/mol against RdRp, and spike proteins, respectively. Based on the high dock score and ADMET properties, top 5 lead molecules such as Albireodelphin, Apigenin 7-(6″-malonylglucoside), Cyanidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside, Delphinidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside 5-O-(6-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucoside) and (-)-Maackiain-3-O-glucosyl-6″-O-malonate were identified as potent inhibitors against main protease, RdRp, and spike protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. These all compounds are having non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic properties. This study finding suggests that the screened compounds include Albireodelphin, Apigenin 7-(6″-malonylglucoside), Cyanidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside, Delphinidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside 5-O-(6-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucoside) and (-)-Maackiain-3-O-glucosyl-6″-O-malonate could be the potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Purushothaman Indu
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Presidency College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Narasingam Arunagirinathan
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Presidency College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, India
- Central Research Laboratory, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Research and Education (Deemed to be University), Chennai, India
| | - Babu Venkatadri
- Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Loyola College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Hamed A. El-Serehy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Verma N, Henderson JA, Shen J. Proton-Coupled Conformational Activation of SARS Coronavirus Main Proteases and Opportunity for Designing Small-Molecule Broad-Spectrum Targeted Covalent Inhibitors. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:21883-21890. [PMID: 33320670 PMCID: PMC7754784 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c10770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) is an attractive broad-spectrum antiviral drug target. Despite the enormous progress in structure elucidation, the Mpro's structure-function relationship remains poorly understood. Recently, a peptidomimetic inhibitor has entered clinical trial; however, small-molecule orally available antiviral drugs have yet to be developed. Intrigued by a long-standing controversy regarding the existence of an inactive state, we explored the proton-coupled dynamics of the Mpros of SARS-CoV-2 and the closely related SARS-CoV using a newly developed continuous constant pH molecular dynamics (MD) method and microsecond fixed-charge all-atom MD simulations. Our data supports a general base mechanism for Mpro's proteolytic function. The simulations revealed that protonation of His172 alters a conserved interaction network that upholds the oxyanion loop, leading to a partial collapse of the conserved S1 pocket, consistent with the first and controversial crystal structure of SARS-CoV Mpro determined at pH 6. Interestingly, a natural flavonoid binds SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in the close proximity to a conserved cysteine (Cys44), which is hyper-reactive according to the CpHMD titration. This finding offers an exciting new opportunity for small-molecule targeted covalent inhibitor design. Our work represents a first step toward the mechanistic understanding of the proton-coupled structure-dynamics-function relationship of CoV Mpros; the proposed strategy of designing small-molecule covalent inhibitors may help accelerate the development of orally available broad-spectrum antiviral drugs to stop the current pandemic and prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Jack A Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Jana Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
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Chourasia R, Padhi S, Chiring Phukon L, Abedin MM, Singh SP, Rai AK. A Potential Peptide From Soy Cheese Produced Using Lactobacillus delbrueckii WS4 for Effective Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and S1 Glycoprotein. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:601753. [PMID: 33363209 PMCID: PMC7759660 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.601753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by novel SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in an unprecedented loss of lives and economy around the world. In this study, search for potential inhibitors against two of the best characterized SARS-CoV-2 drug targets: S1 glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) and main protease (3CLPro), was carried out using the soy cheese peptides. A total of 1,420 peptides identified from the cheese peptidome produced using Lactobacillus delbrueckii WS4 were screened for antiviral activity by employing the web tools, AVPpred, and meta-iAVP. Molecular docking studies of the selected peptides revealed one potential peptide "KFVPKQPNMIL" that demonstrated strong affinity toward significant amino acid residues responsible for the host cell entry (RBD) and multiplication (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. The peptide was also assessed for its ability to interact with the critical residues of S1 RBD and 3CLpro of other β-coronaviruses. High binding affinity was observed toward critical amino acids of both the targeted proteins in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and HCoV-HKU1. The binding energy of KFVPKQPNMIL against RBD and 3CLpro of the four viruses ranged from -8.45 to -26.8 kcal/mol and -15.22 to -22.85 kcal/mol, respectively. The findings conclude that cheese, produced by using Lb. delbrueckii WS4, could be explored as a prophylactic food for SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses. In addition, the multi-target inhibitor peptide, which effectively inhibited both the viral proteins, could further be used as a terminus a quo for the in vitro and in vivo function against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rounak Chourasia
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Sikkim, India
| | - Srichandan Padhi
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Sikkim, India
| | - Loreni Chiring Phukon
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Sikkim, India
| | - Md Minhajul Abedin
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Sikkim, India
| | - Sudhir P. Singh
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (DBT-CIAB), Mohali, India
| | - Amit Kumar Rai
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), Regional Centre, Sikkim, India
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Jo S, Kim S, Shin DH, Kim MS. Inhibition of SARS-CoV 3CL protease by flavonoids. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:145-151. [PMID: 31724441 PMCID: PMC6882434 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1690480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 428] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There were severe panics caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus. Therefore, researches targeting these viruses have been required. Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been rising targets of some flavonoids. The antiviral activity of some flavonoids against CoVs is presumed directly caused by inhibiting 3C-like protease (3CLpro). Here, we applied a flavonoid library to systematically probe inhibitory compounds against SARS-CoV 3CLpro. Herbacetin, rhoifolin and pectolinarin were found to efficiently block the enzymatic activity of SARS-CoV 3CLpro. The interaction of the three flavonoids was confirmed using a tryptophan-based fluorescence method, too. An induced-fit docking analysis indicated that S1, S2 and S3' sites are involved in binding with flavonoids. The comparison with previous studies showed that Triton X-100 played a critical role in objecting false positive or overestimated inhibitory activity of flavonoids. With the systematic analysis, the three flavonoids are suggested to be templates to design functionally improved inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seri Jo
- College of Pharmacy and Graduates School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha W. University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suwon Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Graduates School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha W. University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hae Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Graduates School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha W. University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Graduates School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha W. University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Silva LR, da Silva Santos-Júnior PF, de Andrade Brandão J, Anderson L, Bassi ÊJ, Xavier de Araújo-Júnior J, Cardoso SH, da Silva-Júnior EF. Druggable targets from coronaviruses for designing new antiviral drugs. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115745. [PMID: 33007557 PMCID: PMC7836322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe respiratory infections were highlighted in the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2002, as well as MERS-CoV, in 2012. Recently, the novel CoV (COVID-19) has led to severe respiratory damage to humans and deaths in Asia, Europe, and Americas, which allowed the WHO to declare the pandemic state. Notwithstanding all impacts caused by Coronaviruses, it is evident that the development of new antiviral agents is an unmet need. In this review, we provide a complete compilation of all potential antiviral agents targeting macromolecular structures from these Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae), providing a medicinal chemistry viewpoint that could be useful for designing new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rocha Silva
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia de Andrade Brandão
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Letícia Anderson
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; CESMAC University Center, Cônego Machado Street, Maceió 57051-160, Brazil
| | - Ênio José Bassi
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - João Xavier de Araújo-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Helena Cardoso
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil.
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An in-silico evaluation of COVID-19 main protease with clinically approved drugs. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 101:107758. [PMID: 33007575 PMCID: PMC7503128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A novel strain of coronavirus, namely, SARS-CoV-2 identified in Wuhan city of China in December 2019, continues to spread at a rapid rate worldwide. There are no specific therapies available and investigations regarding the treatment of this disease are still lacking. In order to identify a novel potent inhibitor, we performed blind docking studies on the main virus protease Mpro with eight approved drugs belonging to four pharmacological classes such as: anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-infective and anti-histamine. Among the eight studied compounds, Lymecycline and Mizolastine appear as potential inhibitors of this protease. When docked against Mpro crystal structure, these two compounds revealed a minimum binding energy of −8.87 and −8.71 kcal/mol with 168 and 256 binding modes detected in the binding substrate pocket, respectively. Further, to study the interaction mechanism and conformational dynamics of protein-ligand complexes, Molecular dynamic simulation and MM/PBSA binding free calculations were performed. Our results showed that both Lymecycline and Mizolastine bind in the active site. And exhibited good binding affinities towards target protein. Moreover, the ADMET analysis also indicated drug-likeness properties. Thus it is suggested that the identified compounds can inhibit Chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. Lymecycline and Mizolastine fit into Mpro binding substrate pocket with a binding energies of −8.87 kcal/mol and −8.71 kcal/mol, respectively. ADMET analysis indicated drug-likeness properties of both Lymecycline and Mizolastine. Molecular dynamic simulation and MM/PBSA binding free calculations showed that both Lymecycline and Mizolastine bind in the active site. And exhibited good binding affinities towards target protein.
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Alamri MA, Altharawi A, Alabbas AB, Alossaimi MA, Alqahtani SM. Structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics of phytochemicals derived from Saudi medicinal plants to identify potential COVID-19 therapeutics. ARAB J CHEM 2020; 13:7224-7234. [PMID: 34909058 PMCID: PMC7415226 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected almost every country in the world by causing a global pandemic with a high mortality rate. Lack of an effective vaccine and/or antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent, has severely hampered the response to this novel coronavirus. Natural products have long been used in traditional medicines to treat various diseases, and purified phytochemicals from medicinal plants provide a valuable scaffold for the discovery of new drug leads. In the present study, we performed a computational screening of an in-house database composed of ~1000 phytochemicals derived from traditional Saudi medicinal plants with recognised antiviral activity. Structure-based virtual screening was carried out against three druggable SARS-CoV-2 targets, viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) and papain like protease (PLpro) to identify putative inhibitors that could facilitate the development of potential anti-COVID-19 drug candidates. Computational analyses identified three compounds inhibiting each target, with binding affinity scores ranging from -9.9 to -6.5 kcal/mol. Among these, luteolin 7-rutinoside, chrysophanol 8-(6-galloylglucoside) and kaempferol 7-(6″-galloylglucoside) bound efficiently to RdRp, while chrysophanol 8-(6-galloylglucoside), 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid and mulberrofuran G interacted strongly with 3CLpro, and withanolide A, isocodonocarpine and calonysterone bound tightly to PLpro. These potential drug candidates will be subjected to further in vitro and in vivo studies and may assist the development of effective anti-COVID-19 drugs.
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