1
|
Stellmach C, Hopff SM, Jaenisch T, Nunes de Miranda SM, Rinaldi E. Creation of Standardized Common Data Elements for Diagnostic Tests in Infectious Disease Studies: Semantic and Syntactic Mapping. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e50049. [PMID: 38857066 DOI: 10.2196/50049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is necessary to harmonize and standardize data variables used in case report forms (CRFs) of clinical studies to facilitate the merging and sharing of the collected patient data across several clinical studies. This is particularly true for clinical studies that focus on infectious diseases. Public health may be highly dependent on the findings of such studies. Hence, there is an elevated urgency to generate meaningful, reliable insights, ideally based on a high sample number and quality data. The implementation of core data elements and the incorporation of interoperability standards can facilitate the creation of harmonized clinical data sets. OBJECTIVE This study's objective was to compare, harmonize, and standardize variables focused on diagnostic tests used as part of CRFs in 6 international clinical studies of infectious diseases in order to, ultimately, then make available the panstudy common data elements (CDEs) for ongoing and future studies to foster interoperability and comparability of collected data across trials. METHODS We reviewed and compared the metadata that comprised the CRFs used for data collection in and across all 6 infectious disease studies under consideration in order to identify CDEs. We examined the availability of international semantic standard codes within the Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms, the National Cancer Institute Thesaurus, and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes system for the unambiguous representation of diagnostic testing information that makes up the CDEs. We then proposed 2 data models that incorporate semantic and syntactic standards for the identified CDEs. RESULTS Of 216 variables that were considered in the scope of the analysis, we identified 11 CDEs to describe diagnostic tests (in particular, serology and sequencing) for infectious diseases: viral lineage/clade; test date, type, performer, and manufacturer; target gene; quantitative and qualitative results; and specimen identifier, type, and collection date. CONCLUSIONS The identification of CDEs for infectious diseases is the first step in facilitating the exchange and possible merging of a subset of data across clinical studies (and with that, large research projects) for possible shared analysis to increase the power of findings. The path to harmonization and standardization of clinical study data in the interest of interoperability can be paved in 2 ways. First, a map to standard terminologies ensures that each data element's (variable's) definition is unambiguous and that it has a single, unique interpretation across studies. Second, the exchange of these data is assisted by "wrapping" them in a standard exchange format, such as Fast Health care Interoperability Resources or the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium's Clinical Data Acquisition Standards Harmonization Model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Stellmach
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sina Marie Hopff
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Jaenisch
- Heidelberg Institut für Global Health, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susana Marina Nunes de Miranda
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eugenia Rinaldi
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maio N, Heffner AL, Rouault TA. Iron‑sulfur clusters in viral proteins: Exploring their elusive nature, roles and new avenues for targeting infections. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119723. [PMID: 38599324 PMCID: PMC11139609 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Viruses have evolved complex mechanisms to exploit host factors for replication and assembly. In response, host cells have developed strategies to block viruses, engaging in a continuous co-evolutionary battle. This dynamic interaction often revolves around the competition for essential resources necessary for both host cell and virus replication. Notably, iron, required for the biosynthesis of several cofactors, including iron‑sulfur (FeS) clusters, represents a critical element in the ongoing competition for resources between infectious agents and host. Although several recent studies have identified FeS cofactors at the core of virus replication machineries, our understanding of their specific roles and the cellular processes responsible for their incorporation into viral proteins remains limited. This review aims to consolidate our current knowledge of viral components that have been characterized as FeS proteins and elucidate how viruses harness these versatile cofactors to their benefit. Its objective is also to propose that viruses may depend on incorporation of FeS cofactors more extensively than is currently known. This has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of viral replication, thereby carrying significant implications for the development of strategies to target infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nunziata Maio
- Molecular Medicine Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Audrey L Heffner
- Molecular Medicine Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Tracey A Rouault
- Molecular Medicine Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ge X, Zhou H, Shen F, Yang G, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li H. SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA: formation process and rapid molecular diagnostic methods. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1019-1028. [PMID: 38000044 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide and posing enormous losses to human health and socio-economic. Due to the limitations of medical and health conditions, it is still a huge challenge to develop appropriate discharge standards for patients with COVID-19 and to use medical resources in a timely and effective manner. Similar to other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 has a very complex discontinuous transcription process to generate subgenomic RNA (sgRNA). Some studies support that sgRNA of SARS-CoV-2 can only exist when the virus is active and is an indicator of virus replication. The results of sgRNA detection in patients can be used to evaluate the condition of hospitalized patients, which is expected to save medical resources, especially personal protective equipment. There have been numerous investigations using different methods, especially molecular methods to detect sgRNA. Here, we introduce the process of SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA formation and the commonly used molecular diagnostic methods to bring a new idea for clinical detection in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ge
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Huizi Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Fangyuan Shen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Guimao Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yubo Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Lau HLY, Mccubbery CP, Gan H, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Utilization of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals: in silico studies targeting the nsp14 ExoN domain and PL pro naphthalene binding site. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 131:108803. [PMID: 38815531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome encodes 29 proteins including four structural, 16 nonstructural (nsps), and nine accessory proteins (https://epimedlab.org/sars-cov-2-proteome/). Many of these proteins contain potential targetable sites for the development of antivirals. Despite the widespread use of vaccinations, the emergence of variants necessitates the investigation of new therapeutics and antivirals. Here, the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection (https://epimedlab.org/crl/) was utilized to investigate potential antivirals against the nsp14 exoribonuclease (ExoN) domain. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding characteristics of our chemical library against the nsp14 ExoN site. Based on the initial screen, trisjuglone, ararobinol, corilagin, and naphthofluorescein were identified as potential lead compounds. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were subsequently performed, with the results highlighting the stability of the lead compounds in the nsp14 ExoN site. Protein-RNA docking revealed the potential for the lead compounds to disrupt the interaction with RNA when bound to the ExoN site. Moreover, hypericin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and rutin were previously identified as lead compounds targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) naphthalene binding site. Through performing MD simulations, the stability and interactions of lead compounds with PLpro were further examined. Overall, given the critical role of the exonuclease activity of nsp14 in ensuring viral fidelity and the multifunctional role of PLpro in viral pathobiology and replication, these nsps represent important targets for antiviral drug development. Our databases can be utilized for in silico studies, such as the ones performed here, and this approach can be applied to other potentially druggable SARS-CoV-2 protein targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Hannah L Y Lau
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cian P Mccubbery
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hockxuen Gan
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Esposito G, Hunashal Y, Percipalle M, Fogolari F, Venit T, Leonchiks A, Gunsalus KC, Piano F, Percipalle P. Assessing nanobody interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303839. [PMID: 38758765 PMCID: PMC11101046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9 and the nanobody 2NSP90 was investigated by NMR spectroscopy using the paramagnetic perturbation methodology PENELOP (Paramagnetic Equilibrium vs Nonequilibrium magnetization Enhancement or LOss Perturbation). The Nsp9 monomer is an essential component of the replication and transcription complex (RTC) that reproduces the viral gRNA for subsequent propagation. Therefore preventing Nsp9 recruitment in RTC would represent an efficient antiviral strategy that could be applied to different coronaviruses, given the Nsp9 relative invariance. The NMR results were consistent with a previous characterization suggesting a 4:4 Nsp9-to-nanobody stoichiometry with the occurrence of two epitope pairs on each of the Nsp9 units that establish the inter-dimer contacts of Nsp9 tetramer. The oligomerization state of Nsp9 was also analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations and both dimers and tetramers resulted plausible. A different distribution of the mapped epitopes on the tetramer surface with respect to the former 4:4 complex could also be possible, as well as different stoichiometries of the Nsp9-nanobody assemblies such as the 2:2 stoichiometry suggested by the recent crystal structure of the Nsp9 complex with 2NSP23 (PDB ID: 8dqu), a nanobody exhibiting essentially the same affinity as 2NSP90. The experimental NMR evidence, however, ruled out the occurrence in liquid state of the relevant Nsp9 conformational change observed in the same crystal structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Esposito
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Federico Fogolari
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Informatiche e Fisiche, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tomas Venit
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Kristin C. Gunsalus
- Department of Biology and Center Genomics System Biology, NYU, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fabio Piano
- Department of Biology and Center Genomics System Biology, NYU, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Piergiorgio Percipalle
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng K, Chong AY, Mentzer AJ. How could our genetics impact COVID-19 vaccine response? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38676712 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2346584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed unprecedented global health challenges since its emergence in December 2019. The rapid availability of vaccines has been estimated to save millions of lives, but there is variation in how individuals respond to vaccines, influencing their effectiveness at an individual, and population level. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on human genetic factors influencing the immune response and effectiveness of vaccines, highlighting the importance of associations across the HLA locus. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and other genetic association analyses have identified statistically significant associations between specific HLA alleles including HLA-DRB1*13, DBQ1*06, and A*03 impacting antibody responses and the risk of breakthrough infections post-vaccination. Relationships between these associations and potential mechanisms and links with risks of natural infection or disease are explored, and this review concludes by emphasizing how understanding the mechanisms of these genetic determinants may inform the development of tailored vaccination strategies. EXPERT OPINION Although complex, we believe these findings from the SARS-CoV2 pandemic offer a unique opportunity to understand the relationships between HLA and infection and vaccine response, with a goal of optimizing individual protection against COVID-19 in the ongoing pandemic, and possibly influencing wider vaccine development in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Zheng
- Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amanda Y Chong
- Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gori Savellini G, Anichini G, Manetti F, Trivisani CI, Cusi MG. Deletion of 82-85 N-Terminal Residues in SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 Restricts Virus Replication. Viruses 2024; 16:689. [PMID: 38793572 PMCID: PMC11125901 DOI: 10.3390/v16050689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) represents one of the most crucial SARS-CoV-2 virulence factors by inhibiting the translation of host mRNAs and promoting their degradation. We selected naturally occurring virus lineages with specific Nsp1 deletions located at both the N- and C-terminus of the protein. Our data provide new insights into how Nsp1 coordinates these functions on host and viral mRNA recognition. Residues 82-85 in the N-terminal part of Nsp1 likely play a role in docking the 40S mRNA entry channel, preserving the inhibition of host gene expression without affecting cellular mRNA decay. Furthermore, this domain prevents viral mRNAs containing the 5'-leader sequence to escape translational repression. These findings support the presence of distinct domains within the Nsp1 protein that differentially modulate mRNA recognition, translation and turnover. These insights have implications for the development of drugs targeting viral proteins and provides new evidences of how specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 could attenuate the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriele Anichini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (C.I.T.)
| | | | - Maria Grazia Cusi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang W, Wang Y, Han D, Tang W, Sun L. Recent advances in application of computer-aided drug design in anti-COVID-19 Virials Drug Discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116423. [PMID: 38493593 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic epidemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which poses a serious threat to human health worldwide and results in significant economic losses. With the continuous emergence of new virus strains, small molecule drugs remain the most effective treatment for COVID-19. The traditional drug development process usually requires several years; however, the development of computer-aided drug design (CADD) offers the opportunity to develop innovative drugs quickly and efficiently. The literature review describes the general process of CADD, the viral proteins that play essential roles in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and can serve as therapeutic targets, and examples of drug screening of viral target proteins by applying CADD methods. Finally, the potential of CADD in COVID-19 therapy, the deficiency, and the possible future development direction are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ye Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Dongfeng Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenjing Tang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lichao Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Scarpa F, Branda F, Petrosillo N, Ciccozzi M. On the SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:289-297. [PMID: 38667750 PMCID: PMC11050187 DOI: 10.3390/idr16020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary dynamics of viruses, particularly exemplified by SARS-CoV-2 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the intricate interplay between genetics, host adaptation, and viral spread. This paper delves into the genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the implications of viral variants on global health. Initially emerging from the Wuhan-Hu-1 lineage, SARS-CoV-2 rapidly diversified into numerous variants, each characterized by distinct mutations in the spike protein and other genomic regions. Notable variants such as B.1.1.7 (α), B.1.351 (β), P.1 (γ), B.1.617.2 (δ), and the Omicron variant have garnered significant attention due to their heightened transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. In particular, the Omicron variant has presented a myriad of subvariants, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health. Despite the emergence of numerous variants, the vast majority have exhibited limited expansion capabilities and have not posed significant threats akin to early pandemic strains. Continued genomic surveillance is imperative to identify emerging variants of concern promptly. While genetic adaptation is intrinsic to viral evolution, effective public health responses must be grounded in empirical evidence to navigate the evolving landscape of the pandemic with resilience and precision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Infection Prevention Control/Infectious Disease Service, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00127 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jabeen M, Shoukat S, Shireen H, Bao Y, Khan A, Abbasi AA. Unraveling the genetic variations underlying virulence disparities among SARS-CoV-2 strains across global regions: insights from Pakistan. Virol J 2024; 21:55. [PMID: 38449001 PMCID: PMC10916261 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged that may exhibit different etiological effects such as enhanced transmissibility and infectivity. However, genetic variations that reduce virulence and deteriorate viral fitness have not yet been thoroughly investigated. The present study sought to evaluate the effects of viral genetic makeup on COVID-19 epidemiology in Pakistan, where the infectivity and mortality rate was comparatively lower than other countries during the first pandemic wave. For this purpose, we focused on the comparative analyses of 7096 amino-acid long polyprotein pp1ab. Comparative sequence analysis of 203 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, sampled from Pakistan during the first wave of the pandemic revealed 179 amino acid substitutions in pp1ab. Within this set, 38 substitutions were identified within the Nsp3 region of the pp1ab polyprotein. Structural and biophysical analysis of proteins revealed that amino acid variations within Nsp3's macrodomains induced conformational changes and modified protein-ligand interactions, consequently diminishing the virulence and fitness of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the epistatic effects resulting from evolutionary substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 proteins may have unnoticed implications for reducing disease burden. In light of these findings, further characterization of such deleterious SARS-CoV-2 mutations will not only aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets but will also provide a roadmap for maintaining vigilance against the genetic variability of diverse SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating globally. Furthermore, these insights empower us to more effectively manage and respond to potential viral-based pandemic outbreaks of a similar nature in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Momina Jabeen
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shifa Shoukat
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Huma Shireen
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yiming Bao
- National Genomics Data Center & CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China National Center for Bioinformation, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, China
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Malaysia
| | - Amir Ali Abbasi
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yan H, Zhang R, Yan G, Liu X, Li N, Chen Y. Validation of baicalein and oridonin as nonspecific SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1161-1164. [PMID: 37042347 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Yan
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Gangan Yan
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Ni Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yunyu Chen
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ponpinit T, Joyjinda Y, Ampoot W, Yomrat S, Virojanapirom P, Ruchisrisarod C, Saraya AW, Hemachudha P, Hemachudha T. Spike S2 Subunit: Possible Target for Detecting Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants with Multiple Mutations. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:50. [PMID: 38393139 PMCID: PMC10893286 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020050] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel SARS-CoV-2 variants have multiple mutations that may impact molecular diagnostics. The markedly conserved S2 subunit may be utilized to detect new variants. A comparison of 694 specimens (2019-2022) in Thailand using a commercial RT-PCR kit and the kit in combination with S2 primers and a probe was performed. Delayed amplification in ORF1ab was detected in one BA.4 omicron, whereas no amplification problem was encountered in the S2 target. There were no statistically significant differences in mean Ct value between the target genes (E, N, ORF1ab, and S2) and no significant differences in mean Ct value between the reagents. Furthermore, 230,821 nucleotide sequences submitted by 20 representative counties in each region (Jan-Oct 2022) have been checked for mutations in S2 primers and probe using PrimerChecker; there is a very low chance of encountering performance problems. The S2 primers and probe are still bound to the top five currently circulating variants in all countries and Thailand without mismatch recognition (Jun-Nov 2023). This study shows the possible benefits of detecting S2 in combination with simultaneously detecting three genes in a kit without affecting the Ct value of each target. The S2 subunit may be a promising target for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants with multiple mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teerada Ponpinit
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Yutthana Joyjinda
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Weenassarin Ampoot
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Siriporn Yomrat
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Phatthamon Virojanapirom
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Chanida Ruchisrisarod
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Abhinbhen W. Saraya
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pasin Hemachudha
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thiravat Hemachudha
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (Y.J.); (W.A.); (S.Y.); (P.V.); (C.R.); (A.W.S.); (P.H.)
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shehata SI, Watkins JM, Burke JM, Parker R. Mechanisms and consequences of mRNA destabilization during viral infections. Virol J 2024; 21:38. [PMID: 38321453 PMCID: PMC10848536 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02305-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
During viral infection there is dynamic interplay between the virus and the host to regulate gene expression. In many cases, the host induces the expression of antiviral genes to combat infection, while the virus uses "host shut-off" systems to better compete for cellular resources and to limit the induction of the host antiviral response. Viral mechanisms for host shut-off involve targeting translation, altering host RNA processing, and/or inducing the degradation of host mRNAs. In this review, we discuss the diverse mechanisms viruses use to degrade host mRNAs. In addition, the widespread degradation of host mRNAs can have common consequences including the accumulation of RNA binding proteins in the nucleus, which leads to altered RNA processing, mRNA export, and changes to transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya I Shehata
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Monty Watkins
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - James M Burke
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Roy Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Reuschl AK, Thorne LG, Whelan MVX, Ragazzini R, Furnon W, Cowton VM, De Lorenzo G, Mesner D, Turner JLE, Dowgier G, Bogoda N, Bonfanti P, Palmarini M, Patel AH, Jolly C, Towers GJ. Evolution of enhanced innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:451-463. [PMID: 38228858 PMCID: PMC10847042 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01588-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) human adaptation resulted in distinct lineages with enhanced transmissibility called variants of concern (VOCs). Omicron is the first VOC to evolve distinct globally dominant subvariants. Here we compared their replication in human cell lines and primary airway cultures and measured host responses to infection. We discovered that subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 have improved their suppression of innate immunity when compared with earlier subvariants BA.1 and BA.2. Similarly, more recent subvariants (BA.2.75 and XBB lineages) also triggered reduced innate immune activation. This correlated with increased expression of viral innate antagonists Orf6 and nucleocapsid, reminiscent of VOCs Alpha to Delta. Increased Orf6 levels suppressed host innate responses to infection by decreasing IRF3 and STAT1 signalling measured by transcription factor phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Our data suggest that convergent evolution of enhanced innate immune antagonist expression is a common pathway of human adaptation and link Omicron subvariant dominance to improved innate immune evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy G Thorne
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Mary's Medical School, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew V X Whelan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Ragazzini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Wilhelm Furnon
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vanessa M Cowton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Dejan Mesner
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jane L E Turner
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia Dowgier
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- COVID Surveillance Unit, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Nathasha Bogoda
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Arvind H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Clare Jolly
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Greg J Towers
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Srivastava M, Dukeshire MR, Mir Q, Omoru OB, Manzourolajdad A, Janga SC. Experimental and computational methods for studying the dynamics of RNA-RNA interactions in SARS-COV2 genomes. Brief Funct Genomics 2024; 23:46-54. [PMID: 36752040 PMCID: PMC10799312 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-range ribonucleic acid (RNA)-RNA interactions (RRI) are prevalent in positive-strand RNA viruses, including Beta-coronaviruses, and these take part in regulatory roles, including the regulation of sub-genomic RNA production rates. Crosslinking of interacting RNAs and short read-based deep sequencing of resulting RNA-RNA hybrids have shown that these long-range structures exist in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 on both genomic and sub-genomic levels and in dynamic topologies. Furthermore, co-evolution of coronaviruses with their hosts is navigated by genetic variations made possible by its large genome, high recombination frequency and a high mutation rate. SARS-CoV-2's mutations are known to occur spontaneously during replication, and thousands of aggregate mutations have been reported since the emergence of the virus. Although many long-range RRIs have been experimentally identified using high-throughput methods for the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strain, evolutionary trajectory of these RRIs across variants, impact of mutations on RRIs and interaction of SARS-CoV-2 RNAs with the host have been largely open questions in the field. In this review, we summarize recent computational tools and experimental methods that have been enabling the mapping of RRIs in viral genomes, with a specific focus on SARS-CoV-2. We also present available informatics resources to navigate the RRI maps and shed light on the impact of mutations on the RRI space in viral genomes. Investigating the evolution of long-range RNA interactions and that of virus-host interactions can contribute to the understanding of new and emerging variants as well as aid in developing improved RNA therapeutics critical for combating future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Srivastava
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 East 3 St, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Matthew R Dukeshire
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Quoseena Mir
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Okiemute Beatrice Omoru
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Amirhossein Manzourolajdad
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, USA
| | - Sarath Chandra Janga
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Library Building, 975 West Walnut Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 5021 Health Information and Translational Sciences (HITS), 410 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang J, Hom K, Zhang C, Nasr M, Gerzanich V, Zhang Y, Tang Q, Xue F, Simard JM, Zhao RY. SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a Protein as a Therapeutic Target against COVID-19 and Long-Term Post-Infection Effects. Pathogens 2024; 13:75. [PMID: 38251382 PMCID: PMC10819734 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010075] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has posed unparalleled challenges due to its rapid transmission, ability to mutate, high mortality and morbidity, and enduring health complications. Vaccines have exhibited effectiveness, but their efficacy diminishes over time while new variants continue to emerge. Antiviral medications offer a viable alternative, but their success has been inconsistent. Therefore, there remains an ongoing need to identify innovative antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 and its post-infection complications. The ORF3a (open reading frame 3a) protein found in SARS-CoV-2, represents a promising target for antiviral treatment due to its multifaceted role in viral pathogenesis, cytokine storms, disease severity, and mortality. ORF3a contributes significantly to viral pathogenesis by facilitating viral assembly and release, essential processes in the viral life cycle, while also suppressing the body's antiviral responses, thus aiding viral replication. ORF3a also has been implicated in triggering excessive inflammation, characterized by NF-κB-mediated cytokine production, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death and tissue damage in the lungs, kidneys, and the central nervous system. Additionally, ORF3a triggers the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, inciting a cytokine storm, which is a major contributor to the severity of the disease and subsequent mortality. As with the spike protein, ORF3a also undergoes mutations, and certain mutant variants correlate with heightened disease severity in COVID-19. These mutations may influence viral replication and host cellular inflammatory responses. While establishing a direct link between ORF3a and mortality is difficult, its involvement in promoting inflammation and exacerbating disease severity likely contributes to higher mortality rates in severe COVID-19 cases. This review offers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of ORF3a's potential as an innovative antiviral drug target. Additionally, we outline potential strategies for discovering and developing ORF3a inhibitor drugs to counteract its harmful effects, alleviate tissue damage, and reduce the severity of COVID-19 and its lingering complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Kellie Hom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (K.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Drug Development and Clinical Sciences Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (V.G.); (J.M.S.)
| | - Yanjin Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Fengtian Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (K.H.); (F.X.)
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (V.G.); (J.M.S.)
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Richard Y. Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kiba Y, Tanikawa T, Kitamura M. Ciclesonide Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease in Vitro. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:965-966. [PMID: 38763750 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel identified pneumonia resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has significantly impacted and posed significant challenges to human society. The papain-like protease (PLpro) found in the nonstructural protein 3 of SARS-CoV-2 plays a vital role in viral replication. Moreover, PLpro disrupts the host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene 15 from host proteins. Consequently, PLpro has emerged as a promising drug target against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Computational studies have reported that ciclesonide can bind to SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. However, the inhibitory effects of ciclenoside on the PLpro have not been experimentally evaluated. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs), including ciclesonide, on SARS-CoV-2 PLpro in vitro assay. Ciclesonide significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of PLpro, compared with other sGCs and its IC50 was 18.4 ± 1.89 µM. These findings provide insights into the development of PLpro inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kiba
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Masashi Kitamura
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. A repository of COVID-19 related molecular dynamics simulations and utilisation in the context of nsp10-nsp16 antivirals. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 126:108666. [PMID: 37976980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of establishing systems and infrastructure to develop vaccines, antiviral drugs, and therapeutic antibodies against emerging pathogens. Typical drug discovery processes involve targeting suitable proteins to effect pathogen replication or to attenuate host responses, by examining either large chemical databases or protein-protein interactions. Following initial screens, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are critical for gaining further insight into molecular interactions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many research groups made their simulations widely available, as highlighted by the comprehensive D.E. Shaw Research trajectory database. To investigate protein target sites and evaluate potential lead compounds, we performed over 300 MD simulations relating to COVID-19. We organised our simulations into a repository, which is publicly available at https://epimedlab.org/trajectories/. The trajectories cover a large part of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteome, and the majority of our MD simulations focused on the identification of potential antivirals. For example, we focused on the S-adenosyl-l-methionine binding site of the nsp10-nsp16 complex, a critical component of viral replication, revealing verbascoside as a potential lead. Moreover, we utilised MD trajectories to explore the interface between the spike protein receptor binding domain and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, with the ultimate aim being investigation of new variants in real-time. Overall, MD simulations are a critical component of the in silico drug discovery process and as highlighted throughout the pandemic, data sharing enables accelerated progress. We have organised our extensive collection of COVID-19 related MD trajectories into an easily accessible repository.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Training, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Training, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Training, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen X, Tian L, Zhang L, Gao W, Yu M, Li Z, Zhang W. Deubiquitinase USP39 promotes SARS-CoV-2 replication by deubiquitinating and stabilizing the envelope protein. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105790. [PMID: 38158131 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein is highly conserved among different viral variants and important for viral assembly and production. Our recent study found that the E protein is ubiquitinated and degraded by the E3 ligase RNF5 through the proteasome pathway. However, whether E ubiquitination can be reversed by host deubiquitinase has not yet been determined. Here, we identify by mass spectrum analysis that the deubiquitinases USP14 and USP39 specifically interact with E, while USP39 potently reverses E polyubiquitination. USP39 interacts with E via the arginine-rich motif (AR) and deubiquitinates E polyubiquitination via the inactive ubiquitin-specific protease domain. Therefore, USP39 protects E from RNF5-mediated degradation, resulting in the enhancement of E stability and E-induced cytokine storms. Moreover, loss-and-gain assays demonstrated that USP39 promotes the replication of various SARS-CoV-2 strains by stabilizing protein level of E that can be ubiquitinated but not other viral proteins. Our findings provide useful targets for the development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Li Tian
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Linran Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Wenying Gao
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Zhaolong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China; Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China; Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nawaz R, Arif MA, Ahmad Z, Ahad A, Shahid M, Hassan Z, Husnain A, Aslam A, Raza MS, Mehmood U, Idrees M. An ncRNA transcriptomics-based approach to design siRNA molecules against SARS-CoV-2 double membrane vesicle formation and accessory genes. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:872. [PMID: 38087193 PMCID: PMC10718025 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08870-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of recent most global pandemic. Its genome encodes various proteins categorized as non-structural, accessory, and structural proteins. The non-structural proteins, NSP1-16, are located within the ORF1ab. The NSP3, 4, and 6 together are involved in formation of double membrane vesicle (DMV) in host Golgi apparatus. These vesicles provide anchorage to viral replicative complexes, thus assist replication inside the host cell. While the accessory genes coded by ORFs 3a, 3b, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9c, and 10 contribute in cell entry, immunoevasion, and pathological progression. METHODS This in silico study is focused on designing sequence specific siRNA molecules as a tool for silencing the non-structural and accessory genes of the virus. The gene sequences of NSP3, 4, and 6 along with ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 were retrieved for conservation, phylogenetic, and sequence logo analyses. siRNA candidates were predicted using siDirect 2.0 targeting these genes. The GC content, melting temperatures, and various validation scores were calculated. Secondary structures of the guide strands and siRNA-target duplexes were predicted. Finally, tertiary structures were predicted and subjected to structural validations. RESULTS This study revealed that NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 have high levels of conservation across globally circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. A total of 71 siRNA molecules were predicted against the selected genes. Following rigorous screening including binary validations and minimum free energies, final siRNAs with high therapeutic potential were identified, including 7, 2, and 1 against NSP3, NSP4, and NSP6, as well as 3, 1, 2, and 1 targeting ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF8, and ORF10, respectively. CONCLUSION Our novel in silico pipeline integrates effective methods from previous studies to predict and validate siRNA molecules, having the potential to inhibit viral replication pathway in vitro. In total, this study identified 17 highly specific siRNA molecules targeting NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 7a, 8, and 10 of SARS-CoV-2, which might be used as an additional antiviral treatment option especially in the cases of life-threatening urgencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Nawaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Ali Arif
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Ahmad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Ahad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zohal Hassan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Husnain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Aslam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saad Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Uqba Mehmood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Molecular Virology, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Vice chancellor, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Giambruno R, Zacco E, Ugolini C, Vandelli A, Mulroney L, D’Onghia M, Giuliani B, Criscuolo E, Castelli M, Clementi N, Clementi M, Mancini N, Bonaldi T, Gustincich S, Leonardi T, Tartaglia GG, Nicassio F. Unveiling the role of PUS7-mediated pseudouridylation in host protein interactions specific for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102052. [PMID: 38028201 PMCID: PMC10630655 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a positive single-stranded RNA virus, engages in complex interactions with host cell proteins throughout its life cycle. While these interactions enable the host to recognize and inhibit viral replication, they also facilitate essential viral processes such as transcription, translation, and replication. Many aspects of these virus-host interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we employed the catRAPID algorithm and utilized the RNA-protein interaction detection coupled with mass spectrometry technology to predict and validate the host proteins that specifically bind to the highly structured 5' and 3' terminal regions of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Among the interactions identified, we prioritized pseudouridine synthase PUS7, which binds to both ends of the viral RNA. Using nanopore direct RNA sequencing, we discovered that the viral RNA undergoes extensive post-transcriptional modifications. Modified consensus regions for PUS7 were identified at both terminal regions of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including one in the viral transcription regulatory sequence leader. Collectively, our findings offer insights into host protein interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 UTRs and highlight the likely significance of pseudouridine synthases and other post-transcriptional modifications in the viral life cycle. This new knowledge enhances our understanding of virus-host dynamics and could inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Giambruno
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Elsa Zacco
- Central RNA and RNA Systems Biology Labs, Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Camilla Ugolini
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Vandelli
- Central RNA and RNA Systems Biology Labs, Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Logan Mulroney
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, UK
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Monterotondo, RM 00015, Italy
| | - Manfredi D’Onghia
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Bianca Giuliani
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Criscuolo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Castelli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Clementi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Clementi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicasio Mancini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonaldi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central RNA and RNA Systems Biology Labs, Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Tommaso Leonardi
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Central RNA and RNA Systems Biology Labs, Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Nicassio
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tapryal N, Chakraborty A, Saha K, Islam A, Pan L, Hosoki K, Sayed IM, Duran JM, Alcantara J, Castillo V, Tindle C, Sarker AH, Wakamiya M, Cardenas VJ, Sharma G, Crotty Alexander LE, Sur S, Sahoo D, Ghosh G, Das S, Ghosh P, Boldogh I, Hazra TK. The DNA glycosylase NEIL2 is protective during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8169. [PMID: 38071370 PMCID: PMC10710473 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43938-0] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced aggravation of host innate immune response not only causes tissue damage and multiorgan failure in COVID-19 patients but also induces host genome damage and activates DNA damage response pathways. To test whether the compromised DNA repair capacity of individuals modulates the severity of COVID-19 infection, we analyze DNA repair gene expression in publicly available patient datasets and observe a lower level of the DNA glycosylase NEIL2 in the lungs of severely infected COVID-19 patients. This observation of lower NEIL2 levels is further validated in infected patients, hamsters and ACE2 receptor-expressing human A549 (A549-ACE2) cells. Furthermore, delivery of recombinant NEIL2 in A549-ACE2 cells shows decreased expression of proinflammatory genes and viral E-gene, as well as lowers the yield of viral progeny compared to mock-treated cells. Mechanistically, NEIL2 cooperatively binds to the 5'-UTR of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA to block viral protein synthesis. Collectively, these data strongly suggest that the maintenance of basal NEIL2 levels is critical for the protective response of hosts to viral infection and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Tapryal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Anirban Chakraborty
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Kaushik Saha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, 522240, India
| | - Azharul Islam
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Lang Pan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Koa Hosoki
- Department of Medicine, Immunology Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Science, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Jason M Duran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, UC San Diego Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Joshua Alcantara
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Vanessa Castillo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Courtney Tindle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Altaf H Sarker
- Department of Cancer and DNA Damage Responses, Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Maki Wakamiya
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Victor J Cardenas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Gulshan Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | | | - Sanjiv Sur
- Department of Medicine, Immunology Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacob's School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Gourisankar Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Soumita Das
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Science, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Istvan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Tapas K Hazra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zheng Y, Yang H, Zhang X, Gao C. Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral innate immunity by ubiquitination and ubiquitin-like conjugation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194984. [PMID: 37717938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
A global pandemic COVID-19 resulting from SARS-CoV-2 has affected a significant portion of the human population. Antiviral innate immunity is critical for controlling and eliminating the viral infection. Ubiquitination is extensively involved in antiviral signaling, and recent studies suggest that ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) modifications also participate in innate antiviral pathways such as RLR and cGAS-STING pathways. Notably, virus infection harnesses ubiquitination and Ubls modifications to facilitate viral replication and counteract innate antiviral immunity. These observations indicate that ubiquitination and Ubls modifications are critical checkpoints for the tug-of-war between virus and host. This review discusses the current progress regarding the modulation of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and antiviral innate immune pathways by ubiquitination and Ubls modifications. This paper emphasizes the arising concept that ubiquitination and Ubls modifications are powerful modulators of virus and host interaction and potential drug targets for treating the infection of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Huiyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pitsillou E, Beh RC, Liang JJ, Tang TS, Zhou X, Siow YY, Ma Y, Hu Z, Wu Z, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection: Compound selection, ADMET analysis, and utilisation in the context of potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108602. [PMID: 37597309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Antiviral drugs are important for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, as vaccines and antibodies may have reduced efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. Antiviral drugs that have been made available for use, albeit with questionable efficacy, include remdesivir (Veklury®), nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid™), and molnupiravir (Lagevrio®). To expand the options available for COVID-19 and prepare for future pandemics, there is a need to investigate new uses for existing drugs and design novel compounds. To support these efforts, we have created a comprehensive library of 750 molecules that have been sourced from in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. It is publicly available at our dedicated website (https://epimedlab.org/crl/). The EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection consists of compounds that have been divided into 10 main classes based on antiviral properties, as well as the potential to be used for the management, prevention, or treatment of COVID-19 related complications. A detailed description of each compound is provided, along with the molecular formula, canonical SMILES, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval status. The chemical structures have been obtained and are available for download. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic properties of the ligands have been characterised. To demonstrate an application of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection, molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding characteristics of ligands against SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural and accessory proteins. Overall, our database can be used to aid the drug repositioning process, and for gaining further insight into the molecular mechanisms of action of potential compounds of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Raymond C Beh
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Thinh Sieu Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ya Yun Siow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Yinghao Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Zifang Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Zifei Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Meng H, Zhou J, Wang M, Zheng M, Xing Y, Wang Y. SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease Negatively Regulates the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway and Pyroptosis by Reducing the Oligomerization and Ubiquitination of ASC. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2799. [PMID: 38004809 PMCID: PMC10673202 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112799] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of viruses with hosts is complex, especially so with the antiviral immune systems of hosts, and the underlying mechanisms remain perplexing. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may result in cytokine syndrome in the later stages, reflecting the activation of the antiviral immune response. However, viruses also encode molecules to negatively regulate the antiviral immune systems of hosts to achieve immune evasion and benefit viral replication during the early stage of infection. It has been observed that the papain-like protease (PLP) encoded by coronavirus could negatively regulate the host's IFNβ innate immunity. In this study, we first found that eight inflammasome-related genes were downregulated in CD14+ monocytes from COVID-19 patients. Subsequently, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 PLP negatively regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, and decreased the caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis of human monocytes. The mechanisms for this may arise because PLP coimmunoprecipitates with ASC, reduces ASC ubiquitination, and inhibits ASC oligomerization and the formation of ASC specks. These findings suggest that PLP may inhibit strong immune defenses and provide the maximum advantage for viral replication. This research may allow us to better understand the flex function of CoV-encoding proteases and provide a new perspective on the innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jianglin Zhou
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mei Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Yaling Xing
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medicine Science, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhou K, Chen D. Conventional Understanding of SARS-CoV-2 M pro and Common Strategies for Developing Its Inhibitors. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300301. [PMID: 37577869 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a widespread influence on the world, especially in the face of sudden coronavirus infections, and there is still an urgent need for specific small molecule therapies to cope with possible future pandemics. The pathogen responsible for this pandemic is Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and understanding its structure and lifecycle is beneficial for designing specific drugs of treatment for COVID-19. The main protease (Mpro ) which has conservative and specific advantages is essential for viral replication and transcription. It is regarded as one of the most potential targets for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. This review introduces the popular knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in drug development and lists a series of design principles and relevant activities of advanced Mpro inhibitors, hoping to provide some new directions and ideas for researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, RT 264005, P. R. China
| | - Daquan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, RT 264005, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Blatchley ER, Cui H. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for Quantification of the Effects of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation on COVID-19 Transmission. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17393-17403. [PMID: 37922235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is presented as a tool for evaluation of the effectiveness of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems for the disinfection of indoor air. The QMRA is developed in the context of UVGI system implementation for control of SARS-CoV-2 infection and comprises submodels to address problem formulation, exposure assessment, and health effects assessment, all of which provide input to a risk characterization submodel. The model simulations indicate that UVGI systems can effectively control the risk of infection associated with SARS-CoV-2 for low to moderate virus emission rates. The risk of disease transmission is strongly influenced by the rate of pathogen emission by an infected individual, the output power of UVGI fixtures and their configuration, the source of UV-C radiation implemented in the UVGI fixtures, and the characteristics of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The QMRA framework provides a quantitative link between UVGI/HVAC system characteristics and changes in the risk of disease transmission. The framework can be adapted to other airborne pathogens and provides a rational basis for the design, testing, and validation of UVGI systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernest R Blatchley
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2051, United States
- Division of Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Haiying Cui
- Division of Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Prasad R, Ajith H, Kumar Chandrakumaran N, Dnyaneshwar Khangar P, Mohan A, Nelson-Sathi S. In silico study identifies peptide inhibitors that negate the effect of non-synonymous mutations in major drug targets of SARS-CoV-2 variants. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9551-9561. [PMID: 36377464 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2143426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Since its advent in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has diverged into multiple variants with differing levels of virulence owing to the accumulation of mutations in its genome. The structural changes induced by non-synonymous mutations in major drug targets of the virus are known to alter the binding of potential antagonistic inhibitors. Here, we analyzed the effects of non-synonymous mutations in major targets of SARS-CoV-2 in response to potential peptide inhibitors. We screened 12 peptides reported to have anti-viral properties against RBD and 5 peptides against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 variants using molecular docking and simulation approaches. The mutational landscape of RBD among SARS-CoV-2 variants had 21 non-synonymous mutations across 18 distinct sites. Among these, 14 mutations were present in the RBM region directly interacting with the hACE2 receptor. However, Only 3 non-synonymous mutations were observed in Mpro. We found that LCB1 - a de novo-synthesized peptide has the highest binding affinity to RBD despite non-synonymous mutations in variants and engages key residues of RBD-hACE2 interaction such as K417, E484, N487, and N501. Similarly, an antimicrobial peptide; 2JOS, was identified against Mpro with high binding affinity as it interacts with key residues in dimerization sites such as E166 and F140 crucial for viral replication. MD simulations affirm the stability of RBD-LCB1 and Mpro-2JOS complexes with an average RMSD of 1.902 and 2.476 respectively. We ascertain that LCB1 and 2JOS peptides are promising inhibitors to combat emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and thus warrant further investigations using in-vitro and in-vivo analysis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshny Prasad
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Harikrishnan Ajith
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | | | | | - Anand Mohan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Shijulal Nelson-Sathi
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hsu CJ, Chen CH, Chen WT, Liu PC, Chang TY, Lin MH, Chen CC, Chen HY, Huang CH, Cheng YH, Sun JR. Development of an EBOV MiniG plus system as an advanced tool for anti-Ebola virus drug screening. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22138. [PMID: 38045158 PMCID: PMC10692823 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22138] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of zoonotic diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 and Ebola virus disease, is increasing worldwide. However, drug and vaccine development for zoonotic diseases has been hampered because the experiments involving live viruses are limited to high-containment laboratories. The Ebola virus minigenome system enables researchers to study the Ebola virus under BSL-2 conditions. Here, we found that the addition of the nucleocapsid protein of human coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, can increase the ratio of green fluorescent protein-positive cells by 1.5-2 folds in the Ebola virus minigenome system. Further analysis showed that the nucleocapsid protein acts as an activator of the Ebola virus minigenome system. Here, we developed an EBOV MiniG Plus system based on the Ebola virus minigenome system by adding the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. By evaluating the antiviral effect of remdesivir and rupintrivir, we demonstrated that compared to that of the traditional Ebola virus minigenome system, significant concentration-dependent activity was observed in the EBOV MiniG Plus system. Taken together, these results demonstrate the utility of adding nucleocapsid protein to the Ebola virus minigenome system to create a powerful platform for screening antiviral drugs against the Ebola virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ju Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsiu Chen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ting Chen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Tein-Yao Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
| | - Meng-He Lin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Cheung Chen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Yu Chen
- Department of Medical Techniques, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Heng Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsiang Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Ren Sun
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
D'Anna L, Miclot T, Bignon E, Perricone U, Barone G, Monari A, Terenzi A. Resolving a guanine-quadruplex structure in the SARS-CoV-2 genome through circular dichroism and multiscale molecular modeling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11332-11339. [PMID: 37886086 PMCID: PMC10599604 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04004f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is made up of a single-stranded RNA fragment that can assume a specific secondary structure, whose stability can influence the virus's ability to reproduce. Recent studies have identified putative guanine quadruplex sequences in SARS-CoV-2 genome fragments that are involved in coding for both structural and non-structural proteins. In this contribution, we focus on a specific G-rich sequence referred to as RG-2, which codes for the non-structural protein 10 (Nsp10) and assumes a guanine-quadruplex (G4) arrangement. We provide the secondary structure of RG-2 G4 at atomistic resolution by molecular modeling and simulation, validated by the superposition of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Through both experimental and simulation approaches, we have demonstrated that pyridostatin (PDS), a widely recognized G4 binder, can bind to and stabilize RG-2 G4 more strongly than RG-1, another G4 forming sequence that was previously proposed as a potential target for antiviral drug candidates. Overall, this study highlights RG-2 as a valuable target to inhibit the translation and replication of SARS-CoV-2, paving the way towards original therapeutic approaches against emerging RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa D'Anna
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Tom Miclot
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS UMR 7019 LPCT F-54000 Nancy France
| | | | - Ugo Perricone
- Fondazione Ri.MED Via Filippo Marini 14 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS F-75006 Paris France
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bennett RP, Yoluç Y, Salter JD, Ripp A, Jessen HJ, Kaiser SM, Smith HC. Sangivamycin is preferentially incorporated into viral RNA by the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase. Antiviral Res 2023; 218:105716. [PMID: 37690700 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105716] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Sangivamycin (S) is an adenosine (A) nucleoside analog with low nanomolar antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Previously, low nanomolar antiviral efficacy was revealed when tested against multiple viral variants in several cell types. SARS-CoV-2 RNA isolated from live virus infected cells and the virions released from these cells was analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS) for S incorporation. Dose-dependent incorporation occurred up to 1.8 S per 1,000 nucleotides (49 S per genome) throughout the viral genomes isolated from both infected cells and viral particles, but this incorporation did not change the viral mutation rate. In contrast, host mRNA, affinity purified from the same infected and treated cells, contained little or no S. Sangivamycin triphosphate (STP) was synthesized to evaluate its incorporation into RNA by recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) under defined in vitro conditions. SARS-CoV-2 RdRp showed that S was not a chain terminator and S containing oligonucleotides templated as A. Though the antiviral mechanism remains to be determined, the data suggests that SARS-CoV-2 RdRp incorporates STP into SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which does not significantly impair viral RNA synthesis or the mutation rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasemin Yoluç
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | | | - Alexander Ripp
- Institute of Organic Chemistry Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Henning J Jessen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie M Kaiser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Harold C Smith
- OyaGen, Inc., Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Duan Y, Wang H, Yuan Z, Yang H. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2 M pro and drug discovery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102667. [PMID: 37544112 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn enormous attention worldwide as a consequence of being the most disastrous infectious disease in the past century. As one of the most immediately druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2, the main protease (Mpro) has been studied thoroughly. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advances in structural studies of Mpro, which provide new knowledge about Mpro in terms of its biological function, structural characteristics, substrate specificity, and autocleavage process. We examine the remarkable strides made in targeting Mpro for drug discovery during the pandemic. We summarize insights into the current understanding of the structural features of Mpro and the discovery of existing Mpro-targeting drugs, illuminating pathways for the future development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Haofeng Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kim JW, Kim HJ, Heo K, Lee Y, Jang HJ, Lee HY, Park JW, Cho YB, Lee JH, Shin HG, Yang HR, Choi HL, Shim HB, Lee S. A novel bispecific antibody dual-targeting approach for enhanced neutralization against fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1271508. [PMID: 37822941 PMCID: PMC10562541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1271508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has caused unprecedented health and socioeconomic crises, necessitating the immediate development of highly effective neutralizing antibodies. Despite recent advancements in anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from convalescent patient samples, their efficacy against emerging variants has been limited. In this study, we present a novel dual-targeting strategy using bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that specifically recognize both the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and fusion peptide (FP), crucial domains for viral attachment to the host cell membrane and fusion in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Using phage display technology, we rapidly isolated FP-specific mAbs from an established human recombinant antibody library, identifying K107.1 with a nanomolar affinity for SARS-CoV-2 FP. Furthermore, we generated K203.A, a new bsAb built in immunoglobulin G4-(single-chain variable fragment)2 forms and demonstrating a high manufacturing yield and nanomolar affinity to both the RBD and FP, by fusing K102.1, our previously reported RBD-specific mAb, with K107.1. Results Our comprehensive in vitro functional analyses revealed that the K203.A bsAb significantly outperformed the parental RBD-specific mAb in terms of neutralization efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, intravenous monotherapy with K203.A demonstrated potent in vivo neutralizing activity without significant in vivo toxicity in a mouse model infected with a SARS-CoV-2 variant. Conclusion These findings present a novel bsAb dual-targeting strategy, directed at SARS-CoV-2 RBD and FP, as an effective approach for rapid development and management against continuously evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Heo
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonwoo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Jeong Jang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Won Park
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Bin Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Lim Choi
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Bo Shim
- Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dutta M, Su Y, Voth GA, Stahelin RV. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein associates with anionic lipid membranes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.15.557899. [PMID: 37745364 PMCID: PMC10516002 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.557899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a lipid-enveloped virus that acquires its lipid bilayer from the host cell it infects. SARS-CoV-2 can spread from cell to cell or from patient to patient by undergoing assembly and budding to form new virions. The assembly and budding of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by several structural proteins known as envelope (E), membrane (M), nucleoprotein (N) and spike (S), which can form virus-like particles (VLPs) when co-expressed in mammalian cells. Assembly and budding of SARS-CoV-2 from the host ER-Golgi intermediate compartment is a critical step in the virus acquiring its lipid bilayer. To date, little information is available on how SARS-CoV-2 assembles and forms new viral particles from host membranes. In this study, we find the N protein can strongly associate with anionic lipids including phosphoinositides and phosphatidylserine. Moreover, lipid binding is shown to occur in the N protein C-terminal domain, which is supported by extensive in silico analysis. Anionic lipid binding occurs for both the free and N oligomeric forms suggesting N can associate with membranes in the nucleocapsid form. Herein we present a lipid-dependent model based on in vitro, cellular and in silico data for the recruitment of N to M assembly sites in the lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandira Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and James Frank Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuan Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Gregory A. Voth
- Department of Chemistry, Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and James Frank Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert V. Stahelin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bains A, Guan W, LiWang PJ. The Effect of Select SARS-CoV-2 N-Linked Glycan and Variant of Concern Spike Protein Mutations on C-Type Lectin-Receptor-Mediated Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:1901. [PMID: 37766307 PMCID: PMC10535197 DOI: 10.3390/v15091901] [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] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virion has shown remarkable resilience, capable of mutating to escape immune detection and re-establishing infectious capabilities despite new vaccine rollouts. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify relatively immutable epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 virion that are resistant to future mutations the virus may accumulate. While hACE2 has been identified as the receptor that mediates SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, it is only modestly expressed in lung tissue. C-type lectin receptors like DC-SIGN can act as attachment sites to enhance SARS-CoV-2 infection of cells with moderate or low hACE2 expression. We developed an easy-to-implement assay system that allows for the testing of SARS-CoV-2 trans-infection. Using our assay, we assessed how SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1-domain glycans and spike proteins from different strains affected the ability of pseudotyped lentivirions to undergo DC-SIGN-mediated trans-infection. Through our experiments with seven glycan point mutants, two glycan cluster mutants and four strains of SARS-CoV-2 spike, we found that glycans N17 and N122 appear to have significant roles in maintaining COVID-19's infectious capabilities. We further found that the virus cannot retain infectivity upon the loss of multiple glycosylation sites, and that Omicron BA.2 pseudovirions may have an increased ability to bind to other non-lectin receptor proteins on the surface of cells. Taken together, our work opens the door to the development of new therapeutics that can target overlooked epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 virion to prevent C-type lectin-receptor-mediated trans-infection in lung tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Bains
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Wenyan Guan
- Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Patricia J. LiWang
- Molecular Cell Biology, Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yang L, Wang Z. Bench-to-bedside: Innovation of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs in China. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115503. [PMID: 37229831 PMCID: PMC10193775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, highlighting the need to develop potent prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Small molecule inhibitors (remdesivir, Paxlovid, and molnupiravir) are essential complements to vaccines and play important roles in clinical treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Many advances have been made in development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in China, but progress in discovery and characterization of pharmacological activity, antiviral mechanisms, and clinical efficacy are limited. We review development of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs (azvudine [approved by the NMPA of China on July 25, 2022], VV116 [approved by the NMPA of China on January 29, 2023], FB2001, WPV01, pentarlandir, and cepharanthine) in China and summarize their pharmacological activity, potential mechanisms of action, clinical trials and use, and important milestones in their discovery. The role of structural biology in drug development is also reviewed. Future studies should focus on development of diverse second-generation inhibitors with excellent oral bioavailability, superior plasma half-life, increased antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, high target specificity, minimal side effects, reduced drug-drug interactions, and improved lung histopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ko K, Takahashi K, Ito N, Sugiyama A, Nagashima S, Miwata K, Kitahara Y, Okimoto M, Ouoba S, Akuffo GA, E B, Akita T, Takafuta T, Tanaka J. Despite low viral titer in saliva samples, Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing is highly applicable for the variant identification. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:199. [PMID: 37620887 PMCID: PMC10463848 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the performance of Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based full-genome sequencing for variant identification in saliva samples with low viral titer. METHODS Using 241 stocked saliva samples collected from confirmed COVID-19 patients between November 2020 and March 2022 in Hiroshima, SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing (nt22735-nt23532) was performed by nested RT-PCR and Sanger platform using in-house primers. The same samples underwent full-genome sequencing by NGS using Illumina NextSeq2000. RESULTS Among 241 samples, 147 were amplified by both the Sanger and the Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS, 86 by Sanger only, and 8 were not amplified at all. The overall amplification rates of Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS and Sanger were 61% and 96.7%, respectively. At low viral titer (< 103 copies/mL), Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS provided 19.2% amplification, while Sanger was 89.7% (p < 0.0001). Both platforms identified 38 wild type, 54 Alpha variants, 84 Delta variants, and 57 Omicron variants. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided evidence to expand the capacity of Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing for variants identification over full-genome by Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS for mass screening. Therefore, the feasible and simple Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing is practical for the initial variants screening, which might reduce the gap between the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and its molecular surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ko Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takahashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Noriaki Ito
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Aya Sugiyama
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shintaro Nagashima
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kei Miwata
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Mafumi Okimoto
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Serge Ouoba
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro (URCN), Institut de Recherche en Science de La Santé (IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Golda Ataa Akuffo
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Bunthen E
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Payment Certification Agency (PCA), Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | | | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Petrone-García VM, Castellanos-Huerta I, Tellez-Isaias G. Editorial: High-impact respiratory RNA virus diseases. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1273650. [PMID: 37675076 PMCID: PMC10478262 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1273650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
|
39
|
Tam D, Lorenzo-Leal AC, Hernández LR, Bach H. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13002. [PMID: 37629182 PMCID: PMC10455537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped respiratory β coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), leading to a deadly pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 genome also codes for non-structural proteins (NSPs). These NSPs are found within open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and encode NSP1 to NSP11 and NSP12 to NSP16, respectively. This study aimed to collect the available literature regarding NSP inhibitors. In addition, we searched the natural product database looking for similar structures. The results showed that similar structures could be tested as potential inhibitors of the NSPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald Tam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Ana C. Lorenzo-Leal
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Luis Ricardo Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación Fitoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex Hacienda Sta. Catarina Mártir S/N, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Štefek M, Chalupská D, Chalupský K, Zgarbová M, Dvořáková A, Krafčíková P, Li ASM, Šála M, Dejmek M, Otava T, Chaloupecká E, Kozák J, Kozic J, Vedadi M, Weber J, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Nencka R. Rational Design of Highly Potent SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 Methyltransferase Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:27410-27418. [PMID: 37546609 PMCID: PMC10398685 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The search for new drugs against COVID-19 and its causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, is one of the major trends in the current medicinal chemistry. Targeting capping machinery could be one of the therapeutic concepts based on a unique mechanism of action. Viral RNA cap synthesis involves two methylation steps, the first of which is mediated by the nsp14 protein. Here, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of compounds capable of binding to both the S-adenosyl-l-methionine and the RNA-binding site of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 N7-methyltransferase. These hybrid molecules showed excellent potency, high selectivity toward various human methyltransferases, nontoxicity, and high cell permeability. Despite the outstanding activity against the enzyme, our compounds showed poor antiviral performance in vitro. This suggests that the activity of this viral methyltransferase has no significant effect on virus transcription and replication at the cellular level. Therefore, our compounds represent unique tools to further explore the role of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 methyltransferase in the viral life cycle and the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Štefek
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Chalupská
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Chalupský
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Zgarbová
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Dvořáková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Krafčíková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Shi Ming Li
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michal Šála
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Dejmek
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Otava
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Ema Chaloupecká
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kozák
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Kozic
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- QBI
COVID-19 Research Group (QCRG), San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí
2, Prague 6 166 10, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Almalki SSR, Izhari MA, Alyahyawi HE, Alatawi SK, Klufah F, Ahmed WAM, Alharbi R. Mutational Analysis of Circulating Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Lineages in the Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:2117-2136. [PMID: 37529147 PMCID: PMC10389082 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s419859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Omicron (B.1.1.529) is one of the highly mutated variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2. Lineages of Omicron bear a remarkable degree of mutations leading to enhanced pathogenicity and upward transmission trajectory. Mutating Omicron lineages may trigger a fresh COVID-19 wave at any time in any region. We aimed at the whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 to determine variants/subvariants and significant mutations which can foster virus evolution, monitoring of disease spread, and outbreak management. Methods We used Illumina-NovaSeq 6000 for SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing, MEGA 10.2 and nextstrain tools for phylogeny; CD-HIT program (version 4.8.1) and MUSCLE program for clustering and alignment. At the same time, UCSF Chimera was employed for protein visualization. Results Predominant Omicron pango lineages in Al-Baha were BA.5.2/B22 (n=4, 57%), and other lineages were BA.2.12/21L (n=1, 14.28%), BV.1/22B (n=1, 14.28%) and BA.5.2.18/22B (n=1, 14.28%). 22B nextstrain clade was predominant, while only one lineage showed 21L. BA.5.2/22B, BA.5.2/22B harbored a maximum of n=24 mutations in the spike region. Twelve crucial RBD mutations: D405N, R408S, K417N, N440K, L452R, S477N, T478K, E484A, F486V, Q498R, N501Y, and Y505H were identified except the lineage BA.5.2/22B in which F486V mutation was not observed. Critical deletions S106 in membrane protein NSP6, E31in nucleocapsid, and L24 in spike region were observed in all the lineages. Furthermore, we identified common mutations of Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in therapeutic hot spot spike region: T19I, D405N, R408S, K417N, N440K, L452R, S477N, T478K, E484A, F486V, Q498R, N501Y, Y505H, D614G, A653V, H655Y, N679K, P681H, N764K, D796Y, Q954H, N969K, D1146D, L452R, F486V, N679K and D796Y. The effect of RBD-targeted mutations on neutralizing (NAbs) binding was considerable. Conclusion The outcome of this first report on SARS-CoV-2 variants identification and mutation in the Al-Baha region could be used to lay down the policies to manage and impede the regional outbreak of COVID-19 effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaia S R Almalki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Asrar Izhari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan E Alyahyawi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleha Keder Alatawi
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Klufah
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waled A M Ahmed
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Alharbi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Krachmarova E, Petkov P, Lilkova E, Ilieva N, Rangelov M, Todorova N, Malinova K, Hristova R, Nacheva G, Gospodinov A, Litov L. Insights into the SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 Mechanism of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11589. [PMID: 37511350 PMCID: PMC10380535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
ORF6 is responsible for suppressing the immune response of cells infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is also the most toxic protein of SARS-CoV-2, and its actions are associated with the viral pathogenicity. Here, we study in silico and in vitro the structure of the protein, its interaction with RAE1 and the mechanism of action behind its high toxicity. We show both computationally and experimentally that SARS-CoV-2 ORF6, embedded in the cytoplasmic membranes, binds to RAE1 and sequesters it in the cytoplasm, thus depleting its availability in the nucleus and impairing nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport. This negatively affects the cellular genome stability by compromising the cell cycle progression into the S-phase and by promoting the accumulation of RNA-DNA hybrids. Understanding the multiple ways in which ORF6 affects DNA replication may also have important implications for elucidating the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 and developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate its deleterious effects on host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Krachmarova
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.K.); (K.M.); (R.H.); (G.N.)
| | - Peicho Petkov
- Faculty of Physics, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Elena Lilkova
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.L.); (N.I.)
| | - Nevena Ilieva
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.L.); (N.I.)
| | - Miroslav Rangelov
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Nadezhda Todorova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Kristina Malinova
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.K.); (K.M.); (R.H.); (G.N.)
| | - Rossitsa Hristova
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.K.); (K.M.); (R.H.); (G.N.)
| | - Genoveva Nacheva
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.K.); (K.M.); (R.H.); (G.N.)
| | - Anastas Gospodinov
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (E.K.); (K.M.); (R.H.); (G.N.)
| | - Leandar Litov
- Faculty of Physics, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
López-Muñoz AD, Santos JJS, Yewdell JW. Cell surface nucleocapsid protein expression: A betacoronavirus immunomodulatory strategy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304087120. [PMID: 37399385 PMCID: PMC10334784 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304087120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is abundantly expressed on the surface of both infected and neighboring uninfected cells, where it enables activation of Fc receptor-bearing immune cells with anti-N antibodies (Abs) and inhibits leukocyte chemotaxis by binding chemokines (CHKs). Here, we extend these findings to N from the common cold human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43, which is also robustly expressed on the surface of infected and noninfected cells by binding heparan sulfate/heparin (HS/H). HCoV-OC43 N binds with high affinity to the same set of 11 human CHKs as SARS-CoV-2 N, but also to a nonoverlapping set of six cytokines. As with SARS-CoV-2 N, HCoV-OC43 N inhibits CXCL12β-mediated leukocyte migration in chemotaxis assays, as do all highly pathogenic and common cold HCoV N proteins. Together, our findings indicate that cell surface HCoV N plays important evolutionarily conserved roles in manipulating host innate immunity and as a target for adaptive immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Domingo López-Muñoz
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jefferson J. S. Santos
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jonathan W. Yewdell
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhou T, Gilliam NJ, Li S, Spandau S, Osborn RM, Connor S, Anderson CS, Mariani TJ, Thakar J, Dewhurst S, Mathews DH, Huang L, Sun Y. Generation and Functional Analysis of Defective Viral Genomes during SARS-CoV-2 Infection. mBio 2023; 14:e0025023. [PMID: 37074178 PMCID: PMC10294654 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00250-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective viral genomes (DVGs) have been identified in many RNA viruses as a major factor influencing antiviral immune response and viral pathogenesis. However, the generation and function of DVGs in SARS-CoV-2 infection are less known. In this study, we elucidated DVG generation in SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with host antiviral immune response. We observed DVGs ubiquitously from transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data sets of in vitro infections and autopsy lung tissues of COVID-19 patients. Four genomic hot spots were identified for DVG recombination, and RNA secondary structures were suggested to mediate DVG formation. Functionally, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq analysis indicated the interferon (IFN) stimulation of SARS-CoV-2 DVGs. We further applied our criteria to the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data set from a published cohort study and observed a significantly higher amount and frequency of DVG in symptomatic patients than those in asymptomatic patients. Finally, we observed exceptionally diverse DVG populations in one immunosuppressive patient up to 140 days after the first positive test of COVID-19, suggesting for the first time an association between DVGs and persistent viral infections in SARS-CoV-2. Together, our findings strongly suggest a critical role of DVGs in modulating host IFN responses and symptom development, calling for further inquiry into the mechanisms of DVG generation and into how DVGs modulate host responses and infection outcome during SARS-CoV-2 infection. IMPORTANCE Defective viral genomes (DVGs) are generated ubiquitously in many RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Their interference activity to full-length viruses and IFN stimulation provide the potential for them to be used in novel antiviral therapies and vaccine development. SARS-CoV-2 DVGs are generated through the recombination of two discontinuous genomic fragments by viral polymerase complex, and this recombination is also one of the major mechanisms for the emergence of new coronaviruses. Focusing on the generation and function of SARS-CoV-2 DVGs, these studies identify new hot spots for nonhomologous recombination and strongly suggest that the secondary structures within viral genomes mediate the recombination. Furthermore, these studies provide the first evidence for IFN stimulation activity of de novo DVGs during natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings set up the foundation for further mechanism studies of SARS-CoV-2 recombination and provide evidence to harness the immunostimulatory potential of DVGs in the development of a vaccine and antivirals for SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Nora J. Gilliam
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Translational Biomedical Sciences PhD Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sizhen Li
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Simone Spandau
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Raven M. Osborn
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Translational Biomedical Sciences PhD Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Connor
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Children’s Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Christopher S. Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Children’s Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Thomas J. Mariani
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Children’s Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Juilee Thakar
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Stephen Dewhurst
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - David H. Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Liang Huang
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Garg KM, Lamba V, Chattopadhyay B. Genomic Insights Into the Evolution and Demographic History of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: Population Genomics Approach. JMIR BIOINFORMATICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 4:e40673. [PMID: 37456139 PMCID: PMC10331448 DOI: 10.2196/40673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Background A thorough understanding of the patterns of genetic subdivision in a pathogen can provide crucial information that is necessary to prevent disease spread. For SARS-CoV-2, the availability of millions of genomes makes this task analytically challenging, and traditional methods for understanding genetic subdivision often fail. Objective The aim of our study was to use population genomics methods to identify the subtle subdivisions and demographic history of the Omicron variant, in addition to those captured by the Pango lineage. Methods We used a combination of an evolutionary network approach and multivariate statistical protocols to understand the subdivision and spread of the Omicron variant. We identified subdivisions within the BA.1 and BA.2 lineages and further identified the mutations associated with each cluster. We further characterized the overall genomic diversity of the Omicron variant and assessed the selection pressure for each of the genetic clusters identified. Results We observed concordant results, using two different methods to understand genetic subdivision. The overall pattern of subdivision in the Omicron variant was in broad agreement with the Pango lineage definition. Further, 1 cluster of the BA.1 lineage and 3 clusters of the BA.2 lineage revealed statistically significant signatures of selection or demographic expansion (Tajima's D<-2), suggesting the role of microevolutionary processes in the spread of the virus. Conclusions We provide an easy framework for assessing the genetic structure and demographic history of SARS-CoV-2, which can be particularly useful for understanding the local history of the virus. We identified important mutations that are advantageous to some lineages of Omicron and aid in the transmission of the virus. This is crucial information for policy makers, as preventive measures can be designed to mitigate further spread based on a holistic understanding of the variability of the virus and the evolutionary processes aiding its spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kritika M Garg
- Department of Biology Ashoka University Sonipat India
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Archaeological Research Ashoka University Sonipat India
| | - Vinita Lamba
- Trivedi School of Biosciences Ashoka University Sonipat India
- J William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR United States
| | - Balaji Chattopadhyay
- Department of Biology Ashoka University Sonipat India
- Trivedi School of Biosciences Ashoka University Sonipat India
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Low Z, Lani R, Tiong V, Poh C, AbuBakar S, Hassandarvish P. COVID-19 Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119589. [PMID: 37298539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119589] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment and management are now considerably regulated, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still one of the leading causes of death in 2022. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines, FDA-approved antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies in low-income countries still poses an issue to be addressed. Natural products, particularly traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and medicinal plant extracts (or their active component), have challenged the dominance of drug repurposing and synthetic compound libraries in COVID-19 therapeutics. Their abundant resources and excellent antiviral performance make natural products a relatively cheap and readily available alternative for COVID-19 therapeutics. Here, we deliberately review the anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of the natural products, their potency (pharmacological profiles), and application strategies for COVID-19 intervention. In light of their advantages, this review is intended to acknowledge the potential of natural products as COVID-19 therapeutic candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxuan Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Rafidah Lani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Vunjia Tiong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chitlaa Poh
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Pouya Hassandarvish
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Huang T, Snell KC, Kalia N, Gardezi S, Guo L, Harris ME. Kinetic analysis of RNA cleavage by coronavirus Nsp15 endonuclease: Evidence for acid base catalysis and substrate dependent metal ion activation. J Biol Chem 2023:104787. [PMID: 37149147 PMCID: PMC10158045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104787] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the functional properties of SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins is essential for defining their roles in the viral life cycle, developing improved therapeutics and diagnostics, and countering future variants. Coronavirus nonstructural protein Nsp15 is a hexameric U-specific endonuclease whose functions, substrate specificity, mechanism, and dynamics have not been fully defined. Previous studies report SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15 requires Mn2+ ions for optimal activity; however, the effects of divalent ions on Nsp15 reaction kinetics have not been investigated in detail. Here, we analyzed the single and multiple turnover kinetics for model single-stranded RNA substrates. Our data confirm that divalent ions are dispensable for catalysis and show that Mn2+ activates Nsp15 cleavage of two different ssRNA oligonucleotide substrates, but not a dinucleotide. Furthermore, biphasic kinetics of ssRNA substrates demonstrates that Mn2+ stabilizes alternative enzyme states that have faster substrate cleavage on the enzyme. However, we did not detect Mn2+-induced conformational changes using CD and fluorescence spectroscopy. The pH-rate profiles in the presence and absence of Mn2+ are consistent with active site ionizable groups with similar pKas of ca. 4.8-5.2. We found the Rp stereoisomer phosphorothioate modification at the scissile phosphate had minimal effect on catalysis, which supports a mechanism involving an anionic transition state. In contrast, the Sp stereoisomer is inactive due to weak binding, consistent with models that position the non-bridging phosphoryl oxygen deep in the active site. Together, these kinetic data demonstrate that Nsp15 employs a conventional acid-base catalytic mechanism passing through an anionic transition state, and that divalent ion activation is substrate-dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Kimberly C Snell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Nidhi Kalia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Shahbaz Gardezi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Lily Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Michael E Harris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Allan MF, Brivanlou A, Rouskin S. RNA levers and switches controlling viral gene expression. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:391-406. [PMID: 36710231 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA viruses are diverse and abundant pathogens that are responsible for numerous human diseases. RNA viruses possess relatively compact genomes and have therefore evolved multiple mechanisms to maximize their coding capacities, often by encoding overlapping reading frames. These reading frames are then decoded by mechanisms such as alternative splicing and ribosomal frameshifting to produce multiple distinct proteins. These solutions are enabled by the ability of the RNA genome to fold into 3D structures that can mimic cellular RNAs, hijack host proteins, and expose or occlude regulatory protein-binding motifs to ultimately control key process in the viral life cycle. We highlight recent findings focusing on less conventional mechanisms of gene expression and new discoveries on the role of RNA structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Allan
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Computational and Systems Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Amir Brivanlou
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silvi Rouskin
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Susceptibility of SARS COV-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins to reactive oxygen species and role in inflammation. Anal Biochem 2023; 670:115137. [PMID: 36997015 PMCID: PMC10050197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115137] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Chemiluminescence was used to test the susceptibility of the SARS-CoV-2 N and S proteins to oxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) at pH7.4 and pH8.5. The Fenton's system generates various ROS (H2O2, ·OH, –OH, ·OOH). All proteins were found to significantly suppress oxidation (the viral proteins exhibited 25–60% effect compared to albumin). In the second system, H2O2was used both as a strong oxidant and as a ROS. A similar effect was observed (30–70%); N protein approached the effect of albumin at physiological pH (∼45%). In the O2.--generation system, albumin was most effective in the suppression of generated radicals (75%, pH7.4). The viral proteins were more susceptible to oxidation (inhibition effect no more than 20%, compared to albumin). The standard antioxidant assay confirmed the strong antioxidant capacity of both viral proteins (1.5–1.7- fold higher than albumin). These results demonstrate the effective and significant inhibition of ROS-induced oxidation by the proteins. Obviously, the viral proteins could not be involved in the oxidative stress reactions during the course of the infection. They even suppress the metabolites involved in its progression. These results can be explained by their structure. Probably, an evolutionary self-defense mechanism of the virus has been developed.
Collapse
|
50
|
Comparison of Real-time RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values with clinical features and severity of COVID-19 disease among hospitalized patients in the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Chennai, India. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2023; 3:100146. [PMID: 37016620 PMCID: PMC10043973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2023.100146] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal/ oropharyngeal swab has been the gold standard test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection The relationship between cycle threshold (Ct) values of rRT-PCR and severity of disease remain disputable and not clearly defined in COVID-19. Methodology This is a single-centred retrospective observational study conducted at Government Corona Hospital (GCH), Guindy, Chennai. In the present study, we compared the Ct value of rRT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swab specimens with a diverse range of symptoms and disease severity among 240 individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, viz., mild cases (MC; n=160), moderately severe cases (MSC; n=46) and severe cases (SC; n=34) in the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic. Results The study included 240 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with a median age of 52 years (range 21 to 90 years). MC, MSC, and SC all had median Ct values of 25.0 (interquartile range – IQR 20.0 to 30.5), 29.5 (IQR 23.0 to 34.0), and 29.0 (IQR 24 to 37.5) for the ORF1ab gene. The Ct value differed significantly between mild vs moderate, and mild vs severe cases. The Ct value of SC group with co-morbidity of type 2 diabetes have a significant difference compared to non-diabetes group (p value <0.05). There was a significant difference in the median Ct value of ORF1ab gene among the MSC group and MC but not in the SC group in the first and second waves of the pandemic (p<0.05). Conclusion We conclude that SARS-CoV-2 Ct values of rRT-PCR alone does not have a role in aiding severity stratification among patients with COVID-19 since the viral dynamics and Ct value may vary due to the emerging variants that occur in different waves of the pandemic.
Collapse
|