1
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Self-assembly of dengue virus empty capsid-like particles in solution. iScience 2023; 26:106197. [PMID: 36890794 PMCID: PMC9986514 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleocapsid (NC) assembly is an essential step of the virus replication cycle. It ensures genome protection and transmission among hosts. Flaviviruses are human viruses for which envelope structure is well known, whereas no information on NC organization is available. Here we designed a dengue virus capsid protein (DENVC) mutant in which a highly positive spot conferred by arginine 85 in α4-helix was replaced by a cysteine residue, simultaneously removing the positive charge and restricting the intermolecular motion through the formation of a disulfide cross-link. We showed that the mutant self-assembles into capsid-like particles (CLP) in solution without nucleic acids. Using biophysical techniques, we investigated capsid assembly thermodynamics, showing that an efficient assembly is related to an increased DENVC stability due to α4/α4' motion restriction. To our knowledge, this is the first time that flaviviruses' empty capsid assembly is obtained in solution, revealing the R85C mutant as a powerful tool to understand the NC assembly mechanism.
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2
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Rajapaksha SP, Nawagamuwage SU. Anticorrelated position fluctuation of lipids in forming membrane water pores: molecular dynamics simulations study with dengue virus capsid protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11395-11404. [PMID: 34343444 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1958698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The traffic of molecules into or out of cells is regulated by many membrane-associated mechanisms. Membrane pores are considered as one of the major passage mechanisms, although molecular-level understanding of pore formation is still vague. The opening of a membrane pore depends on many factors, including the influence of some proteins. The ability of the cell-penetrating peptides and supercharged proteins to form membrane pores has been reported. We studied pore formation through dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers by supercharged dengue virus capsid (C) protein. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the formation of membrane pores by a combined effect of the C protein and the membrane electric field. Analyses of simulated trajectories showed highly correlated vertical position fluctuations between the Cα atom of the membrane-anchored arginine residues and the phosphorus atoms of the surrounding DPPC lipids. Certain regions of the bilayer were negatively correlated while the others were positively correlated with respect to the fluctuations of the Cα atom of the anchored arginine residues. When positively correlated lipids in one leaflet vertically aligned with the negatively correlated lipids in the other leaflet, a local anticorrelated region was generated by weakening the bilayer. The membrane pore was always formed close to this anticorrelated region. Once formed, the C protein followed the hydrated pathway provided by the water-filled pores to cross the membrane.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneth P Rajapaksha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Sithara U Nawagamuwage
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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3
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Horn JM, Obermeyer AC. Genetic and Covalent Protein Modification Strategies to Facilitate Intracellular Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4883-4904. [PMID: 34855385 PMCID: PMC9310055 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics represent a rapidly growing segment of approved disease treatments. Successful intracellular delivery of proteins is an important precondition for expanded in vivo and in vitro applications of protein therapeutics. Direct modification of proteins and peptides for improved cytosolic translocation are a promising method of increasing delivery efficiency and expanding the viability of intracellular protein therapeutics. In this Review, we present recent advances in both synthetic and genetic protein modifications for intracellular delivery. Active endocytosis-based and passive internalization pathways are discussed, followed by a review of modification methods for improved cytosolic delivery. After establishing how proteins can be modified, general strategies for facilitating intracellular delivery, such as chemical supercharging or inclusion of cell-penetrating motifs, are covered. We then outline protein modifications that promote endosomal escape. We finally examine the delivery of two potential classes of therapeutic proteins, antibodies and associated antibody fragments, and gene editing proteins, such as cas9.
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4
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Cavaco M, Frutos S, Oliete P, Valle J, Andreu D, Castanho MARB, Vila-Perelló M, Neves V. Conjugation of a Blood Brain Barrier Peptide Shuttle to an Fc Domain for Brain Delivery of Therapeutic Biomolecules. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1663-1668. [PMID: 36060671 PMCID: PMC9437899 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequency of brain disease has increased significantly in the past years. After diagnosis, therapeutic options are usually limited, which demands the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is promising but highly limited by the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To overcome the impermeability of this barrier, antibody fragments can be engineered and conjugated to BBB peptide shuttles (BBBpS), which are capable of brain penetration. Herein, we linked the highly efficient BBBpS, PepH3, to the IgG fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain using the streamlined expressed protein ligation (SEPL) method. With this strategy, we obtained an Fc-PepH3 scaffold that can carry different payloads. Fc-PepH3 was shown to be nontoxic, capable of crossing an in vitro cellular BBB model, and able to bind to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), which is responsible for antibody long half-life (t 1/2). Overall, we demonstrated the potential of Fc-PepH3 as a versatile platform readily adaptable to diverse drugs of therapeutic value to treat different brain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Proteomics
and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health
Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical
Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Frutos
- SpliceBio
S.L., Baldiri Reixac
10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Oliete
- SpliceBio
S.L., Baldiri Reixac
10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics
and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health
Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical
Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics
and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health
Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical
Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Vera Neves
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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5
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Oliveira FD, Cavaco M, Figueira TN, Valle J, Neves V, Andreu D, Gaspar D, Castanho MARB. The antimetastatic breast cancer activity of the viral protein-derived peptide vCPP2319 as revealed by cellular biomechanics. FEBS J 2021; 289:1603-1624. [PMID: 34679257 PMCID: PMC9298314 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is increasing and the therapeutic arsenal available to fight it is insufficient. Brain metastases, in particular, represent a major challenge for chemotherapy as the impermeable nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents most drugs from targeting cells in the brain. For their ability to transpose biological membranes and transport a broad spectrum of bioactive cargoes, cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been hailed as ideal candidates to deliver drugs across biological barriers. A more ambitious approach is to have the CPP as a drug itself, capable of both killing cancer cells and interacting with the blood/brain interface, therefore blocking the onset of brain metastases. vCPP2319, a viral protein‐derived CPP, has both properties as it: (a) is selective toward human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231) and increases cell stiffness compared to breast epithelial cells (MCF 10A) hindering the progression of metastases; and (b) adsorbs at the surface of human brain endothelial cells potentially counteracting metastatic cells from reaching the brain. Overall, the results reveal the selective anticancer activity of the peptide vCPP2319, which is also able to reside at the blood–brain interface, therefore counteracting brain penetration by metastatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago N Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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6
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Hejtmánková A, Váňová J, Španielová H. Cell-penetrating peptides in the intracellular delivery of viral nanoparticles. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 117:47-76. [PMID: 34420585 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a promising tool for the intracellular delivery of cargo. Due to their ability to cross membranes while also cotransporting various cargoes, they offer great potential for biomedical applications. Several CPPs have been derived from viral proteins with natural roles in the viral replication cycle that require them to breach or fuse to cellular membranes. Additionally, the ability of viruses to cross membranes makes viruses and virus-based particles a convenient model for research on nanoparticle delivery and nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy. In this chapter, we aim to characterize CPPs derived from both structural and nonstructural viral proteins. Their function as enhancers of viral infection and transduction by viral nanoparticles as well as the main features of viral CPPs employed in intracellular cargo delivery are summarized to emphasize their potential use in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alžběta Hejtmánková
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Váňová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Španielová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic.
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7
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Jia R, Wang M, Yin Z, Cheng A. Structure and function of capsid protein in flavivirus infection and its applications in the development of vaccines and therapeutics. Vet Res 2021; 52:98. [PMID: 34193256 PMCID: PMC8247181 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00966-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are enveloped single positive-stranded RNA viruses. The capsid (C), a structural protein of flavivirus, is dimeric and alpha-helical, with several special structural and functional features. The functions of the C protein go far beyond a structural role in virions. It is not only responsible for encapsidation to protect the viral RNA but also able to interact with various host proteins to promote virus proliferation. Therefore, the C protein plays an important role in infected host cells and the viral life cycle. Flaviviruses have been shown to affect the health of humans and animals. Thus, there is an urgent need to effectively control flavivirus infections. The structure of the flavivirus virion has been determined, but there is relatively little information about the function of the C protein. Hence, a greater understanding of the role of the C protein in viral infections will help to discover novel antiviral strategies and provide a promising starting point for the further development of flavivirus vaccines or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcui Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanting Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhongqiong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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8
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Neves-Martins TC, Mebus-Antunes NC, Caruso IP, Almeida FCL, Da Poian AT. Unique structural features of flaviviruses' capsid proteins: new insights on structure-function relationship. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 47:106-112. [PMID: 33721656 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The Flaviviridae family comprises important human pathogens, including Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis viruses. The viral genome, a positive-sense single-stranded RNA, is packaged by a single protein, the capsid protein, which is a small and highly basic protein that form intertwined homodimers in solution. Atomic-resolution structures of four flaviviruses capsid proteins were solved either in solution by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or after protein crystallization by X-ray diffraction. Analyses of these structures revealed very particular properties, namely (i) the predominance of quaternary contacts maintaining the structure; (ii) a highly electropositive surface throughout the protein; and (iii) a flexible helix (α1). The goal of this review is to discuss the role of these features in protein structure-function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais C Neves-Martins
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathane C Mebus-Antunes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Icaro P Caruso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB) and Department of Physics, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (IBILCE), São Paulo State University (UNESP), 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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9
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Cadima-Couto I, Tauzin A, Freire JM, Figueira TN, Silva RDM, Pérez-Peinado C, Cunha-Santos C, Bártolo I, Taveira N, Gano L, Correia JDG, Goncalves J, Mammano F, Andreu D, Castanho MARB, Veiga AS. Anti-HIV-1 Activity of pepRF1, a Proteolysis-Resistant CXCR4 Antagonist Derived from Dengue Virus Capsid Protein. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:6-22. [PMID: 33319557 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new anti-HIV drugs that can complement existing medicines to be used against resistant strains. Here, we report the anti-HIV-1 peptide pepRF1, a human serum-resistant peptide derived from the Dengue virus capsid protein. In vitro, pepRF1 shows a 50% inhibitory concentration of 1.5 nM with a potential therapeutic window higher than 53 000. This peptide is specific for CXCR4-tropic strains, preventing viral entry into target cells by binding to the viral coreceptor CXCR4, acting as an antagonist of this receptor. pepRF1 is more effective than T20, the only peptide-based HIV-1 entry inhibitor approved, and excels in inhibiting a HIV-1 strain resistant to T20. Potentially, pepRF1 can be used alone or in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. Furthermore, one can also envisage its use as a novel therapeutic strategy for other CXCR4-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cadima-Couto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Tauzin
- INSERM UMR 1124, Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints Pères, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - João M. Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago N. Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rúben D. M. Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catarina Cunha-Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Bártolo
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno Taveira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Joao Goncalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabrizio Mammano
- INSERM UMR 1124, Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints Pères, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Pinto SN, Dias SA, Cruz AF, Mil-Homens D, Fernandes F, Valle J, Andreu D, Prieto M, Castanho MARB, Coutinho A, Veiga AS. The mechanism of action of pepR, a viral-derived peptide, against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:2617-2625. [PMID: 31127270 PMCID: PMC6736180 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the mechanism of action at the molecular level of pepR, a multifunctional peptide derived from the Dengue virus capsid protein, against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. METHODS Biofilm mass, metabolic activity and viability were quantified using conventional microbiology techniques, while fluorescence imaging methods, including a real-time calcein release assay, were employed to investigate the kinetics of pepR activity at different biofilm depths. RESULTS Using flow cytometry-based assays, we showed that pepR is able to prevent staphylococcal biofilm formation due to a fast killing of planktonic bacteria, which in turn resulted from a peptide-induced increase in the permeability of the bacterial membranes. The activity of pepR against pre-formed biofilms was evaluated through the application of a quantitative live/dead confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assay. The results show that the bactericidal activity of pepR on pre-formed biofilms is dose and depth dependent. A CLSM-based assay of calcein release from biofilm-embedded bacteria was further developed to indirectly assess the diffusion and membrane permeabilization properties of pepR throughout the biofilm. A slower diffusion and delayed activity of the peptide at deeper layers of the biofilm were quantified. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results show that the activity of pepR on pre-formed biofilms is controlled by its diffusion along the biofilm layers, an effect that can be counteracted by an additional administration of peptide. Our study sheds new light on the antibiofilm mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides, particularly the importance of their diffusion properties through the biofilm matrix on their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra N Pinto
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular e IN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal.,iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana A Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana F Cruz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Dalila Mil-Homens
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabio Fernandes
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular e IN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal.,iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Prieto
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular e IN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal.,iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Coutinho
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular e IN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal.,iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais Lisboa, Portugal.,Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
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11
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Kaufman F, Dostálková A, Pekárek L, Thanh TD, Kapisheva M, Hadravová R, Bednárová L, Novotný R, Křížová I, Černý J, Grubhoffer L, Ruml T, Hrabal R, Rumlová M. Characterization and in vitro assembly of tick-borne encephalitis virus C protein. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:1989-2004. [PMID: 32510601 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of flaviviruses, represents a serious health threat by causing human encephalitis mainly in central and eastern Europe, Russia, and northeastern Asia. As no specific therapy is available, there is an urgent need to understand all steps of the TBEV replication cycle at the molecular level. One of the critical events is the packaging of flaviviral genomic RNA by TBEV C protein to form a nucleocapsid. We purified recombinant TBEV C protein and used a combination of physical-chemical approaches, such as size-exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism, NMR spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy, to analyze its structural stability and its ability to dimerize/oligomerize. We compared the ability of TBEV C protein to assemble in vitro into a nucleocapsid-like structure with that of dengue C protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Kaufman
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alžběta Dostálková
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Pekárek
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tung Dinh Thanh
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marina Kapisheva
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Hadravová
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) Research Centre & Gilead Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Bednárová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) Research Centre & Gilead Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Novotný
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,NMR Laboratory, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Křížová
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Černý
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Hrabal
- NMR Laboratory, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Rumlová
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Kardani K, Bolhassani A, Agi E, Hashemi A. B1 protein: a novel cell penetrating protein for in vitro and in vivo delivery of HIV-1 multi-epitope DNA constructs. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:1847-1863. [PMID: 32449070 PMCID: PMC7246087 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02918-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Enhancement of the potential ability of biomacromolecules to cross cell membranes is a critical step for development of effective therapeutic vaccine especially DNA vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. The supercharged proteins were known as powerful weapons for delivery of different types of cargoes such as DNA and protein. Hence, we applied B1 protein with + 43 net charges obtained from a single frameshift in the gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) for delivery of two multi-epitope DNA constructs (nef-vpu-gp160-p24 and nef-vif-gp160-p24) in vitro and in vivo for the first time. For this purpose, B1 protein was generated in bacterial expression system under native conditions, and used to interact with both DNA constructs. Results Our data indicated that B1 protein (~ 27 kDa) was able to form a stable nanoparticle (~ 80–110 nm) with both DNA constructs at nitrogen: phosphate (N: P) ratio of 1:1. Moreover, the transfection efficiency of B1 protein for DNA delivery into HEK-293T cell line indicated that the cellular uptake of nef-vif-gp160-p24 DNA/ B1 and nef-vpu-gp160-p24 DNA/ B1 nanoparticles was about 32–35% with lower intensity as compared to TurboFect commercial reagent. On the other hand, immunization of BALB/c mice with different modalities demonstrated that B1 protein could enhance the levels of antibody, IFN-gamma and Granzyme B eliciting potent and strong Th1-directed cellular immunity. Conclusion Generally, our findings showed the potency of B1 protein as a promising gene delivery system to improve an effective therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Elnaz Agi
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Cavaco M, Valle J, da Silva R, Correia JD, Castanho MARB, Andreu D, Neves V. DPepH3, an Improved Peptide Shuttle for Receptor-independent Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1495-1506. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200213094556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background:The use of peptides as drug carriers across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has increased significantly during the last decades. PepH3, a seven residue sequence (AGILKRW) derived from the α-helical domain of the dengue virus type-2 capsid protein, translocates across the BBB with very low toxicity. Somehow predictably from its size and sequence, PepH3 is degraded in serum relatively fast. Among strategies to increase peptide half-life (t1/2), the use of the enantiomer (wholly made of D-amino acid residues) can be quite successful if the peptide interacts with a target in non-stereospecific fashion.Methods:The goal of this work was the development of a more proteolytic-resistant peptide, while keeping the translocation properties. The serum stability, cytotoxicity, in vitro BBB translocation, and internalization mechanism of DPepH3 was assessed and compared to the native peptide.Results:DPepH3 demonstrates a much longer t1/2 compared to PepH3. We also confirm that BBB translocation is receptor-independent, which fully validates the enantiomer strategy chosen. In fact, we demonstrate that internalization occurs trough macropinocytosis. In addition, the enantiomer demonstrates to be non-cytotoxic towards endothelial cells as PepH3.Conclusion:DPepH3 shows excellent translocation and internalization properties, safety, and improved stability. Taken together, our results place DPepH3 at the forefront of the second generation of BBB shuttles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben da Silva
- Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciencias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - João D.G. Correia
- Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciencias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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14
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Viruses with different genome types adopt a similar strategy to pack nucleic acids based on positively charged protein domains. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5470. [PMID: 32214181 PMCID: PMC7096446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62328-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsid proteins often present a positively charged arginine-rich sequence at their terminal regions, which has a fundamental role in genome packaging and particle stability for some icosahedral viruses. These sequences show little to no conservation and are structurally dynamic such that they cannot be easily detected by common sequence or structure comparisons. As a result, the occurrence and distribution of positively charged domains across the viral universe are unknown. Based on the net charge calculation of discrete protein segments, we identified proteins containing amino acid stretches with a notably high net charge (Q > + 17), which are enriched in icosahedral viruses with a distinctive bias towards arginine over lysine. We used viral particle structural data to calculate the total electrostatic charge derived from the most positively charged protein segment of capsid proteins and correlated these values with genome charges arising from the phosphates of each nucleotide. We obtained a positive correlation (r = 0.91, p-value <0001) for a group of 17 viral families, corresponding to 40% of all families with icosahedral structures described to date. These data indicated that unrelated viruses with diverse genome types adopt a common underlying mechanism for capsid assembly based on R-arms.
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15
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Almansour I, Alhagri M, Alfares R, Alshehri M, Bakhashwain R, Maarouf A. IRAM: virus capsid database and analysis resource. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2019; 2019:5531860. [PMID: 31318422 PMCID: PMC6637973 DOI: 10.1093/database/baz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
IRAM is an online, open access, comprehensive database and analysis resource for virus capsids. The database includes over 200 000 hierarchically organized capsid-associated nucleotide and amino acid sequences, as well as 193 capsids structures of high resolution (1-5 Å). Each capsid's structure includes a data file for capsid domain (PDB), capsid symmetry unit (PDB) and capsid structure information (PSF); these contain capsid structural information that is necessary to run further computational studies. Physicochemical properties analysis is implemented for calculating capsid total charge at given radii and for calculating charge distributions. This resource includes BLASTn and BLASTp tools, which can be applied to compare nucleotide and amino acid sequences. The diverse functionality of IRAM is valuable to researchers because it integrates different aspects of virus capsids via a user-friendly interface. Such data are critical for studying capsid evolution and patterns of conservation. The IRAM database can also provide initial necessary information for the design of synthetic capsids for various biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Almansour
- Epidemic Diseases Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.Box 1982, Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen Alhagri
- Scientific and High Performance Computing Center, Deanship of Information and Communication Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.Box 1982, Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Alfares
- Epidemic Diseases Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.Box 1982, Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Alshehri
- Epidemic Diseases Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.Box 1982, Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan Bakhashwain
- Department of Physics, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.Box 1982, Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Maarouf
- Department of Physics, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.Box 1982, Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
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16
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Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a significant global health threat, as infection has been linked to serious neurological complications, including microcephaly. Using a human stem cell-derived neural progenitor model system, we find that a critical cellular quality control process called the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway is disrupted during ZIKV infection. Importantly, disruption of the NMD pathway is a known cause of microcephaly and other neurological disorders. We further identify an interaction between the capsid protein of ZIKV and up-frameshift protein 1 (UPF1), the master regulator of NMD, and show that ZIKV capsid targets UPF1 for degradation. Together, these results offer a new mechanism for how ZIKV infection can cause neuropathology in the developing brain. Zika virus (ZIKV) infection of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in utero is associated with neurological disorders, such as microcephaly, but a detailed molecular understanding of ZIKV-induced pathogenesis is lacking. Here we show that in vitro ZIKV infection of human cells, including NPCs, causes disruption of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. NMD is a cellular mRNA surveillance mechanism that is required for normal brain size in mice. Using affinity purification-mass spectrometry, we identified multiple cellular NMD factors that bind to the viral capsid protein, including the central NMD regulator up-frameshift protein 1 (UPF1). Endogenous UPF1 interacted with the ZIKV capsid protein in coimmunoprecipitation experiments, and capsid expression posttranscriptionally downregulated UPF1 protein levels, a process that we confirmed occurs during ZIKV infection. Cellular fractionation studies show that the ZIKV capsid protein specifically targets nuclear UPF1 for degradation via the proteasome. A further decrease in UPF1 levels by RNAi significantly enhanced ZIKV infection in NPC cultures, consistent with a model in which NMD restricts ZIKV infection in the fetal brain. We propose that ZIKV, via the capsid protein, has evolved a strategy to lower UPF1 levels and dampen antiviral activities of NMD, which in turn contributes to neuropathology in vivo.
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17
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Sinigaglia A, Riccetti S, Trevisan M, Barzon L. In silico approaches to Zika virus drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:825-835. [PMID: 30160181 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1515909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After the WHO declared Zika virus (ZIKV) as a public health emergency of international concern, intense research for the development of vaccines and drugs has been undertaken, leading to the development of several candidates. Areas covered: This review discusses the developments achieved so far by computational methods in the discovery of candidate compounds targeting ZIKV proteins, i.e. the envelope and capsid structural proteins, the NS3 helicase/protease, and the NS5 methyltransferase/RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Expert opinion: Research for effective drugs against ZIKV is still in a very early discovery phase. Notwithstanding the intense efforts for the development of new drugs and the identification of several promising candidates by using different approaches, including computational methods, so far only a few candidates have been experimentally tested. An important caveat of anti-flavivirus drug development is represented by the difficult of reproducing the in vivo microenvironment of the replication complex, which may lead to discrepancies between in vitro results and experimental evaluation in vivo. Moreover, anti-ZIKV drugs have the additional requirement of an excellent safety profile in pregnancy and ability to diffuse to different tissues, including the central nervous system, the testis, and the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Marta Trevisan
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
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18
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Brock DJ, Kustigian L, Jiang M, Graham K, Wang TY, Erazo-Oliveras A, Najjar K, Zhang J, Rye H, Pellois JP. Efficient cell delivery mediated by lipid-specific endosomal escape of supercharged branched peptides. Traffic 2018; 19:421-435. [PMID: 29582528 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Various densely charged polycationic species, whether of biological or synthetic origin, can penetrate human cells, albeit with variable efficiencies. The molecular underpinnings involved in such transport remain unclear. Herein, we assemble 1, 2 or 3 copies of the HIV peptide TAT on a synthetic scaffold to generate branched cell-permeable prototypes with increasing charge density. We establish that increasing TAT copies dramatically increases the cell penetration efficiency of the peptides while simultaneously enabling the efficient cytosolic delivery of macromolecular cargos. Cellular entry involves the leaky fusion of late endosomal membranes enriched with the anionic lipid BMP. Derivatives with multiple TAT branches induce the leakage of BMP-containing lipid bilayers, liposomal flocculation, fusion and an increase in lamellarity. In contrast, while the monomeric counterpart 1TAT binds to the same extent and causes liposomal flocculation, 1TAT does not cause leakage, induce fusion or a significant increase in lamellarity. Overall, these results indicate that an increase in charge density of these branched structures leads to the emergence of lipid specific membrane-disrupting and cell-penetrating activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota J Brock
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Lauren Kustigian
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Mengqiu Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kristin Graham
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Ting-Yi Wang
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Kristina Najjar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Hays Rye
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jean-Philippe Pellois
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.,Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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19
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Priya SP, Sakinah S, Sharmilah K, Hamat RA, Sekawi Z, Higuchi A, Ling MP, Nordin SA, Benelli G, Kumar SS. Leptospirosis: Molecular trial path and immunopathogenesis correlated with dengue, malaria and mimetic hemorrhagic infections. Acta Trop 2017; 176:206-223. [PMID: 28823908 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-pathogenesis of leptospirosis can be recounted well by following its trail path from entry to exit, while inducing disastrous damages in various tissues of the host. Dysregulated, inappropriate and excessive immune responses are unanimously blamed in fatal leptospirosis. The inherent abilities of the pathogen and inabilities of the host were debated targeting the severity of the disease. Hemorrhagic manifestation through various mechanisms leading to a fatal end is observed when this disease is unattended. The similar vascular destructions and hemorrhage manifestations are noted in infections with different microbes in endemic areas. The simultaneous infection in a host with more than one pathogen or parasite is referred as the coinfection. Notably, common endemic infections such as leptospirosis, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, harbor favorable environments to flourish in similar climates, which is aggregated with stagnated water and aggravated with the poor personal and environmental hygiene of the inhabitants. These factors aid the spread of pathogens and parasites to humans and potential vectors, eventually leading to outbreaks of public health relevance. Malaria, dengue and chikungunya need mosquitoes as vectors, in contrast with leptospirosis, which directly invades human, although the environmental bacterial load is maintained through other mammals, such as rodents. The more complicating issue is that infections by different pathogens exhibiting similar symptoms but require different treatment management. The current review explores different pathogens expressing specific surface proteins and their ability to bind with array of host proteins with or without immune response to enter into the host tissues and their ability to evade the host immune responses to invade and their affinity to certain tissues leading to the common squeal of hemorrhage. Furthermore, at the host level, the increased susceptibility and inability of the host to arrest the pathogens' and parasites' spread in different tissues, various cytokines accumulated to eradicate the microorganisms and their cellular interactions, the antibody dependent defense and the susceptibility of individual organs bringing the manifestation of the diseases were explored. Lastly, we provided a discussion on the immune trail path of pathogenesis from entry to exit to narrate the similarities and dissimilarities among various hemorrhagic fevers mentioned above, in order to outline future possibilities of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of coinfections, with special reference to endemic areas.
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20
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Neves V, Aires-da-Silva F, Morais M, Gano L, Ribeiro E, Pinto A, Aguiar S, Gaspar D, Fernandes C, Correia JDG, Castanho MARB. Novel Peptides Derived from Dengue Virus Capsid Protein Translocate Reversibly the Blood-Brain Barrier through a Receptor-Free Mechanism. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1257-1268. [PMID: 28263555 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic molecules to the central nervous system is hampered by poor delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several strategies have been proposed to enhance transport into the brain, including invasive techniques and receptor-mediated transport (RMT). Both approaches have several drawbacks, such as BBB disruption, receptor saturation, and off-target effects, raising safety issues. Herein, we show that specific domains of Dengue virus type 2 capsid protein (DEN2C) can be used as trans-BBB peptide vectors. Their mechanism of translocation is receptor-independent and consistent with adsorptive-mediated transport (AMT). One peptide in particular, named PepH3, reaches equilibrium distribution concentrations across the BBB in less than 24 h in a cellular in vitro assay. Importantly, in vivo biodistribution data with radiolabeled peptide derivatives show high brain penetration. In addition, there is fast clearance from the brain and high levels of excretion, showing that PepH3 is a very good candidate to be used as a peptide shuttle taking cargo in and out of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Neves
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Frederico Aires-da-Silva
- CIISA
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maurício Morais
- Centro
de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional
10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro
de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional
10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ribeiro
- Centro
de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional
10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Antónia Pinto
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Aguiar
- CIISA
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- Centro
de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional
10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro
de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional
10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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21
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Shifts in the fluorescence lifetime of EGFP during bacterial phagocytosis measured by phase-sensitive flow cytometry. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40341. [PMID: 28091553 PMCID: PMC5238435 DOI: 10.1038/srep40341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase-sensitive flow cytometry (PSFC) is a technique in which fluorescence excited state decay times are measured as fluorescently labeled cells rapidly transit a finely focused, frequency-modulated laser beam. With PSFC the fluorescence lifetime is taken as a cytometric parameter to differentiate intracellular events that are challenging to distinguish with standard flow cytometry. For example PSFC can report changes in protein conformation, expression, interactions, and movement, as well as differences in intracellular microenvironments. This contribution focuses on the latter case by taking PSFC measurements of macrophage cells when inoculated with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing E. coli. During progressive internalization of EGFP-E. coli, fluorescence lifetimes were acquired and compared to control groups. It was hypothesized that fluorescence lifetimes would correlate well with phagocytosis because phagosomes become acidified and the average fluorescence lifetime of EGFP is known to be affected by pH. We confirmed that average EGFP lifetimes consistently decreased (3 to 2 ns) with inoculation time. The broad significance of this work is the demonstration of how high-throughput fluorescence lifetime measurements correlate well to changes that are not easily tracked by intensity-only cytometry, which is affected by heterogeneous protein expression, cell-to-cell differences in phagosome formation, and number of bacterium engulfed.
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22
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The flavivirus capsid protein: Structure, function and perspectives towards drug design. Virus Res 2017; 227:115-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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23
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Colombo TE, Vedovello D, Pacca-Mazaro CC, Mondini A, Araújo JP, Cabrera E, Lopes JC, Penha dos Santos IN, Negri Reis AF, Costa FR, Antônio Cruz LEA, Ferreira J, de Oliveira Rocha ES, Kroon EG, de Morais Bronzoni RV, Vasilakis N, Nogueira ML. Dengue virus surveillance: Detection of DENV-4 in the city of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Acta Trop 2016; 164:84-89. [PMID: 27609639 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dengue viruses are the most common arbovirus infection worldwide and are caused by four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV). In the present study, we assessed DENV transmission in São José do Rio Preto (SJRP) from 2010 to 2014. We analyzed blood samples from febrile patients who were attended at health care centers in SJRP. DENV detection was performed using multiplex RT-PCR, using flavivirus generic primers, based on the genes of the non-structural protein (NS5), followed by nested-PCR assay with species-specific primers. We analyzed 1549 samples, of which 1389 were positive for NS1 by rapid test. One thousand and eight-seven samples (78%) were confirmed as positive by multiplex RT-PCR: DENV-4, 48.5% (528/1087); DENV-1, 41.5% (449/1087); DENV-2, 9.5% (104/1087); and co-infection (5 DENV-1/DENV-4, 1 DENV-1/DENV-2), 0.5% (6/1087). Phylogenetic analysis of the DENV-4 grouped the isolates identified in this study with the American genotype and the showed a relationship between isolates from SJRP and isolates from the northern region of South America. Taken together, our data shows the detection and emergence of new dengue genotype in a new region and reiterate the importance of surveillance programs to detect and trace the evolution of DENV.
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Freire JM, Rego de Figueiredo I, Valle J, Veiga AS, Andreu D, Enguita FJ, Castanho MARB. siRNA-cell-penetrating peptides complexes as a combinatorial therapy against chronic myeloid leukemia using BV173 cell line as model. J Control Release 2016; 245:127-136. [PMID: 27890856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by a single gene mutation, a reciprocal translocation that originates the Bcr-Abl gene with constitutive tyrosine kinase activity. As a monogenic disease, it is an optimum target for RNA silencing therapy. We developed a siRNA-based therapeutic approach in which the siRNA is delivered by pepM or pepR, two cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) derived from the dengue virus capsid protein. These peptides have a dual role: siRNA delivery into cells and direct action as bioportides, i.e. intracellularly bioactive CPPs, targetting cancer-related signaling processes. Both pepM and pepR penetrate the positive Bcr-Abl+ Cell Line (BV173). Five in silico designed anti-Bcr-Abl siRNA were selected for in vitro analysis after thorough screening. The Bcr-Abl downregulation kinetics (48h to 168h) was followed by quantitative PCR. The bioportide action of the peptide vectors was evaluated by genome-wide microarray analysis and further validated by testing BV173 cell cycle and cell proliferation monitoring different genes involved in housekeeping/cell stress (RPL13A, HPRT1), cell proliferation (ki67), cell apoptosis (Caspase 3 and Caspase 9) and cell cycle steps (CDK2, CCDN2, CDKN1A). Assays with a commercial transfection agent were carried out for comparison purposes. Maximal Bcr-Abl gene knockdown was observed for one of the siRNA when delivered by pepM at 120h. Both pepM and pepR showed downregulation effects on proliferative CML-related signaling pathways having direct impact on BV173 cell cycle and proliferation, thus reinforcing the siRNA effect by acting as anticancer molecules. With this work we show the therapeutic potential of a CPP shuttle that combines intrinsic anticancer properties with the ability to deliver functional siRNA into CML cell models. By such combination, the pepM-siRNA conjugates lowered Bcr-Abl gene expression levels more extensively than conventional siRNA delivery technologies and perturbed leukemogenic cell homeostasis, hence revealing their potential as novel alternative scaffolds for CML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Rego de Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Kharrat N, Belmabrouk S, Abdelhedi R, Benmarzoug R, Assidi M, Al Qahtani MH, Rebai A. Screening for clusters of charge in human virus proteomes. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:758. [PMID: 27766959 PMCID: PMC5073957 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The identification of charge clusters (runs of charged residues) in proteins and their mapping within the protein structure sequence is an important step toward a comprehensive analysis of how these particular motifs mediate, via electrostatic interactions, various molecular processes such as protein sorting, translocation, docking, orientation and binding to DNA and to other proteins. Few algorithms that specifically identify these charge clusters have been designed and described in the literature. In this study, 197 distinctive human viral proteomes were screened for the occurrence of charge clusters (CC) using a new computational approach. Results Three hundred and seventy three CC have been identified within the 2549 viral protein sequences screened. The number of protein sequences that are CC-free is 2176 (85.3 %) while 150 and 180 proteins contained positive charge (PCC) and negative charge clusters (NCC), respectively. The NCCs (211 detected) were more prevalent than PCC (162). PCC-containing proteins are significantly longer than those having NCCs (p = 2.10-16). The most prevalent virus families having PCC and NCC were Herpesviridae followed by Papillomaviridae. However, the single-strand RNA group has in average three times more NCC than PCC. According to the functional domain classification, a significant difference in distribution was observed between PCC and NCC (p = 2. 10−8) with the occurrence of NCCs being more frequent in C-terminal region while PCC more often fall within functional domains. Only 29 proteins sequences contained both NCC and PCC. Moreover, 101 NCC were conserved in 84 proteins while only 62 PCC were conserved in 60 protein sequences. To understand the mechanism by which the membrane translocation functionalities are embedded in viral proteins, we screened our PCC for sequences corresponding to cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) using two online databases: CellPPd and CPPpred. We found that all our PCCs, having length varying from 7 to 30 amino-acids were predicted as CPPs. Experimental validation is required to improve our understanding of the role of these PCCs in viral infection process. Conclusions Screening distinctive cluster charges in viral proteomes suggested a functional role of these protein regions and might provide potential clues to improve the current understanding of viral diseases in order to tailor better preventive and therapeutic approaches. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3086-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najla Kharrat
- Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Bioinformatics Group, PO. Box:1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Sabrine Belmabrouk
- Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Bioinformatics Group, PO. Box:1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Rania Abdelhedi
- Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Bioinformatics Group, PO. Box:1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Riadh Benmarzoug
- Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Bioinformatics Group, PO. Box:1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Assidi
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Al Qahtani
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Rebai
- Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Bioinformatics Group, PO. Box:1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
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Freire JM, Santos NC, Veiga AS, Da Poian AT, Castanho MARB. Rethinking the capsid proteins of enveloped viruses: multifunctionality from genome packaging to genome transfection. FEBS J 2015; 282:2267-78. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- João M. Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Andrea T. Da Poian
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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27
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Freire JM, Almeida Dias S, Flores L, Veiga AS, Castanho MA. Mining viral proteins for antimicrobial and cell-penetrating drug delivery peptides. Bioinformatics 2015; 31:2252-6. [DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btv131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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28
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Di Pisa M, Chassaing G, Swiecicki JM. Translocation Mechanism(s) of Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Biophysical Studies Using Artificial Membrane Bilayers. Biochemistry 2014; 54:194-207. [DOI: 10.1021/bi501392n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Di Pisa
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, F-75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, F-75005 Paris, France
- ENS, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules,
Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 Rue Lhomond, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Chassaing
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, F-75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, F-75005 Paris, France
- ENS, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules,
Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 Rue Lhomond, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Swiecicki
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, F-75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, F-75005 Paris, France
- ENS, UMR 7203, Laboratoire des Biomolécules,
Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 Rue Lhomond, F-75005 Paris, France
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Cruz-Oliveira C, Freire JM, Conceição TM, Higa LM, Castanho MARB, Da Poian AT. Receptors and routes of dengue virus entry into the host cells. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2014; 39:155-70. [PMID: 25725010 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease, caused by dengue virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family. Its worldwide incidence is now a major health problem, with 2.5 billion people living in risk areas. In this review, we integrate the structural rearrangements of each viral protein and their functions in all the steps of virus entry into the host cells. We describe in detail the putative receptors and attachment factors in mammalian and mosquito cells, and the recognition of viral immunocomplexes via Fcγ receptor in immune cells. We also discuss that virus internalization might occur through distinct entry pathways, including clathrin-mediated or non-classical clathrin-independent endocytosis, depending on the host cell and virus serotype or strain. The implications of viral maturation in virus entry are also explored. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms of viral genome access to the cytoplasm. This includes the role of low pH-induced conformational changes in the envelope protein that mediate membrane fusion, and original insights raised by our recent work that supports the hypothesis that capsid protein would also be an active player in this process, acting on viral genome translocation into the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Cruz-Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - João Miguel Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thaís M Conceição
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luiza M Higa
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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30
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Kumar ASM, Reddy GECV, Rajmane Y, Nair S, Pai Kamath S, Sreejesh G, Basha K, Chile S, Ray K, Nelly V, Khadpe N, Kasturi R, Ramana V. siRNAs encapsulated in recombinant capsid protein derived from Dengue serotype 2 virus inhibits the four serotypes of the virus and proliferation of cancer cells. J Biotechnol 2014; 193:23-33. [PMID: 25444872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
siRNA delivery potential of the Dengue virus capsid protein in cultured cells was recently reported, but target knockdown potential in the context of specific diseases has not been explored. In this study we have evaluated the utility of the protein as an siRNA carrier for anti Dengue viral and anti cancer applications using cell culture systems. We show that target specific siRNAs delivered using the capsid protein inhibit infection by the four serotypes of Dengue virus and proliferation of two cancer cell lines. Our data confirm the potential of the capsid for anti Dengue viral and anti cancer RNAi applications. In addition, we have optimized a fermentation strategy to improve the yield of Escherichia coli expressed D2C protein since the reported yields of E. coli expressed flaviviral capsid proteins are low.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Manoj Kumar
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India.
| | - G E C Vidyadhar Reddy
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogesh Rajmane
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Soumya Nair
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sangita Pai Kamath
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Greeshma Sreejesh
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Khalander Basha
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shailaja Chile
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kriti Ray
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vivant Nelly
- Therapeutic Proteins Process Development Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nilesh Khadpe
- Therapeutic Proteins Process Development Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ravishankar Kasturi
- Therapeutic Proteins Process Development Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
| | - Venkata Ramana
- Therapeutic Proteins Molecular Biology Group, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400 701, Maharashtra, India
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31
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de Figueiredo IR, Freire JM, Flores L, Veiga AS, Castanho MARB. Cell-penetrating peptides: A tool for effective delivery in gene-targeted therapies. IUBMB Life 2014; 66:182-194. [PMID: 24659560 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current landscapes of novel therapeutic approaches rely mostly on gene-targeted technologies, enabling to fight rare genomic diseases, from infections to cancer and hereditary diseases. Although, reaching the action-site for this novel treatments requires to deliver nucleic acids, or other macromolecules into cells, which may pose difficult tasks to pharmaceutical companies. To overcome this technological limitation, a wide variety of vectors have been developed in the past decades and have proven to be successful in delivering various therapeutics. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been one of the technologies widely studied and have been increasingly used to transport small RNA/DNA, plasmids, antibodies, and nanoparticles into cells. Despite the already proved huge potential that these peptide-based approaches may suggest, few advances have been put to pharmacological or clinical use. This review will describe the origin, development, and usage of CPP to deliver therapeutic agents into cells, with special emphasis on their current application to gene-therapies. Specifically, we will describe the current trials being conducted to treat cancer, gene disorders, and autoimmune diseases using CPP-based therapies. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(3):182-194, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Rego de Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Miguel Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Flores
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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